Well written and well developed storyline with good characters.

My first time reading a mafia romance and I loved it! That book's got everything : romance, sexy scenes, suspense... ... ...

And the cover is beautiful that's what caught my eye and made me want to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.

So... I guess, I'm in the minority here.

I love mafia romance and the blurb, in all honesty, is what got me interested. But unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me.


At around 30%, I felt like I had been reading and reading and reading but I wasn't making any progress.
There were repetitions and a little too much of the inner monologue and 2017 Rohina (and the years before that) loved this style of writing. 2019 Rohina, while she does still loves it in some stories and finds it interesting, especially in fantasy books and in contemporary romance too, when it helps the storyline to move forward.


After the 50% mark, even though I could see myself finishing the book, I wasn't too enthusiastic.
I, in general, had a hard time connecting to the characters.


The female lead, Alessia, was quiet and a suffer-in-silence type and I genuinely do like these type of characters but in Alessia's case, she was practically a doormat.
For example, her boss had been harassing for her a year and she didn't, even once, go to HR and complain about it. She would always leave it to tomorrow.


The male lead, Luca, came across as a pushover. Listen, I love a good alpha male but when they start ordering about how they should be acting or reacting and throw ultimatums, it bugs me. The lack of breathing space Luca gave Alessia gnawed at me.



Is it a good book? Sure with the added sense of mystery, which certainly left me wanting to know what happens next. However, largely due to my disconnect with the characters and the storyline, I just couldn't like the book.



2.5 Stars!

*****4.5 Mafia Stars*****
This is my first read by Jill Ramsower and won’t be last. I absolutely love a good mafia love story. Alessia and Luca’s story is one hell of a ride. Alessia is working her way from the bottom of the company to the top to prove her competence and capabilities to her father; she on mission to prove herself. Luca is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t let anyone or anything get in his way. When Luca meets Alessia it’s not by chance but he never expects the affect she would have on him and he knows that she would be his no matter the consequence. So many secrets and so many lies around Luca and Alessia can they make it out? Can’t wait for more!!
*****ARC from Net Galley for review*****

Wow! I'm not sure why this book took so long for me to read but it was excellent!! I guess maybe because i mainly like romcoms?! I'm not huge on mafia stories but dang this book was awesome!! I loved everything about it!! It had plenty of action, suspense, drama, heartache and heartbreak! And it was 🔥🔥🔥!! Lol I highly recommend reading this book! I can't wait to dig into the second book! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

A terrific start to a new mafia romance series. There’s a swoon-worthy romance between the luscious, dominant Luca and the unsuspecting daughter of a rival family, Alessia. What starts out as a ploy to get dirt on Alessia’s father soon turns into a hot romance that neither can deny. Luca is fiercely protective and insanely sexy when it comes to Alessia. But a deadly twist with the Five Families put Alessia in danger. I loved that the author didn’t shy away from the cruel reality of the mafia life even at the expense of our couple. Well written with intriguing characters in a mafia setting that reeks of authenticity. I look forward to future stories in this series. Lessi’s sister Maria is certainly intriguing in her private existence and is the best friend cousin, Giada. And then there’s the tattooed hunky underboss of the most deadly rival family, Matteo. So many great characters to choose from!

OMG, Jill has done it again! After her awesome series of the Fae Games (if you haven't read them, head over to your nearest bookstore now!) she started a new series: The Five Families. And where the Fae Games were about supernatural beings, The Five Families is about the Mafia. Right in the middle of the United States. And I don't know how she does it, but you get sucked into the story right away. Alessia gets stuck in the elevator at her job, with a mysterious dark stranger, namely Luca.
After their first 'by chance' meeting, they meet more often and a romance is blossoming. But Alessia feels there is something 'off' about Luca. Although he is courteous, gorgeous and alpha male all the way, there is something dark lurking below the surface.
So, although she tries to run from him, part of her wants to be with Luca. But when worlds collide, can Alessia make it out alive, with her heart in one piece? Find out for yourself in this great read. And I'm already awaiting part 2: Never Truth. Thank you very much Jill and Netgalley for providing the arc. Five out of five stars from me.

This was a fantastic mafia romance that I really enjoyed. This was my first read from this author and I’m really glad I decided to read it. It had angst and emotion, hot sexy scenes, and some great suspense. I’m so glad that this is the first in a series because I’m looking forward to reading from this world.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for a copy of this book.

This book was a fast read for me. It grabbed and held my attention from beginning to end. It's filled with a hot alpha male who knows and gets exactly what he wants. Luca has his sights set on Alessia. Alessia is currently working her way up her father's company when she meets the dark and mysterious Luca. There is immediate chemistry between the two of them.

The story is filled with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hanging on. You dont want to miss out!

First time author for me and I have to say that I enjoyed the book. I do like some mafia stories some should not have been written but this is not one of them. So we meet Alessia the bosses daughter but I respected that made her way at the company did not use daddies connection. Enter Luca Romano who gets what he wants and now that would be Alessia. Nice and hotttt and twist and turns but all in all entertaining. Enjoy!

This is the first time I have read anything from this author, and I'm really glad I got the chance to read this book. This is the story of Luca, and Alessia, these two characters are very well written, have explosive chemistry, and a magnetic connection. Their intense story kept me glued to the pages. I really enjoyed their story, Luca, and Alessia have an emotional roller coaster, full of twists, and turns, secrets, lies, hot, and steamy scenes. Great book, I look forward to reading more from this author.

FOREVER LIES was forever amazing. I happened upon this book and this new to me author on social media about a week ago. I have recently fallen in live with all things mafia and the blurb seized me. I knew I had to read it.

I was a mess of emotions just as Alessia was. What she felt,I felt. I kept trying to reason everything she did. It was nice being in the same mindset as a character; to have that connection.

Ramsower, you wrote an extraordinary, heart wrenching story. I was sad when it was over but I pray you are going to write more of Luca and Alessia. I need more of them. They completely owned me the entire time I was reading their story and long after it was over. Is it too soon for a re-read? 5 Stars!!

Jill Ramsower is a new author to me, but her books are definitely on my “must explore” list now. Forever Lies is a fabulous start to this series and Luca and Alessia are characters that reel you in from the very beginning. Throw in the seedy underworld, and a multitude of twists and turns throughout the story, and I was hooked! I was impressed by the easy ebb and flow to Ms Ramsower’s writing and her ability to weave a dark and sinister web, while proving that love can conquer all. This book is highly recommended, and an addictive one-sitting read!

I enjoyed this mafia themed story. It took me awhile to finish but it was worth the weight. I liked how Luca manipulated a lot of things in the story. I was super surprised with the ending. I would like to read more about the five families.

I voluntarily read this ARC in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts and opinions are mine

I thoroughly enjoyed this - romance with an edge - a bit of intrigue mixed with the romance - if you like your romances with a bit more bite this could be for you

Forever Lies is my first Mafia book. I have tried a few before, but haven't finished some because I have a hard time getting into them. So when I saw the chance to enter into a giveaway for an ARC of Forever Lies, I was certainly leery. I took a chance though, because I have read some of The Fae Games Series that Jill Ramsower has written and I absolutely loved them! It was different than what I normally read but I gave it a shot.

And I am really glad that I did!

Jill really hit a homerun with this book! The story is so well written that you just get lost in it when your reading. The chemistry between Alessia and Luca is phenomenal and you can really feel the attraction and tension in their intimate relationship. Forever Lies has everything you want in a romance novel. Its just overflowing with passion and filled with tons of thrills, especially when you really get into the Mafia aspect of the story. 

The characters are well developed and I found myself really relating to Alessia. She's a total people pleaser, a lot like me, and it's really entertaining to see her form a relationship with such a domineering man like Luca. She really battles with herself... her head telling her to stay away because of his aggressive and assertive traits, while her heart just can't push down the unyielding attraction she feels for him. Their relationship is provacative and intense to say the least.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm really looking forward to the next installments. It's a series I have every intent on finishing and I can't wait to see what Jill comes up with next!

I recieved a free ARC through Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I received an ARC of this book through The Next Step PR.

The synopsis of this book first jumped out at me for its mafia trope. In the end, this book was good, but fell a little short. I found Luca’s background didn’t really play much of a part in this novel. Maybe if it was a little longer, we could see how he and Alessia handle life and his job. When she discovers who he is, the book seems to fly through the rest: her family and the reason Luca found her. There wasn’t much emphasis on the trope until the very end, when she is taken. Even that though, I found to be more convenient for the plot than anything. The author presented a reason for his appearance in her life so the author needed to follow through with it. Only it felt rushed and half-baked.

I give this book 3.5 stars officially, but will rate as 4 as I did enjoy reading it. Other than the mafia aspect, the characters and their romance was well-developed. I enjoyed how nothing was rushed between them two. The author took her time to build them before bringing more into the plot and I do appreciate that. The chemistry between them sizzles with electricity.

While I do have my problems with this one, I would be interested in checking out future books of the series.

I really enjoyed the premise of this novel. This is my first mafia novel and I really enjoyed the new light it showed on the criminal world. A little dash of romance, action and danger, Ramsower clearly shows us love can flourish in the most unexpected places!

Alessia is working for her father's company in New York. She's trying to find a place her in her father's company without the added benefit of using her familiar connections. unfortunately this year, she could be doing better. She has been verbally and sexually harassed by her boss and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight. In the middle of her troubles, Alessia meets a mysterious man in an elevator. Luca's looks set her blood boiling for more. While stuck in an elevator, Luca and Alessia have an instant connection. What Alessia doesn't know, is that Luca set his sights on Alessia before they even walked on the elevator together...

I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. This is a great read and I found it enjoyable! I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys a little intrigue and risk in their romance novels. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #NetGalley

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Sorry for the delay in my review, life has gotten in the way.

I adored EVERYTHING in this book... the characters, the storyline, the romance... it was all amazing. a great, easy, addictive read.

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a real page turner!

I thought that it was a good story that was well developed and fast paced.

There was plenty of action and romance to keep me hooked, and entertained and I thought that the detail was really good.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, definitely one I will be recommending!

I've read Jill Ramsower's The Fae Games: Complete Series: Books 1-5 and loved them. Forever Lies is a little different, being set in the 'real world' rather than having a paranormal element. I have to admit that it wasn't completely obvious what this world was from the beginning and I only found out when the heroine did. I'm not sure if that was the plan, it seems to be as there is no mention in the book description, for that reason, I'm not going to allude to it myself here.
Luca is very much the powerful bad boy that has a caring side hidden beneath his powerful exterior. He is controlling and likes to get his own way and there is always a danger with this kind of character that he dominates the female lead too much. There was a good balance here between Luca's need to be in charge and the way that his feelings for Alessia floor him. Alessia herself is a strong woman with a firm idea of what she wants out of life and how to get it. She doesn't have all of the answers and has a level of weakness that allows some, such as her direct boss, to take advantage of her. This just adds to her believability, she's not some innocent who follows others blindly, but neither does she have all fo the answers.
I have to admit that I wasn't sure how this one was going to end. It did seem for a while at least that there wasn't a way for Alessia to reconcile who she was with who Luca was. I think the fact that their happily ever after comes at the expense of things that she might have felt was important before, actually adds something to the book. This isn't some light and fluffy fairy tale where the prince makes everything ok. There's a darkness here, in more than one area.
I think that this might be the start of a series, (actually I see that it's listed as book one of the Five Families series, so clearly it is). I'd be more than keen to read another book set in this world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.