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The Downey Trilogy #1
First I Love You
One part Godfather, two parts Emma and a dash of Casablanca mixed together, "First, I Love You" isn't a detective novel, a gangster novel, a mystery, a romance or a family saga. It's a little of all of the above.
Imagine being a detective with a mobster for a father, or a mobster with a straight arrow, good cop for a son. This is a relationship that is tricky on its best day. Add in some well-meaning meddling from a mob princess sister, an arrogant DEA agent, and gangsters running a human trafficking ring and you have a recipe for a book that refuses to follow the rules. Told from the perspective and point of view of each the six main characters this is the first novel in a trilogy about love, loyalty, revenge and redemption.
Omaha Detective Tommy Gates has kept his gangster father at arm's length his whole life. Mickey Downey has spent the better part of the last two decades trying to find ways to get back the son he lost through Witness Protection. Now Tommy has taken an opportunity to work on a Federal Human Trafficking Joint Task Force in Chicago where his father lives. Tommy's sister Kiki and his mother Mary see this as an opportunity to build a relationship between the two. Tommy's new DEA partner James Hoffman sees it as an opportunity to gain leverage over Mickey Downey. Tommy's other partner, FBI Agent Ginny Sommers wants to keep Tommy's family as far from the case as possible. When Kiki and James join forces, sparks fly and it sets fire to a maelstrom of unexpected consequences for everyone involved.
Imagine being a detective with a mobster for a father, or a mobster with a straight arrow, good cop for a son. This is a relationship that is tricky on its best day. Add in some well-meaning meddling from a mob princess sister, an arrogant DEA agent, and gangsters running a human trafficking ring and you have a recipe for a book that refuses to follow the rules. Told from the perspective and point of view of each the six main characters this is the first novel in a trilogy about love, loyalty, revenge and redemption.
Omaha Detective Tommy Gates has kept his gangster father at arm's length his whole life. Mickey Downey has spent the better part of the last two decades trying to find ways to get back the son he lost through Witness Protection. Now Tommy has taken an opportunity to work on a Federal Human Trafficking Joint Task Force in Chicago where his father lives. Tommy's sister Kiki and his mother Mary see this as an opportunity to build a relationship between the two. Tommy's new DEA partner James Hoffman sees it as an opportunity to gain leverage over Mickey Downey. Tommy's other partner, FBI Agent Ginny Sommers wants to keep Tommy's family as far from the case as possible. When Kiki and James join forces, sparks fly and it sets fire to a maelstrom of unexpected consequences for everyone involved.
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2012
7 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Dewey
9 books90 followersI was raised mostly in Nebraska, partly in Arizona. My family is from Chicago. I wear many hats, but my favorites are Mom, Anthropologist, and CSI.
Grab a FREE copy of my short romance The Bird Day Battalion here at Goodreads or at all major eBook retailers!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 17, 2013
To start, all I can say is WOW! This is an absolutely amazing book that has something for everyone in it. It has a mix of genres including gangster crime, detective, mystery, romance and family. This is a book not to be missed.
I genuinely applaud the author Genevieve Dewey for how incredibly well this book was written. With six main characters and the narration skipping between each character for each chapter, I was worried at first that too many points of view would get confusing especially with this kind of fast-paced detective storyline, but I need not have worried as it was handled superbly, with the different characters stories intertwining brilliantly. I absolutely loved how easily I connected to all the characters, especially those whom you would not expect to appreciate or have any respect for if you hadn’t read their story from their point of view.
Reading Mickey’s storyline was a real experience for me as it really made me see that even though the gangsters in this story have done bad things, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are people with no feelings. We can see that the love Mickey has for all his children transcends all the feelings he has for his work, and his inability to earn his son Tommy’s respect isn’t necessarily his own fault, but due to the circumstances and lifestyle that he himself was brought up in. His relationship with Tommy’s mother was also brilliantly written, and it really emphasised the importance of family and how the love of a parent can outweigh that of romantic love.
James and Kiki’s storyline was so much fun, and I really connected with Kiki and felt her turmoil at the life she lived, and her worry over her growing relationship with James. At many times I wanted to bang her and James’ heads together and just yell at them to talk to each other, which I loved as it really shows how much I connected to the story and the characters. Throughout this book, I also really wanted to reach into the pages and give Tommy a huge hug. I look forward to seeing how his growing friendship with Ginny will develop, as I love the connection they share and how their devotion to their work gets in the way of them taking the next step in their relationship.
The author’s decision to use an epilogue was brilliant, as there are far too many books which end with a cliffhanger and leave you feeling a little let down that you don’t get a little closure from the books storyline. This epilogue left me feeling greatly excited for the next book in the series, as it gave me closure to some of the issues that were risen during the first book, and raised intriguing questions that the characters will have to answer in the next book of the series.
Overall this book is a real gem that if I could give more than five stars, I definitely would! It is a beautiful story of love, friendship and most of all family that will have you laughing and crying. Go and check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
I genuinely applaud the author Genevieve Dewey for how incredibly well this book was written. With six main characters and the narration skipping between each character for each chapter, I was worried at first that too many points of view would get confusing especially with this kind of fast-paced detective storyline, but I need not have worried as it was handled superbly, with the different characters stories intertwining brilliantly. I absolutely loved how easily I connected to all the characters, especially those whom you would not expect to appreciate or have any respect for if you hadn’t read their story from their point of view.
Reading Mickey’s storyline was a real experience for me as it really made me see that even though the gangsters in this story have done bad things, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are people with no feelings. We can see that the love Mickey has for all his children transcends all the feelings he has for his work, and his inability to earn his son Tommy’s respect isn’t necessarily his own fault, but due to the circumstances and lifestyle that he himself was brought up in. His relationship with Tommy’s mother was also brilliantly written, and it really emphasised the importance of family and how the love of a parent can outweigh that of romantic love.
James and Kiki’s storyline was so much fun, and I really connected with Kiki and felt her turmoil at the life she lived, and her worry over her growing relationship with James. At many times I wanted to bang her and James’ heads together and just yell at them to talk to each other, which I loved as it really shows how much I connected to the story and the characters. Throughout this book, I also really wanted to reach into the pages and give Tommy a huge hug. I look forward to seeing how his growing friendship with Ginny will develop, as I love the connection they share and how their devotion to their work gets in the way of them taking the next step in their relationship.
The author’s decision to use an epilogue was brilliant, as there are far too many books which end with a cliffhanger and leave you feeling a little let down that you don’t get a little closure from the books storyline. This epilogue left me feeling greatly excited for the next book in the series, as it gave me closure to some of the issues that were risen during the first book, and raised intriguing questions that the characters will have to answer in the next book of the series.
Overall this book is a real gem that if I could give more than five stars, I definitely would! It is a beautiful story of love, friendship and most of all family that will have you laughing and crying. Go and check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
February 5, 2013
This is a definite must read. Family drama, intrigue, smexy love scenes, and all brilliantly written, packaged in one book. Genevieve Dewey sets up in First I Love You, what is sure to be an explosive trilogy. Read it and become immersed in the Family Downey. It's one mob family that you want to get involved with!
June 5, 2013
One part Godfather, two parts Emma and a dash of Casablanca mixed together, "First, I Love You" isn't a detective novel, a gangster novel, a mystery, a romance or a family saga. It's a little of all of the above.
Well that says a lot and usually I get suckered into believing this and I am disappointed. This was before I read First I Love You. It is a saga! So the story is a little complicated, but if you pay attention by chapter 3 you are sunk and stay up all night to read it. I loved Mickey and I related to him and the "family" he had to protect. I know he was in love with Mary and not Theresa. Hey, at the time they were together, in this type of family, it is expected. I know all about growing up in Brooklyn being Italian. That being said, I really enjoyed the saga. I did go to Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge, so yes it is really real!
What I loved was how the characters and story were seamless. It is important to say pay attention because the history comes up and so do a few other "family"members. It is all about loyalty. In a certain place this exists and it totally rules lives. There is no out once you are IN. Mickey was IN. The descriptive characters and how the past affects Tommy and his half siblings Joe and Kiki will surely rival any saga you have read. It is all about family, trust and loyalty, no matter what. Mickey writes to Tommy and starts every letter with "First, I love You".
Jump in an enjoy this book. The author took a story and has tightly woven the fabric in a way that leaves you screaming where is book two . The next is Second of All and I am so excited to write about that one too. Even more excited is this is a debut. I can't believe that it is not only a debut, but the book totally lives up to the description.
Well that says a lot and usually I get suckered into believing this and I am disappointed. This was before I read First I Love You. It is a saga! So the story is a little complicated, but if you pay attention by chapter 3 you are sunk and stay up all night to read it. I loved Mickey and I related to him and the "family" he had to protect. I know he was in love with Mary and not Theresa. Hey, at the time they were together, in this type of family, it is expected. I know all about growing up in Brooklyn being Italian. That being said, I really enjoyed the saga. I did go to Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge, so yes it is really real!
What I loved was how the characters and story were seamless. It is important to say pay attention because the history comes up and so do a few other "family"members. It is all about loyalty. In a certain place this exists and it totally rules lives. There is no out once you are IN. Mickey was IN. The descriptive characters and how the past affects Tommy and his half siblings Joe and Kiki will surely rival any saga you have read. It is all about family, trust and loyalty, no matter what. Mickey writes to Tommy and starts every letter with "First, I love You".
Jump in an enjoy this book. The author took a story and has tightly woven the fabric in a way that leaves you screaming where is book two . The next is Second of All and I am so excited to write about that one too. Even more excited is this is a debut. I can't believe that it is not only a debut, but the book totally lives up to the description.
February 18, 2013
Show me romance weaved into in-depth multi-layered twists and turns, and I will tell you that you have a hit on your hands.
Seriously, Genevieve Dewey has done it!
What took years and several attempts for the greats of the writing world, she accomplished in her very first book! She has taken a family known as the Downey's and created rich, unique, some lovable, and some you love-to-hate characters.
I wanted to know what everyone was talking about... and OMG I now know. Godfather meets Romance with family values that are so hard core, they force life changing decisions.
If you aren't itching to read it yet, you need to check out Second of All. Between the two books, you can't resist, and you'll be salivating while you wait for the 3rd in the Downey Trilogy. I know I am...
#Naughtyville Approved
Seriously, Genevieve Dewey has done it!
What took years and several attempts for the greats of the writing world, she accomplished in her very first book! She has taken a family known as the Downey's and created rich, unique, some lovable, and some you love-to-hate characters.
I wanted to know what everyone was talking about... and OMG I now know. Godfather meets Romance with family values that are so hard core, they force life changing decisions.
If you aren't itching to read it yet, you need to check out Second of All. Between the two books, you can't resist, and you'll be salivating while you wait for the 3rd in the Downey Trilogy. I know I am...
#Naughtyville Approved
October 30, 2012
This book was amazing. A great read that makes you connect with the characters. I can not wait for the second book! I recommend this book to anyone!
books-i-wrote
April 29, 2013It's a shiny new cover!!!!
June 19, 2013
LINK TO REVIEW: http://storiesandswag.blogspot.com/20...
First I Love You is the first book in The Downey Trilogy by Genevieve Dewey. This novel is unlike anything I’ve ever read. When I saw the story was told from the perspective of six different characters, I worried it would be difficult to distinguish between the characters’ narration and follow along with the story.
Genevieve Dewey wastes no time introducing the players and does so in a way that allows the reader to easily follow along without getting lost or confused. Each of the first six chapters is told from a different character’s point-of-view. Within those chapters, I learned so much about each character – their background, their motives, their personalities – and I couldn’t help but get hooked into the story and want to keep reading.
Tommy Gates – He’s a police officer for the Omaha Police Department and son of notorious mobster Michael “Magic Mickey” Downey. His entire life has been a constant battle to distance himself from his estranged father so he may pursue his dream of law enforcement. Tommy wants little to do with his father despite Mickey’s endless attempts to forge a relationship.
“He had read once that a sign of intelligence was the ability to hold two opposing ideas at the same time and still be able to function.”
DEA Special Agent James Hoffman – Coming from four generations of Federal cops, James relies on his intuition to stay one step ahead of everyone. He’s determined to break the human trafficking case by any means necessary, even if that means doing whatever it takes to get close to Mickey Downey. What his instincts didn’t prepare him for was Tommy’s firecracker sister, Kiki.
“Sometimes as a cop one just had a feel for these things. No other explanation, James just sort of knew.”
Kiki Downey – Unlike Tommy, Kiki embraces her heritage and strives to make her father proud. All these years as Mickey’s only daughter have made her savvy, which is why she refuses to let herself become a pawn in James’ game. She’s making her own rules and she came to win.
“The trouble with having a father who adored her unconditionally was being left with the feeling of never quite having earned his approval.”
Mary Gates – Two decades ago, Tommy’s mother and Mickey’s former mistress, thought she was doing the best thing for her son and herself when she testified against Mickey. All these years she’s been conflicted over her decision and the irreparable damage it caused. Although her guilt has waivered, one thing hasn’t. Mary is still deeply in love with Mickey.
“She’d made a rash choice that day, one that had changed the course of her life forever.”
Michael “Magic Mickey” Downey – The ultimate mobster. Since retiring from the mafia lifestyle and moving to Chicago, Mickey’s only goal is to make amends and build a relationship with his oldest son, Tommy. However, temptation lurks regardless of what city Mickey inhabits. Is Mickey really ready to leave the only lifestyle he’s known behind for a relationship that may be damaged beyond repair?
“Most of his life, Mickey had figured the world was made out of fools, willfully blind to the realities of life, and it was their own fault if greater men were able to get one over on ‘em.”
FBI Special Agent Eugenia “Ginny” Elaine Sommers – She thrives in the background, choosing to go unnoticed in order to gain the upper hand. Combine that with her meticulous research skills, and she’s a total package. Yet once she meets Tommy, she wants nothing more than to be in the foreground and noticed by him.
“The end result being that the bad guy routinely miscalculated with her and her coworkers routinely saw her as pleasantly feminine yet benign, minimizing their resentment if she outshined them with her casework.”
These characters are intermingling in a web so thick, no one character can escape. There were moments when I utterly despised Mickey Downey, and other moments where I couldn’t help but pity him.This story was full of twists and turns, making it completely unpredictable. The plot hooked and held my attention the entire time. Combining all the elements of a detective novel, a ganster novel, a mystery, a romance and family saga drama, First I Love You is the complete package.
I’d absolutely recommend adding this book to your TBR List, and I can’t wait to dive in to the second book of The Downey Trilogy, Second of All!
First I Love You is the first book in The Downey Trilogy by Genevieve Dewey. This novel is unlike anything I’ve ever read. When I saw the story was told from the perspective of six different characters, I worried it would be difficult to distinguish between the characters’ narration and follow along with the story.
Genevieve Dewey wastes no time introducing the players and does so in a way that allows the reader to easily follow along without getting lost or confused. Each of the first six chapters is told from a different character’s point-of-view. Within those chapters, I learned so much about each character – their background, their motives, their personalities – and I couldn’t help but get hooked into the story and want to keep reading.
Tommy Gates – He’s a police officer for the Omaha Police Department and son of notorious mobster Michael “Magic Mickey” Downey. His entire life has been a constant battle to distance himself from his estranged father so he may pursue his dream of law enforcement. Tommy wants little to do with his father despite Mickey’s endless attempts to forge a relationship.
“He had read once that a sign of intelligence was the ability to hold two opposing ideas at the same time and still be able to function.”
DEA Special Agent James Hoffman – Coming from four generations of Federal cops, James relies on his intuition to stay one step ahead of everyone. He’s determined to break the human trafficking case by any means necessary, even if that means doing whatever it takes to get close to Mickey Downey. What his instincts didn’t prepare him for was Tommy’s firecracker sister, Kiki.
“Sometimes as a cop one just had a feel for these things. No other explanation, James just sort of knew.”
Kiki Downey – Unlike Tommy, Kiki embraces her heritage and strives to make her father proud. All these years as Mickey’s only daughter have made her savvy, which is why she refuses to let herself become a pawn in James’ game. She’s making her own rules and she came to win.
“The trouble with having a father who adored her unconditionally was being left with the feeling of never quite having earned his approval.”
Mary Gates – Two decades ago, Tommy’s mother and Mickey’s former mistress, thought she was doing the best thing for her son and herself when she testified against Mickey. All these years she’s been conflicted over her decision and the irreparable damage it caused. Although her guilt has waivered, one thing hasn’t. Mary is still deeply in love with Mickey.
“She’d made a rash choice that day, one that had changed the course of her life forever.”
Michael “Magic Mickey” Downey – The ultimate mobster. Since retiring from the mafia lifestyle and moving to Chicago, Mickey’s only goal is to make amends and build a relationship with his oldest son, Tommy. However, temptation lurks regardless of what city Mickey inhabits. Is Mickey really ready to leave the only lifestyle he’s known behind for a relationship that may be damaged beyond repair?
“Most of his life, Mickey had figured the world was made out of fools, willfully blind to the realities of life, and it was their own fault if greater men were able to get one over on ‘em.”
FBI Special Agent Eugenia “Ginny” Elaine Sommers – She thrives in the background, choosing to go unnoticed in order to gain the upper hand. Combine that with her meticulous research skills, and she’s a total package. Yet once she meets Tommy, she wants nothing more than to be in the foreground and noticed by him.
“The end result being that the bad guy routinely miscalculated with her and her coworkers routinely saw her as pleasantly feminine yet benign, minimizing their resentment if she outshined them with her casework.”
These characters are intermingling in a web so thick, no one character can escape. There were moments when I utterly despised Mickey Downey, and other moments where I couldn’t help but pity him.This story was full of twists and turns, making it completely unpredictable. The plot hooked and held my attention the entire time. Combining all the elements of a detective novel, a ganster novel, a mystery, a romance and family saga drama, First I Love You is the complete package.
I’d absolutely recommend adding this book to your TBR List, and I can’t wait to dive in to the second book of The Downey Trilogy, Second of All!
June 2, 2013
This book is very unique. I have never read a book where there are so many point of views throughout the entire book. In this series, you get 6 different point of views. First you have Tommy and Ginny. Tommy is the son of an alleged mobster. He tries his whole life to distance himself from his father's name and to be the man of the house for his mom. He even becomes a cop which is a brave move in my opinion because his father is very well known to be involved in many illegal activities. Tommy starts working with Ginny who is a FBI agent to find the ring leader to a human trafficking scheme. Of course, Ginny and Tommy work closely together and Ginny starts falling for Tommy. Tommy has some feelings but he is very reserved, and doesn't like to show emotion. Then you have Kiki and James. Their point of views are the best in the series. I love Kiki and how smart she is and very feisty. I feel bad for her because everybody thinks she is some dumb spoiled brat that has a gangster for a father. She is nothing like people think. When her and James meet there is some instant chemistry but of course James treats her really mean. James feels bad about the way he treated her when they first met. He goes to Kiki's apartment with the goal of apologizing but instead it is a start of a love affair that he needs to keep hidden. Kiki is the daughter of a mobster (Mickey Downey), and James is DEA. So of course their relationship is going to be hard to keep if at all. I don't think James had any intention of ever loving a woman but he falls for Kiki very hard. The same for Kiki. Their love affair is the best part of the whole book for me. I love when Tommy finds out. It is hilarious to see how Tommy reacts. Poor James....he falls hard and becomes a love sick puppy that follows Kiki around. Finally, you have the point of view of Mary who is Tommy's mother and former mistress to Mickey Downey. You get a look at how her relationship was with Mickey who is Tommy's father as well as Kiki's. Even though he is part of a world that she doesn't like she still loves him. I really feel bad for Mary because she had to watch Mickey get married to somebody else and then have a child with Mickey and practically raised him by herself. However, Mickey may be a bad man and involved in many illegal activities but he was raised in this world, and it is all he has ever known. His love for Mary and Tommy is so sad. He always loved them from a distance and never stopped loving Mary. Mickey stayed away from Tommy for seven years just like Tommy asked him to. But you find out that Mickey has record of every single accomplishment that Tommy ever had. I cried about that. All Mickey ever wanted was to be part of Tommy's life but stayed away because Tommy asked him to. Tommy was only 10 years old and thought he was protecting his mom, when he asked his dad to leave them alone. Mary sees how she is partly responsible for her son growing up without a father, and for the relationship Mickey and Tommy don't have. All these characters are brought together in this series, and you watch all the drama unfold. Their is love, mystery, and a tad of action all wrapped up in one. In the beginning it starts off a little slow but eventually it picks up and then you can't put it down. I found myself reading one point of view and then wondering what the other point of view would say or was thinking. I'm glad I had the chance to read this book, which is the first in the trilogy.
June 2, 2013
I can’t believe I almost missed this jewel of a story. I am absolutely in love with First, I Love You.
Tommy Gates is an Omaha Detective who has been pulled into a federal case which involves the Chicago Mafia dealing in drugs and human trafficking. Tommy happens to have extensive knowledge and a secret underground contact in the world of organized crime. It’s a secret that he tries hard to ignore, even though this “secret” keeps popping up in his life. That secret connection just happens to be his father, Mickey Downey, the notorious head of the Irish mobsters of New York. Well, a “retired” mobster. Tommy Gates is the product of Mickey Downey and Mary Gates, his father’s true love. Despite Mickey and Mary’s love, he was forced into a loveless marriage, which just happened to increase Mickey in the ranks of New York’s criminal world. But he continued to see Mary as his lover, and she bore him a son, Tommy, with whom he had a close bond with in his early years.
But Mary and Tommy left that life over twenty years ago, after Mary testified against Mickey and his associates. Since the trial ended in a deadlock, Mary and her young son fled under the Witness Protection Program. But “Magic” Mickey Downey never stopped loving his Mary girl or his son, and he used all his resources to find them, which he did.
Once they were discovered, Mary insisted that Mickey stay away. And out of love for her and Tommy, he distanced himself. But he continued to watch over them through the years and wrote letters to his son, always keeping up with all of his accomplishments. Sadly, the letters always came back, returned to sender. Mickey kept them, waiting for the day his son would be ready to read them.
Years later, his father goes to Tommy to introduce him to his siblings. Relationships between Tommy and his younger stepsister Katherine, aka Kiki, and stepbrother Joe were forged. His father, for all his attempts at establishing a father-son bond, remained strained.
Once Tommy graduated high school, he was determined to become the complete opposite of his father and pursue a profession as a police officer, eventually becoming a detective for the Omaha Police Department. Now the feds want his help and his connections.
Tommy forms an awkward friendship with Federal Agent Ginny, which I anticipate will bloom further in book 2. But for now, a more serious relationship ignites between his partner, Agent James Hoffman, and Tommy’s baby sister, Kiki. The relationship becomes intense; and when the truth comes out, everyone is wondering if James was using Kiki all along.
You will love the quirkiness of Kiki. She is rich and beautiful and to outsiders appears careless. Everyone expects her to be this mafia Princess. Detective James, of course, is one of those people. What he doesn’t know is that she is willing to do anything to fix her broken family, and she is innocent enough to believe that it can happen so easily.
Interspersed throughout this story is the drama that seems to be slowly building between two old loves. Mickey is trying his best to get his Mary girl to notice him again after twenty years.
I’m not a fan of books that hold too many characters, but the author does a wonderful job of telling six character POVs in their own chapter. It is a unique change that I found especially refreshing. The criminal activity in the background story is raw and exciting, and I hope more will continue in the next installment.
This was a moving book filled with colorful drama, and I was really excited to have read and reviewed it.
Tommy Gates is an Omaha Detective who has been pulled into a federal case which involves the Chicago Mafia dealing in drugs and human trafficking. Tommy happens to have extensive knowledge and a secret underground contact in the world of organized crime. It’s a secret that he tries hard to ignore, even though this “secret” keeps popping up in his life. That secret connection just happens to be his father, Mickey Downey, the notorious head of the Irish mobsters of New York. Well, a “retired” mobster. Tommy Gates is the product of Mickey Downey and Mary Gates, his father’s true love. Despite Mickey and Mary’s love, he was forced into a loveless marriage, which just happened to increase Mickey in the ranks of New York’s criminal world. But he continued to see Mary as his lover, and she bore him a son, Tommy, with whom he had a close bond with in his early years.
But Mary and Tommy left that life over twenty years ago, after Mary testified against Mickey and his associates. Since the trial ended in a deadlock, Mary and her young son fled under the Witness Protection Program. But “Magic” Mickey Downey never stopped loving his Mary girl or his son, and he used all his resources to find them, which he did.
Once they were discovered, Mary insisted that Mickey stay away. And out of love for her and Tommy, he distanced himself. But he continued to watch over them through the years and wrote letters to his son, always keeping up with all of his accomplishments. Sadly, the letters always came back, returned to sender. Mickey kept them, waiting for the day his son would be ready to read them.
Years later, his father goes to Tommy to introduce him to his siblings. Relationships between Tommy and his younger stepsister Katherine, aka Kiki, and stepbrother Joe were forged. His father, for all his attempts at establishing a father-son bond, remained strained.
Once Tommy graduated high school, he was determined to become the complete opposite of his father and pursue a profession as a police officer, eventually becoming a detective for the Omaha Police Department. Now the feds want his help and his connections.
Tommy forms an awkward friendship with Federal Agent Ginny, which I anticipate will bloom further in book 2. But for now, a more serious relationship ignites between his partner, Agent James Hoffman, and Tommy’s baby sister, Kiki. The relationship becomes intense; and when the truth comes out, everyone is wondering if James was using Kiki all along.
You will love the quirkiness of Kiki. She is rich and beautiful and to outsiders appears careless. Everyone expects her to be this mafia Princess. Detective James, of course, is one of those people. What he doesn’t know is that she is willing to do anything to fix her broken family, and she is innocent enough to believe that it can happen so easily.
Interspersed throughout this story is the drama that seems to be slowly building between two old loves. Mickey is trying his best to get his Mary girl to notice him again after twenty years.
I’m not a fan of books that hold too many characters, but the author does a wonderful job of telling six character POVs in their own chapter. It is a unique change that I found especially refreshing. The criminal activity in the background story is raw and exciting, and I hope more will continue in the next installment.
This was a moving book filled with colorful drama, and I was really excited to have read and reviewed it.
June 3, 2013
Sometimes when I sit down to read a book I think to myself this is never going to work there is no way I am going to be able to stay awake and read this story. I thought that would be the case with First, I Love You. This book is not told from on person's point of view or two people's points of view... but a total of six different people. At first I couldn't figure out what all these people have in common you have Tommy Gates a detective, his mother Mary Gates, his father Michael "Mickey" Downey, half sister and daughter to Mickey Downey Kiki, and two FBI agents Ginny and James. I was like say what now??? I thought for sure that this was going to be a story about how a father abandoned his son who he had with his mistress Mary Gates who also happened to be a gangster and her son turned into a detective to bust his own father. But I was surprised to find that this story was so much more than that. This story had a bit of everything, gangsters, special agents, a daughter who appears to be a mod daughter/princess, a human trafficking ring, a son searching for a way to connect with the father that he never had in his life but never stopped loving him, and the best part? You don't get to see one love interest story develop here but three!!! In any other book I would have had to buy three different books just to get the three stories I got in this one it was like a three for one special. I don't want to give anything away about the book (since I have a tendency to start rambling and then give away too much...) but let me say that this story intrigued me enough to WANT to read the second book. I've never seen anything done like this book before and I thoroughly enjoyed it unable to put it down and reading the entire night until I was done with it. The story may have been told from multiple points of view but all the characters were connected to one another and it made the story work. I look forward to reading the second book and learning where these characters go with their stories and especially what happens with Mary and Mickey, I give it four stars!
Copy provided by author for a honest review.
Copy provided by author for a honest review.
August 5, 2013
As my first mob related book, I will have to say that I greatly enjoyed this read. Dewey has a way of telling a story through the eyes of the characters that will make you feel a closeness to each and every one of them: Tommy, Mary, Michael, Kiki, Joey, Ginny and even James.
While this is a great novel, it is also packed with criminal action, mafia rundowns, separate love stories, and family issues that you will only find yourself wanting to become a part of. While Michael (aka Magic Mickey) Downey is supposed to be the “bad” mafia dad that’s supposedly “retired”, I found him to be a character that I was rooting for the whole read.
What was great about this novel was Dewey’s ability to explain enough of the mafia to give what you needed, but didn’t stray away from the story underneath the investigation. While Tommy, Ginny, and James work on a case together to bring down big names in the mafia Outfits, there is also several love stories mixed in that have you completely drawn to the characters and their own stories.
Tommy and Michael’s, father and son relationship is one that will have you feeling many different mixed emotions; love, frustration, and sometimes anger. For me, I was equally frustrated with Mary and Michael’s relationship, wishing both would suck it up and have the big conversation they needed to move forward. And by the end of book, I was equally frustrated with Tommy and Ginny, while loving James and Kiki’s relationship.
I look forward to reading Dewey’s second work in The Downey Series, "Second Of All". I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great mixture of great writing, love stories, family feuds, organized crime, and mystery.
While this is a great novel, it is also packed with criminal action, mafia rundowns, separate love stories, and family issues that you will only find yourself wanting to become a part of. While Michael (aka Magic Mickey) Downey is supposed to be the “bad” mafia dad that’s supposedly “retired”, I found him to be a character that I was rooting for the whole read.
What was great about this novel was Dewey’s ability to explain enough of the mafia to give what you needed, but didn’t stray away from the story underneath the investigation. While Tommy, Ginny, and James work on a case together to bring down big names in the mafia Outfits, there is also several love stories mixed in that have you completely drawn to the characters and their own stories.
Tommy and Michael’s, father and son relationship is one that will have you feeling many different mixed emotions; love, frustration, and sometimes anger. For me, I was equally frustrated with Mary and Michael’s relationship, wishing both would suck it up and have the big conversation they needed to move forward. And by the end of book, I was equally frustrated with Tommy and Ginny, while loving James and Kiki’s relationship.
I look forward to reading Dewey’s second work in The Downey Series, "Second Of All". I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great mixture of great writing, love stories, family feuds, organized crime, and mystery.
April 7, 2013
This first novel feels like a solid set up for the rest of the series but can be difficult to follow at times because focus is divided between five different characters each of whom have a lot going on in their lives and past. There are moments of brilliance – Kiki’s memories of her father writing to her brother over the years and her clear love and admiration for him. And moments that are not so wonderful – some of the dialogue is unnatural and overused in literature along the lines of “Darnit, Jim, you’re out of control! You’re off the case!” (Mickey’s interaction with Mary down is one example).
While I found some of Dewey’s content choices questionable, she does give us a set up for a story that will become a really strong family epic. “First, I Love You” is a complete story with meat left on the plate for the novels that will follow.
While I found some of Dewey’s content choices questionable, she does give us a set up for a story that will become a really strong family epic. “First, I Love You” is a complete story with meat left on the plate for the novels that will follow.
January 17, 2015
This was an interesting book and it kept me on my toes. In this book you follow a task force trying to shut down a human trafficking operation. One of the task force agents has an ex-mob father and two younger siblings. One of the task force agents dates the sister. The third agent is falling in love. All in all the story mainly revolves around the first agent and his mother.
I enjoyed the plot and the writing. I was not completely thrilled that each chapter was in a different characters point of view but it was the best way to tell the story so it worked. You get just enough background information to understand why the characters do what they do or act the way they do. The epilogue rounds things off well but it is still very much a cliff hanger that leaves you wanting more. Needless to say I absolutely can't wait to read the next book...Second of All!
I enjoyed the plot and the writing. I was not completely thrilled that each chapter was in a different characters point of view but it was the best way to tell the story so it worked. You get just enough background information to understand why the characters do what they do or act the way they do. The epilogue rounds things off well but it is still very much a cliff hanger that leaves you wanting more. Needless to say I absolutely can't wait to read the next book...Second of All!
January 11, 2013
This book is essentially about the reconciliation of an estranged relationship between Mickey (a retired mobster) and his illegitimate son (Tommy)as well as the romantic love of three couples: Mickey and Mary, Tommy and Ginny, and James and Kiki. It is well written and the story is engaging. Though there is a cast of characters but it does not get confusing. My favorite of the couplings is Tommy and Ginny and really want to find out how their relationship is going to evolve in subsequent books.
February 2, 2013
What an amazing book. The characters draw you into an intricate web of family drama/romance and intrigue.
You feel for the main character, who finds himself torn btwn his family and his strong beliefs in the law. Characters like James and Kiki, his retired mobster father, Mickey and Ginny keep you spellbound- their turmoil over his relationship with his father a struggle too- while Tommy fights with his inner demons and realizing that not everything is black or white.
Highly recommend. Excellent read.
You feel for the main character, who finds himself torn btwn his family and his strong beliefs in the law. Characters like James and Kiki, his retired mobster father, Mickey and Ginny keep you spellbound- their turmoil over his relationship with his father a struggle too- while Tommy fights with his inner demons and realizing that not everything is black or white.
Highly recommend. Excellent read.
August 11, 2013
First, I Love You by Genevieve exceeded all of my expectations. Sound like a love story, right? It is, three love stories actually, but so much more. Police, federal agents, and....mobsters! I was left wondering who the bad guys were, I loved them all. It's a crime drama that tries to answer the question of nature vs nurture. If a good person is in an evil position, is the person not still good? I am so excited to have read this, and hope you all will be too.
November 9, 2012
I am still trying to figure out what kind of book s I enjoy reading & this book has definitely helped me to figure it out..The ending to this book was unbelievable!!!! I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens to all of the characters...The author made the characters so real, like I knew them...
March 9, 2014
Just started and loving it. I love it when a book grabs you in the first sentence and will not let you go. I'm only pausing this quick second to let my friends know about this great new book and author.
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January 28, 2014I love all of the characters. They are the lovable complicated people you have in your own life. All be it some of them may or may not have killed people. We're still gathering evidence. This is a must read if you love crime mixed with romance and a large helping of family stuff.
November 20, 2014
I didn't want this book to end. & Now that its ended I'm stalling with the second in the series because I love the characters so darn much!
This series is a hidden gem that I would recommend to everybody I know!
This series is a hidden gem that I would recommend to everybody I know!
March 2, 2013
What a fun book. Excellent characters. I finished this and immediately went and bought the sequel.
July 10, 2013
Enjoyed reading Need to hear her talk on self-publishing. She's doing a good job.
September 10, 2016
The mix of story lines in this book is what piqued my interest. The plot takes off quickly with a police detective joining a task force investigating a human trafficking ring. He is very devoted to justice, but knows that his family connections will have people doubting his loyalty. This is just one of many instances in the book that illustrate that the majority of situations in life are deliciously complicated.
The book has many rich characters full of complexity and relatability. Tommy's ebullient half-sister almost steals the show at times. The author was excellent at following tense scenes with some comic relief.
In the end, the writing kept me from truly loving this book. The plot was too disjointed for me to fully enjoy. The multiple viewpoints caused confusion. The writing switched back and forth between being obvious and vague. It's not likely that I will finish the series.
The book has many rich characters full of complexity and relatability. Tommy's ebullient half-sister almost steals the show at times. The author was excellent at following tense scenes with some comic relief.
In the end, the writing kept me from truly loving this book. The plot was too disjointed for me to fully enjoy. The multiple viewpoints caused confusion. The writing switched back and forth between being obvious and vague. It's not likely that I will finish the series.
own-need-to-read
April 25, 2014Won as part of the 2013 Holiday Party in the Erotic Enchants Group
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