SofiaMy life fractured when I was only five years old. I thought I’d never be whole again, but a boy helped piece me back together, one day at a time. Nico Conti became my world—ten years later, he shattered my heart. He took away the light, so I learned to see in the dark. Now he’s come back, trying to explain away his absence and pick up where we left off. He doesn’t understand everything’s … off. He doesn’t understand everything’s changed. I’m not the same girl he left behind, but he doesn’t seem to care. He wants all of me. That’s more than I’m willing to give.
Nico
They say you don’t know what you’ve lost until it’s gone, but that wasn’t true. I knew exactly how devastating it would be to lose Sofia, and I did it anyway. I thought our separation would be permanent, but I’ve suddenly been forced back into her life. Walking away once was hard enough; I’m not strong enough to leave her again. Now that I’ve seen her, tasted her, I have to make her mine.
Seven years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life.
I plan to do everything in my power to correct that mistake, even if it means coming clean about the past. There’s a chance the secrets I carry will push her further away, but that’s a risk I’ll have to take. Sofia Genovese was made for me, and I’m determined to win her back.
**Never Truth is the second book in The Five Families Series but can be read as a standalone novel.
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Loved the story. So many secrets are revealed. Sofia the youngest Genovese daughter. Said to be innocent is quite the spitfire. She has known her families background from the moment her eyes were opened the night Marco died. And she soon saw how easy it was to spit all the lies and secrets when you paid attention. All except from nico. Best friends and I love since the age of 5 he broke her heart at 16. But little did she know he was protecting her. To learn everything that happened to nico makes what he did mildly excusable. He knew he needed to make Sofia hate him and not fight for him like she would have been prepared to do. Breaking her heart was the only way. Little did he know she knew all about her family and then decided to dabble in the dangers of the underworld herself. I liked Michael and loved how they came together to save Sofia. So happy they got their HEA.
Mmmmmmmm i’m not SUPER big in the whole second chance romance thing cause it usually causes so much eyeroll. Nico and Sofia were…cute I guess? They had the whole you broke my heart but it was for good reason but I can’t live without you even though i’ve been doing it for 7 years and still have so many secrets thing. All in all, it’s a second chance romance, I did like the way it was written just not necessarily my cup o tea.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I am really liking the five families series so far. The more I read and the more I find out I get more and more intrigued. I really like mafia books and these have been some good ones so far. I love how they are all interconnected which gives a glimpse into the characters from the other books lives. And in this one I absolutely adore Sofia! She is not the girl everyone thinks she is and her family is not the only ones keeping secrets. I love how strong and independent she is and as for Nico, holy hell! When you actually find out why he breaks Sofia’s heart when they are in high school, oh man….. I just wanted to wrap him in a hug and then go do damage to some people! And I know this is about the Italian families, but I really want a Michael book now!!!! Anyways, on to Maria’s story!!
Nothing really stood out
Unfortunately I think this fell a little flat. Like the first book not as intense as I like my mafia reads. It was like many typical reads. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, boys breaks her heart and she quickly forgives.
It isn’t poorly written by any stretch, and was an easy enough read. Just not one I’ll revisit.
This review is for the audiobook version.
This story has plenty of edge of your seat suspense. The voice actors helped in getting me to love this second book of The Five Families series. Now that I’ve listened to the book I don’t know that I could sit and read the book. I had too much fun having someone read to me.
This is one of those books that can seem based on reality. And this had me thinking of some of the shows that I watched growing up. Once I finish listening to the series, I can picture going back to the beginning and listening to them one after the other – just like a soap opera. If autumn wasn’t in full swing in my area; I could see myself sitting in a beautiful garden, or on a swing, just listening to the author’s words come to life.
Both Ms. Erickson and Mr. Ross are very good at their job and I’m glad that I get to experience it. They have a way of changing their voice so that you know another character is speaking. You will have no trouble hearing the emotions come through your earbuds/headphones. The voice actors made it very difficult for me to turn it off. It was tough to think about work when all I wanted to do was hear Ms. Ramsower’s characters come to life in my head.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is an exciting, emotional, and sexy second chance romance! This story starts with Sofia witnessing a horrific event when she is too young to understand. She doesn’t know how to cope and keeps to herself. Nico befriends Sofia on the school playground helping her to slowly feel safe and stronger. As they grow so does their friendship, maturing into a love that is more mature. They have big plans for their future until Nico is drawn into a dangerous world to protect his family. Sofia once again didn’t understand why her heart keeps getting broken. Now years later she is stronger and not as innocent as she once was. Nico is back in her life and he will do whatever it takes to protect her while convincing her to give him another chance. But they both have secrets that could be too great to overcome. I loved how this story was told in past and present sequence, slowly revealing the events that made Nico and Sofia who they are today. This romance was suspenseful, and seductive and the thrilling story surrounding them was a nail biter! Narrators Ava Erickson, and Wen Ross did a great job bringing this story to life. They skillfully made these characters so clear to me, making me care for them quickly. Their inflections were breathtaking, and their chemistry was palpable. I loved listening to them both as they drew me in and made this story even more exciting. I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this Five Families series!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
And just like that, Jill sends me a book to beta read and I finally escape my slump of not reading a book in who knows how long and jump back into reading a book in 12 hours. So wonderful. I look forward to reading more Five Family books in the future!
ARC received from The Next Step PR.
I am SO happy I gave this one a shot after not completely enjoying book 1. I had my doubts over this author, and with this one being a second-chance romance (not my favorite genre), I didn’t know what to expect, but this one blew me out of the water.
Nico and Sofia met as children, after Sofia watched her brother get killed by the mafia. She was traumatized and this opened her up to be “that” child in school. Nico had patience with her and they became friends. Friendship obviously turns into more as they age. When Nico turns 16, he is enlisted into the mafia and leaves Sofia behind for her safety. Years later, she is in trouble so her father calls upon him to renew their friendship in order to provide her security.
What I enjoyed about this book so much was how well-placed the flashbacks were. We didn’t get them all at once. They were slowly released to us as the story carried on, and were always relevant to what was happening in the current present. Even when we think we know everything, the author surprises us with more secrets. I was not overwhelmed by them at all though.
With book 1 I found the characters forced and that a lot of their backstory was for added drama. With this couple I found it realistic and that nothing was over the top. Nico left for good reasons. Sofia hates him for it, for good reasons. Together, presently, she slowly forgives and they heal.
The romance was sweet and well-developed. They didn’t jump back into bed right away, but she also didn’t spend 80% of the book pushing him away. It was all very well paced out. Nico didn’t force much. He was sweet and patient, and after reading the childhood flashbacks, we do see hints of his younger self in the present.
I feel like I have so much more to say about this book, but I just can’t get it into words. The author did a fantastic job with this one and I can’t wait to see what she brings us next with this series.
With the epilogue, we get a hint of who book 3 is about and I am so excited to read it. I will definitely continue with the series now! It’s shaping up to be a enemies-to-lovers romance.
I love mafia romances and this one is on my list of new favorites. This is book two in the series. It can be a standalone but it definitely has me wanting to check out book one. In this story, we get the story of Nico and Sofia. They meet as kids and instantly have a connection. Their strong friendship blooms into more. Then Nico suddenly breaks her heart and disappears. Years later as she is graduating from college Nico appears back into Sophia’s life. Secrets and truths are revealed Turns out Nico works for her mob boss father and Sophia knows all about it when everyone thinks she has no clue about her families mafia ties. As they try to give their love another chance, they aren’t sure if it can survive their secrets. I loved every aspect of this story. It pulled me in right away. I went through the emotions with the characters. I felt for Sophia’s heart break. I loved and hated Nico (but in the end totally loved him). My favorite character was Sophia’s best friend Michael. I hope there is more from him in the series. I am hooked on this series. This is a must read/listen for mafia romance fanatics like myself. This book has drama, danger, steamy romance, heart felt moments and everything else to have you addicted. These narrators did a great job pulling the listener in and keeping us locked in.
Omitting the truth can lead to so many problems and in this book Sofia and Nic figure out just how many and the pain that it can cost. This is a second chance love story at its finest. Super fun to listen to and I am definitely excited to see who comes next in this series.
Never Truth is the second book in the 5 Families series. After loving book one I was excited for this story and I was not disappointed. This was Nico and Sofia’s story and it was told to us in both the present day and through flashbacks. Their story will break your heart but I loved seeing them rekindle their romance. The secondary characters provided great support and balance to this couple and added so much to the story
This second chance romance had it all, romance, friendship, suspense, some angst, secrets and lies and some twists you won’t expect. The author did a great job with world-building and bringing us into the mafia world.
This series is easily becoming a favorite and I can’t wait for the next book. I would highly recommend this novel to all lovers of mafia romance.
The audiobook was narrated by Wen Ross and Ava Erickson. These two did an excellent job with the narration. they brought the story to life, giving each character their own voice and personality. Their voices were clear and understandable and it was a pleasure listening to them narrate this novel.
Never Truth (A Mafia Romance)
The Five Families, Book 2
By: Jill Ramsower
Narrated by: Ava Erickson, Wen Ross
Romantic suspense is my favorite sub-genre. Jill Ramsower knows how to write it. This second book in her Five Families series thrilling and romantic. Nico and Sofia have been together since they were in kindergarten. As they grew up, their relationship changed from friends to dating when all of a sudden one day, Nico disappears from Sofia’s life. But where has he gone? And will Sofia move on? And how does Michael fit in? While the book features their romance, it also takes us into the world of the Italian mafia. The first scene in the book is ear catching and only forces me to keep listening as we find the inner workings, the lies, the secrets and the danger that being part of the families brings to the life of their members. I could not stop listening to this story, and can guarantee that Jill Ramsower has become a one click author for me!
Narrated by the incredible team of Wen Ross and Ava Erickson, I was thrown into the world of Nico, Michael and Sofia. They both have an innate understanding of their characters and find the perfect voice for each. I was caught up in the narration and enjoyed it immensely. I would love to hear more from this team.
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Never Truth by Jill Ramsower is a mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Ava Erickson and Wen Ross. This is the second book in The Five Families Series but each book can be read as a standalone.
This is the second book of Jill’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I cannot wait until the third book in the series Blood Always is released on audible.
Ava and Wen did an amazing job on the narration. They really know how to bring a story to life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mafia romances or second chance romances.
This is the second book in The Five Families Series, a mafia romance/second chance to love. Nico and Sofia’s story is fast paced, emotional, captivating, and beautiful. Nico is handsome and protective. Sofia is beautiful, smart, and strong. They are both beautiful characters. Micheal, Sofia’s best friend, is a great and intriguing character. I would love to have his story. Wen Ross and Ava Erickson did an amazing job with the narration. I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it.
The series is slowly growing on me. “Never Truth” is another boom in “The Five Families” series that I really enjoyed. Sofia and Nico are getting their second chance is this one.
I was curious about Sofia’s story. IN the first book she came out as shy and bright, but in this book is where we meet the real Sofia. She’s been drowning in secrets since the night her brother was killed. She was forced in the age of 5 to witness something that changed her forever. She grew up wearing a mask around her family, keeping locked inside her true emotions.
“Lie after lie. Never truth.”
Nico is the only one that knew the real Sofia. They met when she was 5 and he was 6 and they’ve been inseparable for a decade. However, things changed when he was initiated in the Lucciano family. He had to let her go but broke her heart in the process. Now he’s a capo and his first order is to keep Sofia safe. Would she let him back in after 7 years?
“You don’t just cross my mind; you live in it.”
I liked the switch between past and present. It helped me feel more in tune with the story. I felt the emotions, the grief, the heartbreak. However, I believe that Sofia forgave Nico very easily. He ended things in the worst way possible 7 years ago. For me Michael was the better man. He still had a dangerous vibe, but never hurt her. Nico was always meant to be her forever, but I wanted to see hum grovel a little!
I’ll be diving into “Blood Always” very soon! I need to find out more about the cold older sister. What is Maria’s real face and how will she react to her engagement with the Gallo underboss?
Yessss!! Never Truth was Amazing! This is book two in Ramsower’s The Five Families and it was all kinds of Wonderful! Sofia is Everything! What an amazing and complex character! She’s not what anyone is expecting! Her beginning broke me, that poor baby girl! She is a fierce brilliant young woman now and she’s ready for whatever comes her way. God, I loved her so much! Her family is full of secrets and she has plenty herself. I read this book wayyy too quickly! Niko was drool-worthy, his heart was in the right place but so much lost time! Gah! I loved this couple! So much angst and heat!!! This is a Mafia/second chance romance, Two of my favorite things! And that hate/love vibe was delicious! We get more back story and family history, it’s all very intriguing. Niko easily had my heart, even though it did also beat for Michael, I hope this won’t be the last we see of him. Romsower delivers a great read with heart, pain, and fierce love! I’m such a bookwh0r3 for a dirty alpha male and deep connection! I’m loving these characters and their family and I’m very excited for book 3! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Review for the Audible version*
A sexy and intriguing second chance romance. It was slow burn that drove me crazy in anticipation. Shifting back and forth from Nico and Sofia’s past and present together. Lies keeping them apart for seven years.
Nico is sexy and strong. A protector with a big heart. He’s made mistakes and he’s ready to atone for the pain he’s put Sofia through. Wen Ross did an amazing job narrating Nico. A gruff and seductive voice that sets your body on fire.
Sofia had learned to cope after losing her brother and her best friend. Not an easy task but she’s grown into the woman she wants to be. Ava Erickson did a phenomenal job. Her voice is sweet, sexy, and strong. She embodies Sofia perfectly. I could listen to her all day.
You’ll love this audiobook. It pulled me in right from the start. I didn’t want it to end! Amazing narration and amazing story!
A Terrific, Heartfelt Mafia Romance! Great Audible Listen
Never Truth (A Mafia Romance)
The Five Families, Book 2
By: Jill Ramsower
Narrated by: Ava Erickson, Wen Ross
I loved this book, it is well written with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. I am not sure how this is my first book by Jill Ramsower, I just know it will not be my last. She is a gifted author who has a great ability to draw her reader and/or audiobook listener into her story and make them feel like they are right along side the characters and are given an inside view of their lives. Great character and world development, being the mafia world and the dynamics and workings within. The characters are realistic and easy to relate to, I adored the two leads, Sofia Genovese and Nico Conti, I loved how they first met as kids and then became good friends which lead to more. While Sofia grew up the daughter of a mob boss she was kept in the dark about it. Nico’s father was involved in that world as well and selfishly wound up dragging Nico into it as well. Then Nico broker Sofia’s heart. Years later Nico wound up climbing the ladder in the Mafia family and because he had history with Sofia her father assigned him to protect her not knowing the extent of their history or why they no longer talked. After seeing her again he realized he still wanted Sofia but after all he did would she ever want him again. He would have to win her back even if it means reveal his secrets but he was not the only one with secrets. I loved how everything plays out in this book, there is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, some thrilling & suspenseful moment, heartfelt ones and a second chance romance. Jill Ramsower, thank you for this great story, I am looking forward to checking out more of your work
I listened to the Audible edition, Ava Erickson and Wen Ross are fabulous narrators and voice artists. They do an amazing job portraying the characters, giving each their own voice and personality, humanizing them and bringing them to life. You could hear how much heart each put into their work as they captured the characters emotions and projected them into their performance. Both are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen
Ohhh, The Five Families series continues with Never Truth by Jill Ramsower and let’s just say it keeps getting better and better! The Italian mafia now must deal with the Russians and the dangers are everywhere. I am loving this series and I’m only two books in. I can’t wait for Blood Always due out in April. Ramsower can bring together the dark side of the mafia and the love and devotion of a romance story. With lots of action and lots of steamy makeup scenes, Never Truth is defiantly a page turner. 5-stars for Never Truth.
Sofia Genovese has secrets, many, many secrets just like her family. Now all grown up and ready to start her first real job at an art gallery, Sofia just must get through living at home for three weeks till her apartment is ready. Sofia doesn’t know that her parents have arranged protection for her in the form of her first and only love Nico Conti. Nico felt compelled to leave Sofia behind all those years ago to keep her safe. Now the Don wants him to get close to his daughter again and keep her safe, but at what cost. Nico walked away once before, but after seeing Sofia, Nico knows that just isn’t a possibility again. Sofia isn’t going to make things easy on Nico, he’s kept things from her and even though she has her own secrets, how can Sofia ever forgive Nico for breaking her heart?
This book was exactly what I needed, a healthy balance of second chance romance with suspense done mafia style!
Sofia Genovese has spent the past 7 years of her life with a broken heart. Thinking that she is never going to feel whole again. Sofia’s father is Enzo Genovese and boss of the Lucciano family in New York. Having kept secret that she knows what her father does from the rest of her family, she lives her life working in an art gallery. Not knowing that a surprise visitor will be at her graduation. A visitor who has the chance to destroy what is left of her heart.
Antonico Conti aka Nico just became Capo in the Lucciano mafia family, which is rare for someone as young as he is, his first order is to watch over Sofia. Having to watch over the one person he let go of all those years ago is not the easiest first task. However, a task nonetheless, Nico is prepared and willing to sacrifice himself for the one he has always loved.
Will Nico be able to keep Sofia safe? Will Sofia be able to keep her secrets hidden or will they slowly harden her until she is nothing?
“I hope you know that even if we stay right here on Staten Island for the rest of our lives, I’m happy if I’m with you.”
I really liked Sofia and Nico. I felt for both of them with the things that happened in their young lives that was completely out of their control. I love how both Sofia and Nico are written to be very strong, tough and grown up for their young ages. I don’t think I would have been able to handle either of what they went through and come on top like they did. This book is suspenseful because of course, everyone likes to keep secrets!
This is book two in a series, I didn’t know that until about ¼ of the way in. Do you have to read them in order, No, would it help to understand things a little better, of course! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the third installment to come later this year!