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Chicago Mob #1
Mobster's Gamble
Release Date January 23, 2016
Mobster's Gamble will be book 1 in the Chicago Mob Series.
If you have read the Mobster Series, you will definitely recognize the characters. The setting is La Bella Regale Casino in the heart of Chicago.
Carlo Caruso runs the family businesses. The son of mob boss Ennio Caruso, Carlo knows his place and he is up to the challenge of taking care of both the casino business and the not-quite-legal “other” business, all without drawing unwanted attention from the authorities. But when a group of cult extremists, headed by a guy who calls himself Priest, decides to target his family’s casino as a den of sin while attempting to recruit for their cause, Carlo may be in for a challenge he has never been trained for.
Anya was born inside the walls of a cult and has never known anything different. Anya’s beauty has always stirred the wrong kind of attention from the leader and then, when he was gone, his son. Anya has had a complicated and volatile relationship with Priest since she was a little girl toddling around in the religious commune. She knows she deserves better but has no idea how to go about getting it.
Can Carlo and Anya overcome their upbringing and find love?
“I can’t change it. Sometimes you just have to live with it.” ~Anya, Mobster’s Gamble
Mobster's Gamble will be book 1 in the Chicago Mob Series.
If you have read the Mobster Series, you will definitely recognize the characters. The setting is La Bella Regale Casino in the heart of Chicago.
Carlo Caruso runs the family businesses. The son of mob boss Ennio Caruso, Carlo knows his place and he is up to the challenge of taking care of both the casino business and the not-quite-legal “other” business, all without drawing unwanted attention from the authorities. But when a group of cult extremists, headed by a guy who calls himself Priest, decides to target his family’s casino as a den of sin while attempting to recruit for their cause, Carlo may be in for a challenge he has never been trained for.
Anya was born inside the walls of a cult and has never known anything different. Anya’s beauty has always stirred the wrong kind of attention from the leader and then, when he was gone, his son. Anya has had a complicated and volatile relationship with Priest since she was a little girl toddling around in the religious commune. She knows she deserves better but has no idea how to go about getting it.
Can Carlo and Anya overcome their upbringing and find love?
“I can’t change it. Sometimes you just have to live with it.” ~Anya, Mobster’s Gamble
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Amy Rachiele
16 books562 followersAmy Rachiele is a Reader, Writer, Tea-er, Werewolf-lovin', Sci-fi Junkie, who won't survive the apocalypse... unless she has a tailor made Iron Man suit.
Amy is a widowed military spouse and brat who spent many years volunteering and on staff for the Army National Guard, and who has a propensity for writing about alpha-male mobsters. Her first self-published book is Mobster's Girl and it made it to the amazon's bestseller list for romance and family saga.
She devoted 10 years to teaching at-risk students at the secondary level and watching reruns of Star Trek. She holds a Master's degree from Rhode Island College in English and Secondary Education. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, BroadUniverse, Writer Unboxed and sits on the board for the Historical Writers of America. Besides writing, she enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, traveling, and pretending to know how to knit. Amy lives in Massachusetts with her son.
***Newest Release is Mobster's Gamble: Book 1 in the Chicago Mob Series.
Amy is a widowed military spouse and brat who spent many years volunteering and on staff for the Army National Guard, and who has a propensity for writing about alpha-male mobsters. Her first self-published book is Mobster's Girl and it made it to the amazon's bestseller list for romance and family saga.
She devoted 10 years to teaching at-risk students at the secondary level and watching reruns of Star Trek. She holds a Master's degree from Rhode Island College in English and Secondary Education. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, BroadUniverse, Writer Unboxed and sits on the board for the Historical Writers of America. Besides writing, she enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, traveling, and pretending to know how to knit. Amy lives in Massachusetts with her son.
***Newest Release is Mobster's Gamble: Book 1 in the Chicago Mob Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 9, 2016
Best so far? 4.5 stars.
It's hard to imagine living Anya's life, she's never known anything else having been born into the Anointed Heavens it's been her entire life. We know the cult leader was taking her to his bed when she was only ten years old, she's been beaten and abused and yet she remains incredibly strong, she's a true survivor.
Things are changing within the Anointed Hearts, numbers have dwindled and their leader Priest is becoming unpredictable.
Carlo we know and love from the previous books his problem with the Anointed Hearts is the fact that they're protesting and recruiting outside his family's casino the La Bella Regale and not only is it bad for business but it draws unwanted attention.
The question is why just La Bella Regale and not the other casinos?
While moving the cult away Carlo spots Anya and something about her draws him in and she haunts his thoughts.
Meanwhile the cult has a new member and Anya can't understand what Priest doing and why, everything is changing and it's unsettling.
I think this is my favourite so far in this series I loved all the characters especially Jessie and I was hooked from the first page to the last. Anya's suffering made difficult reading at times and I really really wanted her to find her HEA but I had every confidence in Carlo.
I don't read many ARC's but since this was a book I was going to read anyway I couldn't say no.
Why not 5*?
I don't give 5* easily or often otherwise it becomes worthless but at 4.5* this came close.
Now you're probably thinking I'm just too picky and trust me I know and I wish I wasn't.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2016
Best so far? 4.5 stars.
It's hard to imagine living Anya's life, she's never known anything else having been born into the Anointed Heavens it's been her entire life. We know the cult leader was taking her to his bed when she was only ten years old, she's been beaten and abused and yet she remains incredibly strong, she's a true survivor.
Things are changing within the Anointed Hearts, numbers have dwindled and their leader Priest is becoming unpredictable.
Carlo we know and love from the previous books his problem with the Anointed Hearts is the fact that they're protesting and recruiting outside his family's casino the La Bella Regale and not only is it bad for business but it draws unwanted attention.
The question is why just La Bella Regale and not the other casinos?
While moving the cult away Carlo spots Anya and something about her draws him in and she haunts his thoughts.
Meanwhile the cult has a new member and Anya can't understand what Priest doing and why, everything is changing and it's unsettling.
I think this is my favourite so far in this series I loved all the characters especially Jessie and I was hooked from the first page to the last. Anya's suffering made difficult reading at times and I really really wanted her to find her HEA but I had every confidence in Carlo.
I don't read many ARC's but since this was a book I was going to read anyway I couldn't say no.
Why not 5*?
I don't give 5* easily or often otherwise it becomes worthless but at 4.5* this came close.
Now you're probably thinking I'm just too picky and trust me I know and I wish I wasn't.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2015
I had the privilege of reading a beta copy of Mobster's Gamble and I loved it.
Amy tells the story of Anya, a woman who was born into a cult and is struggling with the idea of finding her place outside the walls of her cult's compound, and Carlo, who is the son of Chicago's Crime Boss. Carlo's days are taken up with running security at the family's casino and also handling situations for the "family". Both lives have aspects of brutality and loyalty.
Amy keeps the reader turning the page as they become enamoured of Anya's plight to escape the cult and the struggle of leaving the only family she has ever known. At the same time she explores Carlo's need to protect and nurture Anya as she discovers life outside the compound, whilst dealing with the dangerous nature of his own world.
Mobster's Gamble is another fantastic mafia book by Amy Rachiele. I can't wait for more books in this series.
Amy tells the story of Anya, a woman who was born into a cult and is struggling with the idea of finding her place outside the walls of her cult's compound, and Carlo, who is the son of Chicago's Crime Boss. Carlo's days are taken up with running security at the family's casino and also handling situations for the "family". Both lives have aspects of brutality and loyalty.
Amy keeps the reader turning the page as they become enamoured of Anya's plight to escape the cult and the struggle of leaving the only family she has ever known. At the same time she explores Carlo's need to protect and nurture Anya as she discovers life outside the compound, whilst dealing with the dangerous nature of his own world.
Mobster's Gamble is another fantastic mafia book by Amy Rachiele. I can't wait for more books in this series.
December 12, 2015
This was by far my favorite of the Mobster series. I was given a beta to read and I am so priveledges to have been given the opportunity.
Anya has been a cult member from her birth. She is very intelligent and has grown to the point in her life where she is questioning all the activities and actions around her.
Carlo, another hunk of a male, is also feeling a bit rebellious...and from there the action explodes!
This book is beautifully and painfully written. If you want to feel the inside of control and abuse, this book will do that for you.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Anya has been a cult member from her birth. She is very intelligent and has grown to the point in her life where she is questioning all the activities and actions around her.
Carlo, another hunk of a male, is also feeling a bit rebellious...and from there the action explodes!
This book is beautifully and painfully written. If you want to feel the inside of control and abuse, this book will do that for you.
Looking forward to the next installment.
January 5, 2016
First let me just say I've been a fan of Amy since I read about Antonio and Megan. Anything she writes about Mobsters I will read!
Now, I was lucky enough to beta read this book for Amy. I love Carlo! Don't get me wrong he seemed like a jack wagon at first but I think that's mainly because he had alot on his plate.
Ohh and to have a cult of extremist! I've never read a book that incorporated a group like that in a book, and Amy did a great job of it.
All in all I loved the book. Amy has do t it again getting me hooked on these books where I want to k ow more about the characters.
Now, I was lucky enough to beta read this book for Amy. I love Carlo! Don't get me wrong he seemed like a jack wagon at first but I think that's mainly because he had alot on his plate.
Ohh and to have a cult of extremist! I've never read a book that incorporated a group like that in a book, and Amy did a great job of it.
All in all I loved the book. Amy has do t it again getting me hooked on these books where I want to k ow more about the characters.
June 3, 2016
Having loved Mobster’s Girl, I jumped at the chance to receive a NetGalley ARC for Mobster’s Gamble. Though it’s an interesting twist on a mob romance storyline, I have to admit this one felt like it was more focused on the dark, disturbing cult/abuse than the romance between the main couple. At 60% I was still waiting for that element to kick in. Instead, Anya kept getting the daylights kicked out of her by Priest, the leader, with a gang of unknown, sinister looking men watching. Other than Caesar, the presence of those men were not really explained. I’m still wondering why these strangers were even at the compound. I can only guess they were Caesar’s bodyguards.
With so little time spent together, I just didn’t see a heart-stopping, romantic connection between the main couple. Sure, I was told they were falling in love, but I didn’t feel it. I also didn’t care for the alternating first person writing style. Overuse of the word “I” always distracts/annoys me to no end, btw.
Overall, I can’t say this one met my mafia romance standards to be considered a good read for this genre. I likely won’t be reading any sequels unless the synopsis looks really appealing.
Title: Mobster’s Gamble, Series: Chicago Mob (Book 1), Author: Amy Rachiele, Pages: 132, disturbing, graphic cult abuse/including children, mafia violence, dark element.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
With so little time spent together, I just didn’t see a heart-stopping, romantic connection between the main couple. Sure, I was told they were falling in love, but I didn’t feel it. I also didn’t care for the alternating first person writing style. Overuse of the word “I” always distracts/annoys me to no end, btw.
Overall, I can’t say this one met my mafia romance standards to be considered a good read for this genre. I likely won’t be reading any sequels unless the synopsis looks really appealing.
Title: Mobster’s Gamble, Series: Chicago Mob (Book 1), Author: Amy Rachiele, Pages: 132, disturbing, graphic cult abuse/including children, mafia violence, dark element.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
January 9, 2016
First off I like to always mention how much I hate writing reviews. Not due to laziness on my part or a lack of wanting too. I feel who am I to judge an Author's work,I'm just a regular chick right? These Author's pour their blood, sweat and tears into writing a book . So here I come and try to rate it or review,it just doesn't seem right. I still have issues using the correct there,their they're most of the time. But I'll try my best so here goes. I adore Amy Rachiele and was lucky enough to receive Mobster's Gamble as an ARC. This new series is a look into the lives of the Caruso Family and La Bella Regale Casino.You got to meet our hero Carlo in the Mobster's series.Now we are focusing on the people we got a glimpse of in those books. Carlo is all Alpha male take charge,protector.Running the Family business . Anya is a day by day survivor of unspeakable acts of abuse. Their lives are on a collision course set in motion by Anya's once savior now tormentor. I don't want to give to much away but this story of survival ,trust ,love and hope is beautiful ,but at certain points hard for me to read. I was a victim of domestic abuse from the hands of someone I once thought to be a protector. All I can say is Amy Rachel hit it out of the park with this one,ready for Alex's story. Everyone deserves a Happy Ending even the Mobbed up guys we think are the bad guys.
January 14, 2016
Carlo is the son of a mob boss, running a legitimate casino & nightclub business. He is extremely hardworking, devoted to his family, and hasn’t been in a serious relationship. A protest by a religious cult brings him face to face with Anya. There’s something about her and her eyes that stay with him – finding himself thinking about her during his frequent bouts of insomnia.
Anya knows no other life. She grew up in the cult and is at the mercy of their cruel leader, Priest. Her natural spirit is hidden until she starts to show it and gets the beating of her life. She is rescued by Carlo and shown a different way of life – one where people are loved for themselves and, most of all, one where she’s allowed to make choices of her own free will.
Carlo has never met anyone like Anya and his protective instincts are thrown up when he finds her beaten nearly to death. However, he holds himself back thinking that with his life, she would only be swapping one prison for another. Anya finds herself integrating into Carlo’s life quite easily, however, her past life and secrets that she’s kept for years haunt her dangerously. This was a pretty exciting read, brutal in places, but tender in others.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review”
Anya knows no other life. She grew up in the cult and is at the mercy of their cruel leader, Priest. Her natural spirit is hidden until she starts to show it and gets the beating of her life. She is rescued by Carlo and shown a different way of life – one where people are loved for themselves and, most of all, one where she’s allowed to make choices of her own free will.
Carlo has never met anyone like Anya and his protective instincts are thrown up when he finds her beaten nearly to death. However, he holds himself back thinking that with his life, she would only be swapping one prison for another. Anya finds herself integrating into Carlo’s life quite easily, however, her past life and secrets that she’s kept for years haunt her dangerously. This was a pretty exciting read, brutal in places, but tender in others.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review”
June 23, 2017
I big thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Mobster's Girl series, and I jumped at the chance to read more about Amy Rachiele's mobs. Mobster's Gamble is different then the predecessor series. This one is a different city and deals with mobs and a cult. The cult was atrocious. One man leading a group of followers and beating them with "cleansing's". This is where Anya has been raised and abused by the leader, Priest, her whole life. He takes what he wants from her, but despite this she tries staying strong and moving on.
By chance she meets Carlo while the cult is causing a scene outside his family casino. This chance encounter leads to a feud and a battle to stop Priest from hurting again.
Now don't get me wrong because I am not for these scary mobs in any way, but there is something to be said about the loyalty and ties that they have to each other. The way they stick together like family and protect is pretty awesome. And at times gruesome.
This was a good love story, intermingled with a turf war and a few surprising acts of compassion. I look forward to the next chapter of the story. I highly recommend all of the Mobster books.
I loved Mobster's Girl series, and I jumped at the chance to read more about Amy Rachiele's mobs. Mobster's Gamble is different then the predecessor series. This one is a different city and deals with mobs and a cult. The cult was atrocious. One man leading a group of followers and beating them with "cleansing's". This is where Anya has been raised and abused by the leader, Priest, her whole life. He takes what he wants from her, but despite this she tries staying strong and moving on.
By chance she meets Carlo while the cult is causing a scene outside his family casino. This chance encounter leads to a feud and a battle to stop Priest from hurting again.
Now don't get me wrong because I am not for these scary mobs in any way, but there is something to be said about the loyalty and ties that they have to each other. The way they stick together like family and protect is pretty awesome. And at times gruesome.
This was a good love story, intermingled with a turf war and a few surprising acts of compassion. I look forward to the next chapter of the story. I highly recommend all of the Mobster books.
January 26, 2016
This is my first read by Amy and I can say that I will be reading more. This mob book was different than others that I have read in the past and i thoroughly enjoyed it.
We have Anya who has been a cult member since birth. Shes very smart and lately has been questioning everything shes been taught and how she has been raised.
Carlo is a hunk of a man who is also head of security at his fathers casino. His father is also the Chicago Mob. Hes been questioning his life as of late when Anya enters his life. At first meeting she makes an impression on him that he tries so hard to deny.
Anya being the fighter and survivor that she is gets away from the cult one night and winds up outside the Hotel. Carlo takes her in where things get more confusing for him. She does something to him that hes not sure he likes. But can they make it work? Her being part of the cult and had a life of abuse and him being the family of a mob??
Find out today when you get Mobster's Gamble!!
advanced copy received in exchange for an honest review.
We have Anya who has been a cult member since birth. Shes very smart and lately has been questioning everything shes been taught and how she has been raised.
Carlo is a hunk of a man who is also head of security at his fathers casino. His father is also the Chicago Mob. Hes been questioning his life as of late when Anya enters his life. At first meeting she makes an impression on him that he tries so hard to deny.
Anya being the fighter and survivor that she is gets away from the cult one night and winds up outside the Hotel. Carlo takes her in where things get more confusing for him. She does something to him that hes not sure he likes. But can they make it work? Her being part of the cult and had a life of abuse and him being the family of a mob??
Find out today when you get Mobster's Gamble!!
advanced copy received in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2016
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
I'm excited to start this series because I got a sneak peak at it in the Men of Mayhem author collection. It didn't disappoint.
I like the story and the different storyline with are female lead, Anya. She is trapped inside a cult and wants to break free but can't because she doesn't know anything else. Carlo is in a similar situation but more pampered and expected to take over the family business. They meet in a weird circumstance and can't stop thinking of each other. They save each other from their destined paths.
Carlo is hard and strict but with Anya, he is a caring and passionate man. They have a sweet love affair. My only complaint, and it's a small one, I would have liked the story to have developed their love more...I know they fell hard and fast for each other but it's nice to read those scenes of them spending time together and courting each other.
Anyways, I love the Mafia stories so keep them coming!
I'm excited to start this series because I got a sneak peak at it in the Men of Mayhem author collection. It didn't disappoint.
I like the story and the different storyline with are female lead, Anya. She is trapped inside a cult and wants to break free but can't because she doesn't know anything else. Carlo is in a similar situation but more pampered and expected to take over the family business. They meet in a weird circumstance and can't stop thinking of each other. They save each other from their destined paths.
Carlo is hard and strict but with Anya, he is a caring and passionate man. They have a sweet love affair. My only complaint, and it's a small one, I would have liked the story to have developed their love more...I know they fell hard and fast for each other but it's nice to read those scenes of them spending time together and courting each other.
Anyways, I love the Mafia stories so keep them coming!
January 25, 2016
I enjoyed this mob romance. It features interesting characters in situations I haven't seen before. In this story. Anya is a young woman raised in a religious cult without any other resources. She has been abused and lives in fear but knows no other life. She meets Carlo at a protest her group is holding outside his family's casino and they make quite an impact on each other.
Carlo does security for his father who is a Chicago mobster. He hasn't been enjoying much of anything lately but Anya makes an impression. The story is really about these two people who have lived very damaging lives finding a sense of peace and healing together.
It is a disturbing story of childhood and sexual abuse but Anya is a survivor. The author has given Carlo's family a stronger code of honor than many of the mob romances I have read. It is well written and I look forward to more books by the author.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Carlo does security for his father who is a Chicago mobster. He hasn't been enjoying much of anything lately but Anya makes an impression. The story is really about these two people who have lived very damaging lives finding a sense of peace and healing together.
It is a disturbing story of childhood and sexual abuse but Anya is a survivor. The author has given Carlo's family a stronger code of honor than many of the mob romances I have read. It is well written and I look forward to more books by the author.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
January 19, 2016
Very touching, will pull at your heart with how Anya was raised and abused as a child with an older man then hurt with the son of the old pervert. She fears for her life everyday.
Carlo is living his day like everyday, but with the threat of a lower mob family then on top of that the blue robed cult taking the gamblers and families and scarring them away. But his day turn and everyday after handling a green doe eyed woman that is part of the cult, has changed him. Can't sleep and always thinking about the strange woman. Until the night she shows up on the casino's back door battered to an inch of her life. Carlo has to keep his feelings aside until she is well enough that he can talk to her without seeing red and wanting to kill people from her beating.
ARC was given for a honest review
Carlo is living his day like everyday, but with the threat of a lower mob family then on top of that the blue robed cult taking the gamblers and families and scarring them away. But his day turn and everyday after handling a green doe eyed woman that is part of the cult, has changed him. Can't sleep and always thinking about the strange woman. Until the night she shows up on the casino's back door battered to an inch of her life. Carlo has to keep his feelings aside until she is well enough that he can talk to her without seeing red and wanting to kill people from her beating.
ARC was given for a honest review
January 22, 2016
My favorite book by this author so far. Carlo is the son of a mob boss in Chicago and when he comes in contact with Anya, he can't seem to stop thinking about her. Anya has been in this Cult for her whole life, and she has been brutally treated, but its all she knows, so trying to leave is very hard for her. After being beaten so bad she comes to Carlo's family casino where Carlo takes her in and puts her under his protection. I like how this author uses a cult as a backdrop for the heriones life, isn't done much in books and it was refreshing. This author has such a great way of taking a hard man and showing his gentle side. An absolutely great read and I cannot wait for more from this author.
January 20, 2016
I have enjoyed Amy's Mob books and this was no exception. Poor Anya is trapped in a cult and her struggle is so believable. She feels that she can't leave and even when she tries, she can't survive on her own. Its really tragic and sadly how many people in cult environments feel (especially when they are born in the cult!). However, I felt the book was rushed. I would have liked to have things slowed down, explored more, etc. Instead, Anya jumps into bed with Carlo and then they are in love. It was so rushed and felt really uncomfortable for me. My full review will be on the blog on 1/26/16 The Book Disciple
October 23, 2016
*Received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Oh where do I begin? Where is the mob aspect in this book. Other than writing "the family", the mob part didn't come in until about 90%, and even then it was really weak. For the most part, they run a totally legal casino. Disappointing. I get that Anya was brainwashed by the cult, but she made some really dumb decisions and I wanted to smack her for them. Carlo was so childish. I want Anya, so I'm going to stay away. I've been made to do horrible things, blah blah blah. When he finally did something a grown man would in the book, I was impressed enough to raise my eyebrows, but other than that, meh. Weak romance. Weak action.
Oh where do I begin? Where is the mob aspect in this book. Other than writing "the family", the mob part didn't come in until about 90%, and even then it was really weak. For the most part, they run a totally legal casino. Disappointing. I get that Anya was brainwashed by the cult, but she made some really dumb decisions and I wanted to smack her for them. Carlo was so childish. I want Anya, so I'm going to stay away. I've been made to do horrible things, blah blah blah. When he finally did something a grown man would in the book, I was impressed enough to raise my eyebrows, but other than that, meh. Weak romance. Weak action.
January 23, 2016
I want to thank the author for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the book but there was really no dating/courting before the I love yous were exchanged. That being said the story line was good and interesting, not to mention unique. The cult member to lover of the the mob boss' son was a new twist for me as a reader. It was a fast read for me (took me a couple hours), so if you want a quick read then this is the book for you...just don't expect a lot of romance.
I liked the book but there was really no dating/courting before the I love yous were exchanged. That being said the story line was good and interesting, not to mention unique. The cult member to lover of the the mob boss' son was a new twist for me as a reader. It was a fast read for me (took me a couple hours), so if you want a quick read then this is the book for you...just don't expect a lot of romance.
January 23, 2016
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Amy did a great job between cult and mob. Yes cult's brainwash it's members but the way Amy told Anya's story was well thought out. The way Amy told Carlo's story from the mob point of view was great too because it shows a somewhat different perspective of the mob. Anya and Carlo needed each other to feel alive and there story was beautiful with tragedy.
January 26, 2016
There was so much I loved about Carlo and Anya's story. I loved that Carlo fell head over heart for her and felt the need to protect her from the very beginning. My heart broke for all that Anya had been through, but I loved how strong she actually was in leaving all of that behind. I loved that Carlos gave her a family that she had longed for and that she fit in so easily. I so enjoyed their story.
I give Mobster's Gamble 5 hearts!
I give Mobster's Gamble 5 hearts!
January 10, 2016
I had the privilege of being a Beta reader for Mobsters Gamble and I loved it. Yet another great read from Amy Rachiele. I fell in love with Carlo and Anya story and can't wait to read more in the series
January 8, 2016
1st one of the series and it's catching, already trying to patiently wait for the next one. From the very first moment you start reading you are pulled in and find yourself eagerly waiting to see what happens to the main characters. Loved it. Keep it up Amy.
January 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I felt the book was well written and had a good flow to the story. I enjoyed the characters, what they brought to the story. Anya was living a very hard life and my heart broke for her. Im so glad she met Carlo.
January 21, 2016
Great book! Amy has really found a way to suck you into this book! You could definitely feel the anguish that Anya was living through! Carlos was definitely an Alpha male with the protective side to Anya!!!
January 10, 2016
The book was to short. It could use more built up in the cacharacters and personale scenes. The topic is great.
February 9, 2016
Loved it!!! Can't wait for more on the other characters in this series!
July 14, 2016
I loved this book. I felt so bad for Anya my heart literally broke. Carlos saved her life after the preacher almost killed her. She want back because she was afraid that her friends will die.
November 1, 2016
Wow this is a top five read for me. This was my first book by Amy Rachiele and she has made me an instant fan. Mobster’s Gamble has every element I love in a book, darkness, evil and she added a new twist for me cult extremists, which surprised me at how interested I became in that.
Carlo runs the family casino business as well as his father will let him. It is clear Pops still runs the family and doesn’t always make it easy on Carlo. When Priest, the leader of the cult, brings his followers to protest in front of the casino action needs to be taken but Carlo is drawn to a woman in the cult, draped in a baggy robe with her head down, her pain and need for help is clear to him but his hands are tied. Family first is the motto he lives by.
Anya was born into the Anointed Heavens so this is the only life she has known. Her mother died a cruel death at the hands of fate in this cult and Priest’s father took Anya at a very young age. Abuse of the physical, mental and sexual kind was her normal and when Priest took over the cult, she had a slim hope that things would be different. Even when the chance to escape presented itself, her heart always went back to protecting the remaining members of the cult.
As Priest began to lose control over his followers and the faithful began to lose their faith, attendance was low and Priest was desperate to keep the cult alive. In walks Caesar who had his own agenda, with no problem using Anya and the cult leader to take down whoever gets in his way.
The buildup in this story was remarkable as we were taken into the depths of hell that Anya was thrown in and followed her as she made her way to the casino an into the protection of the Caruso family. I was drawn in on page one and felt like I never wanted this book to end. The emotions were vivid and real as was the chemistry between Carlo, the man of wealth and power and Anya, the young woman who had never tasted freedom and peace in her life. This is a must read for me and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good book of evil versus evil with a hot streak of chemistry, compassion and innocence. I will be hunting for more books from this author for sure.
received in exchange for an honest review for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Carlo runs the family casino business as well as his father will let him. It is clear Pops still runs the family and doesn’t always make it easy on Carlo. When Priest, the leader of the cult, brings his followers to protest in front of the casino action needs to be taken but Carlo is drawn to a woman in the cult, draped in a baggy robe with her head down, her pain and need for help is clear to him but his hands are tied. Family first is the motto he lives by.
Anya was born into the Anointed Heavens so this is the only life she has known. Her mother died a cruel death at the hands of fate in this cult and Priest’s father took Anya at a very young age. Abuse of the physical, mental and sexual kind was her normal and when Priest took over the cult, she had a slim hope that things would be different. Even when the chance to escape presented itself, her heart always went back to protecting the remaining members of the cult.
As Priest began to lose control over his followers and the faithful began to lose their faith, attendance was low and Priest was desperate to keep the cult alive. In walks Caesar who had his own agenda, with no problem using Anya and the cult leader to take down whoever gets in his way.
The buildup in this story was remarkable as we were taken into the depths of hell that Anya was thrown in and followed her as she made her way to the casino an into the protection of the Caruso family. I was drawn in on page one and felt like I never wanted this book to end. The emotions were vivid and real as was the chemistry between Carlo, the man of wealth and power and Anya, the young woman who had never tasted freedom and peace in her life. This is a must read for me and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good book of evil versus evil with a hot streak of chemistry, compassion and innocence. I will be hunting for more books from this author for sure.
received in exchange for an honest review for Crystal's Many Reviewers
May 28, 2017
Emotional read and slightly too short
I love Ms. Rachiele's writing style. I like how she expresses the H and h's turmoil.
However, I had to give this book 4 stars. It deals with really heavy topics such as child molestation and rape a little to lightly and quick. I am not sure what the answer to this is, because on one hand, you do not want to dwell on tragedy...
I believe emphasis on the healing or how the survivor has overcome it rather than suppress it or sweep it under the rug by just stating 'time to move on' goes a long way.
Even though the book didn't, I still felt as though it ended on a sad note. It would have been great for me if some sort of action that did symbolize moving on or some sort of triumph took place; such as marriage or a child or even if it was the h attending college.
Hence the 4 and not 5 stars.
I love Ms. Rachiele's writing style. I like how she expresses the H and h's turmoil.
However, I had to give this book 4 stars. It deals with really heavy topics such as child molestation and rape a little to lightly and quick. I am not sure what the answer to this is, because on one hand, you do not want to dwell on tragedy...
I believe emphasis on the healing or how the survivor has overcome it rather than suppress it or sweep it under the rug by just stating 'time to move on' goes a long way.
Even though the book didn't, I still felt as though it ended on a sad note. It would have been great for me if some sort of action that did symbolize moving on or some sort of triumph took place; such as marriage or a child or even if it was the h attending college.
Hence the 4 and not 5 stars.
February 13, 2017
I really love Amy's books. Her writing is brilliant. I didn't think anything could be better than her Mobsters series but I think this is the beginning to another fantastic series. I love the characters! Anya is such a strong character And a fighter! I loved Carlo too! I cannot wait for the next book. Well done Amy another fine read. I received an ARC for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Netgalley review
I didn't really enjoy this book, I felt it was quite rushed and that made it hard to connect with the characters. Maybe it if was slightly longer the story would have flowed more easily.
I didn't really enjoy this book, I felt it was quite rushed and that made it hard to connect with the characters. Maybe it if was slightly longer the story would have flowed more easily.
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