Overall this was a good story. Easy to read, short and fast paced. You really go through the emotions with the main characters while you try to understand their reasoning for the decisions they each make.

Thank you Entangled for the eARC

I picked this book up and didn't set it back down until after I'd read it cover to cover; hours later I am still thinking about it.

This storyline is packed with complicated family dynamics, life altering secrets, memorable characters, banter and the sweetest romance. I really loved watching Brady and Angie's relationship develop and grow from playful banter to friendship to something so much deeper.

From early on in the story I was impressed by Angie's bravery, strength and determination. I was firmly in her corner and it had me hoping for the HEA that she deserved.

Brady's storyline was emotional and I loved his strong familiar connections. These two characters complimented each other in a way that felt so natural and right.

I will definitely be recommending this one and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you Marisa Calcara, Net Galley and Entangled Publishing LLC | Amara for providing me with an ARC of this book! All opinions in this review are my own.

Really enjoyed this. I usually read fantasy, so this was a nice little break. It is fast paced and easy to follow. Angela is a former mafia princess who snitches on her father. She’s hiding away, working and attending law school. She keeps to herself until Brady comes into the picture. He’s hard to resist and she finds herself opening up to him. But Brady has his secrets as well. We get to read from both POVs (which I love). I actually really liked Angie, she’s strong and not what you would expect as a mafia princess. The inclusion of 9/11 was also appreciated. Overall, this book was cute and a quick read.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the e-ARC! I really enjoyed reading!

Overall, good read.

It's about a mafia princess who has left her family business, her fortune, and her future, to set out on her own in law school across the country. Angela Pines doesn't want to be part of her father's ruthless business of human trafficking or anything else he does to make money. She gets a fake ID and other documents made so she can start over.

What I love most about this story is Angela's resiliency. She gets a job, she lives in a rundown house, she doesn't have designer clothes or a fancy room anymore. She just puts her head down and works for her future. This determination helps her succeed while also catching the attention of popular Brady McDaniels. She doesn't want to get close to anyone for fear of her father finding her, but Brady, Angela can't resist.

However, can they form an honest relationship when both of them are hiding monumental secrets about why they're at a small rural California law school? Will love be able to save them and conquer all, even her father, the mafia boss?

This is a fast-paced read and you won't want to put down. It's enjoyable and you can connect to the characters.

Thank you to Entangled for the eARC of this book! Definitely recommend!

A Favor Owed flips the typical mafia romance on its head. Instead of glamorizing the lifestyle, it focuses on what happens when someone walks away from it.

Angie, once living in designer clothes and a New York mansion, trades it all for a rundown apartment and a low-profile life in dusty Dos Torres, California. She’s trying to make amends after helping put her mobster father behind bars for human trafficking. Now, she’s just a law student waiting tables—until Brady shows up.

Brady’s the classic good guy with secrets of his own, and their chemistry is immediate. But neither of them is being honest, and when the truth unravels, it hits hard.

The romance is sweet, not steamy. The story dives into tough subjects like human trafficking and 9/11, but it does so with care. Angie is fierce and independent—the kind of main character who earns your respect. Brady is both lovable and infuriating in a way that keeps you hooked.

This isn’t your usual mafia romance. It’s softer, more grounded, and emotionally honest. A solid debut that makes you want to read what Marisa Calcara writes next.

This book was cute and fun to follow along. Yes mafia book but not violent more of a love story. I really enjoyed the twisting in of 9/11 especially with the current political climate. Never forget.

A mafia princess decides to leave her father’s empire behind, snitching on him when she goes. Angie runs off from New York to California without looking back to start a new life and not one of luxury after squealing on her dad’s human trafficking ring. Brady’s father created the false documents that she needed to leave and got caught in the middle of the investigation. Brady found himself informing on her and falling in love at the same time.

There is some sweet romance in this book. It’s not full of your typical mafia romance details, but it does mention human trafficking rings and how they can work. It also touches on firefighters and 9/11 so if any of that triggers you, you might want to sit this one out. Overall, I enjoyed it and loved the characters. Brody was easy to love, but also scream at when I felt like he was messing up. Angie was independent and brave. The type of heroine I would love to be and my son would be lucky to marry. I can’t wait to read more from Marisa Calcara.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.