*4.5 Destined To Be" Stars!

I am a huge MC Romance fan, and had heard great things about Tara Oakes works, so when I saw she was releasing the first book in a new series, in what I suspected was yet another one of my favorite bad boy, romance sub-genres, I jumped at the chance to review it. Well, let's just say I wasn't entirely right about the subject matter, but fell in love with it anyway. Both the sweet romance between the hero and heroine, and the suspense behind their families' past, were highly enjoyable, and left me craving to read more about Lombardi and DiBenedetto families.

The Lombardi and DiBenedetto families grew up together. Given that the patriarchs of the families were best friends, and business partners, it was natural for the younger generation to spend so much time together, that they almost considered each other like real blood brothers and sisters. As a consequence, Vincenza Lombardi, the only female and baby of the Lombardi family--thus her nickname, "Baby V"-- never envisioned experiencing the feelings she has started to feel for Dom DiBenedetto, the sole brother and now CEO of the families' joint business, a world-renown, importing business.

When it becomes clear that the feelings are mutual, Baby V realizes she has a bigger quandary on hand than she could possibly envision. After all, as the youngest and extremely over protected sister of the family, who even attended an all girls college where they taught her to save her virginity for her future husband, she believes her brothers will never accept Dom putting the moves on her.

Moreover, it is no secret that her family has been trying to indoctrinate her into the families business for years. She was able to put them off while she was in college, but now that she is moving back home--even if they don't know that it's only for the summer--and that Dom has joined in the mix, the pressure to conform to the families wishes will be even stronger. This is a lot to handle for a girl who has just graduated college, is in the process of discovering her sexuality, and has her mind set on paving her own path in the world.

Can there possibly be a future for this couple, and a way for their mutual needs and wants to co-exist? Once the wheels are set in motion--even those that commenced many years ago--is there anyway to avoid a predetermined fate?

I really enjoyed the romance in Baby V. Even though Dom was significantly older, and an alpha who was used to being in control and protecting those he loves under his terms, he nonetheless seemed to really respect V's needs. Additionally, the suspense surrounding the families' past, and the friendships between the two families provided for an interesting side story to round out this romance.

I can't wait to read more of Tara Oakes works. Hopefully, I'll get my wish and we will soon have another book surrounding the Lombardi and DiBenedetto families!

Source: Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. ( )