Ambitious Bastard by Linny Lawless is the 1st book in her Mayhem Makers series and it's a quick read set up like a prequel for what's to come in the series. This book had so much in it love, friendship, romance, heartbreak, violence, and betrayal to name a few. There is a lot going on with the Mafia Kings of NYC that's for use.
To me, the book had a main couple which is Salvatore and Bianca. Salvatore is the bastard son of Leonardo, the boss, who was killed when he was 7. He always knew growing up he'd never be at the head of the table cause of his status as a bastard. When he was 7 he also met Bianca for the 1st time. They've both had a connection to each other from the start but nothing happened until years later when Salvo found her in his nightclub. They started dating around the same time it was announced his cousin, Matteo was getting married and taking over the family. Salvo was to be his right hand and because his cousin was softer than him it was his job to get his cousin ready to take over. Salvo's cousin Matteo and his fiance Tessa are the side couple in the book. We get to see as much of their downfall as we did Salvo and Bianca.
I gave this book a 4-star rating and a 2-spicy rating. This book got to me emotionally, especially Matteo and the secret he's had to live with. And it also frustrated me with how two-faced I felt Salvo was. This book leaves off on a cliffhanger and I'm hoping the next book will have a happier outcome for just somebody because this book didn't leave anyone unscathed in some way. I can't wait to see what is to come in this series. A definite good start from Linny Lawless.
*I received this book for free. I voluntarily gave an honest review.* ( )