Take Me Higher

New series with a love/hate mob romance and plenty of gritty action and suspense that ends on a cliffhanger! Take Me Higher is the first book in a new gritty mob romance series by Ali Parker. While some of the book characters were introduced in other books by Ali Parker, I can assure people you do not need to have read to understand and follow this book; I personally haven’t had chance to yet and followed along ok. Obviously, anyone who has read other books will enjoy this too but it’s not essential. However, be warned this isn’t a complete book as it’s the start of a series and does end on a slight cliffhanger with unanswered questions and no HEA. Although I’m not the biggest fan of reading a series, I enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to reading more and finding out what will happen. Take Me Higher tells the story of Izabella and Demetri from both their points of views. There is a clear attraction between these two characters, who have a strong past history, from the very start but be warned - you will want to bang their heads together several times throughout. However, we also get to see their more vulnerable sides too and the sweet moments that make you realise how much these two need each other. Take Me Higher is a well written, easy to read and relatively fast paced mob romance with some violence, although not too graphic. The book is graphic in terms of sexual content; some people will be put off by the main characters having descriptive sex/sexual encounters with other characters. The book is action packed throughout but there are lighter moments throughout too but people looking for a light hearted romance won’t enjoy this book. Also, there is talk of rape within the book which some people may find distressing. If you don’t like cliffhangers or gritty mob romances - this book won’t be for you. Hopefully Demetri and Izabella will get a HEA very soon and all issues will be resolved and overcome!

We were introduced briefly to Demetri and Lizzy in the third book of the Second Chances series, 'Judged'. 'Take Me Higher' introduces us to the Castaletta Family, Chicago's notorious crime family in the aftermath of a family tragedy. Someone kills a valuable family member that sends the syndicate family into an all-out manhunt to find who is responsible and why. No one takes from their family without getting the wrath due them for it! Demetri Demarco is the underboss of the Castaletta crime syndicate. Izabella 'Lizzy' Castaletta is the enforcer because with her skills, looks and gun, she's a force to be reckoned with. Their relationship has always been a roller coaster of treacherous emotions; the lust they feel for each other is dangerous with so many people working to kill them. Demetri has wanted Lizzy for years but now that want has turned into need. He lusts for her to the point of breaking, but it's not just about lust, it's about love too. Will he take her now, despite the boundaries they've resurrected for themselves? She longs for him to be so much more than a partner in crime, but denying him has become almost as enjoyable as having him. He continues to treat her as a little sister and nothing burns Lizzy more than being put in the familial category. She could play games all she wants because Demetri knows sooner or later she's going to relent to the chemistry between them. The Don, Lizzy’s father, does what he can to keep these two apart so he's able to control them both and get what he wants. So the struggle between Lizzy and Demetri ensues ...with neither relenting to their desires nor getting what they need. She knows he's the only one who warms her soul. Her bravery is doing nothing but clouding her vision of Demetri and what he means to her. Will she finally let Demetri in or stay the cold hearted monster her father made her? Will Demetri finally succumb to his feelings for her and claim her like he’s always wanted to? Just how much of themselves are they willing to give up for the family syndicate or will love and passion reign? This is not the typical love story, but the plot sucks you in. Who killed Vivian? Is Freddy a rat or just a pawn in the attempt of pushing the Castaletta’s out of power? What’s next for Lizzy and Demetri? This is a thrilling read filled with dry wit, violence and sexy scenes. Ali Parker weaves a captivating story with great character development and tantalizing plot twists. I can't wait to read what's next for the Castaletta's! I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review.

We first met Demetri DeMarco in Judged with his brother Drake and then again in the Bad Money Series with Marcus. There is nothing he won't do for his family or syndicate family as well even leaving the woman he lusts after, Izzy Casteletta, alone. Both have recently lost their mothers and D has some secrets he doesn't share with Izzy. Izzy is one bad a## woman and can handle herself nicely! That's why she is their enforcer. These two ratchet up the sexual tension and you just wish they would give in already! This book has the right amount of angst and feel goods! Check out all that happens inside their Chicago mafia. Received an ARC for an honest review.