Review: the Sweetest Oblivion

 

Title: the Sweetest Oblivion

Series: Made series

Author: Danielle Lori

Release Date: June 2018

She’s a romantic at heart, living in the most unromantic of worlds . . .

Nicknamed Sweet Abelli for her docile nature, Elena smiles on cue and has a charming response for everything. She’s the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa . . . or was.

Now, all she can see in the mirror’s reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint.

They say first impressions are everything . . .

In the murky waters of New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat—even measured against mafia standards. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. 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.

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.

And he’s always near. Telling her what to do. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. 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. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another.

Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man . . . right?

This is a standalone forbidden romance.

Elena is a romantic at heart, living in the underbelly of NYC. She was nicknamed Sweet Abelli because she was always so sweet and docile, the perfect mafia princess. She does what she is told. Until she meets Nico Russo. He was a Don. Ruthless, cold, and rude and always telling Elena what to do. Set to marry Elena's sister. But neither can get the other off their mind. Even if he was hers, and she could give in to the temptation, there was no way she could fall for a Made Man. 

Elena was more or less a pushover. She was daughter to a mafia boss, so she was always told what to do by everyone around her- and regardless if it was something she liked or agreed with or not, she did it anyways. She only ever stood up for herself when it came to one person, but then immediately gave in anyways. 

Nico was a Don- a mafia boss. He was used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it- and didn't care or take anyone else into consideration. 

Even though it was forbidden- there was an attraction between the two that they couldn't help but act upon. Nico was engaged to Elena's younger sister, yet neither could stay away from the other. 

When news came about that Elena's sister was no good for Nico- he pushed, and killed for Elena's hand in marriage. Now Elena was his- his property, fiance, his to marry.

But of course there was conflict. Something that could have easily been resolved if they just talked to each other. But of course not, why would they? She wants his secrets but doesn't want to share hers. 

This book was long. - it was over 50% that Nico was engaged to Elena's sister before they finally got engaged & got with each other. But also, everything that happened took place over the course of just a few weeks. Honestly, I didn't feel the attraction between these characters- didn't feel the spark. Didn't care for either one or if they even got together in the end or not. And I wasn't all that invested in their story until about 60% or so. 

Could this story have been shorter? Yes. Or spaced out better. It seems that Nico was engaged to Elena's sister far longer than he was to Elena, and then their relationship when they finally got together was all sex, and everything was just rushed. 

Maybe it was just me, since I'm a mood reader and just may not have been in the mood for this story. Heck, I know not to jump into any book with high recommendations because they never live up to the hype for me. 

I wanted to like the story, to like these characters, but I just didn't click with them. I pushed myself to finish the book, because I was addicted, and wanted to find out what happened- what the big secret/conflict was.  

But just because I didn't like the book, doesn't mean someone else won't love it. 

If you like Mafia romances, arranged marriages or forbidden romances - this is for you. - the will they or won't they, while engaged to another. The forbidden angst & angst of them being practically enemies to start. The arraigned marriage- being forced into close proximity & exploding into their desires the first moment they get the chance. And it's a series of stand alones, so each book will deal with a different Made Man. It is widely popular & highly recommended, so it's most likely just me and not because the book itself wasnt any good. It was a o.k read to pass the time. 3 ⭐ out of 5⭐.