Book Review, Contemporary, Debut Novel, Mafia, Romance

A Favor for a Favor by Nat Chelloni

ABOUT THE BOOK

A time for love can’t be more deadly…

Julia Leonardi thought she put her past behind her. The widow of a mobster, all she wants is to steer clear of the criminal elements. Then she meets Domenico Bonacci…

Dom is handsome, charming, and intense. The world knows him as a prominent businessman, but Julia sees him as everything she fought to escape.

Once the scion of a powerful Mafia family Dom left the world of organized crime after his father’s death. And he swore he would never go back.

No matter how hard she tries, Julia can’t seem to ignore the powerful spark of attraction between them and her growing feelings for him. But when Dom’s shady past catches up with him, the two forbidden lovers find themselves trapped in a deadly game.

Will Dom renege on his vow and lose the woman he loves, or he will manage to break free of his past for once and for all?

MY REVIEW

I was delighted to review a debut novel by Nat Chelloni at her request and I wasn’t disappointed. This compelling and romantic enemies-to-lovers story intrigued me from the beginning and didn’t let go.

Domenico “Dom” Bonacci has worked to getaway from his family’s former mob ties by forming lucrative and legitimate business deals on his own. Until the mystery of the death of his young cousin pulls him into the dark undertones of human trafficking and betrayals that threaten the ones he loves and “affects his moral compass”. If that isn’t enough, his attraction and pursuit of Julia Leonardi, widow of his family’s enemy, is dangerous, but so worth it.

Julia’s encounter with the arrogant and manipulative Dom Bonacci is humiliating and insulting and she wants nothing to do with him. However, he wears her down with his charm (not easily I may add), and displays his vulnerability and devotion to her in many sweet and loving ways. However, she is concerned about his life and secrets that she doesn’t want to live through again.

The chemistry between Julia and Domenico is volatile from the beginning where Dom’s nefarious and inappropriate deal leads to much groveling and begging her for forgiveness. Their relationship is captivating and steamy revealing a charming and passionate bond.  The engaging mafia story is complex and full of twists and turns that bring closure to a tragic incident that affects Julia and Dom and their families.

Speaking of families, I love the dynamics of Julia’s big Italian family and the relationships between Julia’s friends and Dom’s Gangster Squad. In fact, I wouldn’t object to having some breakout stories with some of these characters. Hint. Hint.

I recommend this gripping debut mafia romance filled with all-encompassing love, gut-wrenching revenge, and fast-paced suspense.

Thank you to Ms. Chelloni for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

BUY THE BOOK

A Favor for a Favor

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nat Chelloni is a TV personality, a screenwriter, a film critic, an avid book reader across all genres, and now a published author.

Follow Nat on Twitter, Facebook, and Bookbub.