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Melody Grace McCartney #2
The Exceptions
From David Cristofano, the Edgar Award-nominated author of The Girl She Used to Be , comes a poignant, darkly witty story about the ties that bind us together . . . and the choices that rip us apart.
No loose ends . It's the Bovaro family motto. As part of the Bovaro clan, one of the most powerful and respected families in organized crime, Jonathan knows what he must take out Melody Grace McCartney, the woman whose testimony can lock up his father and disgrace his entire family. The only he can't bring himself to do it.
Had Jonathan kept his silence, Melody and her parents would never have been identified and lured into the Witness Protection Program, able to run but never to hide. So he keeps her safe the only way he knows how-by vowing to clean up his own mess while acting as her shield.
But as he watches her take on another new identity in yet another new town, becoming a beautiful but broken woman, Jonathan can't get her out of his mind . . . or his heart. From the streets of Little Italy to a refuge that promises a fresh start, Jonathan will be forced to choose between the life he's always known, the destiny his family has carved out for him, and a future unlike anything he's ever imagined.
No loose ends . It's the Bovaro family motto. As part of the Bovaro clan, one of the most powerful and respected families in organized crime, Jonathan knows what he must take out Melody Grace McCartney, the woman whose testimony can lock up his father and disgrace his entire family. The only he can't bring himself to do it.
Had Jonathan kept his silence, Melody and her parents would never have been identified and lured into the Witness Protection Program, able to run but never to hide. So he keeps her safe the only way he knows how-by vowing to clean up his own mess while acting as her shield.
But as he watches her take on another new identity in yet another new town, becoming a beautiful but broken woman, Jonathan can't get her out of his mind . . . or his heart. From the streets of Little Italy to a refuge that promises a fresh start, Jonathan will be forced to choose between the life he's always known, the destiny his family has carved out for him, and a future unlike anything he's ever imagined.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
28 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
David Cristofano
2 books108 followersDavid Cristofano has earned degrees in Government & Politics and Computer Science from the University of Maryland at College Park and has worked for different branches of the Federal Government for over a decade. His short works have been published by Like Water Burning and McSweeneys. He currently works in the Washington, D.C. area where he lives with his wife, son and daughter.
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April 15, 2016
Ghosts among the real, my friend. Ghosts among the real.
Oh my God. This made me cry like a girl. And I mean literally. I haven't felt that way before in all my years spent on reading various kinds of books: I was profoundly moved.
It amazed me how David Cristofano got the courage to narrate a very similar story to his first; The Girl She Used to Be is merely the same as The Exceptions, the only comparable points being the narrators and the additional scenes. My God, this is one hell of a record-breaker. Would you read something you've already read before? Definitely not, right? But The Exceptions is really an exception. It narrated the exact same thing that happened in the first book, yet the difference in the narrator and the different perspective made a heart-wrenching impact on the reader. At first, I was quite a bit disappointed, because it began with Jonathan describing the life he had as a mafioso. Interesting, yes, but not at all gripping. Not yet, you see. As I progressed from one chapter to another, following Jonathan as he followed Melody, I began to feel enthralled by his unmistakable charm - Cristofano's magic - I just found myself reading The Girl She Used to Be only in different words; and enjoying it.
In order to sustain this short bit of annoyance at the beginning, you have to like the first book. Which is not a challenge, really. Then on, you go.
Characters
You have to adore Jonathan Bovaro. His character was very well developed, I will distinguish him easily from other characters in all books I've read my whole life; he is alone. A man of violence? check. A man of looks? check. A man of good will? check. A man of bad will? check. Scars? check. Glasses? check. The ultimate image of a mafioso was very intricately formed in my mind as I read word for word; in flesh and bone. Plus, the most profound side of him: his heart. So big, man. It peeks everytime he speaks in text. While his undeniable wit gave me smile, his loneliness etched in each word he said broke my heart.
Melody Grace McCartney here is more Melody Grace McCartney. In The Girl She Used to Be, I thought I was able to fully understand her personality. I was wrong, obviously. There was more of this woman that I haven't seen during my first glimpse of her; she was more human than I thought. Some people may have hated her in the first book, failing to comprehend her intentions and behavior; but here in Jonathan's words, rest assured you'll be able to achieve full enlightenment. She was lost in herself, unable to come out and surface, she was chained to her past and every identity she claimed, every place she lived in stole pieces of her that she was never able to redeem, not until this wonderful man arrived in her life to give everything back to her.
Sean Douglas was deeper than I originally thought. I've come to loathe him especially at the middle part when he beat the life out of Jonathan. Then near end, I've come to like him. Guess you'll feel the same.
The rest of the famous family was more emphasized. Peter, I think, is adorable. You have to like him even with his bloodlust so apparently accompanied with his every word. Pop, more flesh than picture here. And my man Randall Gardner. Totally crackhead, you may say.
Plot
How Cristofano crafted this story astounds me continuously. Did he think of writing a second novel even before he wrote the first, or did it just come out of the valley after The Girl's success? I don't know, but this is what I have to say: he's brilliant. I can't help remembering that clever movie franchise, the Saw series, where the writers were able to connect one story to another after only finishing the preceding one. I wonder if Cristofano actually planned it. The Girl was a puzzle with missing pieces, and The Exceptions filled those pieces. Like yin and yang, you see. Completely opposing forces with identical features, different colors, but same components fitting exactly together.
I am a little baffled at the fact that I was still thrilled to know what was going to happen even though I already knew (because I've read The Girl). While they were together in Renaissance, while they raced towards Tenafly, while they raced away from Tenafly. Baffling, yeah. Cristofano's magic, I say. And of course, after they parted in the bus station. There goes the big lump that sat in my stomach for hours, wondering what would become of Jonathan, what would become of Melody, would they meet again, would there be a happy ending, would there be not. This is a story full of tension and suspense, and tears, for that matter.
All in all
Near-ending, my heart was beating loud in my ears, I swear. Truly suspense. You'll die to know what's going to happen. Up until that final moment when... you know, read it.
I can never describe how beautiful this story is. For the rest of my life, I will recommend these books to everyone I meet. "Hey you like books? Read The Girl She Used to Be and The Exceptions. You'll love 'em." And on it will go. I'm sure these people will soon tell other people the same, and everyone will be exposed to one of the most wonderful stories ever told in the history of book-making. I am not exaggerating, please. It's true, and heartbreakingly so. Whereas The Girl ended sadly though satisfyingly... get your tissues ready and find out how their story really ends. If and only if it will end at all.
The Exceptions will always be one of my favorites, and one of the most remembered, I think. I sympathize with the rest of the world who will miss this novel. It is truly an exception. Felicia Emerson, Michael Martin... Ghosts among the real, my friend. You two will never be forgotten.
Highly recommended.
Oh my God. This made me cry like a girl. And I mean literally. I haven't felt that way before in all my years spent on reading various kinds of books: I was profoundly moved.
It amazed me how David Cristofano got the courage to narrate a very similar story to his first; The Girl She Used to Be is merely the same as The Exceptions, the only comparable points being the narrators and the additional scenes. My God, this is one hell of a record-breaker. Would you read something you've already read before? Definitely not, right? But The Exceptions is really an exception. It narrated the exact same thing that happened in the first book, yet the difference in the narrator and the different perspective made a heart-wrenching impact on the reader. At first, I was quite a bit disappointed, because it began with Jonathan describing the life he had as a mafioso. Interesting, yes, but not at all gripping. Not yet, you see. As I progressed from one chapter to another, following Jonathan as he followed Melody, I began to feel enthralled by his unmistakable charm - Cristofano's magic - I just found myself reading The Girl She Used to Be only in different words; and enjoying it.
In order to sustain this short bit of annoyance at the beginning, you have to like the first book. Which is not a challenge, really. Then on, you go.
Characters
You have to adore Jonathan Bovaro. His character was very well developed, I will distinguish him easily from other characters in all books I've read my whole life; he is alone. A man of violence? check. A man of looks? check. A man of good will? check. A man of bad will? check. Scars? check. Glasses? check. The ultimate image of a mafioso was very intricately formed in my mind as I read word for word; in flesh and bone. Plus, the most profound side of him: his heart. So big, man. It peeks everytime he speaks in text. While his undeniable wit gave me smile, his loneliness etched in each word he said broke my heart.
Melody Grace McCartney here is more Melody Grace McCartney. In The Girl She Used to Be, I thought I was able to fully understand her personality. I was wrong, obviously. There was more of this woman that I haven't seen during my first glimpse of her; she was more human than I thought. Some people may have hated her in the first book, failing to comprehend her intentions and behavior; but here in Jonathan's words, rest assured you'll be able to achieve full enlightenment. She was lost in herself, unable to come out and surface, she was chained to her past and every identity she claimed, every place she lived in stole pieces of her that she was never able to redeem, not until this wonderful man arrived in her life to give everything back to her.
Sean Douglas was deeper than I originally thought. I've come to loathe him especially at the middle part when he beat the life out of Jonathan. Then near end, I've come to like him. Guess you'll feel the same.
The rest of the famous family was more emphasized. Peter, I think, is adorable. You have to like him even with his bloodlust so apparently accompanied with his every word. Pop, more flesh than picture here. And my man Randall Gardner. Totally crackhead, you may say.
Plot
How Cristofano crafted this story astounds me continuously. Did he think of writing a second novel even before he wrote the first, or did it just come out of the valley after The Girl's success? I don't know, but this is what I have to say: he's brilliant. I can't help remembering that clever movie franchise, the Saw series, where the writers were able to connect one story to another after only finishing the preceding one. I wonder if Cristofano actually planned it. The Girl was a puzzle with missing pieces, and The Exceptions filled those pieces. Like yin and yang, you see. Completely opposing forces with identical features, different colors, but same components fitting exactly together.
I am a little baffled at the fact that I was still thrilled to know what was going to happen even though I already knew (because I've read The Girl). While they were together in Renaissance, while they raced towards Tenafly, while they raced away from Tenafly. Baffling, yeah. Cristofano's magic, I say. And of course, after they parted in the bus station. There goes the big lump that sat in my stomach for hours, wondering what would become of Jonathan, what would become of Melody, would they meet again, would there be a happy ending, would there be not. This is a story full of tension and suspense, and tears, for that matter.
All in all
Near-ending, my heart was beating loud in my ears, I swear. Truly suspense. You'll die to know what's going to happen. Up until that final moment when... you know, read it.
I can never describe how beautiful this story is. For the rest of my life, I will recommend these books to everyone I meet. "Hey you like books? Read The Girl She Used to Be and The Exceptions. You'll love 'em." And on it will go. I'm sure these people will soon tell other people the same, and everyone will be exposed to one of the most wonderful stories ever told in the history of book-making. I am not exaggerating, please. It's true, and heartbreakingly so. Whereas The Girl ended sadly though satisfyingly... get your tissues ready and find out how their story really ends. If and only if it will end at all.
The Exceptions will always be one of my favorites, and one of the most remembered, I think. I sympathize with the rest of the world who will miss this novel. It is truly an exception. Felicia Emerson, Michael Martin... Ghosts among the real, my friend. You two will never be forgotten.
Highly recommended.
January 23, 2013
-Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Thebooknatics --
Before I start, I would love to give a little insight on who David Cristofano is: David Cristofano has earned degrees in Government & Politics and Computer Science from the University of Maryland at College Park and has worked for different branches of the Federal Government for over a decade. His short works have been published by Like Water Burning and McSweeneys. He currently works in the Washington, D.C. area where he lives with his wife, son and daughter. This is the 2nd book in the series, but each book is told in his and her's point of view.
I was captivated by the thrilling first few pages. I couldn’t part from this story at all! With an attempt to not spoil anything, I want to give my very excited review.
This novel is told in first perspective of a son of a powerful mafia boss, Jonathan Bovaro. Enthralled by a little girl who came across his family’s restaurant, shortly watched her and her family flee screaming. Police investigate the scene, and little Johnny-who was then 10 years old- wanted to see if the little girl was ok, so he gave everything he knew about their car to the police. Jonathan later learns that the girl was put in the Witness Protection program after she and her parents were called to testify against the Bovaros. The Bovaros want them dead… No loose ends.
The story is told over the span of 23 years and Melody Grace just won’t leave Jonathan’s mind… He was later recruited by his father to off with her family after a huge case was built against the Bovaros. The Bovaros have connections everywhere…even the corrupted FBI. Jonathan can’t come to bear the thought of killing the beautiful little girl he remembered and struggles to break free of the dangers of the family business. His father is ashamed he isn’t like the rest of the family, Jonathan is confused, and struggles between doing what’s right, or making his father proud. Regardless, he sets off to complete his mission… Feelings overwhelm him when he sees her for the first time in nearly ten years.
Will he protect her, or will he do what his father thinks best?
This isn't your average, sappy, get-it-over with love story. The characters were well developed, the emotions displayed felt so real. The desires of Jonathon wanting to be different from his family had me rooting for him. This is a powerful, enchanting, and beyond thrilling story of morals, love and family.
Before I start, I would love to give a little insight on who David Cristofano is: David Cristofano has earned degrees in Government & Politics and Computer Science from the University of Maryland at College Park and has worked for different branches of the Federal Government for over a decade. His short works have been published by Like Water Burning and McSweeneys. He currently works in the Washington, D.C. area where he lives with his wife, son and daughter. This is the 2nd book in the series, but each book is told in his and her's point of view.
I was captivated by the thrilling first few pages. I couldn’t part from this story at all! With an attempt to not spoil anything, I want to give my very excited review.
This novel is told in first perspective of a son of a powerful mafia boss, Jonathan Bovaro. Enthralled by a little girl who came across his family’s restaurant, shortly watched her and her family flee screaming. Police investigate the scene, and little Johnny-who was then 10 years old- wanted to see if the little girl was ok, so he gave everything he knew about their car to the police. Jonathan later learns that the girl was put in the Witness Protection program after she and her parents were called to testify against the Bovaros. The Bovaros want them dead… No loose ends.
The story is told over the span of 23 years and Melody Grace just won’t leave Jonathan’s mind… He was later recruited by his father to off with her family after a huge case was built against the Bovaros. The Bovaros have connections everywhere…even the corrupted FBI. Jonathan can’t come to bear the thought of killing the beautiful little girl he remembered and struggles to break free of the dangers of the family business. His father is ashamed he isn’t like the rest of the family, Jonathan is confused, and struggles between doing what’s right, or making his father proud. Regardless, he sets off to complete his mission… Feelings overwhelm him when he sees her for the first time in nearly ten years.
Will he protect her, or will he do what his father thinks best?
This isn't your average, sappy, get-it-over with love story. The characters were well developed, the emotions displayed felt so real. The desires of Jonathon wanting to be different from his family had me rooting for him. This is a powerful, enchanting, and beyond thrilling story of morals, love and family.
August 30, 2012
This is a combination book review for THE GIRL SHE USED TO BE (2009) and THE EXCEPTIONS (2012). I've never done one of these duo reviews before, and honestly, probably won't again, but because these books go hand in hand, I feel it's necessary. These two books are not a series, mind you, but more like carbon-copy reflections of each other.
The Girl She Used to Be:
At age six, Melody Grace McCartney witnessed a violent crime, and after her parents testified against an infamous mafia family, they were sent into Witness Protection. Now twenty-six, and all alone in this world, Melody is sick of being invisible, sick of having no emotional attachment to another soul. She's been countless other names and identities, but the person she longs to be is Melody again. When a stranger shows up one night, calling her by her real name and offering a way out, she takes it. Except this man just happens to be one of the members of the crime family her parents risked everything to put away.
I'm not typically a big fan of first-person, but there's no other way to do a book like this and have the same punch. I also have to give the author a lot of credit as a man writing in the female psyche. This story takes you so much deeper than a high-action mystery with other Witness Protection books. This puts you right in that person's shoes, feeling every lonely night, every fear of recognition, and the desperate existence left after doing the right thing. This story takes you to tears, laughter, numbing hopelessness, and daring for happiness in the course of 241 pages. Mostly literature with romantic elements, this is an emotional must read.
The Exceptions:
Jonathon Bovaro grew up the black sheep in a powerful mafia family. The things he's witnessed and lived through can't be measured by average people. But the one thing that haunts him is a six year old little girl whose life he ruined twenty years before. He's spent his life trying to protect Melody in one way or another. But now his family has ordered him to take her out, and he can't do it. So acting as her shield and hinting at a dangerous plan, he finally reveals himself to the woman he's watched from a distance to give her the ultimate gift: Her life back.
Similar to the first book, (instead of Melody's back story, insert Jonathon's), we hear the story all over again, but from Jonathon's perspective. And this time, we get the ending. I thought I'd find myself bored reading about events I already knew about, but I was wrong. Hearing it from Jonathon's side, and the tidbits unknown, was beyond satisfying. And again, there's closure and conclusion in this installment. It's very rare for me to say this, as I've reviewed hundreds of fabulous books in my time, but this book moved me. Dare I say changed me. Heartbreaking, mind-boggling, frustrating, and charismatically honest, I could not put this down to save my life. We get gory insight to organized crime, witness protection, and the justice system. As in the first book, this is literature with romantic elements, and a book not to be missed.
Overall:
Both of these stories are stand alone reads, but I highly suggest reading The Girl She Used to Be first, then The Exceptions. If you must read only one, it should be The Exceptions because you get the whole story, ending and all. Again, read both! There are not enough positive adjectives to throw at these books to give them justice.
The Girl She Used to Be:
At age six, Melody Grace McCartney witnessed a violent crime, and after her parents testified against an infamous mafia family, they were sent into Witness Protection. Now twenty-six, and all alone in this world, Melody is sick of being invisible, sick of having no emotional attachment to another soul. She's been countless other names and identities, but the person she longs to be is Melody again. When a stranger shows up one night, calling her by her real name and offering a way out, she takes it. Except this man just happens to be one of the members of the crime family her parents risked everything to put away.
I'm not typically a big fan of first-person, but there's no other way to do a book like this and have the same punch. I also have to give the author a lot of credit as a man writing in the female psyche. This story takes you so much deeper than a high-action mystery with other Witness Protection books. This puts you right in that person's shoes, feeling every lonely night, every fear of recognition, and the desperate existence left after doing the right thing. This story takes you to tears, laughter, numbing hopelessness, and daring for happiness in the course of 241 pages. Mostly literature with romantic elements, this is an emotional must read.
The Exceptions:
Jonathon Bovaro grew up the black sheep in a powerful mafia family. The things he's witnessed and lived through can't be measured by average people. But the one thing that haunts him is a six year old little girl whose life he ruined twenty years before. He's spent his life trying to protect Melody in one way or another. But now his family has ordered him to take her out, and he can't do it. So acting as her shield and hinting at a dangerous plan, he finally reveals himself to the woman he's watched from a distance to give her the ultimate gift: Her life back.
Similar to the first book, (instead of Melody's back story, insert Jonathon's), we hear the story all over again, but from Jonathon's perspective. And this time, we get the ending. I thought I'd find myself bored reading about events I already knew about, but I was wrong. Hearing it from Jonathon's side, and the tidbits unknown, was beyond satisfying. And again, there's closure and conclusion in this installment. It's very rare for me to say this, as I've reviewed hundreds of fabulous books in my time, but this book moved me. Dare I say changed me. Heartbreaking, mind-boggling, frustrating, and charismatically honest, I could not put this down to save my life. We get gory insight to organized crime, witness protection, and the justice system. As in the first book, this is literature with romantic elements, and a book not to be missed.
Overall:
Both of these stories are stand alone reads, but I highly suggest reading The Girl She Used to Be first, then The Exceptions. If you must read only one, it should be The Exceptions because you get the whole story, ending and all. Again, read both! There are not enough positive adjectives to throw at these books to give them justice.
August 22, 2012
I'd like to give it 3.5 but not 4. I expected this to be a sequel but really it was just a retelling of The Girl She Used to Be from John's point of view rather than much of a continuation of their story. So it felt like I already read this book.
April 11, 2016
10 out of 5 stars!!!!
There is no possible way to review this book with a couple sentences so please bear with me and read it all.
This book means the world to me!
"When violence arrives, it rarely knocks."
That's the first sentence and it was enough to make me forget my own name. This book is divided into 4 parts and of course, it starts off slow. Once you get past the first part... Oh, god. Prepare yourself for an intense ride. I quickly learned that every word is crucial to the entire plot so the first part is as important as the rest. The pace is perfect since it allows you to savor every word David wrote. I have never and will never consent to gang/mafia violence but this family has earned my utmost respect. Respect I don't have for today's childish interpretation of 'gang.'
This book definitely includes violence and a fulfilling and complex plot. It makes you THINK about who and what you are or want to become. The world isn't black and white and the main character and the black sheep in his family, Jonathan, learns it too. The suspense was too intense. I felt like I was going to be sick a couple times. My nerves were clogged in my throat and it was a feeling I never knew a book could cause. Whenever I thought I knew what was about to happen, David goes in another direction and proved to me he's a master with words. He's been promoted to an auto-buy author of mine. His characters are incredible and unforgettable. They will always have a place in my heart. This man has gained the respect and awe every author strives for in their readers. This story has become my most treasured book... and my first recommendation to anybody who will listen.
"Whatever it is you like about me, whatever you're attracted to, it's because of her."
Flipping, God. Jonathan is just... beautiful. His thoughts and his actions captured my full sympathy and more than earned a place at the highest pedestal I could create for a character. Being able to be in Jonathan's mind was a privilege I cherish with my life and will never take for granted. It's rare to read a novel strictly through a male's perspective... especially when it's about a love story. I feel horrible calling this a love story because it feels like I'm cheapening it. It's SO MUCH MORE than that and you will see what I'm talking about when you read it.
"... no greater thing will ever come and go from my life, that the moments between us were the exact minutes and hours and days that define me. That my life is worth living it for no other reason than to recall what we shared."
Jonathan's emotions were at a level of intensity I have never experienced before. Every emotion flowed out of the page and claimed my body and soul. I sobbed (HARD) and laughed with him. I wanted to reach in and be his support... I fell in LOVE with him, his mind. Not like a hormonal teenager but with love reserved for a family member who will always be there for you no matter what. The type of love that swells your heart and leaves no place for sorrow. I never expected to learn and love so much from a fictional man raised and bred in violence. This fictional mafioso is more human than most people I've met in real life.
Jonathan broke my heart in the best way... everybody NEEDS to read this book... PLEASE...
"You are my loophole."
There is no possible way to review this book with a couple sentences so please bear with me and read it all.
This book means the world to me!
"When violence arrives, it rarely knocks."
That's the first sentence and it was enough to make me forget my own name. This book is divided into 4 parts and of course, it starts off slow. Once you get past the first part... Oh, god. Prepare yourself for an intense ride. I quickly learned that every word is crucial to the entire plot so the first part is as important as the rest. The pace is perfect since it allows you to savor every word David wrote. I have never and will never consent to gang/mafia violence but this family has earned my utmost respect. Respect I don't have for today's childish interpretation of 'gang.'
This book definitely includes violence and a fulfilling and complex plot. It makes you THINK about who and what you are or want to become. The world isn't black and white and the main character and the black sheep in his family, Jonathan, learns it too. The suspense was too intense. I felt like I was going to be sick a couple times. My nerves were clogged in my throat and it was a feeling I never knew a book could cause. Whenever I thought I knew what was about to happen, David goes in another direction and proved to me he's a master with words. He's been promoted to an auto-buy author of mine. His characters are incredible and unforgettable. They will always have a place in my heart. This man has gained the respect and awe every author strives for in their readers. This story has become my most treasured book... and my first recommendation to anybody who will listen.
"Whatever it is you like about me, whatever you're attracted to, it's because of her."
Flipping, God. Jonathan is just... beautiful. His thoughts and his actions captured my full sympathy and more than earned a place at the highest pedestal I could create for a character. Being able to be in Jonathan's mind was a privilege I cherish with my life and will never take for granted. It's rare to read a novel strictly through a male's perspective... especially when it's about a love story. I feel horrible calling this a love story because it feels like I'm cheapening it. It's SO MUCH MORE than that and you will see what I'm talking about when you read it.
"... no greater thing will ever come and go from my life, that the moments between us were the exact minutes and hours and days that define me. That my life is worth living it for no other reason than to recall what we shared."
Jonathan's emotions were at a level of intensity I have never experienced before. Every emotion flowed out of the page and claimed my body and soul. I sobbed (HARD) and laughed with him. I wanted to reach in and be his support... I fell in LOVE with him, his mind. Not like a hormonal teenager but with love reserved for a family member who will always be there for you no matter what. The type of love that swells your heart and leaves no place for sorrow. I never expected to learn and love so much from a fictional man raised and bred in violence. This fictional mafioso is more human than most people I've met in real life.
Jonathan broke my heart in the best way... everybody NEEDS to read this book... PLEASE...
"You are my loophole."
August 17, 2013
Written for: Beyond Reading
NB I didn't realize it was a his/her aspect series. I got the first book, though, and it has sort of a bum ending.
Fantastic.
Jonathan Bavaro spent years – twenty – watching and loving Melody Mccartney(though he didn't call it that), from a distance. The problem? He was cursed to only ever love her from afar by his mafia family who wants her dead.
I don’t think I ever quite appreciated the romanticized violence I’d been reading as I did after I read The Exceptions. Disillusioned, yes, but not at all ungrateful. At first, I was completely floored by some of the gruesome scenes – gruesomeness I had rarely encountered while reading romances. For a while, albeit a short while, I was hesitant – worried, as a blubber baby, that it would be just too much for me. I had an epiphany, though, I realized the books I usually read – the sugar-coated stuff, as I’ll now call them – was what I’d come to expect; though not nearly realistic. I realized the heroes that would always fight nameless, blatantly evil foes only until they cried ‘uncle’ and no further were fanciful. Jonathan created a new sort of hero for me – one with tarnished armor. One that was, somehow, in his imperfection, all the more perfect and human. Jonathan was written beautifully – skillfully – and he captured my heart and, just that easily, influenced my emotions.
More than anything, I think I appreciated Cristofano’s consistency. I expected, of course, that Jonathan would – quite simply – turn his family in somewhere around the end then ride off into the sunset with Melody. Of course, being that this book does not strive to meet my expectations, that does not happen. Instead, from the very beginning, it is apparent how much Jonathan loves his family – that, despite resenting their name, he protects them with as much of his being as possible. I am especially glad that Cristofano kept Jonathan treading the fine line between bad – loyalty – and good - betrayal. I felt Jonathan as easily and clearly as I hear my own thoughts – I felt his indecision, I felt his connection to Melody and, most importantly, I felt his need for her to be free. This need is what drew out that delicious tension – a tension I both hated and loved, mind you – that gave the book its hard edge, that made their relationship near-impossible. If I start on the second characters now, I’d likely never end, so I’ll just summarize them; brilliant.
All I can say is that, despite 23 aggravating years before they truly find each other(and I mean downright frustrating), despite the occasional gruesomeness I never thought I’d get close to reading –I don’t think I could ever quite capture the beauty of what David Cristofano wrote on those pages in this review. I’ll leave that for the readers to discover.
* I did cry like a baby (not a sad baby, though).
NB I didn't realize it was a his/her aspect series. I got the first book, though, and it has sort of a bum ending.
Fantastic.
Jonathan Bavaro spent years – twenty – watching and loving Melody Mccartney(though he didn't call it that), from a distance. The problem? He was cursed to only ever love her from afar by his mafia family who wants her dead.
I don’t think I ever quite appreciated the romanticized violence I’d been reading as I did after I read The Exceptions. Disillusioned, yes, but not at all ungrateful. At first, I was completely floored by some of the gruesome scenes – gruesomeness I had rarely encountered while reading romances. For a while, albeit a short while, I was hesitant – worried, as a blubber baby, that it would be just too much for me. I had an epiphany, though, I realized the books I usually read – the sugar-coated stuff, as I’ll now call them – was what I’d come to expect; though not nearly realistic. I realized the heroes that would always fight nameless, blatantly evil foes only until they cried ‘uncle’ and no further were fanciful. Jonathan created a new sort of hero for me – one with tarnished armor. One that was, somehow, in his imperfection, all the more perfect and human. Jonathan was written beautifully – skillfully – and he captured my heart and, just that easily, influenced my emotions.
More than anything, I think I appreciated Cristofano’s consistency. I expected, of course, that Jonathan would – quite simply – turn his family in somewhere around the end then ride off into the sunset with Melody. Of course, being that this book does not strive to meet my expectations, that does not happen. Instead, from the very beginning, it is apparent how much Jonathan loves his family – that, despite resenting their name, he protects them with as much of his being as possible. I am especially glad that Cristofano kept Jonathan treading the fine line between bad – loyalty – and good - betrayal. I felt Jonathan as easily and clearly as I hear my own thoughts – I felt his indecision, I felt his connection to Melody and, most importantly, I felt his need for her to be free. This need is what drew out that delicious tension – a tension I both hated and loved, mind you – that gave the book its hard edge, that made their relationship near-impossible. If I start on the second characters now, I’d likely never end, so I’ll just summarize them; brilliant.
All I can say is that, despite 23 aggravating years before they truly find each other(and I mean downright frustrating), despite the occasional gruesomeness I never thought I’d get close to reading –I don’t think I could ever quite capture the beauty of what David Cristofano wrote on those pages in this review. I’ll leave that for the readers to discover.
* I did cry like a baby (not a sad baby, though).
September 10, 2012
Absolutely hypnotic book! This is one that had me fixed in my recliner for the weekend and then when I wasn't, carrying the book around with me to the kitchen and pacing as I craved Italian food and the company of people on the North End of Boston. A rich and sumptuous read. David Cristofano knows his mafia and his art. He also seems to know a lot about the inner workings of the federal government. He's a master writer of the highest caliber.
All the characters live and breathe in Mr. Cristofano's hands. For instance, protagonist Jonathan Bovaro is no caricature of a mafia don's son, he's the living example of one caught between the "lifestyle" and wanting to be straight. This is a character who exemplifies what it means to love and to be obsessed with wanting to do the right thing. I was spellbound by his sensitive ways, his counterbalance of the dark and light - rage and romance; love and hate; violence and tenderness. David Cristofano takes us through the gamut of emotions in Jonathan Bovaro. His life-long fixation on Melody, the young girl he inadvertently wronged as a child and caused to be held in the Witness Protection Program, is believable and staggering in its heart crushing realism. Melody is also a complex character, a woman whose feelings and situation we can respond to.
I was set down in a places so readily available by "The Exceptions." The homes, restaurants and streets of NY, NJ and surrounding states were made familiar as the story progressed. The Bovaro territory became real. Cristofano gave the Bovaro home a realism such that I could smell the foods, see the tables set for dinner, hear and see the conversations of the mafia men as they gathered apart from their families at mealtimes, and I could place myself with Johnny as he walked the dimly lit rooms of his own restaurant, hearing dishes clatter and music from Sinatra playing. There is a play in this book on every sense we have: sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch. And on every emotion we can experience.
David Cristofano is a genius writer able to transport his reader into the heart and soul of his characters. He made me feel as if I were sitting with Jonathan Bovaro over a glass of wine listening to him pour his heart out about his life, his family and the love of his life.
This is a book I will rank as one I'll never forget. Rich as "The Godfather" in the traditions of the mafia, only written with a better hand and mind. Touching as "I Know This Much Is True," by Wally Lamb. Easily as good as anything Jonathan Franzen has ever written. You can't miss this novel. No loose ends here!
All the characters live and breathe in Mr. Cristofano's hands. For instance, protagonist Jonathan Bovaro is no caricature of a mafia don's son, he's the living example of one caught between the "lifestyle" and wanting to be straight. This is a character who exemplifies what it means to love and to be obsessed with wanting to do the right thing. I was spellbound by his sensitive ways, his counterbalance of the dark and light - rage and romance; love and hate; violence and tenderness. David Cristofano takes us through the gamut of emotions in Jonathan Bovaro. His life-long fixation on Melody, the young girl he inadvertently wronged as a child and caused to be held in the Witness Protection Program, is believable and staggering in its heart crushing realism. Melody is also a complex character, a woman whose feelings and situation we can respond to.
I was set down in a places so readily available by "The Exceptions." The homes, restaurants and streets of NY, NJ and surrounding states were made familiar as the story progressed. The Bovaro territory became real. Cristofano gave the Bovaro home a realism such that I could smell the foods, see the tables set for dinner, hear and see the conversations of the mafia men as they gathered apart from their families at mealtimes, and I could place myself with Johnny as he walked the dimly lit rooms of his own restaurant, hearing dishes clatter and music from Sinatra playing. There is a play in this book on every sense we have: sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch. And on every emotion we can experience.
David Cristofano is a genius writer able to transport his reader into the heart and soul of his characters. He made me feel as if I were sitting with Jonathan Bovaro over a glass of wine listening to him pour his heart out about his life, his family and the love of his life.
This is a book I will rank as one I'll never forget. Rich as "The Godfather" in the traditions of the mafia, only written with a better hand and mind. Touching as "I Know This Much Is True," by Wally Lamb. Easily as good as anything Jonathan Franzen has ever written. You can't miss this novel. No loose ends here!
April 30, 2019
So happy for H and h, they finally got their HAE! Recommend to readers who like Run on run/WITSEC trope. Glad I read this one.
August 6, 2012
In The Girl She Used To Be we get to hear Melody's story now in the follow up The Exceptions we get Johnny's side. What can I say the second I started reading David Cristofano had me hooked I loved his writing style and immediately fell in love with 10 year old Johnny when he first see's Melody. Melody has been put in witness protection program with her mother and father for seeing a crime commited by Johnny's father. Since then Johnathan has only wanted to protect her while his family has only wanted "no loose ends". This book has great twist and turns that I didn't see coming. I love a good mob story and I'm a sucker for a good romance throw in the witness program and all the twist and turn a gret HEA and you've got a great story.
*I was given a free ARC of this book by NetGallery*
*I was given a free ARC of this book by NetGallery*
March 9, 2017
I read this book when it first came out in 2012 and gave it a pretty bad review. The reason I did that is because I was expecting this book to be a continuation of the previous book, The Girl She Used To Be, but it wasn't and I was annoyed that it was actually a rehash of the previous book but told from a different character's perspective.
Fast forward to 2017 and I've just re-read The Exceptions. Actually it's a really good book and although it goes over familiar ground, this time I appreciated the different perspective and the continuation of the story of Melody and Jonathan since the end of The Girl She Used To Be was bittersweet. Therefore, I'm raising my rating for this book from 2 stars to 4 stars.
Below is my original review from 2012:
I just don't know how many stars to give this book. I read the author's first book, The Girl She Used To Be, and it is one of my very favorites, and this one was, I thought, going to be a continuation of the story. It was. In a way. But then again it wasn't. At least MOST of it wasn't. Let me explain...
First off I was very unhappy to find that the book started back at the BEGINNING of the story already told in The Girl She Used To Be. In fact, other than a couple of minor pieces of new information, The Exceptions is the EXACT SAME STORY told from Jonathan's point of view rather than Melody's, as it was told in The Girl She Used To Be. Not a new story, a rehash. Not only that, The Girl She Used To Be was told "in the moment" so the reader is right there with the character, experiencing everything. It was gripping. With The Exceptions, a huge part of the story is narrative as Jonathan tells about previous events. Not so gripping. Finally I skimmed ahead, until I got to the place in The Exceptions where The Girl She Used To Be left off. That was page 345 of this book! I then read the rest of the book which ended on page 465.
Some advice to readers:
#1 Read The Girl She Used To Be.
#2 Next, get The Exceptions from the library and turn to page 345.
#3 Adjust to a shift from Melody's perspective to Jonathan's.
#4 Enjoy reading the rest of the story.
I really think the last 120 pages of this book should've been included in The Girl She Used To Be. The book could've been divided into two parts, Part One (Melody's point of view), then Part Two (Jonathan's point of view continuing the story to its completion).
Maybe if I'd never read The Girl She Used To Be I might've liked this one better. Of course now I'm going to be forced to eventually buy The Exceptions if I want to own the complete story. Grrrr. I feel ripped off.
Fast forward to 2017 and I've just re-read The Exceptions. Actually it's a really good book and although it goes over familiar ground, this time I appreciated the different perspective and the continuation of the story of Melody and Jonathan since the end of The Girl She Used To Be was bittersweet. Therefore, I'm raising my rating for this book from 2 stars to 4 stars.
Below is my original review from 2012:
I just don't know how many stars to give this book. I read the author's first book, The Girl She Used To Be, and it is one of my very favorites, and this one was, I thought, going to be a continuation of the story. It was. In a way. But then again it wasn't. At least MOST of it wasn't. Let me explain...
First off I was very unhappy to find that the book started back at the BEGINNING of the story already told in The Girl She Used To Be. In fact, other than a couple of minor pieces of new information, The Exceptions is the EXACT SAME STORY told from Jonathan's point of view rather than Melody's, as it was told in The Girl She Used To Be. Not a new story, a rehash. Not only that, The Girl She Used To Be was told "in the moment" so the reader is right there with the character, experiencing everything. It was gripping. With The Exceptions, a huge part of the story is narrative as Jonathan tells about previous events. Not so gripping. Finally I skimmed ahead, until I got to the place in The Exceptions where The Girl She Used To Be left off. That was page 345 of this book! I then read the rest of the book which ended on page 465.
Some advice to readers:
#1 Read The Girl She Used To Be.
#2 Next, get The Exceptions from the library and turn to page 345.
#3 Adjust to a shift from Melody's perspective to Jonathan's.
#4 Enjoy reading the rest of the story.
I really think the last 120 pages of this book should've been included in The Girl She Used To Be. The book could've been divided into two parts, Part One (Melody's point of view), then Part Two (Jonathan's point of view continuing the story to its completion).
Maybe if I'd never read The Girl She Used To Be I might've liked this one better. Of course now I'm going to be forced to eventually buy The Exceptions if I want to own the complete story. Grrrr. I feel ripped off.
August 7, 2012
"When violence arrives, it rarely knocks. It seldom taps you on the shoulder, suggests you get ready. It creates change with the most capable tools in the toolbox: confusion, humiliation, destruction. And its survivors are lucky to have coughed out a raspy I never saw it coming."
In "The Girls She Used to Be", the story told in Melanie Grace McCartney's POV. In this sequel, we now have Jonathan Bovaro's. In the first book, we get the story through the eyes of the woman who for 20 years has had go through changes not only her physical appearance but her whole life appearance as well all because she and her family witness a heinous murder by the hands of Jonathan's mafia family. And through out these 20 years, Jonathan has been looking out for her from afar, protecting her. He was a boy of 10 and she a little girl of 6 years old when these crimes were happening on the streets of New York City. "I still cannot understand what captivated me; she was a little girl and I a little boy. But I became aware of myself-fearful." Not only has Jonathan been Melanie's protector but has also loved her for those many years.
Throughout the years of Melanie's many changes and transformations, Jonathan has been there every step of the way, making sure his family doesn't get to her first. He has seen how she has grown up from that little girl with a bright smile and bouncy blond hair into the 26 year old woman who fears her life and never sleeps well wondering when her last breath will be at the hands of the mafia. All those years Jonathan would only look and never interact with her. Finally, he could wait no more. At first Melanie is scared and has no idea if Jonathan is there to kill her or what will happen. Little does she know that Jonathan just wants to take her away and give her a life that she finally wants to live. I life far away from what and who she is now. Both have lived a double life through these two decades and finally they collide to live as one.
"We are perfectly cast for the roles we have to play, two people with experience in lying and manipulation, in convincing those around us we are something other than what everyone sees-something else, if not something greater."
I very much enjoyed this book. The first one was good but Jonathan's POV was much better. I was able to read the thoughts that were in Joanthan's head. This one can be read a stand alone. Where in the first one the ending is a bit off, this sequel closes the chapter of Melanie and Jonathan.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC.
In "The Girls She Used to Be", the story told in Melanie Grace McCartney's POV. In this sequel, we now have Jonathan Bovaro's. In the first book, we get the story through the eyes of the woman who for 20 years has had go through changes not only her physical appearance but her whole life appearance as well all because she and her family witness a heinous murder by the hands of Jonathan's mafia family. And through out these 20 years, Jonathan has been looking out for her from afar, protecting her. He was a boy of 10 and she a little girl of 6 years old when these crimes were happening on the streets of New York City. "I still cannot understand what captivated me; she was a little girl and I a little boy. But I became aware of myself-fearful." Not only has Jonathan been Melanie's protector but has also loved her for those many years.
Throughout the years of Melanie's many changes and transformations, Jonathan has been there every step of the way, making sure his family doesn't get to her first. He has seen how she has grown up from that little girl with a bright smile and bouncy blond hair into the 26 year old woman who fears her life and never sleeps well wondering when her last breath will be at the hands of the mafia. All those years Jonathan would only look and never interact with her. Finally, he could wait no more. At first Melanie is scared and has no idea if Jonathan is there to kill her or what will happen. Little does she know that Jonathan just wants to take her away and give her a life that she finally wants to live. I life far away from what and who she is now. Both have lived a double life through these two decades and finally they collide to live as one.
"We are perfectly cast for the roles we have to play, two people with experience in lying and manipulation, in convincing those around us we are something other than what everyone sees-something else, if not something greater."
I very much enjoyed this book. The first one was good but Jonathan's POV was much better. I was able to read the thoughts that were in Joanthan's head. This one can be read a stand alone. Where in the first one the ending is a bit off, this sequel closes the chapter of Melanie and Jonathan.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC.
August 30, 2012
*Won through Goodreads giveaway*
"Melody would give anything to be who she was meant to be, and I would give anything to be anyone but who I was meant to be."- One of the many quotes from this book that had me hooked. To say I liked this book is an understatement. It's well written, thought provoking, and superbly thrilling. I could not put this book down once I began.
Jonathan Bovaro is ordered to tie up all loose ends and one of those loose ends is Melody Grace McCartney. Before long, Jonathan finds his self protecting Melody and falling in love with her in the process. If anyone has read The Girl She Used to Be, they are aware of most of this plot from Melody's point of view. I have not had the pleasure of reading that book (the postal service has yet to send me my copy I ordered from Amazon weeks ago) but it's reviewed as having many identical plot points.
The author does a great job at painting the portrait of a flawed hero who doesn't even want to be considered a hero. It's always there in the back of the readers mind, as well as the narrator, that this guy has seen and done bad things. His greatest challenge is breaking free of the Mob lifestyle so he can be who he's really meant to be and not who his family would like him to be.
The book is sappy at times but it generally is a romance novel with many plot twists and thrilling occurances. Characters and settings are well developed. I could picture every event and moment as the narrator describes them. The view from inside the mob was also very interesting and insightful. There's even enough violence in this book to keep an avid suspense/thriller reader, like my self, interested. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
"Melody would give anything to be who she was meant to be, and I would give anything to be anyone but who I was meant to be."- One of the many quotes from this book that had me hooked. To say I liked this book is an understatement. It's well written, thought provoking, and superbly thrilling. I could not put this book down once I began.
Jonathan Bovaro is ordered to tie up all loose ends and one of those loose ends is Melody Grace McCartney. Before long, Jonathan finds his self protecting Melody and falling in love with her in the process. If anyone has read The Girl She Used to Be, they are aware of most of this plot from Melody's point of view. I have not had the pleasure of reading that book (the postal service has yet to send me my copy I ordered from Amazon weeks ago) but it's reviewed as having many identical plot points.
The author does a great job at painting the portrait of a flawed hero who doesn't even want to be considered a hero. It's always there in the back of the readers mind, as well as the narrator, that this guy has seen and done bad things. His greatest challenge is breaking free of the Mob lifestyle so he can be who he's really meant to be and not who his family would like him to be.
The book is sappy at times but it generally is a romance novel with many plot twists and thrilling occurances. Characters and settings are well developed. I could picture every event and moment as the narrator describes them. The view from inside the mob was also very interesting and insightful. There's even enough violence in this book to keep an avid suspense/thriller reader, like my self, interested. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
August 24, 2013
I absolutely loved this story. The author's storytelling is beyond superb. I really enjoyed "The Girl She Used to Be" by the same author. In fact, it made my favorite fiction list the year it came out. The cool thing was enough time had passed between my reading each of the stories that it felt like I began the story again from a totally different perspective. But this time it went way back to the beginning. In some ways I loved this book even more than the first. The ideal is to read both, but this could be read as a stand alone novel.
This was an exceptionally good book because my emotions were fully engaged. I was also enthralled by the concept - the son of a notable crime family guarding the life of one of his family's targets. As far as romantic elements go, this author really cranks up the heat while staying fairly chaste. It's a technique worth studying in depth. I could feel the love oozing off the pages and it was enough to melt my heart.
The hero tells this story entirely from his perspective. You feel his intense longing and his inspiring discovery of what it means to truly love someone. At the same time, the hero wants to do right by the heroine. He couldn't free her if she clung to him, so he refrained though everything in him wanted to love her fully. There is nothing more romantic than restrained passion and sacrifice.
There were moments when a sense of betrayal which got me a bit choked up. I felt the wounds myself as it were happening to me. But like all good love stories, the truth eventually comes out and it isn't what it seems. This is my cryptic way of telling how much I enjoyed the twists and turns without sharing them in this review. I stayed up late many nights reading this book. I highly recommend it.
This was an exceptionally good book because my emotions were fully engaged. I was also enthralled by the concept - the son of a notable crime family guarding the life of one of his family's targets. As far as romantic elements go, this author really cranks up the heat while staying fairly chaste. It's a technique worth studying in depth. I could feel the love oozing off the pages and it was enough to melt my heart.
The hero tells this story entirely from his perspective. You feel his intense longing and his inspiring discovery of what it means to truly love someone. At the same time, the hero wants to do right by the heroine. He couldn't free her if she clung to him, so he refrained though everything in him wanted to love her fully. There is nothing more romantic than restrained passion and sacrifice.
There were moments when a sense of betrayal which got me a bit choked up. I felt the wounds myself as it were happening to me. But like all good love stories, the truth eventually comes out and it isn't what it seems. This is my cryptic way of telling how much I enjoyed the twists and turns without sharing them in this review. I stayed up late many nights reading this book. I highly recommend it.
December 10, 2013
4.5 stars. I really loved Cristofano's "The Girl She Used to Be," so I just had to read "The Exceptions" to get Jonathan's side of the story. I thought Cristofano did a brilliant job of retelling the strange story of how Melody and Jonathan came together and still keeping it fresh for the reader.
I very much enjoyed his characterizations of Jonathan's family and of mob life, though I felt it stretched credulity a bit that they let Jonathan give excuse after excuse for not killing Melody for that many years. Then again, there wouldn't be a story if they hadn't, so I was willing to play along. :)
I look forward to whatever Cristofano decides to write next!
I very much enjoyed his characterizations of Jonathan's family and of mob life, though I felt it stretched credulity a bit that they let Jonathan give excuse after excuse for not killing Melody for that many years. Then again, there wouldn't be a story if they hadn't, so I was willing to play along. :)
I look forward to whatever Cristofano decides to write next!
August 12, 2012
Having read (and loved) David Cristofano's Book "The Girl She Used To Be" I was excited to learn about this book! Where The Girl She Used to Be was about Melody, a girl who was put into the Witness Protection Program after witnessing a crime. This book was from the perspective of Jonathan - the boy who indirectly put her there.
A story that includes organized crime and the FBI - but was really about love and finding out who you are really supposed to be.
The only downside...I don't think there will be a third book - although I can hope!
A story that includes organized crime and the FBI - but was really about love and finding out who you are really supposed to be.
The only downside...I don't think there will be a third book - although I can hope!
November 16, 2012
David Cristofano's 'The Girl She Used to Be' is in my top three favorite books of all time. I was reluctant to read this second one for fear that it would taint the first for me, but nothing could be further from the truth. As with 'The Girl,' my immediate reaction upon turning that last page is to start again at the beginning, to look more closely at how it was crafted, to experience it again. This book is phenomenal, and I loved it.
March 21, 2018
The conclusion of Cristofano's two-part series is not a verbatim copy of the first book, rehashing the same events from a differing point of view. We do get the complement of the heroine's story with the hero's, but with so much more.
When the first book ended as it did, I was content. When the second book went farther, and found its culmination in future years, I was very satisfied.
Be swept up in this drama that takes you from a youth in a mafia crime family to a man with no past and no future but with one consistent dream.
4 stars.
When the first book ended as it did, I was content. When the second book went farther, and found its culmination in future years, I was very satisfied.
Be swept up in this drama that takes you from a youth in a mafia crime family to a man with no past and no future but with one consistent dream.
4 stars.
October 12, 2012
The Exceptions is David Cristofano's second novel - and the sequel to The Girl She Used to Be released in March 2009 which I reviewed here.
While The Girl She Used to Be told the tale of Melody Grace McCartney, a young woman who has spent her life in the Witness Protection Program after she and her family witnessed a mob crime when she was six-years-old. After numerous relocations she's in for yet another one, all becoming standard to Melody. What wasn't standard was the kidnapping.
Or the man perpetrating the kidnapping: Jonathon Bovaro. The man whose family was responsible for her family's placement in Witness Protection and her loss of a normal life.
And the man The Exceptions centers on.
Where Used to Be was told from Melody's point-of-view,The Exceptions is from Jonathon's. It gives readers the other side to the story. While we've seen (if Used to Be was read) Melody on the run and fearing/hating the Bovaro's, now we see the Bovaro's, heating the McCartney's for being on the run and looking for them. In a family taught to leave no loose ends, the McCartney's are loose ends.
It being Jonathon's fault those loose ends exist, it's up to him to sever them. Only he can't bring himself to do it. He vows to protect her, all the while being the one his family has tasked with killing her.
The more Jonathon watches Melody, the more he knows he can't kill her, forget her, or stay away. He knows he's going to be forced to choose between his family and the girl who has his heart.
I like that The Exceptions takes a character that was presented in The Girl She Used to Be, Jonathon and makes him the main character here. We see him before his later run-in with Melody, from that day at the restaurant that changed both of their lives so greatly forward.
Cristofano does a really good job presenting the dichotomy of Jonathon's character: the son of the head of an organized crime family who understands the need for violence but also the boy who loves cooking and is falling for the girl his family has tasked him with killing. We see his dark and his light. His struggle between evil and good.
It is easy to feel bogged down while reading the beginning. While the setup makes sense and the establishment of the characters (who were either not in The Girl She Used to Be or just ideas Melody had) is necessary, it can be slow reading. The second half of the book picks up, though. Things are different, we know the characters there's more action and some familiar characters are back.
While I had trouble with Used to Be feeling like it didn't really know what genre it wanted to be, The Exceptions worked much better for me. While it wasn't a mystery, there was the right amount of tension when outcomes or motives were left unclear, at least temporarily.
I didn't remember much more than the basics of Used to Be when I started The Exceptions, some of it came back to me as I read, but a fair amount of it didn't. So, I don't think that reading the first book is required for reading this second one and following it. I did suggest the books to someone, though, and they've just read both books and loved them so if you haven't read, either, I would suggest attempting to read both, together.
Rating: 8/10
thank you to Grand Central & NetGalley for my e-galley
While The Girl She Used to Be told the tale of Melody Grace McCartney, a young woman who has spent her life in the Witness Protection Program after she and her family witnessed a mob crime when she was six-years-old. After numerous relocations she's in for yet another one, all becoming standard to Melody. What wasn't standard was the kidnapping.
Or the man perpetrating the kidnapping: Jonathon Bovaro. The man whose family was responsible for her family's placement in Witness Protection and her loss of a normal life.
And the man The Exceptions centers on.
Where Used to Be was told from Melody's point-of-view,The Exceptions is from Jonathon's. It gives readers the other side to the story. While we've seen (if Used to Be was read) Melody on the run and fearing/hating the Bovaro's, now we see the Bovaro's, heating the McCartney's for being on the run and looking for them. In a family taught to leave no loose ends, the McCartney's are loose ends.
It being Jonathon's fault those loose ends exist, it's up to him to sever them. Only he can't bring himself to do it. He vows to protect her, all the while being the one his family has tasked with killing her.
The more Jonathon watches Melody, the more he knows he can't kill her, forget her, or stay away. He knows he's going to be forced to choose between his family and the girl who has his heart.
I like that The Exceptions takes a character that was presented in The Girl She Used to Be, Jonathon and makes him the main character here. We see him before his later run-in with Melody, from that day at the restaurant that changed both of their lives so greatly forward.
Cristofano does a really good job presenting the dichotomy of Jonathon's character: the son of the head of an organized crime family who understands the need for violence but also the boy who loves cooking and is falling for the girl his family has tasked him with killing. We see his dark and his light. His struggle between evil and good.
It is easy to feel bogged down while reading the beginning. While the setup makes sense and the establishment of the characters (who were either not in The Girl She Used to Be or just ideas Melody had) is necessary, it can be slow reading. The second half of the book picks up, though. Things are different, we know the characters there's more action and some familiar characters are back.
While I had trouble with Used to Be feeling like it didn't really know what genre it wanted to be, The Exceptions worked much better for me. While it wasn't a mystery, there was the right amount of tension when outcomes or motives were left unclear, at least temporarily.
I didn't remember much more than the basics of Used to Be when I started The Exceptions, some of it came back to me as I read, but a fair amount of it didn't. So, I don't think that reading the first book is required for reading this second one and following it. I did suggest the books to someone, though, and they've just read both books and loved them so if you haven't read, either, I would suggest attempting to read both, together.
Rating: 8/10
thank you to Grand Central & NetGalley for my e-galley
October 11, 2012
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. My first goodreads prize was a beautiful hardback book. Thank you, whoever you are that made this possible!
I very much enjoyed this book. In fact, by the end I has enjoyed it more than i expected in the beginning. I had difficulty staying on the side of Jonathan and Melody in the beginning. In fact by the end of part one, I was so ready for Jonathan to stop whining and just kill the girl and get it over with. I felt sorry for his mafia don father. Clearly this was not the reaction envisioned by the author. But I got over it. The story picks up after part 1. There are several twists that I did not see coming. That for me is a wonderful thing. So often in recent years a book is billed as having a surprising twist that is obvious from the start.
So I basically enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the writing style. But I never really liked the main characters. Jonathan's sensitive side came off as whining and weak. And his tough guy mafia side was not believable. He is too much of a modern day metrosexual to be believed as a mafioso. With respect to Melody, I assume if I had read 'the girl she uses to be', I may have had more of an appreciation for her character. We don't get to know her very well in this book. johnathon's attraction(obsession) seems to be based solely on his guilty conscience and his view of her as the proverbial damsel on distress. I wonder how well the love affair faired after the end of the story and he no longer had to save/protect her. I can see this book making a good movie.
Overall, this is a good read.
August 21, 2015
My husband loves the Dollar Tree; or The Tree as he affectionately calls it. He loves a good bargain and he loves a good book. This was one of his bargain book finds at The Tree.
He is not content to have found a good book at a bargain price at his beloved Tree. He wants me to agree that shopping at the Tree is good so he declared this book to be the best he had read all year. He really built it up. I had to read it, there was never a doubt.
It takes a while to rev up - but once it does I say it deserves 4 stars. There were two big issues. The biggest was the main female character is named Melody and my name is just rare enough that it is disconcerting to read about someone with my name. I really have been able to live my life without having to share it with many people I come in contact with. I know that is silly - but it is the truth. The slowness to get through the predictable to the interesting stuff was my other issue. I had a couple of other things too - but I won't mention them because I'd have to tag it as a spoiler. But definitely a worthwhile read. If your name is not Melody you might rate it higher.
He is not content to have found a good book at a bargain price at his beloved Tree. He wants me to agree that shopping at the Tree is good so he declared this book to be the best he had read all year. He really built it up. I had to read it, there was never a doubt.
It takes a while to rev up - but once it does I say it deserves 4 stars. There were two big issues. The biggest was the main female character is named Melody and my name is just rare enough that it is disconcerting to read about someone with my name. I really have been able to live my life without having to share it with many people I come in contact with. I know that is silly - but it is the truth. The slowness to get through the predictable to the interesting stuff was my other issue. I had a couple of other things too - but I won't mention them because I'd have to tag it as a spoiler. But definitely a worthwhile read. If your name is not Melody you might rate it higher.
September 8, 2012
I was lucky to receive this book through Goodreads first-reads! I'm rating it separately from The Girl She Used to Be because by itself it is an amazing book and unlike many other series this book will not leave you confused if you don't start on the first book. Both of the books in the series are great but a portion of this book is the same conversations and plot, just from Jonathon's point of view this time which was mostly amazing but sometimes a bit repetitive. The Exceptions has a lot more material to it (especially at the end) than The Girl She Used to Be
The plot of this book is great but what really makes it come to life is Cristofano's style of writing. It was great to read a book in the perspective of a mobster that was PG-13, no actual swearing or gory violence, but seemed to realistically display his life. Jonathon would give anything to not be who he is destined to be and Melody would give anything to be who she is destined to but they were destined for each other
The plot of this book is great but what really makes it come to life is Cristofano's style of writing. It was great to read a book in the perspective of a mobster that was PG-13, no actual swearing or gory violence, but seemed to realistically display his life. Jonathon would give anything to not be who he is destined to be and Melody would give anything to be who she is destined to but they were destined for each other
November 25, 2013
Love this book! The Exceptions is told from Jonathan's point of view. A majority of the book is a retelling of The Girl She Used to Be which to most might be redundant but I thoroughly loved reading it through Jonathan's eyes. You start to understand more deeply why he did the things he did and the story becomes full circle. You can read this book as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading The Girl She Use to Be prior to get a better understanding of the characters and how the story unfolds.
September 2, 2012
What a great follow-up to his first novel! Love this local author!!!
December 4, 2015
What an amazing read. This book kept me entranced to the very end.
May 25, 2025
3.6 ✨
I thought I had been reading this book for over six months but apparently I only started it mid March so I’m feeling so good about myself 😂
This story follows Jonathan Bovaro, a chef/mafioso/former chain smoker who is obsessed with a girl named Melody Grace McCartney (main POV in The Girl She Used To Be - one of my childhood all time fave books). He stalks her in order to protect her from his criminal family who wants her dead, since she’s one of the key witnesses in a family murder 20 years ago. If you’ve read The Girl She Used to Be, all you need to know is that this book offers mafia insider details from Jonathan’s POV and follows his life from the moment he met Melody, through their excursions together, and then follows after the ending of the previous book as well. If you want an MMC that’s pathetically in love and would crawl for his girl, this is a good book for you!
I’m happy with where we left things here but because it took me SO long to finish, I can’t really rate it any higher. I do think that David Cristofano writes from a male POV muchhhh better than from a female POV. Also the descriptions of the authentic Italian foods had me in a chokehold.
I thought I had been reading this book for over six months but apparently I only started it mid March so I’m feeling so good about myself 😂
This story follows Jonathan Bovaro, a chef/mafioso/former chain smoker who is obsessed with a girl named Melody Grace McCartney (main POV in The Girl She Used To Be - one of my childhood all time fave books). He stalks her in order to protect her from his criminal family who wants her dead, since she’s one of the key witnesses in a family murder 20 years ago. If you’ve read The Girl She Used to Be, all you need to know is that this book offers mafia insider details from Jonathan’s POV and follows his life from the moment he met Melody, through their excursions together, and then follows after the ending of the previous book as well. If you want an MMC that’s pathetically in love and would crawl for his girl, this is a good book for you!
I’m happy with where we left things here but because it took me SO long to finish, I can’t really rate it any higher. I do think that David Cristofano writes from a male POV muchhhh better than from a female POV. Also the descriptions of the authentic Italian foods had me in a chokehold.
October 20, 2024
It is my first book by David Cristofano. I loved everything about this book. My favourite characters are Jonathan, Melody and Sean. Melody was under Witness Protection, all her childhood and young years she was facing danger. Jonathan returned her freedom, but he chose the same destiny as Melody used to have.
This book takes you different paths, and you can see characters had to face many obstacles to reach for their happily ever after.
This book is easy to read, well written, when I started to read it, didn’t want to put it away.
Just loved this book.
This book takes you different paths, and you can see characters had to face many obstacles to reach for their happily ever after.
This book is easy to read, well written, when I started to read it, didn’t want to put it away.
Just loved this book.
April 15, 2018
Another amazing book
This follow up to The Girl She Used To Be is everything I ever hoped for, I always wish that authors will write both sides of a story and Mr. Cristofano delivered!! Read both books, trust me, they are engaging and wonderful and feel oh so real. LOVE BOTH HIS BOOKS!!!!
This follow up to The Girl She Used To Be is everything I ever hoped for, I always wish that authors will write both sides of a story and Mr. Cristofano delivered!! Read both books, trust me, they are engaging and wonderful and feel oh so real. LOVE BOTH HIS BOOKS!!!!
September 1, 2017
I started listening to this as an audiobook and I went and purchased it because I couldn't wait to ride in the car again to listen to it. This is wonderfully well written with an engaging story. It kept me interested until the very end.
January 10, 2020
This book got me hooked from day one! I read The Girl She Used to Be first (from Melody, the girl's perspective) and really liked it. This book, I feel, goes deeper into the main character's mind and I REALLY love it. It is from Jonathan's perspective. He grew up in a mafia family, is torn by his past conditioning and his guilty conscience for a tragic event involving Melody. I loved his thoughts and empathy. It was beautifully written. I wish there were more books from this author. This would make a great movie!
June 26, 2021
Absolutely wonderful. I cried hard after finishing. You have to read the first book, "the girl she used to be". It is so clever how this repeated some of the scenes but from his perspective. I will never forget this book.
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