I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Wow! This was such a great read! I have read the past books in this series and I have to say I think Aiden and Charlie might be my favorite couple. (Sorry, Teage) This was such an intense read. Trying to figure out what was going to happen with next with the O'Malleys and the other families. Not to mention what was happening between Aiden and Charlie. The tension and chemistry between them was nothing short of Hot. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Aiden and what motivated him. He seemed to be between a rock and a hard place when it came to his family. He was expected to be the head of the family now and yet he wants to make sure his family is safe. He has to conceal his feelings at times so as not to let others know. I really felt bad about everything Charlie had to go through with her job at at the police department and was so happy to see that she was given the chance to make things right. This couple was so sexy and hot. They are definitely meant to be with one another. Awesome read. Ms Robert's has a way of writing a story that just pulls you in and you can't put it down until you find out how everything will turn out. I can not wait for the next book in the series.

I've been waiting to see how Aiden's story would play out. In the previous books he seems to accept that his siblings are just sacrificial lambs in their world. Little do we know of the pressure he feels about being the heir to the O'Malleys life of crime. He loves his family and just wants to keep everyone safe and not start a war among the Mob families.
Charlotte is a former cop who was betrayed by her fellow cops. She was kicked off the force for being a dirty cop. Even her father who is FBI doesn't come to here defense. She isn't dirty but Dmitri Romanov is responsible for all the lies. When Aiden proposes they work together to take him down, the girl who believes in right and wrong must bend the rules to see it through.
I thing this series is just getting better and better. I love revisiting the other family members. I believe Aiden and Charlotte's characters are well though out, as is their back stories.

Four years ago ex-cop Charlotte "Charlie" Finch was betrayed by those she trusted the most and labeled as a dirty cop. So when Aiden O'Malley approaches her offering her a way to enact justice on those who wronged her, Charlie doesn't have to think long before she agrees. The catch: she'll have to pose as Aiden's gold-digging fiancee. Which is no problem except in order to convince everyone that the charade is real, they'll have to get pretty close and intimate. And while Charlie is busy playing fiancee she begins to see the ties that bind the O'Malley family together beneath the surface of what everyone sees on the outside.

Aiden O'Malley will do whatever it takes to keep his youngest sister out of a forced marriage to family rival Dmitri Romanov including letting an ex-cop into the O'Malley inner sanctum. His plans to use Charlie to help bring Romanov down are slightly derailed when he actually starts to care for her. When is comes to Charlie, the threat to her life comes from the most unexpected of places.

I loved the sneak peek we got that Aiden and Charlie's story would be next in Forbidden Promises. I was equally excited to get Aiden's story because I feel like, up to this point, he's been the most mysterious of the siblings. He's the oldest, and he's recently taken on the O'Malley mantle from his father. While he seems to have his brothers and sisters' best interests at heart, it seems like he's always taking things in the wrong direction in trying to keep them safe.

Events in Undercover Attraction begin about a year later. We're three years from the start of the series and the moment that changed everything for the O'Malley siblings i.e. Devlin's death. I can't believe it's been that long in the book world, and as Undercover Attraction progressed the thing that was foremost in my mind was where our characters were at the beginning of the series to now. I'm not sure if it's because the series is winding down (with Keira's book The Bastard's Bargain next she's the final sibling to get a story, not sure if there would be more after hers even though there are some secondary characters I'd love to get their own book *cough* Liam *cough*), but there were a lot of reparations made between the strained relationships in this installment, and I really loved that part the best. I think back to the beginning of the series where they were all, somewhat, fighting the same battle so to speak, then Devlin is killed and they all deal with it differently and it invariably puts walls between them. It was nice seeing steps taken to bring those walls down and truly utilize the connections that have formed between the three Boston families.

Charlie is actually a big reason why Aiden starts to take steps to repair things between his brothers and sisters. Overall, I liked Charlie and Aiden together a lot. But I felt the whole "fake fiancee" deal and Aiden's plan to bring down Dmitri Romanov felt a little weak starting out. Also the fact that Aiden and Charlie just fall right into bed together in order to make their relationship look authentic was just too quick for me, despite the scorching heat between these two I would have appreciated a little more build up. Plus, the threat to Charlie's life comes from a different New York crime family other than Romanov and by the time that story thread has worked its way out, I just felt like it didn't get enough attention that I would have liked. The "bad guys" felt a little hollow to me. Instead of being told they're maniacal and evil and having to take that at face value, I wanted to be shown.

Other than that, I really liked Aiden's story. The bonds that have formed over the course of these last five books is very apparent. The way it ends makes me eager to read the next book. I just love an antihero and Dmitri Romanov fits that description to a T. I'm excited to see Keira give him a run for his money!

4.5 out of 5 stars
​
I loved this intense world with all its twists and turns and complicated characters. I was on the edge of my seat as everything played out. Another awesome book in The O’Malleys series!

I really liked Aidan and Charlie. I have been so excited to get to know Aidan since book one and I loved seeing the man behind the mask. He’s so in charge and in control, and exudes such a strong presence. Him teaming up with Charlie to be his pretend fiancé was fun and eye opening all at once and I loved seeing that control in him slip thanks to her. Charlie was seriously awesome. I love a strong heroine and she's a tough one. I liked that she was so smart and stood up to Aidan when she needed too. Every layer that peeled back as they fell for each other in the midst of all the drama and tension had me hooked.

There are lots of things in play and I loved all the different dynamics. This is told from multiple POVs and I really like all the different perspectives, I felt like it made the story richer. The writing is really good with excellent details. I thought the pace was great. I love all the different crime families involved, there's strain between all of them and this odd respect that I find fascinating. It's like Dynasty but with the mob !

There is drama, violence, and passion. It's a tangled web of awesome! All these things kept the story moving along and had me excited for more. There was also some lightness thanks to some fun moments between Charlie and Aidan that I appreciated. I loved seeing all the O’Malley siblings and how the different situations between them are evolving. They're such a dysfunctional family and it's crazy but it all works in a weird way. So many layers and so much depth, I loved it all! I also loved ever single bit that had to do with Dmitri Romanov. I've been all about the bad Russian mobster since he was introduced so I am thrilled that his story is next with Kierra.

This was an awesome addition to the series and I truly enjoyed seeing the softer side to Aidan and I think Charlie is his perfect match. This one will definitely keep you on your toes. It's intense and action packed but also full of heat and love. Solid from beginning to end. Awesome read!

Charlie Moreaux has been forced to change everything in her life – her career, her name and the side of the law that she’s on.

So, when the dangerously handsome head of one of Boston’s reining crime families offers her a way to make all of that right, she has nothing left to lose. Nothing except her heart.

“She studied him. Aiden O’Malley had layers upon layers. Even now, when it seemed like he was being perfectly honest, she wasn’t 100 percent sure this wasn’t another of his masks. He had so many.”

Aiden O’Malley has a taste for revenge. He’s going to take Dmitri Romanov out of the game for good and he needs Charlie to do it.

She agreed to pose as his fiancé to draw attention away from his true goal. He counted on her being beautiful, smart and cunning. But he never counted on wanting her more than his next breath.

The danger is getting closer and the stakes are getting higher but nothing is going to stand in the way of making Charlie his – forever.

“He…cared about her.
He wanted to wrap her up and send her away to somewhere safe until this was all over. Fuck, he wanted to keep her safe forever. To stand between her and the world so she never had to be hurt again.
It wasn’t possible, even if she’d let him. He needed her here, and so he’d ride this out to the bitter end and see where all the pieces fell.
He just hoped like hell that they’d both still be standing at the end of it.”

The O’Malleys is one of those rare series that only gets more addictive with each new installment! Katee’s characters only get more complex and their stories entwine flawlessly to build the kind of adrenaline and heat that you’ll feel all the way to your toes.

Undercover Attraction is a nail-biting thrill ride right to the very end and if Dmitri and Keira’s story is nearly as powerful – bring it on…

I’ll start by stating that I have found every story in this series to be a real, suspense filled page turner and this is no exception. The author brings the characters vividly to life, making them easy to relate to and empathise with. Seems strange to be typing about empathising with the head of a “mobster” family but Aiden is such a brilliantly portrayed character that I found myself really feeling sorry for him at times. He didn’t ask to be the first born and heir to lead the O’Malley family but has stepped up to do just that, even though it has fractured his relationships with most of his siblings but especially with his baby sister, who seems to be on a path of self destruction. He has to be the “boss”, the unassailable leader and has perfected the art of using his expression as a mask to hide his true feelings.

Charlotte Finch (aka Charlie) has been through so much. As I learnt more about her past and her relationship with her so-called father so now I don’t think he deserves to be called that, he’s more like a sperm donor rather than a caring Dad IMHO! Her demise at the hands of betraying colleagues makes her keen for revenge and she agrees to Aiden’s offer to help her find justice, even if it means pretending to be his fiancée!

This is a story of mob families, turf wars, different allegiances and romance. Starting with a fake engagement, the relationship between Charlie and Aiden may initially be pretend but the reader can ‘feel’ the romance between them grown beyond mere attraction or lust. It is great to see behind the mask that Aiden uses to face the world. I also like how the O’Malley ladies are all feisty, strong characters in their own rights and really act like the power behind the throne of their mob leader partners. There’s danger, an undercurrent of mystery, hints of romance and, through it all, the suspense totally permeates the whole story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and truthfully can’t wait to read the sequel – hope that will be released soon and that I get to read it! I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense with superb characters, intriguing plots, scandal, schemes and deadly drama in an enthralling read.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. I have chosen to read the book and this is my honest opinion after doing so.

You know I have loved this series from the beginning! And to finally see Aiden's story and get why he stays in the family business was AMAZING!!! And what's better is that this was a fake to real romance. Those are my absolute favorite trope! I don't want to say too much for fear of giving too much away, but just know that Aiden and Charlie are amazing and there is a reason he is like he is and I'm DYING for the last book!!!

Final Score - 5 Stars!

Undercover Attraction is the latest book in the The O'Malley crime family saga by Katee Robert.

The book starts off with Aiden, the eldest O'Malley offspring, who's now in charge of the "family". He's got a lethal, intricate mind and is constantly scheming to keep control not only over the O'Malley territory in Boston, but his wayward siblings as well. Charlie is a former cop with a huge grudge against the person who took away her dream of being the best - in her father's eyes. What starts off as a revenge plot against a common enemy soon turns or rather, ignites an intense and passionate affair between the bad boy from the wrong side of the law and a girl who's belief in justice prevailing has diminished into ash.

Aiden and Charlie - two people caught up in family drama - who should never have met, let alone find common ground with one another, yet have and it's the perfect antidote to this series! I loved the dynamic of such two strong willed characters coming together, and both Aiden & Charlie did not disappoint! Charlie fits into the wealth of strong women characters Ms. Robert has created in this series thus far.

I have to admit - this is quite possibly my 2nd favorite book of the series as it perfectly sets up the main attraction to the next book - which I absolutely cannot WAIT to read. I've been dying to read Dmitri and Keira's tale for a while. I won't give any spoilers - because you just have to immerse yourself into this world - but so much of what was anticipated/hinted at in the previous books - came to fruition in this book! Can you just say "jaw dropping"?

Undercover Attraction is a masterpiece that not only blows you away with inner working of a mob family and their brand of crazy, but draws you into their stories of crime, reckless passion and fierce loyalty. I have followed this series from the very beginning - after quickly reading a blurb - and I have to say, my heart has been taken away by this family. You just can't help but root for this band of criminals! I can't wait to read the next one as it's sure to leave me breathless!

I loved the first three books in the O'Malley's series. The last book was a misstep for me but I was eager to see what Katee Robert would do with Aiden's story. We've been given an idea of who Aiden is as the head of the family and I wanted to know whether we really knew who he was.

Now that I've read it, I'm still not sure who Aiden is. He didn't match the seemingly cold, ruthless man we'd been given in the previous four books. He deeply cared about his family and made hard decisions to protect them but I wasn't clear on whether his cold reputation was fairly earned or an act.

Charlie, on the other hand, was an interesting character through and through. She was wounded by her past and determined to get her revenge against Dmitri Romanov for setting her up. She doesn't resist Aiden for long but once she gives into their relationship, she sees another side of him and it was heartwarming to see Aiden have someone believe the best of him. It was a bit of a logic leap to believe in their insta-love but that's more because I'm not much of an insta-love fan, especially in the face of danger. Even so, while Aiden and Charlie didn't make sense on paper and have a lot to figure out, I really liked them together.

There are two ways to read this series. As a contemporary romance, you'll find an idealized, romanticized view of mafia family and relationships. You'll find gloss and token references to the seedy underbelly. As a mafia romance, you'll be disappointed by the lack of grit and reality.

Because Aiden has been built up in the first four books as this cold, methodical mobster, I went into this hoping for a mafia romance. But I got a contemporary romance—which is what the series really is and I'm not sure why I hoped otherwise.

The first three books, from my recollection, did not shy away from the bad things the heroes or heroines did in the name of the mafia. James, in particular, did some pretty awful things in The Wedding Pact and that's what made the redemptive arc so powerful. So I was ready to learn more about the tough calls Aiden had made and see how he would be redeemed.

However, we get a very idealized, restrained Aiden. He's working behind the scenes to orchestrate the downfall of his enemies. I was tracking with this but that's all it ever was. There was a lot of talk about holding on to power and Aiden being ruthless and a monster but we never get to see why Aiden has that reputation. Look, as the head of a mob family, surely your hands get more than dirty.

The mafia depiction wasn't the most realistic this time around. There were a number of moments when Aiden and Charlie are more distracted by how they are for each other than getting killed, which was not realistic for the situations they were in. Chemistry is chemistry but staying alive and aware of your surroundings is a wee bit more important. And since Aiden is the head of a mafia family and Charlie used to be a cop, I couldn't believe they wouldn't be more aware of the big picture.

Despite this, Undercover Attraction is a solid addition to the series. It moved things forward in the overarching plot of the series. We get to see how Aiden wants to be a better brother, instead of always having to put the family's needs first and worrying about power grabs. We get to watch him fall for Charlie against his better judgment.

I liked this overall. It does make me nervous about whether we'll get a mafia version of Dmitri in the final book (PLEASE) or a contemporary romance version. Either way, I'm looking forward to watching Dmitri and Keira fall for one another.

It’s always great to be back in the world of the O’Malleys. In previous books Aiden was always ruthless because he was acting as head of his family. You see how ruthless Aiden is but he does feel guilt for how his actions affect his family. He realizes though that he has to sometimes make the hard choices. Aiden and Charlie begin their relationship in order to get revenge on others. They soon realize that they have an amazing connection and their love story is very sexy and also has a lot of emotional connection. We also begin to see the beginning of Keira and Dmitris story which I think will be the most interesting of them all. I highly recommend both this book and the entire series.

4.5 stars

Undercover Attraction by Katee Robert is such a great read!
I loved the storyline, it was well written, the plot held my interest all throughout the book, I just couldn't put it down.

Aiden and Charlie are strong, passionate, stubborn characters that made my heart beat fast with their story. I loved watching them come together, I loved their honesty and the way they respected and trusted each other.
On paper these two don't belong in each others world. One is an ex-cop and the other is in the mafia and the head of the O'Malley family.
Life certainly wasn't going to be easy for them, but I have no doubt these two had what it takes to make it work. Unconditional love.

Undercover Attraction truly is a page turning read, and I highly recommend it.

*Undercover Attraction purchase links*
Amazon: http://bit.ly/UndercoverAttractionAmazon
B&N: http://bit.ly/UndercoverAttractionBN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/UndercoverAttractioniBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/UndercoverAttractionKOBO

*An ARC was provided by the publisher Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thought.*

Leading up to his book Aiden O'Malley has been an iffy character for me. He always seemed to be doing the opposite of what was good for his siblings and it made him hard to like. But reading Undercover Attraction really brought to focus how much pressure he was under and that despite what may have shown in previous books, he does love his family.

Loving the O'Malley family means having to make sacrifices for them and also having to make hard decisions in regards to them. Which is what leads him to Charlie with a proposal of the fake kind.

Adrian and Charlie were both very well developed characters and I loved getting to see how they took what they were fighting for and turned it into a connection between one another. Getting to see them together, the ex-cop and the mafia leader, was intriguing and also really romantic. I liked that it was their differences that lead them to one another.

It's really interesting to see how this series has evolved since the first one, The Marriage Contract, and how different these characters feel now. I don't mean that in a bad way, but just that I can tell all of these characters have grown since they had their own book and I really like that this series has shown that so well.

Mafia books can be a lot of fun. The inherent danger, the idea that the hero is more of an anti hero and not that nice of a guy, but is still attractive, sexy and you like him...it makes for an interesting read.

Aiden is, well, not a nice guy. As head of the O'Malley crime family, he makes tough decisions and does things that seem to result in bad things happening...but he makes the decisions for the good of the family and for the good of the members of his family. He is surprisingly loyal, and has a big heart...which is a difficult thing to manage while running a crime family.

Charlie is an ex cop who doesn't want to fit into the life, who wants to dislike everyone there, and who doesn't want to feel the attraction she feels for Aiden. And, you relate to her. As, well, he is scary and the things he does, the things he condones, the things he justifies, are tough to be ok with.

But, she learns to first separate the crime boss from the man, and once Charlie does this, she sees how caring and loving Aiden is...and that is where the relationship becomes real.

I love that you get to know Aiden as a good man before you are part of the relationship. It does make for a slow build in the book, but it works overall.

I enjoyed this title and I recommend it.

Another O’Malley book that keeps you turning the pages and wanting more of this dark and gritty series!

It’s finally time to learn more about Aiden and the wait was worth it! There isn’t anything this man does that isn’t intense and focused. He wants nothing more than to take care of his family and will stop at nothing, including hurting those he loves, to keep them safe. He’s been setting things in motion for the past year and the time has come to put the final piece in place…which would be getting Charlie to agree to be his fake fiancé, all part of the subterfuge and diversion he needs to bring down his enemies.

Charlie would like nothing more than to exact justice, and maybe even a little retribution, on the man responsible for her being painted a dirty cop. Even though she knows she is crossing the line by agreeing to Aiden’s plan, a line that she knows she will more than likely never be able to come back from, her need for justice, and perhaps some redemption, has her quickly agreeing to Aiden’s terms. What she doesn’t count on is finding out that there is more to the mob boss than she expected.

And even though things move fast for these two, which is something that I usually don’t care for, their relationship just makes sense in terms of who they are and, probably more importantly, what they are.

There was no doubt that Aiden would need a strong woman to complement him, something that Charlie certainly was, but she also showed Aiden that being vulnerable doesn’t also mean giving up your strength. And of course, the heat between these two was off the charts!

As with the other books in this series, this one can be read as a stand-alone, but then you will just be kicking yourself for not grabbing the whole series to begin with!

And as for that ending…well played, Ms. Robert…bring on that next book!

***5 ‘Trouble’s Come’ Stars***

So much goodness! And not just from Aiden and Charlie’s whole fake-relationship turning into way more than either expected journey, but also from the O’Malley’s in general and those that are connected to them ~ no matter how tenuous or contentious the connection is. Undercover Attraction had that perfect blend of sweet, smexy, drama and heart that keeps me turning the pages as well as a well written and intriguing cast of characters that keeps me on my toes.

Aiden O’Malley is something of an enigma. He comes across as an alpha AF cold hearted bastard who expects to be obeyed, and for all intents and purposes that is very much who he is. But as we get to know him better and see heart that beats beneath the ice, you find that the that heart isn’t as cold as many believe. He is ruthless, but has to be because the safety of his family is his ultimate priority and he will do anything to protect them.

Charlie is a straight up badass! She’s survived a betrayal by those she trusted and though she isn’t entirely whole, she didn’t give them the benefit of breaking down entirely. She’s strong, not only emotionally, but also physically and extremely observant. I loved how she owned who she was and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind when she felt it was needed.

I loved how Aiden and Charlie’s fake relationship to their ultimate HEA played out. It was all kinds of fun and smexy...holy hell was it smexy AF and it simply felt natural as they had no choice but to get to know each other and saw beneath the public facade and found that they actually liked what they saw and wanted more than what was originally agreed to. They had their ups and downs, but none of it was OTT angsty ~ there was more than enough going on around them when it came to the crazy. In the end, I thought they were perfect for each other and if they could get past a few minor issues *smirk* would be a force to be reckoned with.

Now, as you know, I am a huge fan of well written secondary characters and keeping up with them as a series progresses, especially when it comes to series based around a family ~ whether than family is by birth or choice, and Ms. Robert does it beautifully here. Each of these characters are so well written that they feel real and you can’t help but want more of each of them, and yet they don’t take the attention away from the main characters, they simply add another layer to them. Dmitri has been on my ‘want more’ list since meeting him, but I kind of have a thing for Liam and wouldn’t have any issue if he were to find his own HEA.

If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, I would highly recommend that you do because there are a lot of little intrigues and deals going on that began in those books that are brought up in Undercover Attraction. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to you won’t be lost, but it won’t have the same impact. As for those intrigues and deals, I’m absolutely impressed with how Ms. Robert can keep them all straight and keep them straight for the reader and I really liked how many of them played out as well as how the air was cleared when it came to certain issues and cannot wait to see what’s in store for Dmitri and Keira, because what’s gone on so far has been all kinds of fun!

This is the first book written by Katee Robert that I have read.

It definitely has a higher heat level than I expect in a contemporary romance novel. This was the reson why I considered a rating of four. I realized that most was to convince the family that Aiden and Charlie were serious about the engagement.

There were actually a few twists that I didn't expect. I loved how the book ended.

Undercover Attraction by Katee Robert is book Five in "The O'Malleys" series. This is the story of Charlotte 'Charlie' Finch and Aiden O'Malley. I have read some of the other books in this series but feel you can make this a standalone book.
Charlie is an ex cop...not by choice though. This also made her family turn their backs on her. When Aiden gives her a chance to get back at the dirty cops that turned on her she agrees to do it. What he needs her to do is pretend to be his fiancé. Aiden is the head of the Irish organized crime families who is out to protect his younger sister Keira, from a marriage to Dmitri Romanov a Russian Crime Lord who wants to marry her. But along the way there comes a bigger threat to them and end up working with Dmitri. While Aiden and Charlie pretend to be engaged they start to have feelings for each other. But will everything work out with all that is going on with them?
Such an exciting story! I can't wait now for Keira's story!
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I knew with Aiden being the "head" of the O'Malley's that his story would be intense and it sure was!

Aiden is the new head of the O'Malley's and is trying to get through some of the rough spots his parents got the family in. All while brokering backdoor deals with less than savory people. Aiden decides that the best thing to give him an advantage over his enemies, is to suddenly be engaged and throw them all off.

Charlie is the perfect person to help him do that. Plus it doesn't hurt that she has an axe to grind with some of Aiden's enemies. Also, Aiden and Charlie have an amazing attraction. And Charlie truly wants to help Aiden, well eventually.

Another great story of the O'Malley's. I can't wait for Keira's story!!

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Undercover Attraction we get Aiden O’ Malley and Charlie Moreaux. Aiden propositions Charlie to be his fake fiancé to help him take down Dmitri Romanov, a russian crime lord who wants Aiden’s sister, Kiera.

Aiden and Charlie both have reasons for wanting to take down Dmitri, but find that they may have to work with him against another worse threat. Alethea and Mae Eldridge are sadist and have no honor. When Mae threatens Charlie, Kiera and Carrigan, they will soon learn they have gone too far.

I find another series I wish I had known about when book 1 came out. I love the brilliant way Katee Robert has intertwined all these characters within this series. So many characters with intriguing stories of their own.

Aiden being the head of one of the Irish organized crime families paired with Charlie, who is a former cop was an interesting pairing. Not only was the plot of the story exciting, so was the dynamics of each and every player in this series.

I’m not sure if I had read the previous books first if I would feel differently about Dmitri but I actually really liked him in this book. He’s ruthless, but Kiera is his weakness. I think their book is going to be incredible. I’m so glad I read this book! ARC provided by NetGalley.

<b>Characters of interest in this book and overall series.</b>

Undercover Attraction Pairing, Book 5
Aiden O’Malley, oldest brother and head of one of Boston’s Irish organized crime families.
Charlie Moreaux, a/k/a Charlotte Finch, former NYPD cop, daughter of John Finch, FBI agent.

Forbidden Promise Pairing, Book 4 - These two were only mentioned in this book. No appearances.
Jude MacNamara, hit man
Sloan O’Malley, sister

An Indecent Proposal Pairing, Book 3
Cillian O’Malley, brother and in charge of accounting and cyber security
Olivia Rashidi, Dmitri Romanov’s half sister.
Hadley is daughter of Olivia

The Wedding Pact Pairing, Book 2
James Halloran, head of one of the three Irish organized crime families
Carrigan O’Malley, sister, first promised to Dmitri

The Marriage Contract Pairing, Book 1
Teague O’Malley, brother and informant to John Finch
Callista Sheridan, head of Sheridan clan, one of three Irish organized crime families
Moira, daughter

The Bastard’s Bargain Pairing, soon to be Book 6
Dmitri Romanov, Russian Crime Lord.
Kiera O’Malley, youngest sister

Other mentions and appearances:
Devlin, youngest brother who was gunned down 3 years prior

Seamus and Aileen O’Malley, parents to Aiden and siblings.

Alethea Eldridges and daughter Mae, threat to all

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Undercover Attraction by Katee Robert
Book Five of the O'Malleys series
Publisher: Forever Romance
Publication Date: November 28, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Scandal. Wealth. Power. Seduction. Welcome to the world of the O'Malleys.

Ex-cop Charlotte Finch used to think there was a clear line between right and wrong. Then her fellow officers betrayed her, and the world is no longer so black and white. Especially when it's Aiden O'Malley, one of the most dangerous men in Boston, who offers her a chance for justice. The only catch: she'll have to pretend to be his fiancée for his plan to work.

Aiden can't afford to let anyone see the man behind the mask. To run the O'Malley empire, he has to be cool and controlled at all times. But the moment he meets Charlie, they're playing with fire. Her slightest touch is enough to send him over the edge. At first their "engagement" was a way to eliminate his enemies. Now he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe-- even if he has to destroy his own family to do it.

What I Liked:

I've read the previous four books in this series, and I've always been curious about Aiden from the start. Who is this cold, hardened man? Is he truly so cold? We discover his limits in Undercover Attraction, the continuation to the series, featuring Aiden and Charlie. I enjoyed this book on its own and I loved it as a sequel to the previous books. Katee Robert has done an excellent job in continuing the series so far, and I'm desperate for The Bastard's Bargain.

In this book, Aiden is tightening his reign as the O'Malley head and simultaneously struggling to hold ground against Dmitri Romanov - and a new family in play, the Eldridges. He needs to keep his friends close and his enemies closer, and that's where Charlotte Finch - now Charlie Moreaux - comes in. The plan: they'll pretend they're engaged, to distract Aiden's enemies. Then, he'll eliminate them. But he doesn't plan on falling for Charlie - or vice versa. Now both Aiden and Charlie have so much more to lose, and with players in this dangerous game, they will stand to lose it all.

I love the fake engagement trope! Especially when it involves two people who clearly do not want to be engaged. Fake engagements are great because the main couple is locked in and must interact - and there are rarely love triangles. (I hate love triangles.)

Aiden has always been somewhat of an enigma, throughout this series. He seems cold and closed-off, like Seamus O'Malley 2.0. But the truth is, he isn't like his father. He puts his family first, and does everything for the good of his family. Sadly, this costs Aiden individual relationships with his siblings, which is heartbreaking to watch. Aiden is isolated within his family, but he is a fair and hardened leader with an iron will. He emanates power and intensity, which I rather liked. He isn't a cold-hearted killer like he has everyone believe him to be, but he is dangerous.

Charlie is a tough woman who knows how to take care of herself. She used to be a cop, and now she is lying low after some rocky events in her past. She agrees to help Aiden and play his fiancee, but she never expects to actually fall for Aiden, or like his family (especially Keira). Charlie has a strong will but she isn't aggressive and "loud" in terms of her personality and will. She is smart and headstrong, and she knows her mind.

I found Aiden and Charlie to be a good match. Aiden is intense and alpha-y, and Charlie is assertive and kind. She isn't the fawning, sweet type, but she is very considerate and cognizant of Aiden's moods. I love how quickly she starts to read him, and he her. They fill each other's spaces and it becomes clear that they needed each other.

It doesn't hurt that they have great chemistry, from the start. Aiden is definitely more on the dominant side and Charlie likes it. There is a little bit of tug-of-war between these two, and that always results in some pretty steamy scenes. Of course, Robert is so good at writing creative steamy scenes, no matter how many books she has written!

The plot thickens, in terms of the O'Malley war with literally everyone else! But one neat thing is that the O'Malleys, Sheridans, Hallorans, and Romanovs are all a significant part of this book. It isn't just about Aiden, and Charlie. All of the O'Malley siblings (except Sloan) come out to play. With that new family coming in as a threat, and no one really knowing where Dmitri Romanov stands, it's all man for himself, except when there are fake alliances. Things really shake down to the sixth book!

I wll say that the ending of this book is a HEA for Aiden and Charlie. The book ends very well in that regard. In terms of the families/mobs/war/marriages/etc.? This series is not over yet. I love that each book can be read as a standalone BUT there is a lot that ties the series together, including the ongoing war between families. But everything is going to explode in book six and I can't wait!

What I Did Not Like:

There wasn't anything that I really disliked, per se, but I wouldn't rank this book among my favorites of all time (which is what I save the five-star ratings for). I liked this book a lot but looking at the series as a whole, it wouldn't be among my favorites. Books two, three, and five are somewhat forgettable for me, unfortunately. But I loved books one and four, and likely six!

Would I Recommend It:

If you've read any of the books in the series, definitely keep going! Or stop from the beginning. This dark romantic crime series is so, so good. Super hot, very intriguing, and always impressive. I don't usually read a ton of romance novels dealing with crime and mob families and such, but I think Robert is doing a great job with the series so far!

Rating:

4 stars. I enjoyed this book! It was great to get inside Aiden's head (he's actually human!). I am so so so so so excited about Dmitri and Keira's book! I sometimes love, sometimes hate Keira, and I sometimes love, sometimes hate Dmitri, so it's perfect. The book could not come soon enough!