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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3.75 Stars
I’ve always wanted to read Kristen Proby’s work and what’s a better way to try it with a new series. Underboss brilliantly kicked off the With Me in Seattle Mafia series. This fast-pace and suspenseful mafia romance was light on the dark and gritty. From two opposite crime families, Nadia and Carmine had to work together to solve the mystery behind some murders that were linked to their families.
These two strong and powerful heirs of the organized underworld had great chemistry from the very beginning. They had an intense and passionate connection but love was not part of the deal they brokered. Fate had different plans and I loved watching them fall in love while travelling with them around the world.
I greatly enjoyed this fast paced, thrilling and easy to read mafia romance. This book had set the stage with an interesting cast of characters and backstories. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I volunteered to provide an honest review of an advance complimentary copy of this book.
3.5/4 stars
This is a new mafia spin-off series from Kristen Proby.
Nadia Tarenkov is a mafia boss’s daughter and she may be a diva, but she is no princess. She is ruthless, lethal, smart, strong, and determined to play with the big boys and become the family boss someday. But lately, she has been having some trouble being targeted and now it seems someone is going after others as well.
Carmine Martinelli should be off-limits. He belongs to another mafia family although they are not exactly rivals, but it is always a volatile situation. And he may still be harboring some bitterness for some perceived wrongs. He is intelligent, vengeful, tough, bossy, and a complete alpha. But he also has a softer, caring, and protective side to him as well.
As they begin spending time together as enemies, it is a game of who is playing who. It is hard to know what is real and what are lies, but their chemistry is undeniable. But when things ramp up and they truly have to work together for their own safety and the good of their families, things start to get more complicated and messy. Trust, protection, and loyalty become even more important and these two tough and stubborn individuals start getting more attached. They make an imposing team, but they did not expect to actually catch feelings.
This is a sexy, suspenseful, fast-moving romance with steam, intrigue, and mafia business. There is murder, mayhem, mystery, and drama. But this feels more life mafia lite. Even though there is violence, it is not terribly dark or gritty and the scenes resolve quickly.
We also get to know their families including his brothers Shane and Rocco, and her friends Annika and Ivie that we will see more of in future stories.
Sexy and suspenseful.
I’ve said and and I repeat: Kristen’s books are always a safe read.
This is a mafia romance, but it doesn’t carry the customary grit and darkness that a mafia romance brings (although sometimes the mood calls for it).
As I said, it was sexy and it had suspense and action. The characters were enjoyable and it was a good story to read and forget about life and problems.
It’s sort of an enemies to lovers romance and the main characters work well together in so many ways. They come from the same world, so they understand each other’s priorities and way of thinking.
And what started as a deceiftul way to bring the other down quickly turns into an alliance. They learn they can trust each other with other with their secrets, their needs, their lives and specially their hearts.
And now I’m excited for Carmine’s brothers.
UNDERBOSS is the first instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult WITH ME IN SEATTLE MAFIA romance series-a spin off from the author’s WITH ME IN SEATTLE series. This is mob boss son Carmine Martinelli, and thirty year old, Mafia princess Nadia Tarenkov’s story line. Carmine, Nadia, Rocco and Shane were first introduced in YOU BELONG WITH ME-Carmine’s cousin Elena’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Carmine and Nadia) UNDERBOSS follows the forbidden relationship between heir to the Martinelli family Carmine Martinelli, and Mafia princess Nadia Tarenkov. The Martinelli and Tarenkov families are at war but our heroine, since the age of thirteen, has been attracted to the Martinelli heir Carmine Martinelli. Seventeen years later, a family wedding then a ‘chance’ encounter in Miami finds Carmine and Nadia in a mutually beneficial relationship, a relationship predicated upon a lie but a designer drug is killing the users, and Carmine and Nadia are forced to work together by the heads of the families, to uncover the people responsible. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Nadia and Carmine, and the potential fall-out as Nadia is targeted for who she is, and what she knows.
Carmine Martinelli is determined to make Nadia Tarenkov pay for sins of the father but Nadia isn’t so sure that her father is guilty of the crimes he has been accused. On the hunt for an unknown assailant and drug supplier, Nadia and Carmine are pulled into a dangerous game of power and control.
The relationship between Nadia and Carmine is one of immediate attraction but Carmine is single minded in his effort to take down the Tarenkov family. Slowly succumbing to their mutual attraction, the sexual tension is sizzling and hot. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.
We are introduced to Carmine’s brothers Rafe aka Rocco, and Shane, nd their father Carlo; Nadia’s brother Alex, and their father Igor Taren Mick and Billy Sergi; Nadia’s cousin Annika, and her husband Richard Donaldson; and Annika’s friend and assistant Ivie Roberts. Ivie and Shane’s story is next.
UNDERBOSS is a story of family and betrayal; vengeance and revelations; romance and love. The premise is delightful and intriguing; the romance is spicy and moving; the characters are sassy and spirited. UNDERBOSS is a wonderful introduction to Kristen Proby’s WITH ME IN SEATTLE MAFIA series.
Amazing read by Kristen Proby. Carmine and Nadia were destined to be together from being teenagers to adulthood. They had hate to love relationship with heavy chemistry. Kristen put twists and turns that wasn’t expected. I enjoyed reading this book without a doubt.
I could not put this book down, then when I finished it I wanted to forget how great it was an reread it like it was the first time. Kristen Proby has another great read and start of a new branch of the Seattle series. Nadia and Carmine are a great couple that I loved getting to know. Plus you get to meet new people to root for in Shane, Rocco, Ivie and Annika. Seeing the mafia way is great and these two learning to trust and count on each other was great. Can’t wait to reread.
I’m the first to admit Kristen Proby is a go to author for me and I love everything about Seattle and the residents she has introduced me too but I was hesitant as to how a Mafia story would fit into this town, well I should have worried because Underboss was an amazing story that captivated me from the first chapter and didn’t let me go until I had read the final word. I fell hard and fast for Carmine Martinelli and his brothers and I want a friend like Nadia Tarenkov because she strong, loves with passion and will always have your back if you are part of her circle.
This is an enemies to lovers romance and it’s a great start to the new With Me in Seattle Mafia Series. Carmine is the eldest son of a Seattle crime boss and he will do whatever is needed to protect his family and Nadia is daughter of a Russian Mafia family and she is destined to rule but what happens when this couple are thrown together to find out who is out to kill family members……
Everything about this book is exciting, it’s full of family loyalty, sizzling chemistry and plenty of suspense and danger. This is a very special read that has left me wanting more abd I can’t wait to see where Ms Proby takes us next with the hot as hell Martinelli men !!!!
OMG, if I could give this story more than 5 stars I would!!!! Suspense, drama, nail biting story that is hard to put down for one minute!!!! Nadia Tarenkov is the daughter of a Bratva boss, Carmine Martinelli is the oldest son of a mafia family, together they need to uncover who is behind the poisoning of a member of Nadia’s father inner circle with a drink which was meant for the don? Their journey started when Carmine went in search of Nadia in Miami seeking revenge for the murder of a close family member, soon the ruse will take another turn and they are in the middle of searching for killer. When Nadia is attacked and left barely standing, things start to heat up. The story will take you on a rollercoaster ride of thrills like you never experienced before. Carmine and Nadia are a match made in heaven, both are strong believers in family and what they represent. However, they are rivals and yet together they are stronger and complete each other. Nadia is smart and a strong leader and so is Carmine with the help of his brothers Rocco who works in the family business and Shane who works for??? I can’t wait to see what Shane and Rocco’s stories have in store for us. I volunteered to review this story.
An amazing start to a brand new series. A couple of surprises I didn’t see coming but so worth it. Could not put this book down. Two Mafia families from different territories like mixing oil and water. But what started as enemies has now become lovers. Carmine and Nadia’s chemistry is off the charts. When they first got together he was determined to make her and her family pay for the death of his aunt and uncle. He never thought he would fall in love with her. She was known as an ice princess and it was great to see Carmine melt her walls. A truly incredible read and start of a new series. Cannot wait to see what the other ones will be.
This is a must read book. You will fall in love with Carmine and Nadia. I couldn’t get enough of them. I didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait to read Shane and Rafe “Rocco” books. Kristen Proby can not write a bad book! This is why is is my favorite author.
5 Star review of Underboss (With Me in Seattle Mafia #1) by Kristen Proby
I will be honest and admit that mafia based stories are not at all a genre I usually read. However, having read other books in the With Me In Seattle series by Kristen Proby, I decided to take a chance and put my hand up to read and review. I am so glad I did.
Underboss is an enemies to lovers story that was well written, riveting and the story line drew me in and held me captive from the first to the last chapter. Carmine Martinelli is the eldest son of a Seattle crime boss and to him family is everything whilst Nadia Tarenkov is the daughter of a Russian mafia family who is determined to rule her family.
These two plan to use one another to achieve their goals, what they don’t realize is that they are surrounded by enemies everywhere. They will need to work together if they are to succeed. Carmine and Nadia are well matched and I loved the dynamic of their relationship as despite themselves it blossomed into love.
The chemistry and passion between Carmine and Nadia is intense and as the danger intensifies we the readers are taken on a suspenseful ride that at times had me fearing for both of them.
I cannot wait to see what Ms. Proby has in story for us with this series.
This is the first book in Kristen Proby’s With Me, Mafia series, Underboss. We met Carmine and his brother’s in Elena’s book, now we get the down a dirty on Carmine, his family and Nadia.
This book blew my mind, holy hell batman, Nadia and Carmine were so hot together. They have known one another since they were teens, but Nadia was warned to stay away from Carmine and his brothers. Fast forward to years later they are tasked by their families to work together to find out who killed Carmine’s father. They both were such strong characters that played off one another, and the mystery part of their story was perfect.
Their story has it all, intrigue, suspense, romance. I love a good enemies to lovers, and these two do not disappoint. It’s a book you will devour and have you wanting more.
Wow! This book was action packed and still full of the romance and swoon worthy heroes Kristen Proby is famous for. It kept me guessing, and I can’t wait for the next book!
If you are looking for a “lighter” dark romance, look no further! This book had just the right amount of suspense and action to draw you in right away. This book was great at setting up the cast of characters for the next books in the series without taking away from the story being told. Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Received a arc for a honest review.
Underboss is book 1 in the With Me In Seattle Mafia series by Kristen Proby. We were first introduced to the Martinelli family in You Belong With Me, Elena and Archer’s story.
Underboss is Carmine and Nadia’s story. I am quite new to a Mafia storyline. I totally enjoyed it. Well, actually I loved it!! This particular storyline I typically avoided because I was afraid of the amount of violence that would be in it. Yes, there is some violence but, this storyline by Kristen Proby had lots of familiar elements that I typically expect in her books. HOT alpha males and very strong females. What I found to be new was that Nadia is quite alpha herself. She needs to be because her goal is to one day be the “Boss” of her father’s organization. Nadia is strong(character), smart, beautiful, strong sense of family, and quite sexy. Carmine is a typical Proby alpha male then add in the mafia characteristics on top of that and you have one very sexy man. Not sure how to explain “mafia” characteristics but, Carmine is family oriented, protective of the people he loves, will never hurt a woman no matter what (even though he is mafia), gorgeous (have I said that yet?), and deep down a good guy at heart.
I was not sure what to expect with a “mafia” storyline but, I truly did enjoy Underboss. The charters are great and a thread of suspense/tension/mystery was fun! If you like Kristen Proby and want something familiar yet new, then Underboss will not be a disappointment. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *****
“I don’t mind being called the ice princess at all. Because when emotions get tangled up in business, you die.”
You shouldn’t be wasting time reading this review you should just stop, download the book and hunker down. I absolutely loved every element of this book…storyline, characters, writing style…it was the perfect balance of angst, wit, romance, sexiness, violence. I love a good mafia book and this did not disappoint! I can’t wait for the series to continue in Headhunter and I hope there is no ending in sight for these families!!!
Forbidden…Off-limits…Double cross……Broken…Healing…Hope…
“I’m not ready to meet Satan yet. Or, should I say, he’s not ready for me?”
When Nadia was 13 years old she planted a big kiss on Carmine little did she know what would come of that. When trouble comes around the families these two are tasked with getting to the bottom of the trouble. Trouble brought them together but love will keep them together! I so can’t wait for the next book!! I am totally hooked!!!
Nadia Tarenkov, the little princess of the bratva mafia, was twelve when she met the Martinellis brothers at a wedding party. They were around the same age as her older brother, Alex (around 16/17 years old), and one of them caught her attention.
Carmine.
But even though she thought he was a gorgeous boy, their families were there, in the same place, because there was a law of truce in the mafia when it came to weddings and funerals. At other times? Enemies.
And that is exactly what her father said: “stay away from the Martinellis”.
The years passed, and now, she was an important part of the family.
The older brother who was supposed to be her father’s successor, Igor Tarenkov, was an egocentric asshole, and she knew he would do more harm than good to the family, which was why she wanted to prove she would be a wiser choice. And that included keeping the Martinellis under surveillance.
On the other hand, the Martinellis wanted answers and revenge.
Elena Watkins’ parents (You Belong with me, she marries someone outside the mafia, Archer Montgomery), Carmine’s dear cousin, had her parents murdered and he and his brothers were sure that it was Bratva’s fault. To find out more about it, he decides to combine the useful with the pleasant: he would keep a close eye on their little princess, and while they were enjoying a few weeks of a lot of sex, he would try to discover the enemy’s secrets.
However, an unexpected attack – the attempt to poison Carlo Martinelli, Carmine’s father – causes the two families to join forces to find out who was in charge and who was inserting a new deadly drug into their territory.
Carmine and Nadia would be forced to work together, in fact.
But more than being at the enemy’s side, his ego was hurt to discover that while he was watching her, she was there to do the same to him.
So, were those crazy weeks of wild sex and everlasting love really a scam?
—————–
Proby took a long time to enter this universe, but believe me, she is better than ever.
Her men, the main characters, continue to be overprotective, and would never hurt a woman (which cannot be said about the enemy).
Action, romance and plot twist to speed up your heartbeat, with a very surprising ending.
I do need to read the next book asap.
5 stars
Carmine and Nadia two people that are equally matched in their ability to kick butt and take names. Enemies that have to use one another for information but end up finding more than they bargained for. Exciting, thrilling and filled with suspense a Mafia romance that is all danger and passion.
Carmine and Nadia take us on a journey into finding more one another and themselves all while protecting their family.
This is the first book in the spin off series, and for the first book in the series is it simply put exciting and steamy all the way through. The Martinelli brothers are powerful, protective and yet gentle to the women in their lives. We get a glimpse of several Mafia families in this book that will definitely play out in this series from Seattle, Atlanta, New York and Denver, I am extremely excited to see where this series takes us next. I want more of Carmine and Nadia, but also want to see the borthers find the love that is teased at through out this book.
Passion and danger, the Mafia life is what brought them together and fills their lives with a passion for living it even harder. I loved immersing myself in their world!
Underboss needs more stars for making me a convert. I can’t believe I am saying this but I am now a fan of the Mafia Romance genre. Kristen Proby has sunk her words into my heart and I can’t wait to have more.
Underboss is a very intriguing story. My eyes were glued to the pages searching for hints. I needed to know if it was all related or just random acts of death and mayhem.
Underboss is full of suspense. Carmine and Nadia are followed across country. Carmine and Nadia are trailed across Europe. Nadia is attacked numerous times. It isn’t pretty and their is not explanation. Suspects would rather die than spill.
Underboss is full of romance. Forbidden Romance. From two different Mafia families they are taboo. Are they for real? Are they a means to an end for each other? Are they faking it? Can they keep from falling?
All of the nail biting, all of the screaming, all of the freaking was so worth it. The mystery is solved in a mouth dropping ending that finally proves love conquers all.