Mafia Romantic Suspense

Sweet Revenge by Meaghan Pierce is a mafia romantic suspense that I listened to on audio narrated by Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding. This is the first book in the Callahan Syndicate series.

This is the first book of Meaghan's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I loved the suspense throughout the book. But I did feel like a lot of questions weren't answered so I look forward to continuing the series to see how everything plays out. I liked the relationship between Evie and Declan. It's messy but you couldn't help but root for them.

I can't wait for the next book in the series Bitter Betrayal to be released on audio so I can get Brogen and Libby's story.

Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like second chance romances, mafia romances, or romantic suspense.

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Promising start with a fantastic duo of narrators

This is a very promising start to a series about a Mafia family which is not overwhemingly dark. I'd say its more Dark-Lite as you have all the elements there, Declan - the young effective ruler of a large Mafia syndicate who is dedicated to his work and Evie the beautiful headstrong and globetrotting thief who left him at the alter 10 years ago. The one who got away and he's never gotten over her. Add in dashes of heist style jobs, contract hits and a sinister lurking threat trying to hunt Evie down and you got yourself one gripping story.

I adore a second chance romance so I enjoyed the journey Declan and Evie go on throughout this one. The initial tension when they meet each other again and the mystery of what actually happened all those years ago which the author leaves you hanging to find out till the end. Despite all that there is an undeniable connection between them and when Evie needs someone to keep her safe they crash together in an inferno just how we like it.

The audiobook does a lot to elevate the story as you have two amazing narrators in Stella Hunter and J.F Harding who bring the right level of intrigue, suspense, drama and passion to make this a riveting listen and at the same time expertly channeling the emotional growth that both Evie and Declan undergo in this story.

There is a whole Callahan family so I expect more family members get their turn at stories and I would definitely want to find out what happens next.

If you want a romantic suspense with a hint of danger and a lot of spice then this is for you.

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Intense

Wow this was so incredibly intense. It was full of past loves and hurts, new threats and mended wounds. Secrets and heartache and an ending that will leave you shocked.

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Good story, great characters and good narration

I loved this book! The plot twists hooked me from start to finish, and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Evie O'Brian, the strong and captivating main character, is trying to stop a killer and avenge her parents' death. Her reunion with her former flame, Declan Callahan, adds even more intensity to the story. The mafia setting in Philadelphia and the suspenseful mystery kept me engaged, and the romance between Evie and Declan was steamy, albeit a bit fast-paced. While some side characters could have been developed further, I appreciated the emphasis on female friendships and the Irish mafia elements. I can't wait for the next book in the series and more twists, suspense, and romance!

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I’m not totally convinced

I’m not totally convinced. There are a lot of good ideas in this book, but it lacks good characters, in my opinion.

Evie is supposed to be this super good thief, and yet she doesn’t look that bright most of the book, making mistakes and missing clues, sometimes even putting herself in danger. Declan keeps repeating that the Syndicate is the most important thing in his life, but he forgets everything once Evie is back in town. As for the side characters, they’re nothing but pawns around the main characters and don’t have much agenda of their own.

As for the plot, it wasn’t bad at all. Between the second chance that creates sparks between Evie and Declan, and the threats on Evie’s life, it keeps the reader interested from beginning to end. It’s gruesome at times, but with the fact that it’s mafia, and that Evie is in danger, it fits, but content warning. The plot twist was well done, never saw it coming. All in all, it was a good story.

The heat was okay. They fall into bed quite fast, but it’s understandable with their past. The little touches of jealousy were nice, though ten years have passed and they’ve had a life away from each other, not knowing if they’d ever be in the same place again, so it’s a bit out of place.

I suppose it’s the narration that makes the book a little better. Both narrators did great, even though third person isn’t easy. They give some life to those characters, and emotions when needed. Great job.

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Sweet enough for a second listen through!

I love second chance romances especially when they’re an element of suspense to keep me fully engaged with the story.

Evie O’Brien is a competent world global thief and ran away from what was supposed to be her ideal future a decade ago. She calls her mom secretly a few times but the last call has her running home to check on her. Only she definitely didn’t expect to come home to the scene that takes her breath away and leaves her devastated. Then to come face to face with the one man see ran away from so long ago.

Declan Callahan can’t believe she’s back, and coming in on the scene at Evie’s parents house leads his protective alpha side to step in to protect her.

Someone’s out to get her, but why now and why her parents. There’s her past that may be the reason for her parents brutal murders and Declan’s mafia syndicate maybe needed for her to find out who’s out to get her.

There’s a surprise for all involved after they all think that the culprit is caught and now the race is on for both Evie and Declan to figure it out before anyone else gets hurt.

Stella Hunter brought out the fierce yet sweet Evie. The woman who has become successful in her life over the decade she has been gone, yet also has the compassion and hopefulness that Evie shows to her girl friends, and yes her continued yearning for that future with the only man she’s ever truly loved. JF Harding has the perfect voice for Declan’s professionalism as the Dom of his mafia syndicate. His love for Evie is still strong and he’s determined to keep his Evie here when he helps get her safe from whoever is out to kill her.

The emotions in this first book of what is sure to be action filled series is just what I love in this genre and I’m excited to hear more.

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Declan and Evie

Declan and Evie's story was not what I was expecting, don't get me wrong, I loved it even though at times the story, perhaps, concentrated a little too much on the side characters I was engaged for every minute and very invested in the outcome. My review may seem a little vague because I DO NOT GIVE SPOILERS.

Evie and Declan shared a bond during their childhood, growing up as children of a mafia syndicate that Declan would rule one day and over time their bond deepened into love. They got engaged but shortly before their wedding, Evie turned her back on him, calling off their wedding for reasons no one but she knew.

Evie moved on and made a very successful life for herself as a professional thief whilst Declan following the death of his father threw himself into ruling the Syndicate. When ten years later Evie receives a text that doesn't feel right to her she returns home to Philly and finds herself right back in Declan’s world. Even though she doesn’t want to be near him he is the only person who can help her and she has to accept his offer of protection.

They are both still drawn to each other despite their long separation, their chemistry is palpable, and the passion, love, and mutual respect for each other can't be denied over time they resume their relationship, but are the reasons she left still there? Declan and Evie are a strong couple who complement each other in every way something that can easily be felt. The sex between them is hot and satisfying and although it's not as spicy as other Mafia romances in that they are equal partners the scenes between them do not disappoint.

The supporting characters are all well-drawn, interesting and intriguing and added much to my enjoyment of the overall story. The storyline is well thought out and kept me guessing as to why did Evie leave? Who is the baddie? Will Evie and Declan find a way to be together? The suspense lasted until the end when all my questions were answered and I have to say I never for one moment guessed who the baddie was and I’m definitely eager and excited to see where this series goes next.

The narration of this book is by two of my favourite voice actors, Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding who work wonderfully well together, every single character was perfectly brought to life and I was able to experience every emotion.

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Wow

Superbly narrated real adventure that leaves so many others in this genre in the shade. Thief, daughter of Mafia family, returns home after calamitous news. Her history slaps her firmly in the face, where she encounters characters good and bad from her past.

So well written, so well scripted, with such good MCs. True passion, true thrills, true drama

Give me Book 2 now !!!

GREAT BOOK - RECOMMENDED

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Fantastic romantic suspense!

The perfect mix of romance and suspense without too much angst. That is what I love. Don't get me wrong, I love a book that makes me worry, but this is what I truly love and Meaghan Pierce brought it to me! Coming home was not something Evie ever thought of doing. After leaving Declan at the alter, she began her new life as a thief and there was no looking back. Now her parents have been murdered and she has to go home. Little did she know, Declan would be there, kidnapping her to keep her safe. Declan never could understand why Evie left him. Despite his role in the syndicate, his hard heart was for just that, business. When it comes to Evie, he is a teddy bear, even ten years later. He will do what it takes to keep her safe. And this is just what he has to do! Action packed scenes, rekindled passion, truths revealed and pure excitement came through my earbuds, keeping me captivated and entertained! I cannot wait to hear the next in this series, as I am sure it will be a treat!

Stella Hunter and JF Harding make this listen one you will not want to miss! Hunter plays Evie, the strong willed, passionate woman. Creating her persona, she gives all her feelings from the past to the present and helps to aid in understanding her. Harding is the alpha male, brave, protective and in love with Evie. He keeps his emotions in check except when it comes to her and Harding has the voice to make the his feelings come alive. This romantic suspense is performed to perfection.

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Captivating!

This was my first Meaghan Pierce's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in the Callahan Syndicate Series, a mafia romance. Evie and Declan's story is well written, and captivating. Evie is beautiful, strong, and determined. Declan is powerful, and protective. I liked the mystery, the intrigue, the action, and the twists and turns. The world building is intriguing. This is a great second chance romance. Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding did an outstanding job bringing this story to life.

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