Review By Sky: The Exceptions by David Cristofano

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.( I recieved the 2nd part to this book by the Publisher/Author, THANK YOU FOR THE READ!!!!)
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 too prove he's loyal to the family "business"?
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 a beyond thrilling story of morals, thrill, and love.