Nero

Alliance #1

By S.J. Tilly

*Can be read as a standalone*

(But don’t because they are all good)

TheStory

While evading the cops, the head of The Alliance, Nero, lands himself in the apartment of the sweet and innocent Payton. Once in the apartment, Nero just hangs out on her couch. Payton, thinking she is dreaming, falls asleep while Nero is there. 

After this chance encounter, Nero becomes obsessed with Payton and more or less starts stalking her. Frankly, he falls right into psycho territory. But Payton isn’t bothered in the least. She is just as obsessed with him and ultimately, the two start a relationship together. But Nero has enemies. Enemies that want to hurt him and are willing to hurt Payton in order to do that. 

Unfortunately, Nero’s life is dangerous and he can’t always protect Payton. After she mistakenly reveals their relationship to the public, all bets are off. Nero’s enemies are coming and they will stop at nothing to try to take him down. 

TheReview

I’ve always been a little reticent about mafia romances. I just didn’t think they would be my vibe, so this was my first toe dip into that type of romance. And it was worth it! A perfect first mafia read. I totally dig the morally gray antihero vibes. We love a man who will burn the world down for his woman. And who will murder anyone who causes her harm. On paper of course.

There were two absolutely hilarious scenes that had me dying laughing. First, the very first scene when Nero shows up in her apartment. Her reaction is so funny and it’s exactly how one might react to that insanity (except the falling asleep part). She’s totally disbelieving and ultimately thinks that she’s just dreaming, so she does fall asleep. Hilarious.

Second, the party scene where she shows up and essentially announces herself to the underground world as being a part of Nero’s life. Nero putting on an act was so sad but King trying to chase down Payton was freaking hilarious. I was cracking up. 

Most importantly to the storyline - Payton and Nero! I love these two characters. Nero is a morally gray badass. He is completely okay with who he is. But Payton. She is a sweet and innocent little flower. She has had a hard life and she just keeps to herself and really isn’t living her best life. Until Nero comes along. Payton is just damaged enough to be able to love Nero for exactly who he is - bad bits and all. She’s his perfect match. She doesn’t try to bring light into his life to make him better. She accepts him for who he is and meets him in his darkness. 

This is a story about love and healing. About finding the person who can meet you where you are and accept every single part of you - the good and the bad. And it was amazing.

TheRating

Storyline: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

World Building: N/A

Writing: 5/5

Overall: 📘📘📘📘📘

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

FavoriteQuotes

“For you, I’m fucking certifiable.” - Nero

“... you’re just as much mine as the dark is.” - Nero

“She doesn’t smooth out my rough edges. She fits into them .” - Nero

Alliance Series

Nero

The Alliance #1

King

The Alliance #2

Dom

The Alliance #3

Hans

The Alliance #4