A man with the worst reputation in New York State.’ He was rude, arrogant, controlling, and cold.

So, did The Sweetest Oblivion live up to the challenge? Hell, yes it did, and 29-year-old Nico Russo, one of the most feared and respected Don’s in the Cosa Nostra, more than lived up to the anti-hero who had our hearts in a spin and our Kindles overheating! This man oozed sex appeal, danger and magnetism that drew us in immediately. My nonna used to say our blood ran hotter than most.’ ‘The truth was, not every man could handle being a Russo. Sizzling hot chemistry and a dangerous attraction!

So, what were we in the mood for? We needed a passionate gritty Mafia read – one that would provide us with the qualities we seek in this theme – you know the ones? A read brimming with: ‘Sometimes it felt like you needed to be the worst you could be to survive in this world.’ Isn’t it both the best and worst feeling when you’re in the mood for a certain type of story and upon scouring your TBR for inspiration you find exactly what you’ve been craving? It’s the best feeling because you happen upon the perfect book to satisfy your reading mood, and the worst of feelings because, when you finish the book you realise such a gem has been languishing unread in your pile of e-books for a couple of years! Kissing me only when he wanted, biting me, controlling every dip, lick, and press of our lips.’ right? This is a standalone forbidden romance.’He was such a selfish kisser. Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don't fall in love with a Made Man. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another. Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she's beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. She doesn't like the man or anything he stands for, though that doesn't stop her heart from pattering like rain against glass when he's near, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine at the sound of his voice. After his and Elena's first encounter ends with an accidental glare on her part, she realizes he's just as rude as he is handsome. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat-even measured against mafia standards. In the murky waters of New York's underworld, Elena's sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo.

They say first impressions are everything. Now, all she can see in the mirror's reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint. She's the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa. Nicknamed Sweet Abelli for her docile nature, Elena smiles on cue and has a charming response for everything. She's a romantic at heart, living in the most unromantic of worlds.

The sweetest oblivion