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Fireside #1
His to Love
In the explosive debut of Stacey Lynn’s irresistible Fireside series, a pair of estranged lovers are reunited by dangerous loyalties—and intoxicating desire.
Tyson Blackwell never saw it coming when his Mafia princess girlfriend dumped him and disappeared at the age of eighteen. He never forgot her, either, even after what happened the killing of his father, a Detroit PD officer, at the hands of one of her father’s men. Tyson swore revenge, and now, ten years later, the kid who dreamed of a pro football career is a hard-nosed FBI agent, back in town to take down the Galecki crime family once and for all. But Tyson’s mission gets complicated fast—because going undercover means seducing the only woman he’s ever loved.
Gabriella “Blue” Galecki has been in hiding for a decade. She finally comes home to spend time with her terminally ill mother, only to receive a blast from the past when she runs into Tyson. His brooding eyes and electrifying touch still send chills down her spine. But as heir to the family empire, Blue has been promised to another. Caught in a web of deception, she is tempted to pull the trigger on the boldest risk she’s ever trusting Tyson with her life, her body, and her heart.
Tyson Blackwell never saw it coming when his Mafia princess girlfriend dumped him and disappeared at the age of eighteen. He never forgot her, either, even after what happened the killing of his father, a Detroit PD officer, at the hands of one of her father’s men. Tyson swore revenge, and now, ten years later, the kid who dreamed of a pro football career is a hard-nosed FBI agent, back in town to take down the Galecki crime family once and for all. But Tyson’s mission gets complicated fast—because going undercover means seducing the only woman he’s ever loved.
Gabriella “Blue” Galecki has been in hiding for a decade. She finally comes home to spend time with her terminally ill mother, only to receive a blast from the past when she runs into Tyson. His brooding eyes and electrifying touch still send chills down her spine. But as heir to the family empire, Blue has been promised to another. Caught in a web of deception, she is tempted to pull the trigger on the boldest risk she’s ever trusting Tyson with her life, her body, and her heart.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2016
About the author
Stacey Lynn
82 books2,247 followersStacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.
The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.
Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
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The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.
Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Let's be friends! Follow me here:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2GhozSE
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2C1XYLe
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2EwGQPg
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2o2KUg4
Visit my Facebook Group where we talk about books and everything else that comes into our minds!
Stacey's Sweeties: http://bit.ly/2CpXbzq
OR--- subscribe to my newsletter and receive a FREE EBOOK as a thank you! www.staceylynnbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
May 10, 2016
Good second chance romance. Tyson and Blue met and fell in love as new adults. One day, Blue just vanishes and at first Tyson looks for her but eventually moves forward. He has a football career that ends abruptly with an injury but he is inspired to take on a new career, with the FBI, after his dad gets killed on the order of Blue's dad. Fast forward 10 years and now he's asked to infiltrate Blue's life after his bosses find out she is returning from hiding. He finds she returns for her mom who is terminally ill. Their reconnection didn't spark curiosity for Blue which was way too coincidental to be believable. While I liked them well enough as a couple, the things Tyson said he felt towards the end didn't really correlate with how he acted through Blue's POV. We only get to see his POV in the beginning so it's strictly based on his actions. Then there's Blue's supposed obliviousness to her dad's actions that are contradicted when they initially find out she was back with Tyson and that he's FBI. She seems to be covering for him but when more things come to light she acts indignant. The writing was good and I might give this series and author another go, but it just wouldn't be high in priority for me. I see it as having potential. Safety: No OW/Sharing. Blue's parents want her to marry another man, who is a criminal like her dad. She goes on a date with him once after reconnecting with the hero but nothing happens. There were other people while they were apart. It's mentioned but we don't see those interactions. No rape/abuse, though apparently someone close to them was involved in human trafficking. Neither are Vs. The use condoms. h pushes H away twice.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2016
NOW LIVE!!!
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
Tyson Blackwell thought he found the love of his life when he was eighteen. But then Gabriella 'Blue' Galecki left him without warning right before her father had his, a Police Officer, killed. Those two events changed his life completely and led him on a completely different path. Instead of following is football dreams he becomes a FBI agent. His next mission: Get close to Blue and find out what her dad is up to now and why she was called to come back home after ten years.
I actually forgot that I had read this author before, I read her Nordic Lords MC series, because this one was just so different. I kept bragging to my friends that I found a new author that I was falling in love with only to then find out that she wasn't a new author for me. Not only was the story really different than that series, but the writing seemed more intense, which I loved because it made me so focused on the story.
Tyson and Blue had me captivated from the very beginning and I couldn't put the book down. Trying to figure out what happened all those years ago and how it led each of them to where they were in their life now was interesting. Tyson was great and I really enjoyed seeing how much he cared for Blue even after she left him and broke his heart. Not that their journey was smooth, there were definitely many bumps they had to go through before they got their HEA. My only complaint is that after the prologue, told in his POV, we never got more from him, the rest was told only in Blue's.
Blue was a confusing character for me because she had almost every personality trait that I hate in a heroine, yet I liked her. She was timid at times, especially around her family, and didn't show much strength throughout the book, but it worked for her. It made me feel more connected to her because it really made it evident that all she wanted was to be her own person, without her family's interference.
I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance but this was definitely one of my favorites. Blue and Tyson's past was a part of the story but it didn't overtake the present which I think is why I didn't have any issues with it. Bottom line, I highly recommend this story for anyone that likes a sexy second chance romance with just a little mystery thrown in.
ARK kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
Tyson Blackwell thought he found the love of his life when he was eighteen. But then Gabriella 'Blue' Galecki left him without warning right before her father had his, a Police Officer, killed. Those two events changed his life completely and led him on a completely different path. Instead of following is football dreams he becomes a FBI agent. His next mission: Get close to Blue and find out what her dad is up to now and why she was called to come back home after ten years.
I actually forgot that I had read this author before, I read her Nordic Lords MC series, because this one was just so different. I kept bragging to my friends that I found a new author that I was falling in love with only to then find out that she wasn't a new author for me. Not only was the story really different than that series, but the writing seemed more intense, which I loved because it made me so focused on the story.
Tyson and Blue had me captivated from the very beginning and I couldn't put the book down. Trying to figure out what happened all those years ago and how it led each of them to where they were in their life now was interesting. Tyson was great and I really enjoyed seeing how much he cared for Blue even after she left him and broke his heart. Not that their journey was smooth, there were definitely many bumps they had to go through before they got their HEA. My only complaint is that after the prologue, told in his POV, we never got more from him, the rest was told only in Blue's.
Blue was a confusing character for me because she had almost every personality trait that I hate in a heroine, yet I liked her. She was timid at times, especially around her family, and didn't show much strength throughout the book, but it worked for her. It made me feel more connected to her because it really made it evident that all she wanted was to be her own person, without her family's interference.
I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance but this was definitely one of my favorites. Blue and Tyson's past was a part of the story but it didn't overtake the present which I think is why I didn't have any issues with it. Bottom line, I highly recommend this story for anyone that likes a sexy second chance romance with just a little mystery thrown in.
ARK kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2016
ARC received for review
4.5 stars
Second chance romance that was so good it made me cry. It was well written, no holes, amazing group of friends that I can't wait to know more about. My only complaint is after hearing his voice in the first chapter, we never hear it again. There were so many times I wanted to know what he was thinking, but in the end I think I understood why we didn't. Still doesn't make me want it any less. On to the next book that's his yummy friend, Declan, but how long do we have to wait for her friend..it's not nice to do a teaser and then make us wait extra.
4.5 stars
Second chance romance that was so good it made me cry. It was well written, no holes, amazing group of friends that I can't wait to know more about. My only complaint is after hearing his voice in the first chapter, we never hear it again. There were so many times I wanted to know what he was thinking, but in the end I think I understood why we didn't. Still doesn't make me want it any less. On to the next book that's his yummy friend, Declan, but how long do we have to wait for her friend..it's not nice to do a teaser and then make us wait extra.
May 17, 2016
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good mafia themed romance and I really liked the direction this one took. I'm usually pretty picky about second-chance romances but I loved the way Gabriella and Tyson reconnected. Even though this book was told only in Gabriella's POV (except the prologue) it was still obvious how Tyson felt about her even without getting his POV through most of the story. I'm really excited about this series and I can't wait to see who the next book is going to be about!
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good mafia themed romance and I really liked the direction this one took. I'm usually pretty picky about second-chance romances but I loved the way Gabriella and Tyson reconnected. Even though this book was told only in Gabriella's POV (except the prologue) it was still obvious how Tyson felt about her even without getting his POV through most of the story. I'm really excited about this series and I can't wait to see who the next book is going to be about!
April 18, 2016
***3,5 "Blue/Blackbird" stars***
To say that i didn't struggle with my rating, it will be an understatement...
I honestly don't know why that happened, but I was so confused with this book!!!
No, don't get me wrong!!!
The plot was really good and the characters weren't bad at all, but until 60% of the book, i was feeling like something was missing for me...
Maybe it was that i was expecting more action, especially after that epilogue???
But something didn't persuade me and this sucked!!!
But still i didn't want to stop reading, my attention was captured and 50-60 pages before the end, i was so eager to find out everything about it...
Am i confusing you, right??? I think, i'm confusing myself too!!!
The thing is that i liked very much the book, it had an intriguing plot, but there was something that missing... and i don't know what was that!!!
Well, here we had a second chance to love story...
Tyson and Gabriella () used to be in love when they were teenagers...
But one day, just like that Blue disappeared from Tyson's life...
Her traces were lost and Tyson after some years, he just moved on with his life...
Ten years later, Tyson is an agent of FBI and he is taking the order to be undercover in a big case about a mob lord... A man that was responsible for the murder of his father... So, that's the time to take his revenge...
What he didn't calculate was the returning of his ex-lover Gabriella, who happens to be this man's daughter...
Tyson is in shock, but he wants to be near to her for once again and to take some answers of why she left him back then... Gabriella was the only woman that he ever loved, but he is feeling betrayed by her...
So, will he manage to do his job???
Or will he let himself got lost inside of Gabriella for once again???
And with what cost????
"I didn't doubt that he cared about me.
I doubted that he loved me like I loved him.
I doubted my ability to trust him again."
Gabriella is forced to return home after ten years away because of her mother's illness!!!
Her father had sent her away and she followed his orders since she was felt betrayed for the man that she used to love...
Now, she is back, but in her own terms.. She won't leave her father rule her life for once again, but is it that easy to do it???
And what will happen when she will meet by chance the man that betrayed her all those years before???
Will she manage to stay away from him and to follow what her parents want her to do???
Or will she follow her heart???
And with what cost??? That man betrayed her once, will he do it again???
"I couldn't do this. Not with him.
I couldn't lose myself in the familiarity of Tyson. Not again."
Well, i can't tell you more!!! But as you can understand, it was a really intesting and with many potentials plot...
The undercover FBI agent and the mob princess!!!
And those two used to be in love...
How can they resist to that pull that is existing between them???
And what will cost them after???
"I've never felt more cared for, or safer, than when I'm with you..."
"I've never felt better in my life than when you're in my arms."
The prologue was from Tyson's Pov and the rest of the book was from Gabriella's...
To be honest, i was a little bit disappointed that we couldn't hear Tyson's voice more...
Maybe it will be more interesting and more adventurous the book... but i understand the author's purpose for this arrangement...
She got fool me!!! In some point, i was so confused about Tyson and his ways...
I didn't know what was truth and what was the lie!!!
But damn, for a book that was related with the mafia, it was too civilized!!!
""Do you trust him?"
Did I?
With my body? Definetely.
With my heart? I wanted to.
But sometimes there was this distance he put between us... It made me question if he was holding himself back."
As a couple those two were great...
Yep, their beginning was a little bit awkard and that was the way that it should be...
But i think that they were moving really fast and something was missing for the dynamic of their relationship...
Maybe it was just all those things that were standing between them??? Hmmm....
"The connection between us was electric. Undeniable. I was fooling myself if I thought i could stay away from him."
I'm not sure if i liked Gabriella much... She was... okay, i think!!!
But she wasn't determined as a person... It was like all the time her character was in contradiction...
Once, she was appearing dynamic and then weak... Yep, she was trying to be free from her father's will, but she was following his rules... damn, she was confusing me and i didn't like that!!!
"A part of me wondered if he was not telling me, the same thing I wasn't telling him.
I was in love with him all over again. Losing him would ruin me."
Tyson from the other hand was more stable in his reactions...
Yep, it was obvious that he was hiding something...
but he was more authentic in everything that he did...
Yep, he was a little bit bossy and determined, but i liked it!!!!
"We're building our second chance. The life we should have had together before it was taken away."
And yes, I'm very curious about Declan's story!!! The man seems really intriguing!!!
I will definitely read more of the "Fireside" series, even though that i got a little bit confused in here....
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
To say that i didn't struggle with my rating, it will be an understatement...
I honestly don't know why that happened, but I was so confused with this book!!!
No, don't get me wrong!!!
The plot was really good and the characters weren't bad at all, but until 60% of the book, i was feeling like something was missing for me...
Maybe it was that i was expecting more action, especially after that epilogue???
But something didn't persuade me and this sucked!!!
But still i didn't want to stop reading, my attention was captured and 50-60 pages before the end, i was so eager to find out everything about it...
Am i confusing you, right??? I think, i'm confusing myself too!!!
The thing is that i liked very much the book, it had an intriguing plot, but there was something that missing... and i don't know what was that!!!
Well, here we had a second chance to love story...
Tyson and Gabriella () used to be in love when they were teenagers...
But one day, just like that Blue disappeared from Tyson's life...
Her traces were lost and Tyson after some years, he just moved on with his life...
Ten years later, Tyson is an agent of FBI and he is taking the order to be undercover in a big case about a mob lord... A man that was responsible for the murder of his father... So, that's the time to take his revenge...
What he didn't calculate was the returning of his ex-lover Gabriella, who happens to be this man's daughter...
Tyson is in shock, but he wants to be near to her for once again and to take some answers of why she left him back then... Gabriella was the only woman that he ever loved, but he is feeling betrayed by her...
So, will he manage to do his job???
Or will he let himself got lost inside of Gabriella for once again???
And with what cost????
"I didn't doubt that he cared about me.
I doubted that he loved me like I loved him.
I doubted my ability to trust him again."
Gabriella is forced to return home after ten years away because of her mother's illness!!!
Her father had sent her away and she followed his orders since she was felt betrayed for the man that she used to love...
Now, she is back, but in her own terms.. She won't leave her father rule her life for once again, but is it that easy to do it???
And what will happen when she will meet by chance the man that betrayed her all those years before???
Will she manage to stay away from him and to follow what her parents want her to do???
Or will she follow her heart???
And with what cost??? That man betrayed her once, will he do it again???
"I couldn't do this. Not with him.
I couldn't lose myself in the familiarity of Tyson. Not again."
Well, i can't tell you more!!! But as you can understand, it was a really intesting and with many potentials plot...
The undercover FBI agent and the mob princess!!!
And those two used to be in love...
How can they resist to that pull that is existing between them???
And what will cost them after???
"I've never felt more cared for, or safer, than when I'm with you..."
"I've never felt better in my life than when you're in my arms."
The prologue was from Tyson's Pov and the rest of the book was from Gabriella's...
To be honest, i was a little bit disappointed that we couldn't hear Tyson's voice more...
Maybe it will be more interesting and more adventurous the book... but i understand the author's purpose for this arrangement...
She got fool me!!! In some point, i was so confused about Tyson and his ways...
I didn't know what was truth and what was the lie!!!
But damn, for a book that was related with the mafia, it was too civilized!!!
""Do you trust him?"
Did I?
With my body? Definetely.
With my heart? I wanted to.
But sometimes there was this distance he put between us... It made me question if he was holding himself back."
As a couple those two were great...
Yep, their beginning was a little bit awkard and that was the way that it should be...
But i think that they were moving really fast and something was missing for the dynamic of their relationship...
Maybe it was just all those things that were standing between them??? Hmmm....
"The connection between us was electric. Undeniable. I was fooling myself if I thought i could stay away from him."
I'm not sure if i liked Gabriella much... She was... okay, i think!!!
But she wasn't determined as a person... It was like all the time her character was in contradiction...
Once, she was appearing dynamic and then weak... Yep, she was trying to be free from her father's will, but she was following his rules... damn, she was confusing me and i didn't like that!!!
"A part of me wondered if he was not telling me, the same thing I wasn't telling him.
I was in love with him all over again. Losing him would ruin me."
Tyson from the other hand was more stable in his reactions...
Yep, it was obvious that he was hiding something...
but he was more authentic in everything that he did...
Yep, he was a little bit bossy and determined, but i liked it!!!!
"We're building our second chance. The life we should have had together before it was taken away."
And yes, I'm very curious about Declan's story!!! The man seems really intriguing!!!
I will definitely read more of the "Fireside" series, even though that i got a little bit confused in here....
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
May 21, 2016
3 stars
His to Love was an OK read, didn't love it, didn't hate it.
After reading the blurb I was excited to read His to Love, the storyline was good and the writing was well done.
While I enjoyed the storyline, I failed to connect with the heroine Gabriella/Blue. She gave me whiplash with the never ending change of personalities. One min she was strong and determined to be independent the next min she was jumping to her father's demands and becoming weak and mousy.
I also missed not having Tyson's POV, I feel hearing from him would have added to the story and maybe I wouldn't have been so annoyed with Blue's character :)
His to Love is the first book in the Fireside series, and while I had a few issues with Blue I'm looking forward to reading the next installment His to Protect.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
His to Love was an OK read, didn't love it, didn't hate it.
After reading the blurb I was excited to read His to Love, the storyline was good and the writing was well done.
While I enjoyed the storyline, I failed to connect with the heroine Gabriella/Blue. She gave me whiplash with the never ending change of personalities. One min she was strong and determined to be independent the next min she was jumping to her father's demands and becoming weak and mousy.
I also missed not having Tyson's POV, I feel hearing from him would have added to the story and maybe I wouldn't have been so annoyed with Blue's character :)
His to Love is the first book in the Fireside series, and while I had a few issues with Blue I'm looking forward to reading the next installment His to Protect.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
May 13, 2016
A tension-filled second chance…
Tyson Blackwell and Gabriella “Blue” Galecki were childhood sweethearts until suddenly… they weren’t. When they unexpectedly meet years later the past is going to snowball into a heart-wrenching explosion that almost seems inevitable…
I was waiting for the shoe to drop from the opening pages to the last! Tyson and Blue were both such sympathetic characters in their own unique way. Blue’s heart was breaking again. She knew what that felt like but you could feel the pain she was going through. There were family issues of epic proportions. Not just the usual, run of the mill stuff but headline-causing, name-changing stuff. Blue was caught between family loyalty, her own sense of right and wrong, and what her heart kept telling her. I think “rock and a hard place” could have been born for her situation, and I didn’t envy her one little bit.
Well, maybe just a teensy bit when it comes to Tyson. He was more of a mystery with his broody silences and awkward pauses. His heart was always in the right place but his rock and hard place was a mirror of Blue’s. He had a goal and a job to do, but the means to get there was waging a war within himself and that conflict was easy to see. Sexy and tender, the softness he had for Blue melted me…
In a Romeo and Juliet-esque kind of way, their issues were truly not theirs to own. Their very real struggle made this deception and conflict-filled story an emotional read from start to finish. With supporting characters that provided humor and support at just the right times—who best to hold your hair but girls who know just how you feel!—I finished this story wishing I could start all over again.
“I’m beginning to think you’re not really friends. Just terrorists in skirts.” ~ Diane, 5 stars
Tyson Blackwell and Gabriella “Blue” Galecki were childhood sweethearts until suddenly… they weren’t. When they unexpectedly meet years later the past is going to snowball into a heart-wrenching explosion that almost seems inevitable…
I was waiting for the shoe to drop from the opening pages to the last! Tyson and Blue were both such sympathetic characters in their own unique way. Blue’s heart was breaking again. She knew what that felt like but you could feel the pain she was going through. There were family issues of epic proportions. Not just the usual, run of the mill stuff but headline-causing, name-changing stuff. Blue was caught between family loyalty, her own sense of right and wrong, and what her heart kept telling her. I think “rock and a hard place” could have been born for her situation, and I didn’t envy her one little bit.
Well, maybe just a teensy bit when it comes to Tyson. He was more of a mystery with his broody silences and awkward pauses. His heart was always in the right place but his rock and hard place was a mirror of Blue’s. He had a goal and a job to do, but the means to get there was waging a war within himself and that conflict was easy to see. Sexy and tender, the softness he had for Blue melted me…
In a Romeo and Juliet-esque kind of way, their issues were truly not theirs to own. Their very real struggle made this deception and conflict-filled story an emotional read from start to finish. With supporting characters that provided humor and support at just the right times—who best to hold your hair but girls who know just how you feel!—I finished this story wishing I could start all over again.
“I’m beginning to think you’re not really friends. Just terrorists in skirts.” ~ Diane, 5 stars
March 26, 2016
Superb. 4.5 Stars.
I really enjoyed this book although it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Blue and Tyson (Blackbird) were childhood sweethearts cruelly torn apart by lies and deception. Fast forward ten years and their paths are set to cross again. This time, ex-NFL up-and-coming star Tyson is now Agent Blackwell and he's sent back to Detroit to investigate Blue's Mafia father and his corrupt, illegal empire.
I love second chance romance and this one was superbly written. The chemistry between our couple was off the charts and I adored their natural banter. Even though they hadn't seen each other since that fateful night ten years ago, it was obvious their love never died. They can barely stay away from one another so it doesn't take much for them to reconnect. It's not without its challenges, though. Her father wants to step down and has hopes that Blue will marry his mafioso successor. Ty is hiding his true persona and real agenda from the love of his life and the weight of it is a heavy burden.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the complexity of the main characters and the intensity of the emotional development. I felt everything they felt! Her heartache and pain when his betrayal is revealed, his inner turmoil at the thought of losing her again. The scene where her mother passed was extremely well written. Tears were pouring down my cheeks, it felt so real.
The romance is very much front and center stage which I didn't mind because it was so beautifully written. However, I was expecting romantic suspense and it was very light on the suspense/mystery aspect of the story. It would have benefitted from stronger world building. It was only toward the end of the book that we got a proper look at the horrific criminal empire her father presided over, and saw Tyson in his professional capacity. I did also feel like the friends were kinda thrown into the story to set up the next few books and I would have liked more character development of the secondary characters.
The writing was great and I had no issues with pacing either.
If you go into this book as a contemporary romance you will adore it. It is deftly crafted and expertly executed with strong emotional development and sublime characterization. The romance is sizzling and you can't help but root for our couple. All in all, a fantastic read.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog in due course http://myyanabookobsession.com
I really enjoyed this book although it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Blue and Tyson (Blackbird) were childhood sweethearts cruelly torn apart by lies and deception. Fast forward ten years and their paths are set to cross again. This time, ex-NFL up-and-coming star Tyson is now Agent Blackwell and he's sent back to Detroit to investigate Blue's Mafia father and his corrupt, illegal empire.
I love second chance romance and this one was superbly written. The chemistry between our couple was off the charts and I adored their natural banter. Even though they hadn't seen each other since that fateful night ten years ago, it was obvious their love never died. They can barely stay away from one another so it doesn't take much for them to reconnect. It's not without its challenges, though. Her father wants to step down and has hopes that Blue will marry his mafioso successor. Ty is hiding his true persona and real agenda from the love of his life and the weight of it is a heavy burden.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the complexity of the main characters and the intensity of the emotional development. I felt everything they felt! Her heartache and pain when his betrayal is revealed, his inner turmoil at the thought of losing her again. The scene where her mother passed was extremely well written. Tears were pouring down my cheeks, it felt so real.
The romance is very much front and center stage which I didn't mind because it was so beautifully written. However, I was expecting romantic suspense and it was very light on the suspense/mystery aspect of the story. It would have benefitted from stronger world building. It was only toward the end of the book that we got a proper look at the horrific criminal empire her father presided over, and saw Tyson in his professional capacity. I did also feel like the friends were kinda thrown into the story to set up the next few books and I would have liked more character development of the secondary characters.
The writing was great and I had no issues with pacing either.
If you go into this book as a contemporary romance you will adore it. It is deftly crafted and expertly executed with strong emotional development and sublime characterization. The romance is sizzling and you can't help but root for our couple. All in all, a fantastic read.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog in due course http://myyanabookobsession.com
April 25, 2016
3 Stars - 3 Flames
Damn...can we just sit back and take another look at the cover please? I mean....sigh....ok, now I can concentrate...sort of.
In the Prologue, we meet Tyson Blackwell. An FBI agent who has just been assigned a case that has brought back instant memories, and feelings. After arguing with his boss, he loses his fight and is forced to go undercover, spying on the only woman he's ever loved, his High School sweetheart, Gabriella Bluejay.
Gabriella Bluejay, a.k.a. Blue, is a Mafia princess. Yep, you heard me right. Her Daddy is basically on the FBI's most wanted list and now that she is heading home to spend time with her dying mother, she's forced to "remember" what it's like being a princess. With her Father getting ready to step down, he has plans for her, but she doesn't want to be involved with the family business. The only person she can think about is the one person she thought she'd never see again, Tyson, her Blackbird. While Bluejay and Blackbird start rekindling the love they had for each other back in high school, the events that start taking place within the family are starting to unravel everything...including what she thoughts was the start of her second chance with Blackbird.
This started off so promising for me. I was completely engrossed with the story, but somewhere around the half way mark, I sort of...tuned out. The story actually became predictable, but I still couldn't pull myself from being intrigued. I know, it's a weird combo, but the only way to explain it from my point of view. Overall, this was enjoyable and entertaining. The Epilogue has me curious enough to find out what Declan's story is next. I'm looking forward to it.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
Damn...can we just sit back and take another look at the cover please? I mean....sigh....ok, now I can concentrate...sort of.
In the Prologue, we meet Tyson Blackwell. An FBI agent who has just been assigned a case that has brought back instant memories, and feelings. After arguing with his boss, he loses his fight and is forced to go undercover, spying on the only woman he's ever loved, his High School sweetheart, Gabriella Bluejay.
Gabriella Bluejay, a.k.a. Blue, is a Mafia princess. Yep, you heard me right. Her Daddy is basically on the FBI's most wanted list and now that she is heading home to spend time with her dying mother, she's forced to "remember" what it's like being a princess. With her Father getting ready to step down, he has plans for her, but she doesn't want to be involved with the family business. The only person she can think about is the one person she thought she'd never see again, Tyson, her Blackbird. While Bluejay and Blackbird start rekindling the love they had for each other back in high school, the events that start taking place within the family are starting to unravel everything...including what she thoughts was the start of her second chance with Blackbird.
This started off so promising for me. I was completely engrossed with the story, but somewhere around the half way mark, I sort of...tuned out. The story actually became predictable, but I still couldn't pull myself from being intrigued. I know, it's a weird combo, but the only way to explain it from my point of view. Overall, this was enjoyable and entertaining. The Epilogue has me curious enough to find out what Declan's story is next. I'm looking forward to it.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 26, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'His to Love' by Stacey Lynn this is the first book in the "Fireside" Series.
This is the story of Tyson “Blackbird” Blackwell and Gabriella “Blue” Galecki.
Tyson and Blue had been in love when they were both young. But Gabriella just up and disappeared. Tyson did try to find her but now 10 years later is when he does have her come back into his life.
We find that Gabriella had not stomach for her father's 'Business'. Now Tyson is trying to bring the man to justice that kill his police officer father.
This book had a lot of drama/action and was a good 'second chance' at love type book.
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'His to Love' by Stacey Lynn this is the first book in the "Fireside" Series.
This is the story of Tyson “Blackbird” Blackwell and Gabriella “Blue” Galecki.
Tyson and Blue had been in love when they were both young. But Gabriella just up and disappeared. Tyson did try to find her but now 10 years later is when he does have her come back into his life.
We find that Gabriella had not stomach for her father's 'Business'. Now Tyson is trying to bring the man to justice that kill his police officer father.
This book had a lot of drama/action and was a good 'second chance' at love type book.
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
May 9, 2016
Rating: 2/5
(I received a free copy from the publisher, Loveswept, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Tyson is a member of the FBI, and his latest case is to get information on the leader of a Detroit crime family so they can bring him down. In order to do this, Tyson has to get close to the leader's daughter, Gabriella (nicknamed "Blue"). This is the same Blue who disappeared several years ago when Tyson was dating her and they were in love. Tyson doesn't initially want to do it, saying he's too emotionally attached, but he's pressured into it by his boss. When Tyson shows up again in Blue's life, she's both excited and wary. All those years ago, her father told her that Tyson was only using her to get to him, because Tyson's father was investigating him. Blue doesn't know if she should actually trust Tyson, but her heart has other ideas.
I actually found the premise of this book quite interesting. I haven't really seen anything like it before. I actually liked Blue as a character. I could both relate to her and sympathize with her for a lot of things, and she seemed like a very real character. I didn't feel much either way with Tyson, but part of that could've been because of how wary I was of him considering he was pretty much using Blue. I knew that some part of what he was doing was genuine love, but it didn't take away from the fact that he was using Blue for information.
I would've rated this book much higher if it wasn't for one this: it was so, so slow. I feel like the author should have either shortened the book, had us unaware that Tyson was with the FBI, or had the big reveal to Blue happen much earlier. When Blue finally found out what was really going on and stuff actually started happening, all I could think was "FINALLY!!!!" While things got more interesting after that point, the action was actually quite dull and non-existent leading up to that reveal. Even though the romance was cute along the way, I wish the action happened sooner.
Overall, this book would have been better if there was more action to it besides shoved in all at the end. It took much too long for the big reveal to happen and I wish it would've happened earlier, or we would've learned along with Blue at that point in the book. The fact that the reader knew the whole time just made it more boring to read, really. Despite that, the romantic aspect was quite good, even though there wasn't as much as I hoped there would be. If you're interested in this book it's available on Netgalley for request here: https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
(I received a free copy from the publisher, Loveswept, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Tyson is a member of the FBI, and his latest case is to get information on the leader of a Detroit crime family so they can bring him down. In order to do this, Tyson has to get close to the leader's daughter, Gabriella (nicknamed "Blue"). This is the same Blue who disappeared several years ago when Tyson was dating her and they were in love. Tyson doesn't initially want to do it, saying he's too emotionally attached, but he's pressured into it by his boss. When Tyson shows up again in Blue's life, she's both excited and wary. All those years ago, her father told her that Tyson was only using her to get to him, because Tyson's father was investigating him. Blue doesn't know if she should actually trust Tyson, but her heart has other ideas.
I actually found the premise of this book quite interesting. I haven't really seen anything like it before. I actually liked Blue as a character. I could both relate to her and sympathize with her for a lot of things, and she seemed like a very real character. I didn't feel much either way with Tyson, but part of that could've been because of how wary I was of him considering he was pretty much using Blue. I knew that some part of what he was doing was genuine love, but it didn't take away from the fact that he was using Blue for information.
I would've rated this book much higher if it wasn't for one this: it was so, so slow. I feel like the author should have either shortened the book, had us unaware that Tyson was with the FBI, or had the big reveal to Blue happen much earlier. When Blue finally found out what was really going on and stuff actually started happening, all I could think was "FINALLY!!!!" While things got more interesting after that point, the action was actually quite dull and non-existent leading up to that reveal. Even though the romance was cute along the way, I wish the action happened sooner.
Overall, this book would have been better if there was more action to it besides shoved in all at the end. It took much too long for the big reveal to happen and I wish it would've happened earlier, or we would've learned along with Blue at that point in the book. The fact that the reader knew the whole time just made it more boring to read, really. Despite that, the romantic aspect was quite good, even though there wasn't as much as I hoped there would be. If you're interested in this book it's available on Netgalley for request here: https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
June 16, 2016
I'm always so eager to try new authors. And when they add the word "Mafia" to their blurbs, I'm in. That is why I decided to give a shot to "His To Love by Stacey Lynn."
I'm not sure what happened yet. The plot was so intriguing and with a lot of potential. I mean, a Mafia Princess and the Undercover FBI Agent??? *Gasps* Just the word "Mafia" makes you expect a book packed with action, danger, and betrayals (I got some, but not enough), right? But no, I didn't get any of that.
What I got was little headache. The story confused me, because while I consider it was a slow paced kind of book, the relationship between the characters was the total opposite. Tyson and Blue moved so fast, it has been 10 years since they have seen each other and suddenly they're playing hide the cucumber, LOL. I get it, they have always loved each other but c'mon, if he already "betrayed you" (that was she believed), you at least try to take your time with him. You don't go and give all of you right away. Well, that is what I would do, but that was not me so whatever.
What I'm trying to say, it's that I think that the develop of the story was not according to the build up of their relationship.... .... weird, I know.
I really hope you get what I'm trying to say because I think I'm still confuse and I'm just babbling here.
The characters were ok. My favorite was definitely Tyson because he managed to fool me with his lies. And he was bossy. *yum*.
To be honest, I'm a little bit disappointed. I was expecting more with all the Mafia thing (I did not get to see much about it though), and then with most of the book being slow paced, and then BOOM the author giving me a rushed ending. Not cool. I wanted to throw my kindle.
Anyway, I will be reading more of the Fireside series, because who am I to not give a second chance to a series. And because I'm curious about Declan's story.
That's all.
I'm not sure what happened yet. The plot was so intriguing and with a lot of potential. I mean, a Mafia Princess and the Undercover FBI Agent??? *Gasps* Just the word "Mafia" makes you expect a book packed with action, danger, and betrayals (I got some, but not enough), right? But no, I didn't get any of that.
What I got was little headache. The story confused me, because while I consider it was a slow paced kind of book, the relationship between the characters was the total opposite. Tyson and Blue moved so fast, it has been 10 years since they have seen each other and suddenly they're playing hide the cucumber, LOL. I get it, they have always loved each other but c'mon, if he already "betrayed you" (that was she believed), you at least try to take your time with him. You don't go and give all of you right away. Well, that is what I would do, but that was not me so whatever.
What I'm trying to say, it's that I think that the develop of the story was not according to the build up of their relationship.... .... weird, I know.
I really hope you get what I'm trying to say because I think I'm still confuse and I'm just babbling here.
The characters were ok. My favorite was definitely Tyson because he managed to fool me with his lies. And he was bossy. *yum*.
To be honest, I'm a little bit disappointed. I was expecting more with all the Mafia thing (I did not get to see much about it though), and then with most of the book being slow paced, and then BOOM the author giving me a rushed ending. Not cool. I wanted to throw my kindle.
Anyway, I will be reading more of the Fireside series, because who am I to not give a second chance to a series. And because I'm curious about Declan's story.
That's all.
February 1, 2017
This review is based on an ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I stated in my last review of something by this author that she was one of my new favorites. She didn't let me down. She has consistently written some amazing books. I will be watching for more from her.
I stated in my last review of something by this author that she was one of my new favorites. She didn't let me down. She has consistently written some amazing books. I will be watching for more from her.
May 11, 2016
The cover of this book was the thing that drew my interest but I can never pass up a second chance romance, especially one where the characters have so many obstacles thrown in their path but still overcome them to find their happiness and I really enjoyed this book. HIS TO LOVE is an appealing story of abiding love and I loved that the renewed connection between Gabriella and Tyson retained the sweetness of youth.
Gabriella Galecki and Tyson Blackwell were high school sweethearts with big plans for their future in spite of the challenge they faced with their families on opposite sides of the law, but they had a youthful optimism that things would work out for them, until they were forcibly separated. In the intervening ten years, Tyson lost his shot at a football career and became an FBI agent. Gabriella has never liked her father's organized crime connections and stayed away from Detroit to avoid getting entangled in her father's business, but her mother's failing health gives her no choice but to return.
The Galecki crime family has been on the radar of federal agencies and with Gabriella's return, Tyson must capitalize on their past relationship to get information that could help them bring down, which puts in him a hard place: torn between his job and his feelings for Gabriella.
Gabriella is caught between her love for Tyson, her desire for her father's love while at the same time disdaining his business practices, and the pressure to make an advantageous marriage as befits her father's position. Not an enviable position to be in, but I like that she was determined to maintain her independence. How will her love for Tyson be affected when the truth of his mission comes to light? Will she ever trust the man who's working so hard to bring down her father's empire and put him away for good?
This is actually the first book from Ms. Lynn that I've read and I think she did a great job writing a complex yet sweet story with so many angles and characters with so many layers. Gabriella is a character anyone can relate to: caught between the demands of her family and her love for the man she's loved all her life, yet strong enough to forge her own path, instead of caving in to pressure.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series and will definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a great second chance romance.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher 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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Gabriella Galecki and Tyson Blackwell were high school sweethearts with big plans for their future in spite of the challenge they faced with their families on opposite sides of the law, but they had a youthful optimism that things would work out for them, until they were forcibly separated. In the intervening ten years, Tyson lost his shot at a football career and became an FBI agent. Gabriella has never liked her father's organized crime connections and stayed away from Detroit to avoid getting entangled in her father's business, but her mother's failing health gives her no choice but to return.
The Galecki crime family has been on the radar of federal agencies and with Gabriella's return, Tyson must capitalize on their past relationship to get information that could help them bring down, which puts in him a hard place: torn between his job and his feelings for Gabriella.
Gabriella is caught between her love for Tyson, her desire for her father's love while at the same time disdaining his business practices, and the pressure to make an advantageous marriage as befits her father's position. Not an enviable position to be in, but I like that she was determined to maintain her independence. How will her love for Tyson be affected when the truth of his mission comes to light? Will she ever trust the man who's working so hard to bring down her father's empire and put him away for good?
This is actually the first book from Ms. Lynn that I've read and I think she did a great job writing a complex yet sweet story with so many angles and characters with so many layers. Gabriella is a character anyone can relate to: caught between the demands of her family and her love for the man she's loved all her life, yet strong enough to forge her own path, instead of caving in to pressure.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series and will definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a great second chance romance.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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May 6, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
His to Love is the story of Gabriella and Tyson. As teenagers they were each others first love until Gabriella, the daughter of the Galecki crime family, vanished out of thin air. Ten years later, as an FBI agent, Tyson got an assignment to go undercover and figure out why she was returning home.
I love second chance romances so I was excited to dig into this book. Admittedly, I had a hard time visualising a happily ever after because of the deceitful situation but I was still hopeful. The chemistry between Gabriella and Tyson was dripping off the pages from the very first page. It was easy to get drawn into their attraction and to feel their history. I did however struggle a little bit with Tyson's deceit and how far the relationship went while he was still misleading Gabriella. I understand the reason why he had to lie to her but it tainted the rekindling of their relationship ever so slightly for me.
This book is the first in a brand new series surrounding the Fireside restaurant. I did find it a little bit unusual that the restaurant and its staff and patrons were not introduced until the second half of the book. However, I think I'm really going to like this series. If the characters that were introduced are any indication, there should be some interesting instalments in the future.
All in all, this was an entertaining book to read. Although it wasn't overly original and I struggled a little bit with the lies it still satisfied my romance cravings. I think this is a series that will continue to get better with each instalment and I'm excited to read what comes next!
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
His to Love is the story of Gabriella and Tyson. As teenagers they were each others first love until Gabriella, the daughter of the Galecki crime family, vanished out of thin air. Ten years later, as an FBI agent, Tyson got an assignment to go undercover and figure out why she was returning home.
I love second chance romances so I was excited to dig into this book. Admittedly, I had a hard time visualising a happily ever after because of the deceitful situation but I was still hopeful. The chemistry between Gabriella and Tyson was dripping off the pages from the very first page. It was easy to get drawn into their attraction and to feel their history. I did however struggle a little bit with Tyson's deceit and how far the relationship went while he was still misleading Gabriella. I understand the reason why he had to lie to her but it tainted the rekindling of their relationship ever so slightly for me.
This book is the first in a brand new series surrounding the Fireside restaurant. I did find it a little bit unusual that the restaurant and its staff and patrons were not introduced until the second half of the book. However, I think I'm really going to like this series. If the characters that were introduced are any indication, there should be some interesting instalments in the future.
All in all, this was an entertaining book to read. Although it wasn't overly original and I struggled a little bit with the lies it still satisfied my romance cravings. I think this is a series that will continue to get better with each instalment and I'm excited to read what comes next!
April 1, 2017
3.5 stars.
Enjoyable second chance romance. The writing was good and I really liked Tyson and Blue as well. Storyline held my interest and was a fast read for me but sometimes I struggled a little with credibility. Overall a good read and will definitely be up for reading more by this author.
Enjoyable second chance romance. The writing was good and I really liked Tyson and Blue as well. Storyline held my interest and was a fast read for me but sometimes I struggled a little with credibility. Overall a good read and will definitely be up for reading more by this author.
March 12, 2016
This is my first book by Lynn and while I enjoyed it I just felt like maybe this book could have used a little more drama for that wow effect.
We meet Blue and Tyson who were high school sweethearts but one day Blue just disappears. Meanwhile Tyson went away to college as planned and when his football dreams ended on the field he decides to join the FBI. Now 10 years later Tyson has a undercover job and that is getting close to Blue again. He needs to find out why after 10 years she is being called back to Detroit but also he wants to find out why she disappeared all those years ago.
Blue has been content in her life for the past 10 years but now she is being called home for a reason she isn't ready to face. Being the daughter of Detroit's top crime family does come with a lot of perks but she is determined to get a job on her own, an apartment and maybe start living again but on the plane back home she runs into Tyson and he wants some answers.
This is a second chance at love story and because of that fact I definitely wanted to read this. I enjoyed this book and I liked the characters but all the lying that Tyson had to do was getting old. I get he couldn't tell her but it's like this man keeps knocking Blue down when her world is already falling apart in so many ways.
I thought the story fell flat on drama. I mean it's a crime family and yet nothing happens! No shootings, drug deals, or anything really. Is that stuff talked about in this story? Barely and that's just a little towards the end. I would have liked a little more suspense of maybe Blue being in danger and having mr hot FBI guy running in to save the day but the story was mostly about these two rekindling their romance and getting to know each other once again.
The romance part of story was great. I love how these two were connected and pretty much picked up where they left off 10 years ago. I liked how I got to see a softer side of Tyson at times.
One thing I would have also wanted in this story is to have dual povs. When the book starts that's what I think is going to happen since it starts off with Tyson but then it switches to Blue and stays there for the remainder. I would've loved to know what Tyson was thinking and feeling when she is basically his job.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series since Lynn introduced some college friends of Tyson.
We meet Blue and Tyson who were high school sweethearts but one day Blue just disappears. Meanwhile Tyson went away to college as planned and when his football dreams ended on the field he decides to join the FBI. Now 10 years later Tyson has a undercover job and that is getting close to Blue again. He needs to find out why after 10 years she is being called back to Detroit but also he wants to find out why she disappeared all those years ago.
Blue has been content in her life for the past 10 years but now she is being called home for a reason she isn't ready to face. Being the daughter of Detroit's top crime family does come with a lot of perks but she is determined to get a job on her own, an apartment and maybe start living again but on the plane back home she runs into Tyson and he wants some answers.
This is a second chance at love story and because of that fact I definitely wanted to read this. I enjoyed this book and I liked the characters but all the lying that Tyson had to do was getting old. I get he couldn't tell her but it's like this man keeps knocking Blue down when her world is already falling apart in so many ways.
I thought the story fell flat on drama. I mean it's a crime family and yet nothing happens! No shootings, drug deals, or anything really. Is that stuff talked about in this story? Barely and that's just a little towards the end. I would have liked a little more suspense of maybe Blue being in danger and having mr hot FBI guy running in to save the day but the story was mostly about these two rekindling their romance and getting to know each other once again.
The romance part of story was great. I love how these two were connected and pretty much picked up where they left off 10 years ago. I liked how I got to see a softer side of Tyson at times.
One thing I would have also wanted in this story is to have dual povs. When the book starts that's what I think is going to happen since it starts off with Tyson but then it switches to Blue and stays there for the remainder. I would've loved to know what Tyson was thinking and feeling when she is basically his job.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series since Lynn introduced some college friends of Tyson.
May 10, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Stacey Lynn really drew me into this story of past love, present love and the families that can take it all away. Filled with angst, betrayal and death. I was drawn in to the story right from the beginning.
Tyson and Gabriella were complex characters that were really intense and enjoyable to read.
An FBI Agent and the mob boss’s daughter. A father that had no love lost for his daughter. A mother who only wanted what was best for her daughter. A man on a mission to avenge the death of his father. A woman caught in the middle and totally in love with the man paid to bring down her father.
Tyson “Blackbird” Blackwell was one interesting man. He did not want this assignment. He never stopped loving his “Blue” when she just disappeared from his life. He struggled seeing her, wanted to do the right thing but his feeling all came rushing back to him when he first laid eyes on her after ten years. He knew he had a job to do and hated lying to her but, duty called. In the end, he tried to tell her, warn her but, she just wouldn’t listen.
Gabriella had no respect for the “family business”. Being sent away for loving a police officer’s son changed the person that she was. She knew she was privileged and had it drilled into her that family comes first. Reconnecting with Tyson after all these years was unbelievable. After what her father told her, does she trust him or her father?
They both have questions that need to be answered and, as the truth comes out, love is again found. But, can it last after the arrest? After the betrayal? After Blue finds out the real truth about her father and the man she loves? Could there be a third chance for two people who were really meant to be together?
There were several layers to this story with characters that ranged from absolutely loving to truly hateful. As Stacey Lynn brought us in and showed us how strong Gabriella really was, as she brought her from the mafia princess to a woman who insisted on standing on her own two feet, I was truly impressed. This is supposedly the first in a series but can definitely be a stand-alone. I am not sure who or what is next but, I am looking forward to more from this author.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Stacey Lynn really drew me into this story of past love, present love and the families that can take it all away. Filled with angst, betrayal and death. I was drawn in to the story right from the beginning.
Tyson and Gabriella were complex characters that were really intense and enjoyable to read.
An FBI Agent and the mob boss’s daughter. A father that had no love lost for his daughter. A mother who only wanted what was best for her daughter. A man on a mission to avenge the death of his father. A woman caught in the middle and totally in love with the man paid to bring down her father.
Tyson “Blackbird” Blackwell was one interesting man. He did not want this assignment. He never stopped loving his “Blue” when she just disappeared from his life. He struggled seeing her, wanted to do the right thing but his feeling all came rushing back to him when he first laid eyes on her after ten years. He knew he had a job to do and hated lying to her but, duty called. In the end, he tried to tell her, warn her but, she just wouldn’t listen.
Gabriella had no respect for the “family business”. Being sent away for loving a police officer’s son changed the person that she was. She knew she was privileged and had it drilled into her that family comes first. Reconnecting with Tyson after all these years was unbelievable. After what her father told her, does she trust him or her father?
They both have questions that need to be answered and, as the truth comes out, love is again found. But, can it last after the arrest? After the betrayal? After Blue finds out the real truth about her father and the man she loves? Could there be a third chance for two people who were really meant to be together?
There were several layers to this story with characters that ranged from absolutely loving to truly hateful. As Stacey Lynn brought us in and showed us how strong Gabriella really was, as she brought her from the mafia princess to a woman who insisted on standing on her own two feet, I was truly impressed. This is supposedly the first in a series but can definitely be a stand-alone. I am not sure who or what is next but, I am looking forward to more from this author.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 9, 2016
***3.5 Stars***
Stacey Lynn is a new to me author so I was excited to read this. This is a second chance story that is hopeful and painful all at the same time.
Gabriella "Blue" Galecki is the daughter of a mob boss who was sent away from her home by her father when she was eighteen. She was forced to leave behind the boy she loved. When family circumstances brings her back home several years later, she's forced to face her past with the one she left.
Tyson Blackwell not only lost the love his life, but he lost his father, who was a Police Officer. He has spent his time since his father's death trying to avenge those that were the cause of it. Unfortunately, that mean's going after the family of the one person he's ever loved. Will he be able to do his job to avenge his father's death or will his love for Blue come back and stand in the way?
I certainly was rooting for Blue and Tyson to reconnect and get their second chance. You could tell that they had never gotten over each other. The only thing that I wished out of their reconnection was a little bit more hesitation from each other. They have been apart for 10 years and both have been hurt. I would have liked to seen a little bit more push and pull.
I was also expecting a little bit more of the mob scene. That is absolutely a personal preference since I tend to like dark mafia books. I was hoping to get more of the backstory of her family "business."
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to Declan's story in His to Protect.
Stacey Lynn is a new to me author so I was excited to read this. This is a second chance story that is hopeful and painful all at the same time.
Gabriella "Blue" Galecki is the daughter of a mob boss who was sent away from her home by her father when she was eighteen. She was forced to leave behind the boy she loved. When family circumstances brings her back home several years later, she's forced to face her past with the one she left.
Tyson Blackwell not only lost the love his life, but he lost his father, who was a Police Officer. He has spent his time since his father's death trying to avenge those that were the cause of it. Unfortunately, that mean's going after the family of the one person he's ever loved. Will he be able to do his job to avenge his father's death or will his love for Blue come back and stand in the way?
I certainly was rooting for Blue and Tyson to reconnect and get their second chance. You could tell that they had never gotten over each other. The only thing that I wished out of their reconnection was a little bit more hesitation from each other. They have been apart for 10 years and both have been hurt. I would have liked to seen a little bit more push and pull.
I was also expecting a little bit more of the mob scene. That is absolutely a personal preference since I tend to like dark mafia books. I was hoping to get more of the backstory of her family "business."
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to Declan's story in His to Protect.
May 4, 2016
*ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I'm conflicted on my rating for this one. I wasn't sure what to give so I went in the middle. The plot in this book was great, but it was missing something.
Maybe it was that we didn't have a history to the relationship of Tyson & Blue. We didn't get to see how they were together or how much in love they were prior to breaking up many years ago. It would've been nice to have that info in the Prologue.
I also think this story could've been better if written as a dual POV. There was so much that Tyson was keeping a secret that it would've been more interesting if we could've known how his investigation was going or even bits and pieces. Maybe his superiors were keeping things from him so that they could get what they needed. The Prologue and Epilogue in his POV weren't enough for me.
Gabriella, or Blue, was frustrating to me as well. I get the dynamics of a mafia family, especially when the boss is your dad. But she kept saying she wanted to be independent from the family and every time her father told her to do something, she jumped at it. It was too contradicting of a character for me.
This book was on the sweeter side of the mafia storylines. I expected more action when an FBI agent and a mafia daughter are involved. Don't get me wrong, it was still good and still grabbed my attention. I just thought it needed a little more something.
I'm conflicted on my rating for this one. I wasn't sure what to give so I went in the middle. The plot in this book was great, but it was missing something.
Maybe it was that we didn't have a history to the relationship of Tyson & Blue. We didn't get to see how they were together or how much in love they were prior to breaking up many years ago. It would've been nice to have that info in the Prologue.
I also think this story could've been better if written as a dual POV. There was so much that Tyson was keeping a secret that it would've been more interesting if we could've known how his investigation was going or even bits and pieces. Maybe his superiors were keeping things from him so that they could get what they needed. The Prologue and Epilogue in his POV weren't enough for me.
Gabriella, or Blue, was frustrating to me as well. I get the dynamics of a mafia family, especially when the boss is your dad. But she kept saying she wanted to be independent from the family and every time her father told her to do something, she jumped at it. It was too contradicting of a character for me.
This book was on the sweeter side of the mafia storylines. I expected more action when an FBI agent and a mafia daughter are involved. Don't get me wrong, it was still good and still grabbed my attention. I just thought it needed a little more something.
May 23, 2016
All in all, I found the story to be entertaining, however I didn’t love it as much as I wanted. There was something I just couldn’t connect with.
We have Tyson and Blue, meeting once again after years apart. Their meeting isn’t just fate, but Tyson trying to get to Blue’s dad to finally send him to prison.
I guess that was the main reason I never really connected with these two or saw them as a real love story. Tyson was constantly lying to Blue, yeah, it was his job, but it was pretty crappy nonetheless. I found it hard to really believe in his feelings for Blue, and even when he wanted to come clean, he made a half ass try.
As for Blue, I liked that all she really wanted was freedom from his Dad and his ways. But I really couldn’t stomach her making a try at this new guy her Dad wanted, even if she had no interest in him. I don’t know, for someone who said never to stop loving Tyson, she sure liked this guy’s attention.
The story had action and a few twists, but in general, I just couldn’t really get behind Tyson and Blue.
Still, the next book in the series sounds interesting so I’ll give it a go.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
We have Tyson and Blue, meeting once again after years apart. Their meeting isn’t just fate, but Tyson trying to get to Blue’s dad to finally send him to prison.
I guess that was the main reason I never really connected with these two or saw them as a real love story. Tyson was constantly lying to Blue, yeah, it was his job, but it was pretty crappy nonetheless. I found it hard to really believe in his feelings for Blue, and even when he wanted to come clean, he made a half ass try.
As for Blue, I liked that all she really wanted was freedom from his Dad and his ways. But I really couldn’t stomach her making a try at this new guy her Dad wanted, even if she had no interest in him. I don’t know, for someone who said never to stop loving Tyson, she sure liked this guy’s attention.
The story had action and a few twists, but in general, I just couldn’t really get behind Tyson and Blue.
Still, the next book in the series sounds interesting so I’ll give it a go.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
March 28, 2016
Storyline: 5
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 5
Kindle eARC via Netgalley
Reviewed by Lindsey
OH MY! This book was so Flippin good. This is definitely a second chance romance with a lot of heat. So much angst and drama that I was hooked from the start and devoured ever page to the end. I loved it!
Tyson is such a freakin hottie. And... he's in the FBI. Helloooooo! Hot alpha male bad ass. Eeep. I loved him. He's all alpha but very much a gentlemen and loves super hard. Yes he's moody and broody but that made me fall for him even more.
Gabriella is such a sweet heart. She does what's right even though it infuriated her dad. But she doesn't really care. She just loves her momma. She is super emotional about her past and coming face to face with Tyson only brings back the good memories she missed so much. He brings her back to life to living. Only he has secrets that he's keeping that could destroy everything.
I loved this book so much. It was a great read with lots of feels. Don't miss out!
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 5
Kindle eARC via Netgalley
Reviewed by Lindsey
OH MY! This book was so Flippin good. This is definitely a second chance romance with a lot of heat. So much angst and drama that I was hooked from the start and devoured ever page to the end. I loved it!
Tyson is such a freakin hottie. And... he's in the FBI. Helloooooo! Hot alpha male bad ass. Eeep. I loved him. He's all alpha but very much a gentlemen and loves super hard. Yes he's moody and broody but that made me fall for him even more.
Gabriella is such a sweet heart. She does what's right even though it infuriated her dad. But she doesn't really care. She just loves her momma. She is super emotional about her past and coming face to face with Tyson only brings back the good memories she missed so much. He brings her back to life to living. Only he has secrets that he's keeping that could destroy everything.
I loved this book so much. It was a great read with lots of feels. Don't miss out!
June 23, 2019
His to Love is a wildly captivating journey that will show you that love transcends family, blood, and loyalty. It transforms life until nothing is left untouched. We just have to learn to trust in it and allow it to change us. Only then will we be able to fully appreciate it and savor every aspect of it no matter what happens. Our souls will not thrive until we allow love to completely take us over.
Gabriella "Blue" Galecki was pulled from her life at the whim of her father. She lived with her estranged aunt for years who owned a goat farm hours away from the life she grew up in. Feeling isolated and so very lonely, she is finally summoned back home to her old life. However, 10 years later, she has to build a new life. Determined to figure things out on her own, she pushes against the boundaries put before her at every turn. When the only boy she ever loved walks back into her life, she doesn’t know what to do. Trying to protect herself at all costs, she tries to fight against her heart, but finds one complication after another filling her path. Who can she trust, and who is truly loyal to her? Will she be able to figure out who and what she needs in her life before it’s too late, or will she find herself teetering on a cliff into a very dark and endless abyss?
Watching Tyson trying to rekindle the love and friendship he and Gabriella had before she left me with a heart full of longing and dreamy sighs. He was exactly who she needed to start her new life with, but Gabriella has to be figure that out on her own. This couple was truly breathtaking, and I couldn’t get enough of them! Their unfailing love and budding trust was truly inspiring, and I feel in love in with so very hard. What a beautiful experience!!
Stacey Lynn has stolen my heart and my very breath with this breathtaking masterpiece! She has ingrained her simple yet powerful words into my very soul. Her wonderfully complex world with its incredible characters has left me utterly blessed and so very inspired. I hated to see it end, and I can’t wait until I can read the next book in this seriously brilliant series!
Gabriella "Blue" Galecki was pulled from her life at the whim of her father. She lived with her estranged aunt for years who owned a goat farm hours away from the life she grew up in. Feeling isolated and so very lonely, she is finally summoned back home to her old life. However, 10 years later, she has to build a new life. Determined to figure things out on her own, she pushes against the boundaries put before her at every turn. When the only boy she ever loved walks back into her life, she doesn’t know what to do. Trying to protect herself at all costs, she tries to fight against her heart, but finds one complication after another filling her path. Who can she trust, and who is truly loyal to her? Will she be able to figure out who and what she needs in her life before it’s too late, or will she find herself teetering on a cliff into a very dark and endless abyss?
Watching Tyson trying to rekindle the love and friendship he and Gabriella had before she left me with a heart full of longing and dreamy sighs. He was exactly who she needed to start her new life with, but Gabriella has to be figure that out on her own. This couple was truly breathtaking, and I couldn’t get enough of them! Their unfailing love and budding trust was truly inspiring, and I feel in love in with so very hard. What a beautiful experience!!
Stacey Lynn has stolen my heart and my very breath with this breathtaking masterpiece! She has ingrained her simple yet powerful words into my very soul. Her wonderfully complex world with its incredible characters has left me utterly blessed and so very inspired. I hated to see it end, and I can’t wait until I can read the next book in this seriously brilliant series!
April 15, 2018
My first time reading this author and all I can say is WOW!! She is now on my must read authors list!!!
May 5, 2016
Actual Rating: 3.5
This story of second chance love against all odds is one that will make you believe that fate has a hand in forever.
Agent Tyson Blackwell is a man sure if two things,
He will never forgive the man who killed his father, and he will never forget the girl who stole his heart.
Mafia princess, Gabriella "Blue" Galecki wants nothing to do with the life and family that cost her the love that she held so dear at 18. She has distanced herself so completely from the life that she knew, that only the terminal illness of her mother is enough to coax her unexpected return.
Unbeknownst to Gabriella, things with her father and his organization have been anything but under the law enforcement radar, and her homecoming is just one more reason for their interest.
Interest that will bring her face to face with the man that her heart won't allow her to forget.
A man who has the power to destroy her from the inside out.
This book is one that is made or broken on the strength of the main characters and their interaction. Readers are given just enough insight into each person's back story to fill in relevant holes. Then its right into the relationship building you go.
The problem?
The relationship itself.
It's based on a lie. Tyson is lying to the woman that he is supposed to love more than anything, from the time that they reconnect on the plane. Sure, he has a very good reason. But you never really get the feeling, while the subterfuge is going on, that Tyson is all that conflicted about what he's doing.
That is, until he is confronted with his deceit, and has to own it.
Add to this the fact that Gabriella's father is also trying to manipulate her into marriage to the man that he is grooming to fill his shoes as head of the crime family, and there is no doubt that this woman is the walking embodiment of a person stuck "between a rock and a hard place."
While it is true that the chemistry between Tyson and Gabriella between the sheets is a thing of beauty. The strength of said bond seems to wane, the farther they take things from the bedroom.
The only truly visceral connection to be had in this read, is the one shared between Gabriella and her newfound friends at the Fireside Grill. An aspect of this story that is treated as more of a setting, than a focal point worthy of carrying the series name.
There is no denying that this is a well written book...technically speaking. The story is cohesive, and the characters are likeable and very easy to follow. What this story lacks however, is the one thing that enjoyment of this work is predicted upon. Emotional connection between characters and readers. Which would be a given if readers were given more. More details about Tyson's work. More information about Gabriella's life away from her father. More of a chance to see what we as readers, and they as the players in this unfolding drama are fighting for. More...more...more!
Reviewer's Notes: My review of the above referenced work has not been influenced in any way by Loveswept or those acting on the publisher's behalf.
His To Love is the first in a companion series that can be read in any order. It is strongly suggested, for the purposes of continuity however, that the series be read as intended.
This story of second chance love against all odds is one that will make you believe that fate has a hand in forever.
Agent Tyson Blackwell is a man sure if two things,
He will never forgive the man who killed his father, and he will never forget the girl who stole his heart.
Mafia princess, Gabriella "Blue" Galecki wants nothing to do with the life and family that cost her the love that she held so dear at 18. She has distanced herself so completely from the life that she knew, that only the terminal illness of her mother is enough to coax her unexpected return.
Unbeknownst to Gabriella, things with her father and his organization have been anything but under the law enforcement radar, and her homecoming is just one more reason for their interest.
Interest that will bring her face to face with the man that her heart won't allow her to forget.
A man who has the power to destroy her from the inside out.
This book is one that is made or broken on the strength of the main characters and their interaction. Readers are given just enough insight into each person's back story to fill in relevant holes. Then its right into the relationship building you go.
The problem?
The relationship itself.
It's based on a lie. Tyson is lying to the woman that he is supposed to love more than anything, from the time that they reconnect on the plane. Sure, he has a very good reason. But you never really get the feeling, while the subterfuge is going on, that Tyson is all that conflicted about what he's doing.
That is, until he is confronted with his deceit, and has to own it.
Add to this the fact that Gabriella's father is also trying to manipulate her into marriage to the man that he is grooming to fill his shoes as head of the crime family, and there is no doubt that this woman is the walking embodiment of a person stuck "between a rock and a hard place."
While it is true that the chemistry between Tyson and Gabriella between the sheets is a thing of beauty. The strength of said bond seems to wane, the farther they take things from the bedroom.
The only truly visceral connection to be had in this read, is the one shared between Gabriella and her newfound friends at the Fireside Grill. An aspect of this story that is treated as more of a setting, than a focal point worthy of carrying the series name.
There is no denying that this is a well written book...technically speaking. The story is cohesive, and the characters are likeable and very easy to follow. What this story lacks however, is the one thing that enjoyment of this work is predicted upon. Emotional connection between characters and readers. Which would be a given if readers were given more. More details about Tyson's work. More information about Gabriella's life away from her father. More of a chance to see what we as readers, and they as the players in this unfolding drama are fighting for. More...more...more!
Reviewer's Notes: My review of the above referenced work has not been influenced in any way by Loveswept or those acting on the publisher's behalf.
His To Love is the first in a companion series that can be read in any order. It is strongly suggested, for the purposes of continuity however, that the series be read as intended.
July 13, 2016
I hadn't read any books by Stacey Lynn when I received an email suggesting that since I enjoy books by Missy Johnson I should give her a try, I am so glad that I did.
This book had it all going on, especially if you love second chance at love romances. Gabriella “Blue” Galecki is returning home after being banished to her hippie aunts goat farm in Colorado ten years earlier, so much has changed in her life and now that her mother's breast cancer is back and has metastasized she needs to go and spend as much time with her as she can before her mother passes away. Little did Blue know that her life was going to change in more ways than one. But when she bumps into Tyson, the boy that stole her heart ten years ago, on the plane heading home she is forced to remember why she was sent away.
Tyson Blackwell is heading home on an undercover FBI mission, he is to get information out of the Mafia Princess of the Galecki family about what her father is planning. Tyson was not prepared for all of his past emotions for Blue to come rushing back to the surface when she literally bumps into him on the airplane. Tyson never knew what happened to her, she just disappeared one night and although he searched for her he couldn't find her and gave up on tracking her down eight years ago, so when he was shown her picture from his supervisor he knew that she was still alive but still didn't have the answers to why she left and didn't say goodbye. He is determined to get the answers he needed and much, much more.
The chemistry was great between Blue and Tyson, I hated that he was keeping a huge secret from her but totally understood why. This was a great start to the series and a wonderful book for me to be introduced to the author. I look forward to reading more of her work...in fact, I am off to read His to Protect now.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
This book had it all going on, especially if you love second chance at love romances. Gabriella “Blue” Galecki is returning home after being banished to her hippie aunts goat farm in Colorado ten years earlier, so much has changed in her life and now that her mother's breast cancer is back and has metastasized she needs to go and spend as much time with her as she can before her mother passes away. Little did Blue know that her life was going to change in more ways than one. But when she bumps into Tyson, the boy that stole her heart ten years ago, on the plane heading home she is forced to remember why she was sent away.
Tyson Blackwell is heading home on an undercover FBI mission, he is to get information out of the Mafia Princess of the Galecki family about what her father is planning. Tyson was not prepared for all of his past emotions for Blue to come rushing back to the surface when she literally bumps into him on the airplane. Tyson never knew what happened to her, she just disappeared one night and although he searched for her he couldn't find her and gave up on tracking her down eight years ago, so when he was shown her picture from his supervisor he knew that she was still alive but still didn't have the answers to why she left and didn't say goodbye. He is determined to get the answers he needed and much, much more.
The chemistry was great between Blue and Tyson, I hated that he was keeping a huge secret from her but totally understood why. This was a great start to the series and a wonderful book for me to be introduced to the author. I look forward to reading more of her work...in fact, I am off to read His to Protect now.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
May 13, 2016
Title: His To Love
Author: Stacey Lynn
Series: Fireside Series, Book #1
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:May 10, 2016
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:285
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“He turned his head, narrowed eyes on me. His lips twitched, like he couldn’t figure out how to respond. I took that as my cue to continue.”
5 love stars! I can’t get enough of Tyson and Blue!!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Stacey Lynn and let me just tell you I love her and her books!!! I loved Tyson and his and struggle with staying under cover but wanting to be with Blue!! Their story is epic and so beautifully told!! The chemistry between these two is almost combustible! I won’t go into detail but I will say you need to grab this book now!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Stacey Lynn
Series: Fireside Series, Book #1
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:May 10, 2016
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:285
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Tyson Blackwell never saw it coming when his Mafia princess girlfriend dumped him and disappeared at the age of eighteen. He never forgot her, either, even after what happened next: the killing of his father, a Detroit PD officer, at the hands of one ofher father’s men. Tyson swore revenge, and now, ten years later, the kid who dreamed of a pro football career is a hard-nosed FBI agent, back in town to take down the Galecki crime family once and for all. But Tyson’s mission gets complicated fast—because going undercover means seducing the only woman he’s ever loved.
Gabriella “Blue” Galecki has been in hiding for a decade. She finally comes home to spend time with her terminally ill mother, only to receive a blast from the past when she runs into Tyson. His brooding eyes and electrifying touch still send chills down her spine. But as heir to the family empire, Blue has been promised to another. Caught in a web of deception, she is tempted to pull the trigger on the boldest risk she’s ever taken: trusting Tyson with her life, her body, and her heart.
Review:
“He turned his head, narrowed eyes on me. His lips twitched, like he couldn’t figure out how to respond. I took that as my cue to continue.”
5 love stars! I can’t get enough of Tyson and Blue!!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Stacey Lynn and let me just tell you I love her and her books!!! I loved Tyson and his and struggle with staying under cover but wanting to be with Blue!! Their story is epic and so beautifully told!! The chemistry between these two is almost combustible! I won’t go into detail but I will say you need to grab this book now!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
May 11, 2016
3.5 stars
Gabriella is returning to Detroit for the first time in 10 years, having left quickly in the dead of night. She is needed at home, and her return catches the attention of not only her father’s men, but the FBI as well.
Tyson Blackwell vowed vengeance for his father, who was killed by a mafia hitman, but he has also always wondered what happened to his mafia princess girlfriend after she disappeared. Ten years without word is a long time, but when Tyson and Gabriella meet again, the years fall away and they find themselves swept up in emotion once again. But can they build a new relationship when Tyson isn’t honest with Gabriella about his reasons for returning to Detroit? And how will her father’s plans for her change what she and Tyson share?
I liked Gabriella. Her determination to make a name for herself without relying on her father’s reputation showed her independence, her strength, and her determination to keep herself apart from her father’s business dealings. As she rebuilt her life in Detroit, she had to find a balance between pleasing her father and exerting her own independence.
Tyson was a bit of a mystery in the story. He was protective and always willing to be there for Gabriella when she needed a shoulder, but it was also hard to tell what was his job and what were his feelings. I wasn’t at all surprised that Gabriella had a hard time identifying the two either, as her confusion mirrored my own.
My biggest hangup with this book, and the part that kept me at a 3.5 rating, was the lack of action for a good two thirds of the book. I wanted more action, more tension, especially after the build-up from the prologue. That the prologue was the only part of the story narrated by Tyson also made it hard to really feel an emotional connection between these two. I wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling throughout the story, especially since readers know exactly who he is and what he is doing back in Detroit.
I am intrigued about the second book in the series. Declan is Tyson’s long time friend and there is an offhanded comment about him that made me curious about his background. He is always ready to lend a hand when Gabriella needed one, and seems to be a jovial, hardworking guy.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Gabriella is returning to Detroit for the first time in 10 years, having left quickly in the dead of night. She is needed at home, and her return catches the attention of not only her father’s men, but the FBI as well.
Tyson Blackwell vowed vengeance for his father, who was killed by a mafia hitman, but he has also always wondered what happened to his mafia princess girlfriend after she disappeared. Ten years without word is a long time, but when Tyson and Gabriella meet again, the years fall away and they find themselves swept up in emotion once again. But can they build a new relationship when Tyson isn’t honest with Gabriella about his reasons for returning to Detroit? And how will her father’s plans for her change what she and Tyson share?
I liked Gabriella. Her determination to make a name for herself without relying on her father’s reputation showed her independence, her strength, and her determination to keep herself apart from her father’s business dealings. As she rebuilt her life in Detroit, she had to find a balance between pleasing her father and exerting her own independence.
Tyson was a bit of a mystery in the story. He was protective and always willing to be there for Gabriella when she needed a shoulder, but it was also hard to tell what was his job and what were his feelings. I wasn’t at all surprised that Gabriella had a hard time identifying the two either, as her confusion mirrored my own.
My biggest hangup with this book, and the part that kept me at a 3.5 rating, was the lack of action for a good two thirds of the book. I wanted more action, more tension, especially after the build-up from the prologue. That the prologue was the only part of the story narrated by Tyson also made it hard to really feel an emotional connection between these two. I wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling throughout the story, especially since readers know exactly who he is and what he is doing back in Detroit.
I am intrigued about the second book in the series. Declan is Tyson’s long time friend and there is an offhanded comment about him that made me curious about his background. He is always ready to lend a hand when Gabriella needed one, and seems to be a jovial, hardworking guy.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2016
5 Mafia princess stars
I love a second chance romance and this was definitely one I loved, a great plot that had twists and turns within this rekindling flame of a romance.
The Plot:
Gabriella “Blue” Galecki , the daughter of a powerful mafia boss was sent away at the age of 18 leaving her teenage first love behind, the boy she thought she knew and would always be with but Gabriella was filled with lies by her father and banished to go and live with her aunt and never see him again until 10 years later she was summoned by her father to return.
Tyson hadn't heard from or seen Gabriella in 10 years until a photo was given to him along with a case to go undercover, get close to Gabriella and find out the reason of her return.
Could Tyson now an FBI agent and the mafia princess fight the chemistry and love that still burned within them?
Hell no!
It was a brilliant, gripping, exciting read, hot,mysterious, loved the writing style, it flowed really well, with a good balance of hotness,humour,drama and intimate moments. Told in dual pov's you were able to feel connected to each character and the connection they had between them.
I loved the characters. gabriella was meak, likeable and despite her upbringing all she wanted to be a normal girl who worked for a living,fell in love, got married but instead she had a demanding Father and a family name to uphold.
Tyson was an alpha male and attentive, had job pressures and secrets he could not withhold.
My first Stacey Lynn read and it won't be my last great debut to a new series.
Arc given by Netgalley for honest review
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fb & goodreads groups. http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
I love a second chance romance and this was definitely one I loved, a great plot that had twists and turns within this rekindling flame of a romance.
The Plot:
Gabriella “Blue” Galecki , the daughter of a powerful mafia boss was sent away at the age of 18 leaving her teenage first love behind, the boy she thought she knew and would always be with but Gabriella was filled with lies by her father and banished to go and live with her aunt and never see him again until 10 years later she was summoned by her father to return.
Tyson hadn't heard from or seen Gabriella in 10 years until a photo was given to him along with a case to go undercover, get close to Gabriella and find out the reason of her return.
Could Tyson now an FBI agent and the mafia princess fight the chemistry and love that still burned within them?
Hell no!
It was a brilliant, gripping, exciting read, hot,mysterious, loved the writing style, it flowed really well, with a good balance of hotness,humour,drama and intimate moments. Told in dual pov's you were able to feel connected to each character and the connection they had between them.
I loved the characters. gabriella was meak, likeable and despite her upbringing all she wanted to be a normal girl who worked for a living,fell in love, got married but instead she had a demanding Father and a family name to uphold.
Tyson was an alpha male and attentive, had job pressures and secrets he could not withhold.
My first Stacey Lynn read and it won't be my last great debut to a new series.
Arc given by Netgalley for honest review
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July 4, 2016
Second chance love between a mob princess and her high school boyfriend turned FBI agent is a great premise for a story. But while I loved the Detroit setting and I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters, I struggled with both the storyline and the central romance.
Blue does grow into herself as the story progresses, but there are far too many moments where she comes across as an entitled princess who is either TSTL or just willfully ignorant of the true nature of her father’s activities. I couldn’t help but feel that Blue’s sense of victimisation by Ty and the FBI amounted to a lack of empathy for her father’s true victims. I liked Blue more by the end of the story, but she will never be a favourite heroine.
Ty is a stronger character. I had more empathy for his situation and I liked him more as a person. Book 2 in this series is written from alternating points of view and I think this story would have been more powerful if we had seen more of Ty’s perspective and learned more about his investigation. But I didn’t love Ty either. I think I wanted Ty to be angrier in this book; I wanted him to be more enraged by the damage Blue’s father had done to his family and I wanted him to find it more difficult to forgive Blue.
It is difficult for me to believe in a romance when I don’t love either of the main characters. Add in sulky miscommunication and a less than exciting conclusion and I never fully engaged with this story. (However, I have read ahead in this series and I absolutely love book 2..)
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Wicked Reads.
Blue does grow into herself as the story progresses, but there are far too many moments where she comes across as an entitled princess who is either TSTL or just willfully ignorant of the true nature of her father’s activities. I couldn’t help but feel that Blue’s sense of victimisation by Ty and the FBI amounted to a lack of empathy for her father’s true victims. I liked Blue more by the end of the story, but she will never be a favourite heroine.
Ty is a stronger character. I had more empathy for his situation and I liked him more as a person. Book 2 in this series is written from alternating points of view and I think this story would have been more powerful if we had seen more of Ty’s perspective and learned more about his investigation. But I didn’t love Ty either. I think I wanted Ty to be angrier in this book; I wanted him to be more enraged by the damage Blue’s father had done to his family and I wanted him to find it more difficult to forgive Blue.
It is difficult for me to believe in a romance when I don’t love either of the main characters. Add in sulky miscommunication and a less than exciting conclusion and I never fully engaged with this story. (However, I have read ahead in this series and I absolutely love book 2..)
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Wicked Reads.
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