marreadsbooks22's review against another edition
2.0
2 stars
The heroine made a lot of reckless decisions and then take no responsibility for any of them. Also does a lot of irresponsible and unredeemable things and doesn't even acknowledge them but brushes them under the rug.
The hero is awful not only because sleeps around after declaring his love for the heroine but also because he let's everyone make decisions for him.
The only character I liked was Bennet.
The writing was choppy and the plot was a bit messy with too many things happening at once for me to catch up, it gave me whiplash and the time jumps were confusing.
We spent way to much time with the heroine being underage for me to be comfortable with what was happening with her in the story.
Overall It was gritty and have a lot of action with an slow burn romance. And although the book wasn't for me, I think I will appeal to a lot of people.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
The heroine made a lot of reckless decisions and then take no responsibility for any of them. Also does a lot of irresponsible and unredeemable things and doesn't even acknowledge them but brushes them under the rug.
The hero is awful not only because sleeps around after declaring his love for the heroine but also because he let's everyone make decisions for him.
The only character I liked was Bennet.
The writing was choppy and the plot was a bit messy with too many things happening at once for me to catch up, it gave me whiplash and the time jumps were confusing.
We spent way to much time with the heroine being underage for me to be comfortable with what was happening with her in the story.
Overall It was gritty and have a lot of action with an slow burn romance. And although the book wasn't for me, I think I will appeal to a lot of people.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
Siobhan Davis writes mafia romance like she invented it. What a sexy, dark, and gripping love story! Forbidden to Love sparkles with everything I love about mafia romance- thrilling action, mafia intrigue, passionate soulmates, and a seductive allure- but enhanced by the bold, edgy finesse of Siobhan Davis. This story is sinfully addictive from start to finish- yet another unforgettable Siobhan Davis masterpiece. Siobhan has fast become my go to for mafia romance- I can't get enough of her writing!
LEO- oh my bleeding heart. I knew I would adore him. Siobhan infuses him with a captivating complexity- the loyal, stoic, devoted mafia man who finds himself at odds with his duty over his forbidden desire for his best friend’s sister Natalia- a mafia princess. But Leo isn’t your one dimensional alpha mafia man- he’s got so much internal yumminess. His gentle and protective heart, his deep love for his chosen family. He’s clever and loving, but like Natalia, he’s also trapped by his responsibility and by the social forays of mafia life. His choices, the sacrifices and mistakes, give this story so much angsty drama as we watch him muddle through what seems to be an impossible choice- his heart, or his life.
Natalia shines so brightly- she gives this book it’s soul. Like most mafia princesses, she’s trapped in a life she wouldn’t choose, and while she’s resolved to accept her responsibilities, she still has this admirable subversive streak. She finds ways to subtly rebel and build her strength- in part because of the freedom she feels in her love for Leo. SO MUCH LONGING! Her heart is so big and open- I loved how vulnerable and honest she is, and it broke my heart to see her shattered by her world over and over again. But that makes for the most compelling character arc of this story- we get to watch Natalie evolve and grow. Outgrowing the besotted desperate teen and emerging as a cunning, indomitable woman
The narrative of this story surprised me in so many ways- yet again the brilliance of Siobhan Davis. I won’t say much because I don’t want to spoil- but just how their story is constructed, the narrative approach used to unfold their love wasn’t at all how I thought this story would go- but I loved it. It made for such a rich and intense connection between these two- making my heart desperate to fight for them. There are lots of twists and unexpected elements- a few devastating and heartbreaking and even triggering-but it just adds to the epic star crossed element of this story. This is a love HARD FOUGHT, but a love that can not be contained, despite tragedy, loss, and endless obstacles. Truly, Siobhan's gift of marrying the bold and darkly suspenseful with the angsty and emotional has no better match than the mafia trope- and I hope we get more and more to come, because I can not get enough of her mafia story telling. Page turning, heart squeezing, jaw dropping mafia magnificence!
LEO- oh my bleeding heart. I knew I would adore him. Siobhan infuses him with a captivating complexity- the loyal, stoic, devoted mafia man who finds himself at odds with his duty over his forbidden desire for his best friend’s sister Natalia- a mafia princess. But Leo isn’t your one dimensional alpha mafia man- he’s got so much internal yumminess. His gentle and protective heart, his deep love for his chosen family. He’s clever and loving, but like Natalia, he’s also trapped by his responsibility and by the social forays of mafia life. His choices, the sacrifices and mistakes, give this story so much angsty drama as we watch him muddle through what seems to be an impossible choice- his heart, or his life.
Natalia shines so brightly- she gives this book it’s soul. Like most mafia princesses, she’s trapped in a life she wouldn’t choose, and while she’s resolved to accept her responsibilities, she still has this admirable subversive streak. She finds ways to subtly rebel and build her strength- in part because of the freedom she feels in her love for Leo. SO MUCH LONGING! Her heart is so big and open- I loved how vulnerable and honest she is, and it broke my heart to see her shattered by her world over and over again. But that makes for the most compelling character arc of this story- we get to watch Natalie evolve and grow. Outgrowing the besotted desperate teen and emerging as a cunning, indomitable woman
The narrative of this story surprised me in so many ways- yet again the brilliance of Siobhan Davis. I won’t say much because I don’t want to spoil- but just how their story is constructed, the narrative approach used to unfold their love wasn’t at all how I thought this story would go- but I loved it. It made for such a rich and intense connection between these two- making my heart desperate to fight for them. There are lots of twists and unexpected elements- a few devastating and heartbreaking and even triggering-but it just adds to the epic star crossed element of this story. This is a love HARD FOUGHT, but a love that can not be contained, despite tragedy, loss, and endless obstacles. Truly, Siobhan's gift of marrying the bold and darkly suspenseful with the angsty and emotional has no better match than the mafia trope- and I hope we get more and more to come, because I can not get enough of her mafia story telling. Page turning, heart squeezing, jaw dropping mafia magnificence!
angelastone's review against another edition
5.0
4.5+. I ending up really like how this book was split between the past and the present. Getting into so much detail of Natalia and Leo’s past really helped build their chemistry and history and understand so much more why and how things got to be the way they were in the present.
kodom251999's review against another edition
5.0
This book was full of twists & turns. So crazy angsty, but so worth the ride.
One of the things I was so upset by midway set up an introduction that I loved. I felt like Nat had lost so much, and I wanted to throw things at the wall for her. She was then introduced to Ben, and I loved the easy relationship they fell into from the beginning.
I then thought I can do this. I can finish… then BAM! A twist that I didn’t see coming, and I’m sitting there with my jaw hanging open.
The angst in this story… killed me. It was off the charts. I know I said it already, but be prepared it’s wild.
The next twist!!! The twist!!! The twist!!! I feel like Tattoo from Fantasy Island. Guys this book! This book! Hhhheeeeyyyy!! You ggguuuyyysss! Now I’m channeling Goonies. I am so old!
One of the things I was so upset by midway set up an introduction that I loved. I felt like Nat had lost so much, and I wanted to throw things at the wall for her. She was then introduced to Ben, and I loved the easy relationship they fell into from the beginning.
I then thought I can do this. I can finish… then BAM! A twist that I didn’t see coming, and I’m sitting there with my jaw hanging open.
The angst in this story… killed me. It was off the charts. I know I said it already, but be prepared it’s wild.
The next twist!!! The twist!!! The twist!!! I feel like Tattoo from Fantasy Island. Guys this book! This book! Hhhheeeeyyyy!! You ggguuuyyysss! Now I’m channeling Goonies. I am so old!
bookworm0094's review against another edition
5.0
This is a standalone mafia second chance romance in the same world as Condemned to Love. You do not have to read that book first.
I always enjoy a good mafia romance and Siobhan so did not disappoint. Every time I read one of her books, I am always immediately drawn in. Once I start reading one of her books I can’t put it down.
This book definitely takes you on a journey. Natalia and Leo fought so hard to be together. You will go through an emotional roller coaster, but all is worth it in the end.
This second chance mafia romance features suspense, great characters, drama, angst, heartbreak, and so many twists and turns throughout this whole book. I was on the edge of my seat. I had to know what was going to happen next.
I also loved how no matter how much time had passed their love for each other was steady.
If you enjoyed this book, I definitely encourage you to go check out Condemned to Love. It’s another mafia romance by Siobhan. You won’t be disappointed.
*I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I always enjoy a good mafia romance and Siobhan so did not disappoint. Every time I read one of her books, I am always immediately drawn in. Once I start reading one of her books I can’t put it down.
This book definitely takes you on a journey. Natalia and Leo fought so hard to be together. You will go through an emotional roller coaster, but all is worth it in the end.
This second chance mafia romance features suspense, great characters, drama, angst, heartbreak, and so many twists and turns throughout this whole book. I was on the edge of my seat. I had to know what was going to happen next.
I also loved how no matter how much time had passed their love for each other was steady.
If you enjoyed this book, I definitely encourage you to go check out Condemned to Love. It’s another mafia romance by Siobhan. You won’t be disappointed.
*I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
feliciasreview's review against another edition
5.0
Did you read Condemned? If not you should this book is the second book in this world and you don't need to read Condemned to read this book it's just that good of a book. Natalia is the daughter of a Mafia Don. This book is written on two part the past and present and omg was it good. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for more from this world.
bailey_tennis's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
joskypay's review against another edition
5.0
My goodness, I think Nat and Leo had the most road blocks and bumps in the road than any couple I've read anywhere! Buckle up, this is intense, this author takes us on a VOYAGE with these two! I loved Nat, her tenacity and courage rivaled her stubbornness for her most notable trait. These two didn't make the same choices I might have made in their stead but this author really puts you in there in the thick of things, its one obstacle after another and well worth the ride. Leo is definitely in a battle for his beloved, but the enemy changes throughout, when your a top dog you always have to watch your back and its so fun to not be able to see their path and watch them blaze their own. Its truly a tangled web for these two to navigate to get to their HEA but it makes it all the more satisfying when the truth finally reveals itself. Wonderful engaging story from start to finish had me so hooked!