Review: Ruthless (Mob Boss, #1) by Michelle St. James

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Blackthorn Press (August 3, 2015)

From Goodreads.com: Two years out of college, Angelica Bondesan spends her time working as a barista, keeping in touch with her prodigal brother, and trying to figure out how to bridge the gap with her father, a wealthy real estate developer.

But all of that changes the night she’s kidnapped. Thrown into a windowless room, Angelica is positive there’s been some kind of mistake — until she meets Nico Vitale.

Gorgeous and frightening, Nico became the boss of New York City’s Vitale crime family after the execution style murder of his parents two years earlier. Since then he’s turned the old-school mob into a sleek, modern army of ruthless men who understand that physical violence — while always an option — isn’t the only way to get what you want.

Now Angel is forced to face the truth;

Her father is not the man she believed him to be.

Nico Vitale is dangerous, possibly lethal.

She is falling in love with Nico Vitale.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This story was definitely not what I was expecting. The author's writing was solid even if the overall plot was not. This was definitely not the dark and gritty story that I was expecting - in fact I'm honestly surprised that Nico's men haven't overthrown him already. I'm all for "gangsters" having a code of honor, and its refreshing when the boss chooses not to participate in the seedier aspects of mob life, but when the boss institutes a no weapon policy, and doesn't allow cursing? It kind of makes him look weak. 

And then we get to Angelica. I wanted to like her really I did. But she was a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome - it had to be when we were expected to believe an almost instant love between the two of them. Even when circumstances beyond their control puts them alone for several days - they are more interested in having sex than actually getting to know each other. 

Overall, there were some enjoyable parts to this story, and I am sure there are those who will enjoy it, however at this time I am unsure as to whether or not I will continue on with this series. 

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                              Ruthless (Mob Boss, #1) is available from Amazon.com