Scan barcode
wanderingpages0718's review against another edition
5.0
Dark Escapes (McGowan Mafia Book 1)
By Effie Campbell
Review
Esther is being forced to marry the mafia boss who killed not only a sibling, but her mother. She refuses to marry the disgusting man who not only is entirely too old for her liking, but who ruined her family dynamic.
She decided that she is going to make a run for it. By tricking Alec, the man in charge of keeping her under lock and key until the planned wedding day. Esther gives Alec a run for his money, having him chase her, literally and figuratively, across the countryside and back. She never once makes this easy on Alec and goes as far as catching his car on fire. However, in the midst of the cat and mouse game between Alec and Ester, something more starts to evolve between the two.
Are these feelings true or are they some for of Stockholm Syndrome?
I absolutely adored this first book in the series. The banter between the two was absolutely fantastic, and made me chuckle more than once. But, there is a lot of ‘good girl’ praise thrown in there, and what woman doesn’t love that? I know I sure do. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys HEAs, mafia romances, praise kink, kidnap vibes.
I would absolutely read this again!
By Effie Campbell
Review
Esther is being forced to marry the mafia boss who killed not only a sibling, but her mother. She refuses to marry the disgusting man who not only is entirely too old for her liking, but who ruined her family dynamic.
She decided that she is going to make a run for it. By tricking Alec, the man in charge of keeping her under lock and key until the planned wedding day. Esther gives Alec a run for his money, having him chase her, literally and figuratively, across the countryside and back. She never once makes this easy on Alec and goes as far as catching his car on fire. However, in the midst of the cat and mouse game between Alec and Ester, something more starts to evolve between the two.
Are these feelings true or are they some for of Stockholm Syndrome?
I absolutely adored this first book in the series. The banter between the two was absolutely fantastic, and made me chuckle more than once. But, there is a lot of ‘good girl’ praise thrown in there, and what woman doesn’t love that? I know I sure do. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys HEAs, mafia romances, praise kink, kidnap vibes.
I would absolutely read this again!
emreadsromcom's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this mafia romance. My biggest complaint was there were lots of typos- the author has a note about British vs American English but the typos are not related to that it’s mistakes that almost look like an autocorrect error like that versus think
booked_becki's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
beautifully_bound_bibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Effie Campbell weaves a captivating tale of love, defiance, and family drama that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The protagonist, Esther, is entangled in a web of familial expectations that threaten to bind her to her father's rival – the very man responsible for her mother's demise. However, Esther is not one to succumb easily to fate.
The narrative unfolds as Esther, fueled by an unyielding determination to shape her own destiny, flees from the clutches of her family. In hot pursuit is Alec, the bounty hunter, bodyguard, and enforcer kind of guy assigned to bring her back. The chemistry between Esther and Alec crackles with palpable tension, creating a magnetic force that propels the story forward.
What sets Esther apart is her unwavering strength and resilience. As the plot thickens, we witness her fierce fight for independence and self-determination. What makes her character truly endearing is her willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of her loved ones, particularly her sister.
Though initially perceived as a typical mafia man for the family, Alec defies expectations. His willingness to challenge Esther's father and brothers for the woman he loves adds depth to his character. The dynamic between Esther and Alec is a rollercoaster of emotions, and the author skillfully navigates the complexities of their evolving relationship.
The love story that blossoms amid the chaos is both engaging and entertaining. I was drawn into the intricacies of Esther and Alec's journey, rooting for them as they navigate the challenges that threaten to tear them apart. The narrative beautifully explores the nuances of love and sacrifice, making for a compelling and emotionally charged read.
Fans of stories featuring resilient heroines, unexpected heroes, and family drama set in the mafia world will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment in the saga of the McGowan family.
Give me more of these "good girls" and all the badassery – this is a must-read for lovers of dark, mafia romance and suspense alike.
The narrative unfolds as Esther, fueled by an unyielding determination to shape her own destiny, flees from the clutches of her family. In hot pursuit is Alec, the bounty hunter, bodyguard, and enforcer kind of guy assigned to bring her back. The chemistry between Esther and Alec crackles with palpable tension, creating a magnetic force that propels the story forward.
What sets Esther apart is her unwavering strength and resilience. As the plot thickens, we witness her fierce fight for independence and self-determination. What makes her character truly endearing is her willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of her loved ones, particularly her sister.
Though initially perceived as a typical mafia man for the family, Alec defies expectations. His willingness to challenge Esther's father and brothers for the woman he loves adds depth to his character. The dynamic between Esther and Alec is a rollercoaster of emotions, and the author skillfully navigates the complexities of their evolving relationship.
The love story that blossoms amid the chaos is both engaging and entertaining. I was drawn into the intricacies of Esther and Alec's journey, rooting for them as they navigate the challenges that threaten to tear them apart. The narrative beautifully explores the nuances of love and sacrifice, making for a compelling and emotionally charged read.
Fans of stories featuring resilient heroines, unexpected heroes, and family drama set in the mafia world will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment in the saga of the McGowan family.
Give me more of these "good girls" and all the badassery – this is a must-read for lovers of dark, mafia romance and suspense alike.
giigii_graceless's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
trinapovich's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0