She’s a romantic at heart, living in the most unromantic of worlds . . .Nicknamed Sweet Abelli for her docile nature, Elena smiles on cue and has a charming response for everything. She’s the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa . . . or was.Now, all she can see in the mirror’s reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint.They say first impressions are everything . . .In … impressions are everything . . .
In the murky waters of New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat—even measured against mafia standards. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. After his and Elena’s first encounter ends with an accidental glare on her part, she realizes he’s just as rude as he is handsome.
She doesn’t like the man or anything he stands for, though that doesn’t stop her heart from pattering like rain against glass when he’s near, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine at the sound of his voice.
And he’s always near. Telling her what to do. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she’s beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another.
Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man . . . right?
This is a standalone forbidden romance.
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This book is simply wonderful. Danielle Lori’s writing style is so amazing and entertaining to read. She had me hooked from page 1 and from there every page was perfection.
Elena Abelli is known as the Sweet Abelli. She is truly sweet as sugar to everyone she comes across… except one special person! Enter Nico Russo, total alpha male with a possessive nature and an undeniable attraction to the Sweet Abelli right from their first encounter where she unintentionally glared at him.
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Nico Russo is a total dream. He is inexplicably possessive from the get-go and it is just so cute to watch him fall hard for the Sweet Abelli.
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The push and pull between Elene and Nico was everything. I loved their banter and how they fought so hard to suppress their feelings, but at the end of the day they had to succumb to their fiery attractions.
The side characters in this book were all so great, I wanted a book for every single character! I am unbelievable glad Christian Allister and Gianna Russo were the chosen ones for book 2 of the Made series.
Both Christian and Gianna are introduced in book 1 and they are honestly, without a doubt my absolute favorite characters written by Danielle Lori. The utter perfection of their character depths and the small glimpses that we get from them in this book made my heart happy.
This book is an amazing, steamy read and everyone should check it out and fall in love with this wonderful world that Danielle creates.
What a good book!! I always love the “he’s supposed to marry my sister but we fall in love” trope. Nico and Elena were fire. For real. The tension and the steam were off the charts! Elena really was the Sweet Abelli but she had a fierceness to her too. Nico was hardcore. I love me some Made Men. This series is gonna be so good. I can already tell. Can’t wait to read book 2!
Out of all the Mafia romances I’ve read, The Sweetest Oblivion had to be the most engaging out of all of them. I instantly fell in love with both of the characters—Elena and Nico—and was left wanting more of their romance when the book ended.
Everything I would’ve expected a book that included a hero who comes from the family of the Cosa Nostra and a heroine who is a mafia princess was delivered in the first book of the Made series by Danielle Lori. It wasn’t just the two main characters who enthralled me, though. The side characters are a treat to read about and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with all of them within the first few pages.
Lori gave us a female lead who is unlike many we see in the mafia romance subgenre and I applaud her for it because Elena Abelli managed to turn out to be one of my favorite book heroines of all time through her wit, sass, and demeanor. Now, for Nico, our male lead, he comes on par with only a few characters whom I won’t ever forget about. Everything about him made me want more—his dialogues, his mannerisms, and his inner monologues (which I usually don’t enjoy reading) were perfect.
Overall, The Sweetest Oblivion was quite possibly the best kickstarter to a romance series of companion novels because of how much light was shed on other characters, and reading this would make you want to learn even more about this world Lori has so beautifully created and delve deeper into the characters we saw throughout this book.
I just couldn’t get into it. I guess it wasn’t for me.
But I’d still recommend it to all my friend. Personally I didn’t like it because of the troupes so that’s my option.
This book is one of my top reads. Loved it and I always reread it every few months! So good.
Mafia is one of my catnip tropes- and while I LOVE it, I’ve read so much of it that it all starts to bleed together. Similar characters, predictable plots, generic take on the trope- Oh yes, I EAT IT UP. But, it means that it’s rare that a mafia story feels fresh to me- but this series is one that feels fresh, feels a decidedly original point of view, and I’m deliciously addicted to it.
The architecture itself feels well trodden- alpha mafia leading man swimming in money, danger, and power, set up for an arranged marriage to broken peace with a different mafia family. The marriage lacks appeal, though, not only because of its arranged nature, but because Nico finds himself drawn to Elean’s, his-would-be-bride’s sister. The siren sister that so many have adored- and soon, she becomes his greatest temptation. Cue ALL the sexual tension and longing.
This book is decidedly less dark than most mafia books I read, and a much slower burn, but I found myself appreciating this. Usually mafia stories unfurl stories that weave mafia world building with a romantic storyline with equal measures, but here Danielle gives us just enough to satisfy but really keeps the focus on the evolving romance. The result is an organically developed, beautifully created character connection. It’s equally emotive and steamy- palpably dynamic, and unexpectedly dreamy. The book is a bit long, and again, the burn is slow, but there are so many different notes (humor, heart, heat), and the forbidden aspect adds even more flavor.
The writing is really beautiful- lyrical in places, and the story is well constructed. Danielle clearly is a thoughtful and intentional writer, and I’m excited for more of her work!
If there is anything better than a good mafia romance I’m not sure what it is throw in an arranged marriage and I am a happy reader. Elena and Nicolas are a match of fiery epic proportions. Nico knows he has to get married and Elena knows she will have no option but to follow her families wishes. I love when the guy in the story is an unapologetic alpha with no filter and boy does Nico fit that mold perfectly. This is a slow burn with sexual tension present every time they are in a room I was willing them to just get it on. They did frustrate me as they didn’t talk to each other and Nico made stupid decisions because of this but without it the tension would have been less intense. I loved the mix of angst and danger that only a mafia story can bring.
This was my introduction to Danielle Lori’s writing and I’ve been a fan ever since!!!
5 stars!
If there’s one book I have to read for the rest of my life it would be this one. I wish I can go back in time and read this book for the first time. I can’t say in words how much I loved this book. I savored each and every word of this book.
Where do I even begin? From the very first page this book had my complete attention. Miss Lori has an amazing way with words. She writes sexual tension the best. Every interaction of Nico and Elena left me hot and bothered.
The hair pulling scene, the part where he sees her swimming and goes crazy jealous. Oh my gawd! Those scenes are worth dying lol.
Also, can we talk about Nicolas. He is the most perfect hero ever. Like after reading the book he has become my #1 book boyfriend. I love him so damn much. I always go back and re-read this book, and my main reason of doing so is Nicolas Russo. I loved how he was so possessive over Elena. The scene where he covers her body with her without even thinking, is one of my favorite. I loved their chemistry, their banter, their everything. In my opinion they are the most perfect couple ever.
Overall, I loved this book very much. And if you haven’t read this book you’re seriously missing out.
I had read the third book in this story first and then immediately went to read this one. I had heard about it, but for some reason had kept it in my TBR for a while. I think someone had made references that made it seem as though the heroine in this one steals the hero from her sister. This is not that at all. Elena’s sister is promised to Nico when they first meet, but it’s not a love match and the sister has no interest in marrying Nico. The chemistry between Nico and Elena is evident from the very beginning and is intense and hot. I absolutely LOVED this story and reading about them, and this book has made Danielle Lori an auto-buy for me! This is a slow burn, angsty, mafia romance and I loved every minute of reading this!
The Sweetest Oblivion is the first book in the Made Series. And also it was my first time reading a book by Danielle Lori. And I wasn’t disappointed.
This book was so good. I have read many mafia books but this was quite different than them & loved every minute of it. The story bulid up was amazing & the characters were so interesting.
Elena Abeli is one of my all time favorite character. She was kind, innocent, strong n fierce. She stood her ground n didn’t let anyone walk all over her. She made decisions based on her mind. She literally had a mafia boss wrapped all over her finger.
She was funny n her sarcastic nature made me smile so much.
Nico Russo, my man. He was cold n dark n dangerous mafia boss. He was so intimidating that just hearing his name gave ppl chills. Ngl he was questionable at times but that’s wt made him interesting. The way he was so protective of Elena. And he literally served boy obsessed trope with the way he was with her.
Nico n Elena were so hot together. They had intense chemistry since the start. And they made me swoon the entire time. I loved their banters n their love for each other. The way they weren’t afraid to be vulnerable in front of each other. I love them so much. They r one of my favourite couples.
Overall this book was TOP TIER. And I can’t wait to read more if them in the next book. And I’m so excited to read Christian n Gianna’s story.
I started this book without any expectations after seeing so many people reading it, but damn this book is so mind blowing.
The Sexual tension between Nico and Elena is damn hot and leave you wanting more. Nico my sexy mafia man had made me laugh when he pushed Elena in the swimming pool because he was jealous.
His jealousy and protectiveness over Elena is so hot.
I love Gianna character and I am so excited to read about her story.
I have two words for you…Nicolas Russo. u2063
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The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori is the first book in the Made series and damn, I hope the whole series is like this! Mafia romance at its finest! u2063
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Morally grey Don with “touch her and I’ll kill you” vibes.u2063
Fearless and loyal daughter who is insanely attracted to her sister’s fiancé.u2063
Forbidden romance, family drama, intense chemistry.u2063
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On the darker side, this book pulled me in from the very first page. I loved how it kept me guessing even when I thought I had things figured out. Spoiler alert – I didn’t. The story is fast-paced and never drags. I was totally invested in these characters and this story! u2063
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If you’ve never tried a mafia romance, you should definitely give this one a shot!
The Sweetest Oblivion was my first book by Danielle Lori and it was a fantastic one, especially if you love the “enemies to lovers” trope in a mafia romance. The sexual tension and chemistry between Elena and Nico was absolutely fire. I found their interactions to be completely electric and interesting from beginning to end! There was also a forbidden element to their relationship because Nico was engaged to her sister. However, there was no love lost between Nico and Adrianna since she was in love with somebody else. Nicolas Russo was possessive, dominant, controlling, and passionate whereas Elena was sweet, innocent, courageous, and a secret romantic. I loved watching these two fall in love and resolve their misunderstandings about each other.
Although this was a mafia romance, Elena and Nico’s burning need for each other is the heart of this story. One would even say that it was lust and love at first sight. Over the course of the book, their many interactions were teasers to their eventual coupling. At one point, I wanted to lock these two in a room together because they were killing me with their chemistry! Misunderstandings would, however, eventually get in the way of their happy ending. Despite being frustrated by Elena because she was keeping some major secrets from Nico, without that guilt, he would have never found out or believed the truth behind what happened to her six months ago.
In the end, I loved this story and I’m really curious about Christian and Gianna’s book. Elena and Nico were excellent characters, despite some frustrations, and I simply adore them as a couple. They were incredibly sexy and even angsty together. Every single interaction left me wanting more—which is a good thing! I would love a book for Tony and/or Benito, Elena’s brother and cousin. I found them endearing and charismatic. Overall, if you’re in the market for a mafia romance that focuses more on the romance with an over-the-top but sexy and possessive hero who will do anything for his heroine, then I highly recommend this book!
The Sweetest Oblivion:
Danielle Lori (Made Series #1)
“I would lose myself in Nicolas Russo and I wouldn’t know where to come up for air.”
Danielle Lori’s writing is amazing–it always has been. She’s one of my favorite authors because she has a magical way with words. They fly off the pages and you feel like you’re living the life. My first Danielle Lori novel–DEFINITELY not my last. She has a very lyrical way with words and makes the story come to life. With this series, she put herself at the very top of my author list and I will never go back to anyone else.
The sweet Elena Abelli’s sister is set to marry Nicholas Russo, boss of another mafia family. But, there’s undeniable and almost palpable tension between the two of them. Sexual tension soaks every single page. Nico is possessive and crazy but my kind of crazy. The man is literally so hot, so powerful, and so wild at the same time it gives me whiplash. He’s not smooth and charming like Christian Allister, he’s more rough around the edges but how can you hate the man for it? He’s dreamy.
Personally, I wasn’t able to connect to Elena as much as someone like Gianna, and for me, that’s super important to love a book. In addition, I think the slow-burn (a trope I am not usually good at) totally made me suffer–but at the end, it’s so worth it! Danielle has an amazing way of writing spice in a way that’s still beautiful between observations and their feelings.
Still, the best part of this book was meeting the love of my life–Christian Allister. His book, The Maddest Obsession, is without a doubt my favorite book of all time so if you haven’t read it… I don’t know what you’re doing. Just keep your paws off because he is MINE.
This is one of my favorite romance novels and I’ve read it 3 times already.
I highly recommend both the e-book and audiobook formats.
There are so many great things about this story:
the chemistry between the characters that oozes from the page
the plot
the character development
the slow burn romance
the way the alpha hero goes after the heroine and supports her self discovery journey
This is by far one of the best mafia romances out there.
Let me just come right out and say :
THANK YOU KATE STEWART AND KENNEDY RYAN for the recommendation
And And AND
Why hadn’t I heard of the Amazing Danielle Lori before?
What a book
WHAT. A. BOOK!!!
It’s being touted as a Mafia romance, but let me tell you, it’s a slow burn.
cooking-on-a-Candle slow
Watching-the-grass-grow slow
And it hurts so bad!!
BUT I WANT MORE!!
“His presence soaked through my skin with each inhale. His touch and taste and smell sank so deep they filled the cracks of my heart. He was becoming a drug, an addiction I would have to feed every day.”
It’s been a while since I got this excited for a Man. book..I meant book.
Nicolas Russo can kidnap me, hold me captive, dump me in the pool, hold me by the neck, kiss my neck and I’d say Yes Ace
His love is abrasive and callused. It scarred elenas’s and my skin. It’s inked on my heart.
Absolute. Powerful. Intense
“I wanted to fuck her and ruin her for anyone else. I wanted to crush her wings and then put them back together again so she’d become dependent on me. I wanted her to need me. That dark, possessive, and dangerous feeling crawled through me every time she crossed my path. Elena Abelli was my vice, and fuck if I’d let it kill me.”
Oh to be Elena in this novel. Surrounded by CRAZY family, weird brothers and cousins, Tony The Idiot had me in stitches, Nonna is what I want to be when I grow up and the way she’s the center of the universe, the object of lasvicious obsession by Nico…Omg!!
But Nico is cursed. He’s on a one way street uncharted and untravelled by him before. And his trust issues are fuelled by his temper time and time again. His power gives him aright to ram through life.
“Because you’ll fall in love with her, And she won’t love you back.”
Imagine that!!
But Elena is infected too, and she’s hiding a secret that will break them apart on a good day. Get her killed or maimed depending on generosity of Nico
I don’t even know how to word my review., how to go on living in this world surrounded by mere mortals when the God amongst men lives inside this book.
“I swear to God, Elena, if I find out you’ve let some man touch you, I will deliver his hands to you in a box.” I swallowed. “And I do not. Fucking. Bluff.”
It’s a arranged marriage/ hate-turned-love story but Ifrom page 1, where you see Nicolas Russo meet Elena Abelli, till the last page where they get their HEA. The pages in between are filled with so many emotions, their relationship turns Over and over like a restless insomniac, Elena dreams of him, her skin heats up when he’s near, her soul comes alight, her senses stand on its hair ends and I FELT IT ALL!! Their chemistry from page one was sizzling. The connection kept simmering, electricity kept buzzing.
Pages singed, my heart melted, my soul Burned alive, the story went from panting Breathless to I’ve landed on the surface of the sun HOT !!
That’s it! That’s my review! Go Read The Book
Do NOT miss this
But Nico is MINE! I’ll fight you for him.
5 stars for Crazy About Something
This is a mafia romance it’s one I’ve been meaning to get round to for a while and it’s also a new author for me pleased to say I do enjoy this one a whole lot.
Elena Abelli is the daughter of Salvatore Abelli a big crime boss in the united states nicknamed Sweet Abelli on account of her beauty and biddable nature she knows her future is out of her hands and that she lives by different rules to other young girls.
A bid for independence six months prior ended badly and Elena is still living with the stain on her reputation.
Nicolas Russo is the Don of one of the five families in New York contracted into marriage with Elena’s younger sister to cement their alliance Elena is just glad it’s not her on the marriage block yet.
From the start, these two definitely rub each other up the wrong way, both have prior assumptions about what they think the other is Nico thinks Elena shallow and superficial her head turned by all the attention she gets whilst Elena feels that Nico is a rude and arrogant man which unsurprisingly he actually is.
Nico is surprised that the sweet biddable Elena has claws and finds himself instantly drawn and fascinated with her.
His new fiancé Adriana pales in comparison and he also has no great interest in her actually finding her a bit weird.
A series of encounters at family gatherings dial up the tension gradually here until finally things are brought to an explosive head.
This is slow burn and nothing physically happens between these two until there in a position to act upon their chemistry.
There’s inappropriate talk and Innuendos and obvious interest but it’s basically PG.
That is until Nico going above and beyond to secure his newest obsession right where he wants her or actually doesn’t but can’t seem to help himself where she’s concerned.
The uncertainty about how they feel towards each other is carried on here right until the final pages.
A series of miscommunications standing between this couple because of a lack of transparency.
This is dual POV and very well written I did like Elena more than Nico who I did find somewhat abrasive at times but I was invested in the overall outcome.
The slow burn was done well I would maybe have liked a bit more communication on both sides and also apologies I really think Nico should have apologised about the incident with his cook and maid that just isn’t done and was just about him scoring points and hurting Elena acting on emotion and just being spiteful if the shoe was on the other foot, well he wouldn’t have taken it so well I’m sure.
Even though this is described as a forbidden romance it didn’t really feel that way to me as both Nico and Adriana had no emotional feelings towards each other and don’t even like each other that much.
This really did take the sting out of it and made it a bit of a non-issue.
This was definitely a hit and I will be picking up more of this authors work in the future.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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Nico was delicious.
I have read many mafia romances and after a while most of them start to feel the same to me. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case for The Sweetest Oblivion. I decided to give this book a chance because of the positive reviews, and the blurb sounded good as well. I enjoyed it a lot, I especially loved the sexual tension and chemistry between the two main characters Elena and Nico. It was a bit of a slow-burn but I didn’t mind it at all. I just liked that the author took her time for the relationship of the characters develop organically.
I loved the banter between Elena and Nico a lot, and she didn’t let him walk all over her. Nico found his match and he was hooked. The sex scenes were hot and passionate and I took my time reading them. The balance between mystery, humor, romance, and action was done well. However, there were times that the story fell a bit flat and I skimmed to get to the good parts. But that can also be because I wasn’t totally in the mood, so take it with a grain of salt.