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The Moretti Crime Family #3
Stolen Innocence
When I was a little girl, I thought the world of him. Then he showed the dark monster lurking beneath. For years I’ve watched her. Stalked her. Followed her. At first it was about protecting her. Keeping her safe, and out of harm's way. Then it became full-blown obsession. I vowed to never to touch her again, to protect her from everyone, including myself. When enemies lurking in the shadows threaten to take all that away I know I’ll do anything to keep my butterfly safe…. even betray the only family I’ve ever known. **This is a complete full length standalone dark romance. Please be advised it contains mature themes, and sexual situations."
254 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2021
673 people are currently reading
2406 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
236 books7,164 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
March 6, 2021
Over-protective enforcer!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💙💜🧡❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📘📗📕📙
World building: 🌏🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
The Hero(s): Lucca - a mob enforcer who loves his work. He is a hardened killer with dark desires. He met Claire when he was eighteen and she was ten and she lived next door to him. He feels protective of her and saved her from a dangerous situation.
The heroine: Claire - a sassy redhead with a crush on Lucca from the start. She is brave enough to go after what she wants no despite the fact that she is somewhat afraid of Lucca.
The Love Story: After saving Claire when she was young, Lucca wanted to protect her. As she comes of age, be just gets plain obsessive and possessive about her. Though he still wants to protect her from everything, including himself.
Lucca is pretty stalkerific in this one, he is unashamedly crazy and he owns that, though he does some things that are conflicting and Claire has trouble getting a read on him from one minute to the next despite the growing attraction on both sides.
This book was more about the relationship between Claire and Lucca than the mafia storyline, that was definitely a side storyline that was just used to further the relationship story. Though sometimes I like that, where the story is just the relationship instead of a whole suspenseful thriller story that just happens to have a romance in it.
Also, I read the prequel Fragile Wings earlier because I didn’t think it was included in this book. Though it was, just not all of it was prequel. There were parts intermixed later in the story as flashbacks as well. So you don’t need to read that book first to understand this one.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💙💜🧡❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📘📗📕📙
World building: 🌏🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
The Hero(s): Lucca - a mob enforcer who loves his work. He is a hardened killer with dark desires. He met Claire when he was eighteen and she was ten and she lived next door to him. He feels protective of her and saved her from a dangerous situation.
The heroine: Claire - a sassy redhead with a crush on Lucca from the start. She is brave enough to go after what she wants no despite the fact that she is somewhat afraid of Lucca.
The Love Story: After saving Claire when she was young, Lucca wanted to protect her. As she comes of age, be just gets plain obsessive and possessive about her. Though he still wants to protect her from everything, including himself.
Lucca is pretty stalkerific in this one, he is unashamedly crazy and he owns that, though he does some things that are conflicting and Claire has trouble getting a read on him from one minute to the next despite the growing attraction on both sides.
This book was more about the relationship between Claire and Lucca than the mafia storyline, that was definitely a side storyline that was just used to further the relationship story. Though sometimes I like that, where the story is just the relationship instead of a whole suspenseful thriller story that just happens to have a romance in it.
Also, I read the prequel Fragile Wings earlier because I didn’t think it was included in this book. Though it was, just not all of it was prequel. There were parts intermixed later in the story as flashbacks as well. So you don’t need to read that book first to understand this one.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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February 16, 2021
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Stalker Mafia Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual: Good
Triggers: Yes
Violence:Yes
Male: Sexy, Dark & Obsessive
Series:
Pages: loc. 3767
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I am a fan of this series and the authors, but I have to admit, the story line disappointed me. It was not bad, but it’s not what I was expecting with the words Dark Stalker Romance. It was dark, but the stalking aspect, I felt a bit let down on that. Apart from that, it was still a likable story. Claire and Luca has an age gap. He has been watching over her daily since her accident. Although Claire is younger, she is not looking at Lucca with hearts in her eyes because of what he did. Lucca, is dark and with a hint of possessive obsessive nature towards Claire.
CHEMISTRY:
The physical chemistry, Lucca waited for this, and I am glad because of where their story starts, Claire is very young. However, once she is of age I like their chemistry.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
Good characters. Help with bringing this book together.
Overall, although I felt disappointed with the stalker aspect, I still found this story likable with the dark mafia aspect and Claire and Lucca’s story.
**Triggers: abuse, stalking, hostage/captive situation etc.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Style: Dark Stalker Mafia Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual: Good
Triggers: Yes
Violence:Yes
Male: Sexy, Dark & Obsessive
Series:
Pages: loc. 3767
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I am a fan of this series and the authors, but I have to admit, the story line disappointed me. It was not bad, but it’s not what I was expecting with the words Dark Stalker Romance. It was dark, but the stalking aspect, I felt a bit let down on that. Apart from that, it was still a likable story. Claire and Luca has an age gap. He has been watching over her daily since her accident. Although Claire is younger, she is not looking at Lucca with hearts in her eyes because of what he did. Lucca, is dark and with a hint of possessive obsessive nature towards Claire.
CHEMISTRY:
The physical chemistry, Lucca waited for this, and I am glad because of where their story starts, Claire is very young. However, once she is of age I like their chemistry.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
Good characters. Help with bringing this book together.
Overall, although I felt disappointed with the stalker aspect, I still found this story likable with the dark mafia aspect and Claire and Lucca’s story.
**Triggers: abuse, stalking, hostage/captive situation etc.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2021
Six years ago, Lucca did the unimaginable and saved a little girl from a lifetime of hurt and pain. From the moment on, he's made it his life's mission to not only protect her, but to be around even if it's only from afar. As the years go by, keeping his distance from Claire is becoming more and more difficult. But things are about to get a lot more complicated when he realizes that she's in danger and he’s the only one that can keep her safe.
I had a hard time getting into this one if I'm being honest and I was expecting more from it. Lucca had this tough exterior and was always portrayed as broody and dark but for someone who was second in command, he made a lot of mistakes and I didn't care for him that much. As for Claire, she definitely acted her age which I found a bit disappointing and annoying.
This was a quick read and I did like the bit of suspense that it had to it. It was interesting at times and although I expected more, I still think that fans of these authors are going to enjoy this book.
January 15, 2023
Three stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The man in front of me isn’t the one who saved me, who called me butterfly, or gave me a ride home from school. This is the man who killed my father.’
Lucca has been protecting Claire since she was a kid, only ten years old. He was eighteen. He saves her from her abusive father and ends up killing him in the process, spurring her to hate him for years. Regardless, he takes care of her from afar (also called stalking)- watches her, gets her adopted by a wonderful family, has his men watch over her, gets daily updates about her etc.
"You’re mine, and I protect what’s mine."
When she's 16 there's a threat to her life so Lucca comes to the rescue. It's then when Claire realizes she's developing feelings for him. Him on the other hand, he's off in the shower getting off to a fantasy of Claire but telling her to her face that she just has a "silly crush".
Fast forward again (I hate time skips) and she's 18, he's 26. There's been no contact for two years. She decides to go out and party on her 18th birthday, maybe find someone to do the dirty with, but Lucca saves the day. Again. Thus starts their sexual relationship which quickly becomes romantic.
I’m going to fill your throat with cum, and you are going to take it all, my beautiful fuck toy.
Now don't get me wrong, I loved this book. The writing, overall plot, sex scenes omg- I liked it all. What I didn't like was how wishy-washy both main characters are. They liked each other, but then they didn't. She hated him one second, but wanted to sleep with him the next. You can't deny their chemistry was scorching though. The way he protected and cared for her was sweet.
The last thing I want to do is hurt her, but if I don’t stop this now, I’ll more than hurt her. I’ll destroy her.
THINGS I LIKED:
-the brutal bj scene cause i'm a whore
-she sleeps beside him to feel safe
-he's an eforcer for the mafia but he's also a stalker lol
-she was 18 before they had any sexual contact
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
-he gets off in the shower to her when she was 16.
-sooo much of this book is Claire being underage!
I'll definitely read more by these authors, the sex scenes were hooot.
safety:
virgin heroine
16/18h, 24/26H
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
HEA ♡
‘The man in front of me isn’t the one who saved me, who called me butterfly, or gave me a ride home from school. This is the man who killed my father.’
Lucca has been protecting Claire since she was a kid, only ten years old. He was eighteen. He saves her from her abusive father and ends up killing him in the process, spurring her to hate him for years. Regardless, he takes care of her from afar (also called stalking)- watches her, gets her adopted by a wonderful family, has his men watch over her, gets daily updates about her etc.
"You’re mine, and I protect what’s mine."
When she's 16 there's a threat to her life so Lucca comes to the rescue. It's then when Claire realizes she's developing feelings for him. Him on the other hand, he's off in the shower getting off to a fantasy of Claire but telling her to her face that she just has a "silly crush".
Fast forward again (I hate time skips) and she's 18, he's 26. There's been no contact for two years. She decides to go out and party on her 18th birthday, maybe find someone to do the dirty with, but Lucca saves the day. Again. Thus starts their sexual relationship which quickly becomes romantic.
I’m going to fill your throat with cum, and you are going to take it all, my beautiful fuck toy.
Now don't get me wrong, I loved this book. The writing, overall plot, sex scenes omg- I liked it all. What I didn't like was how wishy-washy both main characters are. They liked each other, but then they didn't. She hated him one second, but wanted to sleep with him the next. You can't deny their chemistry was scorching though. The way he protected and cared for her was sweet.
The last thing I want to do is hurt her, but if I don’t stop this now, I’ll more than hurt her. I’ll destroy her.
THINGS I LIKED:
-the brutal bj scene cause i'm a whore
-she sleeps beside him to feel safe
-he's an eforcer for the mafia but he's also a stalker lol
-she was 18 before they had any sexual contact
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
-he gets off in the shower to her when she was 16.
-sooo much of this book is Claire being underage!
I'll definitely read more by these authors, the sex scenes were hooot.
safety:
virgin heroine
16/18h, 24/26H
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
HEA ♡
April 13, 2022
Just love ott possessive alphaholes!!!
February 12, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Plot Summary :
Lucca has always been a ruthless man. That is until he meets the little girl next door who is having a hard life. Seeing how broken she is , he decides to help her. What turns out as a Innocent relationship between them turns into so much more. Fast forward a few years and now Claire is all grown up and no longer a little girl. She is a woman he finds himself desiring and that scares him beyond belief.
Claire has always loved lucca. Since the moment he came to save to the present. What started as an infatuation in now pure love. If only she could make him understand that. But she soon realised the way lucca loved. He was ruthless and soon he scared her more than he intrigued her. That did not stop her from making her move and now it might be too late. Because once lucca claims her , he is not letting her go in any way.
Overall Opinion :
Ever Since I read about Lucca in the previous books I knew his story was going to be one hell of a tale. The way he betrayed Julian and when later we found out that he did for someone he loved , I knew I would love his story! Lucca and Claire's story was so much more than a typical age gap Romance. It has thrill and a certain type of darkness that only these authors can give us. I loved every second of It and I can't wait for more! We got a few teasers of the upcoming tales and I am already losing my mind!
Highly recommended to all the dark Romance lovers out there!
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February 13, 2021
Broken Beginnings by J.L.Beck and C. Hallman mixes age gap, forbidden and angsty romance together with darkness and sharp edges. You get some flawed and twisted people with their complicated emotions. You get a fast paced action packed story line.A love story that was born from hate.
Lucca is the savior and at the same time tormentor to Claire. He killed an important part of her life while saving her. Claire is in love with him though she absolutely loathes his controlling ways. And Lucca knows his blood stained world is no place for innocent and sweet Claire. But she is his obsession and this won't be good for any of them.
Lucca made me feel so many contradictory emotions. I love him for taking care of Claire even though that includes doing some completely immoral, dangerous and illegal things. I love him for his loyalty, his dedication and his determination to put her first.I want to hate him for shattering her life into pieces and making a bigger mess while trying to get those pieces together. I want to hate him for pushing and pushing her even when he was enslaved to her. For hurting her, stalking her, not protecting her from his darkness sometimes. But the authors beautifully balanced the unhinged and soft sides. I can feel why he did those things. And I can feel his inner battles. Claire was pretty young when their acquaintance started and it was a friendship first. But then she developed feelings those were not reciprocated by Lucca. For right reasons. I feel she was acting impulsive and immature a lot. I can understand she was young and she was hurt. But she did a lot of reckless things just to spite Lucca those only put her in danger. Her character did develop over the time and she finally was able to handle all feelings in a pretty solid way. The hate-love-hate tension was exciting. And so was the slow burn, the explosive connection and the twists. It was a chaotic ride for sure.
If you love imperfect love stories with raw emotions, Broken Beginnings by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is a must read for you.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Lucca is the savior and at the same time tormentor to Claire. He killed an important part of her life while saving her. Claire is in love with him though she absolutely loathes his controlling ways. And Lucca knows his blood stained world is no place for innocent and sweet Claire. But she is his obsession and this won't be good for any of them.
Lucca made me feel so many contradictory emotions. I love him for taking care of Claire even though that includes doing some completely immoral, dangerous and illegal things. I love him for his loyalty, his dedication and his determination to put her first.I want to hate him for shattering her life into pieces and making a bigger mess while trying to get those pieces together. I want to hate him for pushing and pushing her even when he was enslaved to her. For hurting her, stalking her, not protecting her from his darkness sometimes. But the authors beautifully balanced the unhinged and soft sides. I can feel why he did those things. And I can feel his inner battles. Claire was pretty young when their acquaintance started and it was a friendship first. But then she developed feelings those were not reciprocated by Lucca. For right reasons. I feel she was acting impulsive and immature a lot. I can understand she was young and she was hurt. But she did a lot of reckless things just to spite Lucca those only put her in danger. Her character did develop over the time and she finally was able to handle all feelings in a pretty solid way. The hate-love-hate tension was exciting. And so was the slow burn, the explosive connection and the twists. It was a chaotic ride for sure.
If you love imperfect love stories with raw emotions, Broken Beginnings by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is a must read for you.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
February 18, 2021
Trigger warnings for this book: Sexual Assault, blurred lines of consent, kidnapping.
No matter how you look at it these character's story started with an 18 year old being weirdly obsessed with a 10 year old. While, technically, they didn't do anything until she was 18, lucca still jacked off while picturing a 16 year old.
The age gap isn't the issue, it's the borderline pedophilia.
There is a difference between a book that has dark themes, and this book.
*This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
No matter how you look at it these character's story started with an 18 year old being weirdly obsessed with a 10 year old. While, technically, they didn't do anything until she was 18, lucca still jacked off while picturing a 16 year old.
The age gap isn't the issue, it's the borderline pedophilia.
There is a difference between a book that has dark themes, and this book.
*This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 15, 2021
⭐️ 4 "Butterfly" Stars ⭐️
I had been so giddy to get my hands on Lucca’s story to get the answers I was looking for after the events that happened in Savage Beginnings. His story was quite the ride. Broken Beginnings happens simultaneously to the action taking place in Savage Beginnings and Violent Beginnings, but it can totally be read as a standalone.
I’ll start by saying this book had such a different vibe than the previous ones. I was expecting something darker and revolving more around the mafia, but it wasn’t it. Nonetheless, this read was very entertaining and the characters interesting.
Claire and Lucca met when she was only ten. He saved her life and became her protector from that day on. He’s lived a life of violence and corruption, but there’s always been something in Claire that made him protective of her. Their bond evolved through the years and Claire’s feelings for the man aren’t so platonic anymore. I enjoyed her personality that is very mature for her age. The moments where she tries to make Lucca succumb to his desire for her are intense and electric. You could say he’s totally obsessed with Claire and has difficulty letting go of his vision of her as a young and fragile girl. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t share these new sensations, but he’s just in denial. He spend years protecting her and his obsession is truly overbearing. He’s possessive and blinded by jealousy. As much as he’s a dark man, he has a soft side only reserved for his “butterfly” that made me melt.
J.L. Beck & C. Hallman delivered an alpha with stalker tendencies and a sassy little heroine with so much strength. Those two were amazing and their journey was incredible to watch. This novel was a nice addition to the Moretti Crime Family Series.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
February 20, 2021
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 - Broken Beginnings (The Moretti Crime Family #3) by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman
.
🤍Mafia
🤍Age Gap
🤍Alpha/Stalker
I always love reading anything by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman because they always bring the heat, passion, and action. Although Lucca’s story wasn’t what I was expecting I did still thoroughly enjoy it! The writing by these two authors is amazing, and they always keep you on edge throughout the entire book! Although this is book 3 in the series it can be read as a standalone!
.
This story is about Claire and Lucca. He saved her life when she was only 10 and has never stopped looking out for her since then, although from a distance as he never lets himself get close, once Claire’s life is threatened Lucca can’t stay away anymore. Claire is not ready to finally see Lucca face to face after all these years, she’s known his presence has always been close but he remained lurking in the shadows never getting to close. Now that he is finally here and wants to take her with him to protect her she’s hit with an all consuming passion for Lucca that’s always been there and plans to show him she’s not the helpless little girl she used to be.
.
“𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙖, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜.“
.
I loved the moments when Claire would try and seduce Lucca to admit his feelings for her but Lucca wouldn’t let himself succumb to his desires. To him she will always be the little girl he saved, nothing more. These scenes were always electric and consuming, I love age gap so this book hit all my check boxes, although lacking on more the dark elements J.L. Beck and C. Hallman brought a riveting story with a jealous, possessive alpha stalker and a mature and kind heroine who’s passion could burn down any room their in.
.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮; 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙨. 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨, 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣.“
.
Rating - 4🌟
Steam - 4🔥
*𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘*
.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗲 𝗢𝗻:
Instagram ♡
.
🤍Mafia
🤍Age Gap
🤍Alpha/Stalker
I always love reading anything by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman because they always bring the heat, passion, and action. Although Lucca’s story wasn’t what I was expecting I did still thoroughly enjoy it! The writing by these two authors is amazing, and they always keep you on edge throughout the entire book! Although this is book 3 in the series it can be read as a standalone!
.
This story is about Claire and Lucca. He saved her life when she was only 10 and has never stopped looking out for her since then, although from a distance as he never lets himself get close, once Claire’s life is threatened Lucca can’t stay away anymore. Claire is not ready to finally see Lucca face to face after all these years, she’s known his presence has always been close but he remained lurking in the shadows never getting to close. Now that he is finally here and wants to take her with him to protect her she’s hit with an all consuming passion for Lucca that’s always been there and plans to show him she’s not the helpless little girl she used to be.
.
“𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙖, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜.“
.
I loved the moments when Claire would try and seduce Lucca to admit his feelings for her but Lucca wouldn’t let himself succumb to his desires. To him she will always be the little girl he saved, nothing more. These scenes were always electric and consuming, I love age gap so this book hit all my check boxes, although lacking on more the dark elements J.L. Beck and C. Hallman brought a riveting story with a jealous, possessive alpha stalker and a mature and kind heroine who’s passion could burn down any room their in.
.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮; 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙨. 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨, 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣.“
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Rating - 4🌟
Steam - 4🔥
*𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘*
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𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗲 𝗢𝗻:
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December 20, 2021
I can't Decide whether 3.5 or 4 because the second part I really love compared to the First part
The first part in my opinion took a lot from the story and I also connected less with the h compared to the second part she really got better it was really good!
I love that the H was Possessive and jealous😋
The first part in my opinion took a lot from the story and I also connected less with the h compared to the second part she really got better it was really good!
I love that the H was Possessive and jealous😋
February 4, 2021
*arc provided for an honest review*
Broken Beginnings is Lucca and Claire’s book and I really enjoyed their story! Both characters had really good character development that made reading their story even more enjoyable. Lucca’s character surprised me in a great way. His way of controlling his feelings towards Claire yet still wanting to protect was one of my favorite things about him. I also really liked the chemistry between them. Claire’s development was absolutely everything. From the beginning to end it was really enjoyable to read about her character and how she tried to always go at the things she wanted and always desired. The moments between Lucca and Claire were my favorites because between the back and forth, the emotions they both had were so strong that even the temptations weren’t all that resistible.
Overall this book was interesting and I’m glad I got to know more about Lucca and his story with Claire! These two were really enjoyable to read about.
Broken Beginnings is Lucca and Claire’s book and I really enjoyed their story! Both characters had really good character development that made reading their story even more enjoyable. Lucca’s character surprised me in a great way. His way of controlling his feelings towards Claire yet still wanting to protect was one of my favorite things about him. I also really liked the chemistry between them. Claire’s development was absolutely everything. From the beginning to end it was really enjoyable to read about her character and how she tried to always go at the things she wanted and always desired. The moments between Lucca and Claire were my favorites because between the back and forth, the emotions they both had were so strong that even the temptations weren’t all that resistible.
Overall this book was interesting and I’m glad I got to know more about Lucca and his story with Claire! These two were really enjoyable to read about.
February 20, 2021
You ladies just slay it every single time! I don’t think there’s a book you all have written that I haven’t loved.
Lucca makes me want to kick his ass then climb him like a monkey. He’s hot then he’s cold. He’s yes then he’s no. (Katy Perry thanks for the lyrics!)
Claire is just a child when they meet. We get to watch her grow up and see her struggle with her feelings for Lucca as she starts to come into her own. To her, she thinks Lucca is playing hard to get, but I promise you he is not.
~ARC copy for honest review~
Lucca makes me want to kick his ass then climb him like a monkey. He’s hot then he’s cold. He’s yes then he’s no. (Katy Perry thanks for the lyrics!)
Claire is just a child when they meet. We get to watch her grow up and see her struggle with her feelings for Lucca as she starts to come into her own. To her, she thinks Lucca is playing hard to get, but I promise you he is not.
~ARC copy for honest review~
November 18, 2020
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February 18, 2021
Id read the Novella/Taster of this book so i was eager to get my hands on the full length book. Oh boy did it not disappoint. Saying that ive yet to read a book by Ms Beck and Ms Hallman i havent liked and this book was no different.
An age difference/mafia romance. A childhood friendship between Claire (FMC) and her older next door neighbour - Lucca which turns into years of protection and stalking. Except Lucca lives in a dark, dangerous world that he doesn't want Claire involved in but she does anyway. I get age the difference is a problem for Lucca but what i liked was Claire completely turned that on its head and she became the stronger of the both of them. Well at least in confronting what she wanted. By running away and following her own wants & needs. Yes this book is dark in places but its a cracking read and i really enjoyed reading it
An age difference/mafia romance. A childhood friendship between Claire (FMC) and her older next door neighbour - Lucca which turns into years of protection and stalking. Except Lucca lives in a dark, dangerous world that he doesn't want Claire involved in but she does anyway. I get age the difference is a problem for Lucca but what i liked was Claire completely turned that on its head and she became the stronger of the both of them. Well at least in confronting what she wanted. By running away and following her own wants & needs. Yes this book is dark in places but its a cracking read and i really enjoyed reading it
December 13, 2022
The end of the Trilogy in the Moretti Crime family. The h is Claire a young girl that lived with her dad next door to Lucca when he was 16. When Claire was 10 Lucca killed her dad after her father beat her up and hit her in the head so hard he broke her eardrum and she was deaf in one ear. Lucca protected her for years from afar while working for Julien. The Volocaves kidnapped Claire so Lucca would betray Julien to keep her alive.
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February 17, 2021
Claire and Lucca...we start out with give and take, will they won't they...more like SHould they or SHOULDn't they??? But then tension breaks and incomes the steaming teakettle, whistle-a-blowin'! Claire has grown up just outside of the danger zone and fiercely protected but when she is too old to be a mere witness she falls in deep. This dark romance has great pacing and character development.
February 27, 2021
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️! Mafia romance. An ok read.
February 4, 2021
We met Lucca and Claire in Fragile Wings and now in Broken Beginnings we get their full story. These two just break my heart. Their journey is definitely not the norm but it doesn't stop them from pursuing what they each want eventually. Lucca has sworn to protect Claire, his Butterfly, with everything he is and he does just what he promises. It's not to say it's an easy path, especially when you have people coming for you and using the one person you care about against you. This story is so beautifully dark and downright delicious. Every page is better than the last. Broken Beginnings is absolute perfection.
April 2, 2021
i'm really disappointed about this one, i really thought Lucca's story will be amazing but nope :(
Random thoughts
- i hate the fact that she was underage till 40%
- i disliked a lot how she reacted,and i had always to remind my self she is 16/18, she was so annoying i hated how she was hating him (mind you for protecting her when she was literally almost killed) then in a blink to be all over him and trying to seduce him. But again, it's like i said above...underageeee....
-I didn't like how he treated her once there was lust involved, i thought that once they start being attracted to each other at least he would go all in or at least being more kind , he protected her for 10 freaking years , she was his priority etc BUT he freaking let her down when she needed him . He could've approach her differently before she turned 18.
- i disliked again how their first time went, again i thought he will be all in but nope, he was with one foot out. You can be OTT and keep her away from you and other boys BUT you can't do that after you have sex lol.
At every turn i wanted and expected something to bring them together but nothing happened.
Also if you remove the fact that he protected her from distance, they basically have no connection between them other than that small talk they had when she was 8. No character development either.
Sigh. It's already the 4th book i don't like today, what it's happeningggg
Random thoughts
- i hate the fact that she was underage till 40%
- i disliked a lot how she reacted,and i had always to remind my self she is 16/18, she was so annoying i hated how she was hating him (mind you for protecting her when she was literally almost killed) then in a blink to be all over him and trying to seduce him. But again, it's like i said above...underageeee....
-I didn't like how he treated her once there was lust involved, i thought that once they start being attracted to each other at least he would go all in or at least being more kind , he protected her for 10 freaking years , she was his priority etc BUT he freaking let her down when she needed him . He could've approach her differently before she turned 18.
- i disliked again how their first time went, again i thought he will be all in but nope, he was with one foot out. You can be OTT and keep her away from you and other boys BUT you can't do that after you have sex lol.
At every turn i wanted and expected something to bring them together but nothing happened.
Also if you remove the fact that he protected her from distance, they basically have no connection between them other than that small talk they had when she was 8. No character development either.
Sigh. It's already the 4th book i don't like today, what it's happeningggg
February 10, 2023
This books is set int the same world as Violent Beginnings and Savage Beginnings. It is a dark Mafia romance... so it may contain trigger.
This is a story about Claire and Luca. Claire was dealt a bad deck of cards, in life. Living with an abusive father. Claire was a child at the time she meets Luca and he finds a kindred spirit with in her. He Vows to take care of her and protect her from the moment they met.
I loved that this book had scenes from Violent beginnings where you got to see Luca’s point of view. Luca isn’t your typical swoony “hero”... he’s not above killing someone if need be... he will do anything to protect Claire at all costs.
There was so much push and pull in this book. Luca really fought his feelings for Claire all the way through, partially due to the age gap... but mostly to keep her safe so his enemies don’t find her. Luca is a true Alpha... and all the stubbornness that he gives makes the end result so much more worth it.
I defiantly recommend this series for people who don’t have trigger. If you are looking for a raw mafia romance with an Alpa male, and sweet and kind heroine I defiantly recommend this one.
This is a story about Claire and Luca. Claire was dealt a bad deck of cards, in life. Living with an abusive father. Claire was a child at the time she meets Luca and he finds a kindred spirit with in her. He Vows to take care of her and protect her from the moment they met.
I loved that this book had scenes from Violent beginnings where you got to see Luca’s point of view. Luca isn’t your typical swoony “hero”... he’s not above killing someone if need be... he will do anything to protect Claire at all costs.
There was so much push and pull in this book. Luca really fought his feelings for Claire all the way through, partially due to the age gap... but mostly to keep her safe so his enemies don’t find her. Luca is a true Alpha... and all the stubbornness that he gives makes the end result so much more worth it.
I defiantly recommend this series for people who don’t have trigger. If you are looking for a raw mafia romance with an Alpa male, and sweet and kind heroine I defiantly recommend this one.
August 14, 2023
The h in this book, not bothering even remembering her name, annoyed me to no end. I get it, she's 18, she's young, she's emotional, she's immature, but I just don't get what the H saw in her to be quite frank. Nothing more to say other than I'm gonna pass from the rest of the books in the series if this is anything to go by.
Safety Gang:
Safety Gang:
February 18, 2021
Claire thought the world of Lucca and felt protected by him but then she discovers there is a monster lurking within him. Lucca has become obsessed with Claire, vowing never to touch but always watching and keeping her safe from himself and others. What will happen when enemies get to close? Fast-paced read with intense chemistry, loads of drama and suspense. Great characters with lots of depth and emotion and an entertaining story. I really liked it.
February 19, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
The night I saved her eight years ago I knew a choice had been made. Years later and I can't manage to let her go. She's barely eighteen, virginal, and kind. Touching her would be a sin, but letting another man have her would destroy me. Every time I close my eyes I see her, standing ether, she's afraid of me. Afraid because of that fateful night...she doesn't know the lengths I'll go to protect her. The blood spilled, the words said. Nothing deters my obsession... it's wrong, immoral, to follow her and watch her at every turn but I can't help myself. Her safety, her life. It's the only thing of importance to me. When an enemy lurking in the shadows challenges that I'll do whatever I can to protect her, even turn my back only the only family I have to save her.
This is a dark romance that is also taboo and might contain some triggers for some readers. This is the story of Luca and Claire. If you have read Fragile Wings you have read the beginning of their story and now we get their full story. I have been waiting on this one as I love reading Fragile Wings. This is not a easy journey and their is an age gap between them. Luca is also obsessed with Claire and he would do anything and everything for her. Now though an old enemy has been lurknig around and is causing all kinds of serious trouble for Luca and Claire is in danger. This book will keep you on your toes and have you reading till you go from the beginning to the end. I really liked this story and hated to see it end.
The night I saved her eight years ago I knew a choice had been made. Years later and I can't manage to let her go. She's barely eighteen, virginal, and kind. Touching her would be a sin, but letting another man have her would destroy me. Every time I close my eyes I see her, standing ether, she's afraid of me. Afraid because of that fateful night...she doesn't know the lengths I'll go to protect her. The blood spilled, the words said. Nothing deters my obsession... it's wrong, immoral, to follow her and watch her at every turn but I can't help myself. Her safety, her life. It's the only thing of importance to me. When an enemy lurking in the shadows challenges that I'll do whatever I can to protect her, even turn my back only the only family I have to save her.
This is a dark romance that is also taboo and might contain some triggers for some readers. This is the story of Luca and Claire. If you have read Fragile Wings you have read the beginning of their story and now we get their full story. I have been waiting on this one as I love reading Fragile Wings. This is not a easy journey and their is an age gap between them. Luca is also obsessed with Claire and he would do anything and everything for her. Now though an old enemy has been lurknig around and is causing all kinds of serious trouble for Luca and Claire is in danger. This book will keep you on your toes and have you reading till you go from the beginning to the end. I really liked this story and hated to see it end.
February 16, 2021
I did enjoy this book however if I had to pick a genre for this book, I would pick dark romance. Yes, there was a bit of the mafia lifestyle throughout, however it made up about 10% of the book. Now, I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I did enjoy the storyline.
I loved the main characters and how different their lifestyles are, yet they work. Even though all the ups and downs they still find each other. Their relationship should be uncomfortable with the amount of brother, sister references there was, however, I was rooting for them.
I loved how determined Claire was, she knew what she wanted and didn't care about the consequences. Lucca is tough, no one can deny that. I loved how Claire was his weakness and he owned it.
On a side note, I LOVED Carter. He needs his own book!
I will admit I found it a little repetitive at times but overall I did enjoy it.
Thank you to the authors and grey promotions for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the main characters and how different their lifestyles are, yet they work. Even though all the ups and downs they still find each other. Their relationship should be uncomfortable with the amount of brother, sister references there was, however, I was rooting for them.
I loved how determined Claire was, she knew what she wanted and didn't care about the consequences. Lucca is tough, no one can deny that. I loved how Claire was his weakness and he owned it.
On a side note, I LOVED Carter. He needs his own book!
I will admit I found it a little repetitive at times but overall I did enjoy it.
Thank you to the authors and grey promotions for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2021
I usually love Beck's books, but this one was so dark, that I kept putting it down. But it was so good, I kept picking it back up! I think the author made it easy to forget that Lucca grew up in the system and that he was a boy himself when he first met Claire as a 10-year-old and then saved her from her abusive, drunkard, non-caring father. He claimed her as sister and used the connections he had to get her situated and adopted into a loving home, something he never had. I think his actions were honorable, heroic even, especially considering his own background. He was after all a murderer for hire.
March 29, 2021
I adore the collab stories of J.L. Beck and C. Halleman, and this one was dark and delicious and oh so sexy. There's plenty of history between Lucca and Claire, and it only ramps up now that Claire is grown. Lucca's always been protective over Claire, but his feelings morph into something else now that Claire's an adult. As for Claire, she's always had a crush on Lucca. If you're familiar with the writings of these two authors, you already know that one (or more) characters seemingly...march to their own band, and Lucca's no different, and he owns his particular brand of crazy (which is weirdly refreshing). I thought this was a great mix of a most unusual romance with a bit of the mafia storyline mixed in.
February 8, 2021
3 1/2 Stars
This story is about Claire and Lucca. It takes place over many years, and begins by Lucca saving Claire from her father. From that point on, Lucca makes it his job to protect and care for Claire, even from afar. Claire has always been in love with Lucca in a sense, however she was only 10 years old when they first met. Throughout this story you watch Claire grow up with lots of confusion about Lucca’s role in her life. Luca originally treats her like a “little sister,” but ends up giving into his temptation. This book is about their love story and does contain a HEA.
My issue with this story is that there is very little mafia. From reading the blurb, I thought I would be getting more of the mafia life with a love story thrown in. For me, it didn’t really flow compared to other mafia books I have read. It seemed more like a dark love story with little blurbs of mafia life thrown in.
With that being said, it still is a good story. If you are looking for an age-gap, billionaire bad-boy, with a young heroine who ends up getting the beautiful life she deserves, this is a great story for you.
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Broken Beginnings
This story is about Claire and Lucca. It takes place over many years, and begins by Lucca saving Claire from her father. From that point on, Lucca makes it his job to protect and care for Claire, even from afar. Claire has always been in love with Lucca in a sense, however she was only 10 years old when they first met. Throughout this story you watch Claire grow up with lots of confusion about Lucca’s role in her life. Luca originally treats her like a “little sister,” but ends up giving into his temptation. This book is about their love story and does contain a HEA.
My issue with this story is that there is very little mafia. From reading the blurb, I thought I would be getting more of the mafia life with a love story thrown in. For me, it didn’t really flow compared to other mafia books I have read. It seemed more like a dark love story with little blurbs of mafia life thrown in.
With that being said, it still is a good story. If you are looking for an age-gap, billionaire bad-boy, with a young heroine who ends up getting the beautiful life she deserves, this is a great story for you.
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Broken Beginnings
February 21, 2021
Lucca and Claire have a history together from when he moved into the neighborhood and this is his story that tells us why he has done what he has especially him disappearing. And we've come to know that he hasn’t left her and was never far from her. He’s just been protecting her from afar for six years.
Man, their story just got so dark, filled with twists and turns. Can't forget the chemistry and push and pull between these two. Lucca could get so possessive and alpha when it comes to Claire. But Claire is the perfect woman to go against him, she's feisty and strong.
Man, their story just got so dark, filled with twists and turns. Can't forget the chemistry and push and pull between these two. Lucca could get so possessive and alpha when it comes to Claire. But Claire is the perfect woman to go against him, she's feisty and strong.
February 22, 2021
-Jenna, ☆☆☆☆
Another great addition to the series! This is Lucca and his mystery girl, Claire's story. I always wondered why he did what he did and about his story. This didn't disappoint. I thought it started out a little slow, but quickly caught on and from there it was angst, emotion, and surprises. The storyline flowed nicely and had great drama. And I loved the change and growth in the characters through out the story.
Another great addition to the series! This is Lucca and his mystery girl, Claire's story. I always wondered why he did what he did and about his story. This didn't disappoint. I thought it started out a little slow, but quickly caught on and from there it was angst, emotion, and surprises. The storyline flowed nicely and had great drama. And I loved the change and growth in the characters through out the story.
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