War ~ Isabel Lucero

SYNOPSIS:
My father was the leader of a protection racket; a criminal group that uses violence to ensure our clients won’t be harmed or robbed, and that their businesses will remain protected. What we do isn’t legal, but it’s the way we’ve lived for many years now.
Memphis Reed—my father—was formidable. He was a man people both respected and feared. He taught me everything he knew, and when he died I was left in charge.
Before his death, a battle was brewing on the streets. Lies were told, deceptions were made, and people were killed. People we thought we knew changed, relationships and friendships were torn apart, and loyalties were questioned. After his death, a full on war is raging, and Roman Rios—a man we now know we can’t trust—wants to move in on our business.
With me now being the leader of nine men, it’s up to me to protect them from Roman and his own crew of ruthless criminals. I’ll do whatever’s necessary to keep my business my own and protect everything my father worked for. Even if I have to go up against Xavier Delgado. Roman’s number two. A man with no heart and a black soul. A man Roman trained to be as vicious and cold-blooded as he is. A man who once upon a time I thought I was in love with.
Yes, I’m a she. My name is Chevelley Reed, and all’s fair in love and war.

4.5 I loved it corsets *yay new to me author*

"We. Aren't. Going. Anywhere."
He glances down at my finger with a look that says he's not amused.
"Then you've just started a war."
Xavier looks me up and down before turning around and walking back to his car.

West Side Story meets Sons of Anarchy meets The Notebook.

Yep… there’s a little bit of every intense subject in this book by Isabel Lucero. Shall we not mention the discrete age old battle of Chevy versus Ford? All of the characters in Chevelley’s crew drive a Chevy vehicle plus she’s named after a Chevy Classic! The enemy of course drives a Lincoln (Ford product). I got a little kick out of this – I’m dying to ask the author- was it intentional ?!

War begins with Chevelley aka “Chelle” and “C” as she deals with a tough situation. She’s learned a rival criminal group plans to overtake her crew unless they submit and work under the others. The hell that’s gonna happen! As C tries to come up with a plan she continuously crosses paths with her ex and first love, Xavier (now the enemy). He’s cruel and cold yet seems to be giving her hidden warnings- but why? As tensions rise and bodies start to pile up- what’s a mid-twenties crime boss to do?

This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it very much. It would be impossible to form a “meh” opinion on this book… there was one aspect I LOVED and one that left me with a ton of questions.

What I LOVED…
The dynamic between C and Xavier came alive to me as I read the book. I could feel the heartache, desperation, fear and loathing that C felt the whole time she was around him. She can’t forgive him because he doesn’t want to be forgiven- he’s working for the enemy. Yet his warnings gave us the reader hope, hope that this alpha male wasn’t all bad and was still redeemable. The push and pull of these two was written brilliantly- really stood out in my mind.

What I questioned…
Okay.
The premise of a young, twenty-something girl being the boss of a large racketeering crime organization was wayyyy too much beyond my suspension of belief. Plus the crime group is all younger men save a few older ones who don’t participate in the “activities” because they are retired. RETIRED?! I didn’t know huge crime bosses could retire. Yeah… Plus the MAFIA answers to this group of young adults?! No way. I think the group would have been better categorized as a street gang, MC outlaw group, or something the like. Also- where’s the money? For a successful crime group running West Philly where do they siphon their money? And last question- why do they text/talk about HUGE confidential operations? You’d think they’d have a little discretion.

Overall I loved the book and it was a quick read for me- the dynamic between the heroine and enemy really made any grievance I had insignificant and on the back burner. There was a lot of action and tension building moments that were well-written and executed great. I’d definitely recommend it to others.

4.5 stars xx
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Isabel Lucero is the author of the romantic suspense novel The Secrets That We Keep and the bestselling erotic romance books Living in Sin, Unforgivable Sin, and Sins & Mistrust; books one, two, and three in The Escort Series.

She was born in a small town in New Mexico and was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. She's been married for eleven years to the love of her life and Jr. High School sweetheart. Together they have two of the best and most beautiful kids in the world.

Isabel's love for reading is anything but new, she's been reading since before she was a teenager.
She’s a multi-genre author, tackling genres such as romantic suspense, erotic romance, crime drama, and contemporary romance.

She currently lives overseas and is constantly coming up with new book ideas, so keep an eye open for new stories coming your way. Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on her personal website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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