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Saletti Blood #1
The Order
Ayana and Novella Lachlan are identical twin sisters, living in Italy with their mother and military stepfather. Having never been separated, they're forced to make the choice of either staying together or going their separate ways when their mother decides to return to the United States. Ayana, having met the Italian man of her dreams - who happens to be the same carabiniere she'd accidentally assaulted outside of a night club, can't bear the idea of leaving him and chooses to remain in Italy. Novella, thinking neither of them should stay without their mother, chooses to go to Miami. Ayana warns her not to go.
Paladio Hijuelos has just been released from a South American prison, where he was brutally tortured for three agonizing years. Faithfully returning to his boss in Miami, there's no mistaking that he's still the most sadistic man that most have ever met, with no regard for anyone or anything. That is, until he's introduced to the young and breathtaking Novella. Unable to control his newfound obsession for her, he begins turning her entire world upside down, leaving no doubt in her mind that she now belongs to him, and him alone.
Vincenzo Saletti has dedicated his entire life to serving his beloved father, who happens to be the head of the most powerful and feared criminal family in all of Europe. Loyal to the death to those he loves, the moment that he learns that his baby brother is missing - last seen with an American girl, he doesn't hesitate to go in search of him. Needing to find answers about his disappearance, what he finds is a tragedy, and the young girl caught up in it. Will his family give the order to end her life, or will the beating of an innocent heart be reason enough to spare her?
Paladio Hijuelos has just been released from a South American prison, where he was brutally tortured for three agonizing years. Faithfully returning to his boss in Miami, there's no mistaking that he's still the most sadistic man that most have ever met, with no regard for anyone or anything. That is, until he's introduced to the young and breathtaking Novella. Unable to control his newfound obsession for her, he begins turning her entire world upside down, leaving no doubt in her mind that she now belongs to him, and him alone.
Vincenzo Saletti has dedicated his entire life to serving his beloved father, who happens to be the head of the most powerful and feared criminal family in all of Europe. Loyal to the death to those he loves, the moment that he learns that his baby brother is missing - last seen with an American girl, he doesn't hesitate to go in search of him. Needing to find answers about his disappearance, what he finds is a tragedy, and the young girl caught up in it. Will his family give the order to end her life, or will the beating of an innocent heart be reason enough to spare her?
464 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2011
9 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Vana V.
3 books47 followersVana V is an American writer who's lived a very colorful life. The creator of the Saletti Blood series, she has incorporated a great deal of her own personal experiences and tragedies into her books as a means of self-therapy. For her, writing has always been her outlet.
She currently has a second series in the works, as she feels she'll never be able to express her thoughts enough and therefore must continue writing.
Having grown up with many horses at her feet, her love for them has never stopped. She owns several horses now and has even returned to training - her own yearling her latest student, which she calls her Heart Horse (their hair color is identical, by the way). To hear her tell it, if she's not writing then she's riding. She's also very fond of pugs and owns an entire grumble, who keep her company in her office while she's typing away. And for anyone wanting to get into her good graces, she won't deny that a perfect cup of cappuccino is the only way to her heart. Her previous life in Italy has spoiled her.
She can be contacted at her website:
www.ParaVanaPublishing.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 9, 2013
The Order is a big book, well it is for me! When I saw that it was 472 pages on my Kobo ereader, I must admit that I felt daunted, I tend to shy away from really long books. Reason being that I don't have much time to read and I am a very slow reader (yes I am).
So I'll be honest and say that the first 25% of the book was a bit slow to start, I'm all about the action! But after the that the book sucked me in and I was hooked. The Order had all my favourite ingredients:
1. Drama
2. Intrigue
3. Suspense
4. Romance
5. Violence
Now all these make for a great read in my opinion!
Characters:
Heroine
Novella Lachlan is a level headed young woman, she's the one who is always looking out for her twin sister Ayana. Not that she has much of a choice, their step-mother Hannah couldn't care less what happens to them. And this is proven when she leaves them without a backward glance, left in a foreign country with a stepfather who has shown them more love than their mother ever has they aren't sure what to do.
On one hand they know their mother will send for them and force them to live with her in Miami. But on the other hand, Ayana has fallen in love with Italian policeman, Massimo, and she refuses to leave him.
Novella being the level headed girl she is decides to obey her mother when she sends for her and against her better judgement leaves Italy for Miami. But on her arrival everything changes, when she meets and is exposed to the depravity of a Paladio, a man who was locked away and tortured in prison.
Hero
Vincenzo is the first born son to the Capo di tutti Capi (boss of bosses) he's next in line to rule the family business when he's ailing father passes. A man with a broken past, he doesn't let it bleed in to his role as leader while his father lays on his death bed. He's been closed off and impenetrable until he meets Novella in Germany, he can't seem to get her out of his mind. They finally meet again but under tragic circumstances.
Villain
Imprisoned for 3 years and tortured by a mad man, it's no wonder Paladio is the way he is. I'll be honest and tell you that at first I did have a girl boner for Paladio, his character seemed to be my text book version of the brooding, tortured and broken Alpha male. But those feelings were gone as quickly as they came, Paladio is a sick and crazy human being. That means a lot coming from me because I have a very high tolerance when it it comes to depravity.
He actually broke my heart because I had such high hopes for him in the beginning.
My Thoughts
You might ask yourself if I enjoyed this book so much, then why not five stars?
Please remember that this is my opinion and that I only speak for myself.
Firstly, the book does need editing as there were some typo's and grammatical error's, this is understandable as this is a long book and some error's can go unnoticed in the editing process.
Secondly, I found some scenes too descriptive. I think maybe this is why I found the first 25% a bit slow.
And that's it, that's why I didn't give this book 5 stars
Final Thoughts
This is better said in GIFS:
THE END
May 20, 2018
4.25 stars
Genre: Mafia romance
Setting: Italy
POVs: Multiple, shifting
Triggers? Yes.
This story destroyed me in a good way!
It had all of the components that I love in a mafia story: action, drama, deception, multiple narratives, a vile antagonist, the ushering in of a new Capo di tutti Capi (Boss of Bosses) while paying tribute to the legacy of the former, unforeseen twists, and a wickedly taboo affair! Add to that the violent beginning and violent ending, and I was completely absorbed in this story! The multiple storylines, the morally corrupt characters, the tragedy of cruelly losing one’s innocence—all of it should’ve felt formulaic and predictable, but this book had more of a saga-like feel with some delicious surprises that had me shook!
There were areas that could've been fine-tuned and condensed, but I loved the flow of this story and the characterization. I loved how the prologue opened with action and the story continued on without a million flashback scenes to wade through and dissect. Waiting for the storylines to intersect kept me on the edge! I liked the pacing and how the author didn't try to stuff my eyes with lots of boring information at once and try to catch the reader up by playing tell-but-no-show. This book was simply a pleasant surprise!
Most refreshing?
There were limited references to social media outlets and texting.
Issues?
The writing style was an adjustment at first and I wished the author distinctly separated the POVs, but the story was so engrossing that I could’ve cared less about that after the first few chapters. Also, there were lots of characters introduced/ mentioned but just in passing. I wound up making a long list of their names to keep their positions and associations clear. The age gap between the main lead characters will be upsetting for some readers, though.
◈ There were devastating areas of this story that saddened me but it was counterbalanced with lighter content. This story turned in directions that kicked me off balance and broke my heart, yet I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment! Bring it ON!
◈ Enjoyed!
Genre: Mafia romance
Setting: Italy
POVs: Multiple, shifting
Triggers? Yes.
This story destroyed me in a good way!
It had all of the components that I love in a mafia story: action, drama, deception, multiple narratives, a vile antagonist, the ushering in of a new Capo di tutti Capi (Boss of Bosses) while paying tribute to the legacy of the former, unforeseen twists, and a wickedly taboo affair! Add to that the violent beginning and violent ending, and I was completely absorbed in this story! The multiple storylines, the morally corrupt characters, the tragedy of cruelly losing one’s innocence—all of it should’ve felt formulaic and predictable, but this book had more of a saga-like feel with some delicious surprises that had me shook!
There were areas that could've been fine-tuned and condensed, but I loved the flow of this story and the characterization. I loved how the prologue opened with action and the story continued on without a million flashback scenes to wade through and dissect. Waiting for the storylines to intersect kept me on the edge! I liked the pacing and how the author didn't try to stuff my eyes with lots of boring information at once and try to catch the reader up by playing tell-but-no-show. This book was simply a pleasant surprise!
Most refreshing?
There were limited references to social media outlets and texting.
Issues?
The writing style was an adjustment at first and I wished the author distinctly separated the POVs, but the story was so engrossing that I could’ve cared less about that after the first few chapters. Also, there were lots of characters introduced/ mentioned but just in passing. I wound up making a long list of their names to keep their positions and associations clear. The age gap between the main lead characters will be upsetting for some readers, though.
◈ There were devastating areas of this story that saddened me but it was counterbalanced with lighter content. This story turned in directions that kicked me off balance and broke my heart, yet I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment! Bring it ON!
◈ Enjoyed!
June 20, 2020
As the author, I'd like to let everyone know that this book has been rewritten since it's first publication. The new edition was uploaded in February 2014, so if you've downloaded it before that, then you have the OLD version. And believe me, that's the version that frustrates my readers, as I admit it wasn't written very well.
As my writing progressed over the last 3 years, I looked back and thought I could do much better, and I did. I'm finally happy with this book, which I wasn't in the beginning. That said, I do hope that new readers will not base their reviews off of previously posted reviews, because any review before 2014 was definitely for the OLD edition.
Another note: I'm also finding that certain sites have NOT updated the file for this book, so they're still selling their readers the OLD version of it. I've done my part, but I know for a fact that Kobobooks was guilty of this at one point, recently. Amazon is your best bet for the current edition.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to message me.
Thanks so much for reading.
XXX - Vana
As my writing progressed over the last 3 years, I looked back and thought I could do much better, and I did. I'm finally happy with this book, which I wasn't in the beginning. That said, I do hope that new readers will not base their reviews off of previously posted reviews, because any review before 2014 was definitely for the OLD edition.
Another note: I'm also finding that certain sites have NOT updated the file for this book, so they're still selling their readers the OLD version of it. I've done my part, but I know for a fact that Kobobooks was guilty of this at one point, recently. Amazon is your best bet for the current edition.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to message me.
Thanks so much for reading.
XXX - Vana
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2014
So I started this book forever and a day ago and put it down around 20%because honestly it was typical 17 year old dramatics and I'm 30 .. I don't care about all that mess but then a reviewer I follow on GR posted her review and I decided to give it another chance.... And holy crap am I glad I did.. Consider my mind blown because at around 30% I was HOOKED and at around 50% until the very end my face looked something like this....
July 5, 2013
By: Vana V
At first I thought this was a vampire series, but found the mob instead. Lots of criminals, injustice and unexpected twists and turns. Super good! Here is what it is about. I also thought is was young adult fiction, but happily found out it is definitely not!
Identical Twin 17 year old sisters Ayana and Novella Lachlan are pulled around from place to place, step-father to step-father by their narcissistic looking for love in all the wrong places mother.
Life has finally settled down for the girls. They are happy in Italy with a decent step-father who truly cares for them and Ayana has met the man of her dreams, so of course the mother decides for the 17 year old twins that it is time to move on. Mom leaves, by herself (selfish much?) to Florida, telling the girls as they beg her to stay, that she will send for them. Ayana decides she is no longer letting her mother ruin her life, especially now that she found "the one" and decides to stay in Italy with him. Novella, never separated from her sister but loath to disobey her mother, chooses to join her mother in their new home in Miami.
Oh the story just gets so tragic from here! I am unsure how much to divulge, because the story goes in directions I would have never anticipated, which I am finding are my favorite stories, tragic or not! I was on the edge of my seat, outraged, thinking as hard as my little mind could muster, NO NOT THAT WAY!!! But, alas, that way it went. Paladio Hijuelos, sociopath extraordinaire, gets obsessed with lovely young Novella. I keep waiting for the hero, waiting, waiting, waiting, I mean come on! Where is the hero?????!!!
A day late and a dollar short, a hero comes, but his orders are to kill Novella. Novella is caught up in a tragedy she had no control over and is now in the sites of the very powerful Italian Mob family, The Salettis.
Just so you know, this is definitely a dark read. Not for the weak of heart, however so good. I am just starting the second book, Saletti Blood: Sins of the Father (Volume 2).
If you are up to a dark love story, with murder, mayhem and blood this is it! 4.5 stars
--
Kelli
At first I thought this was a vampire series, but found the mob instead. Lots of criminals, injustice and unexpected twists and turns. Super good! Here is what it is about. I also thought is was young adult fiction, but happily found out it is definitely not!
Identical Twin 17 year old sisters Ayana and Novella Lachlan are pulled around from place to place, step-father to step-father by their narcissistic looking for love in all the wrong places mother.
Life has finally settled down for the girls. They are happy in Italy with a decent step-father who truly cares for them and Ayana has met the man of her dreams, so of course the mother decides for the 17 year old twins that it is time to move on. Mom leaves, by herself (selfish much?) to Florida, telling the girls as they beg her to stay, that she will send for them. Ayana decides she is no longer letting her mother ruin her life, especially now that she found "the one" and decides to stay in Italy with him. Novella, never separated from her sister but loath to disobey her mother, chooses to join her mother in their new home in Miami.
Oh the story just gets so tragic from here! I am unsure how much to divulge, because the story goes in directions I would have never anticipated, which I am finding are my favorite stories, tragic or not! I was on the edge of my seat, outraged, thinking as hard as my little mind could muster, NO NOT THAT WAY!!! But, alas, that way it went. Paladio Hijuelos, sociopath extraordinaire, gets obsessed with lovely young Novella. I keep waiting for the hero, waiting, waiting, waiting, I mean come on! Where is the hero?????!!!
A day late and a dollar short, a hero comes, but his orders are to kill Novella. Novella is caught up in a tragedy she had no control over and is now in the sites of the very powerful Italian Mob family, The Salettis.
Just so you know, this is definitely a dark read. Not for the weak of heart, however so good. I am just starting the second book, Saletti Blood: Sins of the Father (Volume 2).
If you are up to a dark love story, with murder, mayhem and blood this is it! 4.5 stars
--
Kelli
December 12, 2013
Warning if you arent into abuse or rape this is not a book for you!
Me it doesnt bother me if there is hope that the person will get whats coming to them sometime and the victim gets a happy ending.
This was filled with everything I love. Excitement, emotions, easy to get into story and characters and then some. Cannot wait for the next one!
Me it doesnt bother me if there is hope that the person will get whats coming to them sometime and the victim gets a happy ending.
This was filled with everything I love. Excitement, emotions, easy to get into story and characters and then some. Cannot wait for the next one!
May 19, 2014
OMG just fantastic, thanks to the lovely Jan for recommending this book that was fantastic, if you like gangster books you won't be disappointed with this, Vana V is such a good writer can't wait to read more of her books.
July 8, 2023
HOLY SHIT!!
That was a total mindfuck. Oh em gee.
I need to take a breather. That was totally insane. My emotions are at an all-time high, and completely out of control!
This is craziness!
Review to come!
5 i'll-be-traumatized-for-life stars!
That was a total mindfuck. Oh em gee.
I need to take a breather. That was totally insane. My emotions are at an all-time high, and completely out of control!
This is craziness!
Review to come!
5 i'll-be-traumatized-for-life stars!
July 19, 2013
I blew through this book SO quickly! I'm always on the lookout for a good mafia book, and luckily I stumbled across this book on listopia. I was very pleasantly surprised just how much it captured and held my attention. It was difficult to set aside last night so I could get a couple of hours of sleep before I had to get up for work! It did start out a bit slowly, but once it picked up, it just sailed to the end. Dark too. Poor Novella who has the misfortune to catch Paladio's eye (but the fortune to meet Vincenzo). Paladio is probably one of the sickest and most evil characters I've ever encountered in a book. What he did about halfway though shocked the crap out of me - my jaw literally dropped open! And at the end with Novella, I was cringing while reading. I was very happy when Vincenzo did what he did at the end. And Hannah, Novella's mother? Total waste of space and most horrible mother in the universe. I'm looking forward to reading more of Vincenzo and Novella's romance!
June 5, 2013
This book was fast paced gut wrenching devastatingly passionate it had my emotions all over I smiled, laughed, choked up, sometimes I had to stop and take a breath in those grueling parts cuz it was just too hard to take! I really enjoyed this book it was like reading a movie I liked the flow of the story and even though there was a couple of POV from different characters it helped me understand more of their actions and situation. I hope book 2 & 3 are just as good!! :) happy readings!!
November 12, 2013
If you like mobster/romance, this book is a decent enough read. It has all the right ingredients, a decent story line, not one but two gorgeous men that are uber masculine yet kind, caring, considerate and willing to do anything in their power to protect the women they love plus there's a good dose of action.
One thing I found difficult was the way it was written. This book switches between several POV's and scene changes within one chapter, with no clear transition. This makes reading it much harder work and takes away your focus from the story. But my main issue is the 200 odd pages of blah, blah, blahing that makes the book drag. It detracts from the how good the story is and for that reason, I'm rating this book 3.5 stars.
One thing I found difficult was the way it was written. This book switches between several POV's and scene changes within one chapter, with no clear transition. This makes reading it much harder work and takes away your focus from the story. But my main issue is the 200 odd pages of blah, blah, blahing that makes the book drag. It detracts from the how good the story is and for that reason, I'm rating this book 3.5 stars.
Read
September 24, 2013What to say when you didn't like a book but were so deeply immerged into it, you feelt everything thing like it was happening to you?
For me to really love a book is when I want to be the heroin. But with everything Novella has been through, nobody would wish so. However, the beautiful and deep writting takes you and brings you into the story, not letting you go before the very end.
Every character has its own univers, personnality and past. Mixing them all together creates a multi faced atmosphere, which makes it so real.
That book was hard but beautiful. No regret here.
For me to really love a book is when I want to be the heroin. But with everything Novella has been through, nobody would wish so. However, the beautiful and deep writting takes you and brings you into the story, not letting you go before the very end.
Every character has its own univers, personnality and past. Mixing them all together creates a multi faced atmosphere, which makes it so real.
That book was hard but beautiful. No regret here.
August 3, 2017
With the other reviewer's have said about the first 20% it's slow, but you are beening introduced to all the charchters , but after that it's pretty good, for mafia romance lover's:))
May 16, 2011
Don't ever say you can't mix danger with pleasure :)
So after reading the blurb about this book I made the purchase already thinking to myself...sounds a little cliche...twins..mistaken identities...It's been done before..right? WRONG!!!! Not in this way it hasn't.
Saletti Blood: The Order opens right with the main characters, throwing you directly into their personalities and way of life. The story of their past is already pulling at you by the end of the first chapter, your heart already going out to them for experiencing so much at such a young age. True love is found early on, and it leaves you wondering okay so what next next!?!?!?!
Without adding in any spoilers for other people considering buying the book, let me just say that the best is yet to come after that. With a bitch of a mother, and no on to really turn to, there aren't many options for one of the main characters. This book should definitely be a movie, because I found myself on the edge of my seat, desperate to get to the next page, fearing for her safety and her sanity with all that get thrust upon her.
Wicked sex, dangerous mobsters and a crazy Columbian to boot...who can she trust? I found myself filling her shoes, making every decision with her, my heart breaking at her disappointment, and a smile touching my lips at every small victory.
Want something that preserves the thrill of an action movie, while still fulfilling a need to connect with each and every character....? Buy this Book!!!!! You won't be disappointed. It will leave you begging for more and completely satiated with the fact that finally someone has been able to capture such a store in print.
Kudos to the author, and I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the sequel!!!
So after reading the blurb about this book I made the purchase already thinking to myself...sounds a little cliche...twins..mistaken identities...It's been done before..right? WRONG!!!! Not in this way it hasn't.
Saletti Blood: The Order opens right with the main characters, throwing you directly into their personalities and way of life. The story of their past is already pulling at you by the end of the first chapter, your heart already going out to them for experiencing so much at such a young age. True love is found early on, and it leaves you wondering okay so what next next!?!?!?!
Without adding in any spoilers for other people considering buying the book, let me just say that the best is yet to come after that. With a bitch of a mother, and no on to really turn to, there aren't many options for one of the main characters. This book should definitely be a movie, because I found myself on the edge of my seat, desperate to get to the next page, fearing for her safety and her sanity with all that get thrust upon her.
Wicked sex, dangerous mobsters and a crazy Columbian to boot...who can she trust? I found myself filling her shoes, making every decision with her, my heart breaking at her disappointment, and a smile touching my lips at every small victory.
Want something that preserves the thrill of an action movie, while still fulfilling a need to connect with each and every character....? Buy this Book!!!!! You won't be disappointed. It will leave you begging for more and completely satiated with the fact that finally someone has been able to capture such a store in print.
Kudos to the author, and I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the sequel!!!
March 14, 2014
First things first... This was a good book, a pretty good book, but didn't quite work for me because I like my romance books to be just that ... romantic.
While certainly there was a strong element of romance in the book... the crime and violence (and oh boy! to what an extent) totally eclipsed it. The villain is as deranged and as bad as they can get. He has to be THE CRUELEST VILLAIN ever read by me!!
So anyway, once I had reconciled to the fact that I should not expect sap or mush from this romance, the story started improving for me. And what a story it did turn out to be. Full marks for the thrill and chase. It will keep you hooked. For sure. All you have to do is survive the first 40%. Sadly however, this is not my preferred genre...
Though the author clearly specifies that readers should expect violence and abuse from this book, according to me this novel is clearly more of a crime thriller than a romance. The fact that it is rated high up in so many "best mafia romance" shelves... well it is a deceiving.
Anyway, to an unsuspecting reader I would only say.. go for this book only if you don't mind
1. Violence and abuse (lots of it)!! and
2. STRONG undercurrent of crime in your romances
While certainly there was a strong element of romance in the book... the crime and violence (and oh boy! to what an extent) totally eclipsed it. The villain is as deranged and as bad as they can get. He has to be THE CRUELEST VILLAIN ever read by me!!
So anyway, once I had reconciled to the fact that I should not expect sap or mush from this romance, the story started improving for me. And what a story it did turn out to be. Full marks for the thrill and chase. It will keep you hooked. For sure. All you have to do is survive the first 40%. Sadly however, this is not my preferred genre...
Though the author clearly specifies that readers should expect violence and abuse from this book, according to me this novel is clearly more of a crime thriller than a romance. The fact that it is rated high up in so many "best mafia romance" shelves... well it is a deceiving.
Anyway, to an unsuspecting reader I would only say.. go for this book only if you don't mind
1. Violence and abuse (lots of it)!! and
2. STRONG undercurrent of crime in your romances
April 29, 2012
Well this book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, well written and action packed and well deserving 5 stars. That said I didn't like it but only because it wasn't my type of book. Lots of violence, repeated rapes and I found my self feeling nauseous when I wasn't reading it.
I guess I read urban fantasy for a reason, I know it isn't real, this was very very real.
If you enjoy gritty,violent action then this book is well worth buying.
I guess I read urban fantasy for a reason, I know it isn't real, this was very very real.
If you enjoy gritty,violent action then this book is well worth buying.
September 9, 2013
Molto bene Signora V, molto bene!
June 26, 2020
Love it or hate it??? I think I'm still undecided.
Okay......so I really don't know where to start with this book! The blurb reeled me in and I must admit I could have given up after a few chapters! I've gone from wanting to give this a 1 star review to a 5 star review and in the end settled in the middle! To start we are introduced to two sisters and two brothers. The sisters are young, flighty and immature and the brothers are all alpha male. We get to meet lots of characters, too many in my opinion as I kept loosing track. The two MFC acted so childish at times I also found that off putting but I stuck with it. Then suddenly the plot changed and things became exciting, the story was turning into the dark mafia romance i was expecting from the blurb but this must have been at about the 40% mark in the book. Then suddenly something happens to two of the main characters that literally had me wondering whether I should carry on. I don't like to give away spoilers but come on??? Really...... I've just spent most of my evening reading about these two characters and their love story for the author to just kill them off! To say I was gobsmacked was an understatement and I didn't like it, please don't bore me with chapter after chapter about two people falling in love to just have them die within a page of each other!!
The other issue with this book was Vincenzo...he was supposed to be a mafia kingpin when in reality he was a soft teddy bear and when he gave into Vella and her bratty behaviour I couldnt help my eye rolls !
I absolutely love dark romance and this was dark so be warned but it was also boring in places, there we so many scenes that didnt add anything to the plot or character development so for me were a complete waste!
It was well written however, we did have a plot and some of the characters were good and once I hit the 40% mark I couldn't put it down, it had the suspense and the twists that i love.....hence my thoughts of should I give this 5 stars?? For me this is a marmite book, you will either love it or hate it! As much as I would love to read book two I've decided not to in the end. My advice to the author is to revisit the first part of the book, make it more exciting and don't invest so much energy in characters your not planning to keep around for long.
Okay......so I really don't know where to start with this book! The blurb reeled me in and I must admit I could have given up after a few chapters! I've gone from wanting to give this a 1 star review to a 5 star review and in the end settled in the middle! To start we are introduced to two sisters and two brothers. The sisters are young, flighty and immature and the brothers are all alpha male. We get to meet lots of characters, too many in my opinion as I kept loosing track. The two MFC acted so childish at times I also found that off putting but I stuck with it. Then suddenly the plot changed and things became exciting, the story was turning into the dark mafia romance i was expecting from the blurb but this must have been at about the 40% mark in the book. Then suddenly something happens to two of the main characters that literally had me wondering whether I should carry on. I don't like to give away spoilers but come on??? Really...... I've just spent most of my evening reading about these two characters and their love story for the author to just kill them off! To say I was gobsmacked was an understatement and I didn't like it, please don't bore me with chapter after chapter about two people falling in love to just have them die within a page of each other!!
The other issue with this book was Vincenzo...he was supposed to be a mafia kingpin when in reality he was a soft teddy bear and when he gave into Vella and her bratty behaviour I couldnt help my eye rolls !
I absolutely love dark romance and this was dark so be warned but it was also boring in places, there we so many scenes that didnt add anything to the plot or character development so for me were a complete waste!
It was well written however, we did have a plot and some of the characters were good and once I hit the 40% mark I couldn't put it down, it had the suspense and the twists that i love.....hence my thoughts of should I give this 5 stars?? For me this is a marmite book, you will either love it or hate it! As much as I would love to read book two I've decided not to in the end. My advice to the author is to revisit the first part of the book, make it more exciting and don't invest so much energy in characters your not planning to keep around for long.
May 17, 2018
I can’t finish it,
Got a migraine try to finish reading this one huhu..
Nice book just not my kind of reading.
To many character I cannot focuses which is the main character, got confused 🤷🏻♀️ reading it at the front page..
Maybe it’s just me not very good in English 😅😅😅
Got a migraine try to finish reading this one huhu..
Nice book just not my kind of reading.
To many character I cannot focuses which is the main character, got confused 🤷🏻♀️ reading it at the front page..
Maybe it’s just me not very good in English 😅😅😅
August 15, 2023
OVERALL LOVED IT
BUT
1) why are everyone in romance books so pro-life?
2) the sex scenes read like a biology textbook
BUT
1) why are everyone in romance books so pro-life?
2) the sex scenes read like a biology textbook
February 19, 2024
Amazing!! Fast paced can’t put down
Wow! Stayed up all night to read this one. Took a minute to set the foundation but then WOW…highly recommend.
Wow! Stayed up all night to read this one. Took a minute to set the foundation but then WOW…highly recommend.
June 7, 2014
First off I want to say, I *really* liked this book. But I had some problems with it. The story was incredible, but the first 3/4 of the book was really hard to read. This was in the third person narrative, not my favorite but an understandable choice considering you needed to be in the head of all the different characters in order to tell this story properly. However, there are A LOT of rapid shifts between characters. You would be in one person's head, then the next paragraph you would be in someone else's head in a completely different setting. But that wouldn't be too terrible except you never knew who was having these thoughts and feelings right away. Seriously, multiple paragraphs of things happening, and you wouldn't know who they were happening to. This meant you had to do a bunch of rereading and back tracking. This issue drastically improved by the end of the book, but it was tough getting there.
But. But. But. But. Don't let this stop you from reading this book. The STORY, (though somewhat imperfectly told) is an INCREDIBLE story.
But. But. But. But. Don't let this stop you from reading this book. The STORY, (though somewhat imperfectly told) is an INCREDIBLE story.
March 23, 2014
I just finished reading this book today and I devoured it. It was wonderful. I read a few reviews that talk about to much detail or description and I can say I did not feel that way. The way the story was written, meaning the person telling the story was a little odd. I have never read a book in that fashion and it did take me awhile to get used to it. However, having said that it was a full book and a heart rendering HEA. The story is not over yet; there is plenty more to be told, and I for one will be reading the next ones to come. The heroine is young but has to grow up fast in the experiences she is going thru and our HERO is so wonderful. Full of heart but a badass too!
March 7, 2016
4 of out 5!
I just love this story! The only problem I have with this book is the different point of views. I really don't mind all the different characters and their views reading why and how they are what they are, but their is no name when the views of character change. One moment you are reading about Novella changing to Paladio to Nuncio and it took some time sometimes to figure out who I was reading about.
I just love this story! The only problem I have with this book is the different point of views. I really don't mind all the different characters and their views reading why and how they are what they are, but their is no name when the views of character change. One moment you are reading about Novella changing to Paladio to Nuncio and it took some time sometimes to figure out who I was reading about.
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November 30, 2014Ben ne okudum boyle bu dark da degil baska birseydi yani cok korkunctu zaten bitiremedim bile belli bir yerden sonra gece gece okudum yorumlarda birkac uyari gormustum ama boylesini de tahmin etmemistim yazara da yuh yani hic mi aciman yok puan filan da vermiyorum sana bitirdin beni burda hala soktayim
May 16, 2012
DNF for me.
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October 25, 2013I couldn't finish this book. This has harder content than I have imagined and it was hard for me to continue reading. I don't think I will read this book again.
January 11, 2017
Dusting off the favorites shelf for this one. Have to admit very slow start as other readers had commented. But great story. Sex is major VANILLA and non-descriptive. But story had me captured.
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