…io ti sposo

To Have and To Hold #2

by Natasha Knight, Francesca Giraudo (Translator)

Scarlett

Cristiano è mio nemico. È anche l’unico uomo con cui mi sia mai sentita al sicuro. Protetta.

Devo ricordarmi però che mi ha sposata con un motivo ben preciso in mente. Vendetta. Sarei stata il ponte per raggiungere i suoi veri nemici.

Non devo dimenticarmi che non è l’eroe di questa storia.

Le sue mani sono coperte di sangue. L’ho visto con i miei stessi occhi.

Cristiano

Credevo di conoscere il passato di Scarlett, ma in realtà non ne sapevo niente.

Credevo di conoscere i mostri peggiori, ma non avevo ancora visto niente.

Qualche volta devi mentire a te stesso per sopravvivere. Qualche volta sono quelli più vicini a te che ti accoltellano alle spalle.

Troppe volte sono gli innocenti che pagano per i tuoi errori. Per il tuo rifiuto di vedere.

Non posso lasciare che Scarlett paghi per me. Forse però è troppo tardi per fermare tutto.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Abuse, Contemporary

338 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2021

About the author

Natasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance Novels. She has sold over a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.

Write Natasha here:
natasha@natasha-knight.com

Check out her books here:
https://natasha-knight.com

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Reviews

[Nazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in the "To Have And To Hold" duet and has to be read in order. Even though the suspense was good, the chemistry between the MCs wasn’t as good as book 1. Book 1 was intense but in this one, something was missing. I expected something better from Natasha Knight! All in all, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either, hope you enjoy it!

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

He pulls the blankets around us and I feel safe for the first time in too long to care that I’m lying in the arms of the man who should be my enemy.

Talk about ending on a bang! This was a heart racing, non stop thrill ride that I devoured in one engrossing sitting.

I Thee Take was the epic conclusion to what's come to be my favorite duet from Natasha Knight! Revenge, betrayal, secrets, and a marriage of convenience? Yes, please and thank you!

I fell hard for Scarlett and Cristiano in book one. Cristiano spent the majority of the first book as the hard and untouchable surviving member of a rival mafia family. And he really showed his ass at the end of the book only to regret it severely in this one.

In this one, we finally get to see his softer, fiercely protective side towards Scarlett. When her life is in danger, he stops at nothing to save her. His single minded intent and devotion towards her really explodes here, and I couldn't get enough of it. There's just something about a hard and ruthless mafia boss that has a soft side for the woman he loves that just does it for me. And what I love is seeing that softer side towards Scarlett without having him lose any of his edge. Because he never did.

Scarlett was even better in this book than the first one. The woman is a survivor. SHe's been through hell and she never stopped fighting, even when all of the odds are stacked against her.

There's so much to unpack with this book. But while I saw the ultimate reveal coming a mile away, there's a plot twist that came out of left field that left me reeling and hoping we get more in this world. Because holy hook batman!

If you're looking for a steamy and thrilling mafia romance, look no further. This one had it all!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 🖤❤️🖤🌟s❗️❣️❗️

The last part of this duet had more action, suspense, betrayal, manipulation, darkness, revelations and steam.

Scarlett and Cristiano reached their hea, I could feel their chemistry and attraction but love was out of the picture.

There were a few scenes that, to me, felt they had wrong timing within the story. It was repetitive to watch Scarlett being dragged around naked and I didn’t expect Cristiano to be so ingenuous and obtuse since the clues were in front of him.

I don’t know what happened to Alec and just disappeared, as well as to Mara who was bought in the auction by Mr. Petrov and they simply left. Since the author didn’t write a note as if Mara’s story will be released, I was left in total vagueness...

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This can not be read as a standalone and picks up right where the previous cliffy ended. Told in 'dual POV's.

I enjoyed this duet, the past and present colliding into darkness, revenge sought. I have a few issues with how it was all tied up at the end, it just felt too rushed, I wanted, needed, craved more, I also still didn’t really connect like I’d hoped with our hero. A man of few words. He didn’t pull those warm fuzzy feelings out of me, making it hard to connect with him, I needed to see more of him come through. The heroine was a different story, I connected with her fully and loved everything about her.

Twists and turns, enemies come to light, I loved the storyline and inhaled this in record speed. It just gave me enough darkness to appease my dark soul. Revenge with nail biting suspense with twists and turns we never saw coming. And where we finally get some of those niggly much needed answers on who orchestrated the attack on the Cristiano's family.

Definitely a mafia duet to #oneclick and can't wait to dive back into this authors previous books which I've not read.

[Carla Bulian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last book was great, sometimes I thought a little fake... about the love between them.
But the rest was awesome!
It’s worth the reading

[25 Readings Or More · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again!!!
She made me stay up till late because i couldn't put the damn kindle down!!
I couldn't let Cristiano and Scarlett because at each chapters there was a twist or a new truth was revealed..
It kept me on the edge, holding my breath from the whole time!
The fast pace, the short chapters, the action,
everything everything helped to make the story flow smoothly.

I Thee Take start right where With this ring left us.
In the first book with had a glimpse of the relationship between Cristiano and Scarlett; here their bond grown, showing us its full force.

BETRAYAL
A word both of them know too well.
An act that scarred them deeply.
A pain that ties their souls.
The fact they learn to trust each others amazed me and made me love them even more...

Once again Mrs Knight created a world that goes beyond the main characters story and make you eager to know more about every other characters.
That's why i'm gonna ask for Dante' story at every chance i get 😌

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

What a crazy ride. Devoured it!

RTC.

[P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: rape, Attempted rape, violence. Non consent of scarlett getting vaginally checked for Rape while she's unconscious. Child grooming. Pedophilia.

Book 2 of the Duet Must read Book 1: (take this with a grain of sand, you might enjoy it) also be prepared for dark read not for the faint of heart.

As much as yes the suspense was good, the writing fell flat for me, i was bored to tears. I never felt the romance between the 2 characters aside from the sexual moments they had together and those had me drier than the Sahara desert. Cristiano had moments were he was so naive, and out of character. I really wish I loved this book like i see everyone else's 5 star review. Also WTF is it with the heroine always being forced to he naked. SMH.

ARC provided for a review by "Give Me Books Promotion"

[The Girl Murdered by Her TBR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars!

Well this one was one hell of a rollercoaster. This book contained too much action which I love when I'm reading a mafia romance. Like the first book the first half of this were too secretive and made me crazy with the suspense but unfortunately when the big plot twist and mystery were revealed it all felt anticlimactic. The execution of the how the author wrote the falling action left me unsatisfied.

Cristiano and Scarlett also didn't grip me with their chemistry. In all honesty I was more excited with the mafia-cartel problems they had instead of their relationship. I still didn't feel connected with them in this book just like the first book.

All in all, I think this duet was an average read. It has it's ups and downs.

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Plot Summary :
Christian and Scarlett are back!! With Scarlett being kidnapped and Christian realising the error of his ways , to say their life was messed up would be an understatement. With their enemies being a step ahead of them , Christian is ready to do anything to get his wife back.

Scarlett has not had an easy life. But still nothing scared her more than the current situation she is in. The type of horrors that are ahead of her in the future scare her and the only thing that keeps her alive is the thought of her husband. Christian is the one bright thing in her world and also the dark part. The question is , whether they both will get out of this or not??

Overall Opinion :
Ever since that Cliffhanger for the first book , I had been losing my mind over this one!! The author left my poor soul hanging and I just needed to know what happens next. The way the story is written is marvelous and I loved every second. It was dark and gritty and basically everything that my heart desires. I love how Natasha keeps me on my toes will the very end and that is one of the main reasons why I love her books so much!

This one was that and so much more. The conclusion was perfect and I loved reading it so much. It was an open ending for a few characters and I would absolutely love it if she gave us more stories from this world. A Definite recommendation to all the dark Romance lovers out there!


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[Mimiorphee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never forget that blood matters, boys.”

Oh yes!!! A huge yes to this second and last book of the To Have and To Hold Duet!
After finishing With This Ring, which I loved, I couldn't wait for I Thee Take to hit my kindle. And wow, I lived every word of it!
Mrs Knight wrote an explosive conclusion that I couldn't read fast enough. Action packed, scorching hot, twisted, this opus delivered all its promises.
As Cristiano and Scarlett's relationship progresses, their enemies become all the more dangerous and vindicative. Loyalties swirl and betrayal is lethal. I found myself clenching my fists at several times and biting my lips even more often. Mysteries unravel and true personalities reveal themselves amongst the Italian mafia and the Mexican cartel. 

“Everything is fucked up. Everything.”

If you're looking for a stubborn and strong heroine and a brody protective alpha hero, you should definitely enjoy this series!

"Strong when you need to be and soft when you want to be.”

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing this duet didn't lack was action.😂 My mind was spinning because so many things happened. But good thing I wasn't bored while reading it. I just didn't like that there weren't many scenes between the MCs together. I felt like they had few scenes including the epilogue.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started reading, my heart was in my throat- and it stayed there the whole time. What a jaw-dropping, suspenseful, and consuming conclusion to this amazing duet. Twists and revelations, heart pounding action, and an epic love story- I Thee Take ups the ante. This duet conclusion is more intense, more emotional, sexier, and so much darker. I loved book one- but I FLOVED book 2.

Book 2 picks up right with the heart stopping finale of book one- Cristiano betrayed by an unnamed rat, Scarlett betrayed by her own blood, kidnapped, and facing a fate worse than death at the hands of their enemies. Cristiano soon finds himself at a crossroads- has Scarlett, the enemy who has somehow crawled into his heart, changed his priorities? Can she even be saved? Will he remember the past he’s forgotten? And who REALLY is the enemy?

Cristiano….oh, lord have mercy. He intrigued me in book one, captured my heart, earned my empathy, and entranced me with his brooding, broken alpha magnetism. But in book 2? HE OWNED ME. He’s a hero, and he’s also the anti-hero, he’s strong and formidable, but we also see his vulnerability. Because the only thing more powerful than a Cristiano with a revenge quest is Cristiano fighting for those he loves. Be still my heart- he’s everything.

What I LOVED about the narrative approach is how NK plays with parallels- in book 1, we had a lot of emotional intensity, more internal. Sure, we had some action, but the loud, chaotic part of the story was the volatility of their relationship. Here, NK flips the script. Our couple has evolved, changed into something new- something more stable, more centered, softer and more grounded, but not less passionate. But the danger, the action, it’s transformed into an unstoppable force. The violence, the turbulence, the volatility now is external, giving space for Cristiano and Scarlett’s relationship to focus on what their chemistry looks like when they are in harmony instead of at odds. Of course, the road to get there isn't easy- and both of them have a ton of baggage, both past and present, to worth through. But now we finally get to see them work through it as partners, as hesitant allies. Their chemistry is still intense, but their connection more complex and intimate. And I loved every moment of it. Deliciously sexy but also swoon-worthily sweet.

From the first word to the last page this story is heart pounding, intense, passionate, dark and violent- an enthralling page turner that I simply could not put down. I loved this duet! Consider this my official plea for a continuation of this world- there are some loose ends (with other characters) that I’m hoping Natasha will pick up in future series/duets.



PS-as I mentioned, this is definitely darker than book one, please note if you have triggers.

[mariasbookss_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤★★★
(𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.)
𝑅𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒎𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒔 , 𝒎𝒚 𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒚, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅.

Once again Natasha made me fall in love with her epic writing. If i loved the first book in this duet, the second one blew my mind away.

This book picks up right where book one ended. Scarlett is kidnapped and Cristiano won't stop at nothing to save the one woman who managed to thaw his frozen heart. In a world where you don't know who's you ally and who's your enemy, Cristiano is willing to risk it all for her.

Scarlett is one of my favorite heroines of all times, after all what she's been through she stayed strong and brave. This woman is truly a survivor, she never stopped fighting even when all odds were against her.

So much happened in this book, the moment i though everything is gonna be okay, BAM!! a plot twist comes out of the blue that leaves me speechless. I honestly hope we'll have more books in this world cause i won't rest until i read Dante and Amara's book.

If you're looking for a thrilling mafia romance filled with betrayal, secrets and revenge, look no further cause THIS IS THE BOOK YOU'RE LOOKING FOR.

[swedishruler B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok here goes. This is for the duet. I would say 2.5 maybe.
I manage to read the first one all the way thru. But the second got me. I couldn’t I skipped thru so much stuff. I knew this was going to happen. Duets worse trilogies are just not my jam.
Boring and predictable.
The good thing he’s not a manho. 🤣

[We Like them Dark Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally can’t remember the last time I put all my adult responsibilities on hold for a book. Kids, dog, husband-feed yourselves because Natasha Knight has brought the conclusion that I physically couldn’t pry out of my hands if I even wanted to! This series is definitely one that I wish I could read all over again for the first time-it was just so dark, so steamy, full of so much suspense, that I was just absolutely utterly consumed by the storyline. There were several times I found myself cringing, because it’s THAT dark, and our most favorite characters find themselves in dangers grasp over and over again. I really lost count of the mini heart attacks I had.
Scarlett was one of the most well written heroines I’ve ever read. She embodies the word BAMF, she never, ever gave up her fight, even when any one of us would have cracked in two milliseconds. We feel her hope and determination in every situation she was in to our very core, and I was her biggest cheerleader. What a tangled web of lies and deceit this book was- and Cristiano was so smooth, still so alpha when dealing with everything. There was something about his mind that was just so appealing-I’m so happy we got this book in dual POVs because his character was so complex, and to feel his emotions just exhibits this authors raw talent. 5 million stars-a top read of the whole year for me!

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh. I Thee Take was an amazing and riveting conclusion to this dark and edgy duet. I am so obsessed with Scarlett and Cristiano and never wanted their story to end!

I Thee Take picks up right where book one ended at that intense cliffhanger. This story was filled to the brim with adventure, shocking secrets, thrilling revelations and a chemistry like no other. I loved Scarlett and Cristiano so much and the progression of their relationship from book one to now. 

Overall this was another amazing read from this author and I can't wait for more from her in the future! 5 stars, ~Ratula

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cristiano and Scarlett return in the second book of this mafia duet. We pick up right where the shocking cliffhanger left us. The battle has begun between these families but what will be the final move be? Can Cristiano find the traitors and get to Scarlett before it’s too late? What will happen to Scarlett in her new surroundings? Cristiano may of lost memories from the past but slowly he will find the truth. When lies, enemies, deception and an unlikely allie combine, you get something magical within this world! Scarlett is such a strong heroine and Cristiano is what we all want in an antihero. Wow! What a delectable dark romantic suspense you must read! I loved this from the very first page to the last. There’s plenty of suspense and action with many twists to keep you guessing. This may have triggers for some as it deals in human trafficking and cartels/mafia. Very well written and will keep your interest throughout the whole book. Told in dual POV


📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and edgy, love still conquers all…

Whew… I couldn’t wait for the conclusion of Scarlett and Cristiano’s story and what a read it was! I knew it would be dark - and it really was. Dark, edgy, vicious at times, this was a no holds barred test of loyalty, love and family… Each character’s resolve and commitment was tested and it was a deadly eye-opener…

Heart-breaking truths were slowly uncovered and shook the foundation of Scarlett and Cristiano’s relationship down to the core. Their love was on the line each and every moment, through every deadly twist. And it was love. It wasn’t disguised in flowery poems or casual dates but instead struck at the heart of what it really meant to love someone. To protect. To believe in, above all else. The strength of their love was felt in every word and action so saying this was a one-sitting read really doesn’t convey the anxious page-turning that happened… Or the beauty in the epilogues that followed… Heart officially melted… ~Diane, 5 stars

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I saw the betrayal coming from a mile away but it didn’t lessen the disgust I felt concerning each one of them.

Uncle David was a slimey bastard.
Her uncle was even worse.
Felix is still out there but I’m sure his arc will come to an end in Dante’s book.

There are still a few unanswered question:
1. Did Alec really betray them or was he made to look like the escape goat? I think he was left to make it him look guilty and keep them off the real traitor.
2. Is Dante his half brother?
3. Who the hell is Petrov?
4. I V I card was found???

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what my all time favorite thing is to happen in a book?
No? Well, I shall tell you.

Getting to the almost end, kinda knowing already who the what/where/wtfever is and then ... noooooooooooooooooooo!!

FUCK ME SIDEWAYS, I did not see that coming!

WELL FUCKING DONE!

There's not going to be much more about this story in my review. I'm only adding now (release day) these couple of thoughts hoping against hope that this is the first and only review you see. Look at the rating if you must, but go in blind. There is already so many details out there that I want to cry. Go in blind. I am begging you. BLIND. You will thank me. #betme

I've already mentioned the thing I love most about this story, so now I'll tell you the second, then I'm shutting up. Go in BLIND!! There are a lot of moving parts in this journey. One might think maybe too many. One might be wrong. Every single moving part in this journey was a means to an end but not every part gets wrapped up in a neat box with a bow. And some of the parts that seem to be wrapped up maybe have see-thru wrapping...

It's because of all the moving parts that you should go in BLIND. This story was more than a love story; more than just a story period. It was an experience. You will feel things; not always good things, but things nonetheless. It will hurt. It will exhilarate. It will captivate. It will do all the things and then some. It will surprise you. Ya'll ... it is not often I am vested to this degree. I WAS VESTED! I love that it happened but I hate what happened, however, that's a conversation for another day because ... BLIND! #trust

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "Keep your promise!!!" stars***

OUT NOW!!!



"Blood is overrated."

This was the perfect conclusion on Scarlett and Cristiano's story, even though we had to pass through ice and fire to get our happy ending... And was it happy after all???
It was crazy what kind of games had been played in here from almost everyone... The betrayal is breathing down our heroes's necks and they are running out of time...
Cristiano had to act fast and to save his woman from an ugly fate...
Will their love survive all this crazy ride???

"Fate's fucked me over too many times. It's not up to fate anymore."

After the ending of the first book, I was sitting on pins and needles until the second book would be on my hands...
Poor Scarlett was a pawn on filthy hands from the first moment...
And poor Cristiano had endured an ugly past and he was running straight on an even uglier future...
These two were bound from circumstances, but their hearts didn't get the memo and they got involved in this crazy game of power, lies and betrayals... and that bond is a very dangerous thing to have in their world cause it's shouting weakness...

"Her life is linked to mine. She will only survive if I survive."

OMG!!! This was a really crazy ride... The things that were happening in here!!! The secrets, the lies, the betrayals, the dark future that was lying ahead of our heroes was making my heart beating wildly while I was reading this book...
And I won't lie to you... At some point, I'd lost all my hopes and I started to get scared, but Natasha expertly navigated me throught this beautiful and intense story and I finally got to the other side, not unscatched though... The same goes for our heroes!!

"This moment, now, us here like this, it's honest and perfect while everything else is so utterly imperfect. While everything else is a lie."

Cristiano and Scarlett were perfect for each other...
They had lived through hell, but they earned something beautiful along this crazy ride... They earned love in a world full of thorns and bad intentions...
Together, there was hope that they will manage to earn a slim slice of heaven someday and I loved how hard they fought for each other... When all hope was getting lost, they hold to each other in order to survive!!!

"I didn't think I would fall in love with a De La Cruz." {Cristiano}

"I feel safe for the first time in too long to care that I'm lying in the arms of the man who should be my enemy." {Scarlett}

And now, I can't wait for more of this world...
I suppose that Dante will get his own book, with maybe, Mara???
I have many unanswered questions about this girl and I need to learn more, even though I'm kinda scared after I witnessed how her life had become in here...
But yes, I need another story and I need it as soon as possible!!!
I totally recommend this duet!!! It was brilliant!!!

"I can let go. I can leave it. Leave the betrayal. Leave the constant pain of life. Just go. But then there's Scarlett."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Tzelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟
Although the 1st was better than this one, I really liked it!! Great duet, totally recommend it !

[Filiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bu yazarın kitaplarına bayılıyorum

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Thee Take by Natasha Knight
Cristiano has been betrayed, and Scarlett has been kidnapped. Cristiano intercepts the cargo and vows to protect his wife with his life. Has he just signed his own death warrant? Finally, we see Scarlett and Cristiano open up and rely on one another until he follows a lead, and the person he entrusts his wife to lets him down. Is the rat closer to home than he knows? Scarlett is once again the pawn within the cartel's hierarchy, but this time, she has been thrown into the seedy underbelly world of depravity, with a price tag on her head that will ultimately lead to her death. Can she survive knowing this time Cristiano won’t be coming for her, or will she rise, and destroy all those that had a hand in destroying everything that she once held dear? Natasha Knight has done it again. I must be honest, I thought I had this one figured out, but I was way off the mark. The story is gripping and intense. What Scarlett goes through is heartbreaking, but at the same time, we see her inner strength and her compassion for others. Poor Cristiano finally learns who gave the order to massacre his family. We have been introduced to a new character Mara, who intrigued me with her childlike ways, her innocence, but then her mask slipped, and we saw her as a calculated performer, playing her part in the underworld, where rich men want young children for their own licentiousness. I hope we get to read this story in the near future. I would highly recommend this duet by Ms. Knight, it had me spellbound from start to finish.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This duology was soooo good! The amount of emotions I went through almost gave me whiplash, but the ending made it all worth it. This is one of those, everything that could go wrong does, but it kept me so engaged I finished in a little over 2 hours. Cristiano is low key a softie behind his alpha exterior and he made me bawl in the second epilogue. Scarlett is a strong ass bitch and props to her for always staying that way. Wish there was a bit more of the two together in this book, but overall still loved and I hope she continues next with the brothers story!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Thee Take is the conclusion to the To Have and to Hold Duet. You must read the first book, With This Ring, before reading this one.

OMG!!! Hold on and buckle your seat belts! This book picks up right where the first one ended. I thought I had an idea of what was happening, but there were so many twists and so many surprises that I never saw coming or would have ever guessed. There are more secrets and betrayals that come to light, and it’s filled with so much action and suspense. I spent the majority of the story anticipating what would happen next.

Scarlett is so flipping tough. She was treated terribly by her family, and the start between she and Cristiano wasn’t great. Yet the woman just kept proving over and over how very strong and resilient she was. She never gave up and I liked her character very much throughout this series.

I adored Cristiano in the first book and fell even further for him in this one. Time after time he showed Scarlett that there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe. The two of them began to trust one another, and it was something neither knew they needed.

I think this is my favorite book so far by Ms. Knight! I don’t want to provide any spoilers, but there are a couple of characters that I have my fingers crossed we'll get to see again.

To Have and To Hold is a great duet. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions and one I highly recommend.

I was kindly provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was highly anticipating this book because I really liked the first one. I have to say I was underwhelmed.

The previous book ended with Scarlett and Cristiano having sex on their wedding night, during which he finds out she’s not a virgin, calls her a whore and rips off his mother’s ring from her finger, leaving in anger. This is followed by Scarlett getting kidnapped by the very man who killed the hero’s family a decade earlier in joint partnership with her brothers.

Cue twelve hours of traumatising violence and beatings directed towards her, and the public rape of other women during which time Cristiano is searching for her.

Once he finds her, the next day they’re having sex. Excuse me? First of all the practicality element of it. Second, where’s the self love? He called you a whole ass whore. I expect mafia men to be OTT alpha toxic with a slice of misogyny. That’s the territory. What I don’t expect is a heroine who rolls over, and doesn’t even put him through the paces of some grovel.

To top, plot wise there was zero suspense. The person doubted for being the betrayer was the betrayer. I was bored and skimming. It was never elaborated on what her uncle did to her - because I’m presuming he was who she lost her virginity to.

All in all they were all a bit pathetic in comparison to the first book; I expected formidability, strength. Resentment and push back from her at the very least for some of the things that happened. *Sighs* Must all duets be let downs.

*Safe* - She’s nearly raped a few times but nothing consequential happens.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start, this book had my pulse racing and me flipping the pages to see what was going to happen next! Woven with all that suspense, all that evil, was the brilliant love that grew between Scarlett and Cristiano. That love, the scorching heat between them, it had my heart pounding just as hard as twists and turns in the story. Then, once finished the book, it invaded my dreams as the characters played on, and on, and further delighted me in the re-telling of their adventure, their path, that brought them well deserved happiness, while setting up others for the stories in the world to continue!

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I seriously hope the author has more books in this world because I love it here!