When I stumbled into a mafia-run club seeking a job, I was looking for protection. Little did I know I’d need protection from him. Conor O’ Callahan was exactly the kind of danger I was trying to avoid. He was gorgeous as sin with an accent hotter than Hades, but that’s where the charm ended. He was also cynical, cold, and downright cranky. So, you could imagine my surprise when he gave me a … imagine my surprise when he gave me a proposition. Marry him or lose my life.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ve learned to do what’s necessary to survive in this world, and that includes marrying a mobster. Regardless of what he might say, it’s only temporary.
It’s not like I’m going to fall for him.
Because that would be stupid, right?
The Boston Underworld Series consists of six full-length standalones that can be read in any order.
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Ivy is in trouble and figures that hiding in the club of the enemy of the gang that wants her will keep her safe. Conor is tasked with taking care of Ivy, but when he learns more about Ivy’s situation, he comes up with a solution that will keep her alive; marry him and live or don’t and die. Ivy seeing no way out of the situation of course agrees to marry Conor, but what will the price be? Will Conor come to regret taking on Ivy and her baggage?
So, this is the first of the series that I have read, and it did read like a true standalone, there were characters from the previous books, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I do feel that the writing was a bit choppy, this didn’t really have a nice flow? All in all I found this to just be an ok book and give this 3.5 stars.
“Marry him or lose my life.”
Conor is book #6 of the Boston Underworld series. It is a stand-alone novella and can be read as such. I had no problem following the story. I started the Boston Underworld series at book #5, Thief. I fell in love and quickly went back, reading the series from the beginning. Each book is unique in their own way and some are darker than others. Conor stole my heart! I read this in one sitting!
We met Conor in Crow. He is the rookie and still feels like he needs to prove himself.
“Sometimes it’s a pain in the arse being the rookie, but even if it takes a lifetime, I’m willing to prove myself to the brotherhood.”
Squeee! This story! So beautifully written! I love how it was written with an Irish dialect. Conor and Ivy’s story is filled with emotion, some angst and just a touch of dark. Crow asks Conor to keep watch on Ivy, the ‘girlfriend’ of a rival mobster, and a potential witness to his death.
“I need ye to keep an eye on her. Find out everything ye can about her and what she knows, and don’t let her out of your sight.”
Conor and Ivy have a lot in common. Both have been caught in the crossfire of the Irish Syndicate mob. Ivy is so fragile, hanging on for dear life at times. But she is also strong and determined. And Conor! He has many sides to him. He struggles with his past, his pride and his purpose. He does not want to appear weak.
“The little birdie is young, probably in her early twenties like me.”
The attraction between them is there. A chemistry, a pull. Both are quick to deny it. Their attraction and affection grow and passion takes over. Ivy has wound her way into Conor’s heart! There is also a wee bit of baggage that Ivy has. This changes the way Conor sees her and he steps up in the most heartwarming and honorable way! I also love the terms of endearment that he uses for Ivy.
“He wants me to come out and say it, like I’ve caught feelings for this bird or something.”
We are treated to scenes with Crow, Rory and Fitzy and it made me want to go back and read their stories all over again! Ashleigh Zavarelli makes us fall head over heels in love with Conor and Ivy! Their emotions, their conflicts, their decisions all flowed and connected their story. I have loved this series and I am sad to see it end! I highly recommend Conor as well as the entire Boston Underworld series!
5 stars!
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ღ Ivy Conor Story
———– Happy Reading ———–
She climbed out of the dark hole after being held hostage by psychopath
He might be one of youngest of the Irish syndicate rookie, we have read so far in this series- but don’t let that fool you, he being trained to be “Reaper’s” apprentice
I am not sure if it’s good or bad that she is trying hide out in Irish mafia strip club, thinking that’s the last place the ‘Locos” will find her… it might be the last place the ‘Locos” might look, but that don’t mean she’ll be safe with him, or is sheit?
His boss likes to test him every so often….., The last thing he wants is to be is freakin babysitter for possible junkie after all the years he been in crew & all he been through
I just Lve it when author bring back past characters, it give you the chance to catch up with the old crew & their wife’s too
Highly recommended! This is amazing addition to the series.
——————————————–Enjoy ————————
I loved the romantic, suspense, loyalty, & twisted of storyline.
Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion
Paulette Review
I’m not going to lie, I was a little irritated that this story wasn’t longer because I totally devoured Ivy and Conor’s story in one sitting. At just under 200 pages, I was worried this story wouldn’t have enough detail to keep me interested and I didn’t want to read an insta-love story… NO! But fortunately for me, A. Zavarelli knows how to write… BRILLIANTLY! I have to give A. Zavarelli props because it is a rare talent to be able to make a short, sweet, informative story and I can go about my life feeling like I fell in love with another couple worthy of being in the fictional character world. I know that I’m rambling, but I can’t stress how many times I have read short books to be sorely disappointed that it is an insta-love porn.
Anywho, Ivy is in deep trouble. She has associated herself with the wrong guy, Muerto, and now that he is dead, she is on the run from the “Locos.” After losing everything and hiding her son, Archer, with a good friend, Ivy finally gets a job dancing at a club, Sláinte. Unfortunately, Conor has been tasked to take her out to prove himself, but he can’t go through with it when he not only develops feelings for this perfect stranger but sees she has a son. Instead of going through with ending her, Conor proposes that Ivy marries him to become protected because their women cannot be touched.
Even though I found this plan to be crazy, I was still turning the page to find out why Ivy was on the run, who was Muerto, what was up with the “Locos, and any steamy scenes in between. I wasn’t disappointed and I cannot wait to see what A. Zavarelli will have for fans in her next book.
** I voluntarily left a honest review after reading an advanced review copy of this book **
Each book in the series is full of characters Iove! All intertwined together with their own stories. Love love
Great characters, plus plenty of suspense, steam and sometimes dark humor
Book 6 in the Boston Underworld series, while you should have no problem reading this on its own, a lot of characters from the earlier books either have an appearance or are mentioned, so having read the whole series helps add some depth to the story. For existing fans, this takes place at least partly in parallel with Saint.
I’ve been a fan of the series since I read the first book, so I was eager to get my hands on this and it did not disappoint. Conor and Ivy both have taken some damage, and I enjoyed watching them come to terms with the feelings they have in spite of themselves, and I loved how caring both of these characters were. I also loved Conor’s protectiveness and his loyalty to his brothers even as he struggles to reconcile that loyalty with his feelings for Ivy. As I mentioned earlier, we also get glimpses of many of the great secondary characters from the previous books to help round out the story.
As an Irish mafia book, there’s violence, blood and dark themes, but in addition there’s quite a bit of (sometimes dark) humor here—the epilogue had me literally laughing out loud. There’s also plenty of suspense from page one (which kept me guessing) and the author did a great job handling some limited flashbacks to fill in Conor’s background. It’s a technique I usually don’t care for as flashbacks typically interrupt the story flow for me, but they were worked in so smoothly here, I barely noticed they were there.
Great characters, plenty of suspense and steam, plus some angst leavened by that occasionally dark humor, all made this another great addition to the series. 5 stars
B2B Kelly
4.5 Stars
The Boston Underworld series by A. Zavarelli is my favorite by this author. When I saw that Conor was getting his own book, I was super stoked!!!
Conor has proven himself time and time again within the family. But when he finally gets asked to do a job by himself…he couldn’t believe it! Finally a chance to really prove my loyalty to the family that took me in.
Ivy is hoping this last chance job at the strip club will allow herself to start making money and finally get out of Boston. For her, the time she has been there have been anything but happy. One good thing has come out of the bad. But will she be able to make enough to save the one good thing in time?
It was great reading about the men in the previous books! I really enjoyed this story. The perfect ending to a great series.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Oh Boston Underworld, how did I forget about you?? I had been missing the Irish boys (not that the Russian’s aren’t great too) so I was pretty excited to see the most recent release featured our young Conor.
The premise is this: Ivy saw something she shouldn’t have, and Conor is assigned to “take care of her.” But not in the good way like you want. Once he discovers more of her secrets, he’s drawn in and is determined to protect her. It’s “Get Married or Bust” all up in this joint.
Such great characterization in this novella. Ivy was so strong; regardless of the rough times she had, she never gave up on what was important. And I loved seeing Conor’s sweet side; he was a marshmallow on the inside.
This was lighter than the previous novels in the series, but I have no complaints. Great blend of violent mafia, Irish accents, and sweet nothings.
I liked Connor and Ivy’s story. It was just what I expected from the Irish mob series. It had a great story and wove all characters together beautifully. All in all, a great book!
A. Zavarelli absolutely nailed the final book in the Boston Underworld series! Conor being the youngest member feels like he has to prove himself. So when he is given orders to keep an eye on Ivy, who witnessed something she shouldn’t have, he was determined to do whatever it took. Let’s just say that things got complicated fast and Conor found himself doing what could end up getting him killed.
Get ready to fall hard for Conor. Under his tough exterior is a sweetheart that will make you swoon. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still one bad A mafia man, but his soft spot makes him so much more. This book is action packed and you won’t be able to put it down. So sad to see the BU series end, but it’s a perfect ending!!
Conor is a must read! Five stars!
I have loved this series and Conor was a fantastic way to end one unforgettable series.
I loved the action, the mystery, the steam! Conor is everything that is an A Zavarelli male lead. Strong, brave, tenacious, smoking hot! Do not miss out on what is a fabulously amazing story, and one spectacularly captivating series.- By Cat
“In this space between darkness and dawn, I have a clarity I’ve never felt before.”
I didn’t realize how much I missed the lads of the Boston Underworld series until I read this book. So happy we were given Conor’s story. Some parts were intense, some parts were suspenseful and some parts I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face.
“She’s poisoning me against everything I love, trying to take away my life. My brotherhood. And I can’t look at her.”
Jaysus, I loved Conor. He is totally swoon worthy. He is hard but gentle, protective and loving. Ivy is strong and determined to move forward away from her past. She will do whatever is needed for the ones she loves.
“I want his burning need to consume my flesh, wring me out, and bleed me dry.”
I wish this series could go on forever and am sad this is the last of the lads but couldn’t have asked for a better way to end it then Conor and Ivy’s story. If you loved the other books in the Boston Underworld series you will love this one just has much. Even if you haven’t read the series this book can be read as a standalone. You will have no choice but to fall in love with Conor and Ivy. Definitely recommend this book and series.
“Because we might be Kings on the streets, but we would be nothing without our Queens at home.”
~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog
Starts with a bang and just keeps barreling along. Fecking Shite Boston Underworld is the Irish Mafia at its best.
Conor has been such a sweetie in the other books that this new side of him was a revelation and I loved it.
Ivy is on the run and hiding in plain sight; she will do anything to stay alive.
These two come to each other in a very unique way and I loved their story. We get visits from our favorite guys and get to see their brand of justice.
Conor stole my heart! I love the entire BU alpha badasses! This book had it all. Dark and gritty, a little gruesomeness which is a must in any mafia subgenre. But, it also had the arousing, sensual heat and a little softness and tenderness too. Ivy was the perfect woman for him.
I was bummed because I started with this book and am hearing that it is the last hook..boo I have to start from the beginning because I enjoyed this story and hearing the secondary characters that popped up in this book let’s me know that I books to read starting with Crow. But about this one, it was and heartbreaking and gave you hope and Ivy needed with what that poor girl has gone thru she finds her savior and protector in Connor. Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. Voluntarily reviewed my own thoughts and opinions.
The final installment in the Boston Underworld series! I will be the first to admit that I was intrigued with Conor from the previous books. I voiced my opinion early on that I would love to see Conor’s story and his version of a happily ever after. I was so happy when it was announced he’d get a novella!! And it’s a substantial novella at that!
I loved Conor’s character! He gave some light and humor to the previous books but we get to see many more facets of how he became the man he is today throughout this story. From the very beginning, he’s been trying to find his place in the brotherhood and proving his worth. I loved how Conor showed his loyalty to the brotherhood but he stood up for his own principles at the same time. He made a choice that he was willing to take whatever punishment was given by the brotherhood for someone he barely knew. The most appealing thing to me about Conor is his heart – underneath all the destruction and chaos of being a mobster, he is truly a man who simply wants to be loved and share his life with a partner and family.
Ivy is simply a survivor! Whatever unfortunate event has been thrown at her, she’s figured out how to survive and live another day for her amazing son Archer. She’s had to make hard choices and sometimes the choices were taken away from her but she always put his safety first. I absolutely love stories with single parents! And this one was truly amazing! Watching Conor with the wee lad gave us another dimension to his character and it truly touched my heart.
I was rooting for Conor and Ivy! Along the way there are some obstacles and misunderstandings, but the important things in life are always worth fighting for!
I also loved seeing the other characters! Crow, Rory, Mack and of course my favorite!! Ronan. It was a nice way to wrap up this amazing series! Do not miss this book!
I love this book. Absolutely Loved it! Conor proves why all the books in the Boston Underworld series are 5-star reads for me.
This story is amazing. I love it when a hero hates the heroine for giving him the feels. I love the coldness he has towards her until she manages to gain his trust. Oh, believe me, Conor is a huge bastard to Ivy but even though she comes across demure this strong woman manages to win his heart. Many sweet moments between them, but so many “ouch that’s harsh” moments too. Their relationship is intense.
I love that Crow, Reaper and many of my other favorite mobsters are in this story. The comradery between them is the best, and the drama that surrounds them always makes this series a thrilling page-turner.
Conor has lots of action, lots of torment, lots of excitement and lots of passion. It’s gritty and suspenseful. A great book! An exceptional story! A must read!
Gah! I love this series and Conor is another amazing character.
Conor was given his orders. Ivy his “target”. Doing his job and doing what feels right. That’s the decision he has to face. Especially after his discovery. And now he wants her, as in really wants her. This requires whiskey; lots of whiskey. He owes his life to Crow and Rory. They’re his brothers. So this decision will either be her end or his. He’s a man of honor in spite of what he does for a living, and protecting Ivy at all costs is what he’s going to do.
Conor’s HEA is a novella worth every penny. Another must read in the Boston Underworld series.
Oh, I’m so happy to be going back into this series with Connor’s story! Connor is the rookie in the Boston Underground Irish Mafia run by Crow. Ivy is trying to hide from the Locos gang & gets a job dancing in Crow’s club, Sláinte. Connor is suppose to keep an eye on her, make sure she isn’t trouble for them. That may be harder than he realized when he finds out what she is hiding. Can Connor find a way to protect Ivy without getting either of them killed? This is the 6th book in the Boston underground series but can be read as a standalone. Told in Dual POV; A must read for fans of this series! I absolutely fell in love with Connor!
Conor is the last instalment in A. Zavarelli’s Boston Underworld series and gives us the story of Conor and Ivy.
Ivy is on the run from a local gang and just barely surviving when she stumbles into Crow’s territory begging for a job. Conor is tasked with watching her in hopes of getting information from her about something she shouldn’t have seen. As the youngest member of his syndicate, Conor feels like this is his time to step up and show Crow his loyalty. But the thing Conor didn’t prepare for was his reaction to Ivy.
“I never thought anything could test my loyalty. Two weeks ago, nothing could have convinced me otherwise. But two weeks ago, I didn’t know her.”
This novella has everything that you’ve come to expect and love about the Boston Underworld series. Conor is filled with the drama, action and all the bad-ass mobsters that makes this series so amazing and unforgettable.
“Maybe I was wrong, but when our eyes connected, it felt like I saw something else in him. Something other than a mafia asshole.”
Conor is a definite page turner and I absolutely devoured it. I’m sad to see this series come to an end and I’m going to miss all these crazy, over the top bad-ass Irish men something fierce.
Ashleigh Zavarelli thank you for your incredible words and for making me fall in love with every book in BU series. You are an amazing author and I look forward to your future work.
Although Conor is a quick read, it doesn’t disappoint. He just might be my new favorite Boston Underworld mobster. Go read this book now! Anything by A. Zavarelli is a must one-click for sure!