I have it all: power, love, wealth, and most of all…control.I’m a husband.I’m a murderer.I’m the underboss of the Chicagoan mafia.I keep the world that Fallon and I have created in our home safe, and I’d sacrifice anything or anyone to protect the woman I love and my high ranking position without an ounce of remorse.Until my worst nightmare comes true and I lose what I value the most: control … lose what I value the most: control over my home and myself.
And I fear that being a good husband and being a good Mafioso might get one of us killed.
Although part of the Chicago Syndicate world, For the Love of Luca is a standalone and can be enjoyed either with or without reading the rest of the series.
A contemporary romantic suspense novel. A mafia romance.
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My heart pounded, my jaw dropped, and I franticly swiped to find out what would happen next…and that was just the first page! To be the 8th book in the Chicago Syndicate series, I found For the Love of Luca to be fresh, exciting, and full of surprises.
In this dark and gritty mafia romance book, we come full circle back to where it all began, the love story of Luca and Fallon. These two are the epitome of opposites attract. He’s a powerful mob underboss, and she’s an innocent civilian caught up in a world she never knew existed. Luca’s dominating tendencies make Fallon feel protected, and Fallon’s innocence balances Luca’s dark side. Each needs the qualities of the other to survive. However, when the trust they share is compromised, one tiny fracture opens the door to their enemies. Now, the very thing that drew them together suddenly becomes a liability.
For the Love of Luca is intense, fast-paced, and chocked full of all the mafia goodness we’ve come to expect. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, Naomi hits you with a curveball you’ll never see coming. She delivers a story with fire, passion, heat, suspense, love, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments…did I mention heat? Oh, the heat. HO-LEE-CRAP! Luca and Fallon are straight-up combustible. The love and lust these two have for each other are interwoven so perfectly that it becomes a living, breathing thing.
These aren’t just characters, and these aren’t just words. By the 8th Syndicate book, I’m so invested I never want to see it end. I cheer for each couples’ happiness and cry with them over their heartbreaks. I root for the bad guys more than the good guys and find the line between the two becoming very blurred. When an author can accomplish that, then something special has happened. If you are a fan of mafia romance, dark romance, or novels of redemption and true love, pick this one up.
Well, I just have to say “For the love of Luca” may be my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last.
I was transfixed by this story throughout and my kindle was permanently attached to my hand with this right till the bitter end.
And let me tell you what a rollercoaster of emotions I experienced throughout this, my god I was a wreck by the time this eventually concluded.
So first things, this can totally be read as a standalone.
Even with this being a continuation of a previous relationship I didn’t feel lost within the narrative.
It was so easy to settle right into Luca and Fallon’s (looove that name) lives.
The whole experience was like putting on a comfortable pair of jammies (PJ’S)
It was just so easy to follow and you felt at home instantly within the storyline.
I really enjoyed this aspect of the story, that we were dealing with an established relationship and an already accepted dynamic with warts and all.
It was refreshing to be shown a behind the scenes look after the HEA and to encounter the problems that can arise in any relationship even when events seem to be perfect and idyllic.
Now I’m a sucker for a good mafia romance and “For The Love Of Luca” ticked all my boxes and more.
There was just the right balance between the romance and the intrigue to keep me invested.
Luca and Fallon’s flaws and imperfections made them seem more alive and vibrant to me as an outside spectator.
And despite the fact that Luca behaved like a real plonker, I was still ultimately rooting for him to redeem himself for Fallon.
I was also rubbing my hands together in malicious glee when Fallon held out and made Luca grovel for her forgiveness for being such an absolute witless pillock.
He so deserved that and more.
So this was a great read that I’m happy to give my seal of approval, it was well written kept my attention and also appealed to my love of a deep bad-boy.
Can’t believe I’ve done my old trick of starting a series backwards, it’s becoming a habit for me.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of (For the Love of Luca (Chicago Syndicate, #8) of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Theirs is a love soul deep and for eternity, but can it survive the pressures of the syndicate?
Despite Fallon and Luca appearing in two previous books, For the Love of Luca CAN be read as a stand alone. I know this for a fact as, despite having all the CS books on my kindle I’ve only read #6 and #7 thus far! Connections, positions and relationships were clearly explained but without providing any real spoilers if you are new to the series. Having read two previous books, I know I enjoy this author’s work and was very keen to continue with this engaging series.
I was intrigued by how the author, would hold my attention when the romance and falling in love had already happened in a previous book. Would she be able to make this couple capture my heart? Would I care about them, believe in both them and their love, cry and laugh with them? The simple answer? A very resounding YES!
How did we end up here? Moreover, how many punches can a heart that’s in love take?
Luca and Fallon share a love so deep it should last forever. However a series of strange events leave Luca not believing or trusting Fallon, and Fallon desperate to find the truth. Fallon is Luca’s rock, his anchor in a violent and dangerous world. The loss of his sanctuary leads to some very foolish actions, hurting both Fallon and himself in the process. Fallon is strong enough to hold them all together, but only if she can find a way back to Luca’s heart.
“Then get out,” she snaps, the words spearing through my heart as she pins a look of distrust on me. It’s the look of distrust I’ve most likely been giving……
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it held my attention throughout. The pace and well thought through plot meant that at times I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. There were times when I wanted to shake BOTH of the main characters. I wanted to shake Fallon and tell her to pack her bags and go. Actually I didn’t want to shake Luca, I wanted to give him a good hard smack around the back of the head and tell him to stop being such an a$$. Thankfully he did redeem himself, and magnificently so.
…but deep down, I realise I deserve this and much more.
I love it when characters engage me so much they make me feel. I was so enmeshed in this story that there were times I got angry with a character, there were times I was so sad for a character and there were times when a character made my day.
Yet I ignore his hurt, like he marginalised mine. “No. I won’t calm down, because I miss my children so much.”
The editing of these books is amazing, I personally didn’t notice ANY grammatical errors, switched words or spelling mistakes. I DID notice, in slower more relaxed passages, the author had a tendency to tell us what colour everything was (black jeans and garnet sweater, brown leather belt, two black mugs….LOL). Once I noticed this it did start jumping out at me, but that’s entirely ME and lets be honest, if that is the ONLY ‘bad’ thing about this book (and bad is certainly not the correct description here) then it tells you just how good it is.
While I’d love to tell him everything will be okay, I’m not so sure. I stand up. “And now, the damage has been done.”
At one point I did find myself skimming the ‘love scenes’. Not because they were bad or excessive, but just because I wanted to get to the ‘story’. However I realised this was a mistake, I was missing important interactions between Fallon and Luca and more importantly the emotional impact of these encounters. So I immediately went back and re-read those passages.
One thing you learn in the mafia is to forgive and forget, or kill.
This is a mafia romance, and whilst it doesn’t go into too much graphic detail of violence it doesn’t shy away from the seedier side of things either. That along with the very steamy love scenes means that I would rate this as an 18+ read and would happily recommend it to my friends.
*4.5 Stars*
This book definitely had a great deal of suspense. I absolutely adored her focus on a relationship between Luca and Fallon. Soraya Naomi is absolutely skilled at eliciting strong emotions from me. I definitely felt like pacing during the book and crying.
The character interaction and development between Luca and Fallon is simply amazing. I really felt like the characters came alive and there was so many aspects to them. However, the world building was slightly less than she usually delivers which is why the half point deduction. That part didn’t always grab my attention. It is still a must read in the series though!
Highly recommend!
This book!!! Luca and Fallon on a whole other level! This book has gone above and beyond. Fallon comes stronger than ever in For the Love of Luca. Like all of Soraya’s books, I could not put this book down. She sure makes a good job at keeping me at the edge of my seat, making me cry, laugh, and want to throw my kindle at the wall with each one of her books and this one was definitely no exception. You really can’t help feel every emotion this couple goes through.
This sexy man beast Luca sure took me on an emotional ride. He’s more intense than ever but not always in a good way. But what’s a man to do when he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place? Make stupid decisions and be an ass of course. Having to make hard decisions between being more of a husband or underboss, takes its toll. So that’s where Fallon comes in wearing her big girl panties and doing whatever necessary to protect her family. And boy does she ever! Guns blazing, she will not stop until both of her families are safe, even when it seems like she has no support and trust is questioned.
Fallon has shown her strength before in books #1 and #2, but now she shows she’s the true pillar keeping it all together, no matter how crazy one may seem (wink). You know what they say… With every great man, there’s an even stronger woman.
This must read is amazingly written in dual POV with its own HEA. This is book #8 in the Chicago Syndicate series but a complete standalone. So you do not need to read any of the other books before you read this one, but why wouldn’t you want to get to know all these sexy alpha mafia men? They are all definitely worth the read and even a re-read. I’m so excited for Soraya’s next book, it’s not even funny. Can’t wait for more Chicago Syndicate!
4.5 STARS!!
Although “For the Love of Luca” is the 8th book in this series it is a standalone book. I have absolutely enjoyed every book in this series that I’ve read and this book was no different. There was so much suspense within this story that I wasn’t sure who to believe. I wanted to trust certain characters but there were things happening that made me question if someone was actually going crazy. I have enjoyed Fallon and Luca characters in every other book, and this book had me on the edge of my seat because I wasn’t sure that one of my favorite couples would make it through this together. There were definitely moments when I wanted to knock some sense into Luca but when it came down to protecting those he loves, he tried his best. There were times I felt that he went about it the wrong but one thing I absolutely enjoy about this series is that it’s unpredictable. This is one of my favorite mafia series and every books leaves you wanting more of these characters and their story. I’m now interested to see if we will get a story with Brielle and Michael because it’s one I would love to read. I highly recommend this series not only because it’s a great mafia series but also because every book can be read as a standalone.
Superb book and series!
Please see book 9 for my full review
WOW WOW Soraya, Loved Luca and Fallon now as when i first read there story in for Fallon, Theres plenty of twists and turns, action, suspense through out. Fallon and Luca still have chemistry thats off the charts. Lot has changed Fallon is not the shy person with met in the first book, Cant say to much with out telling the whole story. A must read, I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy. Hope we get Micheal’s story
PURCHASE LINKS
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UK: http://amzn.to/2IaXlyV
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AU: http://amzn.to/2oWTltT
Luca and Fallon are getting comfortable in their life as new parents to twins. Luca is the Underboss in the Chicago Mafia. He likes control and order. When circumstances out of his control cause a frightening situation, he struggles with how to proceed. He begins to question if Fallon can be trusted.
Sometimes when you know you’re right, you can only trust yourself and your own instincts. Fallon can’t believe Luca would not trust her and be on her side. Can she convince him before everything falls apart?
Fantastic story. More fun to read if you read it in order with the series, but is a standalone. Fallon and Luca are great characters, can’t wait to read the next in the series!!! (Hoping it’s Michael!!!)
Wow! This story continues the love story of Luca and Fallon. After the birth of their twins Luca becomes more protective of his family and when a threat causes him to doubt the one person he should always trust, Fallon, their world starts to unravel leaving the door open for more danger and threats. Will Luca lose the one person who is his home? Oh WOW! This book was simply amazing. The ups and downs. I cried so much. Such an amazing story of two people who love each other beyond reason. I honestly fell more in love with this series and these wonderful characters. The way Fallon never stopped fighting for her family brought tears to my eyes, she is such a strong person. This is truly a story that touched my heart and moved me to tears over and over. This series is just amazing but I think Luca and Fallon are definitely my favorite characters over all of them. The way they just love each other to the end of their souls, is simply awe inspiring. I hope we see more of them in the upcoming book about Michael’s story. Highly recommend this book and series!!!
WOW! The Chicago Syndicate is definitely the best mafia series out. If you haven’t read this series I highly recommend you do. Soraya Naomi is an amazing author and she really knows how to write great stories that pull the reader in. This book took me on an emotional ride but it was so worth it. I love the way Luca and Fallon are so protective and loving of each other. They go through so much but it only makes them stronger together. This book has everything to be a 5-star read, drama, action, angst, suspense, passion and an amazing story of love. I highly recommend this book and this series to everyone. You will not be disappointed.
Even though the blurb says this is a standalone, I would definitely suggest reading For Fallon and For Luca to get the whole story behind these two characters. What a roller coaster ride this book was! It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want to put it down. I must say though, that Luca really ticked me off in this book (which I’m sure the author wanted) because keeps saying he wants to protect Fallon but he’s failed her in so many ways! But what I loved through it all was how strong Fallon has become since we first met her in the first book. I love her character’s spunk and perseverance. She is such a strong, resilient heroine! These books just keep getting grittier and more suspenseful and better with each one that’s released! Excellent mafia series!
Fallon DeMiliano shows the reader in the Prologue that starting here is not the thing to do. I know that the author states that this book is a standalone but I feel that you’ll miss so much by doing that. Unless you go back in the series and at least get the books For Fallon and For Luca – I’ve grabbed mine. Luca shows the reader how much they love each other.
With Luca’s line of work you can expect graphic violence. There’s plenty of action and suspense but there may be times where you’ll find yourself holding your breath. It didn’t take long for the story to grab my attention. Was one of those stories that I felt if I looked away I would miss something. That’s one bad thing about a book – no commercial breaks.
One thing that I loved about this story was that Luca may be a tough as nails male but put him in the room with his children and watch him turn to goo. Fallon was a woman, who like most of us, want to know everything that is going on. You will also see how tough it is for Luca to keep business and home life separate. You might think that because Luca belongings to a Syndicate that the violence will overtake the whole story. Not here. The author knows what her readers come to expect and she delivers and adds in a happy ending for good measure.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Luca and Fallon’s story was simply a great read. The reader is quickly drawn into their world. I loved the dual point of view. I highly recommend this entire series to anyone that loves Mafia/ suspense romances.
There is so much packed into this book but you don’t feel overwhelmed its just an amazing roller coaster ride of emotions of deception, trust as well as not knowing what is really going on. I love how Fallon is such a strong women and hate how she doubts herself as Luca doesn’t trust her as a wife, mother or now part of the syndicate via him. There are plenty of twists and red herrings that had me guessing on what was the end game as well as who was involved. I highly recommend you get comfortable before starting this as you are not going to want to put it down.