USA Today Bestselling Author AJ Alexander brings us a best friends to lovers mafia romance, where two lives are on the line in a race against time to find a happily ever after.
des·o·la·tion
/ˌdesəˈlāSH(ə)n/
noun
1. a state of complete emptiness or destruction.
2.anguished misery or loneliness.
Before La Famiglia gave me purpose, desolation ruled my existence. Pain was my constant companion … loneliness.
Before La Famiglia gave me purpose, desolation ruled my existence. Pain was my constant companion until I met Francessca Giordano – the Boss’s daughter.
My mission is to protect her, at any cost.
With a price on her head, I will tear down heaven and hell to protect what’s mine.
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OMG this is an awesome start to a series. I loved the characters, the world and can’t wait for more.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was not disappointed. I love the characters and the story. I was really happy that Frankie and Marcus got their happily ever after with a surprise. I loved the overall since of family that came across in this book. It didn’t matter if you where born in the family or not. I felt the loyalty in this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
AJ Alexander is a new to me author and I am SO, SO glad that I discovered her!! In this book, AJ Alexander writes of a mafia princess and the man who is tasked with protecting her. Since this author was a new to me author, I had no idea what to expect walking into this story. However, at 84 pages, this novella did not disappoint. This book started with action and the action continued throughout. AJ Alexander pulled me in from page 1 and didn’t let go until page 84. I enjoyed the characters that AJ Alexander created and their interactions with each other. I also really liked how quickly AJ Alexander explained the history of the characters and then continued on with the meat of the story. AJ Alexander writes in a way that makes you believe that you are part of the action and adventure of the story and makes you like the characters instantly. I was actually sad that this book was so short, and would have loved for it to go on longer. I am so glad that I discovered AJ Alexander and can’t wait to read more of her books!!!
This was a hot thrilling mafia read about Marcus and Frankie. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t stop reading until i finished this wonderful, twisty, yummy love story. Marcus and Frankie were perfect for each other. There was nothing Marcus would do for his Frankie. Loved the beginning to this awesome series and I can’t wait to read more.
Desolation is a fast paced action story that will keep you wanting so much more. The dedication one man has for the woman he is devoted too know no bound. Then to find that the one you are so devoted to is your other half is so strong that you would walk through fire for them is stunning. Another amazing job AJ!!!!
A mafia princess and a long time love. I love mafia stories. Marcus and Francesca have loved each other since the first time they met and young kids. Growing up in a mafia family they denied each other that young love. But when lives are on the line all bets are off. A fast paced mafia love story that you wont put down till you are finished. Congrats on a great new series!
I need more! This story is beautiful and exciting and I can’t wait for the next one
Fast-paced mafia short story
Author AJ Alexander has put together a fast-paced mafia read that I hit in one sitting! She has fitted a lot of action between the virtual pages of this contemporary friends to lovers short story. It’s one that I would highly recommend as great value for money to anyone who wants to squeeze a fun, sexy and compelling read into their lunchtime or anytime where time is precious and reading is a must!!!
I loved Frankie’s character. She wants to be independent, and has been allowed to have been, to a point. She and her best friend Penelope, (who tells Frankie to just climb Marcus like a tree!) have had to accept the inconspicuous bodyguards and gun training while at University. I enjoyed their fun and feisty banter.
Having come into La Famiglia at a young age, Marcus knew the rules and that the ‘Principessa’ was off limits. So growing into adulthood as best friends was what he had to do, but it didn’t stop his imagination for sure. He was honourable and perfect for her, and prepared to die for her, because that’s what a man of his standing would do.
All up, I love this mafia family. Yeah they’re still criminals, but they interfere into the business of those who traffick in humans so what’s not to love? And, Ms Alexander has left us with one hell of a hook leading into Devastation! 4.5 Stars
Francesca, the mafia princess, and Marcus, her dad’s head of security, have been friends since her dad brought him home to live with them as kids. They have both loved each other for a long time, but never acted on it until they were brought together after a security scare. Marcus will do whatever he can to protect her, even if it means giving up his life.
This was a good, quick read. I really enjoyed the story line, I just wish there was a little more… more of his childhood, more of their friendship over the years, and when they “fell.”
What a great start to a new series. Frankie is the mafia princess and Marcus is the man who works for her father. But they love each other. In between them admitting their feelings for each other, he’s trying to protect her. Their relationship develops fast but with enough backstory, you understand it’s not something new. I love how the ending sets it up perfectly for the next book.
Hot Mafia Series
This is book one of a new series. It is short and faced pace with hot sex, suspense and surprises. I loved Francesca and Marcus’ story and look forward to the rest of the series. I just wish it was a little longer.
What a fabulous read! It hits all the right notes- love, Heat, danger, and family!
It’s a gritty tale with the underlying feeling of family and from that family is strength! Our characters are proud of the family and what it means and fight to keep what’s theirs!
Looking forward to reading more of the series!
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
This book is a very fast paced mafia romance. Frankie and Marcus have loved each other for most of their lives, but were always too afraid to admit it to one another. Once they finally admit their feelings, they are almost torn apart. Marcus shows the depth of his feelings however in doing whatever it takes to make sure that Frankie is safe, even if it means possibly losing his own life. This was a fun, quick read that is overall a good story. I just wish that it didn’t move quite as fast and allowed the characters to develop a little bit more. But overall I do recommend this for a quick read.
Marcus has lived with Francesca and her family ever since her dad saw something in him and brought him home. He was worked his way up through the ranks to become the head of La Famiglia’s security team. Francesca is a mafia princess that just wants to finish college and get a legitimate job that allows her to live the life she wants. When her safety is threatened Marcus is the only one that can be trusted to keep her safe, he just needs to focus on the job at hand and stop dreaming about the boss’s daughter. As the threats keep coming, will Marcus be able to save Francesca and finally admit his feelings or will he lose her forever?
This book was so freaking good! I couldn’t put it down from start to finish and I honestly can’t wait for the next one. The chemistry between Francesca and Marcus felt natural and genuine and those bedroom scenes were unbelievably hot! I loved that Francesca had fight in her, she was determined to get her point across a few times and she took some pretty brave stands that blew me away. Marcus was so fierce and protective and I loved every minute of it, he was definitely a man on a mission but there were times I also just wanted to reach out, shake him and ask what the heck?.. you will totally understand when you get to that part of the book.
Overall I loved the story, the plot moved at a good pace and never felt like it dragged and I loved the way the ending of this book set up the next book in the series. If you are contemplating this one, do yourself a favor and just read it! I highly recommend this story!
*I received a copy of the story from the author in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own*
Loving this start to the La Famiglia series. This was a fast paced read about Frankie and Marcus. They have loved each other since they were kids but they can’t be together because of their status in the family. Will they be able to overcome these obstacles and finally be together or will their dedication to the family keep them apart? Great read. I can’t wait to see what is next in the series.
I read an early review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Marcus and Francesca meet when they are young. She is a mafia princess and he’s someone from the streets. I liked the beginning where we get to learn a little bit about Frankie and her good friend Penny. The story moves quickly and suspense for the reader is ensured. Marcus is a bit demanding but Frankie loves it. It may be too late for them though as someone wants Frankie. It was a pleasurable and quick read. I enjoyed it.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Francesca, the daughter of one of the most famous mafia families on Las Vegas. Francesca went to school for accounting and is the family business accountant. Penelope, her best friend and roommate tries to comfy Francesca as she’s denied an interview with an accounting firm she wanted. Gunshots ring out in their apartment as a messsage to her father killing her bodyguards.
Francesca tells Penelope that she’s in love with Marcus who was brought into the family as her father found him on the streets. Marcus helps run the family business
I was hooked from the first page to the very end. I need more. I can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
Great plot
Frankie and Marcus’ story is an intriguing and engrossing story that captivated me from the very beginning. The chemistry between them was mesmerizing and made me root for a beautiful HEA all the way through.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
New Author (to me) and new series. This is book one in the La Famiglia series. Francesca and Marcus’s story kicks off this series and pulls you into their mafia world. Francesca is the daughter of the head of the Mafia and Marcus is her father’s right hand man. Francesca is used to being threatened, she just wants to attempt to live a ‘normal’ life. Marcus has worked his way to his current position through the years, he knows he loves Francesca but also knows that her father will never let them be together. Even though these two characters have known each other since they were kids, they may have to seek their HEA with someone else. Danger and threats are always a possibility but when it strikes and you can only depend on one another, this can open up all kinds of additional complications. Is this what Frankie and Marcus need to get her father’s approval? This is a short and very fast paced story that will captive you as you turn the pages. The characters, although the story was short, you got a decent understanding of them. Personally, when I find a great read, the book can never be long enough. I look forward to reading more in this collection. Enjoy!
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I love mafia romance books and this one did not disappoint. It was a shorter novel which can make it hard to connect to connect with the characters but that was not the case with this book. I loved Francesca and Marcus they had a complicated past that should make there relationship almost impossible. Luckily for Francesca Marcus will do anything in his power to protect her and make sure that she is safe.
“I’ve loved you since I first laid eyes on you.” He turns the oven on and begins throwing more bacon into the pan.
I can not wait to read more from this series.
I have received a free copy of this book for an honest review.