Declan + Coraline

Lately, I have been reading all my old books on my Kindle and cleaning it up a little. One of my favorite authors happens to be J.J McAvoy and I had read the majority of this series and yes, unfortunately out of order but I decided to read the two earlier Ruthless People books I had remaining on my kindle. I have to admit that Declan + Coraline's story was my favorite and when chatting to my friend Rachael who also loves this series, she was like of course you liked them - she was a Liam and Melody girl. There is just something about this couple as though they live in terrible worlds and bad things happen, the pair of them aren't completely closed off or jaded as Declan though his parents were murdered in front of him and he has killed people for The Callahans, unlike Liam who was stone-cold - Declan has a warmth about him. Coraline is the same, though both parents killed and she was raised by her ungrateful uncle and treated like an ATM machine she still has this caring nature unlike of course Neal's wife Olivia or Liam's wife Melody. Declan + Coraline is their love story and how they came to meet and for Declan it was love at first sight but for Coraline - her heart was closed off and so she made Declan work for it but they got their in the end. I am now looking forward to jumping right ahead to Bloody Kingdom and the Children of Vice series since I have caught up with the remaining books in the Ruthless People Series. Fans of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense and Mobster books will love Declan + Coraline's epic love story by J.J McAvoy.

WOW!!! This book takes us to the beginning of where Declan and Coraline's story begins, and thankfully rarely mention Olivia because just the thought of her makes my blood boil. Back to Declan and Coraline, we get to see the old Declan and his unattached player type, hooking up with women just for the sex, that is until he sets his eyes on Coraline. Coraline having graduated from Stanford and living in California, moves back to where she grew up to live with her rude ass uncle, aunt, and cousin. With her parents dying in a fire when she was younger she grew up with those money greedy people as her only family. It was love at first sight for Declan at least but it didn't take long for Coraline to fall for the famous Callahan charms and they were just as hot as Liam and Mel's but without the bullets. We also get to see a fair share of Liam in this book as well in his supermodel phase but just as ruthless when it comes to his duty to the family, like putting people in hospitals, some things never change. There is also glimpse of Neil, Sedric, Evelyn, and even a special Mel interaction that had me squealing wishing it was longer but even with it being as short as it was it was still perfect and encased Mel's personality perfectly. I feel the need to say this again but thankfully Olivia was only mentioned 6 times and none of them included her speaking, the urge to strangle her is already so great, so to all you Olivia haters out there it is quite satisfying. This was a great present from J. J. McAvoy just 9 days before American Savages, which by the way I'm terrified of reading just because of the things she has said on twitter because I don't think my blood pressure could handle another The Untouchables ending, and filled with hot, hot, hot writing. At the very end J. J. also gives us another gift to be waiting for, which is her next book to be released in May called Black Umbrella which I am also very excited for just because its her writing and she's got a hold on my heart since the very first chapter of Ruthless People.

*****Spoilers*****It was short but has all the feels. Coraline is an heiress whose father opened a bank but along with Coraline's mom, passed away. Coraline her aunt, uncle and cousin left, I believe the adults helped raise her. The family she has basically mooches off of her and her uncle is upset because Coraline's father made something with the bank that her uncle thinks he's entitled to. Declan is an Irish Mafia member whose family is involved in drugs and murder but are more cohesive. His parents are also deceased and he was raised by his uncle and aunt.First glance is Declan when he sees Coraline briefly but doesn't get to speak with her. She runs inside a diner where Declan is having a meal with his brother Liam to escape the rain but fixes her umbrella and runs out again before Declan can speak to her. The next time they meet it's at a club and Declan doesn't let Coraline leave without getting her number. From there, Declan's persistence wears Coraline down and it's a whirlwind of Declan and Coraline learning about one another. They end up taking a trip to Cancun which Declan couples with some family business but it gives them time together. When they return home to Chicago, Declan declares that Coraline is his to his family by way of inviting her to church on his arm. The symbolism isn't lost on his family and outsiders aren't the norm, the solution is uncle gives Declan is for him to bring Coraline in or she dies. Declan tells her about his family mafia business, the drugs and murder and what he did on the Cancun trip. Coraline pieces together that she'll either have to be with him or be dead and she runs despite how strong her feelings are for Declan. Both are heartbroken while apart but Declan communicates with Coraline by way of daily emails for a while followed by PS I love you. Coraline resists responding, in total they're apart for two weeks, and we get a couple of visits by Declan's family members to Coraline, the most impactful probably by Liam who opens Coraline's eyes to the shady dealings of her bank customers.In the end, Coraline is in some trouble wihwn her cousin drives impaired in Coraline's car and kills someone. Declan comes through for Coraline but doesn't ask for anything in return, just drops off an envelope for her with passports and black cards since he knows this the timeline for Coraline has run out before his family takes her out. Eventually, Coraline takes Declan back and he gives her his mother's ring.Spelling and grammar errors are just sighs. They distract from the story which is particularly detrimental when they happen at the beginning of a story this short. It cuts into getting to the interesting where to opening to a book is often getting to know the characters, the situations they find themselves in, and the world in which they live. I couldn't figure out why Coraline allowed herself to be used by her family but was so reticent at first when it came to Declan because she turned off her phone so as not to be disappointed if he didn't call after they had sex early. But he shows up at her bank as an $80 million investor under the name of his mother's trust to get more time with her. For sure persistent but Coraline eventually goes to him. I liked the characters and really didn't see how Coraline could get over the Mafia and murder but she consciously decides to look past it for Declan.

Wow! What a prequel! Declan loved him some Coraline…almost instantly!! The best love story and some serious retaliation when someone has the nerve to hurt what is his. Otis learned that the hard and lasting way. Imani, the spoiled brat that she was, being locked in a mental institution for life….to think of how she treated Coraline and tried to frame her for Mr. Pierre’s murder.

Holy wow what a read and a fab start to this series which im sure is going to continue on this fab level!!Declan is a mafia man who is used to getting everything his own way....Coraline is suffering and hasnt found her place in the world... yet!When these pair meet theres chemistry galore and the fireworks are flying!!!Declan is definitely someone id love to have fighting in my corner for me.Such a well written easy to read story that makes me want to dive into the next book asap!!

I loved this book from start to finish! Declan and Coraline are one of my favourite IR couple, I absolutely loved their chemistry and how they gelled together. This is one of those relationships that you just know will go the distance. Declan was too far gone from the word go, and he went after his girl. I loved the deliciously alpha male element to Declan's character. I'd never read this author's work, but I won't be stopping here, that's for sure. The weird thing's that I thought she was actually a man! I may be confusing her with another IR author. Do yourself a favour and read it, it's truly a fantastic read.

I'm not sure if I have ever been as excited as when I realised this novella was being released!We met Declan and Cora in ruthless people and their storyline was one that gave more depth to the characters as we read about the struggles they were facing through ruthless people and then the untouchables. They are a couple that you really route for so I loved the fact we got to read about how they met and really understand there relationship! After reading this book I can't decide who I loved more Declan or Liam!Yet another 5 star book from this author - I know can not wait for book 3!For any reader who has read any of this series this is a must read!

This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last!This is Declan and Coraline's story. I loved every page of this story. I loved how Declan cared for Caroline. Okay so he messed up by omission but that did not mean his love was not 100% genuine! Great read.I wished Caraline's family could have gotten their comeuppance horrible people.I will now read all the books in the series because I loved this couple's story so much.Highly recommended!

Wow what can I say? This is a first time read from this author for me and I really enjoyed it. I like my books to have balance meaning I hate overly sappy, muchy, sexed or just to much angst and for me this author has managed a perfect blend. Just the right amount of action, heat , devious, and of course happy. I love Declan and Cora together and I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the clan. So until next time peace love and happy reading y'all.