Synopsis from the Author
She’s a romantic at heart, living in the most unromantic of worlds... Nicknamed Sweet Abelli for her docile nature, Elena smiles on cue and has a charming response for everything. She’s the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa... or was. Now, all she can see in the mirror’s reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint. They say first impressions are everything...
In the murky waters of New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat—even measured against mafia standards. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. After his and Elena’s first encounter ends with an accidental glare on her part, she realizes he’s just as rude as he is handsome. She doesn’t like the man or anything he stands for, though that doesn’t stop her heart from pattering like rain against glass when he’s near, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine at the sound of his voice. And he’s always near. Telling her what to do. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she’s beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another. Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man... Right?
Things I Loved & Things I Struggled With
I have seen this book on so many Instagram posts and so I became curious. I dove into this book and instantly fell in love with their writing. It is my first book from this author.
The sexual tension between these characters is like no other. Their sexual tension is just palpable it could come out from the letters. I was so glued to the pages and read this book in just two days. I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would.
The tension between Nico and Elena is just so flaming HOT! But damn the slow burn and their self-control is just uhhh ahhh what just kiss already. And the possessiveness that only in books we can forgive! HAHA! The way he though Elena is in love with someone else, seeing Elena with someone else, killing someone just so she could be his fiancé. I lived for the jealousy scenes! And the way he is so invested in her past love life acting like it doesn't bother him!
BUT man this man is crazy crazy! This is a good mafia romance with literally a crazy male lead. NICHOLAS! HE IS A CRAZY GUY. Psychotic! He freaking locks her up in his closet and pushes her in the pool because he was jealous! And the way he could not stand that ring—no need any articulation. That part definitely has the whit in it.
However, what I did not like is that how there is little to no character development of Elena. It felt like she always only think of herself. Her actions were constantly in contrast with one another. I felt like she did not change at all. A lot of miscommunications—which I am not a fan of in any books!
I love how I see tidbits of Gianna in this book. I'm ready for her story!
I wanted more Nico's POV. I recommend it to readers who enjoy mafia romance and obsessive/possessive heroes.