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Vista Security #1
The Good Daughter
Most good daughters would say they owe their fathers everything. Marisa Peruzzo, Mafia princess, would.
She owed him for killing her fiance.
She owed him for destroying her mother.
She owed him for chaining her to the 'family business'.
And she owed him for taking away her lifelong friend.
Payback's a bitch.
***
FBI meets Mafia Princess:
Dave sat up straighter when she entered the bar. Sandro had promised the contact would have useful information and be immediately recognizable, but he never specified male or female. Was this his informant? Carlo Peruzzo's daughter. The Mafia princess herself.
Her gaze scanned the room until she saw him. Though her lips were pressed in a straight line, a sparkle flashed in her eyes as if she knew just how she had shocked him.Dave realized his heart rate had kicked up a few notches when their eyes had locked. His jaw would have dropped if he hadn't been the kind of guy trained not to show his emotions.
She walked purposefully toward him, making her way through the crowded tables. Black designer jeans hugged nice curvy hips, and her full breasts were covered with a pink plaid, pearl-button western shirt. Interesting color choice. A leather belt wrapped around her waist, and his focus narrowed. Best he could tell the belt was pink, too. And there were some kind of pink jewels inlaid in the buckle.
He hid a smile. The only thing that would complete the color coordination was if she had on-he looked down, yep, pink cowboy boots. Pretty-in-pink cowgirl-Mafia princess. That certainly wasn't an image he expected to see. With her head high, and her gaze fixed on him she seemed unaware-or unaffected-by the attention she garnered. And she certainly got a fair share of stares. He saw more than one man pause with a drink halfway to his mouth, head swiveling to keep track as she walked past.
Dave had never seen the high-and-mighty Mafia daughter in anything other than expensive business suits, with her hair pulled back and her makeup understated, but tonight she wore this chic knock-off cowgirl look well. With her dark wavy hair swinging free around her shoulders, her smooth olive skin glowing, and lips a luscious color of pink to match as well, she could raise the lust level in a saint.
Dave was no saint.
94,000 words, 376 pages
***
Each book in the Vista Security Series is stand alone but if you'd like to read in order:
The Good Daughter (Vista Security Origins Book 1)
Trust No One (Vista Security Book 2)
Edge Of Trust (Vista Security Book 3)
Forced To Trust (Coming Soon)
and for fans of The Good Daughter:
Nia, Be Mine (Coming Soon)
She owed him for killing her fiance.
She owed him for destroying her mother.
She owed him for chaining her to the 'family business'.
And she owed him for taking away her lifelong friend.
Payback's a bitch.
***
FBI meets Mafia Princess:
Dave sat up straighter when she entered the bar. Sandro had promised the contact would have useful information and be immediately recognizable, but he never specified male or female. Was this his informant? Carlo Peruzzo's daughter. The Mafia princess herself.
Her gaze scanned the room until she saw him. Though her lips were pressed in a straight line, a sparkle flashed in her eyes as if she knew just how she had shocked him.Dave realized his heart rate had kicked up a few notches when their eyes had locked. His jaw would have dropped if he hadn't been the kind of guy trained not to show his emotions.
She walked purposefully toward him, making her way through the crowded tables. Black designer jeans hugged nice curvy hips, and her full breasts were covered with a pink plaid, pearl-button western shirt. Interesting color choice. A leather belt wrapped around her waist, and his focus narrowed. Best he could tell the belt was pink, too. And there were some kind of pink jewels inlaid in the buckle.
He hid a smile. The only thing that would complete the color coordination was if she had on-he looked down, yep, pink cowboy boots. Pretty-in-pink cowgirl-Mafia princess. That certainly wasn't an image he expected to see. With her head high, and her gaze fixed on him she seemed unaware-or unaffected-by the attention she garnered. And she certainly got a fair share of stares. He saw more than one man pause with a drink halfway to his mouth, head swiveling to keep track as she walked past.
Dave had never seen the high-and-mighty Mafia daughter in anything other than expensive business suits, with her hair pulled back and her makeup understated, but tonight she wore this chic knock-off cowgirl look well. With her dark wavy hair swinging free around her shoulders, her smooth olive skin glowing, and lips a luscious color of pink to match as well, she could raise the lust level in a saint.
Dave was no saint.
94,000 words, 376 pages
***
Each book in the Vista Security Series is stand alone but if you'd like to read in order:
The Good Daughter (Vista Security Origins Book 1)
Trust No One (Vista Security Book 2)
Edge Of Trust (Vista Security Book 3)
Forced To Trust (Coming Soon)
and for fans of The Good Daughter:
Nia, Be Mine (Coming Soon)
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2012
466 people are currently reading
1189 people want to read
About the author
Diana Layne
9 books193 followersDiana Layne is the bestselling author of the Vista Security thriller series, The Good Daughter, Trust No One and Edge of Trust. She also writes historical romantic suspense. Pirate’s Proposal is her first published historical romance with more pirate stories to follow. And stay tuned for her upcoming Texas historical romantic suspense series. As an author, she loves the ability to create murder and mayhem with a touch of romance in her fictional worlds. To learn more about Diana, sign up for her newsletter, or to follow her on social media, please visit www.dianalayne.com
Praise for RWA Golden Heart® Finalist Diana Layne's books:
"PIRATE'S PROPOSAL is a swashbuckling page-turner with not one but two dashing pirates, a search for treasure, and a doll imbued with a Gypsy curse. Hold on tight as the story begins, because you're in for the ride of your life."
~SHARON SALA,
NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author
"With THE GOOD DAUGHTER, Diana Layne delivers all the elements of a classic romantic suspense--fast pace, a layered and twisty plot, memorable characters and the perfect balance of sensuality. An exceptionally well-executed element of Mafia culture combined with a high level of danger make the book fresh and impossible to put down."
~LINDA CASTILLO, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of BREAKING SILENCE
Praise for RWA Golden Heart® Finalist Diana Layne's books:
"PIRATE'S PROPOSAL is a swashbuckling page-turner with not one but two dashing pirates, a search for treasure, and a doll imbued with a Gypsy curse. Hold on tight as the story begins, because you're in for the ride of your life."
~SHARON SALA,
NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author
"With THE GOOD DAUGHTER, Diana Layne delivers all the elements of a classic romantic suspense--fast pace, a layered and twisty plot, memorable characters and the perfect balance of sensuality. An exceptionally well-executed element of Mafia culture combined with a high level of danger make the book fresh and impossible to put down."
~LINDA CASTILLO, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of BREAKING SILENCE
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 26, 2012
The Good Daughter
Marissa’s best friend, Sandro and his wife were in trouble with the mob. Carlos, the mob boss, was Marissa’s father and totally responsible for every rotten thing that had ever happened to her. For the torturing and lobotomizing of her beloved mother—for auctioning her virginity off to the highest bidder while she was still a child—and for turning her brother into the same hard-hearted beast as himself. Finally, even he went too far in his never-ending list of disgusting deeds when he had the man she loved, a good cop working undercover, blown up right in front of her.
Now she was out for revenge.
With the help of Dave, of an FBI agent whose emotional ties to Sandro’s wife kept him totally involved, Marissa and Sandro fought to free his incredibly strong-willed wife from the mob’s clutches and to make sure that in the process her father and brother suffered and paid for their misdeeds. From crime scene to crime scene, this fast-paced story kept me feverishly turning the pages and I enjoyed every minute.
Marissa’s best friend, Sandro and his wife were in trouble with the mob. Carlos, the mob boss, was Marissa’s father and totally responsible for every rotten thing that had ever happened to her. For the torturing and lobotomizing of her beloved mother—for auctioning her virginity off to the highest bidder while she was still a child—and for turning her brother into the same hard-hearted beast as himself. Finally, even he went too far in his never-ending list of disgusting deeds when he had the man she loved, a good cop working undercover, blown up right in front of her.
Now she was out for revenge.
With the help of Dave, of an FBI agent whose emotional ties to Sandro’s wife kept him totally involved, Marissa and Sandro fought to free his incredibly strong-willed wife from the mob’s clutches and to make sure that in the process her father and brother suffered and paid for their misdeeds. From crime scene to crime scene, this fast-paced story kept me feverishly turning the pages and I enjoyed every minute.
February 6, 2013
From my blog.
My thoughts:
Well, I got the book for free for my Kindle and the moment I saw the phrase 'Mafia princess' I knew I needed to read it. So far I've loved every Mafia-themed romance novel I've read and there's something compelling about being a Mafia princess. Rules don't really apply there, do they? It's all about 'family' even though in this book, family isn't a good thing at all. Marisa's family kind of hurts...
The book covered different point of views, showing everyone's side of things. It was definitely interesting to hear the bad guys' thoughts alongside Marisa and Dave and Sandro and Nia. However, thanks to the changing point of views I didn't really get into the characters, not like I would have if I had seen the book from one or two point of views. Still I know it was necessary to make the story work.
“I might as well confess about the BMW I stole this morning,” Marisa said.
Dave sighed. “Because I look like a priest?”
Marisa’s lips turned up slightly at Dave’s attempted humor. “So you can recover it and return it to the owners. You most certainly do not look like a priest.”
I enjoyed Marisa's resolve and her knowledge of his dad's world. I really like strong heroines who are capable of building bombs and wiring a car. She has guts, but she also has a softer side and I liked her immediately. It didn't take long for her to become my favorite character in the whole book. She's smart in every possible way and that's how she manages to play the double agent for so long.
“Shit, what happened to him?” Bobby asked, referring to the unconscious Luigi.
“I thought he needed a nap,” Marisa said, deadpan.
Dave... hmm... Dave's good. Too good. He plays by the rules and in some situation, this would be good, okay, but not right here. I'm still kind of mad at him because of what happens at the end. If you've read, you know, if not... He's hot and everything, but he's not all that good himself (I'm talking about his past). Okay, it's not as bad as what Marisa does, but still... So I'm still not sure if I actually like him.
“Why me?” she asked, more rhetorically than anything, stopping beside a Victorian-style wing chair. “Why follow me and not Sandro?”
His gaze scanned over her, his look suggestive. “You have a nicer ass.”
However, for me, the story was more focused on Nia and Sandro. Sandro's the soccer player who has managed to get on Marisa's father's bad side and, unfortunately, his wife Nia is the one who has to suffer because of it. Good thing that Nia's a tough little thing, managing to escape not just once, but twice.
Should you read? If you're looking for the most romantic novel ever, keep looking. If you want some action, this is a good read. There's no actual romance here, no candles or roses. But it kept me on my toes the whole time.
My thoughts:
Well, I got the book for free for my Kindle and the moment I saw the phrase 'Mafia princess' I knew I needed to read it. So far I've loved every Mafia-themed romance novel I've read and there's something compelling about being a Mafia princess. Rules don't really apply there, do they? It's all about 'family' even though in this book, family isn't a good thing at all. Marisa's family kind of hurts...
The book covered different point of views, showing everyone's side of things. It was definitely interesting to hear the bad guys' thoughts alongside Marisa and Dave and Sandro and Nia. However, thanks to the changing point of views I didn't really get into the characters, not like I would have if I had seen the book from one or two point of views. Still I know it was necessary to make the story work.
“I might as well confess about the BMW I stole this morning,” Marisa said.
Dave sighed. “Because I look like a priest?”
Marisa’s lips turned up slightly at Dave’s attempted humor. “So you can recover it and return it to the owners. You most certainly do not look like a priest.”
I enjoyed Marisa's resolve and her knowledge of his dad's world. I really like strong heroines who are capable of building bombs and wiring a car. She has guts, but she also has a softer side and I liked her immediately. It didn't take long for her to become my favorite character in the whole book. She's smart in every possible way and that's how she manages to play the double agent for so long.
“Shit, what happened to him?” Bobby asked, referring to the unconscious Luigi.
“I thought he needed a nap,” Marisa said, deadpan.
Dave... hmm... Dave's good. Too good. He plays by the rules and in some situation, this would be good, okay, but not right here. I'm still kind of mad at him because of what happens at the end. If you've read, you know, if not... He's hot and everything, but he's not all that good himself (I'm talking about his past). Okay, it's not as bad as what Marisa does, but still... So I'm still not sure if I actually like him.
“Why me?” she asked, more rhetorically than anything, stopping beside a Victorian-style wing chair. “Why follow me and not Sandro?”
His gaze scanned over her, his look suggestive. “You have a nicer ass.”
However, for me, the story was more focused on Nia and Sandro. Sandro's the soccer player who has managed to get on Marisa's father's bad side and, unfortunately, his wife Nia is the one who has to suffer because of it. Good thing that Nia's a tough little thing, managing to escape not just once, but twice.
Should you read? If you're looking for the most romantic novel ever, keep looking. If you want some action, this is a good read. There's no actual romance here, no candles or roses. But it kept me on my toes the whole time.
December 29, 2018
This was a pretty good read that I liked. Marisa Peruzzo was raised in a mafia family the same family that killed her cop boyfriend she is tired and wants out. FBI Agent Dave Armstrong wants to bring down Carlo Peruzzo and he is not above accepting Marisa's help to do it. Carlo Peruzzo, and Nia Crocetti, an American soccer player and wife of Sandro, who was champion soccer player of Italy. Carlo had threatened Sandro in Italy and forced him to lose the Italian soccer championship which he did having no choice. Then having met Nia marrying her and living in Italy they then moved to the U.S. to begin a new life and get away from Carlo. But in the following five years, Carlo Peruzzo moved to the U.S. and viciously cleaned out all mobs who stood in his way. In Italy Sandro and his Uncle Guiseppe Zambrotta owned a restaurant, and although Sandro had expected to be free of Carlo, he learned quickly that one never was and Carlo used that Italian restaurant to launder U.S. funds. Sandro reached the point where he had enough of Carlo and believed the only way he could be free of him was to go to the FBI and tell all he knew in return for witness protection. He became aware that Marissa would also help him to destroy her father as he had made her life hell. This was a good from an author that I haven't read before. Most Mafia read the women are often treated less than the man and in this one they were at times but I liked that Marisa and Nia were strong and didn't just roll over. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 8, 2012
3.5 stars
This book had a good premise. A mob boss daughter hooking up with an FBI agent to bring down her Mafia, head honcho father and her skivvy, evil brother was enough to intrigue me. I always enjoy when a relationship develops between twp people despite seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
Throw in a superstar soccer player who the mob wants to kill and uses his family (wife and young son) to reel him in and it was a good story. It just had a little too much back story for me that I really didn’t care about and will admit I skimmed through.
My problem with The Good Daughter was I wanted more of Dave and Marissa. The dynamic between the FBI straight-shooter Dave and the Mafia Princess Marissa is what drew my attention. It’s an interesting combo by definition and I just wanted more of their story.
A vast majority of this book was focused on the soccer star Sandro and his wife Nia who is kidnapped by the mob. Nia certainly showed she was no powder puff and is in fact quite a tough chick while being held captive. I guess kicking soccer balls comes in handy (she’s a soccer star in her own right). She got in some good licks!
It certainly sounds as if the author plans to feature Dave and Marissa in a future book because their story is far from resolved by the end of The Good Daughter so I expect to see them at some point and I will certainly try this author again.
This book had a good premise. A mob boss daughter hooking up with an FBI agent to bring down her Mafia, head honcho father and her skivvy, evil brother was enough to intrigue me. I always enjoy when a relationship develops between twp people despite seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
Throw in a superstar soccer player who the mob wants to kill and uses his family (wife and young son) to reel him in and it was a good story. It just had a little too much back story for me that I really didn’t care about and will admit I skimmed through.
My problem with The Good Daughter was I wanted more of Dave and Marissa. The dynamic between the FBI straight-shooter Dave and the Mafia Princess Marissa is what drew my attention. It’s an interesting combo by definition and I just wanted more of their story.
A vast majority of this book was focused on the soccer star Sandro and his wife Nia who is kidnapped by the mob. Nia certainly showed she was no powder puff and is in fact quite a tough chick while being held captive. I guess kicking soccer balls comes in handy (she’s a soccer star in her own right). She got in some good licks!
It certainly sounds as if the author plans to feature Dave and Marissa in a future book because their story is far from resolved by the end of The Good Daughter so I expect to see them at some point and I will certainly try this author again.
March 22, 2012
Excellent read! I just finished ‘The Good Daughter,’ by Diana Layne, and my heart is still pumping with adrenaline! This book is very well written; the characters are so real, they practically jump off the page.
The two women centered in the story are Marisa, daughter of ruthless mob boss Carlo Peruzzo, and Nia Crocetti, a world-renown soccer player. Both are strong and beautiful, with very different pasts, and seemingly impossible obstacles to overcome. FBI agent Dave Armstrong, and Italian soccer champion Sandro Crocetti, are the men in their lives, fighting a deadly mafia war to ensure the freedom of the women they love.
From the very first page, the author sheds light on the chilling, yet fascinating world of the Italian mafia. This is my first glimpse at what it means to be part of the “family,” and I definitely want to read more.
Diana Layne’s voice is inviting; I was immediately engaged. I can’t wait to read what’s next from this author.
April 11, 2012
I've never read a mafia romance before and this highly exceeded my expectations. The pace was fantastic, the story gripping and the characters were smart, savvy and fearless. It was very well written and each character was carefully and thoughtfully developed. I especially loved the setting of Little Italy and found myself longing for a cannoli while I read it! The best part about The Good Daughter is that you actually get two romances for the price of one! I really felt for the heroine, who wants so badly to do good but she's stuck in a world of evil with only one way out--to bring down her father. But I was also drawn to the famous (and super hot) soccer player whose wife was being held hostage by the mafia. All four main characters goals and complicated pasts weave together in a compelling and seamless storyline that kept me reading late into the night. Really looking forward to the next books in this series!
May 16, 2013
Well it's nearly 2am and I've just finished The Good Daughter!
It kept me on edge and there was no way I wanted to put it down. Marissa holds a grudge, no multiple grudges against her father, a mafia boss, that as so caught up in his world that he failed to see his biggest nemesis. And he'd upset many others, including the world famous soccer player, Sandro. Thinking he had everything in control he plays his hand, but his enemies have a counter move that they are keen to use.
Dave, an FBI agent is after the mafia boss as well, but like the other characters, duty is mixed with emotion. So with an angry daughter, desperate husband and ambitious agent, drama is never far from a page! Gutsy female characters, alpha males and a good story combine to bring this book to life.
It kept me on edge and there was no way I wanted to put it down. Marissa holds a grudge, no multiple grudges against her father, a mafia boss, that as so caught up in his world that he failed to see his biggest nemesis. And he'd upset many others, including the world famous soccer player, Sandro. Thinking he had everything in control he plays his hand, but his enemies have a counter move that they are keen to use.
Dave, an FBI agent is after the mafia boss as well, but like the other characters, duty is mixed with emotion. So with an angry daughter, desperate husband and ambitious agent, drama is never far from a page! Gutsy female characters, alpha males and a good story combine to bring this book to life.
December 31, 2012
I have not read books based on mafia, yet, after reading the description of The Good Daughter, I thought I'd try. I am so glad I chose to read this book. This book is absolutely great. I couldn't stop reading. Page after page, I was intrigued. Very well written. The story was absolutely awesome. The characters were well thought out. The Good Daughter is an action packed, suspense filled thriller that will keep you glued to each page. Even some of the 'bad' guys were good in their own way. I highly recommend reading The Good Daughter. I also look forward to reading 'Trust No One'. Diana Layne is an author I plan on following.
February 15, 2013
This book was a change for me but I liked the story line. It was fast paced and action packed but still had the love story. The characters were great with the women being very strong when needed but yet still human. Very disappointed with the open ending. I want to buy an author's books because I really enjoy reading them not because I need to find out what happens to a couple of the main characters. Up until the ending, this was a 5-star book.
November 28, 2018
Wow! Loved the book! Lots of excitement, adventure, twists, and turns! It keeps you guessing until the end! The father and brother show such evil and cruelty, especially to their daughter, sister, and mother! There is also a lot of love and friendship, too. Just who will win and at what cost? The mafia is so bad, although there is one who tries, to protect the innocent, (so all are not all bad,) I guess there is a little good in everyone! In the end true love wins, the mother and child are safe, but are still hurt by all the evil! It keeps you reading to the very end as you root for the good guys to win! It doesn't disappoint! Great job with the plot!
January 30, 2020
This is a hard book to rate as it is certainly a turn-pager, but some of the scenes on those pagers were brutal to read. I would caution readers to avoid this book if they have triggers revolving around sexual assaults and/or violent actions.
This book contained a large cast, with two male leads. I found it hard to like the main characters- Marisa, Dave, and Sandro. My favorite characters were Nia and Angelo and they had the best scenes.
The plot held my interest, but the violence went way past my comfort level. I also didn’t like how the FBI was portrayed. The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger, but it certainly left you questioning what was next.
.
This book contained a large cast, with two male leads. I found it hard to like the main characters- Marisa, Dave, and Sandro. My favorite characters were Nia and Angelo and they had the best scenes.
The plot held my interest, but the violence went way past my comfort level. I also didn’t like how the FBI was portrayed. The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger, but it certainly left you questioning what was next.
.
August 18, 2019
I read Nia, Be mine first, so i was interested in this one. While it's a page turner, the romance focus was on Nia and Sandro, Dave and Marrissa got little quality time and i dont remember them even kissing. The suspense was thrilling though.
Iif your looking for a romantic thriller with a HEA this isn't for you, there's not even a HFN...vety disappointing but it leads to the rest of the series i guess. I just won't be reading it.
Iif your looking for a romantic thriller with a HEA this isn't for you, there's not even a HFN...vety disappointing but it leads to the rest of the series i guess. I just won't be reading it.
September 30, 2021
Easy read...
I really liked this book. Diana Layne was thorough & was able to inform & keep the reader's interest without the often used monotonous & wordy essays of other authors. I cannot wait to see if Dave & Marisa are able to make a life together. Where are we going with Sandro & Nia?
I really liked this book. Diana Layne was thorough & was able to inform & keep the reader's interest without the often used monotonous & wordy essays of other authors. I cannot wait to see if Dave & Marisa are able to make a life together. Where are we going with Sandro & Nia?
September 25, 2017
Story didn't match description
Thought this would interesting but 20% in the story seems to be about Sandor and Nia not Marisa and Dave. Didn't connect with any of the characters. No point in reading if I am hoping for the demise of all the main characters.
Thought this would interesting but 20% in the story seems to be about Sandor and Nia not Marisa and Dave. Didn't connect with any of the characters. No point in reading if I am hoping for the demise of all the main characters.
January 24, 2019
Really Good !
This moved right along...I REALLY didn’t like Marisa’s brother ! What a sicko...! This storyline made me think it could( and probably is ! ) going on every/ any where...scared thought.....I did feel sympathy for Angie.
This moved right along...I REALLY didn’t like Marisa’s brother ! What a sicko...! This storyline made me think it could( and probably is ! ) going on every/ any where...scared thought.....I did feel sympathy for Angie.
September 23, 2020
Couldn't put it down
An excellent read. Fast-paced, non-stop action. I didn't like the ending, but hoping it'll work itself out in the next book (which I'm definitely going to read).
An excellent read. Fast-paced, non-stop action. I didn't like the ending, but hoping it'll work itself out in the next book (which I'm definitely going to read).
April 17, 2022
Great FBI thriller
I could not put this book down! Action packed and more twist and turns than a roller coaster. I was hoping the FBI agent and the Matilda daughter would end up together. Maybe in the next book.
I could not put this book down! Action packed and more twist and turns than a roller coaster. I was hoping the FBI agent and the Matilda daughter would end up together. Maybe in the next book.
June 16, 2017
first book i've read in awhile that held my interest. definitely want to read rest of series.
January 21, 2018
Enjoyed the ups and downs of this book!
July 3, 2018
I confused this with another book of the same title. Bad writing, bad dialogue, cardboard characters - I gave up after the first chapter.
July 29, 2018
Fun read
Typical mob characters that you can visualize as you read. Quick, fun read. Looking forward to checking out other books with Dave and Marisa.
Typical mob characters that you can visualize as you read. Quick, fun read. Looking forward to checking out other books with Dave and Marisa.
January 31, 2019
Good
I liked the characters and found the interesting and they were as well written. The storyline was really good and moved at a good pace to keep the reader involved.
I liked the characters and found the interesting and they were as well written. The storyline was really good and moved at a good pace to keep the reader involved.
March 21, 2019
Brilliant
This is my first read of diana laynes book really enjoyed itl will follow with Vista security books .excellent reading !!!!!!
This is my first read of diana laynes book really enjoyed itl will follow with Vista security books .excellent reading !!!!!!
March 30, 2019
This book was so good. I want to email author and tell her how much I loved it and I cant wait to read the next.
November 19, 2019
Excellent
Fabulous read found it hard to put down would highly recommend it well written and back ground knowledge investigated.
Highly recommend
Fabulous read found it hard to put down would highly recommend it well written and back ground knowledge investigated.
Highly recommend
July 23, 2020
Very entertaining.
August 27, 2021
Excellent entertainment
Excellent read. Lots of drama, suspense, & thrill. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.
Excellent read. Lots of drama, suspense, & thrill. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 27, 2012
Revising this review, since when I wrote it, I'd somehow missed that this book is a prequel to a series!
Good mafia story, with some romance woven in. Diana Layne has a gift for dialogue and drawing characters with a few words; I could picture her characters quite clearly and "hear" them perfectly. She also writes vivid, punchy, action scenes. The story has a number twists and turns, along with surprises, both good and bad. I very much liked the characters of Nia, Sandro, and Angelo (one of the mobsters). Their parts of the story were very absorbing and I loved Nia and Sandro's love story.
I was a little confused about how to view Marisa and Dave's story, because even though they ostensibly seemed to be the hero and heroine (since they are featured first in the book), their story is secondary to Nia and Sandro's, apparently because Marisa and Dave are going to show up in the upcoming Vista Security series (I didn't realize The Good Daughter was a prequel). Marisa is an intriguing character; perhaps a bit hard to warm up to at times, but understandable. She'd had very difficult life, and consequently enveloped herself in a hard shell. I was fascinated by her story and wanted to know more about her. I felt this story only scratched the surface of her character.
Dave was a fairly standard character, but with a flaw that frankly made me dislike him for a big chunk of the book; he did something horrible to Nia when they were younger, and I felt he never owned up to it or apologized for it, and I couldn't see why Nia would want him in her life, or why he still felt that she should want him in it! He seemed to have a big blind spot in his character. I wanted to like him and at times, I really did, but then what he did to Nia just stuck in my craw and I couldn't get over it. If I felt he'd truly understood, acknowledged, and atoned for what he'd done, then maybe I could have. As it is, I'm willing to read more about this character in the hope that he will "get" it. I'd also like to learn more about Marisa and see her happy. The finale of the book seemed open-ended regarding Marisa and Dave's relationship, so I assume they both will appear in at least one more book and will get their due.
I also was surprised that although we spend a lot of time getting know quite a few characters in this story, we spend hardly any time with Carlo, the main villain. His obsession with Sandro never quite gelled for me; I didn't understand it. Carlo goes to quite some lengths in his pursuit of Sandro, but why him? It just wasn't clear. Carlo's actions didn't make sense on the face of them, so there had to be some emotional (or other) reason driving him, but we don't get to learn what. We get more insight into Carlos's son, Massimo, and his right hand, Luigi, than we do into Carlo himself. I think the story would have been stronger if more time had been spent exploring his character and his motivations.
Despite the issues I had with Dave and with Carlo's development, the book worked for me overall. Diana Layne has real talent, and I look forward to reading more from her. 4.5 stars
Good mafia story, with some romance woven in. Diana Layne has a gift for dialogue and drawing characters with a few words; I could picture her characters quite clearly and "hear" them perfectly. She also writes vivid, punchy, action scenes. The story has a number twists and turns, along with surprises, both good and bad. I very much liked the characters of Nia, Sandro, and Angelo (one of the mobsters). Their parts of the story were very absorbing and I loved Nia and Sandro's love story.
I was a little confused about how to view Marisa and Dave's story, because even though they ostensibly seemed to be the hero and heroine (since they are featured first in the book), their story is secondary to Nia and Sandro's, apparently because Marisa and Dave are going to show up in the upcoming Vista Security series (I didn't realize The Good Daughter was a prequel). Marisa is an intriguing character; perhaps a bit hard to warm up to at times, but understandable. She'd had very difficult life, and consequently enveloped herself in a hard shell. I was fascinated by her story and wanted to know more about her. I felt this story only scratched the surface of her character.
Dave was a fairly standard character, but with a flaw that frankly made me dislike him for a big chunk of the book; he did something horrible to Nia when they were younger, and I felt he never owned up to it or apologized for it, and I couldn't see why Nia would want him in her life, or why he still felt that she should want him in it! He seemed to have a big blind spot in his character. I wanted to like him and at times, I really did, but then what he did to Nia just stuck in my craw and I couldn't get over it. If I felt he'd truly understood, acknowledged, and atoned for what he'd done, then maybe I could have. As it is, I'm willing to read more about this character in the hope that he will "get" it. I'd also like to learn more about Marisa and see her happy. The finale of the book seemed open-ended regarding Marisa and Dave's relationship, so I assume they both will appear in at least one more book and will get their due.
I also was surprised that although we spend a lot of time getting know quite a few characters in this story, we spend hardly any time with Carlo, the main villain. His obsession with Sandro never quite gelled for me; I didn't understand it. Carlo goes to quite some lengths in his pursuit of Sandro, but why him? It just wasn't clear. Carlo's actions didn't make sense on the face of them, so there had to be some emotional (or other) reason driving him, but we don't get to learn what. We get more insight into Carlos's son, Massimo, and his right hand, Luigi, than we do into Carlo himself. I think the story would have been stronger if more time had been spent exploring his character and his motivations.
Despite the issues I had with Dave and with Carlo's development, the book worked for me overall. Diana Layne has real talent, and I look forward to reading more from her. 4.5 stars
May 19, 2013
Duped again. I mean seriously people, 5 stars? The writing alone would not justify five stars. This is one of the most contrived plots I've read in a good long while.
There are so many things that are off about this book. And I'm throwing spoilers out there so strap in folks.
Most of the characters are Italian. The author uses Italian in the story but doesn't always translate. I hate that. I could care less if you know how to speak Italian. I don't and I don't want to read a book with words I don't understand. She also wrote these characters as speaking as though they didn't know how to speak English. It was annoying to me especially combined with the Italian.
Almost the entire book Dave has an inner battle with his feelings for Nia vs. Marrisa. Um, Nia is married and oh yes, see below. Clearly the guy is an idiot.
So Marissa is setting up her father and needs to access infomation on a company computer. She works for the company, and goes to the office after hours. She times it perfectly (of course) to miss the security officer so she can avoid being registered as visiting the office. Um, except she has to use an access card to enter the office - hello, those things are electronic and they record details such as who and when. Which completely negates her stealth efforts.
Dave has been friends with Nia since childhood. We know that he has feelings for her and even though she is married, he still holds a candle for her. But, about halfway through the story he reveals that in attempt to show her his feelings to her ten years earlier he almost raped her. Um, really? First of all, plot wise, this was completely unnecessary to write into the story. Second, no, she would not have forgiven him. Sorry, not happening.
Nia is kidnapped early in the story and makes an effort to escape by tying sheets together. As she is escaping the author suggests that even though she is an athlete, her legs are her strength and her arms are not strong enough to support her. Let me just point out that a professional athlete would be honed in all areas, not just the obvious. Also, a soccer player absolutely has upper arm strength as anyone who has played soccer knows. Throw ins require power and it is an incredibly physical sport with pushing and pulling. Know your subject before you include it in your story.
Aside from these details, there were unnecessary scenes and descriptions, excessive inner monologues debating morality, strategy and personal feelings.
The story is really not about the daughter. It's about the cousin of the daughter and his wife, but really who cares. I struggled the entire book not to abandon ship. I stayed with it to be able to offer a review based on the entire story even though I have no idea why I felt compelled to waste my time.
There are so many things that are off about this book. And I'm throwing spoilers out there so strap in folks.
Most of the characters are Italian. The author uses Italian in the story but doesn't always translate. I hate that. I could care less if you know how to speak Italian. I don't and I don't want to read a book with words I don't understand. She also wrote these characters as speaking as though they didn't know how to speak English. It was annoying to me especially combined with the Italian.
Almost the entire book Dave has an inner battle with his feelings for Nia vs. Marrisa. Um, Nia is married and oh yes, see below. Clearly the guy is an idiot.
So Marissa is setting up her father and needs to access infomation on a company computer. She works for the company, and goes to the office after hours. She times it perfectly (of course) to miss the security officer so she can avoid being registered as visiting the office. Um, except she has to use an access card to enter the office - hello, those things are electronic and they record details such as who and when. Which completely negates her stealth efforts.
Dave has been friends with Nia since childhood. We know that he has feelings for her and even though she is married, he still holds a candle for her. But, about halfway through the story he reveals that in attempt to show her his feelings to her ten years earlier he almost raped her. Um, really? First of all, plot wise, this was completely unnecessary to write into the story. Second, no, she would not have forgiven him. Sorry, not happening.
Nia is kidnapped early in the story and makes an effort to escape by tying sheets together. As she is escaping the author suggests that even though she is an athlete, her legs are her strength and her arms are not strong enough to support her. Let me just point out that a professional athlete would be honed in all areas, not just the obvious. Also, a soccer player absolutely has upper arm strength as anyone who has played soccer knows. Throw ins require power and it is an incredibly physical sport with pushing and pulling. Know your subject before you include it in your story.
Aside from these details, there were unnecessary scenes and descriptions, excessive inner monologues debating morality, strategy and personal feelings.
The story is really not about the daughter. It's about the cousin of the daughter and his wife, but really who cares. I struggled the entire book not to abandon ship. I stayed with it to be able to offer a review based on the entire story even though I have no idea why I felt compelled to waste my time.
February 12, 2013
Action packed, romance, mob violence
This is a great Mafia story packed with action, romance and mob rule. Whereas in most Mafia stories, the women are kept at home subject to the demands of their husband, in this story you have two strong women in Marissa Peruzzo, daughter of the Mafia boss, Carlo Peruzzo, and Nia Crocetti, an American soccer player and wife of Sandro, who was champion soccer player of Italy. Carlo had threatened Sandro in Italy and forced him to lose the Italian soccer championship, which he did, having no choice. Then having met Nia, marrying her and living in Italy, they then moved to the U.S. to begin a new life and get away from Carlo. But in the following five years, Carlo Peruzzo moved to the U.S. and viciously cleaned out all mobs who stood in his way. In Italy Sandro and his Uncle Guiseppe Zambrotta owned a restaurant, and although Sandro had expected to be free of Carlo, he learned quickly that one never was and Carlo used that Italian restaurant to launder U.S. funds.
Sandro reached the point where he had enough of Carlo and believed the only way he could be free of him was to go to the FBI and tell all he knew in return for witness protection. He became aware that Marissa would also help him to destroy her father as he had made her life unbelievably bad. They worked with Dave Armstrong, head of the FBI Organized Crime Task Force, but Carlo had an informer in the FBI and he learned of this. He put a contract out on Sandro, but when he couldn’t find him, he had his men kidnap Nia and eventually their two year old son, Danielle. Several times Nia injured one of Carlo’s men badly because she was an athlete and knowledgeable as to body contact issues because of her soccer training. After Marissa met Dave and worked with him, there was a strong sexual draw between them. Marissa could not use her body like Nia, but she could handle a gun.
This is a complicated story that is a page turner, believable, very well written and totally enjoyable for its genre. I recommend it.
This is a great Mafia story packed with action, romance and mob rule. Whereas in most Mafia stories, the women are kept at home subject to the demands of their husband, in this story you have two strong women in Marissa Peruzzo, daughter of the Mafia boss, Carlo Peruzzo, and Nia Crocetti, an American soccer player and wife of Sandro, who was champion soccer player of Italy. Carlo had threatened Sandro in Italy and forced him to lose the Italian soccer championship, which he did, having no choice. Then having met Nia, marrying her and living in Italy, they then moved to the U.S. to begin a new life and get away from Carlo. But in the following five years, Carlo Peruzzo moved to the U.S. and viciously cleaned out all mobs who stood in his way. In Italy Sandro and his Uncle Guiseppe Zambrotta owned a restaurant, and although Sandro had expected to be free of Carlo, he learned quickly that one never was and Carlo used that Italian restaurant to launder U.S. funds.
Sandro reached the point where he had enough of Carlo and believed the only way he could be free of him was to go to the FBI and tell all he knew in return for witness protection. He became aware that Marissa would also help him to destroy her father as he had made her life unbelievably bad. They worked with Dave Armstrong, head of the FBI Organized Crime Task Force, but Carlo had an informer in the FBI and he learned of this. He put a contract out on Sandro, but when he couldn’t find him, he had his men kidnap Nia and eventually their two year old son, Danielle. Several times Nia injured one of Carlo’s men badly because she was an athlete and knowledgeable as to body contact issues because of her soccer training. After Marissa met Dave and worked with him, there was a strong sexual draw between them. Marissa could not use her body like Nia, but she could handle a gun.
This is a complicated story that is a page turner, believable, very well written and totally enjoyable for its genre. I recommend it.
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