Queen B’s Decree: I love how grumpy Mary is. She really takes her mafia enforcer job protecting her family so seriously (in fact maybe too much). So she suggests a marriage of convenience to Maxim, combining their Italian and Russian families as a way to provide more protection to the family she adores.
But of course Maxim is obsessed with her. He is the epitome of the “MY WIFE” trope.
There’s enough mafia plot to keep you interested, but the primary focus is the growing relationship between Mary and Maxim. I loved seeing Mary let down her walls and realize that opening her heart doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. And Maxim learned that dynamite comes in small packages and had to realize that Mary can protect herself.
The side characters in this series is what makes it so amazing. I’m so glad we got to see Nate and Vanessa again and Maxim’s family were wonderful additions to the clan.
I’m fully invested in this series and can’t wait for more.
Book: A Love Most Brutal by Kath Richards
Series: Morelli Family #2
Genre: Mafia
Plot Devices/Tropes: arranged marriage