Freelance

A Spy Romance Set in Florence

By: C. De Melo

Narrated by: Jenn Lee

CIA meets MAFIA in this gritty romance.... Ex-CIA agent, Alexa Richards, attempts to outrun her painful past by returning to the only place where she has ever experienced real happiness: Florence, Italy. Fond memories of traveling through Tuscany with her late grandmother dissolve in the face of a local Mafioso's unexpected offer. Working as a freelance assassin for the Cosa Nostra pays much better than the US government, but comes with an unanticipated risk: Machiavelli. The family's mysterious negotiator makes her heart beat faster whenever he is near. She is far too embittered to entertain the possibility of a relationship with anyone, much less another monster like herself.

Alexa murders her deserving targets with cool precision while simultaneously partaking of the local Italian dolce vita. The hardened killer's rough edges gradually melt, endowing her with the courage to face her demons and adopt a new perspective on life. The transformation is going well until an alarming discovery hurls her into a frenzy of suspicion and self-doubt. Now, she must decide whether or not to take the biggest risk of her life.

©2020 Christine De Melo (P)2021 Christine De Melo

Accepting Your Flaws

I really liked this book. I love strong, intelligent, and independent heroine. Alexa is a retired CIA operative living now in Florence, Italy. She has no idea how to live a normal life. She meets Greg who is more than he seems. When secrets are revealed Alexa is angry and hurt. She needs time to think about if a life with Greg is something she wants.
Narrator Jenn Lee brought this story to life with her talent.

Two exceptions to loving this book

The story in this book is fantastic. There is excitement, adventure, mystery, romance; all the elements needed for a great read/listen. The only negative comments I have is the use of inappropriate language and steamy scenes that were too explicit for my taste.

The narration was very well done, which always adds enjoyment to an audio book.

I requested this book from the author via Facebook and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Great Story and Great Performance!!!!

The story is of a former CIA assassin, in her new home of Florence Italy, as she becomes involved with the local Cosa Nostra / Mafia. We follow Alexa as she struggles to beat the bad guys and her own inner demons, all while finding love. This story is full of surprises and is guaranteed to please! Jenn Lee's magnificent performance is award-worthy - I look forward to hearing much more from both her and author, C. De Melo.

suspenseful

This story was multilayered. Each time a new truth was revealed I was amazed. I had such a feeling of foreboding at the end when she waited for the owner. I was certain it was nefarious. The twists and the connections were intriguing. I enjoyed the chase. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a good job bringing the characters and story to life.

Loved it!

This was a fun book that has the feel of Under the Tuscan Sun (the movie). This is the perfect combo of romance, suspense, and discovery. This is not a fast pace book, but one that would pair well with some chocolate and wine. I also really enjoyed the narrator, she had fantastic way of pulling you into the story♡