NICO
by Sarah Castille
What they say: New York Times bestselling author Sarah Castille is back with NICO (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, December 6, 2016), the first book in her Ruin & Revenge series. With reminiscences of Romeo and Juliet, Castille presents a modern twist and a powerful bad boy spin on the classic tale. RT Book Reviews raves about Castille’s BEYOND THE CUT saying, “Castille continues to raise the stakes… giving readers the compelling romance they crave,” and that continues brilliantly in this new series.
In NICO, Las Vegas Mafia boss Nico Toscani is used to getting what he wants, whether it’s having the City of Sin under his rule or a beautiful woman in his bed. But when he meets his match in the gorgeous, headstrong Mia Cordano, daughter of a rival crime lord, all bets are off…
Sexy computer hacker Mia struggles to break free of her ruthless father’s Mafia ties…but she can’t resist the powerful and seductive Nico, who will stop at nothing to possess her. With their families locked in a brutal war for control of the city, Mia and Nico enter into a forbidden game. Will they surrender to the passion that burns between them—and risk tearing apart their families? Or will Nico be forced to betray the only woman who sets his blood on fire?
“A deftly plotted page-turner that will leave readers panting for the next installment”
–Publisher’s Weekly
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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I say: NICO is the first instalment in Sarah Castille's Ruin & Revenge mafia series. Castille focuses this time on Vegas mafia families rather than bikers or fighters.
If you're a fan of soft lovey-dovey romances then this probably isn't the series for you - Sarah Castille doesn't sugarcoat the harsh mafia world so NICO is definitely an adult book. Mia and Nico are from competing mafia families so they should only feel hatred towards each other, but their relationship is far more complicated than that. From the very beginning they're trapped in a world full of secrets, lies and dangerous betrayals.
Mia is more goth hacker than pampered mafia Princess. She's an independent woman who wants to escape her controlling father and everything the mafia stands for. As far as her family are concerned mafia daughters must follow orders, then be sold off to solidify allegiances - Mia is so not down for this!
Nico is on one heck of a vengeance mission. He's also facing a battle for control of his family. Falling for the daughter of a rival family is definitely not on the cards, especially considering his vengeance mission. I have to admit I did have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Nico. I admired his determination and loved his sexy alpha swagger, but he does have some very distinctive ideas about women and their purpose within mafia family life. Luckily Mia is there to pull him up on some of his sexist tendencies and to challenge his more domineering ways.
The chemistry between Mia and Nico is intense. I don't mind my BBFs more on the naughtier side but I did find myself blushing at certain scenes.
Our main characters may be star-crossed, but in more of a very gritty, adult West Side Story than Romeo and Juliet kinda way (yes I know WSS is a retelling of R&J).
Our main characters may be star-crossed, but in more of a very gritty, adult West Side Story than Romeo and Juliet kinda way (yes I know WSS is a retelling of R&J).
NICO is a great introduction to Castille's new series and characters. It was interesting getting a greater insight into this very dark and violent world, even if with a romantic spin. I'd particularly like to read more about Mia's sister.
4 Stars in my Sky!
Excerpt:
“Is this everything?” Tony thumbed through the envelope. “This is half of what you brought us last month.” He shared a glance with Charlie Nails and smirked. “I thought you fancied yourself an old- style mobster. In the old days, the casinos were a license to print money. This is hardly enough to pay our staff.”
Nico steeled himself to show an outer calm as he raged inside. “That’s just the casino money.” He reached into the pocket of his double- breasted suit jacket, and pulled out a second envelope. “This is from the other businesses and the pay up from my crew.”
Santo’s eyes narrowed when Nico tossed the second envelope on the table. Although not a clever man, like Nico’s father had been, Santo had a sixth sense for when he was being ripped off. “Is that everything?”
No, of course it wasn’t everything. Despite the risk, Nico had several businesses on the side, including a nice little condo racket in which the main condo developers in the city exclusively hired interior designers controlled by Nico’s associates, giving Nico a share of every condo development. His connection with the steelworkers’ union had also given him a line into the rapidly developing construction of new casinos from a wave of foreign billionaires looking for a place to park their money.
Unlike his uncle, who had taken the family into the drug trade against Cosa Nostra rules, Nico was all about real estate. The online scams and Internet fraud that many of his associates claimed were the new wave of business were of no interest to him, nor were any rackets where he had to enforce his will through vio lence. Although he would mete out punishment if it was due, attracting the attention of the police and FBI was not the way he wanted to do business. Nico liked to talk to the people he did business with, he liked to make connections, and his casino was the perfect place to wine and dine potential partners before comping them a few evenings in the high- stakes room, and taking even more of their money.
“That’s it.” Nico moved to leave and Santo held up a hand.
“Since you’re here and you are family, I want you to be the first to know. Tony’s getting married.”
Tony Crackers married? What kind of woman would agree to marry a man with a reputation for brutal violence?
“Congratulations, cugino.” He shook his Tony’s hand. “Who’s the lucky woman?”
“Mia Cordano.” Tony gave him a sly smile. “I heard you were with her the other night. I didn’t know you were so close to the Toscanis.”
Copyright © 2016 by Sarah Castille and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Paperbacks.
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Author Spotlight:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, SARAH CASTILLE, worked and traveled abroad before trading her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home near the Canadian Rockies. She writes sexy contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha heroes and the women who tame them. Her books include Beyond the Cut, Chaos Bound and Rough Justice.
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