"Big Filthy Mobster," the latest novel by Lizzy West, plunges deep into the dark, alluring underbelly of organized crime, love, and betrayal. West smartly navigates through a maze of intense emotions and gritty confrontations, whilst embedding her characters in an inescapable fabric of familial loyalty and deadly ambitions. This book is a compact, yet explosively detailed story about a mobster’s rise and vulnerability when exposed to an unexpected romance.

The protagonist, Vincent Marelli, known as "The Wolf" in the syndicate, controls his underworld empire with a ruthless and strategic hand. His portrayal is crafted with precision, walking the thin line between ferocity and vulnerability. West paints Vincent's world vividly: the dark alleyways lit by neon lights, the opulent yet perilous gatherings of crime bosses, and the seedy bars where business and pleasure mix dangerously. The crux of the story, however, pivots when Isabella, a young and tenacious bar singer, enters Vincent’s meticulously structured life.

The narrative takes an interesting twist with Isabella’s introduction. West has given depth to Isabella, not merely making her a love interest, but a catalyst for disruption. Her character, infused with a strong will, moral complexities, and an enigmatic past, challenges Vincent’s preconceptions of power and control. The chemistry between Vincent and Isabella is palpable and charged with an urgency that transcends the pages, suggesting that their union could either be their downfall or salvation.

Lizzy West’s writing style deserves commendation for how effectively she uses dialogue and descriptions to create tension and momentum. The dialogues are sharp, often laced with threats and vulnerability, revealing the characters' complexities in their dealings with each other. Scenes are described with a completeness that fleshes out the universe West wants the reader to inhabit — you can smell the smoky bars, see the sharp suits, and hear the crack of gunfire that punctuates a mobster’s life.

The pacing of "Big Filthy Mobster" is relentless, mirroring the high-stakes environment of Vincent’s operations. West deftly manages timing, knowing when to accelerate with heart-pounding action and when to slow down for introspective moments. These quieter, reflective segments do more than just serve as breathers — they unfurl the inner conflicts of her characters, adding layers to what might otherwise be a straightforward mob saga. Through Vincent’s introspections, West explores themes of loyalty, the possibility of redemption, and the gaping void between personal desires and duties.

However, the novel isn’t without its faults. At times, the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices rather than fully realized entities. Figures like Marco, Vincent’s right-hand man, or Eleanor, Isabella’s protective aunt, hint at deeper backstories and motivations that are tantalizingly out of reach. Fleshing these characters out more could provide additional layers to the tapestry of motives and conflicts that define the world of the mob.

The climax of the book is a high-octane sequence that blends emotion and action seamlessly — a signature of West. Without divulging spoilers, the resolution manages to be both surprising and somewhat expected, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste that lingers with the reader. It feels rushed, yet fits within the chaotic environment that the characters inhabit. This may be deliberate, reflecting the often-chaotic outcomes of the world West depicts, yet one cannot help but wish for a more prolonged resolution to fully savor the fates of characters readers will undoubtedly grow attached to.

Overall, "Big Filthy Mobster" by Lizzy West is a potent mix of thriller and romance that will appeal to readers who thrive on high-stakes drama nuanced with emotional depth. West's prose is engaging, her characters compelling, and her setting atmospheric. While there are areas that could be polished more, the novel delivers an engrossing experience that entertains and, at times, introspects, making it a significant addition to the genre of romantic thrillers woven with crime and tension.

In conclusion, if relentless action, intricate relationships, and raw emotional drama are what you seek, then "Big Filthy Mobster" is not just a good read—it's a journey into the heart of darkness with a love story shining its uncertain light. Lizzy West proves once again that she can craft a story as compelling as it is complex, making this book a tough one to put down.