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Re della Strada #1

Shattered Soul

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Lakeland

For six years I have felt like I am in limbo, I’ve always felt like a piece of me was missing.

I’m forced to run from my home only to be abducted by the Don of the Re Della Strada. He is cruel, cold and darkness clings to him like a shadow.

Knox says I’m a liar, a murderer and I destroyed his family but I haven’t the slightest clue what he is talking about until my sister finally confesses that six years ago I had an accident and sustained an injury forcing my body to shutdown and close out any memories I associated with that horrible night, a night I can’t even recall.

Knox

Six years ago I let her live because of a deal, a deal I regret because now I have to see her marry that snake.

Lakeland Deveraux fooled me once and lulled me into thinking she was innocent and she cared, I chose her.

Choosing her cost me the life of my twin, my sister.

I was a street rat, worthless and broke until she forced my hand. I needed power and an army to fight alongside me so I could take her and her family down.

I’m now the Don of the Re Della Strada, we are the street kings who offer no mercy to those who have harmed our family.

Authors note, this book has a list of triggers and all the red flags. Triggers are listed inside so please read those before starting. This book is set in the same world as the Murdoch Mafia and the Memento Mori, you do not need to read those series in order to start this one.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2024

159 people are currently reading
336 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Barrett

55 books884 followers
Samantha Barrett is originally from Auckland, New Zealand but living in Brisbane, Australia.

Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.

She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
981 reviews22 followers
May 1, 2024
Lake and Knox were torn apart 6 years ago through no fault of their own. Knox is now the Don of the Re Della Strada who has been living the past 6 years with revenge and hate in his heart. Lake has been living in limbo for the past 6 years with no memory of what happened but always felt like she was being lied to from the people who were supposed to love her.

Fast forward to the present and they are thrown back together and we are taken on a journey of secrets being uncovered, lies, action and betrayal in the worst way. We also get love, passion and two people who were destined to be together try and navigate their way back to each other.

This is the first book in the Re Della Strada series and this book was fantastic. I can't wait to read the next books in this series so we can hopefully get Taylor's, Xander's and Waves story.

I honestly cannot get enough of Samantha's books. I'll read them as quickly as she writes them. Samantha is definitely in my top 5 authors.
435 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2024
First of all, read the trigger warnings please. This book goes right into some of them and goes through them fast. But please read them.

There is action right away and I love it! That prologue just hooked me into this book so fast. I couldn't put it down! But all I gotta say is at one point I couldn't stand the MFC sister. Like for real she was getting me so mad! Like yeah, I should be mad at the MMC and his friends, which I was, but man his sister to me was like the worst! The author made it so perfect that I can't even be mad! I loved it so much. Because it takes a lot for me to really not be able to stand a character and they did it perfectly.

But holy moly that ending! Like the ending was good but that epilogue. Oh my!!!! I did not expect that at all! This book got action, it got betraye, it's got memories lose, and so much more! If you want a bad a** mafia story read this. I'm read for book two but there was a warning that it's worst then book one. Like woah. First book from this author and I'm in love!
Profile Image for Erin Loveforallbooks Alford.
184 reviews15 followers
April 29, 2024
Lakeland and Knox's story made me feel all the feels. I cried. This fits the amnesia trope. Samantha Barrett never disappoints.
She is responsible for my sister's death. She betrayed us. How can I be in love with the one person who took everything away from me. I don't even know who these people are. I have always felt a void. My father has me marrying someone I don't want. I can't even stand his touch. Then Knox shows up and changes my life forever.. It's spicy and delicious!!
Profile Image for Kacie Mummawh0reads.x.
765 reviews28 followers
April 21, 2024
Shattered Soul
by Samantha Barrett
⭐️5
🌶️4
💧2

Firstly, this book is a cross over from the Murdoch Mafia & Memento Mori books (also amazing reads you absolutely SHOULD read them.. BUT... You DO NOT need to have read those series before starting this one.
I knew from the start I was going to love Lake and Knox.. just like the Murdoch men, Knox is all alpha man until that special lady throws shade and who the real boss is become evident hahahaha they are suckers for their ladies aren’t they 🤣🤣
I had a feeling about you know what and you know who around 50% mark and while I wasn’t wrong, I wasn’t 100% right either! I still was surprised and left gobsmacked by it!
Did I cry…pfft no I just got something in my eye a couple of times!
Is there a cliffhanger ending? Well it’s a Samantha Barrett book.. what do you think? 🙄🤣

#shatteredsoul #samanthabarrett #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,538 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2024
This book was phenomenal, I was completely and utterly mesmerised from the very beginning.
Loved the links it has with both the Murdoch Mafia and the Memento Mori series.
The storyline was written with such detail and emotion, the suspense, brutality and bloodshed had me on the edge of my chair.
My heart went out to the women in this storyline, while they are incredible kick butt fmcs their tortured backgrounds were haunting.
The epilogue had tears flowing down my face, while I’m eager to read the next book I just know it’s going to be absolutely heart wrenching.
I love this world that Samantha Barrett has developed, as each book is released it’s gives you such a different perspective into this world and it’s brutal men, the families and their extraordinary wife’s/daughters/ nieces etc.
2,414 reviews11 followers
May 2, 2024
O.M.G!!!!! Shattered Soul by Samantha Barrett is phenomenal! Incredible! A writing masterpiece!!! It is the story of Knox and Lakeland (Lake). This story is full of twists and turns that you won’t see coming!!! You might THINK you do…but, trust me….you don’t. They were a HUGE deal…until “IT” happened. Now, he hates her, wants her gone. She just wants to get everything back…the way it was before

I hardly have words for this engrossing, captivating, heart-breaking story!!! Its filled with betrayal, miscommunications, romance, angst, anger, hurt, pain, danger, death, intrigue, power, revelations, and oh-so-many secrets!!!

As the first in a new series….it left me breathless!!!! Aching for more!!!! Fantastic read!!!
Profile Image for Krys.
295 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2024
Amazingly dark romance!
Please read your trigger warnings and take them seriously!
I absolutely loved and adored this book! It was sooooo sooooo good and I can't wait to read the next book! Everything was so utterly amazing, from the characters to the story itself, and everything else in between had me begging for more. I will be telling everyone about this book forever, lol. This is just one of those stories that will live forever rent-free in my head.
Absolutely stunning writing, Samantha ✍️ 🖤🖤🖤
Profile Image for Jinoascéa.
25 reviews
June 12, 2024
• 3.5 ִ ࣪𖤐

Another book i'm torn on what to rate it, but surely first part of the book is just Knox saying "bitch" every chances he gets 🌚 i love how the story progressed although there's couple typos but still, i'm curious about the second book and can't wait to read it! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
789 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2024
Emotional, Suspenseful, and Spicy are just a few things to describe this Angsty Tension-filled Book!!

Ok, I just need to take a minute to say I'm in such awe of this author because holy crap she bangs out so many amazing books, but this one so far has been the one that took me all over an emotional journey with these characters. Be prepared to have a few ugly cry moments here lol.

Right from the start this book has highly charged emotions for both the characters as well as the reader. Be ready to be consumed by the gripping heartache and despair swirling around as it starts, with an emotional rollercoaster of twists and turns of suspenseful moments woven into this insanely addictive read!! You get to see brief moments of the Murdoch Mafia and the Memento Mori families which I personally loved because she nails those characters perfectly once again.

Lake and Knox will forever be characters ingrained in my memories from the torturous past and present these two have had. This was a dark gripping suspenseful ride with these two. Lake has amnesia from a tragic incident six years ago leaving her to forget the most important people in her life and being used as a pawn in this ruthless world she finds herself in now. She realizes things don't add up quickly when Knox becomes her captor and her body seems to recognize him before her mind which sets off a war within herself. Not only does she fight her way back to her stolen memories, but she also fights Knox's hot and cold temperaments. She just needs to decide if the pain of forgetting or remembering the last six years is worth it. Knox is such a complicated character because you will hate him one minute and then find yourself sympathizing with him the next. He's been misinformed about the events that led to a devastating tragedy for him and his family. With pain and anger, he turns to the one person who he wants to break but a deep part of himself has trouble fulfilling his revenge plan on Lake. Be ready for some dark and emotional moments between them at times. This story has a hate-to-love you vibe so it's not a pretty reunion for everyone involved. The side characters are phenomenal they play such a pivotal role in this twisted love story but be warned there is an epic cliffhanger and this author is an evil genius who now has me chomping at the bits to get the next book ASAP!

So yes hands down I highly recommend this book it was such a unique story that consumes you from the start to that epic cliffhanger ending! If you love emotionally gripping suspenseful moments this book has them tenfold. The spice is chef kisses perfection once again so be ready for those reading devices to heat up!! I can't wait for more now so please make sure you grab this one if you want a true rollercoaster of emotions here.

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
114 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2024
Shattered Soul is the first part of the Re Della Strada duet and yet again, this amazing author does not disappoint with a fast paced, emotional read.


Lakeland and Knox have a past which only Knox can remember as Lakeland's memory is foggy after an incident. Knox is angry and out for revenge, heading straight for Lakeland, not caring or holding back when taking her prisoner.  Despite being angry, Knox slowly starts to realise that Lakeland's memory fog is not an act but he has an awful lot to overcome before he can see and accept what is in front of him.  Lakeland has had many awful blows in her life and I absolutely love how this character develops throughout the book.  Both characters are supported by Knox's friends Tay and Xander and as the story develops you realise that they are both just as much an essential part to this fantastic read as Lakeland and Knox.


The author kept me on my toes throughout this hard to put down read, families are torn apart and lies uncovered as the story twists and turns with every emotion possible and the cliffhanger - yep no way did I see that coming.   If you love reading all things Mafia then I cannot recommend this book enough, and if you haven't already stepped into Samantha Barrett's Murdoch Mafia and Memento Mori world, you really should.
Profile Image for Chelle.
297 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2024
What another amazing book From Samantha 🥺 I thought 'London has fallen' was by the only one to bring me to tears, but again... Sam has pulled on the heart strings Again.This time with Lakeland and Knox. Their story is just heart breaking, apart for so long and they come back to each other. But nothing is like it was. I really felt for Tay and Xander, all the boys have such a unique bond 😌 I love the little connections that are included with the Murdoch mafia 👌 do not walk, run to get this book it's a 5 star all day long. But get tissues!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,518 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2024
No way!!!

My mind is reeling from the revelation at the end of this book! The book itself was amazing and so dark. I couldn’t believe all the things I was reading about Lakeland. Knox was an utter beast but I was happy as the story progressed. I was gutted more than once in this book ! I couldn’t not put it down. This book was definitely a roller coaster and many secrets were revealed but me myself I am still mind blown about the end and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2!
Profile Image for Amber.
1,392 reviews10 followers
May 6, 2024
"The imperfections of a shattered soul can be beautiful."

This book was an emotional rollercoaster that left me speechless! I think I am still trying to process everything that happened in the book especially with that epilogue. There are so many twists in this book that I felt like my heart was breaking at every turn. Barrett has put out another must read with this book and I can't wait to see where she goes with this series.

I really liked Lake. She has had a difficult life and it takes some time before things start to turn around for her. I felt for Knox even though I wanted to knock some sense into him from time to time. I want more of Lake and Knox and am hoping we get more of their future story in the next book.

If you enjoy books with dark elements, twists, and steamy scenes then you need to read this book. I will be counting down for the next book because I need to know what happens!
223 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2024
OMG I don’t even know where to begin with this book. From beginning to end, this book had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I went through every emotion possible, it’s not often I cry at a book but I did with this one. My heart broke for both Knox and Lakeland, but also for Tay and Xander. Not only did they lose a sister but the love of their lives were lost too. The boys bond was solid right from the start. Lies were uncovered and families torn apart. Nothing stays hidden forever, it will always come out. I honestly didn’t see the twist towards the end when things took a turn and hearts were ripped apart again. The icing on the cake was right at the end, I literally sat with my mouth open.

Samantha knows how to write a book and boy was this written brilliantly. I honestly, hand on heart promise you it won’t be a let down, you HAVE to read this book.
Profile Image for Cassie.
107 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2024
This emotionally gripping book had me captivated from the outset, unable to tear myself away. Lake's remarkable strength shines throughout, while Knox exudes intense possessiveness that I found irresistible. Samantha Barrett delivers another impressive read, seamlessly continuing the narrative from Memento Mori. Although it stands alone, the connection to previous books adds depth. With themes of tragedy and vengeance, the twists kept me on edge, and the epilogue delivered a satisfying punch. Highly recommend for fans of interconnected character-driven stories.
Profile Image for Jill Haworth.
1,031 reviews25 followers
April 28, 2024
Knox along with Xander and Taylan were the heads of the Re Della Strada family within Canada and have been at odds with rival Giovanni for years.
They had just seen in the news, the announcement that Lakeland was engaged to Giovanni.
Six years earlier, when she was only 16 her father had made a similar deal. She was in love with Knox and she’d tried to run to him, but her father had run her off the road, killing her best friend, Knox’s sister, and seriously injuring Lakeland, triggering amnesia.
Her older sister Riverland, had been thrown out by their father for her defiance. But she’d remained tight with Knox and co. She couldn’t tell them about Lakeland’s condition as her father had threatened her safety.
Meanwhile Knox was bitter and unforgiving towards Lakeland, taking her prisoner. That was until everything turned on its head…
This was a really good start to the series with interesting characters and a thoroughly enjoyable plot.
The relationship between Knox and Lakeland was difficult, with no trust and Knox determined to make her pay. She was caught in the middle of the family’s and confused why a stranger would treat her this way. Only when the truth came out did they really start over. Superb.
59 reviews
May 7, 2024
Lake and Knox’s history makes their story different from the other Samantha Barrett books that I’ve read but this one quickly became one of my top picks from her.
Lake recalling overtime everything that happened in her past kept me hooked - and learning her history with Knox, Wave, Zander and Taylan and River were some of my favorite parts as well. Now I really cannot wait for her next book to come out - thanks to this ending!
76 reviews
May 7, 2024
Brilliant

I loved this book , the story was written so well so much heartbreak and then love it was great . I cannot wait for the next book in the series I just hope we get xander back.
Profile Image for christine .
266 reviews14 followers
May 2, 2024
Omg this has to be the best book that Samantha has written yet. This book is like a roller-coaster ride with all the twists, and turn then add the ups and down. When you think you have things figured out, another piece of a puzzle is dropped, and it's like omg how did i not see that?" I really did not want to put it down. We got to see a glimpse of this couple ( Knox and Lakeland) in a previous book and now find out there more to their relationship. The hatred and love between these two are off the charts. Ohhh, and don't get me started on that cliffhanger. I need and want more from this world
663 reviews16 followers
May 2, 2024
This book was heartbreaking. Lake and Knox were very much in love with each other years ago but they got separated by people wanting them not together. Knox blamed Lake for that and for the death of his sister. Lake had no idea what went on as she had no memory of it. Poor girl has been through so much my heart went out to her. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. Lots of evil, betrayal and lies. In the end love always win and will find a way back.
Once again Samantha Barrett has delivered another amazing book. I always look forward to new books from her. Hands down she is one of my absolute favorite authors.
114 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2024
loved it.

First read from this author and dam what a read! SO so so good!
I knew once I started that this story would be epic and trust me it was fkn fantastic.
Profile Image for Deborah.
881 reviews14 followers
May 1, 2024
This book contained so much pain for all of the characters, but mainly Lakeland, fmc and Knox, mmc.
So much loss for both of them and those around them. There were also so many secrets, lies and threats to them all. Knox, bound in loss and hatred over the death of his sister. Lake, broken and desperate after her accident. He is not kind to her. There are so many levels to grapple with here and as all becomes clearer there are more losses but also some gains too.
The ending is explosive and sets up the next become which the author warns will be darker than this one.
This is truly a 5 star read
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,212 reviews36 followers
April 30, 2024
The epilogue is a trap. It hides a nasty cliffhanger. lol

Meet Lakeland who really has no idea who she is or why she has debilitating headaches on a daily basis. She was told there was an accident 6 years ago but has no memory of that or what came before.
Her father is a mafia boss and treats his daughters like crap. He kicked out his eldest daughter, Riverland, because she stood between him and Lakeland. River has always done everything she can to protect her sister because she knows the awful truth about the past.

Knox is the newest mafia boss in town. He took over roughly 6 years ago when everything in his life changed when his twin sister was in an accident that took her life. Knox runs the Re Della Strada with his best friends who are more brothers than anything. They want to change the way Dons treat their people.

When suddenly River & Lake appear in his territory he is forced to desal with the events that happened six years ago. This will force him to do things he never thought possible but will he also remember who he used to be before all of the damage was done?

Will everyone discover the truth? Will everyone survive? Will that cliffhanger just kill y9ou the way it did me? You should read it and see for yourself because this is an adventure you want to take.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
73 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
Samantha is back at it again! This book 😍

We’re thrown straight in to it with this one. These two go way back, but only one of them remembers…

Knox and Lakeland will have you hooked right from the get go. Knox is angry and vengeful, and that is targeted at one particular person - Lakeland. He has no plans to hold back, but things take a little twisty turn along the way. He has a lot of love, and he has to overcome a lot to be able to see what he needs to see clearly. Also, he is so 🥵🥵

Lakeland 🥺 she gets put through the wringer her entire life, but she gets back up. After an incident, her mind becomes foggy and things are missing. This story is a challenging one for Lakeland as she has a lot thrown her way but she doesn’t let it set her back or weaken her, it just makes her stronger. I love her character a lotttt!

There is a lot of emotion in this book: a lot of hate, a lot of love and a lot of heartbreak but the ride is worth it. I love the link with the Murdoch Mafia/Memento Mori as well and seeing the links between the books (although it is not necessary to read both series to understand and enjoy this book)

Still thinking about that epilogue though….please tell me book 2 comes soon?? 🥹
Profile Image for Kristie-Anne Bridges.
260 reviews18 followers
May 2, 2024
Rated:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5

OMG Samantha Barrett's books just keep getting better & better!!! This is a new spin of series set in the same world as the Murdoch Mafia & Memento Mori. I would highly recommend reading those series before embarking on this one as there is a bit of character cross-over & some spoilers for those series.

Be absolutely prepared to have your heart ripped out in this book!!! It starts with tragedy & that is totally the theme of the book right up to the very end!!! I don't think I have cried so much in the first half of a book as I did reading this book.

A favourite quote is - "Because all great wars start over the love of a woman"

Be aware there is a massive cliffhanger at the end which I can't wait to read all about in the next book of the series.

Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:

*Mafia Romance
*Found Family
*Tragedy
*First Love
*Touch Her & Die

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book & this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Alexandra Burgess.
123 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2024
Samantha Samantha what am I’m gonna do with you? This book destroyed me and broke my heart and then you put me back together! I cried and cried over this book multiple times yes hubby did look at me all weird. The FMC lost her memories she falls in love with the MMC TWICE when and how she finally gets her memories back makes me wanna swoon over this book all over again. FMC seems weak but don’t let that you fool yeah she is a total baddie and you will see she is by the end of the book 😉 she rules over the MMC. This is mafia and is a spin off of the Murdochs and Monte Mori (auto correct won’t let me fix it correctly) but Samantha never disappoints me she always leaves me with crumbs wanting more and more! Not me trying to guess who’s story is next 🌺🤫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Megsy Reads.
432 reviews
May 6, 2024
Shattered Soul

Be prepared for our MMC to a right a hole out the gate! It is not easy to see Lake suffer at the hands of the ones supposed to have loved her in the past.

This is gritty and raw with unexpected betrayals and misunderstandings.

Like all good mafia we have the bad and the even badder fighting it out. Links with the Bishops and Momento Mori are a welcome addition. Tying these groups together has been a smart play.

Knox and Lake do eventually find their way back to each other and there is that possessive streak that we love plus an interesting sexual connection with Tay.

There is plenty of spice throughout this book, though the first few encounters are “forced”.

The next book promises to be much darker and urge all to read those triggers before you jump in.
64 reviews
May 2, 2024
Such an addictive book!

Samantha Barrett you have done it again!! What an amazing book, so addictive and read without a day! I had to re-read this one after as I just loved it so much!
Profile Image for Gail.
712 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2024
Knox and Lakeland wow what a rush!!! Definitely not for the faint hearted. I absolutely loved every page til the end. Their story had so many twists and turns I never saw coming. It was an emotionally charged story and had me on the edge of my seat.
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