Falling in love is supposed to be the easy part.But nothing prepared me for losing my wife. I promised her that I’d love again. Find someone to mend my broken heart. And that seems impossible, until the day that I walk into Tilly Carter’s cupcake shop.I’ve never met a woman like her–sassy, dirty-mouthed, and smells like vanilla and sin. Someone that makes me want to sweep her off her feet.But … her feet.
But there’s pain in her emerald eyes that mirrors my own.
A past that neither of us can truly escape.
Now that I have her, I’ll do anything to keep her.
Hook is the third book in the STANDALONE USA Today bestselling Men of Inked: Southside series.
Book 1 – Maneuver
Book 2 – Flow
Book 3 – Hook
Book 4 – Hustle
more
4.5 stars
I went into this book blind. I am yet to read the other books in this particular series, I own them though, I just have not read them yet. So I went in completely blind. I was only 5 percent into this book when I was reaching for my first tissue…gahhhh… my heart! This book is written in a way that it all feels so real. It’s like your watching your family, or your friends, actually go through this. I wont say any more because you seriously need to read this book yourself to experience all the emotions.
The characters are so much fun! I love reading about big families and the dynamics. The Gallos bought so much fun to the book. It was a pleasure to read. I would however, have loved to of seen / interacted more of Brax. But other than that this book was such a fantastic read.
What can I say then the other than Hook is utter spellbinding perfection! Simply put Chelle Bliss ran off with my heart and soul with this one! She single handily knocked my socks, with the depths and soul she put into Hook.
Plus let’s not forget the heat that radiated off the pages.
100 percent gold is what Chelle Bliss achieved and I might say her best work to date!
This is Chelle Bliss at her best just when you think you have seen the best of the Gallo family she throws you another and this time it’s Angelo’s story and let me tell you it’s the best so far !!!!
This book has all the feels you want in a love story, you will shed some tears you will laugh out loud but you will also end up feeling all fuzzy inside. Angelo is the most amazing Gallo yet he is trying to move on with his life and be the father his kids deserve and there is no room for another woman in his life but that was before Tilly opened her cupcake store next to the bar. Tilly is funny and smart and she is the perfect match for him if he can just leave the past behind.
I really don’t have the words to describe how this book made me feel and how good this story is so I’m all I’m going to say that we haven’t got outside January yet but this book will be on my best reads of 2019 so what are you waiting for get your one click finger working and grab a copy of Hook.
While this is book 3 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. After reading this though, I want to go back and read the first two. I love Angelo and Tilly and the whole Gallo family. This book starts off with tears, and continues on an emotional roller coaster. While I feel the ending was a bit rushed, this book hit all the feels and left me satisfied.
As always, I was glad to be back at the bosom of the Italian family, the Gallos, that so many fans have grown to love on such a deep level. But I was a bit upset with Chelle Bliss at first because I was hoping beyond hope that the gorgeous and somber Angelo Gallo would end up with Michelle, his little sister’s best friend. But alas Chelle Bliss shows us once again why she is the master of the pen when it comes to this boisterous, passionate, and loving family. It wasn’t long into Hook, Angelo and Tilly’s story, and I was once again singing her praises only this time I was doing it among piles of tissues because she wrung all the emotions from me. Chelle Bliss takes us on a journey of love, loss, and moving on that brings us to tears again and again between bouts of passion and longing.
Angelo Gallo has already found and lost the love of his life and is just concentrating at being the best father that he can be to his two kids when the most delectable woman he has ever seen comes waltzing into his life. I fell hard for Angelo at the beginning of the Southside Men Of Inked series and I couldn’t wait for him to find love again. I adored every moment with this sweet, all consuming alpha that maneuvered his way into my heart early on.
Tilly is a woman after my heart! From her foul mouth, soft heart, and her impatience with inanimate objects. It was love at first sight with this heroine and I couldn’t wait to delve beneath her surface and learn more about her sorrow filled past. She had me wanting to wrap her in my arms and never let go. She proves that you can pick yourself up and dust yourself off after losing the love of your life and pursue your dreams.
Chelle Bliss once again brings the heat but also opens up our hearts even more to the Gallo family. I highly recommend not one but ALL of her Men Of Inked books to any avid romance reader. She will change your life with each new family member and leave you always wanting more of these outrageously loveable Gallos.
Favorite Quotes:
God took a little extra time when he created this one, and he should be enjoyed, even if my thoughts aren’t exactly holy.
She doesn’t just drop hints, she hurls bombs.
“It’s a dinner as friends,” I remind him, even though I’m dressed like I’m ready to pounce on my prey and get busy.
Delilah and I can watch the kids… They can even spend the night… What’s two more? It’s already mass chaos at our place. The only thing I can promise is that they’ll come back alive, but everything else is a crapshoot.
She will stab you with her fork if you try to take a bite of her cake. You’re safer if you buy the whole damn thing…
Daphne stares at Delilah’s stomach and points to her tiny pooch. “Maybe you should lay off the cake.” “You better shut up,” Delilah snaps and sucks in her gut until she practically turns blue.
My Review:
Hook was an emotive and evocative read with the perfectly balanced between the heartbreak of grief, irreverent humor, the sweetness of precocious children, the excitement of a new romance, and the comedy of a loud, tightly knit, and overdramatic family. The Gallos are a garrulous and meddlesome clan who work and love hard and whole-heartedly, and generously pepper their speech with profanity and expletives. I adore them to no end and covet one to have as my very own.
I knew this story was going to rip me apart from the little snippets the author was sharing here and there. What I wasn’t expecting was to be crying like a baby while reading the prologue, it gives us a glimpse into the past and the hurt and pain will rip your heart out.
I have read books that have parts that will have you shed a few tears here and there, books that end with me crying happy tears because it ends in a HEA, tears for a a emotional roller coaster ride. But it has been a while if ever that I have had a book that I was crying before chapter 1, laughing and crying through out the whole book and crying at the end. This book is filled with all the feels you could ever want in a fantastic book.
And then there is Angelo, husband who lost the love of his life to cancer, left with two small children who lost their mother. The Gallo family that has had his back through it all. When Tilly moves to town, his world seems to be put back on the right track.
Tilly has a loss that can never be healed, Angelo sees the same pain in her eyes that he feels. Tilly wants to move on with Angelo but feels guilty. She feels that her world is right when she is with Angelo.
Can Angelo and Tilly find love that will help them both heal and move on with a future together? I think it will be fun for them to try and with the Gallo’s around you never know what is going to happen next.
If you have read anything from author Chelle Bliss before, you know how she can draw you in to a story and keep you there until the end. And if you haven’t read her, then you need to read this one, yes it is part of a series but please read this series so you can read this book, you will not be disappointed.
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review and this is my honest opinion**
Absolutely freaking amazing book. This story will have you sobbing in pain for Angelo at the beginning, all I wanted to do was hold the poor man in my arms. My heart broke for him. And then he met Tilly and you knew off the bat that they belonged together and that their chemistry was not only sexual/physical but it went deep down into their souls. They both suffered such a devastating heartbreak that they needed each other to heal.
Loved Angelo and loved the two of them together. This book is a must read over and over again. Highly recommended!!!!
I just finished this awesomeness . Is it hot in here, or is it just me?? . This is my kind of sexy. Angelo gets the juices flowing. I can’t wait to see Tate as she gets older. This story has a lot of room for growth.
From the very first page, when my eyes were glassy, to the very end, where I was a blubbering mess, Chelle took us on an emotional journey of epic sizes. Her words pulled on the hearts strings taking a piece of my heart with it. She made me laugh and cry and feel so much for Tilly & Angelo. It was like I felt everything they felt and in the end she put my heart back together making my heart so very full.
The Gallos are the family you want to be a part of. They love unconditionally and are there supporting each other. I fell in love with the Gallos in Florida first but damn these Gallos are just as intense that I can’t say which is my favorite.
This story deserves the 5 stars and more. You will not be disappointed.
Chelle Bliss’ mind must be like a card catalog cabinet. All these little drawers that have all these imaginary characters with stories to tell, and each time she opens one and lets the story flow through her, we are the winners.
I have been anxiously awaiting Hook and Ms. Bliss hasn’t been helping with the teasers she has been giving us. Angelo’s story is everything. Heart breaking grief, hope for a new beginning and satisfying happiness. As with all Gallo books, there is plenty of family along the way to support Angelo and entertain the reader.
Tilly’s story is one that is also rooted in sadness, but she has started to work her way out of the mourning process to regain control of her life. Her first meeting with Angelo is perfection. As their story progresses, your emotions will go from the lowest low to the highest high and you will be page turning to devour this story.
As I take the time to appreciate this story, I can’t wait for Ms. Bliss to open the next drawer and give us the next amazing story.
I loved this book. Touched my heart and made me smile. Highly recommend to everyone.
This book ripped me in two, chewed me up then put me back together just to rip me up all over again. Love, love, loved Angelo and Tilly! I can’t say enough about the emotional roller coaster I just rode. Tate, Angelo’s daughter, is a breath of fresh air and she’ll steal your heart. Angelo is so, so…GAH! And Tilly is unexpected. The Gallo clan comes through again to give all the feels.
5 star Review Hook ( Men of Inked: Southside #3) by Chelle Bliss
I have read many books by Chelle Bliss but Hook is my absolute favourite.
I knew this was going to be an emotional roller coaster of a read when Ms. Bliss had me crying ugly tears within the first few pages and also in the last chapter.
Angelo Gallo is a man who was shattered by the death of his wife; left to raise their two young children with the support of his family.
Tilly’s is the new owner of the cupcake shop next door to the Gallo pub; a military widow.
Both of them, have been devastated by the death of their spouses. Can Angelo and Tilly, two broken souls, come together and heal each other?
I have been waiting impatiently for Angelo and Tilly’s story since Chelle Bliss announced it. Have you ever anticipated a book that once received you didn’t want to start because you knew once you finished, you would have a book hangover?
That’s what happened with Hook. I was completely blown away by the emotions that Ms. Bliss drew out of me.
My heart broke for both Angelo and Tilly at times and I was so excited when they decided to move forward with their blossoming relationship and fell deeply in love.
I loved how Angelo’s family and Tilly’s brother in law Roger, supported them. Not only are the Gallo men outstanding but so are the women.
I love the Gallo family and when I start a new book it feels like I am coming home. They are all such great characters and Hook is a fantastic example of the love of family and what they will do for each other and those they care about.
This was a hot, steamy story,full of emotions which will keep you on the edge of your seat. I have a new favourite Gallo.
One click now, you will not be disappointed. Chelle Bliss has another winner on her hands in my opinion.
Oh those Gallo men and the women they love. I just adore this series and with Hook, getting Angelo’s story put me through a whirlwind of emotions.
With the loss of his young wife, this widower with two children never expected to ever find love again. But the feisty and immensely charming Tilly broke through his hardened heart and what they experience together is the best kind of bliss there is. They are perfect together and his adorable kids, Tate and Brax, warm right up to the cupcake baker and find the substitute mom they so desperately need.
Tilly is a great character and she fits right in with the rest of the boisterous and very loving Gallo clan. With tears in my eyes over difficult memories that continually surface for both Angelo and the widowed Tilly, I could always count on a Gallo to make me laugh when things got a bit too heavy. This family is THE best and now Tilly knows that too.
A great addition to this Southside series, I can’t wait for brother Vinnie’s story next and wouldn’t mind a bit more from Tilly’s brother-in-law, Roger. He definitely has a story to tell and I hope the Author gives him his due as well.
4 solid stars!!
This story was soo touching! It really knows how to tug at your heartstrings. To see two people struggle with loss and try to figure out how to move on to be happy again is very emotional. I felt like I was part of their story and could feel their pain. To see such a strong tough Gallo like Angelo be so sweet and loving was great. He really does “love hard”. In true Gallo fashion, it was hilarious to see the family butt in and push Angelo and Tilly towards each other. They have such a strong family bond and I love the way they welcome new members. Angelo’s daughter stole the show though. Man that little girl is GOOOOOOODDDDD! 🙂
Yet another amazing addition to the Gallo family story!
This is my favorite of this Southside series and I’ve loved all of the books and characters Ms. Bliss has written.
The story begins with the heartbreaking last few moments between Angelo and his wife, who has been the love of his life and I had tears in my eyes. With two small children and overwhelming grief, he is fortunate that his close-knit family provides love and support as each day is a struggle. Several years after his loss, he’s still not ready to find someone again and lives with the guilt of even thinking of being happy again.
Tilly has lost her spouse and has also been unable to move on even with the urging of her brother-in-law. She decides to open a bakery next door to the Gallo bar and when Angelo first meets her, it was a funny baking calamity.
Although Tilly and Angelo have lost their spouses in different circumstances, they both find a special understanding in each other that they still love their spouses and feel guilty about moving forward. The seem to have an almost immediate connection and yet their memories make them hesitate. Everyone should be allowed to grieve in their own way and time and yet giving a loving nudge by family members forces Angelo and Tilly to spend time together.
I LOVE the Gallo women as they are sassy, strong willed and know what they want. Angelo’s seven year old daughter, Tate, is so hilarious as she winds the people in her family around her little finger. She’s going to be a firecracker by her teen years!
This is an emotional story, sure to bring you to tears, but with a beautiful ending.
Hook by Chelle Bliss was so good! The men in the Gallo family are the perfect men in my opinion. There’s something about them and Angelo was no exception. He was a delicious and sexy alpha. I loved how sweet he was to Tilly. Tilly was a pretty awesome, sassy and sweet woman. Angelo and Tilly had a great connection from the start. They were absolutely perfect for each other. I loved loved them. Tate was really adorable. This is a definite must read! I am dying to read Vinnie’s book!
Hook is a sexy and heartwarming story. This story gave me so many feels.I fell in love with Angelo and Tilly while reading their love story.I think Angelo is my new favorite Gallo. Be warned, when Chelle warns to have tissues handy,she means it. This story needs tissues.I think this story is going to stick with me for a while. I believe Hook is one of the best stories Chelle Bliss has written. I loved it!
The reading of Hook may require a box of tissues be close at hand. Angelo and Tilly both have dealt with loss in their past and moving on isn’t going to be easy but this story is so touching and heartwarming it had my heart melting by the end.
What a great story, the Gallo’s family strong bonds, love, loss, renewed strength, and loving friends, then we thrown in the adorable little girl (Tate) and this story is magic.