Determined to avoid the violence that claimed her family and friends, Carissa Elliott flees her hometown with a dangerous plan. She has proof that Calum DeMateo killed her father—now she just has to catch him. To do so, she’ll have to transform herself from small-town ingénue to New York crime boss.
When her path crosses with Alec McLean, the sexy stranger with whom she once shared a steamy nightclub kiss, things take an unexpected turn. Alec heads his family’s criminal organization, the kind of made man Carissa should want nothing to do with. But he also has a plan to take down Calum, and the flames that flicker between them are irresistible.
Will their vengeful quests jeopardize their chance at lasting love?
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
When the time came for me to review this title, I was not sure what I would say that could adequately justify my feelings towards this book. Anyway, let me begin by saying that the story did not bowl me over.
When I chose to read this book, I had high expectations, which was based on the cover and the blurb. Intrigued by the concept of a female crime boss I could not wait to peel away the layers of what promised to be an exciting and riveting read. Unfortunately, however, the story did not deliver as expected. Not that I did not like it, but I did not love it.
The story began with Carissa at a nightclub with her friends. She was there to forget the pain, if even for one night, associated with the loss of her mother. While there, she met the mysterious Alec McLean. This meeting would pave the way for an alliance, which would prove a force to reckon with.
The story began on a high note, which increased my expectations for an exciting read. However, things took a turn when the story fast-forwarded two years later leaving me at a loss about what transpired between the night Carissa met Alec and her current situation. This fast-forwarding of time took place on more than one occasion. This is never a problem for me, however when I am left wondering what transpired during those missing moments then I have an issue. It appeared as if chunks of the story was missing. Despite this, the author held my attention, and I kept reading, as I was curious to see how the events would unfold.
I was expecting lots of action, but the story did not deliver in that area. There was action, but not as much as one would expect from a mafia/revenge romance. Things heated up at around the eighty percent mark. At that moment, I anxiously anticipated the outcome.
Regarding the characters, it pains me to admit this, but I was not feeling them. They did nothing for me. Honestly, it did not matter to me if they triumphed or failed. (You probably wondering how is it I felt that way, but still wanted to know the outcome. My curiosity to know the outcome of the story did not lie in the characters but in the manner of how the events were unfolding.) They were both dominant, which made for some interesting interactions. I did not like how Alec was quick to believe the worst of Carissa after all they had been through together. I guess it is safe to say when you are involved in criminal activities you are likely to believe everyone is out to get you.
I figured out from the outset who could not be trusted in the scheme of things but having the story narrated also from the villain’s point of view would have made things more interesting. The ending was ok mostly, but it left me with questions, which I am hoping will be answered in book two.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Boss is an interesting story. If you enjoy mafia/revenge romance, then you may enjoy this story. Although I had issues, I still enjoyed the book. I have started reading book two, as I would love to get the answers to the many questions I have.
About J.L. Lora
J. L. Lora is a Dominican-American author of contemporary and romantic suspense. Her stories explore the dark side of good characters—people living in the gray areas of life—playing the cards life has dealt them. Her stories manifest her love for badass alpha heroines and take-your-breath-away alpha men.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Too bad this one didn’t have more action. I would have thought that there would be a lot as well. I am glad that you did find some things to like in the story.
I just finished one yesterday in a series of books that have all struck me the same way and left me at a loss for how to explain that I don’t like the romances or how the characters act, but I still want to read for the suspense line.
As frustrated as I’ve been with those, I think I’ll avoid going through it again even if this mafia revenge element intrigues me.
Title: Boss
J. L. Lora is a Dominican-American author of contemporary and romantic suspense. Her stories explore the dark side of good characters—people living in the gray areas of life—playing the cards life has dealt them. Her stories manifest her love for badass alpha heroines and take-your-breath-away alpha men.
I would expect a lot of action in a mafia or revenge type story but it still sounds interesting.
You have more patience than I. 80% is a long way to go before things picked up 🙁 Sorry this one didn’t work better for you. I know how that is . . .
I hope book 2 is better for you Nadene
I am reading it now, so I will see. 🙂
Too bad this one didn’t have more action. I would have thought that there would be a lot as well. I am glad that you did find some things to like in the story.
A Crimson romance…sad they are quitting
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like that
I just finished one yesterday in a series of books that have all struck me the same way and left me at a loss for how to explain that I don’t like the romances or how the characters act, but I still want to read for the suspense line.
As frustrated as I’ve been with those, I think I’ll avoid going through it again even if this mafia revenge element intrigues me.
Great review, Nadia! 🙂
Sorry this sort of dragged on for you but glad you still want to give the series another go. 😉 Wonderful review!
Thank you, kindlemom.
Sorry this one wasn’t as good as you thought it would be. I’ve heard a lot of mixed things about this one.
Yeah, I was hoping it would be good. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Glad to see you are continuing the series. I will be curious to see how you feel about book two.