The Exceptions by David Cristafano

From Amazon - 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 do: take out Melody Grace McCartney, the woman whose testimony can lock up his father and disgrace his entire family. The only problem: 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.

The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristafano is the story told from Melody's point of view.  It was spectacular, so I was really excited to get my hands on The Exceptions, the story from Jonathan's point of view, but with so much more.

Not only do you get the before of The Girl I Used to Be, but you get the ending.  Melody and her parents have been in the Witness Protection Program because of something Melody saw when she was little.  When a stranger seeks her out one night, one who knows her real name, and offers a way out of The Witness Protection program - an escape really, Melody jumps at the chance.

But what she doesn't realize is that she's jumped right into the frying pan.  The man who sought her out is part of the Mafia family that her family testified against.  Jonathan has seen many horrible things and is considered the black sheep of the family.  When the 'family' tells him to remove Melody permanently, he doesn't know if he can do it.  He's been keeping track of the young girl since they ruined her life many years ago, and although his soul is shadowed with many things, he wants to right one at least one wrong.  

The Exceptions is a gripping novel of the mafia, two diverse characters with different paths, romance and clever writing that will draw you in and not let go until the final page has been read.  A talented storyteller, Cristafano writes a compelling novel that shows another perspective, but with an ending that fans will be clamoring to read.  Although I suggest reading The Girl She Used To Be first, it's not totally necessary as The Exceptions can be read as a standalone.  But, I really enjoyed reading both perspectives - it really added depth to the story.  Highly recommend!!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.