By Any Other Name

Forbidden Series – Book 1

Release Date: February 23, 2015

By J.M. Darhower

Synopsis

Genevieve “Genna” Galante knows a thing or two about causing trouble. After all, it’s engrained in her DNA. As the only daughter of Primo Galante, notorious boss of the Galante crime family, her life is dictated by a certain set of rules… rules Genna was never very good at following.

Matteo “Matty” Barsanti never wanted anything to do with the family business, but as the first-born Barsanti son, certain things are expected of him. It’s his duty, according to his father, to help take down the enemy… even if that enemy means something to him.

A chance encounter on an elevator changes the course of lives, causing the biggest trouble of Genna’s young life. The only good Barsanti is a dead Barsanti. She’s heard it said time and time again. So what happens when she falls in love with one of them?

The story of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle of the biggest rivalry New York has ever seen, determined to make it… if only they can survive their parents’ feud.

Teaser

“A Roman Coke,” Genna mused. “What’s that?”

“It’s rum and Coke. We just call it a Roman Coke around here.”

“Because you’re Italian?”

“And because when you get drunk enough, it all just slurs together anyway.”

“Ah.” Genna picked hers up, motioning toward him with it. “So what are we drinking to?”

“Today.”

“Today?”

He nodded. “Right now, this moment. Let’s drink to it.”

Smiling, she clinked her glass with his. “Today, then.”

They threw them back at the same time. The liquor hit Genna’s taste buds and she grimaced, the vicious burn seeping down her throat and settling deep in her chest. “Ugh, is there even any Coke in this damn thing?”

Matty laughed, setting his empty glass down. “Just a splash.”

“I couldn’t tell.”

“That’s because I prefer it that way,” he responded. “Strong and rough, enough to leave a lingering ache. I like it to hurt just a bit.”

Oh good God. Those words sent a chill down Genna’s spine, one she couldn’t hide, as Matty waved for the waitress. Eyes never leaving Genna, he ordered another round of drinks.

“Another?” she asked, picking up the water to take another sip, this one to soothe the sting in her chest. “You said one drink.”

A sly smile curved his lips. “I like to keep them coming.”

“Is that right?”

“Absolutely.” Matty stood, leaning across the table, his lips near her ear. “Maybe you’ll let me show you later.”

Robin’s Review 

Two Mafia families at war. Close friends who are now bitter enemies. Family loyalty before love. Two children – a Galante daughter and a Barsanti son – have fallen in love. One romance destined for tragedy.

By Any Other Name is the first novel of the Forbidden series. It’s a modern-day version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from author J. M. Darhower, and I am extremely impressed with her interpretation of this famous star-crossed tragedy.

In New York City, there are five major crime families that control the underworld: the Galantes, the Barsantis, the Amaros, the Genevas and the Calabreses. While the Galantes and the Barsantis are at war with each other, the other three crime families attempt to remain neutral.

Matteo Barsanti is the oldest son of Roberto Barsanti. Matteo disappeared from society as a child. Hidden away by his father, his existence has largely become an urban legend. Matteo returns to his family in New York City only when he learns his mother has become critically ill.

Genevieve Galante is the only daughter of Primo Galante. Because she has been extremely sheltered by her family, Genna is naturally inclined to fight any and every rule. And fight the rules she does! Genna has been in trouble with the police “for everything from underage drinking to trespassing to vandalism,” but it’s her arrest for grand theft auto which lands her in criminal court.

Here is where the story gets interesting. When Genna leaves court, she has a chance encounter with a family enemy. She unknowingly steps onto an elevator with Matteo Barsanti……and then the elevator breaks down. Since Matteo has been missing from the circles of the New York City underworld, neither of them recognize who the other is. Stuck between floors of the criminal court building, Genna and Matty get to know each other, which leads to him asking her if she would like to go get a drink.

“If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” Exodus 21:24 Old Testament Bible

Darhower is consummate when she writes about the Mafia. These stories are always packed full of intrigue, nail-biting action and romantic suspense. By Any Other Name no different. It was completely intense! And I just fell in love with Matty and Genna – I couldn’t help but pull for these star-crossed lovers. Of course, this had me unsettled because it felt as if I was waiting for a train wreck to happen! Remember Romeo and Juliet?

My mind is having trouble letting go of this story. Darhower states in her acknowledgments that By Any Other Name was her National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) novel of 2013. She also mentions she wrote By Any Other Name in thirty days. Thirty days! Honestly, the more I think about this novel, the more impressed with it that I am. If you are looking for an exciting new novel, I recommend By Any Other Name by J. M. Darhower. My rating is 4.5 stars.

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About the Author:

JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn’t writing she’s usually ranting about those things. Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can find her there.

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