Zeppo by Mirrah McGee

Ruth
Paleontologist? Police Officer? Doctor? Not me. When asked in school what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same; Zeppo Kraus’ wife and the mother of his children. As I’ve gotten older, I realized “you can be anything you want to” doesn’t apply to everyone, not even Jewish American Mafia Princesses. At 22, if Zeppo, my brother’s kapitan in the Kosher Nostra, hadn’t made a move on me, it’s doubtful he ever will. And yet, a girl can hope.
Until all hope is snuffed out as Zeppo brings home a woman for the family to meet and I am used as a pawn in the game of arrogant, entitled men.
Hope is a foolish thing…and so is love.

Zeppo
My world spins out of control with just a few words from my Avinu, Moshe Holofcener, the leader of the Jewish Mafia and the older brother of my freyd, my joy, Ruth. He sets in motion a series of events with devastating and lasting consequences. And honestly, the blood and violence is the least of them. How do you mend a broken heart? Rebuild trust in the one person who should never have reason to doubt you? How do you move forward when the ground beneath you crumbles with every step?
I was one of many who played a part in her devestation, but I will be the solid foundation in which she rebuilds. Or I will die trying.