In the Company of Killers is a really need concept, but unfortunately lacked execution. I wanted to like it much more than I did.

What I liked:
-Gossip Girl x The Sopranos plot
-Vivid writing - I could easily envision the scenes in my head
-Betrayal theme

What was lacking:
-Leo was much more fleshed out as a character than Tasha
-There are many side characters who play big roles in the story, especially at the end, but they did not get enough on page time for any of their motivations to land or even make sense
-The ending was extremely rushed and not at all satisfying

What I would have liked:
-Clearer idea if this was a standalone or the start to a series
-More interactions between Tasha and the Mafia side of her business
-Mafia family tree
-Multi-POV with perspectives from Amelia, Val, Ravi, Scarlett, and Carter

I’m usually always on board with reading over watching movies and shows, but I think this entire story would have translated much better on screen. Thank you to NetGalley, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a big fan of mob books and movies so I went into this book interested to see how it might translate to a younger audience. There’s so much about the “mob world” that wades into heavier and more mature content. Most mob stories I’ve read have been New Adult or Adult, for example. I found that IN THE COMPANY OF KILLERS does what many other romance-focused mob books do, sort of turns mob families into morally-grey business families, presumingly to sidestep the grittier aspects of “mob life.” In the end, KILLERS felt more like dark Gossip Girl than Sopranos from the kids POV, which is honestly probably perfect if you’re into mafia romance (rather than crime fiction).

In In the Company of Killers, Elora Cook delivers a gripping tale that effortlessly blends glamour, betrayal, and vengeance. Imagine the world of Gossip Girl crashing into the dark corridors of The Sopranos—that’s the heady mix of tension and intrigue we’re diving into here. The book introduces Tasha Nicastro, a seemingly typical high school queen bee, until her life is shattered by a brutal truth: her family is at the center of New York’s most powerful mafia.

Cook wastes no time, plunging readers into Tasha’s high-stakes world of luxury and violence. The book crackles with energy from the very first chapter as Tasha’s father and sister are murdered before her eyes. Suddenly, she’s no longer just a teenager with designer clothes and snappy comebacks—she’s the heiress to a criminal empire, and with that inheritance comes a thirst for revenge.

What really sets In the Company of Killers apart is how Cook balances the fast-paced action with complex, layered characters. Tasha is a fierce protagonist. Her strength is compelling, but it’s her vulnerability and deep-seated desire for justice that make her relatable. And then there’s Leo, her former best friend and heir to a rival mafia family, who becomes both her ally and potential downfall. Their relationship is a tense, slow-burn dynamic full of chemistry, resentment, and grudging respect—a true rivals-to-lovers tale.

The banter between them is electric, and Cook peppers their interactions with just the right amount of wit and tension. As they team up to uncover the identity of the new mafia responsible for the deaths of Tasha's family, the stakes rise exponentially. There’s no shortage of secrets, betrayals, and heart-stopping moments, keeping the pages turning with a mix of action, suspense, and romance.

However, what I found particularly interesting is the juxtaposition of Tasha’s glamorous lifestyle with the grim realities of her new role. One moment, she’s donning a designer gown and stepping into a high-end car, and the next, she’s in the thick of danger, showing her grit in the underworld. Cook masterfully portrays both sides of her—the poised, calculated leader and the young woman grappling with immense loss and responsibility.

For those who enjoy stories brimming with luxury, danger, and complex relationships, In the Company of Killers is an addictive read. It’s a genre-bending novel that effortlessly blends romance, mystery, and thrilling mafia drama, all while set against the iconic backdrop of New York City. The plot twists will keep you on your toes, and even if you think you know where the story is heading, Cook is sure to surprise you.

Fans of Gossip Girl and mafia romances alike will devour this book. The tension between love and loyalty, revenge and survival, is palpable on every page. I, for one, cannot wait to see what Cook has in store next—especially after that jaw-dropping cliffhanger.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sharing this captivating YA mafia novel’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book is marketed as Gossip Girl meets the Sopranos and boy does it DELIVER. It has everything from great characters to angst to mafia mysteries and every twist and turn was a thrill! I loved that every time I thought I had it figured out it ended up twisting even more. I cannot recommend this book highly enough - if you love drama, you do not want to miss this one!

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Elora Cook for sending me an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Where to even start. First of all, this book is amazing. I’ve read several Romeo and Juliet retellings and this may be my favorite. I mean, everything about this book was TOP NOTCH. The banter, the rivalries, the jealousy, the mystery, the ROMANCE. Every page had me on the edge of my seat and I did not see ANY of the plot twists coming. With that said, let me get into what I loved about this book.

“A new era had arrived and it would be mine to rule.”

This book starts with a bang and a party, and picks up speed from there. The characters are introduced, but slowly enough where it doesn’t get confusing and feels natural. Tasha is the youngest daughter of a successful businessman, but what she doesn’t know is that he’s also a mafia boss. In fact, the biggest around. Right as her father is about to reveal this to her, he and Tasha’s sister are murdered in their own home and Tasha is left as the sole heir to a criminal empire. Tasha has to decide whether to take control of the mafia or live the rest of her life in hiding, hoping the murderers don’t find her next. In true bad girl style, Tasha rises to the challenge. But that’s only the start.
Enter Leo, childhood best friend turned enemy, whose family happens to run the next biggest mafia in town. Oh, did I mention that he’s absolutely smitten with Tasha, even though she can’t stand him?

“No one told me in Sunday School that the Devil could appear as a girl dressed in a killer gown.”

Oh, yes. This is a he falls first book, people. And boy, is it good. The pinning is exquisite and it only makes it better since Tasha is always dressed to slay. Expect lots of designer gowns and trendy sunglasses while smoothly sliding into killer cars. Every move Tasha makes is so calculated and she just radiates hot girl energy without being annoying. But back to the story.
As the new leader of the Nicastro mafia, Tasha knows that to earn the respect of the mafia and justice for her family’s murders, she needs to track down the killer. It’s a good thing that Leo also needs to find the culprit, because Tasha couldn’t do it alone. There’s breaking and entering, bribing, spying, traps, kidnapping, and parties galore, which make this book bubble with excitement.
Now for the characters. Tasha is a bad girl incarnate and I love her so much. She’s sassy and confident, but in a way that makes you actually like her. When faced with hard decisions, she doesn’t turn away and I love how headstrong she is, even if it fries Leo’s nerves. There’s lots of last minute plans and sneaking around that kept me on my toes and kept me laughing.
Leo, on the other hand, is much more serious. He’s gone through a lot and it shows in his brooding character. Despite his desire to leave the criminal world, he will do anything for his family and those he cares about. While Tasha takes the lead, Leo follows and provides much needed support, without which half of Tasha’s plans probably wouldn’t work.
Another part of this book that was the absolute best was the banter. And it was non-stop. The pages of my e-arc are covered in highlights of all the banter between characters. I must say, Tasha’s is the best. She knows what to expect from people and always has a snarky remark waiting to be made. I was laughing so much while reading this!
As far as romance goes, it’s a slow, tortuous build, but it is so worth it. That’s all I can say…for now.
Overall, this has been one of my favorite reads of 2024 and one of the most exciting. If you’re looking for a high energy book that’s nearly impossible to put down, this is THE ONE. A week later, I still can’t get it out of my head and I know you won’t be able to either. On that note, here’s one last quote from our favorite brooding boy:

“What kind of Shakespeare shit was this?”

“In the Company of Killers” is a dazzling action-romance. This story follows Tasha, part of the upper crust elite, as she goes about her glamorous existence, navigating drama and romance, until she discovers that her father is the head of a mafia group. Now she’s got to team up with Leo, long lost friend and rival, to solve the mystery of who is after their families. The author does a wonderful job drawing the reader into the characters’ sophisticated lifestyle, and then keeping us there with all the thrills and twists of this story. This book is genre-defying and I think it has something everyone will love!

For those who love:
💎 Gossip Girl
💎 Rival Mobs
💎 NYC
💎 Reluctant Allies to Lovers
💎 Murder & Mystery Solving
💎 Secrets and Twists

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I believe it's a 'it's me, not you' type of situation. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. I guess it was enjoyable while it lasted and all, but sadly it won't be memorable to me.
That being said, In the Company of Killers is promising (I think I would have liked it more had it been an adult novel) and I do believe that a lot of people will enjoy it a lot. But, I must admit, I'm no fan of Gossip Girl so the Blair vibe coming off of Tasha didn't really speak to me, although I really enjoyed the writing style and liked Leo a lot!

Reading mafia romance and novel has always been a guilty pleasure of mine and though I acknowledged the fact that my taste in books now is different from before, I still pick up books that interest me.

With ITCOK being a debut novel ft. a rivals to lovers between Tasha Nicastro and Leo Danesi, MCs who are next in line to be the leader of their family's company only to find out that it's an underground mafia organization that they have manage, I did not have a hard time finishing this since the storyline is definitely intriguing.

One of the things that I really liked about ITCOK is the way the author developed the backstory as a critical element in the story. Both Tasha and Leo spent their childhood being part of the same circle of powerful families but due to several circumstances, they end up separated and distant. Now they are being prepped to be the heir of the Nicastro, Danesi legacy, their shared history added an insurmountable tension that left me wanting to read more and find out what they will do individually and together.

ITCOK also discussed about family dynamics and power. Being involved in criminal legacies, Tasha and Leo grew up with different type of family which is significant because the way they are treated affects how they react outside of their territory. Along with it comes the presentation of how power and influence plays a crucial part in society. Being a novel that is following the heirs of New York's top mafia orgs, commentaries about power system are expected and it also tangents with how our society is mostly patriarchal. (full review on Goodreads)

Intense, angsty, and unputdownable - I rated ITCOK, 4stars

‘In the Company of Killers’ is truly a mix of Gossip Girl and the Sopranos (the violence is tame and so is the scheming). Tasha is Blair Waldorf and Leo is Chuck Bass, and like their inspirations they teeter on the unlike-ability line for a bit but you can’t look away. In that time, you’re instantly drawn into their world. There’s an allure to the wealth, the luxury lifestyle, and the criminal enterprise of two warring families that Elora brings to life. The glamour, the duality in character, the unspoken code that’s abided. The world building is alive and well.

But at the beginning I just couldn’t bring myself to buy the premise that Tasha had no idea the lifestyle her father (the head of the Nicastro family) lived, and what she benefitted from. It felt weird to not have a character question their surroundings and actions. I think we would’ve benefitted from Tasha knowing about it from the onset and it would’ve set up the plot quicker. It’s jarring that we’re expected to believe she can now run a criminal enterprise and that the power associated is handed to her with no true pushback.

On the other hand, I throughly enjoyed Leo’s character. You immediately understand the tension in his arc. The push and pull of the ‘life’. There’s a lot of twists and turns. Plus the reveal at the end was quite interesting.

Giving this a 3.5 and I want to thank Elora for the ARC!

Tasha Nicastro is the queen bee of her high school, ruling the social scene with an iron fist. When her father and elder sister are brutally gunned down at her sister’s engagement party, Tasha’s image of her father’s business and dealings quickly crumble. Now she is forced to team up with her former best friend, the boy who may inherit another evil empire, Leo Danesi. Together they set out to find the new entity that threatens to burn both of their families to the ground.

This book would have been a lot more fun if I didn’t have to undertake a massive suspension of belief upfront. It’s hard to imagine a world where Tasha, an intelligent young woman would have no idea that her father runs the most powerful mafia on the East Coast. She believes that many terrible events have befallen her family because he is a powerful developer. While I’m sure there is some shady business going on in the development arena, I would guess it pales in comparison to the crimes of the mob. It seems that Leo was also in the dark about his own family for much of his upbringing. That no one would clue them in, through rumors or otherwise seems like a stretch. I couldn’t completely suspend my belief, but I was able to somewhat enjoy the story.

I do think making Tasha and Leo a few years older, maybe in college instead of high school would have helped me buy into the story more fully, however as it stands, the mafia tale proved a little too unbelievable for me to truly enjoy which is why I am giving it only two stars.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

⭐️⭐️.5/5

I’m heartbroken that I did not love this one. It was pitched as having everything I love: enemies-to-lovers, twists, mafia romance, and more. Unfortunately, the execution was not for me. The writing was lovely, but there were many descriptions or details that were unnecessary and took me out of the story. I was hoping for a satisfying ending, but instead the slow burn and aching romance ended with the characters staying apart. The pacing was slow and for much of the story I felt like nothing was happening. Most of the twists were predictable, and the story did not hook me and hold my attention. The characters were interesting, but many of their actions and lines felt cliché. Towards the end, the story picked up and I had hope, but the book ended with an emotional cliffhanger that felt wrong. I firmly believe that even though I did not enjoy this one, there will be some readers that will love it, and even though I’m not one of them, I suggest giving it a try if you’ve had your eye on it.

When I first saw the premise of this book, I was definitely intrigued. Gossip Girl vibes with a mafia heiress? Sign me up!
This book had so many secret reveals, betrayals, action sequences, and tons of drama. Everyone was lying about something or keeping a secret at some point in time. In that way, it was like watching a teen drama series but in book form. And yes, from the first chapter, Tasha definitely gave me Blair Waldorf energy (but ngl I only got through season 1 of GG before I got too busy to commit to finishing it). The only issue I had was that I figured out most of the twists, so it took away a bit of the fun.

Character-wise, I liked how capable Tasha was and though she was stubborn and a little frustrating at times, I definitely could empathize with her throughout. With Leo, I liked how caring he was, how he was an unwilling heir, and how he always wanted to be there for Tasha.

With the romance, I always enjoy the childhood friends to rivals to lovers trope because... I get it! Also, since Tasha + Leo were from rival mafia families, there’s an element of forbidden romance in there too.

On that note, I definitely want to know what happens after that ending ‼️

I couldn’t be more thankful to have been part of Elora Cook’s street team and to get this ARC of her incredible book. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I discovered her on Instagram, and it did not disappoint! Both the plot, the love story, and the tension of looming danger were expertly woven together. The chemistry between Leo and Tasha was great, though I wish there were more moments and backstory to explore their relationship further.

The aesthetic of this book was incredible—I loved the blend of fame, wealth, and the vibrant New York setting. The writing was fantastic, and the plot twist completely caught me off guard. I didn’t see it coming at all!

Tasha was a strong, stubborn character, and I adored her. Leo, on the other hand—well, I kind of hated him at first, but eventually, his character grew on me. And that cliffhanger? Oh my gosh, the author absolutely killed me with it! How could you do that to us?!

Overall, thank you so much to the author and her publisher for the opportunity to review this amazing book. It was such a thrilling read!