From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new family in her With Me In Seattle world! Hold onto your seat as we introduce you to Kristen’s new MAFIA FAMILY!As the eldest son of Seattle’s current mob boss, Carmine Martinelli’s life has never really been his own. But he doesn’t mind because his family means more to him than his life. Which is why he’s determined to make … to make those responsible for the death of his aunt and uncle pay—in inventive and gruesome ways. And what better way to do that than to infiltrate the Russian mafia from the inside? It’s a good thing the bratva’s princess is stunning and seemingly willing to do whatever he asks. This vengeance could be the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
Nadia Tarenkov has several things stacked against her: she’s a woman, and she’s not the eldest child in her family. But it doesn’t matter. She has her sights set on ruling the syndicate, and she always gets what she wants. When the heir to one of the States’ most powerful crime families comes knocking, Nadia sees it for the gift it is. He thinks he has her fooled, but she’s smarter, more cunning, and always two steps ahead. She’ll beat the gorgeous mobster at his own game, and secure her place in the fold.
What neither of them takes into consideration, however, is that they aren’t the only ones with deadly plans in motion. To survive, they’ll have to come clean and work together—and acknowledge that the growing love they’ve been pretending isn’t there, is very real.
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3.5 Who Is Playing Whom Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Oh, I love when the best-laid plans get flipped on the one who is planning. In the new series, Underboss (With Me in Seattle Mafia #1), we have two main planners, and each thinks they know exactly what is happening and THEY have the upper hand.
Surprise…both are in for a huge surprise because they never factored in the pull, the desire, and the need to be there for each other.
This is a story about revenge for the deaths of family members for Carmine and the plan for Nadia to assert herself and become what she felt she should, breaking the long-held traditions of only the eldest male and no woman ever being the head of the family.
Carmine and Nadia have a long history together, even though their families are usually against each other. Meeting when Nadia was thirteen and Carmine sixteen, there wasn’t any hesitation in Nadia’s mind. Carmine had something Nadia wanted and she took it. Nadia’s behavior then and as she became the beauty she was…never changed, just got more cunning and sharper. She had her goal and would go for it no matter what. If it meant letting those around her underestimate her…all the better.
Carmine was no slouch either. He grew into a dominating, handsome man who was respected by those who knew what he could do. Carmine never let the deaths of his beloved aunt and uncle fade away. He had a plan to get the necessary information leading to who did what…and it was foolproof.
He had people knowing where Nadia was at all times and it was now time to make his move.
He would woo her, capture her in his bed, making her vulnerable and easy to get the information he needed. There wasn’t a woman alive who could resist Carmine’s attention and skills. He was determined to get what he needed and too bad if Nadia was the one used for his revenge.
But as I always say…Nothing is as it seems. Nadia knows there are motives for this surprise interest by Carmine and it becomes a Cat and Mouse game as to who is manipulating who and then more importantly, who is coming for the both of them.
Kristen Proby understands how to start a series, how to tease us for more, and keep our interest. She has laid all the groundwork for the next entry, Headhunter.
I found this to be a sexy and suspenseful story. This a mafia romance, but it’s not as dark as some are. It has some grit but not overly dark. Nadia does get roughed up several times. There was just enough suspense to keep you wondering what is up. Both of them come from opposing families and understand what their job is in their families. I love how Carmine figured out he loved Nadia before she did. I enjoyed the narrations for this book also.
This book was everything I could have hoped for and so much more. I’m super picky about my mafia stories, but I have fallen down the rabbit hole that is Kristen Proby. Nadia and Carmine are from rival families. In an effort to keep your friends close but your enemies closer, these two start out in an unconventional fashion. But as time progresses, it becomes clear that there is more going on with their families and between them.
This story was full of mystery, twists and turns, and family deception. What starts as nothing more than a scouting mission quickly turns to more for Carmine and Nadia. They try to deny it, but it’s just there. These two have to figure out who and what they trust.
Kristen let me on the edge of my seat with this book. I was glued to every word, waiting to see what’s going to happen next. I loved Carmine and Nadia. I loved having a fierce heroine who wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and what she believed in. Carmine wanted to not love her, he honestly tried, but she was so much more than he could have ever imagined. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I love this author and everything I have read to date, keeps me coming back for more. This time she has not just dipped her toe in to the mafia genre, she has bathed in it!!!
What a rush this book was! I could not put it down! The twists and turns had the blood pumping through my veins and I loved every minute of it!! I cannot wait for more!!!
Absolute magic!
The hype for this book is completely deserving! Carmine and Nadia are electric on the page! This story goes from 0 to 100 right out of the gate and I never expected it to be so hot so quickly. I absolutely love Nadia, she takes no prisoners and is one of the strongest characters I have read. Her and Carmine play games, but don’t BS each other which is refreshing. They are lovers to enemies to friends to lovers and I had no idea I would enjoy it so much. Carmine is an Alpha and a caretaker. He treats Nadia like a queen and respects the hell out of her. None of the expected mafioso gender stereotyping in this book and I loved it. Even if you aren’t a Mafia Trope fan, you will love this book.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.
Carmine and Nadia’s story was amazing, definitely not what I expected in a good way. This story is very captivating, will have you reading on edge and you simply can’t put it down. Kristen Proby surprised me with this new mafia series and I must say I want more, so keep them coming.
Underboss was just everything! Kristen Proby kept you guessing, just when you thought you knew the answer, she’d throw a wrench in to prove you wrong. There was this air of intense anxiety that filled you with every page turned.
The story gave me a Mr. and Mrs. Smith feel to it and I was completely engrossed. Nadia and Carmine started off as enemies and when I tell you the two went toe to toe and it was haaaawt! Nadia was bad and I love me a bad heroine, she was not the one you wanted to underestimate.
And Carmine? Oh my surprisingly sweet and alpha mafioso, this man was simply delicious perfection. Now, Proby definitely knows how to hook you because that teaser for the next installment was just cruel but I’m so eager for it!
Underboss is a tame Mafia romance. I liked the storyline and the characters, I didn’t find it as exciting as I would’ve wanted given it’s trope but, all in all it’s a good read.
Great Series Starter! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Carmine and Nadia’s story was full of suspense and sooooo much chemistry! I’m already in love with these brothers and cannot wait for more from this series!
Love Love Love!!
Okay, so, I’m not a huge fan of mafia romances…BUT…I am a huge fan of author Kristen Proby, and her With Me In Seattle series, and she’s written some mafia books that are interconnected with the Seattle series. Am I going to read them, love them, and ask for more? I don’t want to be swimming with the fishes, so you bet the heck I am.
So, UNDERBOSS. If I could have envisioned the perfect mob couple, Carmine Martinelli and Nadia Tarkenov are it. Carmine is 100 percent alpha, in control, “family” man to the core. Nadia’s not taking any, erm, stuff from anyone, and can handle the business like a pro. These two are a match made in mafia heaven…savvy, sexy, strong, and getting things done.
Once I started UNDERBOSS, I could not put it down, and when I got to the end, I wanted more. More Carmine and Nadia, to be sure, but also more Shane, more Rocco, just more. Luckily for us, the other Martinelli brothers have stories of their own coming our way, and they promise to be just as full of intrigue, passion, and action as UNDERBOSS. So, what are you going to do? Get this book, settle in, and enjoy.
I have been reading Kristen Proby for almost 8 years now. Each story I think “how could she top this?” Ummm well the answer is MAFIA!!! Mafia is how she can top anything she has done before!
I was completely taken away with this story!! I feel we got a small taste with You Belong with Me when we were introduced to the Martenelli family, but Carmine is something to write home about!! You are seriously taken away in this story. Nadia, man she is a strong fierce female! Absolutely loved her!
I can’t write too much without giving away the story, and I hate spoilers. I will just say, READ THIS!!! If you like Mafia, READ this!!!
If you liked You Belong with Me, READ this!!! If you are a fan of Kristen Proby, READ THIS!!!
This ranks in my all time top 5 from Kristen’s books!!
Well done, if I could give more than 5 stars, I totally would!
WOW! I knew I was going to love this book, but, WOW! I was completely blown away by this book!
Carmine and Nadia’s story was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be and more! Nadia was AMAZING! There is one point in the book where Nadia shows her true bada$$-ness and I fell completely in love with her! Carmine was the epitome of a mafia boss – and I LOVED him for it! This story had the perfect blend of everything that makes a great mafia story! I cannot wait for the brother’s stories now! AMAZING!
So excited for Kristen’s dive into organized crime families! Carmine has always fit right into the family and the family business, focusing on family first and family over everything. We meet him in a previous book where he works with his brothers to find their missing cousin Elena, who the was close with in childhood. Once Elena was found, Carmine’s focus turned to finding out who was responsible for her parents’ deaths, and this involves using Nadia to do so. Carmine and Nadia met years ago when she was too young to mean anything to him, but as an adult she has a grasp on the family business as well as the men involved in these different families. She is much smarter and knowledgeable than she leads on, and as a character she is one of the best I’ve read of so far – she knows that Carmine is using him, but what he doesn’t know is that she’s using him right back! But plans never go as anticipated and these two end up falling for each other, although both of them fight it tooth and nail. As they work together to find out who’s behind not only Elena’s parents’ murders but also other murders and attempted murders, Nadia gets targeted as well and while she can handle her own, it’s a rule that women and children are not gone after. I was actually surprised to see where this book ended up and who was behind everything, especially because it took quite a turn on who was behind everything, but in the end Carmine and Nadia not only got their HEA, but they also merged two rival families. I can’t wait to see what happens with Carmine’s brothers, especially after some “easter eggs” were planted in this story! I love Kristen’s books and her storylines and I also love how all her books intertwine and involve the others!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
They both have plans but neither planned on falling in love. Carmine is out for revenge. If using the beautiful bratva princess will help move his plans along then so be it. She is smart sassy and gives him all he desires in the bedroom. Nadia has plans of her own. She wants to be in charge on the syndicate. She plays along with Carmine to get what she wants. It doesn’t hurt that he is charming handsome and sets her body on fire. There is plenty of action, suspense and chemistry to keep the reader interested and turning the pages. It’s a race to find a killer and protect the ones you love. They must work together to survive.
Welcome to the new mafia world by Kristen Proby!
I’ve been an on and off again reader of Ms Proby’s for years, but I’m glad I just hopped backed on in the last year. She has revisited her “With Me in Seattle” series, adding to the family, and I’ve enjoyed all the extended family. But this one is a spin off. No need to read any other books. We get to dive into Proby’s new Mafia world she has created that has a base in Seattle (and Denver and Atlanta). And I’m here for it.
Underboss is the first book in this series and we are introduced to Carmine and Nadia, two members of rival mafia families. Nadia is a seemingly spoiled princess that spends money on purses and shoes like there’s no tomorrow. But she isn’t what she appears. Lately, she seems to be a target for someone and has become their punching bag. She can hold her own though, can take a beating, shoot a man and live to tell about it.
Meanwhile, there is Carmine. He is sexy as sin and belongs to a rival mafia family. He’s off limits. But when you are assigned to make a woman fall in love with you, that’s what he’ll do. After events take place at a wedding, he and Nadia form an alliance to find answers. Two mafia families uniting for the greater good.
Nadia and Carmine begin their enemies to lovers game and lines begin to blur quite quickly when working together for their families. When one is in danger the other one comes to protect. They work together to find answers and protect their families, but at what cost? What will they find and how will it affect everyone around them.
Underboss is a fast faced, sexy and suspenseful mafia romance. I found it to be not so brutal nor heavy on the violence but there was still murder and intriguing moments throughout. I thought we sped through some parts of the book and wish their were more finer details, but overall got a decent feel of what the end goal was. The connection between Nadia and Carmine was fast, swift and obvious. This book definitely set the tone of what will follow.
I also had the chance to listen to the audio of this book and found the narrators did a fantastic job of portraying the characters. I definitely enjoyed the female narrator (Kelsey Navarro) and felt in her performance that she was pretty bad ass, just as Nadia was. She definitely stood out. Nothing against Carmine (Tor Thom), but I appreciate the strong character that Nadia was and the narrator got it down quite well.
Overall, a good start to a new series by Kristen Proby. I’m intrigued and excited to see what comes next.
I had never read a mafia romance before and I was hesitant to read this one. I usually love Kristen Proby’s books so I decided to give it a shot. I adored this book! I loved Carmine and Nadia. I loved the rival family aspect. I loved getting to know Carmine’s brothers and the other future main characters in the series. I cannot wait for the next book!
My, oh, my! I loved this one!
In my opinion enemies-to-lovers is always an interesting romance trope to read because watching everything unfold and their hatred for one another turn into something that is completely opposite of what they’ve seemed to always feel proves just how thin a line there is between love and hate.
For Carmine Martinelli and Nadia Tarenkov, Kristen Proby’s newest main characters, there’s a very valid reason for their mutual disdain, but what’s also there is an underlying attraction – one that seemed to spark early on and it’s that pull as well as the fact that these two get thrown together to uncover who’s threatening their families that allow these would-be enemies to cross over into something that may cause a world of complications but end up potentially saving their lives as well.
I love a strong heroine – one who can stand on her own and turn the tables on the opposite sex and Nadia Tarenkov is one such kickbutt female lead. She has a sharp mind, quick wit, and is able to outsmart even the most intelligent of men, namely the eldest son of Seattle’s mob boss. Nadia wants to prove herself worthy to head the family business, regardless of the fact that she’s not the eldest nor is she a man. And let me tell you, she proves time and time again that she has the stones to do what needs to be done, by any means necessary.
Carmine is just as tenacious and cutthroat as Nadia, but that’s to be expected considering who he is and what will one day be his. What I found most endearing about him is the fact that he doesn’t abuse his position nor act like he’s better than everyone else. He’s not a hothead, most of the time, which keeps him grounded and appreciate the concept of family, which is why he and Nadia work together to begin with.
The fact that these two work so well together and actually benefit from one another’s skillset as well as the amount of time they have to spend together to get to the bottom of the deception and betrayal allow Carmine and Nadia to give in to what they’ve always felt for each other but could never act on given the dynamics at play between their rival families.
Secrets, seduction, and suspense abound in the first book of Kristen Proby’s new mafia series, With Me in Seattle Mafia, and I’m excited to see what the author has in store for the other two Martinelli brothers and the women Proby matches them up with as well as the mafia world they’re in.
4.5 Poison Apples
I forgot how much I enjoyed the writing of Kristin Proby. Getting back to Seattle with all these new characters was quite the enjoyment for me. This mafia book was fast paced, dangerous, suspenseful, intriguing, filled with quick banter and had a great romance.
Carmine Martinelli and Nadia Tarenkov are from different crime families. They are an amazing couple that develops from a hate to love relationship. When Carmine decides to play Nadia for information, well he forgets that besides being gorgeous, Nadia is just as smart as he is and knows he is up to something. While they are both playing, real feelings begin for these two and this makes for complications. Not to mention that they must work together to discover who is causing chaos for their families.
While this book is about Carmine and Nadia, we also get to know his brothers, Rocco and Shane, as well as Nadia’s cousin and friend, Annika and Ivie. Once again the cast of characters is wonderful and makes me excited for all their stories to be told.
Carmine will do what it takes to get information from the enemy – even seducing his daughter, Nadia. They are caught up in a whirlwind romance that looks to have a promising future. But looks can be deceiving, and you soon see the real Carmine and Nadia. And they are both explosive together and apart. Carmine, a leader with a black heart, underestimates Nadia and her thirst for power. It’s refreshing to see a heroine full of surprises. Nadia wants to prove to her mob boss father that she has what it takes to rule one day. But first she needs to team up with Carmine for a job. With both their guards down they finally see each other for who they really are. When Nadia becomes a target and is in danger, Carmine realizes that he’s finally met his match and will do whatever is necessary to protect Nadia.
I am so excited for the continuation of the With Me series in the mafia world! This first book is a great start to the series. It’s packed with suspense, action, and falling in love mafia-style. Looking forward to the next book!