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shrichardson4's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cala_p's review against another edition
5.0
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 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.
syza17's review against another edition
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
aroseschutte's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Romantic suspense is my favorite subgenre. 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.
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.
maggiegm's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
3.5
cierra_mccauley_cierrascorner's review against another edition
5.0
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.