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gizdawgs's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shryanayak's review
2.0
The number of times I went back to re-read something and face-palm over a character's stupidity isn't minuscule. ☆Flawed☆ stars a hero who can't spot that a girl's four to six months pregnant. He met then 18 year old h at a club, stuff happens and everything leads to them tossing the sheets before Luca (H) pulls the vanishing game, often disappearing from weeks on end to a couple of months, only coming back to profess his undying love to Chanel (h) and get back to tossing the sheets. This scenario must've happened at least five times throughout the book.
Don't even get me started on Chanel - what a frustrating woman! Okay, so she gets to know that Luca sides with the Abruzzos, a mob family her family passionately hates and decides to hightail out of Luca's sight. But she keeps going back just to provoke him, yet the moment he makes a move, Chanel snaps at him. Again, this is a recurrent theme until the final 70% or so. If this wasn't frustrating enough, she's shown to be a 'confident vixen' in Luca's eyes when really, she's only crying all the time.
Spoilers tags ahead ***
▪︎ For all of you who are looking for the safe romance tag, Chanel is not devoted to H in their years of separation.
▪︎ I don't think H is celibate either.
▪︎ Misunderstandings & Angst. A lot of it. In fact, it is the entire plot.
▪︎ The author never explores the idea of putting the leads in different situations. Everything always revolves or comes down to how Luca hid his identity.
▪︎ H brings out his alpha male tendencies only during their intimate moments. Rest of the time, he's shown to be a frustrated man, probably in his late 30s, dying to get on with his 'white picket fence' dream.
▪︎ Ending was meh. Zara? I didn't like.
Don't even get me started on Chanel - what a frustrating woman! Okay, so she gets to know that Luca sides with the Abruzzos, a mob family her family passionately hates and decides to hightail out of Luca's sight. But she keeps going back just to provoke him, yet the moment he makes a move, Chanel snaps at him. Again, this is a recurrent theme until the final 70% or so. If this wasn't frustrating enough, she's shown to be a 'confident vixen' in Luca's eyes when really, she's only crying all the time.
Spoilers tags ahead ***
▪︎ For all of you who are looking for the safe romance tag, Chanel is not devoted to H in their years of separation.
▪︎ I don't think H is celibate either.
▪︎ Misunderstandings & Angst. A lot of it. In fact, it is the entire plot.
▪︎ The author never explores the idea of putting the leads in different situations. Everything always revolves or comes down to how Luca hid his identity.
▪︎ H brings out his alpha male tendencies only during their intimate moments. Rest of the time, he's shown to be a frustrated man, probably in his late 30s, dying to get on with his 'white picket fence' dream.
▪︎ Ending was meh. Zara? I didn't like.
pattyfgd's review
5.0
Flawed
Mafia Wars New York, Book 5
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Stephanie Németh-Parker, Zachary Johnson
There is nothing better than an age-gap, secret child, mafia romance, except if it's written by Maggie Cole. Her Mafia Wars series all stand alone, but if listened to in order, the cameos of other families make her stories come alive. Chanel is immediately charmed by the handsome, older Luca, and after a night of passion finds out he is part of her family's enemies. Now she must make decisions that will effect her life forever. Working for the Marino family, she has a loyalty that will not be broken. Luca does not give up so easily, but as the years go on, he loses his track of her and his work for the Abruzzos has him deep in the family. These two have no idea the reality of their decisions and how it effects their lives. Cole has our hearts breaking as Chanel and Luca pine for each other, never finding the love they shared with anyone else. She weaves a story of revenge, love and regret that is just so good, and the perfect way to end New York series. With a glimpse from Tully, we have some feelings coming full circle. Grab this entire series!
Zachary Johnson is phenomenal as Luca. He has a commanding, alpha voice, and a sensuality that melts my heart. Stephanie Nemeth Parker shines with her French accent and Chanel's strength and love. This tam is perfectly cast and made this listen amazing!
Mafia Wars New York, Book 5
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Stephanie Németh-Parker, Zachary Johnson
There is nothing better than an age-gap, secret child, mafia romance, except if it's written by Maggie Cole. Her Mafia Wars series all stand alone, but if listened to in order, the cameos of other families make her stories come alive. Chanel is immediately charmed by the handsome, older Luca, and after a night of passion finds out he is part of her family's enemies. Now she must make decisions that will effect her life forever. Working for the Marino family, she has a loyalty that will not be broken. Luca does not give up so easily, but as the years go on, he loses his track of her and his work for the Abruzzos has him deep in the family. These two have no idea the reality of their decisions and how it effects their lives. Cole has our hearts breaking as Chanel and Luca pine for each other, never finding the love they shared with anyone else. She weaves a story of revenge, love and regret that is just so good, and the perfect way to end New York series. With a glimpse from Tully, we have some feelings coming full circle. Grab this entire series!
Zachary Johnson is phenomenal as Luca. He has a commanding, alpha voice, and a sensuality that melts my heart. Stephanie Nemeth Parker shines with her French accent and Chanel's strength and love. This tam is perfectly cast and made this listen amazing!
quinnreads2's review against another edition
5.0
Watching You Watch
This book is good, really good, but the last quarter of it had my heart pounding and tears falling! ❤️
This book is good, really good, but the last quarter of it had my heart pounding and tears falling! ❤️
shedevilreads's review against another edition
5.0
Flawed by Maggie Cole is an age gap mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker and Zachary Johnson. This is the fifth and final book in the Mafia Wars New York series.
I absolutely love Maggie's books! She does an amazing job pulling me into the story. I loved the chemistry between Luca and Chanel. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Zachary and Stephanie did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, accidental pregnancy romances, forbidden romances, age gap romances, or romantic suspense.
I absolutely love Maggie's books! She does an amazing job pulling me into the story. I loved the chemistry between Luca and Chanel. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Zachary and Stephanie did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, accidental pregnancy romances, forbidden romances, age gap romances, or romantic suspense.
lmcgowen's review against another edition
4.0
Flawed is the first book of Maggie Cole's that I've read.
The author's writing pulled me right into the book with the first chapter.
I enjoyed Luca and Chanel's journey to HEA.
Since I did not read any books in the series. I don't feel that it took away from
the story of the 2 main characters. However, I did feel like there were a
lot of characters and if I had read the whole series, I might not have felt
this way.
The author's writing pulled me right into the book with the first chapter.
I enjoyed Luca and Chanel's journey to HEA.
Since I did not read any books in the series. I don't feel that it took away from
the story of the 2 main characters. However, I did feel like there were a
lot of characters and if I had read the whole series, I might not have felt
this way.
angelastone's review against another edition
5.0
4.25+. Even thought I’m not a fan of the miscommunication/secret keeping trope I like this one a lot. Really liked learning more about Luca.
lairy17's review
5.0
Ialways fret about how a series as good as this will end...and it didn't disappoint! Luca and Chanel's story was well worth waiting for! Both of them are on opposite sides of the coin...working for each other's enemies,after one night together Chanel knew they shouldn't fall back into the rabbit hole of the fire and passion they had when together,but each time it became harder and harder. Luca knew what he wanted and that was his previous "stellina" .So many secrets,so much agony,so much action and love was on every page of this book and it was a perfect end to the series! I'm looking forward to what comes next from Maggie!
smithrachaelynn's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was such an angsty and pretty sad story. There was a heavy focus on the politics of the mafia families and how that impacted the relationships. I think the timeline made this tough for me to get into as well. It happens over 14 or 15 years.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Drug use
megs004's review
5.0
Flawed is the fifth and final book of the Mafia Wars New York series, and it was a fantastic, bittersweet ending to a phenomenal series. I did not want the book or the series to end.
This book focuses on the love story of Chanel Moulin and Luca Marino. This story expands over fifteen years, and it is a love story that you don’t want to miss. Chanel and Luca spend one steamy night together, and then Chanel finds herself pregnant. Chanel keeps the father's true identity from everyone because she thinks Luca is part of the enemy. After things hit the fan and people discover the truth, can Chanel and Luca trust each other again?
This book was a perfect conclusion to the series, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The love story and the secret baby troupe were an added bonus. I highly recommend this book and this series.
This book focuses on the love story of Chanel Moulin and Luca Marino. This story expands over fifteen years, and it is a love story that you don’t want to miss. Chanel and Luca spend one steamy night together, and then Chanel finds herself pregnant. Chanel keeps the father's true identity from everyone because she thinks Luca is part of the enemy. After things hit the fan and people discover the truth, can Chanel and Luca trust each other again?
This book was a perfect conclusion to the series, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The love story and the secret baby troupe were an added bonus. I highly recommend this book and this series.