I do wish Kiara would have found her backbone sooner. It was still pretty good. ( )

I couldn't decide which one I liked better - twisted pride with its alpha male, dominant, ass-hole guy coming down to his knees or twisted emotions for Nino, our basic emotionless guy who sits on a Mount Everest of being a true gentleman out and out. These two books are such a vivid contrast to each other and both of them, are equally spectacular. ( )

This one was a lot. But really good too. I think I’m getting used to these mafia guys.

So in this one, Nino - with his inability to feel emotions and his logical mind - comes up with a plan to help form a bit of a treaty with Luca’s mob. They suggest a marriage to bind the families. Nino marries Luca’s cousin Kiara. Kiara isn’t the typical bride. She had been hurt badly as a child by a family member and was deathly afraid of men. But Nino is the one man she’s able to feel safe with. Their relationship grows in baby steps, but pretty soon she finds herself in love with her husband. Even though he’s told her he’d never be able to love her.

Nino and Kiara made a very good couple. They were good for each other and I enjoyed watching him help her blossom into the person she was meant to be. I enjoyed watching her help him become more human. The end was kind of abrupt, but I believe more will come for them in book 4. I can’t wait to see that. ( )

4.5 well deserved stars
When I finished the book, for a moment it felt like the ending was too abrupt what with the book ending just as Nino finally declares his love , like perhaps an epilogue, was required. But in the next moment, I also realized that the epilogue that I wished for had been embedded in the story from the very beginning - in Nino's consideration for Kiara, in his changing behavior- increasing tenderness and affection. Nino is described as the calm, the epitome of control. This whole book was like that, in my opinion, a beautiful love story that doesn't need unnecessary drama or grand gestures to leave its mark on the reader. Nino and Kiara felt like they were made for each other, his patience his calm was exactly what Kiara needed IMO, Kiara was someone who could appreciate and love Nino for who he was without needing him to change. This whole story was love coupled with peace and that's something not easily found in most books.
The best part about reading this was that unlike most other books, we were not once (let alone repeatedly) told that Kiara and Nino were "meant to be", yet it was written in a way that as a reader, I myself felt like it was all destined- meant to be.
The secondary characters were also really great, especially Adamo- he was adorable. I just can't wait for Adamo's story. I'm also excited bout Remo's story. The dynamic between the brothers was really great.
It would've been perfect if perhaps we had a little more insight into Nino's actions towards the latter parts of the book - but I also understand that maybe it was deliberate so as to depict that Nino himself was clueless as to what to make of the emotions he was experiencing. Besides that, really well written. ( )

4.4 stars

I absolutely loved this story for 90% of it. I loved the patience and understanding of Nino. My heart hurt for Kierra. The world-building and characters were fantastic. I struggled toward the end with Nino and his emotions. One moment he couldn't feel and then he could. It just seemed so abrupt . The ending was also very abrupt.

Still looking forward to the next book. ( )