Forever Lies

By: Jill Ramsower

Narrated by: Mackenzie Cartwright, Teddy Hamilton

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Luca was heartache waiting to happen.

On the surface, he appears well-dressed and professional, but behind those impassive black irises, I can sense something dark and ruthless. He’s unlike any man I’ve come across in my life. With my wealthy upbringing, I’ve been around any number of affluent, powerful men, but Luca is different. Enigmatic. Overwhelming. He wears an air of secrecy like the latest fashion trend.

I’m not one of those girls who seeks out the bad boy - I have enough issues to deal with in my life without adding his brand of trouble. Problem is, a chance elevator malfunction put me straight in his crosshairs, and now, he won’t let me walk away. The most disturbing part - no matter how dangerous he may be, there’s a mutinous side of me that doesn’t want to run. As if I ever had a choice....

Warning: There is a scene involving attempted sexual assault that may not be suitable for listeners sensitive to such topics.

©2019 Jill Ramsower (P)2019 Jill Ramsower

I LOVED EVERY MAFIA MINUTE

This was a new-to-me author but I couldn’t resist the lure of a new Mafia series starting with this romance being co-performed by Teddy Hamilton (purrrr). And the backstories, build-up, revelations, chemistry, suspense, sex, thrills and chills, betrayal, twists and climactic passion was all I was hoping for.. but sadly there were only eight measly chapters narrated by one of my favorite male narrators.. so boo hoo please give us more next time. However.. and thankfully, Mackenzie’s 5 star narration was excellent and her possessive alpha male voice was believable allowing each character to be pictured in my head as the riveting action scenes played out.

Worth a credit? Yes absolutely. A great introduction to The Five Families with a good balance between family, the ‘family’ and the bitter-sweet conflicted romance in the epicenter that comes with a heavy dose of heart vs head decisions and deadly drama. Thankfully the story ends well for Luca and Alessia.. but the enemy has now been been revealed - and his mission is to create a war between the families. And I can’t wait to hear more.

4 people found this helpful

Good Mafioso story!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I need to listen to Mackenzie Cartwright more. I've listened to her before and she was really good in this story. Teddy of course was fabulous but he didn't narrate as many chapters as I'm used to but he was there. He's one of my top book boyfriends which is why I went with this one.
My heart goes out to women or anyone who have endured any form of sexual harassment. I dont think this situation is the main story but it's a good part of it at times so the warning is legit so be careful to avoid triggers if you're sensitive. I thought it would be hard to listen to but the author handled it in a way that I could listen to it without tears. The story is a love story and about our families and our heroine finding out things about her family she didn't know and her having a hard time handling the harrassment and the decisions she had to make to get her HEA. Luca was her knight and shining savior. He was a hottie too!!!!!
Good story with some surprises and twists. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the audio. Well narrated and interesting. ❤❤❤❤

3 people found this helpful

A sexy, suspenseful read!

I love a good mafia romance and this one did not disappoint. The narrator's did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Luca is a bossy, protective alpha and I loved him from the very start. Alessia is strong and independent. Luca is relentless in his pursuit to win Alessia over despite how hard she may fight it. They have an instant chemistry and there's no stopping all the explosive sexual and emotional tension. There's lies, betrayal, and whopper of suspense that pulls you in like no other. I can't wait to see how all the issues play out in the upcoming book and hopefully, more books? Because you'll find out that its definitely not all resolved just yet...

2 people found this helpful

Forever Sucked In!

I love a good mafia story! This did not disappoint. I can't wait to hear more of the rest of the Five Families! I hope there is even more to Luca and Alessia story. I was totally sucked in and need more!

If you want a story with lots of twists and turns, some a little predictable but a good time, all the same, this is for you!

Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton did an amazing job with the narration had me hanging on to every word!

#audiobookobsessionreviewer

2 people found this helpful

I enjoyed it

Forever Lies by Jill Ramsowar is the first book in the Five Families series. This novel will have you engrossed from beginning to end with its mafia trope, its intriguing characters and its twists and turns.
There was suspense, mystery, drama, secrets, betrayal, intense chemistry, romance and so much more. Yes it was Luca and Alessia's story but there was also an underlying plot that greatly added to the story. I absolutely loved this novel and can't wait for more in this series. I would highly recommend it to all lovers of mafia romance.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel which was narrated by Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton. These two were amazing and brought the story to life. I was hooked on every word, they had great pace and timing and I loved that they had varying voices for the different characters. It was a pleasure listening to them narrate this novel.

1 person found this helpful

Forever Lies

A mafia book at it’s finest. Quite a few twists in this book that have you guess and yet it all blends in so perfectly with the rhythm of the story. Great book and great narration!

1 person found this helpful

Office Romance with a side of Mafia

This was my first time reading from author Jill Ramsower. I would call this an office romance with a sprinkle of mafia. 😂

From the beginning, hero and heroine have this immediate attraction. However, the romance itself is a bit of a slow burn as each is holding back from the other for personal reasons. When the romance takes off its explosive and steamy. I found the character development of the hero a bit lacking. I know as a reader there are secrets that are kept held back as the story is developing but because of the hold back on details I think that I never truly warmed up to him and was able to trust that his actions were worthy of our heroine therefore I couldn’t fully get into the romance of these two characters.

1 person found this helpful

Love it!!!

This turned out good!!! Had me sitting on the edge of my seat waitn for more!!!

Well.....

3.5 out of 5 stars. I read book 3 before listening to this one and I absolutely loved how independent and fierce the heroine was and then I listen to this one and the heroine is rather passive. I can’t write this review without spoilers. You have been warned. 😂

She is rescued 5 times by a secretary, Luca 3x (car, mugger, rape attempt) and Marco 💕 (and arguably by her friend Jackson who warns her... which would make 6 and you can make another argument for her father saving her as well)

She never really shows agency and if she is just always going to play the damsel in distress then can I get her paramour to rescue her in the end? Like he shows up out of nowhere to save her from being hit by a car, from muggers by the dock and her boss assaulting her in the bathroom and then doesn’t get to save her from being kidnapped?! And she makes him wait a week to see her? Luca talks about how she’s feisty and submissive but I just read her as passive more than anything. She does nothing to help herself in any situation. She can’t even make an HR complaint. If you are gonna go for damsel in distress for the entire book... go for it. Let the hero rescue her too. HE WAS AT THE GYM! Let him show up guns blazing (it made sense for him to take a back seat in the story but wow was that not exciting)

That being said I did love Luca and the mob section of the story. I think I am going to read book 2 to finish out the story basically in hopes that it will be better than this one. I think i might go up my rating for book 3 considering I’m realizing how much I liked it and I only gave it 4/5 stars.

I did love the narration for both characters. I hadn’t listened to a Mackenzie Cartwright book before and really loved her. Teddy is Teddy. And Teddy is perfection.

Loyalisa30

Jill Ramsower surprised me with Luca and Alessia’s mafia romance . Several issues were addressed, such as deception, betrayal, lack of empathy as well as lust, sexual harassment and self awareness. Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton did an excellent job narrating! One thing frustrated me with the storyline. I don’t think it’s was believable that only certain members were totally aware of the connections to the mafia. Situations and circumstances were bound to present itself causing a myriad of questions that would allude to the discovery of being in the mafia. Overall I really enjoyed this audiobook.

Alessia and Luca ! Wow

I bought nr 1 and 2 in this ”The Five Families” serie because I won book 3 on FB.

It’s a great first book, I didn’t want to stop listening.
All the secrets this familj have.

Amazing narration by Mackenzie Carwright and Teddy Hamilton, who have live to the story.

The author Jill Ramsower are new to me, and I love her work just after 1 book.

Really good first of a series

Another new to me author, and I’m glad I tried. This book is the first in a mafia romance series, and it’s the perfect introduction. Through the characters of Alessia, who believes the mob is a myth, and Luca, who has a mysterious life, we discover this world where five families reign over New York. But the politics of this world isn’t at the core of the story. It’s first and foremost the story of Alessia, an innocent woman who’s going to learn that she has to compromise with her morals, for love. It’s basically the theme of the book, since Luca also has to compromise with his principles once he meets Alessia.

The characters are well developped, with a depth that I really enjoyed–especially the way Alessia is looking for her father’s approval, it was beautifully written. But it means that you’ll deeply relate to them, and will feel the horrible situations Alessia is going through. It’s a mafia story after all, it’s gritty and violent and painful.

I’m a big fan of the male narrator, but it was my first time listening to the female narrator. She was amazing. Since most of the story is seen through Alessia’s eyes, you only get a few chapters narrated by the male character.

It was a really good first of a series, though not for the faint of heart, and I can’t wait to know more about this world.

Alessia and Luca

I purchased this first as an ebook back in January, I read it and loved it but when I saw that it was available as an audiobook I just had to have it, the story works perfectly in audio! The writing style of the author allows us to slowly learn the motives of our hero as we listen to the story.

Luca is both sexy and mysterious, from the moment Alessia sets her eyes on Luca she is captivated by his male beauty but it's his eyes which held her captive. He commands all of her attention which is exactly how he wants it.

Alessia is working her way up in the family business, although she's proved her worth at work for some reason she doesn't do anything to stop her boss's unwanted advances. When Luca and she meet, he's drawn to her, he’s strong and powerful and want's a strong woman, but one who knows when to submit and he thinks he's found one in Alessia.

The more time they spend together the more Alessia is captivated by him but what are his true motives, there’s more lurking beneath the surface with this man than mere attraction.

I found myself getting lost in the story I liked both characters but I did have issues with them both at times. Luca loves how submissive Alessia is, and at times Alessia seemed weak and naive so that their partnership felt a bit onesided but then that's just my opinion. This is an intriguing and interesting book which was made more enjoyable for me by the wonderful narration of Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton who brought the characters to life so well.

There is a lot more I could say but that would involve spoilers which I don't want to give.

Great beginning for these five families!

I love listening to new authors, and Jill Ramsower did not disappoint. This hot, suspense filled story had me from entering the elevator. The "chance" meeting of Alessia and Luca begins our story and we listen just to find out the secrets, lies and love that comes of it. Luca is a man on a mission, and he won't stop until it is accomplished. He did not expect the chemistry he has with Alessia. Alessia is not looking for a relationship, she is trying to build her own career in her father's business. These two have no idea how deep and dangerous their meeting will take them. The passion and thrills are high and surprises will keep you on the edge. I loved the characters in this one. Luca is mafia, through and through, but a little vulnerability when it comes to Alessia may be his downfall. Alessia is very strong willed, passionate and determined. Love these two together, but I really loved the family dynamics behind them. Each has a very different back story creating mystique and intrigue into the five families. I can't wait for more

Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton are a fantastic team and really compliment each other with their narration. Cartwright, always on her game, hones in on Alessia's personality so much that I could feel everything. She has a lot of revelations and each one a different reaction, easily felt. Hamilton exudes that alpha male into Luca, and he let's us into the conflicting feelings of Luca. It's a fantastic narration and beautifully enhances the story.

Impressive

This is my first book by Jill Ramsower, and I absolutely loved her style. The storyline is incredibly engaging, it draws you in and captivates you. The plot is filled with conflict, deceits, betrayal, romance, and some angst. There were some unexpected twists and turns, secrets kept, and their revelations. I was thoroughly enthralled by how Luca and Alessia's relationship built and grew. Luca is the definition of an alpha male with powerful protective instincts. Alessia, although at times naive, has a strong inner core.

The dual narration by Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton is outstanding. Their performance embodies the characters' personalities and emotions, portraying their desire and want for each other, literally bringing the book to life. I can't wait for more books from this author.

Mafia + Love

This is a great book. The FMC is working her way up the ladder of her father's company. She is in the marketing department. She is park of a wealthy Italian family. Her life changes when she meets Luca. This is a great Mafia story. If you enjoy romance with a dash of danger, I highly recommend this book.

Great listen!

With an intense story and fantastic narration, I have loved every bit of this audio. Both narrators, Mackenzie Cartwright and Teddy Hamilton, captured both characters so well and successfully engaged my total focus on the story as it unfolded. A 5 star listen! 💖💖💖💖💖

Entertaining with heart pounding moments

This is the first book I've listened to by Jill Ramsower and I really like her style. It was a great mob story where the characters, Luca and Alessia first got to know each other before the mob aspect of the story came into play. That means that we got to really learn more about the characters and both are great. Luca is mysterious but loyal and loving to Alessia. Alessia is sweet (maybe a little too sweet with how she dealt with her work issue!) but together they worked. And once the mob aspect came into play, my heart was pounding during some scenes but they were particularly well done- inferring the horror without outright overemphasizing the content.

Overall, it was a great book that was dark but not too dark.

As for the narration, fair notice that I would listen to Teddy Hamilton read a phone book but as Luca? sigh. He was awesome. of course. There's something about him playing a NY mafioso that is so fitting in terms of his voice but in all aspects, such as playing multiple characters, he was great. And then Mackenzie Cartwright? Also another fantastic narrator who was able to play all the characters beautifully, differentiating so well, even between male and female characters. Overall, a great listen with narrators who elevated the story.

I requested and received this audiobook.