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Corruption #2
Ruin
This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B00MX4L4ZQ
Antonio is a killer.
He's beautiful, educated, a prodigy of a thief and as violent a motherfucker as ever came of the boat from Napoli.
Theresa knows it, but that doesn't stop her from getting emotionally and physically entangled with him, and this is how, maybe, she got it in her head that she can protect him.
But it's not her job to save him, and she's just not getting that. Every time she tries to protect him, she practically gets him killed, and the tighter he grips her, the more dangerous she becomes.
It's almost as if...well, he'd never admit this....but it's almost as if protecting her the way he does is the one thing he should stop. As if the only way he's ever going to find a moment's peace is to just embrace her as a partner, rather than a defenseless creature.
But he'd never do that. Not this violent motherfucker.
WARNING: This book contains delicious sex scenes with a hot man dirty-talking in Italian; women handling firearms and explosives; and scenes of violence with a crystal Virgin Mary cigarette lighter.
Antonio is a killer.
He's beautiful, educated, a prodigy of a thief and as violent a motherfucker as ever came of the boat from Napoli.
Theresa knows it, but that doesn't stop her from getting emotionally and physically entangled with him, and this is how, maybe, she got it in her head that she can protect him.
But it's not her job to save him, and she's just not getting that. Every time she tries to protect him, she practically gets him killed, and the tighter he grips her, the more dangerous she becomes.
It's almost as if...well, he'd never admit this....but it's almost as if protecting her the way he does is the one thing he should stop. As if the only way he's ever going to find a moment's peace is to just embrace her as a partner, rather than a defenseless creature.
But he'd never do that. Not this violent motherfucker.
WARNING: This book contains delicious sex scenes with a hot man dirty-talking in Italian; women handling firearms and explosives; and scenes of violence with a crystal Virgin Mary cigarette lighter.
344 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2014
433 people are currently reading
4451 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Reiss
112 books9,641 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 473 reviews
February 20, 2015
Theresa Drazen was pure, innocent, all class; until Antonio Spinelli blew into her life... into her world. Now the heiress is dropping the façade of perfection and allowing her love for her capo strip her bare.
Antonio saw something in Theresa that held a glimmer of hope for a life that he handed over years ago, a life he gave up in the name of vengeance. But that life that he thought he would never want again is the one thing he can’t live without.
As Antonio tries to protect Theresa from his life, from the filth that will taint her; Teresa is bound to protect him, even if that destroys them both.
Ruin a love story tangled in the web of impossible, a story of two people who love so deeply that not even the threat of death can stop it.
Love is not easy. It’s not clean. The fight that you undertake when the world is against you leaves you tarnished and stained. The story of Antonio and Theresa is pure grit and determination. It is a beautifully told tragic love story. A love story that makes you want to believe in the fairy tale ending, even though you know that reality means that the glass slipper doesn’t always fit, and the kiss from your prince doesn’t really hold the healing powers to wake you from your slumber. But it gives you hope. It gives you chills and so much emotion that you feel like you are about to burst in to tears. Because it’s so beautiful that it hurts to look at it, because it’s so tragic that you aren’t sure that it can end in any way but devastation.
I started my journey in discovering the writing of C.D. Reiss with Beg. The first of the Songs, with Jonathan and Monica. I’ve journeyed through their love story, met the Capo and his Contessa and was introduced to a girl so broken that I wanted to weep. Having experienced all of those stories allowed some insight into the timeline of this story. But the incredible thing was that it didn’t lessen the story or the feelings that I was experiencing. The foreshadowing of things to come ensured that the tension I felt was kept taut. There was no relenting, no moment where I relaxed into the story or felt content.
Antonio Spinelli is not a good man. He’s done bad things. His hands have blood on them. But I don’t know if I’ve encountered a character that loved so deeply. A punishing love, one that shattered you into nothing but dust. A love that that was more powerful than the purist of loves. The rawness. The intensity. The kind of love that is worth the destruction that it will bring, even if it means it only touches you for a second. Because that second brings you more to life than a thousand years of living could ever do.
There are a lot of words that can describe well played sex scenes. But the intense is the one description that my mind has landed on. There was a brutality to it, pure animalistic and lust driven passion, but with every diving thrust you felt like he was trying to fuck his love and devotion into her. If he could get just an inch deeper she’d truly feel just how much he loved her.
With the very heavy feel of this story, there were some moments of levity. Antonio’s humor, even when solely sexual broke up a few of the more intense scenes. It was nice to see this side of him, he had so much filling his head that a few candid moments of laughter were welcomed. And Theresa... she came into her own. She embraced the life that he breathed into her. There were these moment where Teresa owned it. She stood her ground and gave it back ten times better. She ventured far from the woman in the buttoned up blouse and pearls. And I loved every moment of it.
The writing is flawless. The choice of words are just as much a part of this story as any plot or character. The beauty isn’t just found in the characters, their words or the way their coupling is described. It’s found in the way the skyline is described. The way a handful of words are handpicked out of millions to paint the purest of pictures.
“His mouth was shaped for a different language, and the lines around his eyes were somehow unset, reversible.”
This simple sentence says so much more. It paints a picture that appears in your mind. It creates a movie reel that plays along in your head as your eyes scroll over the words on the page. Antonio’s desperation was felt in every moment of this story.
There is no doubt that Ruin was his story. A story where a man with unclean hands dreamed that the innocence of someone like Theresa Drazen could save him, but the reality of his life was that there was no way to leave her untainted. A capo corrupted her and his love ruined her. But for Theresa, being reduced to rubble was her rebirth. In Antonio’s arms she came alive.
I loved Songs of Submission and Songs of Perdition has held me captive with the story of Fiona, but Songs of Corruption... this book just catapulted this series into its own world. Move over Romeo & Juliet because there is a new tragic love story in town.
A special treat for us that know all the players in these series are little bits and pieces that are mentioned about the siblings. Untold stories implied but never confirmed. Enough to tease us and to begin spinning new conspiracies. And a return of our Jonathan for a few moments in the care of his family, unguarded moments.
I can’t recommend this author enough. Reading is about experiencing emotion. Being able to be pulled so deep into a story that you escape the realities of your life. There are no bill collectors calling, no screaming child in the other room, no husband to feed... just you and a book. Thousands of words that have the power to erase the stress of a day. There are few books out there that have the power to stop time. C.D. Reiss has this ability. Her books allow reality to seep into nothingness and the only thing that exists is the world that she is giving you. The lives of the characters. Their pain. Their emotion. It becomes yours. For a few hours, she lends you a key into her kingdom and welcomes you inside. If you haven’t picked up a C.D. Reiss book yet, you need to. The story lines might all be different, but the writing is the constant.
Now since I don’t want this review to be a mile long, I’ve tucked away a few graphics here in this spoiler link. Note, this is not due to anything being a spoiler, but just so you don’t have to endlessly scroll. Enjoy.
Pre-Release Review:
Get Book One Here ---> Spin
Meet the King of the Drazen's Here ---> Begk
March 20, 2018
★★★★★! RUIN, book 2 of 3. Alleged mobster Antonio Spinelli & Theresa Drazen act on their attraction amidst the chaotic worlds of money, politics, movies, mafia & corruption!
“Antonio, the catalyst of my dissolution, the destroyer of my façade.”
Songs of Corruption is the whirlwind saga of alleged mobster Antonio Spinelli and Theresa Drazen. It’s a sequel series to Songs of Submission and Songs of Perdition and thus most enjoyed if read after and in order:
Book 1: Spin
Book 2: Ruin
Book 3: Rule
In SPIN (book 1) heiress, socialite, part-time script supervisor and former head of accounting Theresa Drazen, Tink aka Contessa met a man who rocked her world and gave her an excuse to break out of her good-girl-mold. Attorney, business owner and “alleged” mobster, money launderer and murderer Antonio Spinelli, Spin aka Capo wasn’t looking to complicate his life, but Theresa intrigued him.
With little in common and much to lose they couldn’t seem to stay away. Story went on to follow Antonio and Theresa as they fought their attraction and managed to get themselves linked and entwined with the darker side of Hollywood’s organized crime, corruption and politics and making enemies all around…
RUIN (book 2) opens up to the aftermath of decisions made in book 1. The intensity of their attraction and sexual chemistry is fierce. But they are worlds apart with everything stacked against them. It’s like two parallel universes; them in a cocoon of hot, steamy intense and angry sex and then the outside world filled with secrets, betrayal, jealousy, treachery, ambition, corruption and danger.
Much of story focuses on events and developments that only underscore how hopeless their future is. But neither Antonio nor Theresa have gotten to their respective places in life by being easily deterred. Along the way they come to an understanding of what needs to be done.
Follow them, in their against-all-odd’s love, as they attempt to take control of a high-stakes game while the worlds of cut-throat politics, competitive movie industry and ruthless organized crime collide for Songs of Corruption.
“The only way out is through.”
Antonio Spinelli, Spin aka Capo opens up in this story, and getting his POV was beyond exhilarating. That said the complexity of this man and his emotions still made me feel like we only scratched the surface. Eight words to describe Antonio: Captivating, loyal, commanding, conflicted, enigmatic, elusive, possessive and ruthless.
“God, that piece of meat between his legs was a beautiful sight.”
Theresa Drazen, Tink aka Contessa is breaking away from her good-girl image, but I suspect there is much more to come. Eight words to describe Theresa: Poised, compassionate, smart, ambitious, loyal, gutsy, restless and graceful.
“She could rule the world. She already ruled me.”
RUIN offers the very best of sex, danger, intrigue and suspense where only the villains seem to come out ahead. Be prepared to for some painful and heartbreaking sacrifices along the way.
This roller-coaster of emotions ends with certainty amongst chaos and significant ties to Songs of Submission series. It is my recommendation to read that series before reading book 3 in this series. I am looking forward to much more complications in book 3, Untitled before the conclusion of their saga.
Spellbinding storytelling! Brilliant plot! Intense, dirty and scorching sex scenes! Well developed and complex characters! Larger-than-life Antonio Spinelli!
“More than wanting you for myself, I want you to have a good life.”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
My sincerest thanks to Pedro Soltz for the permission granted to cast him as Capo in my reviews!
Follow Pedro Soltz on Facebook and Twitter !
Thank you to all the lovely ladies on our ARC buddy-read! [ARC Buddy-read LINK] [Canaries Buddy-read LINK]
Be sure to sign up for C.D. Reiss’ Newsletter:
http://cdreiss.com/cd-reiss-mailing-l...
ARC provided to me by author C.D. Reiss via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fangirling:
October 11, 2014
"Please, fuck me good." "Fuck me hard. Use me like the punk you are."
"This good, Contessa?" "This how you want it?"
"Capo," I groaned. "Fuck."
"Those words," he whispered.
"Destroy me."
"You're ruined, amore. Rovinata."
Chapter 1 my friends... and what did this tell me??? That C.D. Reiss, did not come here to fuck around. These two pick up right where they left off, explosive and volatile, passionate about each other to the point of degradation and pain. This is the story of a modern day Romeo & Juliet mixed with Bonnie & Clyde. And I loved every moment of it.
"I was neither consigliere nor lawful. Neither husband nor free. And now, I was twisted with that red-haired beauty. I could never resist or deny."
While Theresa has to a point accepted her fate. She chooses Antonio and she fully understands that this is not a choice to be made lightly or in half measures. She gets him and she loves every part of him. Antonio on the other hand in his protective manner takes great strides in this book to keep the separate roles he plays in tact and to protect her from sides of him he finds more savage and brutal. He wants and professes that he cannot be with out her but is still extremely reticent to accept that she is ready to play his partner in love, life, and crime... ride or die!
Circumstances cause them to have to evaluate how to be together in the long-term and so a plan is hatched... And that my friends is all I will say about that. I hear one more book is planned for this series and based off the ending of this book, I cannot wait to gorge myself on it when it comes out. CD Reiss is still the Shakespeare of smut to this lady and I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, recommend this book!!!
More Quote Love:
"And what's your job in all this?" "My job is to fuck you until the neighbors think I'm murdering you."
"You won't weep from being hurt. Not from me. You're going to shed tears from coming so hard you forget who you are. And when you return, you'll remember you're mine, and you'll cry then too." He pumped me hard, once, and I screamed in surprise. "And you'll cry again."
"Respect isn't treating me like I'm made of sugar. Because I'm not. I'm made of cum and saliva. I'm made of salty sweat, and I taste like fucking. I sound like an orgasm that's so hard you can't even scream, and I fuck like a closed fist."
"He pulled his pants off. God that piece of meat between his legs was a beautiful sight, and when he pulled his shirt off, the shape of his body looked built to fit into mine, every curve and line angled as a calculated match to my desire."
July 17, 2016
As always, every time I write a "review" on any of CD’s books, I feel like I need some time to collect my thoughts, take a deep breath and let my emotions re-adjust and re-settle. That’s the kind of ride she takes me on every single time, seriously…
So the story of the Napoli prince and the LA princess continues. Antonio, bound by tradition and honor and obligation and guilt and responsibility who’s damned if he does (stay, leave, love, whatever it is he does) and damned if he doesn’t. And Theresa, lost in the jargon of Antonio’s world who’s coming to understand what her love for Antonio means, what it entails and what it can do to both of them.
If I can simplify it, it’s all about them finding a way to keep each other in each other’s world, and safe at that, considering their backgrounds, what they’ve been through thus far, what having each other means to the rest of their respective worlds as they move forward. Ironically enough, it’s never been about how they feel about each other because that’s just a given, as guaranteed as the sun rising and setting.
I will leave it at that because otherwise, I’ll end up giving away the entire story, the twists and turns it took/takes for them to achieve their ultimate goal. And seeing that their story continues, it does end on HFN note…
If I may just add one more thing, and I know I've said something similar already before about CD's other works, reading Ruin for me is what it feels like if a soap is directed by a 1st-rate director like Spielberg, or Coppola, or Boyle, or Nolan. There’s so much nuance to every action and thought. You can feel the magnitude of the emotions. It immerses you right from the very first word. And the levity thrown-in in the most unexpected time catches you off guard, then you realize after how much you needed it. I also love how she drops a nugget here and there about the Drazen clan which gets me really excited as I wonder if they’re possible insight to past or future stories of the other Drazens.
In short, I am just in complete awe of CD and her beautiful writing, as always! Once again, HATS OFF to you, CD!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BR with the Canaries on 14/10/14: Click HERE
***Complimentary copy received via Netgalley
So the story of the Napoli prince and the LA princess continues. Antonio, bound by tradition and honor and obligation and guilt and responsibility who’s damned if he does (stay, leave, love, whatever it is he does) and damned if he doesn’t. And Theresa, lost in the jargon of Antonio’s world who’s coming to understand what her love for Antonio means, what it entails and what it can do to both of them.
If I can simplify it, it’s all about them finding a way to keep each other in each other’s world, and safe at that, considering their backgrounds, what they’ve been through thus far, what having each other means to the rest of their respective worlds as they move forward. Ironically enough, it’s never been about how they feel about each other because that’s just a given, as guaranteed as the sun rising and setting.
”Love is its own decision.”
I will leave it at that because otherwise, I’ll end up giving away the entire story, the twists and turns it took/takes for them to achieve their ultimate goal. And seeing that their story continues, it does end on HFN note…
If I may just add one more thing, and I know I've said something similar already before about CD's other works, reading Ruin for me is what it feels like if a soap is directed by a 1st-rate director like Spielberg, or Coppola, or Boyle, or Nolan. There’s so much nuance to every action and thought. You can feel the magnitude of the emotions. It immerses you right from the very first word. And the levity thrown-in in the most unexpected time catches you off guard, then you realize after how much you needed it. I also love how she drops a nugget here and there about the Drazen clan which gets me really excited as I wonder if they’re possible insight to past or future stories of the other Drazens.
In short, I am just in complete awe of CD and her beautiful writing, as always! Once again, HATS OFF to you, CD!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BR with the Canaries on 14/10/14: Click HERE
***Complimentary copy received via Netgalley
May 7, 2016
It had been a really long time since I'd read the first book in this series, but I thought I'd pick it back up again. To say that the details were hazy is putting it mildly. I probably should have gone back and done a reread of the first one, but I'm too lazy to do that. Instead, I pushed onward, hoping that eventually it'd all come back to me.
Unfortunately, it didn't. Beyond a vague remembrance of Theresa and Spin together and a mob shoot-out near the end, the details are lost to me. I think enough came back to give me the general idea of what had transpired, but not enough to pick up on the subtleties.
This second book in the series is all about Theresa and Spin. They love each other. They have incredibly hot sex. Everyone wants to split them up.
Paulie is still lurking around, trying to cause trouble for Spin. Spin is still stuck in a Mafia lifestyle that he no longer wants to be a part of. Theresa's ex is still determined to put Spin away and steal Theresa back.
What seemed different to me this time around is that Theresa and Spin were committed to each other. They seemed like more of a team than before. It was like it was the two of them against the world.
There were some pretty huge events that transpired near the end of this book. Without a doubt, these things are game changers. I'm not sure what the future holds for these two, but I'm curious to find out.
All in all, it was a good read for me. It might have been a 4-star rating or even higher if I had remembered all of the details from the first book. With so many details lost to me, it was hard to get the full enjoyment from this one without going back and rereading the first book. In the end, it was good, but not great for me.
Unfortunately, it didn't. Beyond a vague remembrance of Theresa and Spin together and a mob shoot-out near the end, the details are lost to me. I think enough came back to give me the general idea of what had transpired, but not enough to pick up on the subtleties.
This second book in the series is all about Theresa and Spin. They love each other. They have incredibly hot sex. Everyone wants to split them up.
Paulie is still lurking around, trying to cause trouble for Spin. Spin is still stuck in a Mafia lifestyle that he no longer wants to be a part of. Theresa's ex is still determined to put Spin away and steal Theresa back.
What seemed different to me this time around is that Theresa and Spin were committed to each other. They seemed like more of a team than before. It was like it was the two of them against the world.
There were some pretty huge events that transpired near the end of this book. Without a doubt, these things are game changers. I'm not sure what the future holds for these two, but I'm curious to find out.
All in all, it was a good read for me. It might have been a 4-star rating or even higher if I had remembered all of the details from the first book. With so many details lost to me, it was hard to get the full enjoyment from this one without going back and rereading the first book. In the end, it was good, but not great for me.
Read
October 3, 2014Release is Oct 14.
I hope you like it.
I hope you like it.
October 25, 2014
4 Destroyed stars!
After reading Spin, I was grateful I was able to jump right into Ruin. I wasted no time at all, starting it the minute I finished book one. This was one of those fast paced stories that I couldn’t put down until the end. It was intense. From start to end.
Theresa Drazen and Antonio Spinelli are trying to maneuver a relationship together. It is not easy. They come from two different worlds. Theresa’s life has changed drastically since she met Capo. She’s willing to turn her world upside down, to risk it all to be with this man. She’s embraced him and his lifestyle fully.
A man like Spinelli can’t afford to have any weaknesses. But he does now. Theresa Drazen. And that’s making life more difficult for him in his business. Theresa challenges him. The two of them together had this forbidden love thing going on. Especially with the events that come to be with Antonio’s ‘family’. It puts Antonio in an awful place. He can’t be without Theresa, he would fight anyone to stay with her, but he can’t risk her being hurt either. She owns his heart.
Let me just talk about Theresa for a minute. Holy crap. Is this even the same woman I read about in book one? Capo corrupting her is now out full force. Or maybe not. It’s hard to tell if this is the influence of Spin and the life he leads, or if this is something she’s had in her all of the time and just never let out.
Now I can’t review this book without mentioning the fuckhot sex. This woman knows how to write a sex scene. A raw, animalistic and brutal sex scene. I love it! I can’t get enough of those primal scenes between Antonio and Theresa.
My favorite thing about this book was the fight both Theresa and Antonio had. They both fought for each other in different ways. Fought for what they wanted. Well, and Capo. He’s always my favorite thing ;)
So why not 5 stars… I can honestly say I didn’t love it quite as much as Spin. It was still an awesome read, and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next one, but Theresa’s transformation was a little too much too quick for me. I have a feeling the conclusion to Capo and Contessa’s story is going to blow the first two out of the water!
Overall, this was a great read and an even better series. Once again, the writing was out of this world. I love this authors style. The way she is able to weave her words together is just brilliant. It’s captivating. The story is full of suspense, angst, romance and crime. It’s not sweet, its not rainbows and sunshine. It’s real, it’s raw and it’s unpredictable.
“Maybe I was destined to be destroyed.”
After reading Spin, I was grateful I was able to jump right into Ruin. I wasted no time at all, starting it the minute I finished book one. This was one of those fast paced stories that I couldn’t put down until the end. It was intense. From start to end.
Theresa Drazen and Antonio Spinelli are trying to maneuver a relationship together. It is not easy. They come from two different worlds. Theresa’s life has changed drastically since she met Capo. She’s willing to turn her world upside down, to risk it all to be with this man. She’s embraced him and his lifestyle fully.
A man like Spinelli can’t afford to have any weaknesses. But he does now. Theresa Drazen. And that’s making life more difficult for him in his business. Theresa challenges him. The two of them together had this forbidden love thing going on. Especially with the events that come to be with Antonio’s ‘family’. It puts Antonio in an awful place. He can’t be without Theresa, he would fight anyone to stay with her, but he can’t risk her being hurt either. She owns his heart.
Let me just talk about Theresa for a minute. Holy crap. Is this even the same woman I read about in book one? Capo corrupting her is now out full force. Or maybe not. It’s hard to tell if this is the influence of Spin and the life he leads, or if this is something she’s had in her all of the time and just never let out.
Now I can’t review this book without mentioning the fuckhot sex. This woman knows how to write a sex scene. A raw, animalistic and brutal sex scene. I love it! I can’t get enough of those primal scenes between Antonio and Theresa.
“Capo,” I groaned.“Fuck.”
“Those words,” he whispered.
“Destroy me.”
“You’re ruined, amore. Rovinata.”
My favorite thing about this book was the fight both Theresa and Antonio had. They both fought for each other in different ways. Fought for what they wanted. Well, and Capo. He’s always my favorite thing ;)
So why not 5 stars… I can honestly say I didn’t love it quite as much as Spin. It was still an awesome read, and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next one, but Theresa’s transformation was a little too much too quick for me. I have a feeling the conclusion to Capo and Contessa’s story is going to blow the first two out of the water!
Overall, this was a great read and an even better series. Once again, the writing was out of this world. I love this authors style. The way she is able to weave her words together is just brilliant. It’s captivating. The story is full of suspense, angst, romance and crime. It’s not sweet, its not rainbows and sunshine. It’s real, it’s raw and it’s unpredictable.
“The thing I want most is the only thing between me and getting it. You are everything that will destroy me. I should go back to who I was. But you made me dream I could be free, when I’d forgotten I was in prison.”
The only way out is through.
October 14, 2014
A sexy 5 STAR mafia story with a red hot hero.
Old vendettas. Murder. Laws. Messages. Vows..... LOVE Sex. HOT, ANIMALISTIC coupling. All of this take center stage in Ruin Songs of Corruption Book Two and at the heart of it all, the stars of our corruption....
Antonio Spinelli and Theresa Drazen.
Ruin is about destiny....
What are Antonio and Theresa prepared to do in the name of love? What are they willing to give up? To lose? To protect? Will fate take its own course of action?
Ruin's wonderfully paced action gripped my attention throughout. There were times I was on the edge of my seat, my heart racing... Not knowing where the story would take my emotions?
Theresa is strong, feisty, independent and inspiring.
We learn about their past..… Events that shape a person's life.
More is revealed about the man, Antonio Spinelli, the reasons why he's where he is and who he is. His relationship with Paulie... his father, his sister... his place in the Camorra. And of course we're reminded of the ruthless, vengeful, charismatic, powerful and sexy man... We're reminded of his beauty....
It's instilled into Spinelli that his role towards his woman should be one of protector but Theresa needs to be his equal.... I love this aspect of their relationship, it has cataclysmic possibilities. How can he plan to keep someone safe if that person is determined to live as she desires? I felt his helpless frustration. Was there any way forward? Any way they could be with each other? I felt the tug of war within Spinelli. Should he bring her fully into his world? Is it a place for her? Would she distract him? Undermine him? Make him week? Get them both killed?
Spinelli being the man he is, has a plan…...
It's tense and gripping.
Together they're dynamite.... Antonio and Theresa's deep love and incredible breathtaking attraction is captivating, it pulled on my heart, made me feel and want for them. Everything about him turns her on…. She finds his life on the edge sexy, empowering..... The sex is raw… intense... crude... “He fucked me so hard every thought went out of my head.” and so very, VERY HOT! Then we're shown the softer side of Antonio, the gentleman, his beautiful soul... I love the rough contrasting with his tender inner thoughts.
Antonio Spinelli and Theresa Drazen are two incredibly layered leading characters. They took a place in my book heart after I read Spin and there they will stay... Love them. CD Reiss creates the most wonderful, intensely beautiful relationships that simply light up the page with their presence.
The Drazen Dynasty in its 'Songs of' entirety is a magical piece of book art.... I love the way the family and their stories all interconnect. The mere mention of scenarios and characters from CDR’s other books, in each given story, gives me the book tingles. That's the power of this author and the stories she writes.
Ruin is the second book in the Songs of Corruption series. Songs of Corruption can be read without reading the other 'Songs of' books but I highly recommend them. Don't miss out on epic storytelling.
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NOOK - http://bit.ly/1l1RCxu
APPLE - http://bit.ly/1pntzto
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1oieOTe
Pedro Soltz makes a great Capo.
Permission kindly granted for photos to be used in my review.
Follow Pedro Soltz on Facebook and Twitter
Complimentary copy provided by Fido publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2015
Ruin is LIVE on AMZ!
5+++ Action-packed, intense stars!
Ruin, book two in the Songs of Corruption series, picks up on the heals of Spin. If you haven't started this series yet, first of all, START, and second of all, stop now, as this review contains spoilers for Spin.
Antonio Spinelli, Italian mafia capo, fell in love with Theresa Drazen when he first set eyes on her in a dark parking lot, nursing her drunk sister. They were being attacked by a punk in a Porsche, his need to protect her almost feral. That need has never lessened...in fact, it may be the death of him.
Theresa, once a stiff, uber controlled business woman has never been the same since that dark night she met Antonio Spinelli. He goes against every grain of normalcy for her but she can't resist his pull. She's reckless, with a never-ending need to be with this very dark, dangerous man.
The connection between Antonio Spinelli and Theresa Drazen is almost beyond describable. Utterly polarizing, the unmistakeable draw both physically and emotionally. They both know being together will very likely end in their ruin but they can't resist the pull...
Antonio battles relentlessly with the constant push and pull where Theresa is concerned. He simply cannot live without her but he loves her so much, he knows bringing her into his lifestyle will corrupt her. It seems every time he decides he's got to cut her free, his little Contessa draws herself deeper into his unlawful lifestyle. A life he cannot break free of...he's a dead man walking if he tries to leave the mob.
CD Reiss does not fail to web a story full of angsty suspense, scorching hot chemistry, amidst a tortured love story. The reader is captured from the preface, describing the LA mob scene, drawing the reader into the venue that will set their literary world on fire. Ms. Reiss captured me with her Songs of Submission series, her writing often poetically descriptive, putting the reader front row center to the story before us. It's intense! I found myself with this internal knot within my chest every time Antonio and Theresa were within the same breathing space!
***I'll give you a moment to get your heart rate back down.*** I mean Every. Single. Scene. Scorchingly intense. Again, indescribable.
My heart broke for Antonio in this book. This is truly his story. It's written in dual POV, but Spin will capture your heart. He's not a good man. He is guilty for any number of things that'll launch him in prison, but his undying love for his Contessa brings him to his knees. At times I wanted to strangle him as he wants what's best for her, and that's NOT him, but he just can't walk away. Then he hates himself for corrupting her.
Theresa is the strength in this bond between them. She holds it together. She's one tough bitch, for a lack of better terms. Her love of Capo is so strong, she's willing to sacrifice it all for a life with him.
Did I mention the all-consuming sex scenes? I think I did but let's revisit it! I won't call them bedroom scenes as rarely was a bed in the picture! This isn't your momma's hearts and flowers romance. Wowsa!
From the mouth of our dear, sweet Contessa...
"Fuck me! Fuck me hard, you worthless piece of shit!"
***Um, yah. I rest my case.***
And whispered sweet nothings from our lovely Capo...
"Tempting, Contessa. But it's been twice, and too hurried both times. The next time we fuck, it's going to be for a few hours, and you're going to need to be wheeled out. I'm not cheating you again."
There's nothing I would change in their story. Well, maybe making douchey ex-fiancée Daniel go away... I DID enjoy seeing Jonathon again, and the plethora of sisters within the Drazen clan. Loved the Thanksgiving family scene...it almost seemed normal.
Looking forward to the conclusion of Songs of Corruption, hopefully more sooner than later. Hint hint.
Pre-order your copy of Ruin here! Release date October 14, 2014. http://www.amazon.com/Ruin-Songs-Corr...
And I thank you!
Complimentary advanced copy received by author via NetGalley in exchange of an HONEST review.
***Quotes taken from pre-published copy and may change in finished product.
5+++ Action-packed, intense stars!
Ruin, book two in the Songs of Corruption series, picks up on the heals of Spin. If you haven't started this series yet, first of all, START, and second of all, stop now, as this review contains spoilers for Spin.
Antonio Spinelli, Italian mafia capo, fell in love with Theresa Drazen when he first set eyes on her in a dark parking lot, nursing her drunk sister. They were being attacked by a punk in a Porsche, his need to protect her almost feral. That need has never lessened...in fact, it may be the death of him.
Theresa, once a stiff, uber controlled business woman has never been the same since that dark night she met Antonio Spinelli. He goes against every grain of normalcy for her but she can't resist his pull. She's reckless, with a never-ending need to be with this very dark, dangerous man.
The connection between Antonio Spinelli and Theresa Drazen is almost beyond describable. Utterly polarizing, the unmistakeable draw both physically and emotionally. They both know being together will very likely end in their ruin but they can't resist the pull...
Antonio battles relentlessly with the constant push and pull where Theresa is concerned. He simply cannot live without her but he loves her so much, he knows bringing her into his lifestyle will corrupt her. It seems every time he decides he's got to cut her free, his little Contessa draws herself deeper into his unlawful lifestyle. A life he cannot break free of...he's a dead man walking if he tries to leave the mob.
CD Reiss does not fail to web a story full of angsty suspense, scorching hot chemistry, amidst a tortured love story. The reader is captured from the preface, describing the LA mob scene, drawing the reader into the venue that will set their literary world on fire. Ms. Reiss captured me with her Songs of Submission series, her writing often poetically descriptive, putting the reader front row center to the story before us. It's intense! I found myself with this internal knot within my chest every time Antonio and Theresa were within the same breathing space!
***I'll give you a moment to get your heart rate back down.*** I mean Every. Single. Scene. Scorchingly intense. Again, indescribable.
My heart broke for Antonio in this book. This is truly his story. It's written in dual POV, but Spin will capture your heart. He's not a good man. He is guilty for any number of things that'll launch him in prison, but his undying love for his Contessa brings him to his knees. At times I wanted to strangle him as he wants what's best for her, and that's NOT him, but he just can't walk away. Then he hates himself for corrupting her.
Theresa is the strength in this bond between them. She holds it together. She's one tough bitch, for a lack of better terms. Her love of Capo is so strong, she's willing to sacrifice it all for a life with him.
Did I mention the all-consuming sex scenes? I think I did but let's revisit it! I won't call them bedroom scenes as rarely was a bed in the picture! This isn't your momma's hearts and flowers romance. Wowsa!
From the mouth of our dear, sweet Contessa...
"Fuck me! Fuck me hard, you worthless piece of shit!"
***Um, yah. I rest my case.***
And whispered sweet nothings from our lovely Capo...
"Tempting, Contessa. But it's been twice, and too hurried both times. The next time we fuck, it's going to be for a few hours, and you're going to need to be wheeled out. I'm not cheating you again."
There's nothing I would change in their story. Well, maybe making douchey ex-fiancée Daniel go away... I DID enjoy seeing Jonathon again, and the plethora of sisters within the Drazen clan. Loved the Thanksgiving family scene...it almost seemed normal.
Looking forward to the conclusion of Songs of Corruption, hopefully more sooner than later. Hint hint.
Pre-order your copy of Ruin here! Release date October 14, 2014. http://www.amazon.com/Ruin-Songs-Corr...
And I thank you!
Complimentary advanced copy received by author via NetGalley in exchange of an HONEST review.
***Quotes taken from pre-published copy and may change in finished product.
October 17, 2014
6 Stars Yes 6******
First of all I want to apologise for the amount of Art I have made while reading Ruin and the run up to this book I couldn't stop myself therefore this really is going to be a creative review more so than words really cause this book is one big beautiful quote.
I have to be honest with you about my experience while reading Spin I enjoyed the first instalment but it wasn't my favourite, that could have been a time thing but I didn't adore it and feel completely compelled to keep reading the same way all CD's books previously have saying that with #Ruin CD has pulled alllll the stops out she got me on every minute, every moment and every single word that was put into this book was OUTSTANDING therefore in my experience here and why I love CD REISS's stories she really does know how to change your every thought in mindset and goes full circle, THIS is why CD is one of my top Authors to go to.
So The Capo is back and he's at his best he's from the Mafia family an Italian Mobster a leader its his duty to murder, its the life he lives and has been brought up on blood and family traditions. Theresa is a perfect well put together old fashioned family woman brought up by the Drazens she knows how to show no emotion and to do as she's told, except she fell for capo and in this instalment this really is their story how two different worlds collide, how do they fit into each others world? will the succeed? will they be happy? what lives will be lost? who's hearts will get broken? yes yes yes this is full of a gripping compelling and intriguing plot where I was on the edge of my seat when I picked up my kindle at night.
What I loved about this one is there was no stopping back the only way was forward in a way this was for both of them to slide into each others lives Capo wanted to be Good and Theresa wanted to be Bad Capo wanted a chance to have what he wanted, to be clean and enjoy life and obviously that's not an easy route for these pair and there's plenty to keep the Anxiety at a good level, I bit my nails, I cried I was aroused and I laughed.
This quote really does sum up the whole book in my opinion and a BIGGGG reason why I adored Theresa, she was feisty, sexy, and raw she wanted Capo and there was no stopping her going after what she wanted really in Truth this whole book was one sensual journey of two people who deserved to be with each other, I really don't know how to explain the depth to the emotion they evoked in me but also how I was captivated by them as individuals too.
To sum up Capo was Feral, Sexy, human and strong. Theresa was beautiful, strong, feisty she was normal and wanted to have that normal life, she could be herself, she didn't stop, she went after what she wanted and her strength and loyalty to her man really screamed loud and clear its a big reason why I loved her in this book. Together they were sensual, heavenly, Erotic and PHENOMENOL.
There was lots of moments to enjoy with the Drazens too and Thanksgiving was a fantastic part of the story, really I thoroughly enjoyed those parts with Jonathon and analysing parts that I couldn't remember from Sing on SOS with the help of my fellow Canaries CD is a pure Genius she is bringing all the Drazens together in one big twisted plot as a reader the whole experience is a memorable one and one I will never forget.
I can't say much else and I'm really sorry if I've rambled on I'm heartbroken in that my heart is now at loss, in love, engrossed and highly emotional goodness knows how I'm going to move on but this is CD at her best hands down my favourite so far.
Some more quotes
A highly recommended read and yes yes I'll re-read this one
That is all
And A Big thank you to all my fellow Canaries join the BR here>>> https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My Review of Spin>>> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
First of all I want to apologise for the amount of Art I have made while reading Ruin and the run up to this book I couldn't stop myself therefore this really is going to be a creative review more so than words really cause this book is one big beautiful quote.
I have to be honest with you about my experience while reading Spin I enjoyed the first instalment but it wasn't my favourite, that could have been a time thing but I didn't adore it and feel completely compelled to keep reading the same way all CD's books previously have saying that with #Ruin CD has pulled alllll the stops out she got me on every minute, every moment and every single word that was put into this book was OUTSTANDING therefore in my experience here and why I love CD REISS's stories she really does know how to change your every thought in mindset and goes full circle, THIS is why CD is one of my top Authors to go to.
So The Capo is back and he's at his best he's from the Mafia family an Italian Mobster a leader its his duty to murder, its the life he lives and has been brought up on blood and family traditions. Theresa is a perfect well put together old fashioned family woman brought up by the Drazens she knows how to show no emotion and to do as she's told, except she fell for capo and in this instalment this really is their story how two different worlds collide, how do they fit into each others world? will the succeed? will they be happy? what lives will be lost? who's hearts will get broken? yes yes yes this is full of a gripping compelling and intriguing plot where I was on the edge of my seat when I picked up my kindle at night.
What I loved about this one is there was no stopping back the only way was forward in a way this was for both of them to slide into each others lives Capo wanted to be Good and Theresa wanted to be Bad Capo wanted a chance to have what he wanted, to be clean and enjoy life and obviously that's not an easy route for these pair and there's plenty to keep the Anxiety at a good level, I bit my nails, I cried I was aroused and I laughed.
This quote really does sum up the whole book in my opinion and a BIGGGG reason why I adored Theresa, she was feisty, sexy, and raw she wanted Capo and there was no stopping her going after what she wanted really in Truth this whole book was one sensual journey of two people who deserved to be with each other, I really don't know how to explain the depth to the emotion they evoked in me but also how I was captivated by them as individuals too.
To sum up Capo was Feral, Sexy, human and strong. Theresa was beautiful, strong, feisty she was normal and wanted to have that normal life, she could be herself, she didn't stop, she went after what she wanted and her strength and loyalty to her man really screamed loud and clear its a big reason why I loved her in this book. Together they were sensual, heavenly, Erotic and PHENOMENOL.
There was lots of moments to enjoy with the Drazens too and Thanksgiving was a fantastic part of the story, really I thoroughly enjoyed those parts with Jonathon and analysing parts that I couldn't remember from Sing on SOS with the help of my fellow Canaries CD is a pure Genius she is bringing all the Drazens together in one big twisted plot as a reader the whole experience is a memorable one and one I will never forget.
I can't say much else and I'm really sorry if I've rambled on I'm heartbroken in that my heart is now at loss, in love, engrossed and highly emotional goodness knows how I'm going to move on but this is CD at her best hands down my favourite so far.
Some more quotes
A highly recommended read and yes yes I'll re-read this one
That is all
And A Big thank you to all my fellow Canaries join the BR here>>> https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My Review of Spin>>> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 17, 2018
4.5 Next Step Into Their World Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
It is no secret I have a deep affection for stories which drag me into their world from the start... To be captivated... to be compelled to become one with the book is the absolute best...
And for some authors this is their skill....their personal calling...and in my opinion, C.D.Reiss is one of the best.
What is so telling about the way Ms. Reiss weaves her stories is we read the words on the page and our brain translates them to movies of the mind. While reading and reviewing her other series, Songs of Submission, I repeatedly referenced how her phrasing and flow caused images so vivid I felt I was in movie theaters of old... in the velvet seats... wide white screen framed with the deep scarlet and gold curtains waiting for the start of the lights to dim...The anticipation.... the desire to be the watcher, observer of these lives was overwhelming....because all of it felt so real.
This new series has continued down the same path. We were introduced to our cast of characters in Spin and in the previous series. In order to appreciate Ruin, Spin must be read first. It is mandatory.
What else is mandatory, in my opinion, is the total commitment to the structure of how this story is told. Like any work of fiction, there must be an understanding of what is presented and acceptance of it fully in order to truly get the most out of it. Once this is done, your ride will be set.... and what a ride it is...
We have the man wanting to escape his life for a woman who has decided to join him in his. It is as simple and complicated as that. The intrigue, the plotting, betrayal, violence and danger cause the couple to make life changing decisions. They are bonded together; they are tested by their peers... and the only true thing they both know is they are each other's.
We knew from the start, the chemistry between them was explosive...it was brutal, feral; then tender and clear to the core of their being. The dialogue is another character in how it takes the reader to another place.. to a deeply raw and exposed coupling. Everything between these two is not pretty and soft seen through a hazy filter.... no, it can be harsh but even in its frank cutting way...it is their symphony of love.
The other amazing part of this series is the loving way Los Angeles is presented... she is the third lead in story and she plays such an important role. The landmarks, politics, class distinctions and manipulations of all the power players are used perfectly. The impact is equal to another favorite author, Michael Connolly, who's police procedural dramas are all done with Los Angeles as the back drop.
This book had some very unexpected moments... you will wonder how certain things came to pass; be surprised then relieved and shocked all at the same time.
The exciting part about all of this... is there is more to come... and I cannot wait...
Spin (Corruption, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ruin (Corruption, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rule (Corruption, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley/Fido Publishing for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
It is no secret I have a deep affection for stories which drag me into their world from the start... To be captivated... to be compelled to become one with the book is the absolute best...
And for some authors this is their skill....their personal calling...and in my opinion, C.D.Reiss is one of the best.
What is so telling about the way Ms. Reiss weaves her stories is we read the words on the page and our brain translates them to movies of the mind. While reading and reviewing her other series, Songs of Submission, I repeatedly referenced how her phrasing and flow caused images so vivid I felt I was in movie theaters of old... in the velvet seats... wide white screen framed with the deep scarlet and gold curtains waiting for the start of the lights to dim...The anticipation.... the desire to be the watcher, observer of these lives was overwhelming....because all of it felt so real.
This new series has continued down the same path. We were introduced to our cast of characters in Spin and in the previous series. In order to appreciate Ruin, Spin must be read first. It is mandatory.
What else is mandatory, in my opinion, is the total commitment to the structure of how this story is told. Like any work of fiction, there must be an understanding of what is presented and acceptance of it fully in order to truly get the most out of it. Once this is done, your ride will be set.... and what a ride it is...
We have the man wanting to escape his life for a woman who has decided to join him in his. It is as simple and complicated as that. The intrigue, the plotting, betrayal, violence and danger cause the couple to make life changing decisions. They are bonded together; they are tested by their peers... and the only true thing they both know is they are each other's.
We knew from the start, the chemistry between them was explosive...it was brutal, feral; then tender and clear to the core of their being. The dialogue is another character in how it takes the reader to another place.. to a deeply raw and exposed coupling. Everything between these two is not pretty and soft seen through a hazy filter.... no, it can be harsh but even in its frank cutting way...it is their symphony of love.
The other amazing part of this series is the loving way Los Angeles is presented... she is the third lead in story and she plays such an important role. The landmarks, politics, class distinctions and manipulations of all the power players are used perfectly. The impact is equal to another favorite author, Michael Connolly, who's police procedural dramas are all done with Los Angeles as the back drop.
This book had some very unexpected moments... you will wonder how certain things came to pass; be surprised then relieved and shocked all at the same time.
The exciting part about all of this... is there is more to come... and I cannot wait...
Spin (Corruption, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ruin (Corruption, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rule (Corruption, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley/Fido Publishing for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 6, 2015
☆☆☆☆
This is one of the hardest reviews I've written when it comes to CD Reiss' work because I really only have two ultimate favorite authors and she happens to be one of them.
I finished 'RUIN' on Saturday night and spent all day Sunday thinking what exactly didn't work for me in this book. I finally figured it out - I can't relate to Theresa.
Let me explain ...
I usually LOATHE when people review books and say stuff like "I would never do this IRL so I am lowering my rating because of this and that" ... this isn't the case here because I actually WOULD do all the stuff Theresa did in this story for MY man. My issue here is that I can't see HER (Theresa) doing most of it. I know many go through life pretending to be someone they are not in order to please others ... I get the reasons for her uptightness but it makes it almost impossible [for me] to relate/like to her. She is the very first character of CD's I have zero feelings for. Even Elliot (of SOP) made me feel something (I know it was only hatred but at least I felt it).
But enough about Theresa.
Antonio "Capo" Spinelli is a kind of character that makes you believe in God. Or, in this case, you thank God that he (Capo) was born inside CD's über creative mind. Antonio is everything I love in a character - he is passionate and loyal, he can be kind and he can be ruthless, he is charming and he is funny. Where as Theresa made me feel not a thing, Capo made me feel everything. The angst, the love, the passion, the hatred, being torn while trying to make the 'right' decision ... The complexity of his character is the heart and soul of this story, IMO.
One of my favorite parts in this book were the flashbacks with Capo & Paulie. It made me really sad to watch .
There is a special shelf I have on GR that's reserved for CD's books. I call it '4D' shelf. Not only does she paint a picture with her words that is vivid enough that you feel as if you are actually IN the room with the characters, in this case she literally painted a picture that was SO vivid that you could almost smell and taste stuff you read about.
Ciao for now! xxx
P.S. For those of you who are afraid of cliffhangers, fear not. This was a nicely done ending that promises many things to come in the future yet doesn't actually leave you hanging.
October 24, 2014
4 Ruin me Stars
Ruin will pull you in immediately and keep you guessing until the very end, never mind I am still guessing and I have finished it. I liked the pace much more then Spin, I liked how we got to see Capo and Theresa as a couple.
I am not an expert on the mob or organized crime, but I am expert on someone who is pretty much straight laced and tries to always do the right thing. I was pretty surprised at how quickly Theresa changed from a person who couldn’t say fuck, to a person who was telling off her ex, asking if he wanted to see if she was wet.
”I can feel your fingers twitching. You want to stick them in me. You want to see if I am wet. You’re confused because I don’t usually make your balls ache. Because you respect me. Women you respect can’t take a man’s cock in their ass and beg for more.”
Now I love this quality in a woman, and I as I told my bestie when we were reading is Theresa is really changing into a ride or die chick. Now I say that jokingly because I read too many MC books, but the point is, Theresa isn’t that kind of woman. The words she said and her behavior isn’t conducive to her character, IMO. Now, I love a woman that loves her man, and I love the idea that Theresa is willing to give up all her comforts to love, protect and be with Capo. I just felt like it wasn’t her character to change so quickly.
Now, Capo - I loved him I love that he isn’t the kind of man who is going to let a woman take the fall for him or put herself in danger. His struggle with wanting to be Theresa vs keeping her safe was completely believable and within character, his selflessness even down to the very end was one of my favorite qualities.
Overall, I did really enjoy this one. I want to love it like everyone else, because I truly believe Reiss is one hell of a writer. I love how this is her version of the mob and she basically says suck it you disagree or do not think it is factual, because hell this fiction after all. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I wish we had a more definitive ending or a cliffy, just something to know where I stand because I am one of those obsessive readers who will think about it endlessly, but I am sure that is the point. I am excited to see what is to come in the next installment.
"You’re going to ruin me, Contessa.”
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ruin will pull you in immediately and keep you guessing until the very end, never mind I am still guessing and I have finished it. I liked the pace much more then Spin, I liked how we got to see Capo and Theresa as a couple.
I am not an expert on the mob or organized crime, but I am expert on someone who is pretty much straight laced and tries to always do the right thing. I was pretty surprised at how quickly Theresa changed from a person who couldn’t say fuck, to a person who was telling off her ex, asking if he wanted to see if she was wet.
”I can feel your fingers twitching. You want to stick them in me. You want to see if I am wet. You’re confused because I don’t usually make your balls ache. Because you respect me. Women you respect can’t take a man’s cock in their ass and beg for more.”
Now I love this quality in a woman, and I as I told my bestie when we were reading is Theresa is really changing into a ride or die chick. Now I say that jokingly because I read too many MC books, but the point is, Theresa isn’t that kind of woman. The words she said and her behavior isn’t conducive to her character, IMO. Now, I love a woman that loves her man, and I love the idea that Theresa is willing to give up all her comforts to love, protect and be with Capo. I just felt like it wasn’t her character to change so quickly.
Now, Capo - I loved him I love that he isn’t the kind of man who is going to let a woman take the fall for him or put herself in danger. His struggle with wanting to be Theresa vs keeping her safe was completely believable and within character, his selflessness even down to the very end was one of my favorite qualities.
Overall, I did really enjoy this one. I want to love it like everyone else, because I truly believe Reiss is one hell of a writer. I love how this is her version of the mob and she basically says suck it you disagree or do not think it is factual, because hell this fiction after all. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I wish we had a more definitive ending or a cliffy, just something to know where I stand because I am one of those obsessive readers who will think about it endlessly, but I am sure that is the point. I am excited to see what is to come in the next installment.
"You’re going to ruin me, Contessa.”
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2015
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4 Stars
Ending ~ To Continue
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Ruin Starts off where Spin leaves off. For me this series got a lot better the deeper into the story line. With Ruin we got a whole lot more action going on and for me that is always a plus. Antonia and Theresa also got a lot closer too. I am totally hooked into the story line and also invested in this couple.
You may wonder why I could not completely give this book 5 stars and the answer to that is once again is the fact that . This fact REALLY made me angry with Antonio but I’m still in love with his character flaws and all.
Theresa gets a higher rating this time around from me. I love how much tougher she became as the story unfolds. I love that she is taking a risk, changing her way of life and has completely given herself over to Antonio. She is thinking only about finding what will make her happy and she is very happy due to the way Antonio makes her feel.
The sex/love scenes are many. PLEASE don’t shot me for saying this, but these scenes did not get the usual reaction from me. Maybe they were just done too hard, fast and furiously for my tastes. I will say that YES I did feel the attraction between them. I feel that if there would have been more sensuality added in, they would have had me having to change my panties.
Like I said earlier, the action picked up nicely. At one point the pages were just flying by so that I could find out if their plans would work out. Just a bit of a warning, if you DO NOT like violence in your reads, than this one may not be a book for you.
In the end I still have WAY too many questions rolling around in my mind, leaving me with only one thing to do, jump right into book 3, Rule to find out just what will happen and to get all the questions I have rolling around in my head answered.
Special Note : These books are NOT standalone's, you MUST read them in order.
Book 1, Spin
Book 2, Ruin
Book 3, Rule
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4 Stars
Ending ~ To Continue
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Ruin Starts off where Spin leaves off. For me this series got a lot better the deeper into the story line. With Ruin we got a whole lot more action going on and for me that is always a plus. Antonia and Theresa also got a lot closer too. I am totally hooked into the story line and also invested in this couple.
You may wonder why I could not completely give this book 5 stars and the answer to that is once again is the fact that . This fact REALLY made me angry with Antonio but I’m still in love with his character flaws and all.
Theresa gets a higher rating this time around from me. I love how much tougher she became as the story unfolds. I love that she is taking a risk, changing her way of life and has completely given herself over to Antonio. She is thinking only about finding what will make her happy and she is very happy due to the way Antonio makes her feel.
The sex/love scenes are many. PLEASE don’t shot me for saying this, but these scenes did not get the usual reaction from me. Maybe they were just done too hard, fast and furiously for my tastes. I will say that YES I did feel the attraction between them. I feel that if there would have been more sensuality added in, they would have had me having to change my panties.
Like I said earlier, the action picked up nicely. At one point the pages were just flying by so that I could find out if their plans would work out. Just a bit of a warning, if you DO NOT like violence in your reads, than this one may not be a book for you.
In the end I still have WAY too many questions rolling around in my mind, leaving me with only one thing to do, jump right into book 3, Rule to find out just what will happen and to get all the questions I have rolling around in my head answered.
Special Note : These books are NOT standalone's, you MUST read them in order.
Book 1, Spin
Book 2, Ruin
Book 3, Rule
October 31, 2014
** 5++ "God I love my Capo! ♥♥♥" STARS **
There are already lots of perfectly beautiful reviews by my pals about this book, so I'll keep this simple:
ANTONIO SPINELLI: Absolute perfection.
THERESA DRAZEN: The best kind of female lead you could imagine.
C.D. REISS: One of the best f*cking authors EVER.
We can only pretend we're clean inside for so long before we crack, and the darkness starts spilling out.
April 8, 2015
5++++++ BEYOND RUINED STARS
Of course, this was another EPIC BR with the CANARIES!
I’m still in ruins from the brilliance of this story. This really isn't a review but a highlight in CDR’s words. IMHO, this is her best work - so far…every word is PERFECTION. And that is saying A LOT because her books are marvellous!
They’re like a polished, vibrantly rich and complex vintage red wine with just the right amount of tart and acid mingling ever so gently with lively fruit that leaves you with a sublimely long finish. (Yes, I like my grapes!)
The continued saga of Theresa Drazen (Contessa) and Antonio Spinelli (Capo) is blazing hot.
"He loves me recklessly, to the misuse of everything else in his life."
“I was clothed in him, a corset laced tight with desire and pain.”
“You’re a loaded gun. Do you see that? You’re from a different world, but you smell like home to me. I haven’t been to Napoli in ten years, but whenever you’re near me, I smell olive flowers. My heart gets sick with thirst, but the water is poison.”
“So I’m going to tell you something about Antonio. I’m not useful to him. He wants me as far away from his business as possible. Maybe I enrich his life. Maybe I drag him down. I don’t know, because I don’t know what love is anymore. I only know that no man has ever loved me like he does. If love is part of our better natures, he’s a saint. And if it’s part of our basest instincts, he’s an animal.”
“My God. You have the heart of a capo, do you know that? You could have brought Sicily to its knees. No don would stand against you
"His lips were a promise, a blood bond, a kiss of greeting and goodbye, and the years in between.”
****************************************
Looking forward to the return of my Capo...
October 14, 2015 can't come fast enough!
Of course, this was another EPIC BR with the CANARIES!
I’m still in ruins from the brilliance of this story. This really isn't a review but a highlight in CDR’s words. IMHO, this is her best work - so far…every word is PERFECTION. And that is saying A LOT because her books are marvellous!
They’re like a polished, vibrantly rich and complex vintage red wine with just the right amount of tart and acid mingling ever so gently with lively fruit that leaves you with a sublimely long finish. (Yes, I like my grapes!)
The continued saga of Theresa Drazen (Contessa) and Antonio Spinelli (Capo) is blazing hot.
"He loves me recklessly, to the misuse of everything else in his life."
“I was clothed in him, a corset laced tight with desire and pain.”
“You’re a loaded gun. Do you see that? You’re from a different world, but you smell like home to me. I haven’t been to Napoli in ten years, but whenever you’re near me, I smell olive flowers. My heart gets sick with thirst, but the water is poison.”
“So I’m going to tell you something about Antonio. I’m not useful to him. He wants me as far away from his business as possible. Maybe I enrich his life. Maybe I drag him down. I don’t know, because I don’t know what love is anymore. I only know that no man has ever loved me like he does. If love is part of our better natures, he’s a saint. And if it’s part of our basest instincts, he’s an animal.”
“My God. You have the heart of a capo, do you know that? You could have brought Sicily to its knees. No don would stand against you
"His lips were a promise, a blood bond, a kiss of greeting and goodbye, and the years in between.”
****************************************
Looking forward to the return of my Capo...
October 14, 2015 can't come fast enough!
February 5, 2017
4.5 love and ruin stars
Theresa and Antonio’s volatile relationship continue in a path that can only lead to Ruin The line between life and death is tested over and over by family, obligation and power. Their love may be all consuming and true, but they were doomed from the start, it’s a matter of realizing the depths of what one will do to keep the one you need more than life by your side.
Ruin is such an epic love affair, filled with so much love and ruin. There is no questioning what they mean to each other, and the lengths they will go to to protect. The dual POV allows us into their minds and see first hand their personal struggle; their love and fear. It invoked a protectiveness from me, wishing I could wipe out all obstacles just so that they can live a life they deserve. But understanding part of the allure is the drama that unfolds all around them. I need more of his violence and can’t wait for them to show the world what happens when you mess with the Capo.
Copy kindly provided by , via NetGalley, for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book I received and may differ from published edition.
Theresa and Antonio’s volatile relationship continue in a path that can only lead to Ruin The line between life and death is tested over and over by family, obligation and power. Their love may be all consuming and true, but they were doomed from the start, it’s a matter of realizing the depths of what one will do to keep the one you need more than life by your side.
"You are everything that will destroy me...you made me dream I could be free, when I’d forgotten I was in prison.”
Ruin is such an epic love affair, filled with so much love and ruin. There is no questioning what they mean to each other, and the lengths they will go to to protect. The dual POV allows us into their minds and see first hand their personal struggle; their love and fear. It invoked a protectiveness from me, wishing I could wipe out all obstacles just so that they can live a life they deserve. But understanding part of the allure is the drama that unfolds all around them. I need more of his violence and can’t wait for them to show the world what happens when you mess with the Capo.
Copy kindly provided by , via NetGalley, for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book I received and may differ from published edition.
October 14, 2014
5 Bellissime Stelle
The story of Antonio "Spin" Spinelle and Theresa Drazen continues. The Capo and his Contessa and their struggle to be together, to share a life, even though they know the odds of succeeding are slim. In the Mafia world, rules are meant to be followed and if they aren't, there is a consequence to pay. Spin didn't seek out Theresa, she just appeared and she set him off course. They are from two different worlds and when those worlds collide, explosions occur, both good and bad.
Their story reaches the depths and breaths of mind shattering love. Spin and Theresa have an extremely hot, volatile, intensely sexy relationship. There is a rawness to it that is animalistic and tender.
There is mystery, intrigue, corruption, love, hatred, smoking hot sex, and the Mafia. Their story to be together is full of forces that do not want them together. They are constantly looking over their shoulder in order to survive. If they can survive the Mafia can they survive the Drazen Family? If one doesn't get you the other will.
We were committed, tied in ropes of lies and deceit, each able to destroy the other if we escaped the net.
I will say that I completely loved that last part of the book. I couldn't put it down. It's really hard to write this review without spoiling parts so I will just say to READ and be ready to be taken away into a beautifully corrupted story of a Capo and his Contessa.
"My destiny is to destroy." "Maybe I was destined to be destroyed."
When CD Reiss says she is writing, I do a happy dance. The magic she creates with words is extraordinary. I can feel and be moved and become the story. The intricate pattern of RUIN, the volatile web the Capo and Contessa must weave, makes each page come alive.
I discovered CD Reiss with her Songs of Submission Series. I fell for her hook, line and sinker. Her words are lyrical poetry and I knew that she would be a writer that I would read no matter what she wrote. There are times when you read from an author and you connect with how they write- CD Reiss is one of those authors for me. So I would highly recommend all of her series!!
ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1tXo9bp
NOOK - http://bit.ly/1l1RCxu
APPLE - http://bit.ly/1pntzto
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1oieOTe
The story of Antonio "Spin" Spinelle and Theresa Drazen continues. The Capo and his Contessa and their struggle to be together, to share a life, even though they know the odds of succeeding are slim. In the Mafia world, rules are meant to be followed and if they aren't, there is a consequence to pay. Spin didn't seek out Theresa, she just appeared and she set him off course. They are from two different worlds and when those worlds collide, explosions occur, both good and bad.
Their story reaches the depths and breaths of mind shattering love. Spin and Theresa have an extremely hot, volatile, intensely sexy relationship. There is a rawness to it that is animalistic and tender.
There is mystery, intrigue, corruption, love, hatred, smoking hot sex, and the Mafia. Their story to be together is full of forces that do not want them together. They are constantly looking over their shoulder in order to survive. If they can survive the Mafia can they survive the Drazen Family? If one doesn't get you the other will.
We were committed, tied in ropes of lies and deceit, each able to destroy the other if we escaped the net.
I will say that I completely loved that last part of the book. I couldn't put it down. It's really hard to write this review without spoiling parts so I will just say to READ and be ready to be taken away into a beautifully corrupted story of a Capo and his Contessa.
"My destiny is to destroy." "Maybe I was destined to be destroyed."
When CD Reiss says she is writing, I do a happy dance. The magic she creates with words is extraordinary. I can feel and be moved and become the story. The intricate pattern of RUIN, the volatile web the Capo and Contessa must weave, makes each page come alive.
I discovered CD Reiss with her Songs of Submission Series. I fell for her hook, line and sinker. Her words are lyrical poetry and I knew that she would be a writer that I would read no matter what she wrote. There are times when you read from an author and you connect with how they write- CD Reiss is one of those authors for me. So I would highly recommend all of her series!!
ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1tXo9bp
NOOK - http://bit.ly/1l1RCxu
APPLE - http://bit.ly/1pntzto
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1oieOTe
October 16, 2014
Ruin picks up where Spin left off. We learned in Spin that Antonio and Theresa have an immediate and intense attraction and Theresa Drazen, a non-Italian has totally captivated Antonio Spinelli.
In Ruin we learn that yes indeed they do love each other, but what would you do for love?? Would you kill?, defend? Protect? Even Die? How far would you go in the name of love??
As two mafia families plan to unite through marriage , (The Bortolusi's and The Lei's) , the pressure builds for Antonio (the mafia prince) to keep the balance of power.
With what seems like the world against them, can these two find their happiness? Is it possible for them to have a life together or is that only in fairy tales and movies! Once you're in the mafia , you're in....there's only two ways out...prison or death?
CD Reiss will bring you on an emotional journey. You will laugh, you will be scared and yes your heart will ache. I loved seeing the Drazens again. Jonathan with his sisters, how much he cares for them. The laughs they have and of course the disfunction they share as well. Some past secrets will be revealed, more pieces to the puzzle. The hospital scene in Sing becomes clearer too. In the end you will have more questions and you will applaud Ms Reiss for how she intertwines all these books together.
Bellisimo!! 5 Capo and Contessa Stars *****
I received an ARC via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE CD CANARIES FOR A BUDDY READ 10/14/14 HERE~>http://bit.ly/1pwoLOB
October 14, 2014
Now Available From Amazon
Outstanding in every possible way and arguably CD Reiss’s greatest writing achievement to date, Ruin is unleashed upon us in a torrent of love, sex, betrayal and revenge. This is a beautifully paced, grippingly written and overwhelmingly well crafted gem of a book that will be forever engraved on my memory as it slowly, inextricably builds towards its pulsating conclusion.
The whole narrative has an exquisite film noir quality to it as we pick up with our Capo and his Contessa directly after the events of the first novel with Spin suffocatingly protective of Theresa, scared to death of losing her. He loves her purity but fears that he is tainting her by association and he feels that he should be putting himself between her and danger but this woman is fiercely independent and isn’t prepared to do as she’s told. The greatest threat to her safety is her relationship with him and we begin with Antonio Spinelli as a very conflicted man. He loves Theresa wholeheartedly but knows that the only way to guarantee her safety, her future happiness is walk away from her.
Their relationship can only be described as feral, their attraction to one another overwhelming to the point of forsaking all else. It overrides everything, all good intentions falling by the wayside as Spin knows he should be walking away for her sake but finds it impossible to leave her. She is his destruction and he is hers.
At the heart of all the the twists and turns, the divided loyalties, the betrayal and the fucking is just a beautiful love story, quite unsurpassed by anything else I have seen in erotic romance. There is absolutely no doubt just how much our Capo loves his Contessa or just how far he will go to protect her. He would die for her and he may yet! The highly carnal sex scenes are just seamlessly interwoven with the deadly plotline and the whole novel hangs in a fog of desperation as the situation they find themselves in spirals ever further out of their control.
It’s hard to find a moment in this book that isn’t great as CD Reiss, almost unnoticed, slips in small details that place the reader right into the heart of the action – the creak of a leather jacket, the dusty skies of Los Angeles. I could almost smell, feel and touch the city as the story unravelled before me. With it’s brooding atmosphere, dynamic plot and scorching hot sex scenes between Spin and Theresa, I think this may well be CD Reiss’s best work to date. It pulsates with love, betrayal and vengeance in a way that could only be considered Shakespearean. Her writing is just sublime and almost orgasmic. It washes over you and you experience it rather than read it. She's intoxicatingly good and spoils you for your next read. It’s hard to move on from a novel of this magnitude.
To share plot details would be to spoil the story but I am curious about one thing. As an avid fan of this author, I slavishly read every single instalment of Songs of Submission as they were released and, of course, know all of Jonathan’s story and was very aware of Paulie Patalano and the part he had to play and the whole time I was reading Ruin, I waited with an air of anticipation knowing what we were headed towards as the stories run concurrently. I did wonder, if my experience would have been different if I’d never read Jonathon and Monica’s story before and knew nothing about what was to come. This knowledge didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book, rather it lended it an air of fatalism as I knew a little of what was to come.
I will add that it is an absolute necessity to have read Spin before reading Ruin but it you haven’t dipped your toes into this incredibly addictive and emotional series, then I can highly recommend it.
5 magnum opus stars
Antonio, the catalyst for my dissolution, the destroyer of my façade, put his lips to the back of my neck. I didn’t know who I was anymore, but I was his.
And I wept.
Outstanding in every possible way and arguably CD Reiss’s greatest writing achievement to date, Ruin is unleashed upon us in a torrent of love, sex, betrayal and revenge. This is a beautifully paced, grippingly written and overwhelmingly well crafted gem of a book that will be forever engraved on my memory as it slowly, inextricably builds towards its pulsating conclusion.
The whole narrative has an exquisite film noir quality to it as we pick up with our Capo and his Contessa directly after the events of the first novel with Spin suffocatingly protective of Theresa, scared to death of losing her. He loves her purity but fears that he is tainting her by association and he feels that he should be putting himself between her and danger but this woman is fiercely independent and isn’t prepared to do as she’s told. The greatest threat to her safety is her relationship with him and we begin with Antonio Spinelli as a very conflicted man. He loves Theresa wholeheartedly but knows that the only way to guarantee her safety, her future happiness is walk away from her.
She was my second chance to be whole and clean, and to have a life I’d failed at.
Their relationship can only be described as feral, their attraction to one another overwhelming to the point of forsaking all else. It overrides everything, all good intentions falling by the wayside as Spin knows he should be walking away for her sake but finds it impossible to leave her. She is his destruction and he is hers.
At the heart of all the the twists and turns, the divided loyalties, the betrayal and the fucking is just a beautiful love story, quite unsurpassed by anything else I have seen in erotic romance. There is absolutely no doubt just how much our Capo loves his Contessa or just how far he will go to protect her. He would die for her and he may yet! The highly carnal sex scenes are just seamlessly interwoven with the deadly plotline and the whole novel hangs in a fog of desperation as the situation they find themselves in spirals ever further out of their control.
It’s hard to find a moment in this book that isn’t great as CD Reiss, almost unnoticed, slips in small details that place the reader right into the heart of the action – the creak of a leather jacket, the dusty skies of Los Angeles. I could almost smell, feel and touch the city as the story unravelled before me. With it’s brooding atmosphere, dynamic plot and scorching hot sex scenes between Spin and Theresa, I think this may well be CD Reiss’s best work to date. It pulsates with love, betrayal and vengeance in a way that could only be considered Shakespearean. Her writing is just sublime and almost orgasmic. It washes over you and you experience it rather than read it. She's intoxicatingly good and spoils you for your next read. It’s hard to move on from a novel of this magnitude.
To share plot details would be to spoil the story but I am curious about one thing. As an avid fan of this author, I slavishly read every single instalment of Songs of Submission as they were released and, of course, know all of Jonathan’s story and was very aware of Paulie Patalano and the part he had to play and the whole time I was reading Ruin, I waited with an air of anticipation knowing what we were headed towards as the stories run concurrently. I did wonder, if my experience would have been different if I’d never read Jonathon and Monica’s story before and knew nothing about what was to come. This knowledge didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book, rather it lended it an air of fatalism as I knew a little of what was to come.
I will add that it is an absolute necessity to have read Spin before reading Ruin but it you haven’t dipped your toes into this incredibly addictive and emotional series, then I can highly recommend it.
5 magnum opus stars
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November 21, 2014
Antonio/CAPO is BACK
Do you know this feeling when you are waiting for a book and it's finally there? I haven't met Antonio for long but damn I had to wait 2-3 weeks and it feels like forever! I needed my fill of bad boy Capo and I'm so happy I got the chance to have an ARC. It doesn't happen a lot so I felt privileged and especially because it was about the perfect mafia/mob CAPO Antonio!
For those who have already read Spin , go and jump immediately in this one!
The story picks up where it left off. Antonio tries to put Theresa under cover (or sort of). His business with Paulie is over and he knows the guy is unpredictable.
Throughout story, you will see with great pleasures but also many anxieties how our lovers both try to live together, to respect themselves as people and especially n do not let anyone get in their way.
The entire book is a real tribute for their love. They are made for each other and nothing and no one could not prevent them from being together.
The idea of telling a story in dual pov is great! Being in Antonio's head is a valuable bonus, brilliant! We can understand his emotions better, what motivates him and we see that his love for Theresa is without limit! He knows he is selfish because he wanted a different life for Theresa. He blames his past choices, but he also knows he can't go back. I discovered a tortured man, avid to redeem himself and to be better for the woman he loves.
"I couldn't leave her. I was not a good man... I could find an honest place in the world... I recommitted to my plan to become a better man
Theresa is equal to herself, or I would even say she comes to light in this sequel. She is not passive, she asserts herself, and finally becomes the 34 year old woman she always wanted to be. Her relatives don't necessarily recognize her but she is proud of herself and that's the main thing!
I loved this book because I got the impression that there were two books in one! First a book with Antonio and Theresa in their bubble and then another with the world around them who continues to run.
Not wanting to give too much away, I can already tell you that you will go through all the possible emotions. Just look at my updates to see some ;)
Make sure to have time when you decide to read this book because you also may not put it down once you start. I resolved to read it as slowly as possible because I wanted to make the most of Capo but 70-75% IMPOSSIBLE to do anything but read and read! You will be captivated throughout the book until the last page. And I mean it: the LAST page!
Many things are not resolved and the end of the book still leaves many questions to be asked even if we know that the story will end well ... yes it is, right C.D? The story must have a HEA.
No other way possible
Pleaaase
One more thought: SEX SCENES
If you have a man/BF/DH stay close, he will be useful after some scenes ... #JustSayin '= P
Posted after I finished reading the book
~ *ARC very kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
BR with the Canaries on Tuesday here : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Do you know this feeling when you are waiting for a book and it's finally there? I haven't met Antonio for long but damn I had to wait 2-3 weeks and it feels like forever! I needed my fill of bad boy Capo and I'm so happy I got the chance to have an ARC. It doesn't happen a lot so I felt privileged and especially because it was about the perfect mafia/mob CAPO Antonio!
For those who have already read Spin , go and jump immediately in this one!
The story picks up where it left off. Antonio tries to put Theresa under cover (or sort of). His business with Paulie is over and he knows the guy is unpredictable.
Throughout story, you will see with great pleasures but also many anxieties how our lovers both try to live together, to respect themselves as people and especially n do not let anyone get in their way.
The entire book is a real tribute for their love. They are made for each other and nothing and no one could not prevent them from being together.
"It sounds crazy, but i know what's in his heart"
"She was my hope, that woman,... She could rule the world. She already ruled me
The idea of telling a story in dual pov is great! Being in Antonio's head is a valuable bonus, brilliant! We can understand his emotions better, what motivates him and we see that his love for Theresa is without limit! He knows he is selfish because he wanted a different life for Theresa. He blames his past choices, but he also knows he can't go back. I discovered a tortured man, avid to redeem himself and to be better for the woman he loves.
"I couldn't leave her. I was not a good man... I could find an honest place in the world... I recommitted to my plan to become a better man
Theresa is equal to herself, or I would even say she comes to light in this sequel. She is not passive, she asserts herself, and finally becomes the 34 year old woman she always wanted to be. Her relatives don't necessarily recognize her but she is proud of herself and that's the main thing!
"With Antonio, I'm alive when he's there"
I loved this book because I got the impression that there were two books in one! First a book with Antonio and Theresa in their bubble and then another with the world around them who continues to run.
Not wanting to give too much away, I can already tell you that you will go through all the possible emotions. Just look at my updates to see some ;)
Make sure to have time when you decide to read this book because you also may not put it down once you start. I resolved to read it as slowly as possible because I wanted to make the most of Capo but 70-75% IMPOSSIBLE to do anything but read and read! You will be captivated throughout the book until the last page. And I mean it: the LAST page!
Many things are not resolved and the end of the book still leaves many questions to be asked even if we know that the story will end well ... yes it is, right C.D? The story must have a HEA.
No other way possible
Pleaaase
One more thought: SEX SCENES
"I'm going to fuck you easy and slow, until your bones turn into jelly, and you forget how to beg me"
If you have a man/BF/DH stay close, he will be useful after some scenes ... #JustSayin '= P
Posted after I finished reading the book
~ *ARC very kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
BR with the Canaries on Tuesday here : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
October 11, 2014
5 - ‘Capo our Capo’ Stars!
“There is nothing more dangerous than a man who has lost everything fighting something he fears.” “What does he fear?”
Jenny: CD Reiss is a truly exquisite storyteller. She has the unique ability to caress you with her lyrical prose one minute, whilst whipping you into a frenzy with the utterance of a word the next. I can’t help but become swept up in the hypnotic way she envelopes me in her world with words that are passionate, violent, evocative, vivid, stirring and emotional. Ruin was superb! Absolutely superb! The romance and passion between Theresa and Antonio was breathtaking.
“You look like a queen.”
“How do I taste?”
“Like a woman.”
Antonio ‘Capo’ Spinelli …….what can I say? I love this dangerous, powerful and dirty talking man. Antonio is a man who exudes a dynamic confidence. Raw, menacing, dominant, yet with a heart that holds an all-encompassing love for Theresa that I felt deep in my soul! Dare I say Antonio has ruined me! Positively RUINED me! The passion, the pure male sexuality that emanates from this man together with the overwhelming intensity of his love, devotion, protection and respect for Theresa made me weak at the knees.
“The thing I want most is the only thing between me and getting it. You are everything that will destroy me.”
Theresa Drazen s is one of my favourite heroines. Poised, elegant, sophisticated, an heiress from a messed up family who discovers her sexuality, desires and intense strength with her Capo. At times I felt Antonio underestimated his Contessa but I was always in awe of her determination, heart and beauty. She loves this man without exception and it’s a love that thrills and excites her. My heart broke for some of the decisions Theresa had to make. She is the pure to her Capo’s filth and what a alluring and intoxicating couple they are!
‘She could rule the world. She already ruled me.’
Their fierce love, desperation and passion was palpable and believable and Ruin possessed the drama, excitement, heat, danger, deceit, double crossing and gut wrenching intensity that had my heart pounding, my head spinning and my stomach churning as I followed Antonio and Theresa through every twist and turn! Theresa and Antonio you have my heart.
‘Because there was no peace. Because my name was Antonio Spinelli, and this was my life.’
Oh our Capo! There are no words for this man is there Gitte? I can’t stop thinking about this book. I LOVED IT! A thrilling ride that left me breathless, exhausted and completely satiated! Hmmm until the next one that is!
Gitte: I simply can’t articulate just one determining reason as to why C.D Reiss’ writing affects me in such a personal and awe inspiring way. Every time I pick up one of her books I am swept away in a torrent of powerful emotions, treasuring every single word written on the page as it imprints on my mind and shoots straight to my heart. Her writing is simply superb; flawless in its execution; her heart bleeding onto the pages entwining with the words making them that much more hard hitting, intense and raw. Every single one of my senses were invoked. C.D Reiss made it so.
‘I never felt so helpless in the destruction of graciousness as I did with my Contessa.’ “Destroy me,” she said, as if I had to be told. “You’re ruined, amore.”
Ruin was incredibly sensual, erotic and wildly passionate. The story was destructively ugly yet a beautiful perfection of love in the purest form, morals and base instincts be damned. There’s 26 letters in the alphabet and this Author fully and wholeheartedly utilises every single one to create a work of art; a love that is fierce and all-consuming. A criminal world of violence, destruction and derision. A world of the Mafia where love is a weakness masked as a weapon. Where love should be wrong in the face of circumstance but isn’t. The force of this love is believable and worth fighting for.
‘She loved me. I owned her. Her heart was branded with my name.’
Capo, my Capo I am yours now and forever. Who in their right state of mind could refuse Antonio Spinelli’s attention? The animalistic hunger, exhilarating power and danger of this man? He exudes carnal passion. He’s quite simply dazzling; his heart is made for love of the all-consuming, protective, filthy and erotic kind.
“You’re from a different world, but you smell like home to me.”
He makes a hand on the thigh incredibly sensual and commanding as you feel its presence burn your own skin. Such is the striking and vivid imagery of C.D Reiss’ writing. This enigmatic man’s heart brought to ground by the equally astounding and brilliant Theresa Drazen. A woman who doesn’t give a damn about consequence where her true love and life is concerned. A woman with the heart of a lion and the roar of sophistication.
“I want you right now. Just a moment with you. Please. Indulgence. Saintly indulgence before the devil finds me.”
My heart surged; my pulse raced, my hands shook from the tight grip and my tears fell at the beauty, the drama, the passion and the images playing out right before my eyes. Perfection.
“Forever. Everything I do with you is forever.”
**Reviewed from an ARC copy kindly provided by the author**
Our Review for Spin (Songs of Corruption Book #1)
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October 28, 2014
Holy Hell! C.D. Reiss is a bloody genius! I think that Antonio Spinelli could quite honestly be my favorite bad boy of all time!
Not an ounce of give into the light other than the fact that he "wants a good woman." He wants her so much he is willing to leave it all behind...to leave her behind...or to die. One thing was for sure...
“We weren’t going to last, not as a couple. Not as lovers or sinners. She loved me. I owned her.”
Theresa Drazen will have no part of life without Antonio. She has embraced the darkness. She has fought thru the mundane and found her fire, her passion, her next breath...her Capo.
“She could rule the world. She already ruled me.”
There is no going back for either of them and it truly takes "going through it" to make it out alive!
“His lips were a promise, a blood bond, a kiss of greeting and goodbye, and the years in between.”
LORD! My nerves were shot. The violence is escalated. The tension is suffocating. The passion and the intimacy is scorching. Even the sensuality of hte book is done "so bad and so dirty." I loved it! I did not want this to end...I too wanted to be Ruined!
This book...brilliant! The story and the characters captivated me and C.D. Reiss gave me her Los Angeles as never experienced before! So I sit patiently and wait for what may come to the woman whose soul was given freely for tainting and to the man whose black heart beats only for his Contessa.
Not an ounce of give into the light other than the fact that he "wants a good woman." He wants her so much he is willing to leave it all behind...to leave her behind...or to die. One thing was for sure...
“We weren’t going to last, not as a couple. Not as lovers or sinners. She loved me. I owned her.”
Theresa Drazen will have no part of life without Antonio. She has embraced the darkness. She has fought thru the mundane and found her fire, her passion, her next breath...her Capo.
“She could rule the world. She already ruled me.”
There is no going back for either of them and it truly takes "going through it" to make it out alive!
“His lips were a promise, a blood bond, a kiss of greeting and goodbye, and the years in between.”
LORD! My nerves were shot. The violence is escalated. The tension is suffocating. The passion and the intimacy is scorching. Even the sensuality of hte book is done "so bad and so dirty." I loved it! I did not want this to end...I too wanted to be Ruined!
This book...brilliant! The story and the characters captivated me and C.D. Reiss gave me her Los Angeles as never experienced before! So I sit patiently and wait for what may come to the woman whose soul was given freely for tainting and to the man whose black heart beats only for his Contessa.
Want to read
October 30, 2014OMG....I GOT MY ARC!! CAPO........Here I come!!
ARC Buddy Read
CD Canaries Buddy Read
ARC Buddy Read
CD Canaries Buddy Read
October 11, 2014
5 - ‘Capo our Capo’ Stars!
“There is nothing more dangerous than a man who has lost everything fighting something he fears.” “What does he fear?”
Jenny: CD Reiss is a truly exquisite storyteller. She has the unique ability to caress you with her lyrical prose one minute, whilst whipping you into a frenzy with the utterance of a word the next. I can’t help but become swept up in the hypnotic way she envelopes me in her world with words that are passionate, violent, evocative, vivid, stirring and emotional. Ruin was superb! Absolutely superb! The romance and passion between Theresa and Antonio was breathtaking.
“You look like a queen.”
“How do I taste?”
“Like a woman.”
Antonio ‘Capo’ Spinelli …….what can I say? I love this dangerous, powerful and dirty talking man. Antonio is a man who exudes a dynamic confidence. Raw, menacing, dominant, yet with a heart that holds an all-encompassing love for Theresa that I felt deep in my soul! Dare I say Antonio has ruined me! Positively RUINED me! The passion, the pure male sexuality that emanates from this man together with the overwhelming intensity of his love, devotion, protection and respect for Theresa made me weak at the knees.
“The thing I want most is the only thing between me and getting it. You are everything that will destroy me.”
Theresa Drazen s is one of my favourite heroines. Poised, elegant, sophisticated, an heiress from a messed up family who discovers her sexuality, desires and intense strength with her Capo. At times I felt Antonio underestimated his Contessa but I was always in awe of her determination, heart and beauty. She loves this man without exception and it’s a love that thrills and excites her. My heart broke for some of the decisions Theresa had to make. She is the pure to her Capo’s filth and what a alluring and intoxicating couple they are!
‘She could rule the world. She already ruled me.’
Their fierce love, desperation and passion was palpable and believable and Ruin possessed the drama, excitement, heat, danger, deceit, double crossing and gut wrenching intensity that had my heart pounding, my head spinning and my stomach churning as I followed Antonio and Theresa through every twist and turn! Theresa and Antonio you have my heart.
‘Because there was no peace. Because my name was Antonio Spinelli, and this was my life.’
Oh our Capo! There are no words for this man is there Gitte? I can’t stop thinking about this book. I LOVED IT! A thrilling ride that left me breathless, exhausted and completely satiated! Hmmm until the next one that is!
Gitte: I simply can’t articulate just one determining reason as to why C.D Reiss’ writing affects me in such a personal and awe inspiring way. Every time I pick up one of her books I am swept away in a torrent of powerful emotions, treasuring every single word written on the page as it imprints on my mind and shoots straight to my heart. Her writing is simply superb; flawless in its execution; her heart bleeding onto the pages entwining with the words making them that much more hard hitting, intense and raw. Every single one of my senses were invoked. C.D Reiss made it so.
‘I never felt so helpless in the destruction of graciousness as I did with my Contessa.’ “Destroy me,” she said, as if I had to be told. “You’re ruined, amore.”
Ruin was incredibly sensual, erotic and wildly passionate. The story was destructively ugly yet a beautiful perfection of love in the purest form, morals and base instincts be damned. There’s 26 letters in the alphabet and this Author fully and wholeheartedly utilises every single one to create a work of art; a love that is fierce and all-consuming. A criminal world of violence, destruction and derision. A world of the Mafia where love is a weakness masked as a weapon. Where love should be wrong in the face of circumstance but isn’t. The force of this love is believable and worth fighting for.
‘She loved me. I owned her. Her heart was branded with my name.’
Capo, my Capo I am yours now and forever. Who in their right state of mind could refuse Antonio Spinelli’s attention? The animalistic hunger, exhilarating power and danger of this man? He exudes carnal passion. He’s quite simply dazzling; his heart is made for love of the all-consuming, protective, filthy and erotic kind.
“You’re from a different world, but you smell like home to me.”
He makes a hand on the thigh incredibly sensual and commanding as you feel its presence burn your own skin. Such is the striking and vivid imagery of C.D Reiss’ writing. This enigmatic man’s heart brought to ground by the equally astounding and brilliant Theresa Drazen. A woman who doesn’t give a damn about consequence where her true love and life is concerned. A woman with the heart of a lion and the roar of sophistication.
“I want you right now. Just a moment with you. Please. Indulgence. Saintly indulgence before the devil finds me.”
My heart surged; my pulse raced, my hands shook from the tight grip and my tears fell at the beauty, the drama, the passion and the images playing out right before my eyes. Perfection.
“Forever. Everything I do with you is forever.”
**Reviewed from an ARC copy kindly provided by the author**
Our Review for Spin (Songs of Corruption Book #1)
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October 16, 2014
***5 "Il Libro Perfetto" Stars***
And so continues the story of Theresa Drazen and Antonio Spinelli as they struggle with good and evil deep in the belly of the L.A. Mob.
Theresa's never really lived. She's been locked away as carefully as one of her porcelain swans, hermetically sealed by the Drazen name. No one has really known her - not Margie or Jonathan or her other siblings, not her best friend Katrina, not her ex-fiancé Daniel, not even herself.
Above everything else, Ruin is Theresa Drazen's bildungsroman, following her from a prim, spun-sugar, lace-collared girlhood to an exposed nerve of runaway lust and canniness even a Capo can admire. It isn't a fall from grace. She discovers she was always meant to be there, predisposed to a blood bond with a felon that would breathe life into her the way a million years with Daniel never could.
She finds she is a woman who couldn't climax with an attentive, careful lover but demands to be taken roughly on the hood of a car because it's the only thing to satisfy her craving. She discovers the sight of blood and taste of fear are nothing compared to the thought of losing her only shot at happiness. Past politeness, beyond decorum, deep in the marches between society and savagery is where she finds her self, and it is glorious.
She's not an olive blossom. She is Vesuvius.
And Antonio? Well, I could tell you about Antonio, but if you've finished Spin then you already have your questions. Read Ruin and you will have your answers. Or maybe more questions.
I'm only echoing hundreds of others when I say that Ruin is CD Reiss's finest work, or that I could spend days highlighting every sentence for its precision, every paragraph for its artistry, and every chapter for its brilliant cohesion. It's absolutely true, but I won't go on about it.
Nor will I gush over the erotic tension or the insistent dynamic between Antonio and Theresa that transcends everything, even life and death itself, except to say that it's more intense than anything you think you've read so far. Have a lover or a pleasure aid at the ready, because you'll be breathless after every sex scene.
Ruin is an epic, explosive love story that demands to be read with the power of a Don and steals your heart with the ease of a thief. If you haven't read her other books, I don't have to encourage you to do so because you will, and if you have read them you'll be poring over them again, marveling at her poetic virtuosity and waiting with bated breath for the final installment of Capo and Contessa.
Everything bled. The sun bled gold over the skyline. The deep blue horizon bled over the map of the streets. The trapezoid of light bled across the carpet as the day passed. The smog bled into the cloud.
And so continues the story of Theresa Drazen and Antonio Spinelli as they struggle with good and evil deep in the belly of the L.A. Mob.
Theresa's never really lived. She's been locked away as carefully as one of her porcelain swans, hermetically sealed by the Drazen name. No one has really known her - not Margie or Jonathan or her other siblings, not her best friend Katrina, not her ex-fiancé Daniel, not even herself.
This was how an heiress became a criminal...she wanted only to be normal and good...she flew under the radar her entire life, making sure there was always someone next to her who shone brighter, talked faster, and laughed louder.
Above everything else, Ruin is Theresa Drazen's bildungsroman, following her from a prim, spun-sugar, lace-collared girlhood to an exposed nerve of runaway lust and canniness even a Capo can admire. It isn't a fall from grace. She discovers she was always meant to be there, predisposed to a blood bond with a felon that would breathe life into her the way a million years with Daniel never could.
She finds she is a woman who couldn't climax with an attentive, careful lover but demands to be taken roughly on the hood of a car because it's the only thing to satisfy her craving. She discovers the sight of blood and taste of fear are nothing compared to the thought of losing her only shot at happiness. Past politeness, beyond decorum, deep in the marches between society and savagery is where she finds her self, and it is glorious.
She's not an olive blossom. She is Vesuvius.
And Antonio? Well, I could tell you about Antonio, but if you've finished Spin then you already have your questions. Read Ruin and you will have your answers. Or maybe more questions.
I'm only echoing hundreds of others when I say that Ruin is CD Reiss's finest work, or that I could spend days highlighting every sentence for its precision, every paragraph for its artistry, and every chapter for its brilliant cohesion. It's absolutely true, but I won't go on about it.
Nor will I gush over the erotic tension or the insistent dynamic between Antonio and Theresa that transcends everything, even life and death itself, except to say that it's more intense than anything you think you've read so far. Have a lover or a pleasure aid at the ready, because you'll be breathless after every sex scene.
Ruin is an epic, explosive love story that demands to be read with the power of a Don and steals your heart with the ease of a thief. If you haven't read her other books, I don't have to encourage you to do so because you will, and if you have read them you'll be poring over them again, marveling at her poetic virtuosity and waiting with bated breath for the final installment of Capo and Contessa.
December 25, 2014
Wow, the symbolism and depth of the writing is so profound, my mind was doing mental gymnastics throughout this whole read! If you haven't yet had a chance to experience CD Reiss' incredible world, then you are truly missing out. Her writing is in a class of its own. From the suspense filled scenes to the scorching hot, Capo dominant sex scenes, Ms. Reiss' writing is sure to not only keep you mesmerized but will also keep you guessing until the last moment as to where this fantastic read is going. And then, just when you thing you've figured it all out, guess again, as another huge twist is revealed ending in a huge cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next one!
For those of you who are wondering how this book fits in with CD Reiss' popular Songs of Submission series, which has a combined over 40K+ ratings with an impressive 4.23 rating on Goodreads, do not fret, as you don't need to read this prior series before Songs of Corruption. It is, however, essential that you read the first book in this series, Spin, which is fantastic by the way. All that said, there is also some carryover from Songs of Submission as the hero in Songs of Submission is the brother of the heroine of this series, and the characters which are involved in the prior series continue to evolve in Songs of Corruption.
Antonio Spinelli is an Italian-born, Californian transplant, who was born into the Italian mob, but who managed to evade it, until his quest for revenge, and related move to the US, inextricably involved him in its world. Made men can not walk away, but neither can he walk away from Theresa Drazen. Theresa, is an heiress, socialite and the ex-fiance of the District Attorney; exactly the kind of woman that the mob will never accept, but perhaps it is also this detachment that makes her believe that she can save "Spin" from the mob's "corruption."
Their love affair sparks a war of monumental proportions. Moreover, the more she tries to save him from it, the more he shows his old world tendencies to control her, believing it's the only way to protect her, which only causes her to take even more riskier actions to save him. It's a vicious cycle that only ups the level of danger in their world. How will Spin solve this conundrum? Is the only way to keep Theresa safe to leave her, or bring her into the fold as a true partner? But even if he wants to, can a true alpha dom, ever relinquish control enough to be a true 50/50 partner? In the end, who will "ruin" who?
What a powerful story exemplifying the interplay between good versus evil and the old versus new world. Ms. Reiss' writing is filled with parallels that continue to bring these dichotomies to the forefront. Nearly every word, particularly the adjectives, are filled with foreboding and clues. What an incredibly talented writer. I will now forever associate the smell of pine with death! Moreover, the raw passion and overwhelmingly dominant, almost animalistic way, that "Capo" takes what he wants when it comes to his physical interactions with Theresa, is such an incredible turn on, making this series one of the hottest erotic romances I have read in a long-time! I am forever thankful to my Goodreads friends, particularly the Canaries, for turning me on to CD Reiss!
For those of you who are wondering how this book fits in with CD Reiss' popular Songs of Submission series, which has a combined over 40K+ ratings with an impressive 4.23 rating on Goodreads, do not fret, as you don't need to read this prior series before Songs of Corruption. It is, however, essential that you read the first book in this series, Spin, which is fantastic by the way. All that said, there is also some carryover from Songs of Submission as the hero in Songs of Submission is the brother of the heroine of this series, and the characters which are involved in the prior series continue to evolve in Songs of Corruption.
Antonio Spinelli is an Italian-born, Californian transplant, who was born into the Italian mob, but who managed to evade it, until his quest for revenge, and related move to the US, inextricably involved him in its world. Made men can not walk away, but neither can he walk away from Theresa Drazen. Theresa, is an heiress, socialite and the ex-fiance of the District Attorney; exactly the kind of woman that the mob will never accept, but perhaps it is also this detachment that makes her believe that she can save "Spin" from the mob's "corruption."
Their love affair sparks a war of monumental proportions. Moreover, the more she tries to save him from it, the more he shows his old world tendencies to control her, believing it's the only way to protect her, which only causes her to take even more riskier actions to save him. It's a vicious cycle that only ups the level of danger in their world. How will Spin solve this conundrum? Is the only way to keep Theresa safe to leave her, or bring her into the fold as a true partner? But even if he wants to, can a true alpha dom, ever relinquish control enough to be a true 50/50 partner? In the end, who will "ruin" who?
What a powerful story exemplifying the interplay between good versus evil and the old versus new world. Ms. Reiss' writing is filled with parallels that continue to bring these dichotomies to the forefront. Nearly every word, particularly the adjectives, are filled with foreboding and clues. What an incredibly talented writer. I will now forever associate the smell of pine with death! Moreover, the raw passion and overwhelmingly dominant, almost animalistic way, that "Capo" takes what he wants when it comes to his physical interactions with Theresa, is such an incredible turn on, making this series one of the hottest erotic romances I have read in a long-time! I am forever thankful to my Goodreads friends, particularly the Canaries, for turning me on to CD Reiss!
October 31, 2014
Sadly, I felt this book was little draggy and skimmed heaps. Antonio on the hand is always delicious capo.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this book much as I did for Spin.
Cheers
Happy reading
D xx
Overall, I didn't enjoy this book much as I did for Spin.
Cheers
Happy reading
D xx
October 16, 2014
Review to come!
October 18, 2014
That was amazing. I need the next book ASAP.
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