What do you think?
Rate this book
He has the money and she's driving the getaway car.
Gio DelGado, a mafia capo with money in the bank and a spotless record, has hit rock bottom. After the death of his mother, his best and only friend is a bottle of whiskey.
Then, she shows up.
Dressed in black and driving the getaway car of the men trying to rob his bar. For some reason, Gio decides to cut her some slack.
Annie Bryne sees her life flash before her eyes when a sexy man in an expensive suit catches her red-handed.
But he's willing to make a deal.
He'll pay her debts if she'll work for him.
Can she survive being indebted to the devil himself?
*This is a HEA, enemies to lovers, mafia romance.
Gio DelGado, a mafia capo with money in the bank and a spotless record, has hit rock bottom. After the death of his mother, his best and only friend is a bottle of whiskey.
Then, she shows up.
Dressed in black and driving the getaway car of the men trying to rob his bar. For some reason, Gio decides to cut her some slack.
Annie Bryne sees her life flash before her eyes when a sexy man in an expensive suit catches her red-handed.
But he's willing to make a deal.
He'll pay her debts if she'll work for him.
Can she survive being indebted to the devil himself?
*This is a HEA, enemies to lovers, mafia romance.
First published June 16, 2020
About the author
Natalia Lourose
15 books523 followersNatalia Lourose writes angsty romance about broken people figuring out life and finding love along the way. Television and far too much smut as a teenager left her obsessed with dark-haired bad boys who are moody and wear leather jackets. Tucked away in her writing nook with a dog at her feet, two cats on her keyboard, and husband yelling at the computer – she is always writing something, or trying to.
She loves interacting with fans and fellow book lovers on social media!
She loves interacting with fans and fellow book lovers on social media!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 17, 2021
3 ❤️❤️❤️🌟s❣️
Gio caught Annie when a robbery she was participating in went wrong. The price Annie had to pay to Gio was to work for him.
This was a mafia romance read, but the mafia aspect of the story was scarce.
Gio and Annie’s attraction was insta and their relationship evolved rather quickly, emotionally and sexually. Also, some parts were rushed, needed further development and depth.
It was a quick and enjoyable read.
Gio caught Annie when a robbery she was participating in went wrong. The price Annie had to pay to Gio was to work for him.
This was a mafia romance read, but the mafia aspect of the story was scarce.
Gio and Annie’s attraction was insta and their relationship evolved rather quickly, emotionally and sexually. Also, some parts were rushed, needed further development and depth.
It was a quick and enjoyable read.
August 5, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
Gio by Natalia Lourose is a MUST read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
Full review to come
Gio by Natalia Lourose is a MUST read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
Full review to come
August 21, 2020
"You were something I never expected to have, something I never thought I deserved."
Annie walked into his world suddenly and unexpectedly and literally turned him and his whole world upside down.
A safe and sweet read that will entertain you, a romance between an alpha mobster and a sweetie who brought him to his knees.
Although it is presented as a mafia romance - the story itself refers more to their relationship while the mafia is in the background.
This is a book you take when you want to relax and enjoy in. So enjoy!
July 27, 2020
Gio is a Mafia romance. But not really. I mean not 100%. The story's background is Mafia yes. But, I saw the hero not so dangerous. Like barking but not biting. I would have liked to see more of his bad guy side. Beside that, he knows how to make people obey him. Instead I like his way to protect the people who cares about. And obviously, seeing him on his knees for Annie. Btw, Annie. Her sass is captivating. Push Goo's buttons like no else.
I didn't feel like she ever hated Gio. She fears him, at the beginning, but slowly she gets aware of his power.
Also a moment I felt a little weak was the one from fearing him to falling for him. It all happen all at sudden. A minute she hates Gio, the next he loves him.
But the plot is really nice, with some good twists, and steamy scenes.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I didn't feel like she ever hated Gio. She fears him, at the beginning, but slowly she gets aware of his power.
Also a moment I felt a little weak was the one from fearing him to falling for him. It all happen all at sudden. A minute she hates Gio, the next he loves him.
But the plot is really nice, with some good twists, and steamy scenes.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 3, 2020
Another enjoyable mafia romance from this author. I liked that there was fear and tension between the MCs. I never enjoy it when it’s too easy between the hero and heroine, especially in the beginning of a story. I like when there is some tension and anxiety about how things are going to go and there definitely was some here. Annie was a good mix of strong and soft. Gio was tough without being over the top. I liked that the family played a part in the story and look forward to the rest of the sibling’s books. Especially Gemma, that one looks like it’s going to be intense!
October 4, 2020
I really liked the book. It was a steamy, short mafia romance. I wish it was longer though, because sometimes i felt like some things were happening so fast. I am so excited to be reading Gemma’s story, as her character was one of the ones i was really drawn to.
December 28, 2021
DNF this book.
was cringing throughout the first 50% that i read.
absolutely hated every part of it.
this is a MAFIA book he is not supposed to be all lovey dovey to her tf? 😭
i wanted to give it a ZERO but that’s not possible so i gave it a one.
was cringing throughout the first 50% that i read.
absolutely hated every part of it.
this is a MAFIA book he is not supposed to be all lovey dovey to her tf? 😭
i wanted to give it a ZERO but that’s not possible so i gave it a one.
February 17, 2021
Two people from completely different worlds epically collide in this fast paced mafia romance!
Annie and Gio cross paths when they least expect it. They crash into each other's lives making both of them question everything they thought they wanted from life. I loved how Annie was driving the getaway car of a planned robbery on Gio's bar, it's so unique.
And what is supposed to be only a deal to work for him to pay a debt turns into more and it was amazing to see. I loved how they went from her hating him to being really attracted to each other to not being able to stay away from each other and then later to love.
Annie is sweet and sassy. She is vulnerable but also bad-ass. I loved how she challenges him and brings different sides to Gio to the surface. Gio can be a bit of a jerk but is also such a sweetheart and immediately protective towards Annie. He calls her his little thief and that right about melted my heart. I just can't help but love cute pet-names! The chemistry between them is amazing and I really felt it through the writing, which is awesome might I add.
This is fast paced and intense but also cute, sweet and touching. Oh and let's not forget, steamy. And together they're wrapped up into this beautiful story that I loved!
"Annie Bryce is the best fucking thing in my life."
Annie and Gio cross paths when they least expect it. They crash into each other's lives making both of them question everything they thought they wanted from life. I loved how Annie was driving the getaway car of a planned robbery on Gio's bar, it's so unique.
And what is supposed to be only a deal to work for him to pay a debt turns into more and it was amazing to see. I loved how they went from her hating him to being really attracted to each other to not being able to stay away from each other and then later to love.
Annie is sweet and sassy. She is vulnerable but also bad-ass. I loved how she challenges him and brings different sides to Gio to the surface. Gio can be a bit of a jerk but is also such a sweetheart and immediately protective towards Annie. He calls her his little thief and that right about melted my heart. I just can't help but love cute pet-names! The chemistry between them is amazing and I really felt it through the writing, which is awesome might I add.
This is fast paced and intense but also cute, sweet and touching. Oh and let's not forget, steamy. And together they're wrapped up into this beautiful story that I loved!
"Annie Bryce is the best fucking thing in my life."
July 24, 2020
“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘎𝘪𝘰,” 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘮. “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦.”
.
.
Oh my heart. Gio & Annie def have a part of my heart. They met under some odd circumstances but Gio liked what he saw. Their chemistry was 🥵. You felt it. Their relationship was raw and i truly loved it. When they hurt YOU hurt. When they loved YOU loved. I couldn’t get enough. & i May or may not have had some tears at the end.
.
.
Natalia really pulled at my heartstrings y’all i swear. I need y’all to grab yourself a copy of GIO before GEMMA releases because i promise you’re going to fall in love w the DelGado family.
.
.
Oh my heart. Gio & Annie def have a part of my heart. They met under some odd circumstances but Gio liked what he saw. Their chemistry was 🥵. You felt it. Their relationship was raw and i truly loved it. When they hurt YOU hurt. When they loved YOU loved. I couldn’t get enough. & i May or may not have had some tears at the end.
.
.
Natalia really pulled at my heartstrings y’all i swear. I need y’all to grab yourself a copy of GIO before GEMMA releases because i promise you’re going to fall in love w the DelGado family.
August 8, 2020
Holy shit!!! I loved this book guys!!! I read it and couldn’t stop until I had read the whole thing ahah!!! 😂😂
This mafia romance is definitely one that is an easy read that has you hooked, and you can’t put it down. I think this is a classic mafia romance that everyone should read and had all the elements that I look for in a mafia romance book!! 😍😍🔥
I HIGHLY recommeend that you guys go and give this book a read if you love a mafia romance as much as me! I can definitely say that I can not wait to see what happens with Gemma and her journey!! It is going to be 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This mafia romance is definitely one that is an easy read that has you hooked, and you can’t put it down. I think this is a classic mafia romance that everyone should read and had all the elements that I look for in a mafia romance book!! 😍😍🔥
I HIGHLY recommeend that you guys go and give this book a read if you love a mafia romance as much as me! I can definitely say that I can not wait to see what happens with Gemma and her journey!! It is going to be 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 15, 2021
A Sweet mafia romance ^^
This was such a fun and quick read! I loved how much Gio cared about Annie's wellbeing from the start...you could tell he cared from the very beginning. I didn't feel like there was any huge conflicts in this story, at least between Gio and Annie...yes they both hesitated to accept their feelings for each other but neither one did anything ridiculous to hurt the other or have any huge factors preventing them from loving each other.
If you're looking for a quick and sweet mafia romance I'd definitely recommend checking this one out!
This was such a fun and quick read! I loved how much Gio cared about Annie's wellbeing from the start...you could tell he cared from the very beginning. I didn't feel like there was any huge conflicts in this story, at least between Gio and Annie...yes they both hesitated to accept their feelings for each other but neither one did anything ridiculous to hurt the other or have any huge factors preventing them from loving each other.
If you're looking for a quick and sweet mafia romance I'd definitely recommend checking this one out!
August 9, 2021
The story itself is fun. I like the characters and it definitely keeps you entertained. To me, it was so fast paced. I felt like it skipped a lot of development between Gio and Annie. It just didn't seem super personal between them, kinda superficial and then they'd hook up and Gio would say he loved her. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book but I felt like there was so much more that could have been added to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2020
Gio is my first and definitely not my last read by this author. It is the first book in The DelGado Trilogy.
When Gio hits rock bottom he sees no way out. Then Annie walks into his life and changes everything. Their story is so good and it sucked me right in.
This is a well written mafia romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Can’t wait to read more.
When Gio hits rock bottom he sees no way out. Then Annie walks into his life and changes everything. Their story is so good and it sucked me right in.
This is a well written mafia romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Can’t wait to read more.
Read
January 9, 2022I really don’t know what to say, this book is completely what you would expect. If it is purpose and it was short and fun and cute. It got a little slow in the middle, and I kind of wanted to stop reading, but I kept on reading it because I was almost done. It was an OK book. Not too great in my opinion.
June 20, 2020
Safe and sweet!
Liked both MCs, the pacing was great!!!
Looking forward to Gemma story!
Liked both MCs, the pacing was great!!!
Looking forward to Gemma story!
July 30, 2020
Ahhh... I wanted to finish this book in one sitting. But instead was bound to enjoy it in a few parts. But nevertheless, I really really liked it. There's no doubt that Gio and Annie had feelings for each other, even if they were pushing them back.
My favourite, per usual, was Gian. I LOVE that guy and I simply can't wait to read Gemma's book and his own to have more of that guy. He's so intriguing that I NEED to find out more. MUCH MORE.
My favourite, per usual, was Gian. I LOVE that guy and I simply can't wait to read Gemma's book and his own to have more of that guy. He's so intriguing that I NEED to find out more. MUCH MORE.
June 17, 2022
It has a heist which usually be a automatic 3 star but she gets pregnant so one star is deducted.
January 5, 2021
Gio 🔥
I love mafia romance and it's always great when I find new authors to read who write them! I really enjoyed this just the right mix of mafia life and romance. Gio is a dreamy mix of ***hole and caring and Annie has sass, vulnerability and a back bone to keep him on his toes. I really loved the other members of the Delgado family and the strong family bonds they all have. Looking forward to reading the next book!
I love mafia romance and it's always great when I find new authors to read who write them! I really enjoyed this just the right mix of mafia life and romance. Gio is a dreamy mix of ***hole and caring and Annie has sass, vulnerability and a back bone to keep him on his toes. I really loved the other members of the Delgado family and the strong family bonds they all have. Looking forward to reading the next book!
November 28, 2021
The concept and the beginning of this was fun, but it definitely fell flat. The side characters were all more interesting than the main duo. This book felt like it could have been accomplished in 70 pages but took 260ish.
Also I am gatekeeping enemies-to-lovers because this is instalove basically.
Also I am gatekeeping enemies-to-lovers because this is instalove basically.
August 19, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more..
I received this book as an arc for an honest review and I’m so glad.. loved the story. I was so involved in it I hasn’t realized I had reached the end it was that good.
I think for a made man Gio has a very good heart. He could have killed her brother a hand full of times but he didn’t for her..it shows how much he loved her..
There are some really steamy sex scenes and they have amazing chemistry.
I love how he protects her every step of the way ..
It’s an amazing story and I really hope you will give it a chance.. I can’t wait for the next book !!
I received this book as an arc for an honest review and I’m so glad.. loved the story. I was so involved in it I hasn’t realized I had reached the end it was that good.
I think for a made man Gio has a very good heart. He could have killed her brother a hand full of times but he didn’t for her..it shows how much he loved her..
There are some really steamy sex scenes and they have amazing chemistry.
I love how he protects her every step of the way ..
It’s an amazing story and I really hope you will give it a chance.. I can’t wait for the next book !!
May 27, 2021
3 "very ok" Stars
I'm gonna be generous with my rating and give this one three stars even though as a whole it might've fell more to a two/two and a half star rating for me.
Final thought was I liked it. It wasn't great and it certainly did not stand out as far as mafia romance goes either. However it was interesting and kept me reading despite quite a few issues.
Major issues with editing almost ruined this for me. Maybe they were "major" but they were plenty and definitely frequent enough to be distracting. Sentence structure being messed up by a missing word, duplicate words side by side where the word needed isn't there, periods used instead of question marks, inaccurate word useage (filled instead of field, revenge instead of avenge and so on...) Glaring issues which tbh was sad to see because with a better editor this could've been much better. It wasn't as bad as other books I've ran across with such an issue but as I said it was frequent enough to be noticeable and annoying.
The story itself was ok. It wasnt as strong as it could be. The mafia aspect had enough detail to feel authentic but not really pull me into that world (ala Bethany Kris) so it could use a little more building and depth to bring character.
The MCs Gio and Annie were ok. They were your average type of characters. Again, nothing stand out from either. They were cute together but the fact Annie wasn't part of "the life" and didn't really know anything about it was strange when you see how Gio involves her into his world and sort of freely shares things and let's her meet his family etc. Sure, it doesn't happen overnight but still. It didn't flow that well for me and felt odd they were all okay with the divide between them.
I really didn't like Annie's brother Johnny. I really didn't like Annie sticking up for his dumbass and putting herself last to protect him either considering he treated her like shit. Even Gio didn't like this and it became a point of contention between them that had me siding with Gio and feeling like Annie overreacted when he intervened.
Another annoyance was their first sex scene. The author throws us a foreplay scene with Annie getting hers and then closes the door. Next chapter opens and it's the morning after. Uh, what? I was genuinely surprised by this tbh. Disappointed too. Then the other sex scenes were fairly brief but we got details to those. And then the mishap with protection and it's never mentioned again (him using protection that is) and not surprisingly Annie ends the book knocked up so...yeah that bit was a little disjointed for me and didn't flow.
So maybe it sounds like I didn't like this one but I did. It definitely needs some work and tidying up to refine parts but it had plenty of potential. Overall not bad. Might even check out the rest of the series.
I'm gonna be generous with my rating and give this one three stars even though as a whole it might've fell more to a two/two and a half star rating for me.
Final thought was I liked it. It wasn't great and it certainly did not stand out as far as mafia romance goes either. However it was interesting and kept me reading despite quite a few issues.
Major issues with editing almost ruined this for me. Maybe they were "major" but they were plenty and definitely frequent enough to be distracting. Sentence structure being messed up by a missing word, duplicate words side by side where the word needed isn't there, periods used instead of question marks, inaccurate word useage (filled instead of field, revenge instead of avenge and so on...) Glaring issues which tbh was sad to see because with a better editor this could've been much better. It wasn't as bad as other books I've ran across with such an issue but as I said it was frequent enough to be noticeable and annoying.
The story itself was ok. It wasnt as strong as it could be. The mafia aspect had enough detail to feel authentic but not really pull me into that world (ala Bethany Kris) so it could use a little more building and depth to bring character.
The MCs Gio and Annie were ok. They were your average type of characters. Again, nothing stand out from either. They were cute together but the fact Annie wasn't part of "the life" and didn't really know anything about it was strange when you see how Gio involves her into his world and sort of freely shares things and let's her meet his family etc. Sure, it doesn't happen overnight but still. It didn't flow that well for me and felt odd they were all okay with the divide between them.
I really didn't like Annie's brother Johnny. I really didn't like Annie sticking up for his dumbass and putting herself last to protect him either considering he treated her like shit. Even Gio didn't like this and it became a point of contention between them that had me siding with Gio and feeling like Annie overreacted when he intervened.
Another annoyance was their first sex scene. The author throws us a foreplay scene with Annie getting hers and then closes the door. Next chapter opens and it's the morning after. Uh, what? I was genuinely surprised by this tbh. Disappointed too. Then the other sex scenes were fairly brief but we got details to those. And then the mishap with protection and it's never mentioned again (him using protection that is) and not surprisingly Annie ends the book knocked up so...yeah that bit was a little disjointed for me and didn't flow.
So maybe it sounds like I didn't like this one but I did. It definitely needs some work and tidying up to refine parts but it had plenty of potential. Overall not bad. Might even check out the rest of the series.
February 24, 2021
Wow, what a way to start this trilogy! This is a relatively quick mafia related romance, although it's not as dark as some others I've read. Gio's character was hot, he and Annie were such a good couple - I loved how Annie's little pockets of sass came out to play with him, and how Gio couldn't bring himself to not be sweet, albeit a darker playboy, with her.
Annie's character still had a backbone, underneath all the responsibility weighing down on her. I didn't think she was necessarily an 'only sees the world in black-and-white' type person, especially given her background, and the fact she's witnessed some darker parts of the world. So it was nice to still see her step up and question Gio about the job, it was like a baby kitten going up against a lion, adorable to see. Wish we'd have seen an older brother relationship develop between her and Charlie too though, as I think that would have been a duo we'd have all loved, even if we didn't know we needed it! haha. But honestly I just found her really cute... The part where she grabs Gian's sleeve and realises what she's done made me laugh. I hope we see that part, or a flashback to it in his book, as I would love to see what he was thinking in that moment.
Gio is a sweetheart underneath the darker exterior, but I would've liked to see more situations of him being ruthless. Although, him willing to give in about Johnny, for Annie's sake, stole my heart. His love for his family comes through and I wish we'd seen more of his and Gian's relationship, especially as it's said that they're very close. Loved reading the scenes where he and Annie came together though, and how he was able to bring out a more confident side of her because she trusted him. The first time they sleep together had me swooning! *heart eyes*
I rated this as 4.5 rather than a full 5 stars more so because I wish it had been longer! I liked the storyline as it is, but think more depth would have added to an already good story. We see that Gio is obviously part of the mafia, and I would've liked to have seen a bit more about that, although the story still flows nicely without it. Similarly, I would have liked to see a bit more of Annie's progression from being scared/disliking Gio to falling in love with him and accepting what he does as part of the mafia, as I did think it happened a little fast. But overall I really enjoyed reading this, it's been a while since I read a good mafia romance that I was all in on. Looking forward to learning more about the other Delgado siblings.
Annie's character still had a backbone, underneath all the responsibility weighing down on her. I didn't think she was necessarily an 'only sees the world in black-and-white' type person, especially given her background, and the fact she's witnessed some darker parts of the world. So it was nice to still see her step up and question Gio about the job, it was like a baby kitten going up against a lion, adorable to see. Wish we'd have seen an older brother relationship develop between her and Charlie too though, as I think that would have been a duo we'd have all loved, even if we didn't know we needed it! haha. But honestly I just found her really cute... The part where she grabs Gian's sleeve and realises what she's done made me laugh. I hope we see that part, or a flashback to it in his book, as I would love to see what he was thinking in that moment.
Gio is a sweetheart underneath the darker exterior, but I would've liked to see more situations of him being ruthless. Although, him willing to give in about Johnny, for Annie's sake, stole my heart. His love for his family comes through and I wish we'd seen more of his and Gian's relationship, especially as it's said that they're very close. Loved reading the scenes where he and Annie came together though, and how he was able to bring out a more confident side of her because she trusted him. The first time they sleep together had me swooning! *heart eyes*
I rated this as 4.5 rather than a full 5 stars more so because I wish it had been longer! I liked the storyline as it is, but think more depth would have added to an already good story. We see that Gio is obviously part of the mafia, and I would've liked to have seen a bit more about that, although the story still flows nicely without it. Similarly, I would have liked to see a bit more of Annie's progression from being scared/disliking Gio to falling in love with him and accepting what he does as part of the mafia, as I did think it happened a little fast. But overall I really enjoyed reading this, it's been a while since I read a good mafia romance that I was all in on. Looking forward to learning more about the other Delgado siblings.
January 28, 2023
Sometimes good people do bad things for good reasons.
Our heroine tries to rob a mafia bar.
Yes, you read it well
ROB. THE. MAFIA. 🗣️
I’ll confess to you, I thought this the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard. 😂 So of course they’re caught and Annie must do a pact with the devil to save her brothers life (the devil called Gio DelGado): she’ll work for him.
Work in what? How? How often? Until when?
She’s fucked. And it’s not in that delicious way (yet). 🥵
I LOVE MAFIA WORLD. Period.
Gio is the middle brother in the DelGado Family. All of them are Made Men of Providence mafia. I thought interesting the fact that none of them are “Don” or something. Gian is trying to be the leader but he’s struggling yet. Gio is a thief. And their father is a mafia lawyer. A very unusual dynamic in these books and I liked that.
Annie is innocent about the criminal world and her brothers actions, and that bothered me a little - I prefer my FMCs more fierce. But I think she’s strong in her own way. Johnny is a gambler/addicted, and always put his sister in danger.
Annie and Gio’s relationship had a shy beginning, but we can see their love and chemistry growing. 👌🏻🔥
It’s a fluid reading, the characters are very enticing. It’s not a dark romance, even though it’s mafia related.
This book is part of The DelGado Trilogy, you can read them separately, but you can get spoilers of the other stories.
I’m curious about Gemma’s story with the Irish enemy. And Gian’s arranged marriage.
So I’ll read them all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2021
**My review may contain slight/mild spoilers**
Gio is the first book in The DelGado trilogy; all novels are standalones each focusing on the DelGado siblings. It's fantastic read; it had me from the opening line. This book is a page turner; the plot is amazing as well as all the characters. You will find that, as you turn each page, it is action packed. You don't know what to expect! There were a few plot twists that I didn't see coming! The ending was amazing! I'm a sucker for HEA. Natalia Lourose did a phenomenal job by bringing the plot to life; it's thoroughly written. One of my favorite things about this book, is that Ms Lourose, added all the necessary information e.g. about the rankings/hierarchy in the 'La Famiglia' etc. In turn, this enhanced my reading experience. Bring on book two! Can't wait to read Gio's sister, Gemma next. Gio is dual POV; I really enjoyed reading Gio's perspective.
Annie (the main female protagonist) is in a dilemma; her brother owns a large sum of money, 50k to be precise, to the Irish mob/mafia. Her brother Johnny, is Annie's only family member she has left, and she'll do anything to protect him. Johnny, has a terrible idea, he is going steal the money from Gio DelGado's bar, 'The Alibi'. And Annie is the get away driver. Of course, not everything goes according to plan. When he first laid his eyes on Annie, Gio was intrigued to say the very least. When Annie agrees to Gio's deal, her life is never going to be the same. I loved the build up and chemistry in this book. Annie has this sass in her that only Gio brings out, and he loves it. Also, he kinda of has a soft spot for her. If you are fan of mafia and organized crime romances this read is for you!
Gio is the first book in The DelGado trilogy; all novels are standalones each focusing on the DelGado siblings. It's fantastic read; it had me from the opening line. This book is a page turner; the plot is amazing as well as all the characters. You will find that, as you turn each page, it is action packed. You don't know what to expect! There were a few plot twists that I didn't see coming! The ending was amazing! I'm a sucker for HEA. Natalia Lourose did a phenomenal job by bringing the plot to life; it's thoroughly written. One of my favorite things about this book, is that Ms Lourose, added all the necessary information e.g. about the rankings/hierarchy in the 'La Famiglia' etc. In turn, this enhanced my reading experience. Bring on book two! Can't wait to read Gio's sister, Gemma next. Gio is dual POV; I really enjoyed reading Gio's perspective.
Annie (the main female protagonist) is in a dilemma; her brother owns a large sum of money, 50k to be precise, to the Irish mob/mafia. Her brother Johnny, is Annie's only family member she has left, and she'll do anything to protect him. Johnny, has a terrible idea, he is going steal the money from Gio DelGado's bar, 'The Alibi'. And Annie is the get away driver. Of course, not everything goes according to plan. When he first laid his eyes on Annie, Gio was intrigued to say the very least. When Annie agrees to Gio's deal, her life is never going to be the same. I loved the build up and chemistry in this book. Annie has this sass in her that only Gio brings out, and he loves it. Also, he kinda of has a soft spot for her. If you are fan of mafia and organized crime romances this read is for you!
October 30, 2021
Annie Byrne is always putting those she cares about before herself. And like every time before, she can't say no to her troublesome brother, resulting in her behind the wheel of a get away car. Only this time...luck is not on Annie's side. How far is she willing to go to help her brother? And how much will her sacrifice truly cost her?
Gio DelGado, a mafia capo, has been drowning away his broken heart after his mom's death. Waking from another night of drinking, he finds his bar is being robbed. Even after catching them all red-handed he does something completely out of his character. One look at Annie and he decides to make her a deal, one she cannot refuse.
All her debts gone. In exchange, Annie must work for Gio. Can she survive being indebted to the devil himself?
In this HEA, enemies to lovers, mafia romance I was torn in my feelings. I was frustrated with Annie and how she couldn't see how much her brother was causing more heartache for her than any resemblance of family love and appreciation. I really enjoyed Gio and Annie's dynamic, even though the switch form enemies to lovers happened within the snap of a finger (kind of a whiplash where I had to read that part again to make sure I was reading it right and hadn't skipped a page). While I did enjoy the couple and how well they worked together I was not raptured by them. A plus for the book though is you get a '5 years later' epilogue that truly adds to the HEA of the book.
I'm curious to see how this book relates to the others in the series. You see glimpses of the other siblings, but no spoilers were clear at this point in time. Will be interesting to see if the story line overlaps with each other and how much.
3 Stars
Smut 2/5
Gio DelGado, a mafia capo, has been drowning away his broken heart after his mom's death. Waking from another night of drinking, he finds his bar is being robbed. Even after catching them all red-handed he does something completely out of his character. One look at Annie and he decides to make her a deal, one she cannot refuse.
All her debts gone. In exchange, Annie must work for Gio. Can she survive being indebted to the devil himself?
In this HEA, enemies to lovers, mafia romance I was torn in my feelings. I was frustrated with Annie and how she couldn't see how much her brother was causing more heartache for her than any resemblance of family love and appreciation. I really enjoyed Gio and Annie's dynamic, even though the switch form enemies to lovers happened within the snap of a finger (kind of a whiplash where I had to read that part again to make sure I was reading it right and hadn't skipped a page). While I did enjoy the couple and how well they worked together I was not raptured by them. A plus for the book though is you get a '5 years later' epilogue that truly adds to the HEA of the book.
I'm curious to see how this book relates to the others in the series. You see glimpses of the other siblings, but no spoilers were clear at this point in time. Will be interesting to see if the story line overlaps with each other and how much.
3 Stars
Smut 2/5
February 18, 2021
Annie Byrne loves her little brother Johnny more than anything. So when he racks up a gambling debt of 50 grand, she is absolutely terrified for his life. Terrified enough that she agrees to drive his getaway car. The plan was simple - in and out. But what Johnny didn’t tell her is that the place he was planning to rob was a DelGado establishment. The DelgGados are at the head of the Providence Italian Mafia, and when Johnny’s plan fails, Gio DelGado offers Annie a choice - be at his beck and call, and her brother lives. Refuse, and he dies. To protect her brother, Annie agrees to Gio’s term. What she didn’t expect? To fall in love with him.
Gio DelGado has never wanted love. After his mother’s brutal murder at the hands of his family’s rivals, he refuses to put another woman at risk. But as soon as he catches sight of Annie Byrne, he can’t get her out of his head, despite the odd circumstances that caused them to meet. Gio knows from experience that women who get mixed up in his lifestyle often get killed, especially since Annie wasn’t born into this life, and doesn’t know how bad it can get. Yet he still doesn’t want to let her go.
This book was absolutely amazing! My first book by Natalia Lourose, and I know it won’t be my last! Gio and Annie had sizzling chemistry and hilarious banter. The word building was incredible, and the action keeping me at the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this novel!
Gio DelGado has never wanted love. After his mother’s brutal murder at the hands of his family’s rivals, he refuses to put another woman at risk. But as soon as he catches sight of Annie Byrne, he can’t get her out of his head, despite the odd circumstances that caused them to meet. Gio knows from experience that women who get mixed up in his lifestyle often get killed, especially since Annie wasn’t born into this life, and doesn’t know how bad it can get. Yet he still doesn’t want to let her go.
This book was absolutely amazing! My first book by Natalia Lourose, and I know it won’t be my last! Gio and Annie had sizzling chemistry and hilarious banter. The word building was incredible, and the action keeping me at the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this novel!
November 10, 2021
If you are looking quick read super easy predictable story with some smut this is for you.
But there is a but!
The plot what okay (predictable yes but idea fine) but implementation poor. There was no build up between MCs it was like "hi" and next "I want you" couple of scenes were they thought about each other but nothing between them before the bed. And first bed sceen was a mess! Cut right in the middle like what? I thought half of this books idea was smut and other is a actual plot? So if you shy smut this is on the light side.
I think the writer used too much cut to different sceens too early and too big time gaps. It left some many holes in the build up that there wasn't any. And last few chapters really ruined the plot. Something should be just left in the epilogue.
I wasn't expecting a masterpiece but atleats more entertaining this felt super flat.
But there is a but!
The plot what okay (predictable yes but idea fine) but implementation poor. There was no build up between MCs it was like "hi" and next "I want you" couple of scenes were they thought about each other but nothing between them before the bed. And first bed sceen was a mess! Cut right in the middle like what? I thought half of this books idea was smut and other is a actual plot? So if you shy smut this is on the light side.
I think the writer used too much cut to different sceens too early and too big time gaps. It left some many holes in the build up that there wasn't any. And last few chapters really ruined the plot. Something should be just left in the epilogue.
I wasn't expecting a masterpiece but atleats more entertaining this felt super flat.
November 29, 2021
"She's innocent and pure I don't deserve her " Gio a mafia man who offers a deal to Annie for letting her live. He just wants to do something for her no questions asked to clear his brother's debt .
" Annie a kind hearted nursing student who just want to help people and care for them signs a deal with the devil to keep her brother's face"
But what happens when she ends up falling for the devil himself who is there for her being kind to her cherishes her .
Gio never thought he could stop drowning himself on whiskey until he found his drug in Annie a girl who understands him like no one else who is there to hold him when he's fragile and weak ...but he knows he doesn't deserve her .
This book is a emotional rollercoaster enticing sweetness with it . This book let's you fall for a monster .
A great mafia romance read . Grab a copy if mafia romance is your forte to happiness.
" Annie a kind hearted nursing student who just want to help people and care for them signs a deal with the devil to keep her brother's face"
But what happens when she ends up falling for the devil himself who is there for her being kind to her cherishes her .
Gio never thought he could stop drowning himself on whiskey until he found his drug in Annie a girl who understands him like no one else who is there to hold him when he's fragile and weak ...but he knows he doesn't deserve her .
This book is a emotional rollercoaster enticing sweetness with it . This book let's you fall for a monster .
A great mafia romance read . Grab a copy if mafia romance is your forte to happiness.
August 28, 2020
Sexy new trilogy!
WOW! I loved this story about Gio and Annie right from the very first page. Annie is a spitfire with tons of sass! She is fiercely protective of her brother and would do anything for him – even selling herself to the mafia. Gio is like Annie, he’s fiercely protective of his family, he’s loyal, strong and so damn sexy. The connection between Annie and Gio is instant. There are always sparks flying when they are together. Their sexual chemistry oozed off the pages and had me melting. They left me breathless wanting more.
This story has some action, suspense, lots of steamy sex, and some twists and turns that keep you captivated and highly entertained. It's a really great story.
I can’t wait to read all about Gio’s sister Gemma.
WOW! I loved this story about Gio and Annie right from the very first page. Annie is a spitfire with tons of sass! She is fiercely protective of her brother and would do anything for him – even selling herself to the mafia. Gio is like Annie, he’s fiercely protective of his family, he’s loyal, strong and so damn sexy. The connection between Annie and Gio is instant. There are always sparks flying when they are together. Their sexual chemistry oozed off the pages and had me melting. They left me breathless wanting more.
This story has some action, suspense, lots of steamy sex, and some twists and turns that keep you captivated and highly entertained. It's a really great story.
I can’t wait to read all about Gio’s sister Gemma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews