Sometimes I really love reading first-time authors. They bring a certain flair to the particular genre the book is written. This particular book is a mafia romance to a degree. It is written in a different style and focus, which makes for a really good story.
Publishing in May, check out my thoughts below.
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A Favor Owed by Marisa Calcara
ASIN: B0F1M765SS
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: May 12, 2025
OVERVIEW:
To everyone else, I look like just another struggling law student. Out here in the dry, sleepy California town of Dos Torres, I’ve got a job serving tables, a cheap (some would describe it as “decrepit”) rental, and every day is a lesson in survival.
No one would ever know that last year, I lived in a mansion in New York, everything I wore was high-end designer, and I had everything I could ever want. And the cost of it all? Knowing that my family—my own dad—committed unspeakable crimes for everything we had.
I’m a former “mafia princess” with a debt to pay to society. No one in “the family” knows where I am or what I’m doing. And they can’t ever find out.
Only now a complication has entered my already too-complicated life—and he’s tall, fit, and has a boy-next-door grin that invites trouble. He has no idea who he’s falling for…or that just being seen with me could get him killed.
But apparently I’m not the only one who’s good at lying—because he’s hiding one hell of a secret, too.
A Favor Owed by Marisa Calcara Review
When you hear the term mafia romance, you automatically think of Alpha males, the protective guys who will do anything to you and for you. Sometimes we get the blood and gore, depending on the writer.
This story has some mafia romance flair, but it’s written in a different aspect and from a different view. Plus, the female lead doesn’t really know who he is, which brings another level to the story along with some suspense.
The characters are pretty well developed, even though they’re both working with lies about themselves.
She’s hard-working and intent on taking care of herself by doing everything she can to make a life of her own. He is smoldering and sexy and falls for her pretty darn quickly, with a lot of guilt attached.
The tension between them is strong, and you can feel why they’re a good fit. I love the slow ramping up of the relationship, knowing that something‘s gonna blow at any second.
Together, they are sexy and steamy, and Calcara throws in enough tension that we want to keep reading straight through. There are a few places where there are some inconsistencies in the story, but they didn’t really bother me too much.
A Favor Owed has good flow. The storyline is interesting and unique. For a first-time author, the story is enticing and memorable, delivering a good twist of a romance.
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.