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Italian Knights #2
On Caristo's Watch
Tony Caristo was just minding his own business, waiting for his selfish bullet-magnet of a best friend to get out of surgery, when the sexiest nurse he'd ever seen walked right up to him, all luscious figured. All she was missing was a fig leaf and a snake around her shoulders. Rather than offering him the knowledge of the gods, she told him off with an Irish-lilted wit.
His interest absolutely piqued, he realised he'd have to do something about her, pretty damn quick. Tony wasn't a man given to waiting around for good things to happen to him. And Lydia was all good, every single, five foot eight, double F-cupped inch of her. When Lydia asks Nick for a favour, Nick reminds him just what a good friend he is by letting Tony handle it. And he can't wait.
Lydia Mills hasn't the time for nonsense, especially being in sole charge of her younger brother. All she needs to do is get him into university without getting him killed. She's spent the last month literally trying to kick some sense into her ex-boyfriend so he wouldn't get back at her through her brother. Now, Lydia decides to use a bigger stick to change said ex-boyfriend's mind. Turning to Nick Da Canaveze for help is a last resort, but it was like someone had gifted her with a nuclear weapon. Nick handed over Tony to do the hard work, completely convinced that Lydia would come through her troubles in one piece. If Tony didn't behave himself, there was no telling the same could be said for him. Always the protector and never the protected, Lydia is surprised by just how much she has in common with the Giant. For all his stealth, intelligence and inappropriate wit, Tony is undeniably, irresistibly unforgettable.
On Caristo's Watch is a tale featuring characters from Windows, now part of the Italian Knights Collection, showing that behind every criminal mastermind is a woman who will drive him to distraction with a look, a quip and a dress made to start all sorts of trouble.
His interest absolutely piqued, he realised he'd have to do something about her, pretty damn quick. Tony wasn't a man given to waiting around for good things to happen to him. And Lydia was all good, every single, five foot eight, double F-cupped inch of her. When Lydia asks Nick for a favour, Nick reminds him just what a good friend he is by letting Tony handle it. And he can't wait.
Lydia Mills hasn't the time for nonsense, especially being in sole charge of her younger brother. All she needs to do is get him into university without getting him killed. She's spent the last month literally trying to kick some sense into her ex-boyfriend so he wouldn't get back at her through her brother. Now, Lydia decides to use a bigger stick to change said ex-boyfriend's mind. Turning to Nick Da Canaveze for help is a last resort, but it was like someone had gifted her with a nuclear weapon. Nick handed over Tony to do the hard work, completely convinced that Lydia would come through her troubles in one piece. If Tony didn't behave himself, there was no telling the same could be said for him. Always the protector and never the protected, Lydia is surprised by just how much she has in common with the Giant. For all his stealth, intelligence and inappropriate wit, Tony is undeniably, irresistibly unforgettable.
On Caristo's Watch is a tale featuring characters from Windows, now part of the Italian Knights Collection, showing that behind every criminal mastermind is a woman who will drive him to distraction with a look, a quip and a dress made to start all sorts of trouble.
205 pages, ebook
First published July 21, 2011
34 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Billy London
34 books270 followersAh, poor Billy. The only girl between two boys who each have nearly a foot on her. Didn't stop her from starting physical fights with them. She still thinks she can take them. So while she used to hide away in her wardrobe to read a book or four, she started to question why the heroines in those books would just lie there and take it. No, not just sex, but downright James-Bond-backhand-slapping, do-as-you're-told-woman, inappropriate lie there and take it.
She couldn't understand it. These women were just playing that mental woman from Coming to America, Miss “Whatever You Like” who barked like a dog and hopped on one foot. Billy didn't want to do that. Definitely not because one empty-headed fool with different anatomy told her to. So she started to create characters and worlds where the women could own their sexuality, their intelligence, their right to turn around and say “jog on, mate” without apology.
The small problem was that other people wanted to read what she was had written. “Er...why?” didn't cut it as an answer. After years of prodding and pleading and come on and for goodness’ sake, what's the point otherwise, she closed her eyes and pressed “submit.” Actually, she had Prosecco, limencello and white wine, then pressed “submit.” Who would have thought people would actually enjoy reading about the crazy characters who live in her head? But they have done, and Billy feels rather proud of that connection with her fellow man.
Billy lives in London with the most patient family in the world and doesn't forget for a minute how lucky she is. Well, she wouldn't mind a BBC adaptation of one of her novels... Ooh, with Richard Armitage!
She couldn't understand it. These women were just playing that mental woman from Coming to America, Miss “Whatever You Like” who barked like a dog and hopped on one foot. Billy didn't want to do that. Definitely not because one empty-headed fool with different anatomy told her to. So she started to create characters and worlds where the women could own their sexuality, their intelligence, their right to turn around and say “jog on, mate” without apology.
The small problem was that other people wanted to read what she was had written. “Er...why?” didn't cut it as an answer. After years of prodding and pleading and come on and for goodness’ sake, what's the point otherwise, she closed her eyes and pressed “submit.” Actually, she had Prosecco, limencello and white wine, then pressed “submit.” Who would have thought people would actually enjoy reading about the crazy characters who live in her head? But they have done, and Billy feels rather proud of that connection with her fellow man.
Billy lives in London with the most patient family in the world and doesn't forget for a minute how lucky she is. Well, she wouldn't mind a BBC adaptation of one of her novels... Ooh, with Richard Armitage!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 30, 2016
Fast paced romance novel
This is the second book of Billy London's Italian Knights series and I have to say it does not disappoint!
This was a very fast paced book. It picks up where Nick was at the hospital after the engagement party fiasco in the first book. Lydia asks Nick for help due to personal problems she is having with her ex and Nick asks Tony to handle it.
I loved the dialogues between Tony and Lydia, they were really funny. Lydia was just as quick as Tony. This book also introduced us to Luca and Rocky which I believe have their own books in the series. Jonathan was a sweetie.
We don't really delve too much into Tony's line of work or his family like the first book. This was really about Tony rescuing Lydia from a crazy ex.
On a side note Lydia is also from Ghana, It was funny when Gina found out about this!.
Although it was quite a short book and fast paced it was no least enjoyable. It was funny romantic read with a hero who is a second hand man for the Mafia.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short funny read with a hero who is sharp and quick with words.
This is the second book of Billy London's Italian Knights series and I have to say it does not disappoint!
This was a very fast paced book. It picks up where Nick was at the hospital after the engagement party fiasco in the first book. Lydia asks Nick for help due to personal problems she is having with her ex and Nick asks Tony to handle it.
I loved the dialogues between Tony and Lydia, they were really funny. Lydia was just as quick as Tony. This book also introduced us to Luca and Rocky which I believe have their own books in the series. Jonathan was a sweetie.
We don't really delve too much into Tony's line of work or his family like the first book. This was really about Tony rescuing Lydia from a crazy ex.
On a side note Lydia is also from Ghana, It was funny when Gina found out about this!.
Although it was quite a short book and fast paced it was no least enjoyable. It was funny romantic read with a hero who is a second hand man for the Mafia.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short funny read with a hero who is sharp and quick with words.
October 6, 2013
Really good quick read! Lydia and Tonya had great chemistry and sarcasm, that I connected with greatly, that was very fun to read. Kelvin was a cool add in. He didn't have a big role but his role was needed to see how sexy Tony was (haha yea). Lydia would be my best friend if she was real because she rocked more than the first Rocky (wow that was stupid). Anyway this novel was quick, funny, loving, and filled with good crime :)…if that was a real thing.
July 17, 2013
Disappointed.
'Windows' wasn't the best, but 'On Caristo's Watch' was bad! (Not in a good way) If I had read this book first, I probably wouldn't continue with the series at all.
There was definite potential there, but the conversations, editing and overall development was lacking and uninspiring. I got confused at times trying to figure out who is saying what and why .... ?!?! A lot of unnecessary conversations and some confrontations were present. Very weak delivery!
I knew Tony's character would be entertaining and I certainly loved his character as well as the relationship he had with Lydia, but this story was like a good enough draft waiting to be completed and edited properly.
There was a great group of characters and I loved Johnathan and the incorporation of Luca and Rocco. It was also good to see Nick in another light and to get tabs on Paul and Sofia as well as some background information on Tony other than him being the second in command.
Lydia was pleasant but forceful at times and while I loved her protectiveness, and the way they shared their emotions and feeling towards each other, I still would have loved at least one good, sex scene that wasn't rushed or watered down. (Just one is all I ask!!)
There was limited interaction with Lydia and the outside world, co-workers included, and I would have liked some more scenes with Kelvin, as I believe this would help with development as well as motive. As I said ... total draft.
This story basically picks up back after Nick was shot at the pseudo-engagement party and it was good to get into Tony's mind, as he always seems so life of the party without a care in the world.
I had thought that the starting was off but I was waiting for it to get it's footing. Unfortunately, it never did. However, I did enjoy some of the banter and conversations between the characters, especially Lydia and Tony and the few interactions between Nick and Tony were entertaining at times.
It was also nice to see a part of Tony's work and to get a little deeper in the Da Canaveze family business as it comes to clean ups, threats and protection.
We got a taste of Gina and Sofia in the epilogue and it was good to see the guys altogether as they planned for Nick and Gina's nuptials.
Scenes were rushed, scene development was weak and a lot of work was needed in this novel. Mostly due to the time frame and events surrounding this novel, the epilogue had an unrealistic feel. I was wondering if we were gonna get a climax when we reached the 74% mark with nothing on the horizon, but when it came, it went fast and even with some fascinating moments, it all still seemed forced and rushed.
I am thoroughly disappointed in the delivery of this novel, as it had a good plot, set of characters and potential. Still, the saving grace for me was Tony as a character and the crazy things that went on in his mind and came out his mouth. Honestly though, not sure if I want to go further in this series, as this installment was still a disappointment.
'Windows' wasn't the best, but 'On Caristo's Watch' was bad! (Not in a good way) If I had read this book first, I probably wouldn't continue with the series at all.
There was definite potential there, but the conversations, editing and overall development was lacking and uninspiring. I got confused at times trying to figure out who is saying what and why .... ?!?! A lot of unnecessary conversations and some confrontations were present. Very weak delivery!
I knew Tony's character would be entertaining and I certainly loved his character as well as the relationship he had with Lydia, but this story was like a good enough draft waiting to be completed and edited properly.
There was a great group of characters and I loved Johnathan and the incorporation of Luca and Rocco. It was also good to see Nick in another light and to get tabs on Paul and Sofia as well as some background information on Tony other than him being the second in command.
Lydia was pleasant but forceful at times and while I loved her protectiveness, and the way they shared their emotions and feeling towards each other, I still would have loved at least one good, sex scene that wasn't rushed or watered down. (Just one is all I ask!!)
There was limited interaction with Lydia and the outside world, co-workers included, and I would have liked some more scenes with Kelvin, as I believe this would help with development as well as motive. As I said ... total draft.
This story basically picks up back after Nick was shot at the pseudo-engagement party and it was good to get into Tony's mind, as he always seems so life of the party without a care in the world.
I had thought that the starting was off but I was waiting for it to get it's footing. Unfortunately, it never did. However, I did enjoy some of the banter and conversations between the characters, especially Lydia and Tony and the few interactions between Nick and Tony were entertaining at times.
It was also nice to see a part of Tony's work and to get a little deeper in the Da Canaveze family business as it comes to clean ups, threats and protection.
We got a taste of Gina and Sofia in the epilogue and it was good to see the guys altogether as they planned for Nick and Gina's nuptials.
Scenes were rushed, scene development was weak and a lot of work was needed in this novel. Mostly due to the time frame and events surrounding this novel, the epilogue had an unrealistic feel. I was wondering if we were gonna get a climax when we reached the 74% mark with nothing on the horizon, but when it came, it went fast and even with some fascinating moments, it all still seemed forced and rushed.
I am thoroughly disappointed in the delivery of this novel, as it had a good plot, set of characters and potential. Still, the saving grace for me was Tony as a character and the crazy things that went on in his mind and came out his mouth. Honestly though, not sure if I want to go further in this series, as this installment was still a disappointment.
November 24, 2012
More hot Italian men! I liked Tony a lot more than I expected to in this installment of Italian Knights. Sexy, sexy, sexy! I liked the idea that Lydia wasn't a stick figure and that she had a backbone. The climax could have used a little more thought and more editing is needed for dialogue and point of view, which changes a lot and gets distracting because you're not sure who's saying what. I'm still a fan of this series and can't wait to read the next in the series. Hopefully the next book is longer because I enjoy the characters so much and then the book ends too quickly. I want more!
December 19, 2011
Billy London's second book, Caristo's Watch, is a definite hit. The length is perfect. There is nothing more that could have been added other than a continuation on what will happen to that group years later. I think I love Tony and Lydia more than Nick and Gina, I didn't think it was possible. The amount of wit, action and relationship building was perfect. I have nothing to critique...other than I hope there will be another book...with Rocky.
Well done.
Well done.
May 19, 2012
This was a fast but very good read I liked Tony and Lydia they area very sexy couple.
January 17, 2016
Really enjoyed this one....fast paced and hot!!!!! Tony, Tony, Tony....
Read
April 30, 2016Linda Christiani
My first time with this author but not my last for sure not only love but laughter is in this book great romance between two alpha male and female characters!
My first time with this author but not my last for sure not only love but laughter is in this book great romance between two alpha male and female characters!
March 14, 2012
Better than the first, mainly because I didn't have mental whiplash on the whole gangster thing/
September 18, 2018
Rapid development
Lydia Mills and Antonio Caristo wasted no time to get their groove on. Tony vowed to keep his Lyds safe from her ex Kelvin Hammond who wanted her back. Lydia was not having that especially after threatening her brother Jonathan. Tony kept Lydia from doing something he knew was not in her character. With the threat taken care of Tony was ready to take the next step and he did.
Lydia Mills and Antonio Caristo wasted no time to get their groove on. Tony vowed to keep his Lyds safe from her ex Kelvin Hammond who wanted her back. Lydia was not having that especially after threatening her brother Jonathan. Tony kept Lydia from doing something he knew was not in her character. With the threat taken care of Tony was ready to take the next step and he did.
October 3, 2017
Another good one.
Good series. I like that we get to see more of Gina and her beau. The heroine in this book was gutsy and was nkot the usual semi-dependent woman we see so much. On to read the next one.
Good series. I like that we get to see more of Gina and her beau. The heroine in this book was gutsy and was nkot the usual semi-dependent woman we see so much. On to read the next one.
July 20, 2018
3.5 Stars
January 3, 2020
Absolutely the bomb
Laughter some drama lots of loving and characters that are off the chain this author keeps you in stitches love love love her
Laughter some drama lots of loving and characters that are off the chain this author keeps you in stitches love love love her
September 13, 2011
Reviewed by Violette
Billy London is one of those authors who effortlessly creates some of the funniest characters in the world of romance. Tony Caristo is Nick Da Canaveze’s second-in-command who we met in her first book, Windows. I particularly remembered Tony after an encounter that included Nick’s fiancée Gina, a pair of breasts on display, and Tony seeing an eyeful he’s always appreciated. That he comments, “Nice rack” sealed the deal that I’d need a story for him, and it would be awesome. Ms. London delivers and then some. She weaves a tale so deep, but hilarious, that you can’t help but love Tony Caristo, and Lydia Mills, the woman who ‘tames’—and I use that so loosely—him.
Lydia is having a bad day, make that a bad couple of months. She’s almost a damsel in distress, a damsel with a quick mouth and a pair of fists she doesn’t mind planting her in her ex-boyfriend’s face. Apparently the ex, who happens to be a weasel, rat gangster who’s definitely psychotic, didn’t get the memo because he begins stalking her, and in doing so, starts threatening her younger brother. While Lydia is tough and believes she can take care of herself, as the threats become more and more concerning, she decides she needs help...even if help means involving her bullet-magnet patient Nick Da Canaveze and his lucrative connections. After some concern, Nick agrees to help, and gives Tony the ‘case.’ Tony, of course, is pleased to be assigned to his ‘Lyds’ with the ‘fantastic tits’ and proceeds to charm her into liking him. And some charming it is.
What follows is nothing short of hilarious. Tony is threatened with everything but the kitchen sink—scalpels and other sharp objects included—but he’s persistent, and when he wants something, he goes after it hard. And Tony really, really, wants Lydia. There’s ‘courting’ where Tony shows Lydia his wicked dancing skills by introducing her to Gyptian (If you don’t know who Gyptian is, you’ll want to know—YouTube is your friend) and there’s risotto making, another scene that makes you gasp with uncontrollable laughter. As in Windows, Billy London brings the steam in this story as well. Tony might be ridiculously arrogant, but he’s got serious reason. There are also scary moments dealing with the psychotic ex, and all I will say of him is he’s so certifiable he should be wearing a white jacket with straps.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved charming, funny, and oh-so-serious when his woman is threatened Tony, damsel yet not quite in distress Lydia, Nick and Gina’s awesome cameos, and the hoard of future potential Italian Knights.
If you haven’t read Windows, I’d recommend you read that first, and then get to On Caristo’s Watch. Trust me, this is a collector’s item. You’ll want all of these stories.
Billy London is one of those authors who effortlessly creates some of the funniest characters in the world of romance. Tony Caristo is Nick Da Canaveze’s second-in-command who we met in her first book, Windows. I particularly remembered Tony after an encounter that included Nick’s fiancée Gina, a pair of breasts on display, and Tony seeing an eyeful he’s always appreciated. That he comments, “Nice rack” sealed the deal that I’d need a story for him, and it would be awesome. Ms. London delivers and then some. She weaves a tale so deep, but hilarious, that you can’t help but love Tony Caristo, and Lydia Mills, the woman who ‘tames’—and I use that so loosely—him.
Lydia is having a bad day, make that a bad couple of months. She’s almost a damsel in distress, a damsel with a quick mouth and a pair of fists she doesn’t mind planting her in her ex-boyfriend’s face. Apparently the ex, who happens to be a weasel, rat gangster who’s definitely psychotic, didn’t get the memo because he begins stalking her, and in doing so, starts threatening her younger brother. While Lydia is tough and believes she can take care of herself, as the threats become more and more concerning, she decides she needs help...even if help means involving her bullet-magnet patient Nick Da Canaveze and his lucrative connections. After some concern, Nick agrees to help, and gives Tony the ‘case.’ Tony, of course, is pleased to be assigned to his ‘Lyds’ with the ‘fantastic tits’ and proceeds to charm her into liking him. And some charming it is.
What follows is nothing short of hilarious. Tony is threatened with everything but the kitchen sink—scalpels and other sharp objects included—but he’s persistent, and when he wants something, he goes after it hard. And Tony really, really, wants Lydia. There’s ‘courting’ where Tony shows Lydia his wicked dancing skills by introducing her to Gyptian (If you don’t know who Gyptian is, you’ll want to know—YouTube is your friend) and there’s risotto making, another scene that makes you gasp with uncontrollable laughter. As in Windows, Billy London brings the steam in this story as well. Tony might be ridiculously arrogant, but he’s got serious reason. There are also scary moments dealing with the psychotic ex, and all I will say of him is he’s so certifiable he should be wearing a white jacket with straps.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved charming, funny, and oh-so-serious when his woman is threatened Tony, damsel yet not quite in distress Lydia, Nick and Gina’s awesome cameos, and the hoard of future potential Italian Knights.
If you haven’t read Windows, I’d recommend you read that first, and then get to On Caristo’s Watch. Trust me, this is a collector’s item. You’ll want all of these stories.
April 14, 2015
Guilty pleasure
So I've consumed three books by Billy now and I'm off to buy the the fourth (third in this series)!
It was great to have this story tie into the first so seamlessly. Loved exploring Tony and Lydia's story without unnecessarily long platitudes. This is the perfect length to flesh out characters we already know and get used to a few new ones.
So I've consumed three books by Billy now and I'm off to buy the the fourth (third in this series)!
It was great to have this story tie into the first so seamlessly. Loved exploring Tony and Lydia's story without unnecessarily long platitudes. This is the perfect length to flesh out characters we already know and get used to a few new ones.
May 8, 2016
I liked this book because I liked the main characters. Tony was funny in previous book "windows". The premise of how the two characters get involved was a little hard to believe but it was a fun ride all the same. I thought it was a fun book with funny interactions between the characters.
August 30, 2014
Love my Italian Knights!
I absolutely adore Billy London's cheeky writing style! The dialogue is as fabulous as the love between the characters; the chemistry leaps out of my Kindle and makes me jealous that I don't have my own Italian Knight.
I absolutely adore Billy London's cheeky writing style! The dialogue is as fabulous as the love between the characters; the chemistry leaps out of my Kindle and makes me jealous that I don't have my own Italian Knight.
September 20, 2014
Alpha heroine
I loved this heroine that took nothing from nobody, especially her alpha hero. Not a complicated story, girl in trouble, asks for help, boy rescues with explosions. Give this one story go.
I loved this heroine that took nothing from nobody, especially her alpha hero. Not a complicated story, girl in trouble, asks for help, boy rescues with explosions. Give this one story go.
December 8, 2022
First read July 2012.
Reread December 2022.
These books left an impact. I remembered so much so easily. Reread because I’m suddenly craving the nonsense. From three to four stars. Enjoyed :-)
Reread December 2022.
These books left an impact. I remembered so much so easily. Reread because I’m suddenly craving the nonsense. From three to four stars. Enjoyed :-)
July 2, 2012
I am having a personal battle over which hero I love more, Nick or Tony? Just read the series, it's worth it. Billy London, I am a fan.
July 9, 2012
I really liked the plot and the whole general idea of this book...however I had the hardest time following some of the language that I probably won't be continuing reading this series.
March 17, 2014
Great read! Fav scene was outside of the club! I knew I loved Range Rovers for a reason! LOL!
September 17, 2014
I enjoyed this story. I really liked Tony and Lyds.
July 22, 2015
3 - 3.5 stars
Very fun and faced paced, a pretty quick read.
Very fun and faced paced, a pretty quick read.
April 25, 2017
This second book in the series was ok/good but a bit too light/short for me : the romance happened way too quickly, there was no serious/believable build up, Lydia jumped from one gangster boyfriend to another without much though and even though Tony was fun and all, I could'nt quite believe the whole situation.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews