‘‘Twas the cover that drew me in as I am very much a person who will read a book because it has a nice cover. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. This it both Did and didn’t work for me...

It’s been awhile since I’ve read any mafia/crime family type of a book but I’m not opposed to such so why not? We start with an arranged marriage and a string of secrets you can’t help but to be curious about. Am I took curious for my own good? Yup. So onto the adventure with Kenna the Irish mob daughter with so many secrets and a shocking background and Dante the Italian mob son who is a cold blooded killer. They did not choose to be put together but for their families they do what is necessary and if this marriage will keep the peace it’s worth it, right?

Dante gets far more than he ever bargained for with his new wife. Including a surprise attack at their wedding moments after saying “I do”. He expected a docile wife who might have a bit of an attitude but what he got was something else entirely. The question then becomes who is Kenna really and what all is she hiding? Plus there’s the whole who and why their wedding was attacked and are their traitors in their midst? And the biggest question of all is what exactly happened to Kenna all those years ago? And of course can Dante handle the surprising revelations about his new wife?

With a marriage that starts literally drenched in blood the story can of course only get bloodier from there....

I didn’t not like this book it might just be the writing style that seems a bit odd to me. And maybe because Dante and Kenna react to things in an unbelievable way and they like go from strangers to partners in a blink. It’s almost love at first sight-ish but not because it didn’t exactly happen like that. I don’t know something about the two of them was just off for me. And it’s like if this was a movie they would be overacting. At that said I can appreciate the fact that Kenna is strong willed and doesn’t back down and used what happened to her to make her stronger. And it’s nice that he’d and Dante are equals there’s no question in that from the moment she reveals the truth of her situation to him he’s like ok we are in this together. Which sounds nice until you kinda realize that she over shadows him and he’s just kind of there.

At about 40% the book went from promising and interesting to extra very very extra and a bit of a mess throwing in a bunch of people and side situations. Like everything to do with Kinsly seems like there is a book missing that explains that whole situation.

So I’m the end didn’t hate it didn’t love it but I couldn’t resist the bloody wedding dress. As it was my first read from this author I’m not sure if this is just how she writes or if it’s just this book.

Upon discussing this book with a friend I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s kind of soap opera-ish life if you turned the various mafia organizations into a soap opera.

So pleased I found this book. It was so good!

Once I seen this stunning cover, I had to know the story behind it. I just didn’t see any of this coming. I was glued to my kindle from beginning to end. It was so addictive! Love a good mafia romance.

3.25 stars [thank you to the publishers and netgalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review]

I am a huge fan of this sub genre of mafia/cartel romances. And because of that I’ve read quite a few and I did enjoy this book and it is far better than some of the ones I have read recently it’s not perfect but I did enjoy the romance and our characters. Loved Kenna as a strong woman in a mans world, who isn’t afraid to say her mind and act on it too.

Unlike some of them I read in the last couple of weeks in this books we actually got to see the workings of the Mafia family, the family interactions, the brutal work and loyalty. However I felt the focus was mainly on the Irish family I would’ve liked to have seen more of the Italians and what Dante and his brothers did before the wedding. We get very swept up in Kenna’s families work, and that kind of takes over. The second group I had with this book was too much focus on Kenna’s Secret at the start they also couldn’t have made it more obvious if they put the flashing lights around it, if you were trying to get someone to keep a secret you wouldn’t be mentioning it every other word, it could’ve been done in a more subtle, natural way.

Overall I thought this was a good mafia romance it was a nice balance between the workings of the mafia and the actual romance side of things. It was definitely setting it up for the rest of the series but there were a couple of minor things that brought my rating down.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author-I was lured in by the blurb and the cover, both of which were true to this story. I love books that has capture my attention in terms of both characters & plot, and this story has it covered. This is the first book in the Made series, and it makes me so excited to know that more books set in this world are coming! This story focuses on Dante Bianchi, underboss to his father in the Italian Mafia & Kenna, daughter of Irish Clann leader Seamus Gallagher. What struck me most about this book: how bada$$ Kenna is, and how her strength is so revered by her husband. These two are equal in all ways, and I adore the dynamic created by the author. Both Dante & Kenna have lots of family & family and loyalty are everything. Much revolves around family alliances and betrayals, so you get to know the secondary characters quite well, too. There are lots of secrets that are revealed in this book, so to say too much would add spoilers. If you haven’t read this book, stop reading reviews & dive in!

Bloody Union was everything its cover promised: a violent and action packed mafia romance novel.

A bit over the top at times and a few typos, but still an entertaining story. I also appreciated that unlike a lot of mafia romance novels that I have read in the past, Dante genuinely respected Kenna.

I will definitely check out more of this author's work.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ohh man. It has been a while since I dove into a mafia book and I was very excited to get Bloody Union. In it, you will meet Makenna and Dante. She is Irish and he is Italian. So basically we are family already because I'm both. Other than that, they are both in the mafia and haven't been on the best of terms. Well, things will hopefully be better once they get married.. maybe.

Not going to lie, this book had betrayal in it and I ate it all up. Each page and chapter was beyond addicting and I couldn't help but root for these badasses. Makenna has been underestimated her entire life. So when some secrets come out in the air.. it wasn't surprising that people didn't take a liking to her. So she did what any normal person does in the mafia.. she kills them.

Then there's Dante, and he would honestly do anything for her. There was just something about these two that they just ignited. They protected one another and watched them grow as well. Heck, they were two people you don't want to fuck with. Heck, the entire family seems dangerous.

In the end, I'm excited for the next book because I am super worried about Melissa and her family dynamic. Why do the women always be treated beneath these men? Just like Makenna said.. they are more dangerous and no one fucks with the boss.

Brooke is a new author for me. I devoured this book in one day!!

An arranged marriage, turned into a great love story. You never expect things to go wrong on your wedding day, but in a Mafia world, anything can happen.

Makenna and Dante were a great power couple. Neither one expected to find love. Makenna is a strong heroine that can hold her own and then some! Dante is a powerful hero that will do anything to protect his wife. Great story line filled with drama, action and steam.

A different Mafia story between the Italians and Irish Mafia.
A dark story but a good romance.
In all a okay story if you like the dark aspect of the story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Now this is my first Brooke Summers book, and let me tell you, holy Crap!!! This had my hooked from the start. This book was fast paced and non-stop. The fireworks between Kenna and Dante are hotter and brighter than July 4th. I fell in love with this world and I can't wait to read about the rest of the Clann and Famiglia! This book was a great foundation for both of these families to come together, and I hope we hear even more about Kenna and Dante as this series continues! The way Dante embraces all of Kenna's secrets and before he even knows them becomes her champion is wonderful, especially in a "man-driven" world. If you want a fast paced, sexy, "sweet" romance with no cheating and a HEA for these characters, then please dive in to this world!!

Who doesn't love an arranged marriage story line. I was really intrigued with this one in the beginning.

McKenna a daughter of an Irish mob family, Dante a son of an Italian mob family the perfect combination. Thier story started out so strong. Great connection between the two. A strong female, and a sexy ass Italian.

However, that's where it ended for me. There are far too many characters in this book. I completely gave up caring about any of the, even the best friend. I'm sure all the characters will lead to more books, unfortunately I won't carry on if there is.

I find it strange when a book starts out strong then at 35% it just goes a stray.

I would however, like to give a shout out for this cover, I love it. Simply beautiful.

This was my first book by this author and I would try another, just not if it's another mafia book.

This book was not at all what I had expected of a Mafia romance (in a good way!). I really loved the relationship between Makenna and Dante, though at times I think the progress in the relationship was slightly rushed and it perhaps would’ve been more interesting to see more of the consequential struggles of an arranged marriage. Nevertheless, this book had me hooked from the start and would highly recommend!

This book took me completely by surprise. It is not your typical mafia/arranged marriage romance and I loved every minute of it.

For starters, Makenna and Dante don't spend most of the book hating each other so that was a nice change 🤣 not that I don't love a good enemies-to-lovers, they are my favourite after all, it was just a surprise!

While neither think they will have a particularly love-filled marriage they both agree to do what is best for their families. Everything goes pretty smoothly until they say their I do's and all hell breaks out at the wedding. Dante soon realises Makenna is not the docile compliant wife he was expecting and she is hiding a truck load of secrets. I loved the way the story played out and Dante's reaction as everything is revealed. The respect and adoration they have for each other from pretty much the very beginning made them one of my favourite mafia couples.

This was a fast read that kept me completely hooked the entire time. It is low on the angsty heartache and has a whole lot of violence, family rivalries, drama and action. I recommend checking out if mafia romance is your thing.

Makenna is the daughter of an Irish mobster who has been promised to marry Dante an Italian mobster when she comes of age. Kenna is keeping a secret, will Dante breakdown her walls and find out the truth?

I personally love an arranged marriage but this one wasn't for me, their relationship moved too fast to be believable.
Though I was a fan of the mob action I felt there was too many people to keep track off to be honest.
The cover is lovely and matches the book content perfectly.

3 Stars

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The storyline of this novel is intriguing, and an interesting look into how people become who they are.

That said, the two main characters were so similar that at times I was unsure whose point of view I was reading. They began as two different people, but then as their relationship progressed seemed to morph into one. The relationship itself moved too quickly - it could have easily been spread out over two books and would have made it much more believable. As it was, I had a hard time believing that they were actually in love - it was too smooth, and too quick - of a progression.

Other than some proofreading errors, the read itself was enjoyable. I did enjoy the twists and surprises, although they could have been integrated a little more smoothly. While I enjoyed the plot overall, I will not be reading the second. This is an author that I will consider again in the future though - she has quite a bit of potential, but may want to look into having a more thorough editing process to help with some of the issues mentioned.

Just WOW!!
I list be everything mafia and this exceeded my expectations. This book has everything - arranged marriage, murder, mayhem, dysfunction family dynamics/relationships, loyalty, betrayal, lust, steam, love AND most importantly we have ourselves an actual alpha queen in Makenna. Up until now I can honestly say the main character in all the mafia books I have read has been male. It was such a refreshing change to read the story of this bad ass bitch.can't wait for all the books that are going to follow in this series. Brooke Summers knocked this out if the park.

Wow, this is not your typical mafia romance! To try and create peace between two ruling families Mackenna, daughter of the Irish mob, and Dante, son of the Italian mob are destined to wed, but how can this occur as it has the makings of disaster written all over it. Surprise, surprise all is not what it seems as Mackenna is anything but meek and mild. Her tragic past has shaped her making her core steel strong and it’s this strength that attracts Dante more than a submissive nature could. While the twist is unlike any other mafia story that you’ll read the strong leads, both male and female create a nice diversion. Hopefully there’s more to come as their families continue to intertwine. Without giving to much away this is an intense and action packed story with multiple twists that keep you guessing and keep you on your toes. 5 stars must read. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review

This is my first read by this author and wow I absolutely loved this. I'm usually not into insta with mafia books but this story worked so well. Both the heroine and hero are bada$$ and fierce with loyalty and family. This story had twist and turns that I loved. The secondary characters are awesome and I can't wait to read the next book. Great job !!

I really thought this was going to be your typical arranged marriage mafia book with a few twists. It really does start out that way. Dante is an underboss to his father, whom he really believes needs to die. With his brother's by his side, this marriage may give Dante his opportunity to make that happen.

Irish and Italian = a bloody wedding where nothing is as it seems.

The writing wasn't stellar, but the amount of thought that went into the plotting is amazing. There's so many different moving parts to this story that it keeps you on your toes. I didn't think I would be as engaged as I was. I wasn't just rooting for Dante and Makenna, but I genuinely want to know what happens to some of the other characters.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.

Warnings: Blood, Murder, Guns

This is a mafia book and I usually have love/hate relationship with these as I like the smut scenes (as long as legal and consensual of course) but sometimes the books have way too much misogyny in them (I get that they are in the Mafia but it isn't needed) so this was a nice surprise when the leading lady, Kenna, was a total badass! She is a badass while still having emotions which is so nice to see rather than an ice queen (ice queens are not my favourites) and her husband respects her being who she is. This was pretty good! I want to check out more from this author.

Rating: 3.5/4⭐
Would I Read It Again? Yes
Would I Recommend it? Yes

This action packed suspense filled mafia romance story.The last time Dante saw Make na she was just a little girl now he's about to meet the woman he's supposed to marry to unite the Irish mafia with the Italian mafia.When McKenna walks into the room Dante is caught off guard she is breathtaking. Make na only hopes the man she has to marry isn't one of those old pot bellied losers when she sees Dante her breath catches in her throat he's a absolutely gorgeous man with a body she dreams about.Maybe this arraigned marriage won't be so bad after all except she hates his father.The thing is Dante and his brothers hate their father also an if they can come up with a plan to kill him where no one knows he did it he'll become the head of the family.Make na has so many secrets an before she will tell Dante she has to be sure she can trust him.This story has it all,deception,danger,violence,hot sex scenes and love unbreakable love.There are so many twists an turns to this story that you will be riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more. I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain. I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.