Nico: A Mafia Romance (Ruin & Revenge)

Oh, Nico!

Wow. Wow! This book was fantastic! My husband is a Sopranos junkie; I could never get into it, but if they had guys like Nico on that show, I might become its biggest fan!

Mia was a heroine unlike any I have read. She is the antithesis of the typical "romance novel heroine" or "damsel in distress" with her grunge/Goth style and "go F yourself" attitude. I, personally, didn't find her obnoxious, just severely independent.

Enter Nico.

He also has his personality quirks; very Type A and alpha, yet hiding a side of him that no one knows about. I loved reading about the connection he and Mia have, both from their history together and at their reunion (which was nothing short of hot and hilarious).

Speaking of hot, HOLY SMOKES. I mean, the love scenes were nothing less than 5-alarm hotness, but also laced with sincere emotion, not just base need.

I had a few "OH MY GOSH!!!!" moments, especially with one of the minor characters in the book. Sarah is so good that I could feel the character's fear, and I was about to throw my Kindle at the injustice of what was about to happen to him. No spoilers :)

I am THRILLED that this is part of a series (a standalone, for sure), because I met some characters who I can't wait to read more about!

I LOVED this book!!!!

(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)

4.5 stars

In this new series, Sarah Castille takes on the Las Vegas Mafia with the story of mob-boss wannabe Nico Toscani and Mia Cordano, daughter of a rival family. I'm going to try to keep this review spoiler free.

Nico's got lots of reasons to want revenge on the Cordano's. He wants to bring honor back to his family, especially after a tragic childhood incident. But when he meets Mia as an adult, he's smitten. There's really no other way to say it. This was my favorite part of the story. Sarah Castille does an awesome job of really showing how he gradually falls (and falls hard) for Mia. There's destiny here, and their love story was really the best part of this book for me.

The quest for power between the rival families is what brings Nico and Mia together and it might just break them apart too. There's a whole bunch of wiseguys involved, each with a colorful nickname or two. I thought the mob story was well done, but it was Mia and Nico together that made the pages really sizzle. I think there's one scene that I've gone back to a couple of times now, it's just that sexually delicious!

I thought this was a great start to the series. The world-building in this book slowed the pace at times, and I felt that the conclusion was a bit rushed, but I finished this book really loving Nico and Mia and wanting more of this world. That's a very good place to be in when starting a new series.

Confession: Im not much of a fan of mafia romances. They're just a little too much... stereotype (?) for me. Im not sure what im trying to say here but usually when I read them they all kind of read about the same. Therefore I try to steer clear of them. That being said.. Sarah Castille + Mafia romance = GIMMEDISBOOK.

Nico. *deep longing sighs* Heavens, he is sexy on a sexy stick. He is one bad, bad man who is cunning and ruthless and nearly top of the food chain in his mafia family.

Mia grew up as a "princess" to a mafia father who was evil. She worked so hard to get away from all that surrounded that lifestyle but an unfortunate incident has ended her right back up in the midst of it all... and directly in the path of Nico. *yessssss*

The two of them slowly build up to some of the most wonderfully intense sexy scenes and the emotion/angst/drama levels are just.. WOW! It is hard to describe and was even harder to put down!

At the beginning of the book I was a bit confused, as I sometimes am when starting a brand new series. There are a whole lot of players in this story and it was occasionally difficult to keep everyone straight. But all in all, I enjoyed Nico immensely and am SO looking forward to the next installment in the series and would definitely recommend it to fans of Sarah Castille or anyone who enjoys a well written Mafia romance.

Nico Toscani is trying to following in his father's footsteps. Being the Don of the Vegas mafia. But being the bastard son is not helping him too much. His uncle and cousin are fighting him each step of the way since his father was killed 10 years ago. While Nico is trying to take the family into a more legal way of life, his uncle and cousin want to move into drugs because there is more money that way. But they don't understand that the Feds will be looking at them closer that way.
Mia Cardano is a mafia princess and she wants nothing to do with that life. She has fought her father every step of the way. Put herself through college and has her own internet business. But her father being the Don of the Cardano family, he still tries to use Mia.
When Mia and Nico meet after she tries to hack his security, it's all part of her computer business, they know that they know each other from somewhere. Turns out, she was there when his father was killed. Can they work together to bring peace between the two families? Will Nico finally get his revenge he has been waiting 1o years for? Can Mia steer clean of her father without getting hurt?
This story had me from the very beginning and I loved everything about it. And I love that cover too. I can't wait for Luca's story, book 2.
**Copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley**

Nico Toscani is used to getting what he wants. As one the bosses of Las Vegas he rules with an iron fist. When a woman is brought to after being caught trying to hack his casino's computer system, Nico knows he wants that delightful little package in his bed. Too bad she the daughter of a rival crime boss.

Mia Cordano doesn't want anything to do with the Mafia or her ruthless father. She is just trying to make her own way as a hacker. When she is caught testing out a casino's security system, she comes face to face with Capo Nico Toscani. Nico turns her on like no one else has. Too bad he is a TOSCANI.

With their families at war, and secrets being hidden, can these two star-crossed lovers find an HEA, or will they be torn apart by betrayal?

This book was everything I LOVE in a good Mafia romance. It was gritty. It had violence. It had despicable excuses for human beings. It had smokin hot sex scenes. It had sexual chemistry coming out the wazoo. It had a sexy as heck Capo hero. It had a strong and feisty heroine. It had a plethora of interesting side characters. It was well written and it had a fantastic plot.

Really not a whole lot more I can say about this one other then I LOVED EVERY FRIGGIN MINUTE of it. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TO READ list TODAY.

copy received through Netgalley for honest review
Suspenseful and sexy. Nico is a true alpha male. He is old school when it comes to women and the mafia. He is protective to the point of violence when it comes to Mia. She is the complete opposite of a mafia princess. She has tattoos, loves punk and is very independent. Despite this, Nico is insanely attracted to Mia. He loves spunkiness and independence. The chemistry between them is off the charts. They can't seem to stay away from each other and that could get them killed. the are members of feuding mafia families and no one seems to want them together. They must avoid family, traitorous friends and cops to stay alive. I loved Nico because he was honest. He did not pretend to love the life while trying to change it. He love being a mafia boss and all that went with it. No apologies, that was who he was. Mia wanted out of the life,. She was in constant battle with her father to tow the line. She was beaten many timesby her father but she held to her beliefs. He independence was important to her and she had a few a few tense times with Nico when he cornered her and tried to push is will on her. This book had violence, sex and a lot of dirty talk. Great read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This is my first book by author Sarah Castille, but I love me a good Mafia book, and I must say this had everything I like - dark, gritty, fast paced, violent with passion aplenty!!

This is book 1 in the Ruin & Revenge series - the story of Nico and Mia.

Nico Toscani rules Las Vegas with an iron fist, is ruthless and is used to getting what he wants. His father died in his arms when he was just 18 yrs old, killed by a rival gang, Nico is hellbent on avenging his father's death.

Mia Cordano has been brutalized by her mafia father since birth, but has managed to escape the mafia clutches and build a life for herself as a strong and independent woman, specialising in hacking. However hacking the casino of Nico turns out not to be such a good move!!

There is instant attraction between Nico and Mia, but they are from rival mafia families, in fact it was Mia's father who killed Nico's father - as such they must fight such attraction, knowing their respective families would never allow them to be together. But they have an undeniable chemistry and loyalty for families end up being ripped apart.

A great read overall, full of action, violence and intrigue, with the sexual chemistry of the main characters off the chart, I can't wait for the next book!

Amount of Sex - 4 / 5
How Explicit - 4.5 / 5
Romance - 4.5 / 5
OVERALL: -4.5 / 5 (Rounded to 5)

I just love Nico!

I have a weakness for strong, demanding, and powerful alpha males. The kind you wouldn’t think twice when they make demands. Well, Nico Toscani is that kind of man and I find him completely yummy! Mia Cordano is the daughter of the rival mob boss and she is not the typical mob princess. She is strong willed and continues to fight for what she believes in. Mia and Nico are not supposed to associate with each other, but their connection is sizzling! What will happen when both families begin to fight? Will Nico and Mia walk away from each other and follow their families demands or fight for their relationship?

Nico is the first book in Sarah Castille’s new series Ruin & Revenge. The characters are well developed and I was drawn into the story line. Not only do I love powerful alpha male, but I love reading a story with a strong-willed woman. Mia fought for what she believed in and I love her for that.

A wonderful story! A definite #OneClick story!

** Voluntarily review from an advanced copy **

Honor, Family and Respect, these are the things that Nico has been taught to uphold above anything else. Avenging his father's death has been his life for over 10 years, now he just has ensure that nothing comes between him and his goal.
Mia, has lived a life where a woman is nothing but something to be looked at and not heard. She has suffered to be free of that life, free of the Mob and her title of Mafia princess. Things change when she goes to complete her security analysis of the clients Casino security system.
This book is filled with all that you would expect from a Mafia story. Feuds, hits, Cosa Nostra and a passion that will singe your fingers as you read the pages of this suspenseful book.
Nico, troubled, passionate alpha, the Ultimate Wise Guy, a Capo and one with a ruthless reputation. A man that is torn between his need to avenge his father and the feelings he now has for Mia.
Mia, is a character that you will love to love. Strong willful and knowing how to take care of herself in the most hopeless of situations.
I loved reading this exciting book of love, death and betrayal. A book that now has me hooked on the series. Luca, I can't wait to read your story.

Nico is the first installment of the Ruin & Revenge series by Sarah Castille.

It all started out with a proposal… from the enemy.

Mia Cordano is beautiful, independent computer hacker. When she’s in front of a computer she’s the best at getting things done, but this beautiful hacker can’t seem to get free of her Mafia ties since she’s the daughter of a crime lord. Until she meets Nico. Too bad he’s her enemy…

As their families get ready for war to fight for Las Vegas territory, these two star-crossed lovers will have to decide what’s more important… Their love…or family.

Sarah Castille has created an addicting series. Mia is passionate, kind-hearted and sweet while Nico is cocky, kind, strong and incredibly sexy! When these two are together you can feel tension and attraction buzzing through the pages. Nico is filled with suspense, dangerous situations and sweet moments that we all looked forward too. I really enjoyed the journey Nico and Mia were on and I look forward to the next installment of Ruin & Revenge.

Reviewed on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha

**ARC for Honest Review**

Sarah Castille delivered an awesome beginning to this new series. I was completely enthralled from the very first page until the last.

I just want to mention that this series really didn't fit into my reading niche and yet Sarah Castille easily transported me into this ruthless passionate world of these mafia families. Nico and Mia were amazing characters, and the drama surrounding their relationship certainly kept me invested in not just their story but also in the secondary characters as well. For example I cannot wait to read about Luca's story, especially after what happened to him and the person he met at the end.

Everything that happened in this story was masterfully and intricately interwoven to create a must read series for this very intrigued reader. The sex, the secrets and betrayals. The loyalty, love and hope for a different way. I think Awesome is the absolute perfect word to describe this book / series. Sarah Castille caught my attention with this first book in the series. I can't wait for the next one. Love. Love. Love my Luca.

So so so good!! I absolutely LOVE mafia romance books especially the super steamy ones. This book was a little hard for me to get into. There was a lot to take in, but the further I got into the book the more I couldn’t let go or put it down. It was an all around enjoyable read one that I recommend and can’t wait for more.

Nico was dangerous, dark, and irresistible, he’s not to be messed with he was fierce. Mia is super sassy, strong and independent she doesn’t back down for what she wants no mater what. They two of them together, is perfect. Their love, their story it was perfect and had my completely devoted attention till the end.

This is the first that I have read from this author and her writing was great easy to follow and chuck full of so so much extra. This isn’t just a love story, theirs so much to pull away from it with and I love the world and lives that Miss Castille has written and I absolutely can not wait for more.

Holy Cannoli…I loved this book. There is so much tension (mafia and sexual) I was on edge the whole time reading it. Yeah, Nico is mafia but with a heart and a man who wants to clean up the family’s act, just a little. Mia is definitely not a mafia princess and I love how she went out into the world and made herself into an independent woman. I have not read a lot of mafia romances but this one did not seem to gloss over much. These are not always nice men but they are riveting characters. There are a lot of characters in the book and I tried my best to keep up with who was who and what their ranking is in the family. Hopefully that means more stories. Nico demonstrates the typical trait of “me man, you woman, you do what I say” but oh no, Mia will have none of that. Their back and forth banter and dancing around each other…let’s just say you might need a cold drink and a fan.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

I always enjoy reading mafia books set in Vegas. They always make me think of the golden age of glitz and glamour that was the '60's . And apparently I'm not the only one. Nico loved that era, too and tried to live in it a little. I liked that although the world would see him as a bad Mafioso, who does nothing but commit crimes and brutalize people, he was actually a little more in the whitecollar crime business. He didn't hurt unless strictly needed. Mia, on the other hand, seemed ready to do anything to stay as far from the crimes of her mafia family. She was definitely her own person in her punk princess way. I can't really see them standing together and someone thinking that they made a perfect pair in sight alone, but deep down they were perfect for each other. Looking forward to more in this series, because Ms. Castille never writes anything but awesome stories with characters that you want to be friends with (and sometimes a lot more than that).

Readers beware for the latest one by Sarah Castille is not your usual romance but one filled with Mob business, two families that can`t stand each other and oh yes the hottest coupling you will find. It might seem like a Romeo and Juliet story but this is much more between Nico and Mia. These two were taught to hate each other yet when it comes to their own hearts and mind the people around them better watch out. Sarah Castille have to say has a unique way of bringing hatred, betrayal and sex all into one making you crave more of them. Nico just stole my heart and the way he sees Mia as a woman and not just an object to his gain was priceless. The chemistry Mia has with Nico was surprising not just to her but everyone else. This is one Mafia story you don`t want to miss and hope there is more like this from Sarah worth reading it and keeping an eye.

**I received this product for free in exchange for this post.**

Having never read a Sarah Castille book before, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this first installment in the series, but since I’m a sucker for mafia romances I decided to give it a try. And I’m so glad I did it. Sarah Castille’s writing was fantastic, very gripping and she sucked me in in her mafia world from the very beginning. I’ve read many mafia books in the so far, so trust me when I say, this first installment in the series was everything a book with this theme should be – action packed, suspenseful, sexy and so very intriguing. Needless to say, I really enjoyed it!

Nico Toscani is a Las Vegas Mafia boss who’s used to getting what he wants. He’s wild and ruthless, dark and dangerous and everyone is the Sin City knows who he is. For the past ten years, his family had been involved in a blood feud with the Cordanos, another Mafia family that had started the war when Don Cordano murdered Nico’s father. Nico wants revenge and he eventually will get it, in one way or another. Mia Cordano never wanted to be a Mafia princess. Her powerful, ruthless father had tried controlling her since she was a child, but even if he never really succeeded, he seems to have some power over her, controlling her mother and her little sister. Mia managed to build a life, a business outside the Mafia world, keeping a low profile, especially since she’s a hacker/security consultant. Mia’s life is turn upside down when she find herself in Nico’s arms. She knows Nico is dangerous, especially since he’s the enemy, but she can’t stay away from him, not when Nico seems to be as infatuated with her as she is with him.

Like I mentioned above, 'Nico' was a very well done mafia romance. The action, suspense and steam were fantastically blend together and the story line was entertaining and intriguing from start to finish. The plot was complex and well developed and I have to say the author really surprised me at some point with how the story unfolded, mainly because I expected the story to progress in a total different way. Also, I loved all the twists and turns as the story progressed. Nico and Mia’s story was fantastic, gripping, enthralling and held me at the edge of my seat until the last page.

Both Nico and Mia were fantastic, well portrayed characters I loved reading about. I loved them individually and I loved them together. Mia was such an endearing heroine. Strong, independent, sassy, but also vulnerable and loyal she was everything I love in a Mafia princess. I loved her strength and the way she stood up for herself, the way she fought for what she wanted and her determination to have a business outside the Mafia world. The way she challenged Nico was entertaining as hell and I loved the fact that she wasn’t intimidated by him. Nico was a great anti-hero/hero. He was dangerous, yet so very sexy and charming. I loved the way he was with Mia and how possessive and protective he was at times. He was drawn to her from the beginning and watching him lose his mind around her was so entertaining.

I loved the way Nico and Mia’s relationship progressed. The slow burn relationship between them was fantastically done and I absolutely loved their passion and sexy times. They complemented each other perfectly in every way, which I really enjoyed.

I have to mention the fantastic, engaging, well portrayed supporting characters I’m dying to read about in the upcoming books in the series. All in all, 'Nico' was fantastic Mafia romance. I loved how the author portrayed the Mafia world, the dark and gritty elements, the engaging characters. If you are looking for a dark, intriguing, Mafia tale, don’t hesitate and read this first installment (standalone) in the series. You won't regret it!

Action, some violence, and HEA. Mobsters are an intriguing bunch and each author describes them differently and so far each one I've read seems like the mobsters in movies. There are the good bad mobsters and the down right vicious mobsters each one goes about business differently and Sarah does that with Nico. There's corruption, violence and love with a passion unexplainable. There's a past between Nico and Mia. Can these two make it in a world where women are pawns or can Mia change Nico's point of view cause she can't change her father's.
Sarah your writing flows and keeps the reader wanting to know the outcome of the characters involved. Writing from both point of views is how I like to read mostly cause then know both thoughts of the main characters. A must read and this is the beginning of a series that'll need to be read.

Breathless.....this book left me utterly breathless. Dark, thrilling, sexy, and masculine to the tenth power...that's Nico. He's a good bad guy. Mia....I want to be her. Strong, driven, smart, and loyal. I've always been a fan of this author but this book is her best by far. . I'm not a fan of stories where people cross the line. I get too hung up on my moral high horse. Clearly that was because the other books I read weren't written by Castille. The story telling, the way she developed the characters, I found myself digging in....getting attached and invested in Mia and Nico. I was able to see the gray....not the just the black and white. I loved this book and I will jump on the next one. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mia Cordano thought that she had distanced herself enough from her father's mafia ties, but when her latest assignment to break in to a casino puts her in the path of a rival mafia family and Nico Toscani it puts her back on the radar. Nico has been waiting for revenge for his fathers death and when a twist of fate lands in his lap he takes it. Little does he realize that Mia has become his game changer in more ways than one.

This was quite a bit different than Sarah Castille's other books. I liked this a lot, it gave a full picture into mafia life and had a gritty edge to it. Mia is completely different than you would expect, she is a hacker with a definite flair for originality. Nico oozes alpha male from he very beginning and you can't wait to get to know him more. Excellent read.

Nico was a traditional mafia story, with several big twists. I am no stranger to a good mafia story, and this one definitely delivered. How doesn't love an over aggressive, super sexy, mafia man. Nico is all of those things, and so much more. He was suppose to take over the family business, but was pushed out of the way by his uncle. His father died when he shouldn't have, and by the hands of Mia's father. Mia has no wants nothing to do with her father's family business, and hopes to move on with her own computer business. But fate may have it, that she winds face to face with Nico.

This story was full of suspense and sexy passion. But will these two continue to fight to stay apart, or give into passion. Will the family grudge keep them apart, or pull them together.

Absolutely loved this story! Every single page of it. If this is how the entire series will be we are in for a fantastic ride! The series is set in Vegas with factions within families warring for control as well as families warring against each other. Revenge is at the core of this story but when Nico Toscani falls for Mia Cordano, the daughter of his enemy, who Nico is seeking revenge against is distorted and the need not as powerful as his need for Mia. Mia is a strong, independent woman who has been struggling to remove herself from her controlling and very powerful father. She never played the role of Mafia princess well so falling for a top ranking Capo definitely wasn't in her plan.

Put this one on the must read list, it's fantastic! I highly recommend it.

I love reading books with the Mafia theme and Nico did not disappoint. There was violence, drama, families fighting, and of course a sexy alpha male. You also had a very strong woman with Mia, she was in no way weak. She stood her ground and found the man that was meant for her. Nico and Mia were just great together, but with all the turmoil surrounding them, were they able to make it through? If you love a good intriguing story, that will keep you guessing until the end then I definitely recommend this one. I can't wait for the next book and see more of the great secondary characters get their stories.

The characters are well developed and the steam level is through the roof in this star-crossed Mafia love story.

I really liked hacker Mia and mob guy Nico. And then I hated everyone else.

It is a fasted placed plot with good writing, I think if you like mafia romance, you may like this one better than I did. It is compelling. It was just hard for me to believe in the HEA which is a must for me.

I received this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.

Nico, WOW, Sarah Castille knows how to write about alphas! This book was captivating. I actually hated NICO and the mob life for half the book. Almost too much. I almost (almost) felt disconnected because I was so annoyed. I think though that is done on purpose. There is a thin line between love and hate, and this is the perfect story for that old adage. Plus you add in the romeo and Juliet - like story line and you get magic. Pure magic. LOVE!

This book is the start of another amazing series by Sarah. I loved Nico, for a mob boss he was strong when he needed to be but protective, sweet and understanding. I loved Mia, she was a rebel, didn't want to fall in line with her fathers expectations. Mia and Nico have a connection that neither wanted to acknowledge, a raw passion that couldn't be ignored. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Romeo and Juliet meets Casino/The Godfather/Goodfellas meets Donna Brasco.

If you are gonna write a book about love and the mob, this is definitely the way to do it. From the start you are hooked and can almost seen the lust in Nico's eyes when he looks at Mia. Mia is feisty and extremely intelligent. Both qualities sent Nico head over heels for her.

Exciting and very hot!!

Mafia books are one of my favorite genres and this one DID NOT disappoint. Nico is a Las Vegas Capo and Mia is hacker but she is also the daughter of a rival boss. This book is super steamy with the right amount of grit. This is the first book in Sarah Castille's Ruin and Revenge series. A must read. This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last!

I received this for honest review!!

I fell in instant love with this book.. its no secret that I love her words and writing

I just FLOVE it when she takes on a new series...

Nico and Mia are just amazing together I just loved it!!!

My sister won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a quick read. Modern day mafia love story with lots of nods to the traditional mafia stories and films. Great sexy times and enough twists and turns to kept it interesting. Enjoy!

Loved this book .. scorching is what it was .. very true to what the real mafia is like, I was glad to see that overall the mafia was not glorified, some of the storyline was hard to read but the characters were so in tune with each other .. can't wait to hear more

This review is based on the ARC received from the author and /or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

The action is nonstop with this one! The sex was pretty hot too. Really liking this 'new to me' author.

I thought this a very enjoyable book. The mafia aspect was interesting along with a nice hot romance and lots of action. Looking forward to reading her next book "Luca" in this series coming out soon.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.This book had everything,you like mafia storylines this is the book for you,suspenseful,romance,kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.

I received this for honest review!!

I fell in instant love with this book.. its no secret that I love her words and writing

I just FLOVE it when she takes on a new series...

Nico and Mia are just amazing together I just loved it!!!

My sister won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a quick read. Modern day mafia love story with lots of nods to the traditional mafia stories and films. Great sexy times and enough twists and turns to kept it interesting. Enjoy!

Loved this book .. scorching is what it was .. very true to what the real mafia is like, I was glad to see that overall the mafia was not glorified, some of the storyline was hard to read but the characters were so in tune with each other .. can't wait to hear more

This review is based on the ARC received from the author and /or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

The action is nonstop with this one! The sex was pretty hot too. Really liking this 'new to me' author.

I thought this a very enjoyable book. The mafia aspect was interesting along with a nice hot romance and lots of action. Looking forward to reading her next book "Luca" in this series coming out soon.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.This book had everything,you like mafia storylines this is the book for you,suspenseful,romance,kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.