Starred review from May 29, 2017
Castille’s second Ruin and Revenge novel (after Nico) returns with a bang to the world of the Mafia. Las Vegas police detective Gabrielle Fawkes is determined to bring her husband’s murderer—a ruthless drug dealer—to justice. After being shot in the course of the investigation, Gaby finds herself sharing a hospital room with Luca Rizzoli, a mobster with a mile-wide honorable streak. They hook up, but when he learns she’s a detective, Luca tries hard to break up with Gaby—and fails. Their explosive chemistry makes both of them forget all the reasons their relationship could be dangerous. Then someone shoots up Gaby’s house, with Gaby and Luca inside. Castille throws in a dizzying array of plot turns, including a gaspworthy unveiling of the killer’s identity. With sizzling love scenes, taut plotting, and a hair-raising finish, Castille’s romantic thriller will appeal to her existing fans and win her new ones. Agent: Laura Bradford, Laura Bradford Agency.