The Gangster by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

The Italian American gang the Black Hand will attempt to kill President Teddy Roosevelt in 1905 and almost succeed.  387 pages.

"Shot Through the Heart" by CJ Bishop

Although this is the first book in the Cowboy Gangster series, it is built off of a different series, which I have not read.  I figured as much while I was reading it since so many other characters who were not in the story were mentioned and played integral parts.  This book focused on Axel Anders a 22-year-old man who's suffering from PTSD after being gang raped by his brother and three other evil men.  Clint Maddox, the "cowboy gangster," feels very protective of Axel after meeting him through Axel's (good) stepbrother, Angel.  Clint is a cold-hearted enforcer for the Sanitini family and is surprised by these feelings.  The book basically deals with both men tentatively growing closer with lots of flashbacks to awful events in their lives.  It was quite a roller coaster ride.  And there was a cute puppy.  295 pages (Kindle edition).

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Summary: "When wealthy, seemingly perfect Brittany and Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, develop a relationship after Alex discovers that Brittany is not exactly who she seems to be, they must face the disapproval of their schoolmates--and others."

Perfect Chemistry is the classic trope of pretty girl falls for bad boy, and it's really juicy! It has a few other typical high school tropes, but the story was still intriguing. The intensity of the story had a lot of potential, and while I don't think it was as good as it could have been, it was still a great read. I enjoyed Alex's character, and his inner turmoil of living up to his gangbanger reputation in the attempt to protect his family was refreshing. 

The series continues with Rules of Attraction and Chain Reaction featuring Alex's younger brothers, Carlos and Luis, as the main characters. I might skim those for some more details on Alex and Brittany!

359 pages