A Life Chosen (Montreal Series Book 1) by Sydney Rutherford

A debut mafia story with a forbidden relationship between a capo and his second. Mathias and Rayan go beyond loyalty when it comes to each other, with a lot of maneuvering for power they start a secret but powerful intimate relationship.


From the A Life Chosen blurb:

Lines were beginning to blur. Already it was becoming difficult to separate the man he’d sent ahead of him from the man who lay beside him.

A recent promotion leads Mathias Beauvais—an ambitious captain in the Montreal mafia—and his subordinate, Rayan Nadeau, to uncover a deeper plot to betray the very organization they work for. With their loyalty in question and their lives on the line, the two find themselves drawn to each other, fighting a pull that has been present since their first meeting.

Mathias has spent years having to prove himself, combating the stigma of his birth to establish his place within the family’s ranks. But when succession threatens to overturn the group, he finds his priorities have shifted from his own advancement to the man at his side.

Rayan had nothing before he met Mathias. In an effort to hide the true nature of his devotion to the man, he’s dedicated himself entirely to his captain’s success. However, as the situation becomes increasingly dire, his feelings for Mathias threaten to hinder his ability to protect him.


SNik's review:

First in series (Montreal Series). Mafia. Boss/employee. Slow burn. Dual POV. There should be content warnings for many dark themes including violence, death, sex outside of main relationship, past parent and sibling death, trauma, and others. 

Mathias has worked hard to rise up the ranks of the Montreal Italian mafia, as a half-Italian bastard he has had to fight for everything, but no one can ignore how loyal and excellent he is as a ‘made man’. Rayan has been at Mathias’ side for years as his second, and suddenly they become intimate while maneuvering around family politics and constant danger. 

There is a good amount of backstory for both Mathias and Rayan, but they are sparse with honest communication especially regarding their feelings. The book is mainly focused on the political intrigue and danger of Mathias and Rayan being involved in mafia business, the romance gives hints of possessive and deep feelings while hiding a secret/forbidden relationship. Well written debut (aside from the lack of safe sex practices and prep description), this was a really engaging book. This story ends with an HFN as the series is intended to continue with the same couple. 4.5 rounded up


A Life Chosen is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription