Book Review (A Favor for a Favor by Nat Chelloni)

Book: A Favor For a Favor

Author: Nat Chelloni

Genre: Romance; Romantic Suspense

Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Synopsis

"Forget favors given; remember those received." - John Wooden

A time for love can't be more deadly...

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

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

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

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

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

My Review:

Thank you so much, Nat Chelloni, for sending me an eCopy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book, A Favor for a Favor, is quite unlike any book I have read before. The concept, themes, subject, and world building described in this book is different for me as I have not read any mafia-related books before. Earlier I could have said that I’m not a big fan of Mafia related books, but after reading this book I’m not quite sure if that’s true. This book deals more with the romantic aspects than anything else, and I loved it for that.

Domenico Bonacci, though the son of a very big Mafia don, is nothing like his father. He has changed the course of his life, and now is a totally legal businessman. Julia Leonardi, a widow of Ricci Castellano, has finally got over her grief on her husband’s death, and started a new life with new business by leaving her past behind. Due to some misunderstanding in the past, both Bonacci and Leonardi families are supposed to be enemies of each other. But this animosity could not stop Dom from falling for Julia. He has not been able to resist his attraction towards Julia since the time he first saw her, Julia had been feeling the same. On the other hand, Julia, out of respect for her deceased husband and overwhelming guilt that she has developed feelings for someone else, is not ready to admit her true feelings for Dom. But could she resist herself for long? Especially when Dom is too persistent to show up everywhere Julia happens to go. Their enemies-to-lovers relationship which mostly involves their bickering and banter is really sweet and overwhelming. The real shit hits the fan when Dom is paid a visit by a famous Russian Mafia Don. Would he be able to prevent himself from getting involved with illegal activities which his father had been a part of?

I really loved various characters in the book. I adore Dom and Julia, of course, but then I also loved all the side characters as well. Dom is a resilient, hard-working, hot guy. He loves Julia a lot. In fact, I hated Dom for some time when he tries to be a mean jerk with Julia but eventually he proves to be a soft-hearted and loving man. And Julia’s character is very well penned. She has been fighting various battles in her heart, and decides to finally listen to her heart, and surrender in front of true love.

I feel like this book has thoroughly portrayed all aspects of love, grief, betrayal, fear, death, and also Mafia life. Also the powerful touch of suspense about Ricci’s death and other elements add extra juice to the story.

My Favorite Lines:

“I'm a product of that life, sweetheart. I did things I'm not proud of."

“Always trust your gut feeling. It never lies.”

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