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An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
He’s a killer. A mobster.
The last man on earth I’d ever want to be with. I won’t lose my head just because he’s hot, Irish, and has a wicked accent to boot.
He’s one of the only leads in my best friend’s disappearance, and I don’t trust him.
So I’ve got a few rules in mind when it comes to dealing with Lachlan Crow.
1. Keep a clear head and don’t get distracted.
2. Do what’s necessary and never forget why you’re there.
3. Never, and I mean never, fall for him.
Fourth and final rule?
Throw out the book altogether. Because the rules don’t apply when it comes to the Irish mafia.
It was only supposed to be temporary, but now Lachlan thinks he owns me. He says he’s not letting me go.
And I believe him.
***
Lachlan.
I don’t know who she is. I don’t know why she’s here.
But if it’s my attention she wants, she has it.
The Russians want her dead, and now it’s up to me to look out for her. This girl is trouble. A distraction I can’t afford.
So why have I already decided she’s mine?
I’ve claimed her and there’s no going back now.
This is a full-length standalone novel full of hot Irish guys with accents. Steamy and dark mafia themes throughout. HEA included.
He’s a killer. A mobster.
The last man on earth I’d ever want to be with. I won’t lose my head just because he’s hot, Irish, and has a wicked accent to boot.
He’s one of the only leads in my best friend’s disappearance, and I don’t trust him.
So I’ve got a few rules in mind when it comes to dealing with Lachlan Crow.
1. Keep a clear head and don’t get distracted.
2. Do what’s necessary and never forget why you’re there.
3. Never, and I mean never, fall for him.
Fourth and final rule?
Throw out the book altogether. Because the rules don’t apply when it comes to the Irish mafia.
It was only supposed to be temporary, but now Lachlan thinks he owns me. He says he’s not letting me go.
And I believe him.
***
Lachlan.
I don’t know who she is. I don’t know why she’s here.
But if it’s my attention she wants, she has it.
The Russians want her dead, and now it’s up to me to look out for her. This girl is trouble. A distraction I can’t afford.
So why have I already decided she’s mine?
I’ve claimed her and there’s no going back now.
This is a full-length standalone novel full of hot Irish guys with accents. Steamy and dark mafia themes throughout. HEA included.
300 pages, ebook
First published February 8, 2016
4385 people are currently reading
27619 people want to read
About the author
A. Zavarelli
60 books7,292 followersA. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor
Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales
Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1
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Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub
Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter
Website- https://www.azavarelli.com
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor
Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales
Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1
Instagram- https://geni.us/AZavarelliInstagram
Amazon- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAmazon
Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub
Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter
Website- https://www.azavarelli.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,150 reviews
November 10, 2023
Re-read: 11/10/23
Original Review:
5++++ Fucking Awesome Irish Mafia Stars
I'm REALLY not in a reviewing mood today, but I have to at least say something about this book because it just fucking deserves it.
This book was "Val Perfect," meaning that it had ALL the ingredients I LURVE....AND pulled it off to boot.
Those ingredients being:
1) Mafia - IRISH in this case.
Now...I'm not sure how legit the slang, culture and all that jazz was depicted here, but...
2) Super hot Irish Mafia Alpha Male...who is the perfect possessive asshole.
An Underboss, that is...
3) A pretty badass heroine who I didn't want to punch in the face the entire time.
Granted, some of the things she was able to...accomplish....stretched the bounds of belief for me, but again...
4) Reason(s) for H and h to HAVE to be around each other and engage in some push/pull love/hate.
Awwwwww, yeah....
5) Some cool actions scenes.
Which, granted, weren't perfect.
But again...
6) A sense of "brotherhood" between the H and his bromance-worthy friends.
Awwwwww ...snuggles.
7) A supporting cast of characters, including new potential couples, that make me WANT to read about more.
STAT.
But what I loved most of all?
You can tell that the author did her homework.
So many times it seems, authors want to write about something they know nothing about...
e.g., sports, NCAA athletics, gangs, prisons, law enforcement, the mafia, the justice system...
...and you can tell that they didn't do their due research diligence or just plainly decided to "wing it," leaving the story feeling cheesy and shallow.
(Looking at you...and you...)
But not so here.
I felt that the author really fleshed things out and "stayed in her lane" aka didn't make things so fantastical and violent in the quest to make them "seem real" that they just end up feeling ridiculous.
But she also didn't err on the side of caution in the way that some authors do in an effort to not make her supposedly tough characters dislikeable to some readers. (Looking at you...as much as I love you.)
In my opinion, this was just the prefect blend of...well, everything I like lol...I really enjoyed every minute of this book. It checked all my contemporary romance boxes and I can't WAIT for the next one in the series. And, in the meantime, I will be checking out this authors other books.
And if you end up reading this review, give this book a shot as a result, and then dislike it?
Please don't send me a nastygram saying I wasted your money - yes, this actually happened recently.
Because we are all mature adults here (right?), making our OWN decisions. And this - as with ANY of our reviews - is merely MY opinion of this book.
Yours is beautifully and uniquely just that - YOURS.
Find me at:
Original Review:
5++++ Fucking Awesome Irish Mafia Stars
I'm REALLY not in a reviewing mood today, but I have to at least say something about this book because it just fucking deserves it.
This book was "Val Perfect," meaning that it had ALL the ingredients I LURVE....AND pulled it off to boot.
Those ingredients being:
1) Mafia - IRISH in this case.
Now...I'm not sure how legit the slang, culture and all that jazz was depicted here, but...
2) Super hot Irish Mafia Alpha Male...who is the perfect possessive asshole.
An Underboss, that is...
3) A pretty badass heroine who I didn't want to punch in the face the entire time.
Granted, some of the things she was able to...accomplish....stretched the bounds of belief for me, but again...
4) Reason(s) for H and h to HAVE to be around each other and engage in some push/pull love/hate.
Awwwwww, yeah....
5) Some cool actions scenes.
Which, granted, weren't perfect.
But again...
6) A sense of "brotherhood" between the H and his bromance-worthy friends.
Awwwwww ...snuggles.
7) A supporting cast of characters, including new potential couples, that make me WANT to read about more.
STAT.
But what I loved most of all?
You can tell that the author did her homework.
So many times it seems, authors want to write about something they know nothing about...
e.g., sports, NCAA athletics, gangs, prisons, law enforcement, the mafia, the justice system...
...and you can tell that they didn't do their due research diligence or just plainly decided to "wing it," leaving the story feeling cheesy and shallow.
(Looking at you...and you...)
But not so here.
I felt that the author really fleshed things out and "stayed in her lane" aka didn't make things so fantastical and violent in the quest to make them "seem real" that they just end up feeling ridiculous.
But she also didn't err on the side of caution in the way that some authors do in an effort to not make her supposedly tough characters dislikeable to some readers. (Looking at you...as much as I love you.)
In my opinion, this was just the prefect blend of...well, everything I like lol...I really enjoyed every minute of this book. It checked all my contemporary romance boxes and I can't WAIT for the next one in the series. And, in the meantime, I will be checking out this authors other books.
And if you end up reading this review, give this book a shot as a result, and then dislike it?
Please don't send me a nastygram saying I wasted your money - yes, this actually happened recently.
Because we are all mature adults here (right?), making our OWN decisions. And this - as with ANY of our reviews - is merely MY opinion of this book.
Yours is beautifully and uniquely just that - YOURS.
Find me at:
February 10, 2019
4.5 Stars!
This review is full of Brad Pitt gifs so proceed with caution. Potential hazards include: drooling, swooning, choking up and heart attacks.
I BLOODY LOVED THIS BOOK!
Why?
Well, first and foremost, this is a mob book and I freaking love mobsters. And this book is full of them. The Irish, the Russians, the Armenians, you name it.
Secondly, the hero is a complete asshole. He’s hot and cold, merciless, broody and he’s Irish.
He doesn't like women. He doesn't trust them.
And I completely adored his assholeness. I’m crazy, I know, but I can’t help it.
Did I mention he’s an underground fighter too? Do I need to explain more?
Thirdly, who doesn’t love a smart, confident, kick ass heroine who fears no one and has a big mouth on her?
And she’s an MMA underground fighter who fights men.
No giggling and whining, thank God! I’m sick and tired of helpless virgin tstl heroines in the contemporary romance genre.
You know how when you sometimes read a dual POV book, you look forward to the hero’s chapters and you read the heroine’s chapters only because you have to. That's not what happened here. I literally devoured the heroine’s chapters.
Another bonus is that there’s no instalove. Their relationship builds up slowly. It’s full of lust and passion, but neither of them is looking for a relationship or wants to fall in love. In fact, they don't trust each other and are practically enemies till the very end.
And let’s not forget the most important thing. The love scenes. Oh. My. God. Off the charts hot and dirty. Remember Mr. & Mrs. Smith? Yeah, they are THAT couple.
And last but not least...
The hero drives a freaking Maserati. A blue GranTurismo Sport. A stupid reason to love a book, but would you look at that car?
So now I have a sudden urge to read more similar mob books but I’m not sure I’ll find one so... book slump here I come!
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Writing style: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
Flow of the story: 5 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Secondary characters: 4 stars
Tone/mood of the book: 5 stars
Emotion evoking: 4 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 4.5 stars
Effect on me: 4 stars
This review is full of Brad Pitt gifs so proceed with caution. Potential hazards include: drooling, swooning, choking up and heart attacks.
I BLOODY LOVED THIS BOOK!
Why?
Well, first and foremost, this is a mob book and I freaking love mobsters. And this book is full of them. The Irish, the Russians, the Armenians, you name it.
Secondly, the hero is a complete asshole. He’s hot and cold, merciless, broody and he’s Irish.
Lachlan Crow is only loyal to one thing, and that is his syndicate.
He doesn't like women. He doesn't trust them.
And I completely adored his assholeness. I’m crazy, I know, but I can’t help it.
Did I mention he’s an underground fighter too? Do I need to explain more?
Thirdly, who doesn’t love a smart, confident, kick ass heroine who fears no one and has a big mouth on her?
I’m the daughter of Jack Wilder. A third generation Irish-American with champion’s blood running through my veins. I was raised on the streets of Southie, and I’m not afraid of anyone.
And she’s an MMA underground fighter who fights men.
No giggling and whining, thank God! I’m sick and tired of helpless virgin tstl heroines in the contemporary romance genre.
You know how when you sometimes read a dual POV book, you look forward to the hero’s chapters and you read the heroine’s chapters only because you have to. That's not what happened here. I literally devoured the heroine’s chapters.
Another bonus is that there’s no instalove. Their relationship builds up slowly. It’s full of lust and passion, but neither of them is looking for a relationship or wants to fall in love. In fact, they don't trust each other and are practically enemies till the very end.
And let’s not forget the most important thing. The love scenes. Oh. My. God. Off the charts hot and dirty. Remember Mr. & Mrs. Smith? Yeah, they are THAT couple.
And last but not least...
The hero drives a freaking Maserati. A blue GranTurismo Sport. A stupid reason to love a book, but would you look at that car?
So now I have a sudden urge to read more similar mob books but I’m not sure I’ll find one so... book slump here I come!
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Writing style: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
Flow of the story: 5 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Secondary characters: 4 stars
Tone/mood of the book: 5 stars
Emotion evoking: 4 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 4.5 stars
Effect on me: 4 stars
February 10, 2017
Recently, this series has been blowing up my feed. After seeing several glowing reviews from friends, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. I expected to be disappointed, but was I ever wrong! This book was terrific!
Mackenzie decides to infiltrate the Irish Mafia in an attempt to find her best friend, Talia. The two grew up on the streets together, and they're the closest thing to family that either one of them has. When Talia goes missing after she begins working for the mob, Mackenzie knows that her disappearance is connected and she intends to bring justice to those responsible.
It doesn't take any time for Mack to catch the eye of Lachlan Crow, a fast-rising leader among the Irish ranks. As she works to infiltrate his organization, he's trying to figure out what her secrets are. He wants her, but he doesn't trust her.
As things heated up, I wasn't sure whether these two were going to be the death of each other. I love a little tension and suspense in a story and this one did not fail to deliver. Right up to the end, I was trying to piece everything together.
As far as this couple goes, I couldn't have been happier! Lachlan was a strong, dangerous and dominant type. He was definitely a sexy character. Mack was also an incredibly strong character. I admired her as a heroine. She may have chosen to submit to Lachlan, but it wasn't because she was weak. Together, they were scorching hot!
Several supporting characters were introduced in this story that are bound to have their own books later in the series. The author has done a wonderful job of building intrigue surrounding these characters, so that you want to jump right into their stories as well. I certainly plan to.
Overall, this was a fantastic choice. I immensely enjoyed this book! Even though it is part of a series, this book does offer closure and can easily be read as a standalone. It won't leave you hanging.
Mackenzie decides to infiltrate the Irish Mafia in an attempt to find her best friend, Talia. The two grew up on the streets together, and they're the closest thing to family that either one of them has. When Talia goes missing after she begins working for the mob, Mackenzie knows that her disappearance is connected and she intends to bring justice to those responsible.
It doesn't take any time for Mack to catch the eye of Lachlan Crow, a fast-rising leader among the Irish ranks. As she works to infiltrate his organization, he's trying to figure out what her secrets are. He wants her, but he doesn't trust her.
As things heated up, I wasn't sure whether these two were going to be the death of each other. I love a little tension and suspense in a story and this one did not fail to deliver. Right up to the end, I was trying to piece everything together.
As far as this couple goes, I couldn't have been happier! Lachlan was a strong, dangerous and dominant type. He was definitely a sexy character. Mack was also an incredibly strong character. I admired her as a heroine. She may have chosen to submit to Lachlan, but it wasn't because she was weak. Together, they were scorching hot!
Several supporting characters were introduced in this story that are bound to have their own books later in the series. The author has done a wonderful job of building intrigue surrounding these characters, so that you want to jump right into their stories as well. I certainly plan to.
Overall, this was a fantastic choice. I immensely enjoyed this book! Even though it is part of a series, this book does offer closure and can easily be read as a standalone. It won't leave you hanging.
February 7, 2017
Where do I start? The Mary Sue who is a gorgeous 22 year old virgin/MMA fighter/clothed stripper (yes, apparently, that's a thing)/avenging angel/EMT/superhero/queen of blow jobs/private investigator/undercover agent/stunt car driver? Or all the stereotypes? (The Irish, the Armenians, the Russians, the Italians...the author hardly bothers mentioning actual names or developing characters, no the mobsters in this book just all seem to move as one homogenous blob depending on which ethnic group they belong to). This was a hot mess riddled with so many plot holes that it might have just been one of the bullet-riddled victims of the "Mackenna syndicate." I couldn't even enjoy it as an OTT pulp fiction either because the first person narrative is so earnest. Reading it with a serious mindset was a losing battle from the start because there is no way in hell that real life, ruthless, psychotic killers and sex traffickers would sound like the watered down, wishy washy, NA types hipsters they sound like here. The worst of all was the first person voice of the heroine who is about as tough and streetwise as a puffy marshmallow. No, just no.
September 6, 2017
You live for the syndicate, you die for the syndicate.
FREAKING. LOVED. Where has this series been all my life?! Or rather, where have I been living that I'm only discovering it now?!
This book was EVERYTHING I love. Gritty, dark mafia romance with a seriously kick ass heroine and an anti-hero that's just as delicious as he is dangerous.
But let's start with the heroine, shall we?
Mackenzie "Mack" grew up hard. After losing her underground boxer father to a brutal murder by the Russian mafia, she was left with nothing but her best friend Talia. The girls became everything to each other, sisters in everything but blood. So when Talia goes missing, Mack is determined to find her. She doesn't buy the story that she simply left with her boyfriend. And when the cops and FBI won't listed to her, she's determined to do it herself...by going undercover at the strip club owned by one of the most ruthless mobs in Southie. This is what lands her in the crosshairs of Lachlan Crow.
“I am a goddamn lady.” I grin.
The chemistry between these two is immediate. And what begins is a delicious game of cat and mouse, though at times you'll wonder who the true cat is. While Crow is a force to be reckoned with and is as lethal as he is sexy, Mack is a force of her own. This is one tough chick and I loved her sass and balls to the walls attitude.
But it's not long before lines begin to get blurred and Mack's game is no longer a game. What happens when the man you believe holds your life is in hands is also a man you begin to crave beyond reason?
The story is downright addicting. It's full of twists and turns and with a depraved sort of grit that kept me glued to the pages. It was violent, unapologetic, and spared no detail. And this girl? SALIVATING.
I'm not sure how this series has flown under my radar for so long, but I'm rectifying that mistake as we speak by binging on the rest of these amazing stories!
Find me on:
June 10, 2016
Wow! This is great!! I got sucked right into Lachlan and Mack's world. Mackenzie meets Lachlan when she tries to infiltrate his organization to look for her friend. What she doesn't expect is to fall head over heels with one of the mafia leaders. Lach is this possessive, no nonsense guy that at first comes off broody and a little scary but he flips Mack's switches to a permanent "on" status lol and maybe the reader's as well in the process. He is seriously off the charts sexy when they're making love. I may or may not have needed to stand in front of a fan to cool off :-p a The plot captivated me and held on to the end. It was written well with great characterization and pacing. The connection between the MCs was undeniable. The things Lach does for Mack hit me right in the feels :) I also liked the perspective into mafia politics and can't wait to read the next installment. RIGHT NOW! lol Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing, though H is coming out of a fling with one of h's new coworkers. h is a V. Condoms until they decided not to. There is rape: attempt on h and full to other women. There is abuse.
April 25, 2021
Another book bites the dust that most of my friends like but I don't. I thought I left the mafia year behind, but I'll never get over mafia romances even though most of them are subpar at best lol. Expected nothing and Crow still managed to disappoint.
「 PLOT 」
Crow is the first book in the Boston Underworld series. It's about the Irish mafia. Lachlan Crow (H) is the second hand of Niall (the boss). Mackenzie Wilder (h) is looking for her friend Talia who has disappeared almost one year ago and is nowhere to be found since she started working at "Slainte", the club that Lachlan is managing. After getting Lachlan's attention in an underground fight, Mackenzie goes to Slainte with the goal to get hired as a dance to get more information on what happened to her friend.
「 THE CHARACTERS 」
The beginning was interesting, because Mackenzie was boxing in that underground fight and I just love to see her kick some guys ass, but after she started working at Slainte and was under Lachlan's protection, she turned into the woman who needed rescued instead of the badass she was portrayed at the start. I would have like to see more of that side. What I liked about Mack was her determination to find Talia. Talia and her are best friends and grew up on the streets together. She knows how many women disappear easily without anyone looking for them and Mack didn't want Talia to be one of them.
I can't really say much about Lachlan tho. I feel like the personalities of these characters are not really fleshed out. Lachlan is ... possessive? alpha? protective? It's so hard to name any characteristic that doesn't also apply to another Hero in another mafia romance. I've read a whole book with him as a main characters and I still don't know WHO he is. What makes him. Lachlan is still pretty much a white paper. Even about his friend Ronan, who is quiet and broody, I could say more than about the actual Hero himself. My point is that I don't know anything about him and therefore couldn't connect to him.
Lachlan and Mack together... one word: boring.
Once they started to have sex it's all they are doing.. each other. I just wanted them to have ONE meaningful conversation or rather it didn't even have to be meaningful but just talk about their likes/hobbys/how they like their breakfast ANYTHING that gives me a clue what makes them human. I was just beyond bored with them and didn't see their chemistry, but that's due to the fact that I didn't care about them as a characters either so it's hard to find a spark in the romance.
As far as the rest of the characters... I was already more invested in Ronan and Sasha's story than Mack and Lachlan's romance. Ronan seems to be watching Sasha for quite a while now and that's my kryptonite. I'm also very intrigued about Alexei, the Russian guy the Irish work with, and Talia. Talia has been going through a lot and well I don't know much about Alexei besides he's Russian and good with technology... this is my cue to mentione the love of my life who is Russian and good with technology too → *Christian Allister enters the review* . Alexei and Ronan is where I will put my money in. They better not disappoint me.
「 LANGUAGE 」
Is it only me or did anyone else have difficulties to get used to the Irish language? The only series I've read with Irish heroes are Beautifully Cruel series by J.T. Geissinger and Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. The BC series by Miss Geissinger I actually finished before starting Crow so I could clearly see the difference. Besides the occationally "lass" that was thrown into a sentence, everything else was still American English. It took me the whole book until I got used to how Lachlan & Ronan spoke. I guess overall it makes this series more authentic, but I was having a hard time reading it.
「 PACE 」
There are two types of mafia romances: one is character-driven, the other one is plot-driven.
Crow is definitely the second category. There is so much happening in this book. One one hand it was a bit hard to keep up, because these characters been running from one explosion to the next one to the next kidnapping to the next rescue mission. At the same time, when you're lowkey bored with the characters, bc they don't have a personality at least there is the action.
Mehhhh, I just want to find a good mafia series to read.. how difficult can it be? Apparently, very difficult.
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
BOSTON UNDERGROUND SERIES
#1 Crow – 2 stars
#2 Reaper – 3.75 stars (rtc)
#3 Ghost – 3.25 stars (rtc)
#4 Saint – 3 stars (rtc)
#5 Thief – 1.5 stars (rtc)
#6 Conor – 1.75 stars (rtc)
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
You can't change a leopard's spots. Broken people can only fix themselves.
「 PLOT 」
Crow is the first book in the Boston Underworld series. It's about the Irish mafia. Lachlan Crow (H) is the second hand of Niall (the boss). Mackenzie Wilder (h) is looking for her friend Talia who has disappeared almost one year ago and is nowhere to be found since she started working at "Slainte", the club that Lachlan is managing. After getting Lachlan's attention in an underground fight, Mackenzie goes to Slainte with the goal to get hired as a dance to get more information on what happened to her friend.
「 THE CHARACTERS 」
The beginning was interesting, because Mackenzie was boxing in that underground fight and I just love to see her kick some guys ass, but after she started working at Slainte and was under Lachlan's protection, she turned into the woman who needed rescued instead of the badass she was portrayed at the start. I would have like to see more of that side. What I liked about Mack was her determination to find Talia. Talia and her are best friends and grew up on the streets together. She knows how many women disappear easily without anyone looking for them and Mack didn't want Talia to be one of them.
I can't really say much about Lachlan tho. I feel like the personalities of these characters are not really fleshed out. Lachlan is ... possessive? alpha? protective? It's so hard to name any characteristic that doesn't also apply to another Hero in another mafia romance. I've read a whole book with him as a main characters and I still don't know WHO he is. What makes him. Lachlan is still pretty much a white paper. Even about his friend Ronan, who is quiet and broody, I could say more than about the actual Hero himself. My point is that I don't know anything about him and therefore couldn't connect to him.
Lachlan and Mack together... one word: boring.
Once they started to have sex it's all they are doing.. each other. I just wanted them to have ONE meaningful conversation or rather it didn't even have to be meaningful but just talk about their likes/hobbys/how they like their breakfast ANYTHING that gives me a clue what makes them human. I was just beyond bored with them and didn't see their chemistry, but that's due to the fact that I didn't care about them as a characters either so it's hard to find a spark in the romance.
"How much time do we have before we go?" I ask.
Lachlan pulls me over to the bed and starts to undress. "When it comes to you, Mack, I've always got time."
As far as the rest of the characters... I was already more invested in Ronan and Sasha's story than Mack and Lachlan's romance. Ronan seems to be watching Sasha for quite a while now and that's my kryptonite. I'm also very intrigued about Alexei, the Russian guy the Irish work with, and Talia. Talia has been going through a lot and well I don't know much about Alexei besides he's Russian and good with technology... this is my cue to mentione the love of my life who is Russian and good with technology too → *Christian Allister enters the review* . Alexei and Ronan is where I will put my money in. They better not disappoint me.
「 LANGUAGE 」
Is it only me or did anyone else have difficulties to get used to the Irish language? The only series I've read with Irish heroes are Beautifully Cruel series by J.T. Geissinger and Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. The BC series by Miss Geissinger I actually finished before starting Crow so I could clearly see the difference. Besides the occationally "lass" that was thrown into a sentence, everything else was still American English. It took me the whole book until I got used to how Lachlan & Ronan spoke. I guess overall it makes this series more authentic, but I was having a hard time reading it.
"Ye're a deadly wee thing, aren't ye butterfly?"
「 PACE 」
There are two types of mafia romances: one is character-driven, the other one is plot-driven.
Crow is definitely the second category. There is so much happening in this book. One one hand it was a bit hard to keep up, because these characters been running from one explosion to the next one to the next kidnapping to the next rescue mission. At the same time, when you're lowkey bored with the characters, bc they don't have a personality at least there is the action.
Mehhhh, I just want to find a good mafia series to read.. how difficult can it be? Apparently, very difficult.
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
BOSTON UNDERGROUND SERIES
#1 Crow – 2 stars
#2 Reaper – 3.75 stars (rtc)
#3 Ghost – 3.25 stars (rtc)
#4 Saint – 3 stars (rtc)
#5 Thief – 1.5 stars (rtc)
#6 Conor – 1.75 stars (rtc)
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February 7, 2017
5 Every King needs his Queen Stars
The crow symbolizes many things in different cultures. Magic, transcendence, destiny, intellectual awakening.
I am having a fangirl moment (Shhh). It doesn't happen very often but when it does I go a little cray, cray.
I went into this book hoping that I'd enjoyed it as much as everyone else seemed to. I had lost a little faith that I was not going to get that feeling again, you know the one where you love a book so much you can't and don't want to think or do anything else except read it. Well HALLELUJAH I got it with this one!!!
Mackenzie/Butterfly grew up learning how to be a fighter from her Dad who was an underground boxer, until one day when he was murdered and she was shoved into the foster care system. Then living on the streets of Southie with her friend Talia. When Talia goes missing Mack is determined to do what the cops won't and sets off to find answers.
Talia has nobody shouting for her. Only me. And that means it’s up to me to find out what happened to her.
Lachlan Crow is third in command of the Irish syndicate in Boston until his Grand-da gets killed. He is now in line to take his spot but there is conditions and they are conditions he is willing to make, until Mack walks into his life and turns everything upside down. Or should I say fights her way into his life?
I loved everything about this book, from the characters and their intense chemistry, the plot, the suspense and twists to the great Irish slang that had me a littlewet giddy. It kept me captivated all the way through with 'things' happening all the time, I liked that it came across as not OTT or unrealistic.
Crow is definitely one of my top H, with the dark hair, tatts, blue eyes and that accent WOW. What he does for Mack at the end is swoon worthy and I will definitely be continuing this series and I highly recommend this book to anyone.
The crow symbolizes many things in different cultures. Magic, transcendence, destiny, intellectual awakening.
I am having a fangirl moment (Shhh). It doesn't happen very often but when it does I go a little cray, cray.
I went into this book hoping that I'd enjoyed it as much as everyone else seemed to. I had lost a little faith that I was not going to get that feeling again, you know the one where you love a book so much you can't and don't want to think or do anything else except read it. Well HALLELUJAH I got it with this one!!!
Mackenzie/Butterfly grew up learning how to be a fighter from her Dad who was an underground boxer, until one day when he was murdered and she was shoved into the foster care system. Then living on the streets of Southie with her friend Talia. When Talia goes missing Mack is determined to do what the cops won't and sets off to find answers.
Talia has nobody shouting for her. Only me. And that means it’s up to me to find out what happened to her.
Lachlan Crow is third in command of the Irish syndicate in Boston until his Grand-da gets killed. He is now in line to take his spot but there is conditions and they are conditions he is willing to make, until Mack walks into his life and turns everything upside down. Or should I say fights her way into his life?
I loved everything about this book, from the characters and their intense chemistry, the plot, the suspense and twists to the great Irish slang that had me a little
Crow is definitely one of my top H, with the dark hair, tatts, blue eyes and that accent WOW. What he does for Mack at the end is swoon worthy and I will definitely be continuing this series and I highly recommend this book to anyone.
February 10, 2017
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"A. Zavarelli" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Crow
SERIES: (Boston Underworld, #1)
AUTHOR: A. Zavarelli
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: February 10th, 2016
MY RATING
The reason why I requested an arc of this was due to loving the authors previous book I've read, and being surrounded around the Mob this is one of my favorite genres.
Mackenzie (Mack) as she goes by is one TOUGH badass chick who fights like a street fighter, when her best friend Talia who has been by her side since they met in foster care nine years ago has gone missing, and Mack knows who has her, she decides to go no matter what risks she has to take, in get the evidence she needs to bring them down.
The only way to narrow down my pool of suspects is to go straight to the source. The club where it happened.
I'm the daughter of Jack Wilder. A third generation Irish-American with champion's blood running through my veins. I was raised on the streets of Southie, and I'm not afraid of anyone.
BUT she never counted on Lachlan. He gets her heart racing and her blood pumping
The lines are starting to blur even more than I care to admit.
Lacklan Is the third in line to the throne of the Irish underworld, and his reputation proceeds him. There's nothing he won't do for the syndicate. Trust no one.
Family, loyalty, honor, and blood. Tis the only thing that's true
The CROW symbolizes many things in different cultures. Magic, transcendence, destiny, intellectual awakening. A physical representation, the CROW also symbolizes death.
An ocean of lies tethering us together and tearing us apart.
Being that this is centered around the underbelly of the mafia this book doesn't hold back, straight away you are drawn into the story with Mackenzie trying to get any evidence she can get to make the cops take this investigation seriously. She's all Talia has got and she's going to go where not many people will venture..
You live for the syndicate, you die for the syndicate. That's just the way it is, someday Lachlan will give his life for his crew.
MY THOUGHTS: This book exceeded all my expectations, the authors writing style just pulls you in and sucks you into the story line ceaselessly, the gripping story has you devouring every word, every page, I loved the reason why she was dead set on revenge, seeking the truth, justice, this book for me was flawless, I loved her tough exterior, her inability to show many emotions, her sassy mouth, then finding love when she least expected it, Lacklan was an added bonus, I loved his character, the mafia, brotherhood, his protectiveness, the alpha side of him when it came to her. I really need the next book!!
"A. Zavarelli" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Crow
SERIES: (Boston Underworld, #1)
AUTHOR: A. Zavarelli
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: February 10th, 2016
MY RATING
The reason why I requested an arc of this was due to loving the authors previous book I've read, and being surrounded around the Mob this is one of my favorite genres.
Mackenzie (Mack) as she goes by is one TOUGH badass chick who fights like a street fighter, when her best friend Talia who has been by her side since they met in foster care nine years ago has gone missing, and Mack knows who has her, she decides to go no matter what risks she has to take, in get the evidence she needs to bring them down.
The only way to narrow down my pool of suspects is to go straight to the source. The club where it happened.
I'm the daughter of Jack Wilder. A third generation Irish-American with champion's blood running through my veins. I was raised on the streets of Southie, and I'm not afraid of anyone.
BUT she never counted on Lachlan. He gets her heart racing and her blood pumping
The lines are starting to blur even more than I care to admit.
Lacklan Is the third in line to the throne of the Irish underworld, and his reputation proceeds him. There's nothing he won't do for the syndicate. Trust no one.
Family, loyalty, honor, and blood. Tis the only thing that's true
The CROW symbolizes many things in different cultures. Magic, transcendence, destiny, intellectual awakening. A physical representation, the CROW also symbolizes death.
An ocean of lies tethering us together and tearing us apart.
Being that this is centered around the underbelly of the mafia this book doesn't hold back, straight away you are drawn into the story with Mackenzie trying to get any evidence she can get to make the cops take this investigation seriously. She's all Talia has got and she's going to go where not many people will venture..
You live for the syndicate, you die for the syndicate. That's just the way it is, someday Lachlan will give his life for his crew.
MY THOUGHTS: This book exceeded all my expectations, the authors writing style just pulls you in and sucks you into the story line ceaselessly, the gripping story has you devouring every word, every page, I loved the reason why she was dead set on revenge, seeking the truth, justice, this book for me was flawless, I loved her tough exterior, her inability to show many emotions, her sassy mouth, then finding love when she least expected it, Lacklan was an added bonus, I loved his character, the mafia, brotherhood, his protectiveness, the alpha side of him when it came to her. I really need the next book!!
March 11, 2020
Totally Fecking Awesome!
Great Irish Mafia book, the Irish slang was out in force especially. But seriously, the romance between Lachlan and Mackenzie was so hot almost from the very first time they meet. He gets possessive of her very early on and wants her for himself.
Mackenzie’s background story is also very good, her father was a an underground boxer and was involved with some shady characters. He ended up being murdered by a member of the Russian Mob. Mack was an orphan from age 13 moving from foster home to foster home and living on the street at times with her friend Talia.
Now Talia has gone missing after working for a few weeks at Lachlan’s strip club and dating a Russian mob guy. The Irish and Russian Mobs are trying to come together in an alliance but are having issues with an inside traitor that they are trying to uncover. Mackenzie gets a job at the club to find out what happened to Talia. Though doing this is gathering information on the mob which is a huge risk for her and a betrayal of Lachlan.
I was so engrossed in reading the last few hours of this book, I couldn’t even stop to go to the restroom. It was that good.
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“That isn’t going to save me though. He has a fight advantage, but they all do. I have the advantage of thinking with my brain and not a cock. Already it’s obvious that my shorts and sports bra are distracting him. Regardless of the fact that I just punched him in the face, he still sees me as a pair of tits and an ass. Go figure.”
Great Irish Mafia book, the Irish slang was out in force especially. But seriously, the romance between Lachlan and Mackenzie was so hot almost from the very first time they meet. He gets possessive of her very early on and wants her for himself.
Mackenzie’s background story is also very good, her father was a an underground boxer and was involved with some shady characters. He ended up being murdered by a member of the Russian Mob. Mack was an orphan from age 13 moving from foster home to foster home and living on the street at times with her friend Talia.
Now Talia has gone missing after working for a few weeks at Lachlan’s strip club and dating a Russian mob guy. The Irish and Russian Mobs are trying to come together in an alliance but are having issues with an inside traitor that they are trying to uncover. Mackenzie gets a job at the club to find out what happened to Talia. Though doing this is gathering information on the mob which is a huge risk for her and a betrayal of Lachlan.
I was so engrossed in reading the last few hours of this book, I couldn’t even stop to go to the restroom. It was that good.
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October 21, 2016
Crow is the first installment of the Boston Underworld series by A. Zavarelli. It is also the first book I have read by this author. If this story is any indication of the quality of the rest of her work, it will be the first of many.
Third generation, Irish American, Mackenzie "Mack" Wilder, was orphaned at the age of thirteen when her father, an underground mma fighter, was murdered by a Russian mobster. It was in foster care that she met her best friend, Talia, who has now gone missing after working at a club owned by the Irish mafia. Frustrated that the police seem less than motivated to help, Mack decides to take matters into her own hands. She comes up with a plan to infiltrate the criminal organization she believes is responsible for her friend's disappearance.
It doesn't take long for her to find an in, when she catches the eye of Irish born, Lachlan Crow, potential second in command of the Mackenna syndicate and grandson of the recently slain Irish mob boss, Carrick Crow. He runs the club where Talia was formerly employed, and so Mack begs him for a job. After some convincing, he agrees.
Lachlan, a.k.a. Crow, soon discovers that the Russian mob wants Mack. He is tasked with keeping her safe and under control until the time comes for him to hand her over to them. He agrees to this only because the Irish and the Russians are in the middle of trying to form an alliance. Refusing could put the whole thing in jeopardy. Meanwhile, he is also trying to find the man responsible for his granfather's death and a possible traitor belonging to either his own organization or that of his Russian comrades.
With everything on their plate, Crow and Mack, can't afford any distractions, but that is exactly what they become to each other. Despite their resistance, a mutual attraction quickly builds between them. In time, it becomes something much more. Needless to say, the situation becomes increasingly complicated. Is there any way for this to end well? Does their love stand a chance?
This was such a fantastic story! I loved pretty much everything about it. I honestly had a hard time thinking of any negatives the book had. There are maybe a couple of tiny things regarding believability, and a situation where Mack does something foolish, but it didn't even bother me. These things were so small, and the story was so good that it didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
The characters were the best thing about this book for me. Lachlan is a sexy, possessive, alpha male. MacKenzie is strong, sassy, and undeniably beautiful. When these two came together, it set the pages on fire. The secondary characters were interesting enough in their own right to make me want to learn more about them. In fact, I jumped right into the next book as soon as I finished this one.
Crow completely exceeded my expectations. It deserves every one of the five stars I gave it. The characters were badass, the romance was hot, and the plot was action packed. If you are a fan of mafia romance, do yourself a favor, and give this one a try.
Third generation, Irish American, Mackenzie "Mack" Wilder, was orphaned at the age of thirteen when her father, an underground mma fighter, was murdered by a Russian mobster. It was in foster care that she met her best friend, Talia, who has now gone missing after working at a club owned by the Irish mafia. Frustrated that the police seem less than motivated to help, Mack decides to take matters into her own hands. She comes up with a plan to infiltrate the criminal organization she believes is responsible for her friend's disappearance.
It doesn't take long for her to find an in, when she catches the eye of Irish born, Lachlan Crow, potential second in command of the Mackenna syndicate and grandson of the recently slain Irish mob boss, Carrick Crow. He runs the club where Talia was formerly employed, and so Mack begs him for a job. After some convincing, he agrees.
Lachlan, a.k.a. Crow, soon discovers that the Russian mob wants Mack. He is tasked with keeping her safe and under control until the time comes for him to hand her over to them. He agrees to this only because the Irish and the Russians are in the middle of trying to form an alliance. Refusing could put the whole thing in jeopardy. Meanwhile, he is also trying to find the man responsible for his granfather's death and a possible traitor belonging to either his own organization or that of his Russian comrades.
With everything on their plate, Crow and Mack, can't afford any distractions, but that is exactly what they become to each other. Despite their resistance, a mutual attraction quickly builds between them. In time, it becomes something much more. Needless to say, the situation becomes increasingly complicated. Is there any way for this to end well? Does their love stand a chance?
This was such a fantastic story! I loved pretty much everything about it. I honestly had a hard time thinking of any negatives the book had. There are maybe a couple of tiny things regarding believability, and a situation where Mack does something foolish, but it didn't even bother me. These things were so small, and the story was so good that it didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
The characters were the best thing about this book for me. Lachlan is a sexy, possessive, alpha male. MacKenzie is strong, sassy, and undeniably beautiful. When these two came together, it set the pages on fire. The secondary characters were interesting enough in their own right to make me want to learn more about them. In fact, I jumped right into the next book as soon as I finished this one.
Crow completely exceeded my expectations. It deserves every one of the five stars I gave it. The characters were badass, the romance was hot, and the plot was action packed. If you are a fan of mafia romance, do yourself a favor, and give this one a try.
May 29, 2016
***5 "Butterfly" stars***
God, i had such a long time to read a good mobster book!!!
And i love mafia books so much!!!
And this one was AWESOME!!!
What can i say about it???
It had a catching plot, a feisty strong heroine, a sexy Irish with an accent, an intense romance, hot sexy scenes, interesting secondary characters and a messy adventure...
What else could i ask????
"FAMILY, LOYALTY, HONOR AND BLOOD."
Mackenzie was a tough, feisty girl who knew how to throw good punches... Her father used to be a great underground MMA fighter and he learnt to her daughter how to defend herself...
But at the age of thirteen, Mack was left all alone in this world and she learnt how to survive on her own...
She doesn't trust anyone except of her two friends... Talia and Scarlet!
But before a year, her best friend, Talia was vanished and it is eating her inside what happened to her... So, she is about to do something crazy...
She is about to walk into the lion's den... Inside of the Irish mobster, because Talia used to work for them...
She is determined to find out the truth no matter the cost, but she didn't count the presence of Lachlan Crow...
“I thought I told you I don’t play by the rules,” I argue.
“Ye’re mistaken,” he says. “Ye just walked into my world unbidden. So you will play by the rules, butterfly. You’ll be playing by all my rules.”
Lachlan Crow recently lost his grandfather, the only fatherly figure in his life and he wants to find out who pulled the trigger and to punish him.
He is very high on the hierarchy of the McKenna Syndicate and if he will play good his cards, he will be the next leader of the organization, but for doing that he had to sacrifice some things...
When Mackenzie is appearing at his club and he is asking to give her a job, he don't know what to do with her...
His mind is screaming to him to not trust her, but his heart has a different opinion... He knows that she is dangerous for him, but he can't seem to stay away from her...
"I am all sorts of confused. He’s told me he doesn’t want me here. He’s told me he doesn’t trust me. But right here and now, his body tells me something else. At this point I have no idea if he’s going to maul me or make love to me."
So, Mack is trying to find some clues while she is working for the club but Lachlan has eyes on her all of the time... and the bad thing is that he is distarcting her with all this alpha male attitude and the possessiveness that he is showing to her...
Lachlan is trying to trust his guts and to keep up with his plan, but Mack is ruining everything...
He wants her so much and he can't keep his hands away from her and the worst thing of all is that from the first moment, he had acknowledge her as his!!!
“Mine?” he laughs cruelly as he reaches for the hem of my dress and rips it with his bare hands. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure yet.” {Lachlan}
“Nobody has ever looked at me the way he’s looking at me at this moment. Like I’m his possession. Like if anyone else were to touch me, he’d break both their legs and an arm for good measure. It shouldn't make me feel anything, but it does. And the worst part is, this is the last thing I need.” {Mackenzie}
So, what will happen with those two???
Will they resist to this passion that burning between them or will they give up and live it???
Will Mack continue searching for the truth, even though that her feelings for Lachlan are rising???
Will she keep betraying him when she knows that it will destroy him???
Will Lachlan trust completely Mack and with what cost???
Will he abandon everything that he was working to succeed for Mack's sake???
"There’s something different in his voice. More urgent. He doesn’t want to have to hurt me. I look into his eyes and steel myself. Lying shouldn’t be a problem for me. I’m here for Talia. That’s the only reason.
But it’s more complicated than that and it shouldn’t be. I’m getting too wrapped up in this. Lachlan is nobody to me. It shouldn’t matter if I betray his trust. He means nothing to me, and he’d do the same to me in a heartbeat if necessary. So why can’t I just lie and tell him that yes, he can trust me?"
Well, as you can understand, there were happening too many things in this books and there are more others that i can't tell you...
They weren't just the two of them... There was a rat on the organization who was after them, they were also the Russians, the Armenians and too many other shits...
And in the middle of all of that were Lachlan and Mackenzie...
“This is the moment I realize that our traumas never really go away. They live inside of us, in the deepest darkest pits of our own tiny hells. Cocked and loaded, waiting for someone to come along and pull the trigger.”
I love those two together... Their connection from the first moment was too strong and too intense...
God, their sex scenes were too hot...
Their feelings were too solid...
In an ugly and hard world, will they manage to bit the odds who are against them???
"There’s a reason I generally keep people at a distance, and this is it. But there is no shield for Lachlan. No armor strong enough to keep him out.
When he looks at me now, his eyes hungry and fierce as I sit down before him, I know more than ever that it’s true. I underestimated what it would feel like to have someone look at me that way. Not just someone but him. He’s waking something inside of me. He’s breathing life into me. And I don’t know how to stop it. I don’t think I want it to stop."
I loved Lachlan...
Yep, he was a freakin' mobster guy and he was killing people with no remorse but he was also fair...
He was handsome, brutal, possessive, hot as hell with his sexy Irish accent and he knew how to manhandle a woman... But damn me, that attitude was hot as hell...
But even though his roughness, he could be gentle and kind and sweet...
I liked very much the sacrifices that he made in the name of love...
"Jaysus. The woman is doing my fecking head in. Making me lose focus and using resources I can’t afford to spare.... I can’t let her go, but I don’t want her to stay either. She’s confusing me. The way she touches me. How she looks at me. Inside, I see her for the fragile girl she really is, and that’s a weakness.
She’s in my bed, my house, my clothes. Fucking up everything. I should want her gone... All I ever wanted was to take my rightful place at Niall’s side, and this girl… she could destroy that."
I also loved Mackenzie...
This girl was badass and i liked her for that...
She didn't hesistate in nothing that was putting in her head. She was a wonderful person... Tough and soft at the same time...
Mack thought the worst about Lachlan but she still couldn't stay away from him...
He was the first person that she ever wanted to come closer to her and that was a big step for her...
“I never realized how empty my life had really become until I had him in it. He did that to me. He said I wrecked him, but he completely destroyed me. Everything was fine when I was alone. When I didn’t have to feel or think or care about someone else. Sure I was sad and broken, but I was okay. Now, I’m anything but.”
I also liked very much Sasha and Ronan...
God, Ronan is soooo broody!!!
I honestly couldn't wait to read their story, so i started it already!!!
"Boston Underworld" series are the best!!!
God, i had such a long time to read a good mobster book!!!
And i love mafia books so much!!!
And this one was AWESOME!!!
What can i say about it???
It had a catching plot, a feisty strong heroine, a sexy Irish with an accent, an intense romance, hot sexy scenes, interesting secondary characters and a messy adventure...
What else could i ask????
"FAMILY, LOYALTY, HONOR AND BLOOD."
Mackenzie was a tough, feisty girl who knew how to throw good punches... Her father used to be a great underground MMA fighter and he learnt to her daughter how to defend herself...
But at the age of thirteen, Mack was left all alone in this world and she learnt how to survive on her own...
She doesn't trust anyone except of her two friends... Talia and Scarlet!
But before a year, her best friend, Talia was vanished and it is eating her inside what happened to her... So, she is about to do something crazy...
She is about to walk into the lion's den... Inside of the Irish mobster, because Talia used to work for them...
She is determined to find out the truth no matter the cost, but she didn't count the presence of Lachlan Crow...
“I thought I told you I don’t play by the rules,” I argue.
“Ye’re mistaken,” he says. “Ye just walked into my world unbidden. So you will play by the rules, butterfly. You’ll be playing by all my rules.”
Lachlan Crow recently lost his grandfather, the only fatherly figure in his life and he wants to find out who pulled the trigger and to punish him.
He is very high on the hierarchy of the McKenna Syndicate and if he will play good his cards, he will be the next leader of the organization, but for doing that he had to sacrifice some things...
When Mackenzie is appearing at his club and he is asking to give her a job, he don't know what to do with her...
His mind is screaming to him to not trust her, but his heart has a different opinion... He knows that she is dangerous for him, but he can't seem to stay away from her...
"I am all sorts of confused. He’s told me he doesn’t want me here. He’s told me he doesn’t trust me. But right here and now, his body tells me something else. At this point I have no idea if he’s going to maul me or make love to me."
So, Mack is trying to find some clues while she is working for the club but Lachlan has eyes on her all of the time... and the bad thing is that he is distarcting her with all this alpha male attitude and the possessiveness that he is showing to her...
Lachlan is trying to trust his guts and to keep up with his plan, but Mack is ruining everything...
He wants her so much and he can't keep his hands away from her and the worst thing of all is that from the first moment, he had acknowledge her as his!!!
“Mine?” he laughs cruelly as he reaches for the hem of my dress and rips it with his bare hands. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure yet.” {Lachlan}
“Nobody has ever looked at me the way he’s looking at me at this moment. Like I’m his possession. Like if anyone else were to touch me, he’d break both their legs and an arm for good measure. It shouldn't make me feel anything, but it does. And the worst part is, this is the last thing I need.” {Mackenzie}
So, what will happen with those two???
Will they resist to this passion that burning between them or will they give up and live it???
Will Mack continue searching for the truth, even though that her feelings for Lachlan are rising???
Will she keep betraying him when she knows that it will destroy him???
Will Lachlan trust completely Mack and with what cost???
Will he abandon everything that he was working to succeed for Mack's sake???
"There’s something different in his voice. More urgent. He doesn’t want to have to hurt me. I look into his eyes and steel myself. Lying shouldn’t be a problem for me. I’m here for Talia. That’s the only reason.
But it’s more complicated than that and it shouldn’t be. I’m getting too wrapped up in this. Lachlan is nobody to me. It shouldn’t matter if I betray his trust. He means nothing to me, and he’d do the same to me in a heartbeat if necessary. So why can’t I just lie and tell him that yes, he can trust me?"
Well, as you can understand, there were happening too many things in this books and there are more others that i can't tell you...
They weren't just the two of them... There was a rat on the organization who was after them, they were also the Russians, the Armenians and too many other shits...
And in the middle of all of that were Lachlan and Mackenzie...
“This is the moment I realize that our traumas never really go away. They live inside of us, in the deepest darkest pits of our own tiny hells. Cocked and loaded, waiting for someone to come along and pull the trigger.”
I love those two together... Their connection from the first moment was too strong and too intense...
God, their sex scenes were too hot...
Their feelings were too solid...
In an ugly and hard world, will they manage to bit the odds who are against them???
"There’s a reason I generally keep people at a distance, and this is it. But there is no shield for Lachlan. No armor strong enough to keep him out.
When he looks at me now, his eyes hungry and fierce as I sit down before him, I know more than ever that it’s true. I underestimated what it would feel like to have someone look at me that way. Not just someone but him. He’s waking something inside of me. He’s breathing life into me. And I don’t know how to stop it. I don’t think I want it to stop."
I loved Lachlan...
Yep, he was a freakin' mobster guy and he was killing people with no remorse but he was also fair...
He was handsome, brutal, possessive, hot as hell with his sexy Irish accent and he knew how to manhandle a woman... But damn me, that attitude was hot as hell...
But even though his roughness, he could be gentle and kind and sweet...
I liked very much the sacrifices that he made in the name of love...
"Jaysus. The woman is doing my fecking head in. Making me lose focus and using resources I can’t afford to spare.... I can’t let her go, but I don’t want her to stay either. She’s confusing me. The way she touches me. How she looks at me. Inside, I see her for the fragile girl she really is, and that’s a weakness.
She’s in my bed, my house, my clothes. Fucking up everything. I should want her gone... All I ever wanted was to take my rightful place at Niall’s side, and this girl… she could destroy that."
I also loved Mackenzie...
This girl was badass and i liked her for that...
She didn't hesistate in nothing that was putting in her head. She was a wonderful person... Tough and soft at the same time...
Mack thought the worst about Lachlan but she still couldn't stay away from him...
He was the first person that she ever wanted to come closer to her and that was a big step for her...
“I never realized how empty my life had really become until I had him in it. He did that to me. He said I wrecked him, but he completely destroyed me. Everything was fine when I was alone. When I didn’t have to feel or think or care about someone else. Sure I was sad and broken, but I was okay. Now, I’m anything but.”
I also liked very much Sasha and Ronan...
God, Ronan is soooo broody!!!
I honestly couldn't wait to read their story, so i started it already!!!
"Boston Underworld" series are the best!!!
February 24, 2018
****4.5 STARS****
There are two types of women in the world – riders and runners – and Mackenzie is rider. She is that ride or die friend everyone wants but too bad there are not many of us out there. But, I’m riding with Mackenzie all day, everyday.
FYI, I’m a rider all day, trust me. I just wanted to put that out there.
The story is based around Mackenzie trying to find out what happened to her best friend after she goes missing. The police don’t care and keep giving her the run around. So she does the most gangster sh*t – she decides to infiltrate her way in the Irish mob to find out what happened to her best friend.
Most people wouldn’t even think about doing this but Mackenzie is not your everyday person, she’s a bad ass female. Don’t let her pretty face fool you, you don’t want to f**k with her. She’s good with hands, meaning she will knock a motherf**er out, male or female. And when it comes to finding her best friend she doesn’t give two f**ks who she has to go through to find her.
Let’s all stand up and give a round of applause for my new book boyfriend, Lachlan!!!
Yassssssssssss! Yasssssssssss! Yassssssssss!
Lachlan is part of one of the most notorious Irish mob syndicates out and will kill to protect his family and women. He is loyal, sexy, gangster, and best of all, humble.
He had no idea how much his life would change after meeting Mackenzie and boy does some shit go down. He’s never been one to let women fuck up his business, he’s always seen them a distraction that gets men like him killed. And it’s true so I can’t fault him one that.
There is a lot of shit that goes down in this book but my favorite part is when he shoots a shit ton of motherfuckers in the head for touching Mackenzie. I wanted to jump in book and fuck him my damn self. I also would have taken the gun and killed a few more myself, but that’s just me. Panties drop!
I must have some deep personal issues because I get so excited at the thought of my man killing motherfuckers for me. That shit is sexy as fuck! And my new book boyfriend is the sexiest killer.
There were a few times I wanted to smack the shit out of Mackenzie but not many so I can still rock with her. She had enough street smarts to know she was in some sh*t but not enough to know how deep. But baby girl is about that life, so I had to give it to her. I would rock with a female like her. She’s that type of friend who you can call at 3 am and let them know you killed somebody and she’s on her way with a shovel.
Lachlan is that man you call at 3 am and tell them you just killed somebody and he’s pissed because he wanted to kill that bastard too. He’s coming with not just a shovel, he’s got trash bags, a chainsaw, lighter fluid and anything else you need to get rid of a body. OMG, I love him!!!!!!!!
I definitely recommend this book.
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There are two types of women in the world – riders and runners – and Mackenzie is rider. She is that ride or die friend everyone wants but too bad there are not many of us out there. But, I’m riding with Mackenzie all day, everyday.
FYI, I’m a rider all day, trust me. I just wanted to put that out there.
The story is based around Mackenzie trying to find out what happened to her best friend after she goes missing. The police don’t care and keep giving her the run around. So she does the most gangster sh*t – she decides to infiltrate her way in the Irish mob to find out what happened to her best friend.
Most people wouldn’t even think about doing this but Mackenzie is not your everyday person, she’s a bad ass female. Don’t let her pretty face fool you, you don’t want to f**k with her. She’s good with hands, meaning she will knock a motherf**er out, male or female. And when it comes to finding her best friend she doesn’t give two f**ks who she has to go through to find her.
Let’s all stand up and give a round of applause for my new book boyfriend, Lachlan!!!
Yassssssssssss! Yasssssssssss! Yassssssssss!
Lachlan is part of one of the most notorious Irish mob syndicates out and will kill to protect his family and women. He is loyal, sexy, gangster, and best of all, humble.
He had no idea how much his life would change after meeting Mackenzie and boy does some shit go down. He’s never been one to let women fuck up his business, he’s always seen them a distraction that gets men like him killed. And it’s true so I can’t fault him one that.
There is a lot of shit that goes down in this book but my favorite part is when he shoots a shit ton of motherfuckers in the head for touching Mackenzie. I wanted to jump in book and fuck him my damn self. I also would have taken the gun and killed a few more myself, but that’s just me. Panties drop!
I must have some deep personal issues because I get so excited at the thought of my man killing motherfuckers for me. That shit is sexy as fuck! And my new book boyfriend is the sexiest killer.
There were a few times I wanted to smack the shit out of Mackenzie but not many so I can still rock with her. She had enough street smarts to know she was in some sh*t but not enough to know how deep. But baby girl is about that life, so I had to give it to her. I would rock with a female like her. She’s that type of friend who you can call at 3 am and let them know you killed somebody and she’s on her way with a shovel.
Lachlan is that man you call at 3 am and tell them you just killed somebody and he’s pissed because he wanted to kill that bastard too. He’s coming with not just a shovel, he’s got trash bags, a chainsaw, lighter fluid and anything else you need to get rid of a body. OMG, I love him!!!!!!!!
I definitely recommend this book.
For my unflited review - https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
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January 31, 2021
4 Completely Mad for Ye Stars ⭐
He makes me feel like a princess and a dirty little slut.
Lachlan Crow is next in line to be underboss. An Irish syndicate that's about family, loyalty and honour. Yet it seems that everyone wants a piece. Whether it's the Italians, Russians or the Armenians, it's the fittest who conquer and prosper. There is no time for distractions. Especially in the form of pint-sized Mackenzie Wilder.
Mackenzie became an orphan at 13. Living in foster care and eventually on the streets, she's been raised tough and independent. When her best friend Talia goes missing and the police have no leads, she takes it upon herself to find her.
Being on Lachlan's radar isn’t helping her cause. To gather information about her missing friend, means gaining employment at Slainte`. And of course, it's owned by the Irish, which leads Mack right into his grasp.
“I thought I told you I don’t play by the rules,” I argue.
“Ye’re mistaken,” he says. “Ye just walked into my world unbidden. So, you will play by the rules, butterfly. You’ll be playing by all my rules.”
This path Mack finds herself on is dangerous. The minute she’s exposed for lying it’s over. Trying to fly under the radar is impossible since Lachlan has become possessive from the moment they met. He may not want to hire her, but he certainly wants to bed her. It’s a complication neither need.
She feels like she’s mine already, and I can’t have that. I want her gone. Need her gone. Out of my life and my mind. She’s a distraction I don’t need right now. A wildcard.
In the seedy underworld of illegal activities and shady men, Lachlan and Mack find a common ground. And the second she falls under his protection, she truly is his.
“Are ye a slut?” he demands.
Shock resonates through me at his accusation, but I’m too delirious to fight him. I’m so close to coming. So freaking close. “No,” I whimper. “I’m not.”
His grip tightens around my sore ass in warning and he bites down on my earlobe. “The correct answer to that, Mack,” he breathes harshly. “Is aye, Lachlan. I’m a slut for you. Only you.”
God I am in love with this series. If I had read the Boston Underworld series in order I would have given it 5 stars. But since I haven’t, I know the best is yet to come. Featuring dominating badass mobsters, sassy heroines, a little suspense and hot as sin sexy times, this series is a must!
He makes me feel like a princess and a dirty little slut.
Lachlan Crow is next in line to be underboss. An Irish syndicate that's about family, loyalty and honour. Yet it seems that everyone wants a piece. Whether it's the Italians, Russians or the Armenians, it's the fittest who conquer and prosper. There is no time for distractions. Especially in the form of pint-sized Mackenzie Wilder.
Mackenzie became an orphan at 13. Living in foster care and eventually on the streets, she's been raised tough and independent. When her best friend Talia goes missing and the police have no leads, she takes it upon herself to find her.
Being on Lachlan's radar isn’t helping her cause. To gather information about her missing friend, means gaining employment at Slainte`. And of course, it's owned by the Irish, which leads Mack right into his grasp.
“I thought I told you I don’t play by the rules,” I argue.
“Ye’re mistaken,” he says. “Ye just walked into my world unbidden. So, you will play by the rules, butterfly. You’ll be playing by all my rules.”
This path Mack finds herself on is dangerous. The minute she’s exposed for lying it’s over. Trying to fly under the radar is impossible since Lachlan has become possessive from the moment they met. He may not want to hire her, but he certainly wants to bed her. It’s a complication neither need.
She feels like she’s mine already, and I can’t have that. I want her gone. Need her gone. Out of my life and my mind. She’s a distraction I don’t need right now. A wildcard.
In the seedy underworld of illegal activities and shady men, Lachlan and Mack find a common ground. And the second she falls under his protection, she truly is his.
“Are ye a slut?” he demands.
Shock resonates through me at his accusation, but I’m too delirious to fight him. I’m so close to coming. So freaking close. “No,” I whimper. “I’m not.”
His grip tightens around my sore ass in warning and he bites down on my earlobe. “The correct answer to that, Mack,” he breathes harshly. “Is aye, Lachlan. I’m a slut for you. Only you.”
God I am in love with this series. If I had read the Boston Underworld series in order I would have given it 5 stars. But since I haven’t, I know the best is yet to come. Featuring dominating badass mobsters, sassy heroines, a little suspense and hot as sin sexy times, this series is a must!
Read
February 22, 2016DNF at 22%
I can't do it. Not sure who the author used for her Irish information. I will admit I do use the word "ye" instead of "you", now and again. But not in every fucking sentence ... and I know of NO Irish person who does... and I lived there for over 20 years. It's just grating on my nerves. Maybe she knows some Irish folks that speak like that but honestly, I doubt it. If she had used "ye" now and again and not every time out of Lachlan's mouth, I might have stuck with it. Pity really, cos she seems to have got the rest of the Irish stuff done right.
I can't do it. Not sure who the author used for her Irish information. I will admit I do use the word "ye" instead of "you", now and again. But not in every fucking sentence ... and I know of NO Irish person who does... and I lived there for over 20 years. It's just grating on my nerves. Maybe she knows some Irish folks that speak like that but honestly, I doubt it. If she had used "ye" now and again and not every time out of Lachlan's mouth, I might have stuck with it. Pity really, cos she seems to have got the rest of the Irish stuff done right.
November 9, 2016
What a surprising read. It was a perfect distraction from all the arguing and hate on election day.
Just want a needed. It was a bit over the top at times, but I could not put it down.
I will try to review soon, but for now, on to the next book.
Just want a needed. It was a bit over the top at times, but I could not put it down.
I will try to review soon, but for now, on to the next book.
November 14, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
“He said I wrecked him, but he completely destroyed me.”
For those of you who live on Mars (or in a bubble), last week was kind of a not-so-great week to be ‘Murican. No matter whether you sided with the donkeys or the elephants – if you are a person like me who enjoysed spending free time on social media you know it all went to hell and pert near errrryone decided to show their assholes. In an attempt to escape reality, I decided to nomnom on this little piece of pornography literature I picked up months ago when my buddy Casey told me it was free . . . .
Crow has a 4.0 average amongst my friends so per usual it seems I read this wrong. Please note I didn’t read it wrong wrong, however. Just sorta wrong. Also note that (as last week clearly taught me) everyone likes a shit show so allow me to tell you what made me not enjoy this one so much rather than what I did like.
#1. The accents . . . . .
Lord love a duck but Mo had it right that the Irish accent was just plain turrrrrrible. (The Boston accent was barely used at all, but note I truly appreciated the use of “skeezah” and had a lil’ bit of an LOL from it.)
#2. The female lead that can’t keep her eye on the prize . . .
Mack starts off tough as nails, kicking some ginormo Irishman’s ass in an effin’ cage match. Her M.O. is to find a missing friend who was last seen connected with a bar owned by the Irish mafia. About 2.7 seconds after meeting Irish Mafioso (or whatever the Irish equivalent for that job’s title is), Mack suffers from a case of magic penis and the missing friend becomes backstory.
#3. The virgin . . . .
Who in the fuck gets off on this virgin shit? Wait, I know the answer and get in your safe space if you’re not ready to hear it. DUDES. Dudebrahs prolly find the V Card subplot supah hot, but guess what? It’s horny old ladies like me reading these books for the most part so you can go ahead and stop. (Also, I’m pretty sure Alexa Riley copyrighted that trope so at this point she should be the only one allowed to do it.)
#4. The sexytimes exchanges . . . .
I enjoy reading a good alpha male who likes to take charge in the sack, and a bigwig in the mob probably isn’t going to be farting rainbows, but the conversations between Mack and Lach (and yes you can vomit over those names any time now) didn’t work for me. (Note to Mack – if you want to appear to be the alpha’s counterpart, you might want to tell him to go eff himself BEFORE he’s pummeling the crap out of your vajay.)
#5. The sexytimes themselves. This one is getting 3.5 because not only do I want Ronan’s story like SUPERBAD, but also because most of the sex was pretty splooshtastic and had me all . . . .
That being said, along with the virgin storyline and super sassy but not really sassy at all female lead, I’m not a big fan of reading about Bee Jays. Once per book is obligatory (even though the description of how “musky” a man smells makes me totally dry-heave Every.Single.Time.), but this chick was seriously into it and when gangsta is rocking a friggin’ tree trunk it’s kind of hard for me to picture anything other than something kinda like this . . . .
I can almost guarantee your mileage will vary with this one so please don’t remove it from your TBR and remember the kind of place I was coming from while reading/reviewing it . . . .
ORIGINAL "REVIEW":
Because eating 2 lbs of bacon didn't work last night and doing this . . . .
isn't acceptable at work, I'll go to my other addiction to ease the pain - PORNOGRAPHY.
3.5 Stars
“He said I wrecked him, but he completely destroyed me.”
For those of you who live on Mars (or in a bubble), last week was kind of a not-so-great week to be ‘Murican. No matter whether you sided with the donkeys or the elephants – if you are a person like me who enjoy
Crow has a 4.0 average amongst my friends so per usual it seems I read this wrong. Please note I didn’t read it wrong wrong, however. Just sorta wrong. Also note that (as last week clearly taught me) everyone likes a shit show so allow me to tell you what made me not enjoy this one so much rather than what I did like.
#1. The accents . . . . .
Lord love a duck but Mo had it right that the Irish accent was just plain turrrrrrible. (The Boston accent was barely used at all, but note I truly appreciated the use of “skeezah” and had a lil’ bit of an LOL from it.)
#2. The female lead that can’t keep her eye on the prize . . .
Mack starts off tough as nails, kicking some ginormo Irishman’s ass in an effin’ cage match. Her M.O. is to find a missing friend who was last seen connected with a bar owned by the Irish mafia. About 2.7 seconds after meeting Irish Mafioso (or whatever the Irish equivalent for that job’s title is), Mack suffers from a case of magic penis and the missing friend becomes backstory.
#3. The virgin . . . .
Who in the fuck gets off on this virgin shit? Wait, I know the answer and get in your safe space if you’re not ready to hear it. DUDES. Dudebrahs prolly find the V Card subplot supah hot, but guess what? It’s horny old ladies like me reading these books for the most part so you can go ahead and stop. (Also, I’m pretty sure Alexa Riley copyrighted that trope so at this point she should be the only one allowed to do it.)
#4. The sexytimes exchanges . . . .
I enjoy reading a good alpha male who likes to take charge in the sack, and a bigwig in the mob probably isn’t going to be farting rainbows, but the conversations between Mack and Lach (and yes you can vomit over those names any time now) didn’t work for me. (Note to Mack – if you want to appear to be the alpha’s counterpart, you might want to tell him to go eff himself BEFORE he’s pummeling the crap out of your vajay.)
#5. The sexytimes themselves. This one is getting 3.5 because not only do I want Ronan’s story like SUPERBAD, but also because most of the sex was pretty splooshtastic and had me all . . . .
That being said, along with the virgin storyline and super sassy but not really sassy at all female lead, I’m not a big fan of reading about Bee Jays. Once per book is obligatory (even though the description of how “musky” a man smells makes me totally dry-heave Every.Single.Time.), but this chick was seriously into it and when gangsta is rocking a friggin’ tree trunk it’s kind of hard for me to picture anything other than something kinda like this . . . .
I can almost guarantee your mileage will vary with this one so please don’t remove it from your TBR and remember the kind of place I was coming from while reading/reviewing it . . . .
ORIGINAL "REVIEW":
Because eating 2 lbs of bacon didn't work last night and doing this . . . .
isn't acceptable at work, I'll go to my other addiction to ease the pain - PORNOGRAPHY.
July 25, 2016
What did I just read? My eyes are still bleeding. I honestly didn't have high hopes for the romance but having watched Black Mass the other day, I thought, with the series being called Boston Underworld, this might be good world building story. Ha! I was so wrong!
I can't describe it in any other way. This is one of the books that are so exceptionally bad that I actually finished it to see if it can get any worse, and I've never been more grateful for Kindle Unlimited. Besides my eyes, my heart would also be bleeding at the thought of having wasted money on this book. On the bright side, the sheer stupidity had me laughing more than once!
22-year-old Mackenzie is trying to find her missing friend Talia who was working in a stripclub/bar owned by Lachlan Crow, Irish Mobster, before she vanished. As neither police nor FBI are willing to to look into Talia's disappearance properly, she takes matters into her own hands and starts working as a sort of stripper in Lachlan's club. I should not forget to mention that, besides being a hobby stripper, she's also an accountant of sorts, a street fighter with serious boxing skills and simply the most brilliant woman on earth.
That's pretty much it. Forget the romance. It was a joke. The book is mostly written from Mackenzie's viewpoint. Lachlan's moments are negligible. Instead I had to fight through Mackenzie's brain diarrhea. I'll let the quotes speak for themselves.
On being Irish
On men
First time she gets to speak to Lachlan properly
This had me laughing. I mean, come on, she's talking to one of Boston's leading Mobsters in the hope he'll hire her as a stripper.
On the women Lachlan's shagging
She's only tough on the outside
Such empathy!
She's very mature
She wins an argument with Lachlan
On loyalty
This is how she shows loyalty. I was gagging.
On her deeeeeeeep feelings for Lachlan
This one's my favourite!!!
I should go back to Historicals. No really, I should. I mean, you know...
I can't describe it in any other way. This is one of the books that are so exceptionally bad that I actually finished it to see if it can get any worse, and I've never been more grateful for Kindle Unlimited. Besides my eyes, my heart would also be bleeding at the thought of having wasted money on this book. On the bright side, the sheer stupidity had me laughing more than once!
22-year-old Mackenzie is trying to find her missing friend Talia who was working in a stripclub/bar owned by Lachlan Crow, Irish Mobster, before she vanished. As neither police nor FBI are willing to to look into Talia's disappearance properly, she takes matters into her own hands and starts working as a sort of stripper in Lachlan's club. I should not forget to mention that, besides being a hobby stripper, she's also an accountant of sorts, a street fighter with serious boxing skills and simply the most brilliant woman on earth.
That's pretty much it. Forget the romance. It was a joke. The book is mostly written from Mackenzie's viewpoint. Lachlan's moments are negligible. Instead I had to fight through Mackenzie's brain diarrhea. I'll let the quotes speak for themselves.
On being Irish
I might be a girl, but that means jack shit in my family. We’re Irish. This shit is in our DNA. We love to fight. We love to brawl.Let's hit on the stereotypes!
On men
I have the advantage of thinking with my brain and not a cock. Already it’s obvious that my shorts and sports bra are distracting him. Regardless of the fact that I just punched him in the face, he still sees me as a pair of tits and an ass. Go figure.Okay, let me figure it out...or not.
First time she gets to speak to Lachlan properly
This had me laughing. I mean, come on, she's talking to one of Boston's leading Mobsters in the hope he'll hire her as a stripper.
“Oh, puh-lease. Everybody in Boston knows the notorious Crows. This little club you’re running is a hot bed of criminal activity. For the… what’s it called?” I tap my finger against my lips. “Oh yeah, that’s right… the MacKenna Syndicate."He's a killer, mind you. And she just barges in, says this and gets away with it. Okay!
On the women Lachlan's shagging
“Most of the chicks you bang probably don’t have two brain cells to rub together.”This girl needs to have a look in the mirror.
She's only tough on the outside
Such empathy!
I don’t like seeing his pain. I don’t like seeing anyone’s pain. Most people don’t know that about me. I pretend shit doesn’t bother me, but it does. Right now, seeing him like this, it fucking bothers me.
She's very mature
She wins an argument with Lachlan
When Lachlan goes back to eating, I stick my tongue out at him and grin. I always get what I want.
On loyalty
This is how she shows loyalty. I was gagging.
My loyalty got me into this mess, and I wish I could just tell him that. But I can’t. Instead, I’m going to make it up to him. I’m going to offer myself up to him on a silver platter. Something I swore I would never do.
On her deeeeeeeep feelings for Lachlan
I hate him. I hate him for making me feel this way. So confused. So off balance. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I reach down and stroke his hair anyway. Fuck. I’ve never felt so conflicted. All of my frustrations, my confusion, my arousal… they combine to form an atomic bomb inside of me. And when it goes off, I scream out his name.
This one's my favourite!!!
They all know I’m a fool. I don’t care.
I should go back to Historicals. No really, I should. I mean, you know...
never-to-read
January 4, 2019I am sorry, I cannot read this book for a simple (stupid) reason.
The main male character's name. Lachlan.
Because I always read it as LachTan. Which means sea lion in my language. So, I'm deeply sorry; I cannot do this. Or any book which features a male character named Lachlan.
The main male character's name. Lachlan.
Because I always read it as LachTan. Which means sea lion in my language. So, I'm deeply sorry; I cannot do this. Or any book which features a male character named Lachlan.
August 12, 2017
"I wanted none of this. But I've no choice now."
Mackenzie is a survivor who has made a life for herself despite her upbringing and difficult circumstances. When her best friend disappears, she will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home. When the police give up their search, Mack takes it upon herself to infiltrate the Irish Mob and invade the ranks of Lachlan Crow and his band of brothers. Although the stakes are high for Mack to succeed, it doesn't take her long to find herself in Lachlan's care and in his bed. Lachlan is quite taken with Mack and they quickly forge a passionate connection that blooms into so much more. Is Lachlan willing to sacrifice it all to be with Mack and what will happen when he discovers the truth? The connection between Lachlan and Mack is intense and thoroughly explored. As the suspense continues to build, the tension is great between these characters to survive.
"I'm a slave to this man. The power he holds over me is ridiculous."Told in dual POV, Crow is the first book in the Boston Underworld Series. Full of action, suspense, and smoking hot sex, this contemporary romance will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire read. There were certainly moments where the plot stretched and pulled beyond the realm of possibility and yet, who wouldn't want to escape into the underworld with some hot Irish mobsters?
I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics between the characters and if you are a fan of mob romance than Crow and Mack are sure to please! This was my first A. Zavarelli book and I certainly look forward to reading more from this author!
***Boston Underworld Series***
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 27, 2017
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: I was putting this off because even though it has gotten some great reviews, mafia related romances aren't my top theme to read. The reasoning is because it so often becomes OTT drama/violence and not enough romance. I thought this had a good balance between the romance and the suspense (probably because I thought it leaned more on the romance side than suspense). I ended up liking it! I liked both the characters, and I believed in and rooted for their connection. I might even read the next book in the series, Reaper ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Mackenzie and Lachlan's story. Mackenzie's best friend, that she grew up on the streets with, has been missing. After not finding her and not getting help from the police, she decides to infiltrate the group of people that her friend was last associated with. The issue is that the group is the Irish and Russian mafia. Lachlan happens to be in line to take over the Irish syndicate that she needs to get an in with. Even though it is inconvenient for both of them, neither of them can avoid the strong connection they have. With some sexy times and some mafia related suspenseful moments...they do eventually get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Mackenzie and Lachlan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, I felt like there was sufficient time to development of stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Lachlan. I liked him and how he became a guy that was sometimes sweet and possessive for the h, but had the hard mafia exterior.
h rating: 4 stars. Mackenzie/Mack. I liked how independent and strong she was. She didn't let the H get away with much, and I just appreciated her overall feistiness.
Sadness level: Low. I did mist up a little at one point, but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Not really.
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Kind of. Their first encounter they don't discuss it, but after they discuss birth control and std status.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had some good closure with a HEA ending. It does leave it open with the side characters for potential books about them.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: Safe/Safe with exception depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: I was putting this off because even though it has gotten some great reviews, mafia related romances aren't my top theme to read. The reasoning is because it so often becomes OTT drama/violence and not enough romance. I thought this had a good balance between the romance and the suspense (probably because I thought it leaned more on the romance side than suspense). I ended up liking it! I liked both the characters, and I believed in and rooted for their connection. I might even read the next book in the series, Reaper ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Mackenzie and Lachlan's story. Mackenzie's best friend, that she grew up on the streets with, has been missing. After not finding her and not getting help from the police, she decides to infiltrate the group of people that her friend was last associated with. The issue is that the group is the Irish and Russian mafia. Lachlan happens to be in line to take over the Irish syndicate that she needs to get an in with. Even though it is inconvenient for both of them, neither of them can avoid the strong connection they have. With some sexy times and some mafia related suspenseful moments...they do eventually get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Mackenzie and Lachlan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, I felt like there was sufficient time to development of stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Lachlan. I liked him and how he became a guy that was sometimes sweet and possessive for the h, but had the hard mafia exterior.
h rating: 4 stars. Mackenzie/Mack. I liked how independent and strong she was. She didn't let the H get away with much, and I just appreciated her overall feistiness.
Sadness level: Low. I did mist up a little at one point, but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Not really.
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Kind of. Their first encounter they don't discuss it, but after they discuss birth control and std status.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had some good closure with a HEA ending. It does leave it open with the side characters for potential books about them.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: Safe/Safe with exception depending on personal preferences
June 24, 2016
The first in a favorite new series! 5 gigantic, shiny stars.
Mack is a tough girl, raised on the streets since her Dad died when she was 13. But she gets in over her head when she goes looking for her missing best friend among the Boston mafia. There she meets Lachlan, head of the Irish bad guys.
I'm partial to Irish heroes. Not sure why, but if the word "Irish" is somewhere in the blurb, it's almost a guarantee I'm gonna read it. And I luuuurved these guys.
This is a somewhat dark series. Not dark-dark. No explicit rape, which is a huge no-no for me. There are rape scenes, but you don't get details. No glorifying that type of thing. The good guy bad guys (lol) are very protective of their women. Just not so much the other dudes. There are pretty explicit torture sequences, especially in book two.
However, it was so easy to sink into this dark, gritty, bold, and uncompromising world. No punches pulled. This was INTENSE, from start to finish. You want alpha? You fucking got one with Lachlan!
Mack is a tough girl, raised on the streets since her Dad died when she was 13. But she gets in over her head when she goes looking for her missing best friend among the Boston mafia. There she meets Lachlan, head of the Irish bad guys.
I'm partial to Irish heroes. Not sure why, but if the word "Irish" is somewhere in the blurb, it's almost a guarantee I'm gonna read it. And I luuuurved these guys.
This is a somewhat dark series. Not dark-dark. No explicit rape, which is a huge no-no for me. There are rape scenes, but you don't get details. No glorifying that type of thing. The good guy bad guys (lol) are very protective of their women. Just not so much the other dudes. There are pretty explicit torture sequences, especially in book two.
However, it was so easy to sink into this dark, gritty, bold, and uncompromising world. No punches pulled. This was INTENSE, from start to finish. You want alpha? You fucking got one with Lachlan!
March 25, 2017
2.5 A bit annoying...
I get why everyone liked it, it just wasn't the same for me.
The H was very annoying every time he talked, I doubt any real Irishman talks like that (and after living for several years in the US, no less). So most of the times I was just annoyed with him, couldn't really get over this thing.
The h was pretty unimpressive... I expected so much more from her!
True, I had pretty high expectations, after so many wonderful reviews, maybe that's why my rating is lowish.
It wasn't a bad read, it was just annoying. Might be worth reading if you like mobsters and stuff.
I get why everyone liked it, it just wasn't the same for me.
The H was very annoying every time he talked, I doubt any real Irishman talks like that (and after living for several years in the US, no less). So most of the times I was just annoyed with him, couldn't really get over this thing.
The h was pretty unimpressive... I expected so much more from her!
True, I had pretty high expectations, after so many wonderful reviews, maybe that's why my rating is lowish.
It wasn't a bad read, it was just annoying. Might be worth reading if you like mobsters and stuff.
August 20, 2016
Five knuckle bashing stars!
What can I say? Loved the storyline, action, gutsy drama and Lachlan! The man is hotter then sin and as deadly as a viper. You don't see him coming until its to late. Did I mention he's Irish?
Mackenzie is badass, hellcat and more. She's not afraid to take on the boys!
What can I say? Loved the storyline, action, gutsy drama and Lachlan! The man is hotter then sin and as deadly as a viper. You don't see him coming until its to late. Did I mention he's Irish?
Mackenzie is badass, hellcat and more. She's not afraid to take on the boys!
November 10, 2018
4 Always-Sweetheart Stars
Crow is an absolute crazytown mix of over the top and dramatic…. And I gobbled it up like candy. Go figure.
This is the moment I realize that our traumas never really go away. They live inside of us, in the deepest darkest pits of our own tiny hells. Cocked and loaded, waiting for someone to come along and pull the trigger.
Mackenzie Wilder is at her wits end. After the death of her father at 13 she has had few friends, now one of them has gone missing. It looks like the Irish Syndicate was involved somehow but the police won’t touch it without concrete evidence of same, so she rashly decides to infiltrate their ranks and get to the bottom of Talia’s disappearance herself.
A street-toughened fighter, she challenges one of the Mafia’s heavies in the boxing ring and kicks his ass. Donny (the offended heavy) is none too impressed with this. However, she catches his superior’s attention and eventually lands herself a job at the bar her friend went missing from.
The one thing she didn’t count on was an unavoidable attraction to that same superior. An accented, ruthless, drool-enducingly sexy Irishman named:
Lachlan Crow. There is no room for women in this control freak’s life. He’s on the fast track to being promoted into his recently departed grandfather’s position, a position which requires he marry a woman not specifically of his choosing. It’s a business move, a lucrative one but that suits Lachlan just fine. Women are trouble, and the newest employee at the Slainte is the worst kind of trouble. A back-talker, a fighter, a woman he trusts even less than the rest but he can’t deny his desire for her. From the moment he saw her dance for the first time he can’t get her out of his mind. He’s got a big problem. And that problem is Mackenzie Wilder.
I never realized how empty my life had really become until I had him in it. He did that to me. He said I wrecked him, but he completely destroyed me. Everything was fine when I was alone. When I didn’t have to feel or think or care about someone else. Sure I was sad and broken, but I was okay. Now, I’m anything but.
As I said, this book is just crazytown. It’s violent, possessive, destructive and scary but it is also fucking sexy as all get out. This definitely didn’t give me any cavities from sweetness that’s for damn sure. This is the psycho side of the love sphere. Dark, deranged and damaged.
** Casting courtesy of the fact I love the show ‘Merlin’**
Crow is an absolute crazytown mix of over the top and dramatic…. And I gobbled it up like candy. Go figure.
This is the moment I realize that our traumas never really go away. They live inside of us, in the deepest darkest pits of our own tiny hells. Cocked and loaded, waiting for someone to come along and pull the trigger.
Mackenzie Wilder is at her wits end. After the death of her father at 13 she has had few friends, now one of them has gone missing. It looks like the Irish Syndicate was involved somehow but the police won’t touch it without concrete evidence of same, so she rashly decides to infiltrate their ranks and get to the bottom of Talia’s disappearance herself.
A street-toughened fighter, she challenges one of the Mafia’s heavies in the boxing ring and kicks his ass. Donny (the offended heavy) is none too impressed with this. However, she catches his superior’s attention and eventually lands herself a job at the bar her friend went missing from.
The one thing she didn’t count on was an unavoidable attraction to that same superior. An accented, ruthless, drool-enducingly sexy Irishman named:
Lachlan Crow. There is no room for women in this control freak’s life. He’s on the fast track to being promoted into his recently departed grandfather’s position, a position which requires he marry a woman not specifically of his choosing. It’s a business move, a lucrative one but that suits Lachlan just fine. Women are trouble, and the newest employee at the Slainte is the worst kind of trouble. A back-talker, a fighter, a woman he trusts even less than the rest but he can’t deny his desire for her. From the moment he saw her dance for the first time he can’t get her out of his mind. He’s got a big problem. And that problem is Mackenzie Wilder.
I never realized how empty my life had really become until I had him in it. He did that to me. He said I wrecked him, but he completely destroyed me. Everything was fine when I was alone. When I didn’t have to feel or think or care about someone else. Sure I was sad and broken, but I was okay. Now, I’m anything but.
As I said, this book is just crazytown. It’s violent, possessive, destructive and scary but it is also fucking sexy as all get out. This definitely didn’t give me any cavities from sweetness that’s for damn sure. This is the psycho side of the love sphere. Dark, deranged and damaged.
** Casting courtesy of the fact I love the show ‘Merlin’**
March 3, 2016
5 Butterfly Stars!
When I first started this book I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I love a tough h but often they come off too tough and cocky and make me want to slap them upside the head. So I was scared at first. Then we got Lachlan's POV and his thick Irish accent and I got more scared that this wasn't going to work for me. lol BUT then Mack and Lachlan meet and all of a sudden I can't read fast enough! Two nights in a row this bitch right here was up till 5am reading with toothpicks holding her eyes open! Im so damn happy!!!!
Mackenzie grew up with a father that was an illegal fighter. Her father taught her everything about fighting and also never to get close to someone. When Mack is 13 her father gets murdered leaving her on her own. She meets some girls on the street and they become close friends. Later the girls get picked up and put in foster homes. Mack and Talia are roommates now and they are still best friends. When Talia goes missing and the law won't do anything to find her Mack takes things in her own hands. She will get the attention of the Irish and Russian mob men. She will find her best friend herself. Hopefully she can get in and find what she needs and get out before Lachlan figures out why she's there.
Lachlan Crow can't believe his eyes when this 5'2 girl is up in his fighting ring. He then can't believe his eyes when this girl wins the fight by putting one of his best fighters to sleep on the mat. Lachlan doesn't trust woman. He defiantly doesn't trust Mack. He most defiantly won't give her a job at his club stripping. Mack is trouble with a capital T and he needs this woman gone out of his life. He doesn't have time for this shit right now. That is until the Russians want her and he's asked to protect her.
I loved Lachlan and Mack!! Lachlan was everything I love in a hero! Badass- check! Possessive of what's his-check! No cheating-check! Sexy-check!
Mack didn't make me want to jump in my kindle one time! She was badass, possessive of what was hers and I found her to be perfect for Lachlan! They had me fanning myself one minute and cracking up the next!
I'm not saying everything was perfect in this book. I had a few moments of eye rolling. But did I care? Fuck no!! I couldn't read fast enough to see what was going to happen. This chic made me a nervous wreck!
I was shocked that the violence wasn't over done in this book! A lot of times you read about overly done kill scenes that make you want to skim. Not the case here people! Lachlan didn't waste time getting things done. I loved this about him!
Will Lachlan figure out why Mack is really at his club? Can Mack keep her game face on and her feelings in check when it comes to Lachlan? Will Talia ever be found or is it to late? Will Mack figure out who took her friend? You will have to read this to find out my friends!
I can't wait for the next book in this series! Ronan is Lachlan's right hand man! The only man that he trusts! He is called the Reaper and I absofuckinglutely loved his broody suit wearing ass in this book!! His story is next!
Awesome job A. Zavarelli I loved this one and would recommend it to all my friends:))
When I first started this book I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I love a tough h but often they come off too tough and cocky and make me want to slap them upside the head. So I was scared at first. Then we got Lachlan's POV and his thick Irish accent and I got more scared that this wasn't going to work for me. lol BUT then Mack and Lachlan meet and all of a sudden I can't read fast enough! Two nights in a row this bitch right here was up till 5am reading with toothpicks holding her eyes open! Im so damn happy!!!!
Mackenzie grew up with a father that was an illegal fighter. Her father taught her everything about fighting and also never to get close to someone. When Mack is 13 her father gets murdered leaving her on her own. She meets some girls on the street and they become close friends. Later the girls get picked up and put in foster homes. Mack and Talia are roommates now and they are still best friends. When Talia goes missing and the law won't do anything to find her Mack takes things in her own hands. She will get the attention of the Irish and Russian mob men. She will find her best friend herself. Hopefully she can get in and find what she needs and get out before Lachlan figures out why she's there.
Lachlan Crow can't believe his eyes when this 5'2 girl is up in his fighting ring. He then can't believe his eyes when this girl wins the fight by putting one of his best fighters to sleep on the mat. Lachlan doesn't trust woman. He defiantly doesn't trust Mack. He most defiantly won't give her a job at his club stripping. Mack is trouble with a capital T and he needs this woman gone out of his life. He doesn't have time for this shit right now. That is until the Russians want her and he's asked to protect her.
I loved Lachlan and Mack!! Lachlan was everything I love in a hero! Badass- check! Possessive of what's his-check! No cheating-check! Sexy-check!
Mack didn't make me want to jump in my kindle one time! She was badass, possessive of what was hers and I found her to be perfect for Lachlan! They had me fanning myself one minute and cracking up the next!
I'm not saying everything was perfect in this book. I had a few moments of eye rolling. But did I care? Fuck no!! I couldn't read fast enough to see what was going to happen. This chic made me a nervous wreck!
I was shocked that the violence wasn't over done in this book! A lot of times you read about overly done kill scenes that make you want to skim. Not the case here people! Lachlan didn't waste time getting things done. I loved this about him!
Will Lachlan figure out why Mack is really at his club? Can Mack keep her game face on and her feelings in check when it comes to Lachlan? Will Talia ever be found or is it to late? Will Mack figure out who took her friend? You will have to read this to find out my friends!
I can't wait for the next book in this series! Ronan is Lachlan's right hand man! The only man that he trusts! He is called the Reaper and I absofuckinglutely loved his broody suit wearing ass in this book!! His story is next!
Awesome job A. Zavarelli I loved this one and would recommend it to all my friends:))
June 6, 2021
SO AMAZING! I loved this book so so much and how Mack was a strong heroine who was determined to figure out what happened to her best friend, Tal, who disappeared a year ago. The police won't do anything, so Mack decides to get close to the Irish Mafia, meaning Lach, to find out what happened. of course, she starts falling hard for Lach and doesn't know how much longer she can keep secrets from him. There was so much action in this book and Lach is a "touch her and you die" hero and I was living for it. This also set up the other couples so well that I'm already dying for the next two books. I can't wait to pick them up and I'm so excited that I finally read this book and loved it!
February 6, 2017
4 At All Cost Stars
This is my third A. Zavarelli book. I binged read her Bleeding Heart series and so I was really excited for this one. I’m a sucker for romance mob stories, call me crazy but I have a soft spot for killers. Crow is written differently than the Bleeding Heart series, it’s a bit more descriptive and the steam is on the tamer side. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of steam, but I would consider this more New Adult, than erotica.
I always love a tough Heroine if done correctly and Mackenzie (Mack) takes the cake. She grew up in the foster system and knows how to protect herself. As in she knows how to street fight. Different right? I wasn’t sure on this concept at first, because it just seems so emasculating, but it completely worked for her character.
Mack is on a mission to save her friend, who got sucked in the underworld of dangerous mob men.
Lachlan is in to gain completely control, but he has to prove himself. Lachlan is Irish and I’m always hesitant when I read a “true” Irish character, you know with the Irish slang and such. I’m an American so I wouldn’t know if it’s don’t properly and too much can take away from the story, but it really didn’t. I found it kind of cute and there was just a perfect amount.
I really liked Lachlan. He’s this super hardcore Hero right, so he needs to be tough, harsh and distant. I like that he had an instant attraction towards Mack because that’s how it should be and he automatically wanted her under his protection. Yes, please calling all alpha males, Lachlan is staking his claim.
The chemistry between Lachlan and Mack is explosive and there’s plenty of tension to keep you interested. There’s so much going on with Mack working as a stripper, I know, and Lachlan dealing with the mob politics. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Mack lying to get to know Lachlan so she could rescue her friend, but that wasn’t the focal point of the book. Mack spends a good portion of the book befriending a stripper and helping the girls. She’s a strong character and I liked seeing that side of her.
It’s a meaty book with lots of action, passion and drama to keep you entertained.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
“So are you keeping me around because you want to, or because you have to?”
“I want to”
“Why?”
“Ye’re trouble. A wild card, Mack. But maybe I like having ye here.”
This is my third A. Zavarelli book. I binged read her Bleeding Heart series and so I was really excited for this one. I’m a sucker for romance mob stories, call me crazy but I have a soft spot for killers. Crow is written differently than the Bleeding Heart series, it’s a bit more descriptive and the steam is on the tamer side. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of steam, but I would consider this more New Adult, than erotica.
I always love a tough Heroine if done correctly and Mackenzie (Mack) takes the cake. She grew up in the foster system and knows how to protect herself. As in she knows how to street fight. Different right? I wasn’t sure on this concept at first, because it just seems so emasculating, but it completely worked for her character.
Mack is on a mission to save her friend, who got sucked in the underworld of dangerous mob men.
Lachlan is in to gain completely control, but he has to prove himself. Lachlan is Irish and I’m always hesitant when I read a “true” Irish character, you know with the Irish slang and such. I’m an American so I wouldn’t know if it’s don’t properly and too much can take away from the story, but it really didn’t. I found it kind of cute and there was just a perfect amount.
I really liked Lachlan. He’s this super hardcore Hero right, so he needs to be tough, harsh and distant. I like that he had an instant attraction towards Mack because that’s how it should be and he automatically wanted her under his protection. Yes, please calling all alpha males, Lachlan is staking his claim.
The chemistry between Lachlan and Mack is explosive and there’s plenty of tension to keep you interested. There’s so much going on with Mack working as a stripper, I know, and Lachlan dealing with the mob politics. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Mack lying to get to know Lachlan so she could rescue her friend, but that wasn’t the focal point of the book. Mack spends a good portion of the book befriending a stripper and helping the girls. She’s a strong character and I liked seeing that side of her.
It’s a meaty book with lots of action, passion and drama to keep you entertained.
An ARC was provided
April 7, 2016
Being tough won’t stop you from getting knocked out by love.
I finished Crow happy, content in finishing a good story and sighing that it had a love conquers all feel to it. BUT, it was also dark and gritty, with violence, rape and abuse throughout. The big question for me at the end was – Would I or Could I, love a bad man? It’s a tricky one for me because I don’t think (in real life) I’d be attracted to the “bad boy”. Now if hubby came home all of a sudden telling me he’s joining a bikie gang and he wants me to be his biker chick? After I got off the floor from having a laughing fit, if I thought about it, my honest answer would be, I don’t know. Yes, I love my hubby with all my heart, but I’d have to question why he would want to bring his family into a life with the potential for violence, rape and abuse. Hmmm…saying that, I wouldn’t mind seeing him in jeans, a leather jacket and biker boots ;)
Anyways… Crow. We start this tale meeting a young lady by the name of Mack, short for Mackenzie. She’s a tough chick who’s lead a hard life. Her dad was an underground fighter who ended up on the wrong path and dying from crossing the Russian Mafia. Mack was only 13 years old when he died and with her mum already dead, she was put into foster care. She made some friends while in foster care, but the system was not good. Eventually she ran away with her best friend Talia and together they lived on the streets. That bond lasted years, but then Talia goes missing. The police have given up hope of finding her, so Mack decides to get some answers by herself. First stop, Talia’s last workplace…Slainte owned by the Irish Mafia. Unfortunately, it’s not just a matter of walking in, she has to get the attention of one of the men and be invited in. Anyone will do, but of course Mack gains the attention of the wrong man.
Lachlan is a member of the MacKenna Syndicate which he’s in line to take over the running of. They are his family and the people he loves the most. His grand-da has just died in a shooting, Lachlan wants revenge for his murder and now there are a lot of other problems to deal with. They’re trying to form an alliance with the Russian Mafia, while staying out of the Italian mobs way and being attacked by the Algerians who want their turf. The last thing he needs in his life is a tough little thing that fights like a demon with a body made for sin. Lachlan is fascinated with her. At first he manages to push her away, but then the choice is taken away from him and he needs to keep her close.
Lachlan and Mack at first don’t really see eye to eye, but neither of them can deny the attraction they feel for each other. The more time they spend with each other, the more the temptation grows. Eventually they succumb and there are fireworks. Both of them are keeping secrets, but wished they didn’t have to. With him on one path and her on another, they eventually collide.
This is not a sweet story. It is at times quite ugly. Luckily for Mack she’s been brought up tough, because she’s going to need that strength to get her through the situations she’s thrown into. Loving someone who lives this type of life is hard. First off you have to spend your life looking over your shoulder. Then you have to deal with death on a regular basis. People you learn to love can be killed in the blink of an eye, or you may have to witness your love one do unmentionable things. It just wouldn’t be an easy life to willingly walk into.
Crow was an interesting story full of lust, crime and intrigue. There are evil people on both sides, but surprisingly there are good people as well. I did struggle at first getting through all the gangs, groups, mafias and mobs. A lot of people to keep track of and I sometimes found it hard to follow what was going on.
Crow is packed with violence and sex…not necessarily together. I had no problems with it, but there was A LOT!! This was the first story I’ve read by the author, and I would not hesitate to recommend Crow to people who enjoy gritty mafia/gang/mob/syndicate book’s.
I received a complimentary copy of Crow via the author for an honest review.
To buy Crow for $0.99 from Amazon - http://amzn.to/25KYsf1
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
February 23, 2021
✰ 4 'Butterfly' Stars ✰
Song Rec. - Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
-ˏˋ Initial Thoughts ˎˊ-
SooOOoo. . .I think this review might break a few hearts, due to that, I apologize in advance. First I want to make it clear, I did like Crow . I'm not a huge huge fan of the mafia-romance genre and the only one I trust to deliver five stars each time is obviously the Made series. More often than not I just don't really care about "mafia shit", and that's usually because I'm more of a romance driven reader vs. a plot driven reader. However, after reading CROW by new to me author A. Zavarelli, I can safely say that it is possible, there is another mafia-romance series that can draw high ratings from me.
-ˏˋ The Plot ˎˊ-
Mackenzie Wilder is searching for her friend Talia. She's the only one who cares that she's missing and Mac realizes that it's up to her to find Talia. Enter Lachlan Crow. Crow is next in line for the throne of the Irish underworld, and he's her big chance to find her missing friend. However, things become blurred when Mackenzie finds herself drawn to Crow. Will she stick to her mission and find Talia? Or will she fall completely under Lachlan Crows spell?
-ˏˋ What WORKED For Me ˎˊ-
✦✧ Character Spotlight - Lachlan "Lach" Crow ✧✦
I gotta admit, I did not think I'd come out of this book with Lachlan Crow as my favorite character. For whatever reason during the first couple of chapters I was pretty, lukewarm, towards Lach. However, as the book progressed he would do the sweetest things for Mack, he'd whip out his bad-boy charms, or his accent would come out to play, and all of sudden I was done. I started the book feeling meh towards Lach, and ended the book like this -
Lachlan Crow is the type of hero that I adore. He's not this super duper growly "alpha-male" who feels the need to pee in circles around the heroine. While he does have light possessive instincts going on they're. . .hawt. Crow is the type of man who doesn't need to tell everyone and their mom that he's "dangerous", by the time you realize how deadly he is, well, you'll be six feet under.
Lachlan is the type of hero that subtly sneaks up on you. He's like an onion, he's got layers baby. On the surface he's the next in line to the Irish mob, then you dig a little deeper and you realize that he's loyal as hell to those he considers family, dig deeper still and you'll see that once he's dedicated to a woman he will travel to hell and back for her. Basically, he is my husband and I will fight all of you for him.
I - hm. . .my ovaries weren't ready. . .
That's my husband everyone, that's ✨👏 my ✨👏 husband ✨👏. In my opinion Lachlan perfectly walks the line between overbearingly possessive / / that's just the right amount of possessive. Not only is he a clear master of dirty talk, but you know what? My mans is a motherf*cking gentleman.
THIS, t H i S, this is the reaction I want if you're gonna include the "whoopsies, i didn't know you were a virgin" trope. She choose not to tell him that she was a virgin for. . .reasons, and when he did realize it, he said THANK YOU. That's all that needed to be said. I think this is the only time this trope hasn't annoyed me.
✧ Band of Brothers ✧ The bromance in this book you guys, the bromance. If there's anything that I love more than a great romance it's a spectacular friendmance. I'm of the belief that friendships are just as important as romances, so I love when an author crafts an equally compelling friendmance. While Mack had some nice friendships, I will say the bromance between Lachlan and Ronan greatly outshone them. Honestly, by the end of the book I was shipping Lachlan and Ronan, #sorrynotsorry.
Not only was the friendship between Ronan and Lachlan entertaining, but there was a clearly strong invisible bond between them.
I read about 70% of book two - i'll finish it eventually, i swear - and the bond between them is just as amazing. Basically if Lachlan is the King, then Mackenzie is his Queen, and Ronan is his Knight.
✧ The Romance ✧ So, here's where things get tricky. I want to make it clear, I greatly enjoyed the romance in CROW . However, I'm under the belief that my baby Crow deserves better. I'm sure you guys have noticed that I haven't said much about Mackenzie yet, and there's a reason for that, I - I just didn't like her that much. The decisions she made were. . .baffling, and I personally thought she had moments of TSTL syndrome. Also, I was about to cut her when all her lies came out and thus hurt my baby Crow, unacceptable. Putting aside my general dislike towards Mackenzie I can admit that the romance was really sweet. That's right, I said sweet. The way these two met was amazing, one of the best meet cutes ever *cough* her knocking out his asshole coworker*, perfection. Then the way they slowly fell in love was BEAUTIFUL. I loved how they were just so drawn to each other and clearly powerless to stop their insane attraction.
They also had this great banter and a wonderful push-and-pull that was constantly present throughout their early interactions. For example, this moment had me laughing out loud -
Every interaction between Lachlan and Mack had this crackling chemistry, and it led to a truly awesome buildup between them.
The romance between Lach and Mack was equal parts all consuming and incredibly sweet. So, even though I didn't love Mack I was still invested in the romance and rooting for their HEA.
-ˏˋ What I Was MEH On ˎˊ-
✦✧ Character Spotlight - Mackenzie "Mack" Wilder ✧✦
Welp. . .this is a touch awkward. I cannot tell you guys how bummed I am about not loving Mack as much as all of you did. I tried, I tried so hard, but idk, the longer the book went on for the less I liked Mack. I read this book February 5, it's now February 23, and I finally figured out what made me feel eh about Mack, consistency. Her character felt inconsistent. Let me explain, the Mack we're introduced to in the beginning of the book is not the same Mack we end up stuck with for the rest of the book. The Mack in the beginning of the book is apparently a boxing prodigy, tough as nails, and can take down grown men.
The whole "dilemma" of the first few chapters is that Mack has to box a member from the Irish Mob. So, I'm expecting a street-smart, capable heroine. . .HA, jokes on me. I'm not sure what happened to her. . ."mad skills" but after that first boxing match her "skills" are only utilized when it was convenient for the plot, and that annoyed me. I guess if the plot needs her to take down grown ass men, then yeah, she'll take em out no problem, but if the plot doesn't need her to then she's as useless as a newborn kitten. In addition her decision making skills were. . .a choice. For example, her whole plan was terrible. Like what, you're gonna infiltrate the Irish Mob, cool, then what? I ask that because I don't think Mack knew the answer either. Oh wait her plan was to become a stripper at the club where her friend went missing and then. . . *crickets*. . .again I'm not sure what was supposed to happen after that.
I'd say my main frustration really came to a head when she had multiple chances to tell Lachlan what was actually going on and she just didn't.
She quickly realized that she didn't have the resources / knowhow to help her friend and instead of being upfront and honest with Lachlan she lied. There were multiple situations where there were easily 10 better options and she always chose the shittiest one. And also, she made my husband upset. . .how can I forgive that? I can't, that's how. Ultimately, I thought Mack was fine as the heroine, but she definetly didn't wow me. I think the opening chapters really got me excited for a different kind of heroine, and unfortunately, in my opinion, she ended up being all talk.
✧ The Plot ✧ I'm not gonna lie, the plot definetly got a little kooky multiple times throughout CROW . It started out being "save Talia" and ended up being. . .a car chase??
The fact that I'm having trouble recounting the plot should probably tell you my feelings on said plot. Also, I'm not gonna lie, the villains were a bit, okay a lot, predictable. Honestly, that's usually my problem with mafia-romances in general. I give zero shits about the plot, but it always ends up being shoehorned in at the end. Was I supposed to care? oh i was. . .. WHOOPS. I think if the plot had mainly stuck to being about Mack finding Talia I would've been way more invested. But hey, who I am I kidding, I tend to just skip over the "plot talk" anyway.
-ˏˋ Closing Thoughts/Feelings ˎˊ-
All in all, I liked CROW . I so badly wish I could say that I loved it, but alas. Instead I can say that I loved, nay, love, Lachlan Crow. The intensity of my feelings towards him surprised me because, as I said, I didn't start out that crazy about him. Ultimately, I highly recommend this book - and series - and I know a bunch of people loved Mack as well. If you like mafia-romances then 100% check this series out, and if your a bit meh on them like I am, then still check this book out.
“Family, loyalty, honor, and blood. Tis the only thing that’s true.”
Song Rec. - Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
-ˏˋ Initial Thoughts ˎˊ-
SooOOoo. . .I think this review might break a few hearts, due to that, I apologize in advance. First I want to make it clear, I did like Crow . I'm not a huge huge fan of the mafia-romance genre and the only one I trust to deliver five stars each time is obviously the Made series. More often than not I just don't really care about "mafia shit", and that's usually because I'm more of a romance driven reader vs. a plot driven reader. However, after reading CROW by new to me author A. Zavarelli, I can safely say that it is possible, there is another mafia-romance series that can draw high ratings from me.
-ˏˋ The Plot ˎˊ-
Mackenzie Wilder is searching for her friend Talia. She's the only one who cares that she's missing and Mac realizes that it's up to her to find Talia. Enter Lachlan Crow. Crow is next in line for the throne of the Irish underworld, and he's her big chance to find her missing friend. However, things become blurred when Mackenzie finds herself drawn to Crow. Will she stick to her mission and find Talia? Or will she fall completely under Lachlan Crows spell?
-ˏˋ What WORKED For Me ˎˊ-
✦✧ Character Spotlight - Lachlan "Lach" Crow ✧✦
I gotta admit, I did not think I'd come out of this book with Lachlan Crow as my favorite character. For whatever reason during the first couple of chapters I was pretty, lukewarm, towards Lach. However, as the book progressed he would do the sweetest things for Mack, he'd whip out his bad-boy charms, or his accent would come out to play, and all of sudden I was done. I started the book feeling meh towards Lach, and ended the book like this -
Lachlan Crow is the type of hero that I adore. He's not this super duper growly "alpha-male" who feels the need to pee in circles around the heroine. While he does have light possessive instincts going on they're. . .hawt. Crow is the type of man who doesn't need to tell everyone and their mom that he's "dangerous", by the time you realize how deadly he is, well, you'll be six feet under.
“How about this one?” he asks. “Did this bloke think he could touch Lachlan Crow’s woman?"
[. . .] Another gunshot, and his body falls to the floor. Lach moves to the next one.
Lachlan is the type of hero that subtly sneaks up on you. He's like an onion, he's got layers baby. On the surface he's the next in line to the Irish mob, then you dig a little deeper and you realize that he's loyal as hell to those he considers family, dig deeper still and you'll see that once he's dedicated to a woman he will travel to hell and back for her. Basically, he is my husband and I will fight all of you for him.
“Nobody else gets this,” he whispers threateningly. “You gave it to me, Mack. It’s mine. Do ye understand that?” He jerks on my hair and I grunt.
“Fuck you, asshole.”
“Yeah, fuck me,” he echoes. “You’ll be in my bed every night, sweetheart. Riding my cock, taking my come. This body is mine now. Am I making myself clear enough?”
I - hm. . .my ovaries weren't ready. . .
That's my husband everyone, that's ✨👏 my ✨👏 husband ✨👏. In my opinion Lachlan perfectly walks the line between overbearingly possessive / / that's just the right amount of possessive. Not only is he a clear master of dirty talk, but you know what? My mans is a motherf*cking gentleman.
“A goddamn virgin,” he mutters. “Tell me how that’s possible, Mack.”
I shrug and tear my eyes away. “Never found anyone I wanted to give it to.”
Lachlan grabs my face and turns my attention back to him, his voice soft when he speaks. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he says earnestly. “For giving it to me.”
THIS, t H i S, this is the reaction I want if you're gonna include the "whoopsies, i didn't know you were a virgin" trope. She choose not to tell him that she was a virgin for. . .reasons, and when he did realize it, he said THANK YOU. That's all that needed to be said. I think this is the only time this trope hasn't annoyed me.
That's my husband you guys ✨🥺
✧ Band of Brothers ✧ The bromance in this book you guys, the bromance. If there's anything that I love more than a great romance it's a spectacular friendmance. I'm of the belief that friendships are just as important as romances, so I love when an author crafts an equally compelling friendmance. While Mack had some nice friendships, I will say the bromance between Lachlan and Ronan greatly outshone them. Honestly, by the end of the book I was shipping Lachlan and Ronan, #sorrynotsorry.
“It’s already done,” Ronan says. “I want ye to know what he’s giving up for ye. The things he continues to give up. Ye hurt him once. I won’t stand for ye to do it again.”
Not only was the friendship between Ronan and Lachlan entertaining, but there was a clearly strong invisible bond between them.
I glance at Ronan, and something passes between them. I’m getting the gist that Ronan doesn’t like to be touched. These two are oddly protective of each other, but unsurprisingly very tight lipped about it.
I read about 70% of book two - i'll finish it eventually, i swear - and the bond between them is just as amazing. Basically if Lachlan is the King, then Mackenzie is his Queen, and Ronan is his Knight.
My best mate can off a man six different ways with his bare hands, so long as it isn’t me.
✧ The Romance ✧ So, here's where things get tricky. I want to make it clear, I greatly enjoyed the romance in CROW . However, I'm under the belief that my baby Crow deserves better. I'm sure you guys have noticed that I haven't said much about Mackenzie yet, and there's a reason for that, I - I just didn't like her that much. The decisions she made were. . .baffling, and I personally thought she had moments of TSTL syndrome. Also, I was about to cut her when all her lies came out and thus hurt my baby Crow, unacceptable. Putting aside my general dislike towards Mackenzie I can admit that the romance was really sweet. That's right, I said sweet. The way these two met was amazing, one of the best meet cutes ever *cough* her knocking out his asshole coworker*, perfection. Then the way they slowly fell in love was BEAUTIFUL. I loved how they were just so drawn to each other and clearly powerless to stop their insane attraction.
She feels like she’s mine already, and I can’t have that.
They also had this great banter and a wonderful push-and-pull that was constantly present throughout their early interactions. For example, this moment had me laughing out loud -
I reach out and grab it while they scuffle, and then stand up on shaky legs, pointing at the guy with the black eyes.
“Jaysus!” Lachlan yells up at me.
“Don’t fecking fire that off now. Ye’re liable to finish me off.”
“Then get the fuck outta’ the way!” I scream.
Every interaction between Lachlan and Mack had this crackling chemistry, and it led to a truly awesome buildup between them.
“You think ye can just walk away from me?” he asks. “Ye came and planted your arse right on my cock in the middle of the club, if I’m not mistaken. And then demanded, while my fingers were deep inside ye I might add, that I not fuck around with Mandy. Even if ye hadn’t seen what ye did last night, you were never walking away from me after that, sweetheart. Don’t mistake those words for empty threats.”
The romance between Lach and Mack was equal parts all consuming and incredibly sweet. So, even though I didn't love Mack I was still invested in the romance and rooting for their HEA.
-ˏˋ What I Was MEH On ˎˊ-
✦✧ Character Spotlight - Mackenzie "Mack" Wilder ✧✦
Welp. . .this is a touch awkward. I cannot tell you guys how bummed I am about not loving Mack as much as all of you did. I tried, I tried so hard, but idk, the longer the book went on for the less I liked Mack. I read this book February 5, it's now February 23, and I finally figured out what made me feel eh about Mack, consistency. Her character felt inconsistent. Let me explain, the Mack we're introduced to in the beginning of the book is not the same Mack we end up stuck with for the rest of the book. The Mack in the beginning of the book is apparently a boxing prodigy, tough as nails, and can take down grown men.
When she told me that her new foster dad was molesting her, I promptly went over there and smashed his nuts in with a baseball bat.
The whole "dilemma" of the first few chapters is that Mack has to box a member from the Irish Mob. So, I'm expecting a street-smart, capable heroine. . .HA, jokes on me. I'm not sure what happened to her. . ."mad skills" but after that first boxing match her "skills" are only utilized when it was convenient for the plot, and that annoyed me. I guess if the plot needs her to take down grown ass men, then yeah, she'll take em out no problem, but if the plot doesn't need her to then she's as useless as a newborn kitten. In addition her decision making skills were. . .a choice. For example, her whole plan was terrible. Like what, you're gonna infiltrate the Irish Mob, cool, then what? I ask that because I don't think Mack knew the answer either. Oh wait her plan was to become a stripper at the club where her friend went missing and then. . . *crickets*. . .again I'm not sure what was supposed to happen after that.
For my two song set, I’ve chosen Closer by Nine Inch Nails followed up with Manson’s Heart Shaped Glasses. Lachlan might have only given me two songs, but he didn’t say anything about the length of music.
at least she has good taste in music? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'd say my main frustration really came to a head when she had multiple chances to tell Lachlan what was actually going on and she just didn't.
“You tell me if he gives ye any trouble, Mack,” he says.
“Aw.” I flutter my eyelashes at him. “Are you going to defend my honor?”
He walks up and pulls me into his arms, his expression dead serious. “Always, sweetheart.”
She quickly realized that she didn't have the resources / knowhow to help her friend and instead of being upfront and honest with Lachlan she lied. There were multiple situations where there were easily 10 better options and she always chose the shittiest one. And also, she made my husband upset. . .how can I forgive that? I can't, that's how. Ultimately, I thought Mack was fine as the heroine, but she definetly didn't wow me. I think the opening chapters really got me excited for a different kind of heroine, and unfortunately, in my opinion, she ended up being all talk.
✧ The Plot ✧ I'm not gonna lie, the plot definetly got a little kooky multiple times throughout CROW . It started out being "save Talia" and ended up being. . .a car chase??
The fact that I'm having trouble recounting the plot should probably tell you my feelings on said plot. Also, I'm not gonna lie, the villains were a bit, okay a lot, predictable. Honestly, that's usually my problem with mafia-romances in general. I give zero shits about the plot, but it always ends up being shoehorned in at the end. Was I supposed to care? oh i was. . .. WHOOPS. I think if the plot had mainly stuck to being about Mack finding Talia I would've been way more invested. But hey, who I am I kidding, I tend to just skip over the "plot talk" anyway.
-ˏˋ Closing Thoughts/Feelings ˎˊ-
All in all, I liked CROW . I so badly wish I could say that I loved it, but alas. Instead I can say that I loved, nay, love, Lachlan Crow. The intensity of my feelings towards him surprised me because, as I said, I didn't start out that crazy about him. Ultimately, I highly recommend this book - and series - and I know a bunch of people loved Mack as well. If you like mafia-romances then 100% check this series out, and if your a bit meh on them like I am, then still check this book out.
“Tell me that ye’re mad about me,” he says. “And you’d do anything for me.”
“I’m mad about you,” I repeat between kisses. “And I would, without a doubt, do anything for you."
“And ye’re mine, now and for always.”
“I’m yours, now and for always,” I echo. “For as long as we have together.”
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