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One Step Closer
Ten years. That's how long it's been since Frank DeLuca left home to make something of himself. And he did. But in doing so he left behind the only woman he's ever loved. And still loves. Now, Frank wants her back. But there are obstacles in the way. Least of which is the woman herself.
Sofia Bianchi never stopped loving the boy who'd left a decade ago. And now she finds herself unable to resist the man standing before her. She knows she must, though. Despite the fire that burns for Frank, she now has a son to care for and protect from the same heartbreak she felt ten years ago, and every day since.
Sofia Bianchi never stopped loving the boy who'd left a decade ago. And now she finds herself unable to resist the man standing before her. She knows she must, though. Despite the fire that burns for Frank, she now has a son to care for and protect from the same heartbreak she felt ten years ago, and every day since.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 24, 2015
This is the third book - out of 581 that I've read since joining Goodreads - that I've rated 1-star. I hate rating things 1-star. I don't even like rating them 2-star. Gah.
It started out okay - a little flat, but okay. Frank seemed decent enough, although the first quarter or so was an info dump with little action or conversation, so I didn't feel like I really got to see the man's good points.
But then we met Sofia. And I hated Sofia.
This is why:
1) She gets pregnant because she forgets to take her contraceptive pills with her on vacation, and rather than a) finding a doctor who'll prescribe more; b) getting the morning-after pill; or c) admitting to Frank she forgot them and letting them both decide to either use condoms or forgo the sex for the weekend, she decided to just hope for the best and not tell him - so she didn't worry him.
2) She decides unilaterally that Frank's work means more to him than she could and that he shouldn't be allowed to take time away from his career for such unimportant things as love and family. (His career btw is running a travel business, which is a fine job but he's hardly a superhero, destined to sacrifice all else for this noble calling.)
3) She leaves him (with a note, not even in person) and coldheartedly calls up the guy who loved her throughout high school - a guy who happens to be Frank's cousin - and gets him to marry her and pretend to everyone that the baby is his. She knows that he loves her, and that she doesn't love him, but she asks him to help her anyway. She doesn't tell Frank that he has a son. For eight years.
4) She ends up divorcing the cousin, and during the book we get to hear her whingy thoughts about how she'd been careful to never make him feel like she was comparing him to Frank. Which is horseshit. People know when they're being compared to their partner's ex, especially when they're the one who doesn't measure up.
5) When Frank finally finds out and is initially angry, after he comes to talk it out with her, her first reaction is to want to tell him he missed his chance. Because, of course, he had the audacity to be mad.
I pretty much hated the way the other characters reacted to this, too. Frank's mother - who knew all along that the kid was Frank's, and who never bothered to call him once in eight years and say, Oh, by the way, you have a son - Frank's mother is angry with FRANK for reacting badly. She tells him he's being selfish. Why Frank, how dare you a) not stick around for the girl who dumped you for your cousin and the child you didn't know you had, and b) be angry that she lied to you and kept your son from you for eight years? How selfish you are!
And Frank, the poor sap, doesn't even ask for an apology from Sofia, he just goes right back to loving her. Not that she offers one. She shows no hint of guilt or remorse for her behaviour.
Love means never having to say you're sorry.
If you love that quote, this may well be the book for you.
Me, I'll pass.
It started out okay - a little flat, but okay. Frank seemed decent enough, although the first quarter or so was an info dump with little action or conversation, so I didn't feel like I really got to see the man's good points.
But then we met Sofia. And I hated Sofia.
This is why:
1) She gets pregnant because she forgets to take her contraceptive pills with her on vacation, and rather than a) finding a doctor who'll prescribe more; b) getting the morning-after pill; or c) admitting to Frank she forgot them and letting them both decide to either use condoms or forgo the sex for the weekend, she decided to just hope for the best and not tell him - so she didn't worry him.
2) She decides unilaterally that Frank's work means more to him than she could and that he shouldn't be allowed to take time away from his career for such unimportant things as love and family. (His career btw is running a travel business, which is a fine job but he's hardly a superhero, destined to sacrifice all else for this noble calling.)
3) She leaves him (with a note, not even in person) and coldheartedly calls up the guy who loved her throughout high school - a guy who happens to be Frank's cousin - and gets him to marry her and pretend to everyone that the baby is his. She knows that he loves her, and that she doesn't love him, but she asks him to help her anyway. She doesn't tell Frank that he has a son. For eight years.
4) She ends up divorcing the cousin, and during the book we get to hear her whingy thoughts about how she'd been careful to never make him feel like she was comparing him to Frank. Which is horseshit. People know when they're being compared to their partner's ex, especially when they're the one who doesn't measure up.
5) When Frank finally finds out and is initially angry, after he comes to talk it out with her, her first reaction is to want to tell him he missed his chance. Because, of course, he had the audacity to be mad.
I pretty much hated the way the other characters reacted to this, too. Frank's mother - who knew all along that the kid was Frank's, and who never bothered to call him once in eight years and say, Oh, by the way, you have a son - Frank's mother is angry with FRANK for reacting badly. She tells him he's being selfish. Why Frank, how dare you a) not stick around for the girl who dumped you for your cousin and the child you didn't know you had, and b) be angry that she lied to you and kept your son from you for eight years? How selfish you are!
And Frank, the poor sap, doesn't even ask for an apology from Sofia, he just goes right back to loving her. Not that she offers one. She shows no hint of guilt or remorse for her behaviour.
Love means never having to say you're sorry.
If you love that quote, this may well be the book for you.
Me, I'll pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2013
2.5 stars ...
Because I wasn't really convinced with Sofia's reasons ..
Because I didn't really understand how it turned out to be Franks fault ..
Because I didn't get to see when father first met son ...
Because I hated Sofia's logic and STUPID choices ..
Because I think if this was longer it might have been better explained and solved ..
Because I was truly looking forward to the book after reading the blurb but then got disappointed :(
Because I wasn't really convinced with Sofia's reasons ..
Because I didn't really understand how it turned out to be Franks fault ..
Because I didn't get to see when father first met son ...
Because I hated Sofia's logic and STUPID choices ..
Because I think if this was longer it might have been better explained and solved ..
Because I was truly looking forward to the book after reading the blurb but then got disappointed :(
August 10, 2015
Good for a short story
4 stars... downgraded to 3 stars with further thought.
I needed a short book starting with O for a reading challenge and this book was perfect.
That being said, I cannot complain that real life situations were handled superficially. If those issues were handled in detail this book would still be waiting to be read with the other long books, lol.
The love scenes were good. Enough of them to appeal to lovers of erotic romance.
I had to remove the 4th star because alot of time was wasted in the beginning introducing family members who do not play a major part in this story. That time would have been better spent on the main characters' points of view or even dialogue.
The ending/epilogue was so sketchy it is still confusing after rereading it many many times. It seems to start at a wedding then merge into another event. It could have been left out or more focussed to remain relevant.
It is not good enough for me to pay for the sequels. If they are made free I will read them out of curiosity.
4 stars... downgraded to 3 stars with further thought.
I needed a short book starting with O for a reading challenge and this book was perfect.
That being said, I cannot complain that real life situations were handled superficially. If those issues were handled in detail this book would still be waiting to be read with the other long books, lol.
The love scenes were good. Enough of them to appeal to lovers of erotic romance.
I had to remove the 4th star because alot of time was wasted in the beginning introducing family members who do not play a major part in this story. That time would have been better spent on the main characters' points of view or even dialogue.
The ending/epilogue was so sketchy it is still confusing after rereading it many many times. It seems to start at a wedding then merge into another event. It could have been left out or more focussed to remain relevant.
It is not good enough for me to pay for the sequels. If they are made free I will read them out of curiosity.
December 25, 2013
Despite this being a novella, there wasn't much story here but a whole lot of sex. I wanted more. And then the ending just sucked.
June 27, 2023
Frank DeLuca became aware of Sofia her senior year in high school, they started to date and five years later they were still together. Frank had moved to California to start his very successful business when Sofia visited him. He was building his business and when he received a call he left for the entire day after her first night of her visit. She left to go home before he returned.
Then years he had been away from his family when he comes home. Sofia is now divorced and she has a seven and half year old son that looks just like his father, Frank. You will have to read One Step Closer to find out if Sofia and Frank work out their problems and find a happy ever after.
Then years he had been away from his family when he comes home. Sofia is now divorced and she has a seven and half year old son that looks just like his father, Frank. You will have to read One Step Closer to find out if Sofia and Frank work out their problems and find a happy ever after.
August 11, 2017
One step closer
Not sure if my emotions are too much,but I can say for certain,this book touched me,including tears.think I found another authors books to read.
Not sure if my emotions are too much,but I can say for certain,this book touched me,including tears.think I found another authors books to read.
February 19, 2021
I felt more like I was reading a news article or an interview than a story. The storyline was very dry and the beginning of the book went into each DeLuca family member, their history and likes and dislikes. If the intent was to introduce the reader to the family members, the love story shouldn't have been jammed in there as well.
There was almost no interaction between the characters and as a reader it was hard to feel any connection with either of them.
There was almost no interaction between the characters and as a reader it was hard to feel any connection with either of them.
October 21, 2013
This book is about Frank DeLuca, who is the oldest of 5 brothers in a Italian Family. At the age of 10, Franks father dies, leaving his mother Maria to raise 5 boys on her own. Frank takes on the responsibility of helping his mother raise his brothers by making sure that they attend church every Sunday, do well in school and stay out of trouble. ( which worked for all except one brother Anthony, who decided to work as an enforcer for a known crime family)
Frank had become a self made Millionaire, his brother Anthony, had joined a crime family, the middle son Vincent had become a Special Agent with the FBI, two years younger than Vincent was Sergio, who was a pediatrician and the youngest of the brothers was Sal, who was in college.
Frank hadn't been home in ten years and although he was looking forward to seeing his mother and brothers, there was someone that he didn't want to see, his ex-girlfriend Sofia.
Sofia and Frank were in love and had been since her senior year in High School. Having started his business, Frank and Sofia had a long distant relationship and on a trip to see Frank in California, Sofia realized that she would only be getting in the way of his dreams and decided to end their relationship. Two months after leaving Frank, Sofia married his cousin Gio and it was hard for him to get over their betrayal.
Returning home after 10 years, Frank realizes (with the help of his mother) that he has to talk to Sofia and get answers as to why she would do that to him. In doing so, Frank uncovers secrets that he wasn't prepared for.
I have no intention on giving away the secrets or the ending of this book but, what I can tell you is that it is REALLY GOOD and a MUST READ!
This is the first book in The DeLuca Brothers Books and I am so looking forward to the rest of the series!!
Frank had become a self made Millionaire, his brother Anthony, had joined a crime family, the middle son Vincent had become a Special Agent with the FBI, two years younger than Vincent was Sergio, who was a pediatrician and the youngest of the brothers was Sal, who was in college.
Frank hadn't been home in ten years and although he was looking forward to seeing his mother and brothers, there was someone that he didn't want to see, his ex-girlfriend Sofia.
Sofia and Frank were in love and had been since her senior year in High School. Having started his business, Frank and Sofia had a long distant relationship and on a trip to see Frank in California, Sofia realized that she would only be getting in the way of his dreams and decided to end their relationship. Two months after leaving Frank, Sofia married his cousin Gio and it was hard for him to get over their betrayal.
Returning home after 10 years, Frank realizes (with the help of his mother) that he has to talk to Sofia and get answers as to why she would do that to him. In doing so, Frank uncovers secrets that he wasn't prepared for.
I have no intention on giving away the secrets or the ending of this book but, what I can tell you is that it is REALLY GOOD and a MUST READ!
This is the first book in The DeLuca Brothers Books and I am so looking forward to the rest of the series!!
April 19, 2014
This is a solid little story about a man who left his home, family and the girl he loved to make something of himself. After he made himself into what he wanted, he came back home, ten years later. He hadn't been back in all that time though he had kept in touch with his family through email and phone calls.
Frank truly loved Sofia back when they were younger. He never truly understood why she broke up with him but his business was just starting and it took up a great deal of time. Days became weeks, weeks became months and so on. He never got over her fully but respected her wishes, even after she married his cousin.
Sofia knew even when they were young that Frank had to become his own man and build his career. She knew that he would stay with her and put his own dreams on hold. She refused to be the thing that stopped him from those dreams. But Frank is back and boy does she have a secret for him.
I liked this story. It wasn't fantastic and there were parts that I didn't like but it was still enjoyable. This was ny first read by Lucinda Dubois and I would certainly read more books by her. The sex was hot and the HEA was sweet. I'm very interested in the rest of the DeLuca clan.
Frank truly loved Sofia back when they were younger. He never truly understood why she broke up with him but his business was just starting and it took up a great deal of time. Days became weeks, weeks became months and so on. He never got over her fully but respected her wishes, even after she married his cousin.
Sofia knew even when they were young that Frank had to become his own man and build his career. She knew that he would stay with her and put his own dreams on hold. She refused to be the thing that stopped him from those dreams. But Frank is back and boy does she have a secret for him.
I liked this story. It wasn't fantastic and there were parts that I didn't like but it was still enjoyable. This was ny first read by Lucinda Dubois and I would certainly read more books by her. The sex was hot and the HEA was sweet. I'm very interested in the rest of the DeLuca clan.
January 31, 2014
This one squeaked by at a 3 1/2....
Wow… this could have been such a good book…. *sigh*
I know you guys are tired of hearing this and you’re wondering why I continue to read novellas. The honest answer to that is that there are some really good novellas out there. They manage to draw me in and paint a complete picture in just a few chapters. For me, that didn’t happen in One Step Closer.
The story was well written, the characters were likable and I enjoyed the story line. The issue was that readers just weren’t given enough time to grasp the story. There were so many places this story could go, but since it was a short, sweet novella it didn’t have time to get there. The biggest issue I had was that there was a 10 year time lapse. Ten years that secrets were kept, family members knew and no one said a word. There were other issues as well, but those were the stand outs. *heavier sigh*
On the plus side, this was the perfect late night read and the perfect filler between books. I will probably pick up the rest of the novellas in the DeLuca Brothers series because I really and truly want more. There are 3 more bothers and I’m hoping that they all get their HEA.
Wow… this could have been such a good book…. *sigh*
I know you guys are tired of hearing this and you’re wondering why I continue to read novellas. The honest answer to that is that there are some really good novellas out there. They manage to draw me in and paint a complete picture in just a few chapters. For me, that didn’t happen in One Step Closer.
The story was well written, the characters were likable and I enjoyed the story line. The issue was that readers just weren’t given enough time to grasp the story. There were so many places this story could go, but since it was a short, sweet novella it didn’t have time to get there. The biggest issue I had was that there was a 10 year time lapse. Ten years that secrets were kept, family members knew and no one said a word. There were other issues as well, but those were the stand outs. *heavier sigh*
On the plus side, this was the perfect late night read and the perfect filler between books. I will probably pick up the rest of the novellas in the DeLuca Brothers series because I really and truly want more. There are 3 more bothers and I’m hoping that they all get their HEA.
May 22, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Ten years. That’s how long it’s been since Franck DeLuca left home to make something of himself. In doing so, he left behind the only woman he’s ever loved. Sofia Bianchi never stopped loving the boy who’d left a decade ago. And now she finds herself unable to resist the man standing before her.
One Step Closer is the first book in a series about the DeLuca brothers. It is a very fast paced book with a surprising twist towards the end. It’s about first love, heartache and the possibility of second chances. You’ll find yourself flipping page after page to see where the author will take you next.
The Story was a little short, but don't let that stop you, you have 4 more brothers to go! Even though this isn’t a cliffhanger, I was left wanting more. On a brighter note, since this is the first in a series, you’re given enough information about the other four DeLuca brothers to make you want to come back for more!
I highly recommend this book.
Ten years. That’s how long it’s been since Franck DeLuca left home to make something of himself. In doing so, he left behind the only woman he’s ever loved. Sofia Bianchi never stopped loving the boy who’d left a decade ago. And now she finds herself unable to resist the man standing before her.
One Step Closer is the first book in a series about the DeLuca brothers. It is a very fast paced book with a surprising twist towards the end. It’s about first love, heartache and the possibility of second chances. You’ll find yourself flipping page after page to see where the author will take you next.
The Story was a little short, but don't let that stop you, you have 4 more brothers to go! Even though this isn’t a cliffhanger, I was left wanting more. On a brighter note, since this is the first in a series, you’re given enough information about the other four DeLuca brothers to make you want to come back for more!
I highly recommend this book.
May 8, 2014
I can't stand stories like this. 1st why so much back story at the beginning? All the stuff about the brothers and the bar and the mom and then just throw in the actual plot there at the end WTH? 2. It is so horrible to keep someone child from them for 8 years and deceive everyone that cares about them into thinking that child belongs to his cousin. what??? What a horrible bitch.. 3. The fact that he just accepts it.. Let's get married .. Huh? No argument, no why the hell did you keep this from me, no nothing. This is so far beyond comprehension that I'm still scratching my head,. Glad it was free and I will not bother with the other brothers books..
September 2, 2016
Second chance romance, this series is about the five DeLuca brothers, Frank, the oldest and his book. But his other brothers are in this so you can meet them before their books, Anthony (Mob), Vincent (FBI), Sergio (Doctor), & Salvatore (partier so far). This was a stand alone BUT to know what happens next you'll have to read their as well to see what happens with Sofia, Frank and their love child Tommy.
Quick read with little over 50 pages, does have their background and is told from both p.o.v.'s.
Quick read with little over 50 pages, does have their background and is told from both p.o.v.'s.
November 9, 2013
It was a short story that had great potential on being a pretty good novel. The beginning was a little boring when describing each brother in too much detail. I guess it's getting you ready for other books involving the DeLuca Brothers. If they took most of that away and focus more on Sofia and Frank it could have been a great story. 3 stars for story and 4 stars for the heat. It just wasn't enough of the couple and the heat they shared.
December 7, 2013
I find myself frequently wishing these short, delicious reads, were much longer. Lucinda writes her characters wonderfully. This was a super quick read, but I felt like I knew the characters well enough to really enjoy the story, I could feel for them, which is why it was over much too soon!
I plan to pick up the rest of the books in this series. Here's to hoping there'll be a full length sometime soon!
I plan to pick up the rest of the books in this series. Here's to hoping there'll be a full length sometime soon!
December 30, 2013
Great New Find
I came upon this as a fluke. A free read to try with no great expectations. Boy was I wrong! The 1st entry into the Deluca Family was fantastic. My only complaint was it's length, it sometimes felt rushed trying to fit into the space allotted. These 5 brothers are too hot to handle and have me completely hooked! I look forward to more adventures and all the steamy, sexy scenes that go along with them.
I came upon this as a fluke. A free read to try with no great expectations. Boy was I wrong! The 1st entry into the Deluca Family was fantastic. My only complaint was it's length, it sometimes felt rushed trying to fit into the space allotted. These 5 brothers are too hot to handle and have me completely hooked! I look forward to more adventures and all the steamy, sexy scenes that go along with them.
abandoned
January 29, 2014I started this but after getting about a quarter of the way through am not planning on finishing it. There was entirely too much telling going on in the early chapters--including detailed descriptions of all of the brothers before we'd even met them--and one very confusing passage where I had no idea what woman or women the narrator was talking about thanks to unclear use of "she", "his mother", and "Maria".
February 23, 2014
One Step Closer(Erotic Romance)Book 1(The DeLuca Brot...
One Step Closer(Erotic Romance)Book 1(The DeLuca Brot...
This is a great book I Love how Frank comes home to find out that his true love is still there and she still love him.How she let his dreams of his job come true for him.And let him go to have that.The love of his was her and his son.Thank You Ruby Miller
One Step Closer(Erotic Romance)Book 1(The DeLuca Brot...
This is a great book I Love how Frank comes home to find out that his true love is still there and she still love him.How she let his dreams of his job come true for him.And let him go to have that.The love of his was her and his son.Thank You Ruby Miller
May 26, 2014
The sexy factor was high, but the story was too short for me to really connect to the characters enough to like them, and the fact that everyone in his family knew he had a kid for seven years and never said anything to him seemed a little ridiculous to me. Had his mom called him home for some excuse after a year or two, the story would have made more sense to me, but otherwise it was well written.
August 31, 2014
2.5 stars
I don't know how I feel about this novella. it's more story than dialogue.
Childhood sweethearts, girl got pregnant and scared of ruining boy's dream so she hides the pregnancy by marrying cousin. Boy finds out, misunderstood and then understands... blah blah blah. Boy marries girl, happily ever after.
It has the makings of a good book but it's more of a short story. Needs some editing
I don't know how I feel about this novella. it's more story than dialogue.
Childhood sweethearts, girl got pregnant and scared of ruining boy's dream so she hides the pregnancy by marrying cousin. Boy finds out, misunderstood and then understands... blah blah blah. Boy marries girl, happily ever after.
It has the makings of a good book but it's more of a short story. Needs some editing
February 28, 2014
I started this book on my Kindle and have the app on my phone finally finished it last night. I keep a book on there to read it a have a chance. Always have my phone but may not always have a physical book. As soon as I finished it I downloaded the 2nd one in the series, since it was for .99!
It had a good story line and I'm glad it worked out.
It had a good story line and I'm glad it worked out.
January 1, 2014
Not impressed
I don't expect much from free books but I do expect a bit of proof reading. There were such simple mistakes throughout it that it was distracting and more than a little irritating. However, the storyline was believable and interesting. Kept me reading but I'm glad I didn't pay for it.
I don't expect much from free books but I do expect a bit of proof reading. There were such simple mistakes throughout it that it was distracting and more than a little irritating. However, the storyline was believable and interesting. Kept me reading but I'm glad I didn't pay for it.
March 10, 2014
Lacked luster and drive. Not much to this story. While the sex scenes were good, the story itself was poorly developed and extremely predictable.
SPOILER:Boy loses girl, girl has child, boy finds out it's his kid and everyone is having together again.
Didn't instill the desire to read another in the series.
SPOILER:Boy loses girl, girl has child, boy finds out it's his kid and everyone is having together again.
Didn't instill the desire to read another in the series.
March 7, 2015
So much better that her other short story I read this week. I'll definately follow up on this short series.
After all I have given authors in the past carp about short stories.... I have come to enjoy the short reads for what they are... shorts BUT ONLY ONLY ONLY when they are written with a creative touch.
After all I have given authors in the past carp about short stories.... I have come to enjoy the short reads for what they are... shorts BUT ONLY ONLY ONLY when they are written with a creative touch.
November 13, 2013
This story was just ok for me. The author soent too much time in the beginning on thw backstory of all the DeLuca brothers instead of focusing of just Frank's and Sofia story.
The sex scenes were HOT, but everything else felt rushed. The book had great potential but came up short.
The sex scenes were HOT, but everything else felt rushed. The book had great potential but came up short.
November 25, 2013
4 stars...quick easy read. Frank had the love of his life until hidden secrets drive them apart, only to bring them back together 8 years later. Will he find happiness with Sophia after all these years? Can he forgive her for walking away?
January 24, 2014
A really disappointing novella with a good storyline. I felt this book could have been a great story if not for the fact the author rushed the story and I felt, missed out on important things. I needed more especially at the end. As for would I read the rest of this series? the answer is no.
May 5, 2014
Yes, there is sex!! Ok now that I got that out I want to say that the sex scenes did not deter me from the story. I wish it was more in depth but it suited the length just fine. I enjoyed it and it wet my appetite for more in this genre.
June 29, 2014
One Step Closer
The captivating story of Frank DeLuca. A strong-willed self made millionaire who is missing something. Will coming home give him what he's looking for or a big mistake. Another great novel by Lucinda DuBois! Can't wait for more of the DeLuca brothers stories!
The captivating story of Frank DeLuca. A strong-willed self made millionaire who is missing something. Will coming home give him what he's looking for or a big mistake. Another great novel by Lucinda DuBois! Can't wait for more of the DeLuca brothers stories!
October 19, 2014
I was surprised about the turn out didn't realize frank was that much in love with her. When he asked tommy how old he was and he said 7 1/2 he really thought she would of cheated on him. With there connection I find that funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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