Review: A Love of Vengeance – Nancy Haviland

Once the most feared member of an Italian Mafia crime family, Gabriel Moretti returns to New York at the request of his mentor, Russian crime boss Vasily Tarasov. Vasily needs someone he can trust in Seattle to protect his estranged daughter, Eva Jacobs, while he avenges the murder of the young woman’s mother. Gabriel is unstoppable in a fight, whether he’s using fists, blades, or bullets; but innocent, onyx-haired Eva may just be the most dangerous—and beautiful—thing he’s come up against.

Intense sparks fly between the two, tempting Gabriel to mix business with pleasure while in the Emerald City. But once word gets around that Gabriel has shown up in New York, Stefano—his vengeful brother and the de facto head of the family—decides that Eva is the key to ending the feud between them…permanently.

In this pulse-pounding romantic thriller set against the backdrop of New York City’s storied underworld, loyalties will be tested, secrets will be told, and mob justice will be served.

Series: Wanted Men #1
Release Date: November 11th 2014
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Michelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

This romantic suspense novel features a cast of alpha males that will stop at nothing to defend themselves and those they love.  Evangeline “Eva” Jacobs happens to be the daughter of a man that is very important to Gabriel “Morettti” Moore.  He has been given the task to watch over her and protect her.  Gabriel is determined to fly straight and leave behind his connection to his father’s criminal empire.  However, when duty and unexpected love collide Gabriel will face his past and risk everything to keep those he loves safe.  

I didn’t become vested in any of the characters.  Eva was really dense.  She never questioned why Gabriel kept popping up in and around her.  She was accosted multiple times, and she still didn’t connect the dots that someone was intent on harming her.  She had a best friend, Nika, that winced whenever she hugged her.  I kept waiting for the revelation that Nika was in an abusive relationship.  However, it never happened.  I think this is because the author is setting up for a series with Nika’s story being one of the books that will be featured later.  I wish she would the author would have spent less time focusing on Nika, Nika’s brother, and Nika’s husband because none of it was pertinent to the storyline for this book. 

Stefano Moretti is Gabriel’s brother.  There is a deep divide between them.  However, the author resolves this by Stefano having an epiphany at the end of the novel.  It was random and awkward.  There were so many male characters protecting Eva that I finally gave up trying to remember them and their stories. 

The storyline focused on what would happen if Stefano and Gabriel had to face each other.  However, the author spent too much time hyping up the bloodshed and havoc that would ensue when they finally faced off.  I kept waiting for the action to start, but the climax was a complete let down.  I was left shaking my head thinking is this all?

The author tidily resolved all the elements in the story except for Eva’s friend Nika.  I am hopeful that the next book will focus more on what happens versus what could happen.