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Pagano Family #2
Touch
Luca Pagano is a second son. The family rebel, he has always been a beat out of step with his father, who sees him as unserious and unsettled. But Luca is a man who knows his mind and follows his heart. He’s never met a woman with whom he wants to be serious or settled, and he is definitely not looking. Active and adventurous, he prefers an uncomplicated life, free of any attachments but those of his family.
Emmanuelle 'Manny' Timko has recently moved to Quiet Cove. She, too, avoids attachments beyond her family, but her reasons go deeper than simple preference. To make her way in the world, she’s had to build a life of coping mechanisms and control.
The connection they make together is as intense as it is unlikely. To love Manny, Luca must learn to love in a new way. To love Luca, Manny must learn to love at all.
When Luca’s uncles come to him to collect on a debt, what Luca and Manny have found together will be sorely tested. What happens next could change everything for them and for the whole Pagano family.
Note: explicit sex, violent scenes.
Emmanuelle 'Manny' Timko has recently moved to Quiet Cove. She, too, avoids attachments beyond her family, but her reasons go deeper than simple preference. To make her way in the world, she’s had to build a life of coping mechanisms and control.
The connection they make together is as intense as it is unlikely. To love Manny, Luca must learn to love in a new way. To love Luca, Manny must learn to love at all.
When Luca’s uncles come to him to collect on a debt, what Luca and Manny have found together will be sorely tested. What happens next could change everything for them and for the whole Pagano family.
Note: explicit sex, violent scenes.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
11 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,419 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 6, 2014
4.5 stars. Review posted October 6, 2014
I said in my review of Footsteps that I might give Luca's story a shot because he was the character who stood out for me in Carlo and Sabina's tale which, otherwise, didn't work out for me at all. So, here I am. Holy wow. Am I ever friggin' glad that I read Luca and Manny's story! I really enjoyed it very much.
In the first book I complained about the mob goes Sapsville aspect. In Touch, there's not much going on mob-wise. However, readers will get some action and angst towards the end and, to be honest, it was quite nasty, too. Yet, for me, I could have done without that part of Touch because I felt that Carlo and Manny's story thrived on their characters only. I loved the characterizations and while their romance was peppered with obstacles, it was also beautiful. As a matter of fact, I felt engaged pretty much throughout the entire book and I really liked the build-up and every single facet of Manny whom I found to be a kickass heroine.
Due to her disorder, Manny's brain deals best with straightforwardness and honesty, no innuendos or puns for Manny. No subtlety either. At all. Manny takes what's being said at face value and is quick to be on the defense when she doesn't get a joke and she ends up being confused easily. She really doesn't do well with reading people because her brain functions differently. Fact is, Manny is one tough and complicated cookie but her issues made her an intriguing person and I never knew that such a disorder even existed before I read her story. She's suffering from I thought the reasoning behind her disorder were explained well and heartbreaking all at once It goes without saying that I'm no expert by any means but the way her 'damaged' character had been portrayed made it relatable for me and, of course, very interesting. Therefore Touch is an intense and emotional read but it was never sappy or sugary sweet. Sure, there were sweet moments too, but the right kind of sweet that was right up my alley. I was also glad that Manny could count on her wonderful parents who did everything they could to make her life 'easier', to help her cope with her disorder.
"I'm not mad, bit. I'm scared out of my fucking mind."
Manny leaned on the doorframe. "It's gonna be okay. That's what people tell me. Sometimes it's even true."
The author paired up an amazing and strong heroine with a very sexy fucker who wasn't only a (former) fighter but also a very empathic and sensitive man who had love, support and understanding to offer to the nth. Physically, these two main protagonists couldn't have been more different, yet they formed a perfect couple who made their lives richer and deeper. Just unique.
"What? But that's…you're in your thirties! At least I have an excuse! That kind of makes you a loser, doesn't it?" Oh, fuck. That was a shitty thing to say.
And he made a face. But then he chuckled. "Ow, little bit. You could turn down the brutality on that honesty, if you wanted."
"Sorry. My mouth runs away."
"I know. Not the first time it's come after me."
Courtesy of Manny's unfiltered thoughts, thus related to her disorder, readers will enjoy some memorable and funny situations. I'm partial to humor; so while Manny's character is laden with difficulties, some well placed humor and snappy dialogue brightened the serious plot. As expected, Fanetti's smexy times are hot and well-written. All in all a beautiful and riveting love story that will tug at your heartstrings. I know that I wasn't the only reader who didn't enjoy Footsteps. So, if we happened to be in the same boat then I'd like to encourage you to give Touch a go because I'm rather positive it might be worth your time and money.
Recommended read.
I said in my review of Footsteps that I might give Luca's story a shot because he was the character who stood out for me in Carlo and Sabina's tale which, otherwise, didn't work out for me at all. So, here I am. Holy wow. Am I ever friggin' glad that I read Luca and Manny's story! I really enjoyed it very much.
In the first book I complained about the mob goes Sapsville aspect. In Touch, there's not much going on mob-wise. However, readers will get some action and angst towards the end and, to be honest, it was quite nasty, too. Yet, for me, I could have done without that part of Touch because I felt that Carlo and Manny's story thrived on their characters only. I loved the characterizations and while their romance was peppered with obstacles, it was also beautiful. As a matter of fact, I felt engaged pretty much throughout the entire book and I really liked the build-up and every single facet of Manny whom I found to be a kickass heroine.
Due to her disorder, Manny's brain deals best with straightforwardness and honesty, no innuendos or puns for Manny. No subtlety either. At all. Manny takes what's being said at face value and is quick to be on the defense when she doesn't get a joke and she ends up being confused easily. She really doesn't do well with reading people because her brain functions differently. Fact is, Manny is one tough and complicated cookie but her issues made her an intriguing person and I never knew that such a disorder even existed before I read her story. She's suffering from I thought the reasoning behind her disorder were explained well and heartbreaking all at once It goes without saying that I'm no expert by any means but the way her 'damaged' character had been portrayed made it relatable for me and, of course, very interesting. Therefore Touch is an intense and emotional read but it was never sappy or sugary sweet. Sure, there were sweet moments too, but the right kind of sweet that was right up my alley. I was also glad that Manny could count on her wonderful parents who did everything they could to make her life 'easier', to help her cope with her disorder.
"I'm not mad, bit. I'm scared out of my fucking mind."
Manny leaned on the doorframe. "It's gonna be okay. That's what people tell me. Sometimes it's even true."
The author paired up an amazing and strong heroine with a very sexy fucker who wasn't only a (former) fighter but also a very empathic and sensitive man who had love, support and understanding to offer to the nth. Physically, these two main protagonists couldn't have been more different, yet they formed a perfect couple who made their lives richer and deeper. Just unique.
"What? But that's…you're in your thirties! At least I have an excuse! That kind of makes you a loser, doesn't it?" Oh, fuck. That was a shitty thing to say.
And he made a face. But then he chuckled. "Ow, little bit. You could turn down the brutality on that honesty, if you wanted."
"Sorry. My mouth runs away."
"I know. Not the first time it's come after me."
Courtesy of Manny's unfiltered thoughts, thus related to her disorder, readers will enjoy some memorable and funny situations. I'm partial to humor; so while Manny's character is laden with difficulties, some well placed humor and snappy dialogue brightened the serious plot. As expected, Fanetti's smexy times are hot and well-written. All in all a beautiful and riveting love story that will tug at your heartstrings. I know that I wasn't the only reader who didn't enjoy Footsteps. So, if we happened to be in the same boat then I'd like to encourage you to give Touch a go because I'm rather positive it might be worth your time and money.
"Let me put this up. I'll clean it later. Right now, I need to carry you inside and fuck you stupid."
(…)
She nibbled on his bottom lip. "I'm pretty smart. It'll take a long time to fuck me stupid."
Recommended read.
November 17, 2014
L♥VED IT!
Touch is wicked good. Ms. Fanetti has done it again. She has created another story with unique characters. I was so immersed in the story that I even had a dream about the characters. You know how dreams are… they make sense to you until you try to verbalize them to someone else and then the dream makes you look like a crazy person.
Luca , the second oldest son, may seem rough around the edges to those who don’t know him but he is 100% devoted to those who he loves. Manny, had a rough start in life with no one to love her as a baby. Even after her adoption, at the age of 6 years old, and the love of her “family” she grows into a woman who is trapped in her body and mind wanting to be normal but not sure how to connect with those around her. Misunderstood and mistreated prevents Manny from trusting others. Luckily, for Manny, Luca isn't someone who taps out in a fight. Be it a fight in the ring or for those who he loves.
Luca’s uncomplicated life becomes complicated when his heart falls for Manny. Unstable and limited in her ability to connect with others leaves Manny misjudged. Luca’s willingness to learn to be the man that Manny needs makes Touch a powerful love story.
Around 86% I started to panic because I’m familiar with Ms. Fanetti’s writing and I wasn’t sure how this was going to end. I tweeted the author:
OMG....I'm 86%. @sfanetti, your muse is scaring me right now. I know what happened in the Signal Bend series. I can't do that again. :(
I love the response I received:
If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Fanetti you are missing out. She's gifted in creating fascinating stories with strong family bonds. Resilient, flawed characters who are brilliantly executed with heart touching, and at times heart breaking, tales are Ms. Fanetti's speciality. Touch makes the tenth book I’ve read by Ms. Fanetti and I’ve loved them all. If you like well written stories with imperfect, tough characters Ms. Fanetti’s books are an excellent choice to read.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
Meet the Pagano family:
Carlo, Sr: baby brother to Ben and Lorrie. Ben is the Don of the family; Lorrie is his right hand. He decided not to follow in his brothers' footsteps and instead stay on the right side of the law. Widower. Father to 6 adult children.
Carlo, Jr: (37 years old) responsible. Provider and family man. Does what was expected of him. Single dad.
♥♥Trey♥♥: (3 years old) Carlo's son. Abandoned by his mother.
Carmen: (36 years old) a landscape designer, free spirit, big dreamer.
Luca: (34 years old) rebel, the black sheep. Wrong side of their father. Rogue.
John: (mid 20's) quiet brooder. Quiet and sweet.
Joey: (20ish years old) goofball, the fun one, youthfully bold.
Rosa: (20 years old) spoiled, pampered baby princess of the family
SERIES:
Book 4- Deep will be released on Saturday, 20 December 2014. Preorders will be available on or about 3 December.
To keep up to date on when more books in the series will be released click here.
Touch is wicked good. Ms. Fanetti has done it again. She has created another story with unique characters. I was so immersed in the story that I even had a dream about the characters. You know how dreams are… they make sense to you until you try to verbalize them to someone else and then the dream makes you look like a crazy person.
Luca , the second oldest son, may seem rough around the edges to those who don’t know him but he is 100% devoted to those who he loves. Manny, had a rough start in life with no one to love her as a baby. Even after her adoption, at the age of 6 years old, and the love of her “family” she grows into a woman who is trapped in her body and mind wanting to be normal but not sure how to connect with those around her. Misunderstood and mistreated prevents Manny from trusting others. Luckily, for Manny, Luca isn't someone who taps out in a fight. Be it a fight in the ring or for those who he loves.
Luca’s uncomplicated life becomes complicated when his heart falls for Manny. Unstable and limited in her ability to connect with others leaves Manny misjudged. Luca’s willingness to learn to be the man that Manny needs makes Touch a powerful love story.
Around 86% I started to panic because I’m familiar with Ms. Fanetti’s writing and I wasn’t sure how this was going to end. I tweeted the author:
OMG....I'm 86%. @sfanetti, your muse is scaring me right now. I know what happened in the Signal Bend series. I can't do that again. :(
I love the response I received:
If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Fanetti you are missing out. She's gifted in creating fascinating stories with strong family bonds. Resilient, flawed characters who are brilliantly executed with heart touching, and at times heart breaking, tales are Ms. Fanetti's speciality. Touch makes the tenth book I’ve read by Ms. Fanetti and I’ve loved them all. If you like well written stories with imperfect, tough characters Ms. Fanetti’s books are an excellent choice to read.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
Meet the Pagano family:
Carlo, Sr: baby brother to Ben and Lorrie. Ben is the Don of the family; Lorrie is his right hand. He decided not to follow in his brothers' footsteps and instead stay on the right side of the law. Widower. Father to 6 adult children.
Carlo, Jr: (37 years old) responsible. Provider and family man. Does what was expected of him. Single dad.
♥♥Trey♥♥: (3 years old) Carlo's son. Abandoned by his mother.
Carmen: (36 years old) a landscape designer, free spirit, big dreamer.
Luca: (34 years old) rebel, the black sheep. Wrong side of their father. Rogue.
John: (mid 20's) quiet brooder. Quiet and sweet.
Joey: (20ish years old) goofball, the fun one, youthfully bold.
Rosa: (20 years old) spoiled, pampered baby princess of the family
SERIES:
Book 4- Deep will be released on Saturday, 20 December 2014. Preorders will be available on or about 3 December.
To keep up to date on when more books in the series will be released click here.
August 29, 2020
4.25 Stars
Susan Fanetti writes some mean epilogues.
I love it.
You know how sometimes, when you reach the 90% mark in a book, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief because everything is peachy and the book is coming to an end and you are already thinking which book you should be reading next?
You can't have that with Fanetti's books. What you can, though, is to legitimately expect mayhem and murder at the 90% mark. And you start doubting your decision to read the book. But once you do get to the conclusion and the epilogue? You melt like a pad of butter on a stack of hot blueberry pancakes.
I liked this book a lot. It deals with a difficut and heartbreaking subject matter. Honestly, I never thought about people with RAD and it never occurred to me how difficult their lives were. The author approached this topic beautifully. The heroine is kickass. And this hero perfect.
Except...
I don't know much about treatment for people with RAD but suggesting (even implicitly) that I don't know...
Susan Fanetti writes some mean epilogues.
I love it.
You know how sometimes, when you reach the 90% mark in a book, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief because everything is peachy and the book is coming to an end and you are already thinking which book you should be reading next?
You can't have that with Fanetti's books. What you can, though, is to legitimately expect mayhem and murder at the 90% mark. And you start doubting your decision to read the book. But once you do get to the conclusion and the epilogue? You melt like a pad of butter on a stack of hot blueberry pancakes.
I liked this book a lot. It deals with a difficut and heartbreaking subject matter. Honestly, I never thought about people with RAD and it never occurred to me how difficult their lives were. The author approached this topic beautifully. The heroine is kickass. And this hero perfect.
Except...
I don't know much about treatment for people with RAD but suggesting (even implicitly) that I don't know...
March 17, 2015
************************************************************
5 “Butterflies” STARS
“Touch comes before sight, before speech.
It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.” – Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin
Ms. Fanetti is a truly gifted storyteller with her original, deeply moving stories and her rich, complex, real characters that slip under your skin and bury themselves in your heart. I love the Paganos and this series just gets better and better. This one subtly blew me away with such a uniquely beautiful love story that unbeknownst to me was simmering beneath the surface, seeping into my thoughts. I found even when I was not reading, I was thinking about the story or the characters or something to do with this tale.
I was in love with Luca Pagano from Footsteps.
He’s a big, beautiful man. A straight shooter; full of fun with a devil may care attitude yet, he is seeking more.
Emmanuelle "Manny" Timko is one of a kind. I really liked her from the glimpse I got in the first book yet, my first impression was way off base. I didn't know her at all.
She's not Luca's type yet, they are perfect for each other. They both tell it like it is and have this connection that is so natural, simple and real yet utterly amazing.
"I don’t tap. I love Manny, and I don’t tap."
“Normal, my girl, is fucking overrated. You are unique. You are wonderful....You just see and feel the world in ways other people don’t understand.”
If you want a truly original story with compelling characters, action, some heartbreaking moments and tears (come on, it's Susan Fanetti, you gotta have it for a great story) that will leave you feeling content yet wanting more (in a good way)....you have to read this book. You have to read this series.
July 22, 2018
Manny is certainly a character who’s had and still has challenges in life. She suffers from Reactive Attachment Disorder and struggles with being touched and distinguish touches as loving or painful. Also her social skills are not like everyone else. She has her way of coping with her disorder and she finds comfort in Luca. Both have never been in a relationship so it’s foreign territory for both of them. He tries all he can do to meet Manny halfway and respect her boundaries but it’s a struggle with a lot of setbacks but he’s determined because of his love for her.
Touch is an emotional story and Susan Fanetti captures Manny and her disorder flawlessly. There’s many tough scenes but they had to be there to illustrate the trauma Manny has been through to cause it.
Luca and Manny were fantastic and also so much fun because of their honesty and their strength to keep on fighting to make this new relationship work.
The Pagono series keeps on wowing me and Touch is another fabulous read.
Touch is an emotional story and Susan Fanetti captures Manny and her disorder flawlessly. There’s many tough scenes but they had to be there to illustrate the trauma Manny has been through to cause it.
Luca and Manny were fantastic and also so much fun because of their honesty and their strength to keep on fighting to make this new relationship work.
The Pagono series keeps on wowing me and Touch is another fabulous read.
April 14, 2015
5++ Spiders AND Butterflies Stars
Touch is yet another amazing Susan Fanetti story with two unbelievably raw characters. To say I'm in love with this story, these characters, is an understatement. I hope everyone reads Luca & Manny's story. This author lights the writing world on FIRE. I'll forever read anything the woman publishes. I'm in awe of her talent, of the emotions she evokes from readers, of the intensity with which she takes the lives of her characters and makes them stronger, of the openness each and every one of her main characters constantly exudes and most of all I'm in awe of the way she views and portrays the human spirit.
We're not an easily breakable species of life. Susan Fanetti proves this by grabbing the bull by the horn with her words, so to speak. She thrusts you into these worlds were bullshit is unacceptable, where lies and dishonesty don't reign, where a man meets a woman and fights for her love, for her nurture to prove the infinite value of her own self worth. Luca Pagano is the Batman of the Pagano family. He's tough, he's rough, he believes in himself, his family, his convictions. Luca meets a woman so incredibly unique, so undervalued by herself he has no choice but to fall fast and fall hard. His patience, understanding, and basic, undeniable need for her is overwhelmingly beautiful. Manny's need for Luca runs so deep. Her issues are already deep and Luca throws a major wrench into her well-oiled machine. Her structured mental life-style deceives her more often than not but never with Luca. The beauty of her story is the strength she uses to face life head on every single day without regret or remorse; just a steadfast belief to work on being better. She's not shameful or shy. Her blunt, brutal honesty matches Luca's perfectly making their chemistry and connection off the charts.
Together they newly discover the pure bliss coupled with the pure agony of opening your heart and soul to another person. They find out what it means to love someone with honesty, compassion, conviction, passion, and intensity. The growth of both these characters is amazing.
Their story in Touch is not easy, but what Fanetti story ever is easy? It wouldn't be the same if this author didn't break our hearts through her characters. We crave these contemporary, dark, romance stories from her as fans. We need the juxtaposition of dark and light she strives to give us. We love to be reminded that life isn't all butterflies, the spiders are an equal component. It's amazing to read an author who believes the light always outweighs the dark knowing once a dawn of new day arrives the darkness fades making us stronger than ever.
The writing as always is beyond phenomenal. This is an exceptional story from an exceptional series written by an extraordinary author who's talent proves limitless. I learn a lesson about myself through these novels, think a little deeper about things. Touch especially reminded me of little things I shouldn't take for granted in my every day life. Through Susan's gifted storytelling, Manny made me stronger while she made herself stronger. She's incredibly brave and fearless. Another woman to emulate. Again. Amazing.
Bravo, Ms. Fanetti. Times 100.
Favorite Quote:
"Superimposed over that image was his view of this small, fierce young woman with the electric-blue eyes, laying herself out to him. A girl strong enough to learn to love despite a brain that didn't understand it, who worked hard to interact with people, even though it wore her out, and got up and did it all over again every morning. A girl strong enough to tell him her story, flat out. He looked at her saw real courage in that tiny frame."
The below quote I chose because of my LOVE for man with a beard. This author shares this love & this makes me happy ;)
"Then she bent down and kissed him, sucking his tongue into her mouth. When she released him, she was grinning. 'I love your beard.'"
Footsteps, Book One of the Pagano Family series, is also a top recommended read. Check out my review:
Footsteps
September 8, 2016
Re-read September 8, 2016; YEP!! Still love this book just as hard as Luca's tree trunk ;p
Re-read March 25, 2015; my thoughts and comments have not changed, other than if its possible, I loved it even more ;D
According to Discovery.com, the rarest & most valuable gem is the Pink Star Diamond
IMO, this book is just like a gem, and if we're measuring by way of rarity, then TOUCH ranks right up there with the Pink Star Diamond.
This story is one of the most beautiful, stunning stories I have EVER read, right down to the writing, the story telling, the characters, the depth, the heart break ...... I'm at a loss for words to describe Luca & Manny's story.
I WILL read this series again, and again, and again.
Re-read March 25, 2015; my thoughts and comments have not changed, other than if its possible, I loved it even more ;D
According to Discovery.com, the rarest & most valuable gem is the Pink Star Diamond
IMO, this book is just like a gem, and if we're measuring by way of rarity, then TOUCH ranks right up there with the Pink Star Diamond.
This story is one of the most beautiful, stunning stories I have EVER read, right down to the writing, the story telling, the characters, the depth, the heart break ...... I'm at a loss for words to describe Luca & Manny's story.
I WILL read this series again, and again, and again.
May 3, 2015
Another 5+++ star read from one of my fave authors! I am seriously in LOVE with all things Susan Fanetti!
No time to do a full review right now ...
But I just have to say - I now finally get why my friends were always talking about Luca. Swoon!
No time to do a full review right now ...
But I just have to say - I now finally get why my friends were always talking about Luca. Swoon!
February 12, 2015
5 Fantastic Butterfly Stars
“Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last, and it always tell the truth.”
Touch is a moving love story. It is a story that grips you from the very first page. It asks the question, does everyone deserve the chance at love? No matter who they are? What they have done? What they will do? What they will become?
The hero in touch is a hard bodied hot shot who has discarded the idea of love. He has love in his life from his family. They are his rock and foundation. His reason for existence is to live life to its fullest. In book 1 we see that he is slightly rocked due to his big brother finding love. Is he meant to find love as well?
Our heroine Manny is damaged. Due to my addiction to reading, I have met many damaged heroines. This one is different. This one is special. This one took hold of my heartstrings and pulled them so tight that I prayed for her to find release.
As a teacher, director, and actor, I have worked with many different types of people. Sometimes people struggle with their differences. This is the case for our heroine. She has a disorder that causes her to cringe at the feeling of touch.
“Her brain never built the connections that recognized loving touch. All touch, to her, was pain and hostility. Aggression.”
Can you even imagine living your life with out being able to touch? Surprisingly, she has no problem having a hot night of sex with someone. Just as long as the touch isn’t tender, doesn’t linger, and she must be in complete control.
Manny has an amazing support system. Despite her disability, her parents have loved her every step of the way. When Manny begins to fall hard for Luca, her mom offers her words of encouragement and support every step of the way.
“Love is hard, babe. To love like that, we make ourselves completely vulnerable. Take down all of our defenses and let one person into our very innermost self.“-Dottie
How can she possibly make a way with Luca when she cannot stand to be touched? The transformation that takes place between Manny and Luca is like one that I have never seen. Luca gives Manny everything he can. He is dying to touch her but he is willing to wait. He is willing to go with out completely. He just wants to love her. He just wants to touch her.
“Straight up, Manny, I hope that changes. I want to touch you so bad it feels like my hands are gonna come through my skin. But I can wait. I wish I understood it better, but I can wait.”- Luca
“I’m with you. Whatever happens.”- Luca
Manny struggles because her feelings for Luca continue to develop. She knows that she has feelings for him. All of a sudden things are changing for her!
These two could not be more different. Luca is structured, clean, athletic, and Manny is not. I loved reading about them entering each other’s spaces both physically and emotionally. They are both willing to do whatever it takes to make things work.
“But here he was, in a bedroom that looked like it had been decorated by an Oompa-Loompa on LSD, lying in bed with a woman who was the definition of complicated. She had made every corner of his life more difficult. She had changed it all. And he was more than content. He was fulfilled. He was in love.“-Luca
And all I can say is when these two find away to connect intimately with touch, it was the sexiest most intimate thing I have ever read! Hands down! It was beautiful and it was HOT!
“I love you, Luca . I can’t lose this. I’m so scared to lose this.” “We’ll figure it out. It’s gonna be okay.”
I think it's safe to say that this is a book that I will re-read over and over again. It brought me so much joy! The dual POV allowed me to experience first hand the emotions of both of these characters. The action is fast paced and only heightens the emotions. Fanetti is a genius. I highly recommend this book to anyone that values depth in their love stories!
“Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last, and it always tell the truth.”
Touch is a moving love story. It is a story that grips you from the very first page. It asks the question, does everyone deserve the chance at love? No matter who they are? What they have done? What they will do? What they will become?
The hero in touch is a hard bodied hot shot who has discarded the idea of love. He has love in his life from his family. They are his rock and foundation. His reason for existence is to live life to its fullest. In book 1 we see that he is slightly rocked due to his big brother finding love. Is he meant to find love as well?
Our heroine Manny is damaged. Due to my addiction to reading, I have met many damaged heroines. This one is different. This one is special. This one took hold of my heartstrings and pulled them so tight that I prayed for her to find release.
As a teacher, director, and actor, I have worked with many different types of people. Sometimes people struggle with their differences. This is the case for our heroine. She has a disorder that causes her to cringe at the feeling of touch.
“Her brain never built the connections that recognized loving touch. All touch, to her, was pain and hostility. Aggression.”
Can you even imagine living your life with out being able to touch? Surprisingly, she has no problem having a hot night of sex with someone. Just as long as the touch isn’t tender, doesn’t linger, and she must be in complete control.
Manny has an amazing support system. Despite her disability, her parents have loved her every step of the way. When Manny begins to fall hard for Luca, her mom offers her words of encouragement and support every step of the way.
“Love is hard, babe. To love like that, we make ourselves completely vulnerable. Take down all of our defenses and let one person into our very innermost self.“-Dottie
How can she possibly make a way with Luca when she cannot stand to be touched? The transformation that takes place between Manny and Luca is like one that I have never seen. Luca gives Manny everything he can. He is dying to touch her but he is willing to wait. He is willing to go with out completely. He just wants to love her. He just wants to touch her.
“Straight up, Manny, I hope that changes. I want to touch you so bad it feels like my hands are gonna come through my skin. But I can wait. I wish I understood it better, but I can wait.”- Luca
“I’m with you. Whatever happens.”- Luca
Manny struggles because her feelings for Luca continue to develop. She knows that she has feelings for him. All of a sudden things are changing for her!
These two could not be more different. Luca is structured, clean, athletic, and Manny is not. I loved reading about them entering each other’s spaces both physically and emotionally. They are both willing to do whatever it takes to make things work.
“But here he was, in a bedroom that looked like it had been decorated by an Oompa-Loompa on LSD, lying in bed with a woman who was the definition of complicated. She had made every corner of his life more difficult. She had changed it all. And he was more than content. He was fulfilled. He was in love.“-Luca
And all I can say is when these two find away to connect intimately with touch, it was the sexiest most intimate thing I have ever read! Hands down! It was beautiful and it was HOT!
“I love you, Luca . I can’t lose this. I’m so scared to lose this.” “We’ll figure it out. It’s gonna be okay.”
I think it's safe to say that this is a book that I will re-read over and over again. It brought me so much joy! The dual POV allowed me to experience first hand the emotions of both of these characters. The action is fast paced and only heightens the emotions. Fanetti is a genius. I highly recommend this book to anyone that values depth in their love stories!
December 28, 2023
2023
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go. This is another side of Ms. Fanetti.
2014
5 Blew Me Away Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I am embarrassed. I can say that because I was looking over the reviews I did for this series and couldn't believe I didn't do one for this book. I loved this entry so... In fact, this entry to the Pagano Family was so strong, it was what I measured all the other ones to... So imagine my shock when I saw I hadn't followed through with a review...
Well, years later, I am still loving this book and when I have time I will re-read it, it is that good. Luca is incredibly special in his maleness and has such insight and understanding as to how to deal with Manny. He falls hard and completely. A thing of Beauty.
And Manny- Oh My Goodness... She is a very special person...She has made herself deal with a heartbreaking condition and every day her strength supports her independence and desire to live to the fullest.
Please check out the other reviews... they all have much to add. When I get a moment to do the re-reading of this treasure, I will do a full review. But in the meantime... just know, this is a treasure.
Footsteps (Pagano Family, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-Touch (Pagano Family, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(Pagano Family, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deep (Pagano Family, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prayer (Pagano Family, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle (Pagano Family, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Pagano Family: The Complete Series (Pagano Family, #1-6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go. This is another side of Ms. Fanetti.
2014
5 Blew Me Away Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I am embarrassed. I can say that because I was looking over the reviews I did for this series and couldn't believe I didn't do one for this book. I loved this entry so... In fact, this entry to the Pagano Family was so strong, it was what I measured all the other ones to... So imagine my shock when I saw I hadn't followed through with a review...
Well, years later, I am still loving this book and when I have time I will re-read it, it is that good. Luca is incredibly special in his maleness and has such insight and understanding as to how to deal with Manny. He falls hard and completely. A thing of Beauty.
And Manny- Oh My Goodness... She is a very special person...She has made herself deal with a heartbreaking condition and every day her strength supports her independence and desire to live to the fullest.
Please check out the other reviews... they all have much to add. When I get a moment to do the re-reading of this treasure, I will do a full review. But in the meantime... just know, this is a treasure.
Footsteps (Pagano Family, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-Touch (Pagano Family, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(Pagano Family, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deep (Pagano Family, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prayer (Pagano Family, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle (Pagano Family, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Pagano Family: The Complete Series (Pagano Family, #1-6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 28, 2015
This one is the strongest among the Pagano Family series. Luca Pagano is the bad boy, the rebel. I had a weakness for such man. What make this one so different is the heroine, Manny, who suffer a rare mental problem.
Manny is a short little petite young lady who had reactive attachment disorder and difficulty in interpreting people emotion. She don't understand hidden meaning or innuendo. Actually she felt pretty much like most of the autism characters that I read before. The main difference is, she is susceptible to violence when she is having one of her major breakdown.
Due to her condition and the need to be brutally honest, this bring forth many hilarious and surreal conversation between her and Luca. Plenty of WTF and LoL moments.
Luca is a the kind of harmless bad boy who enjoying his single life. His encounter with Manny make him intrigue with her colorful personality. He can't keep this weird girl out of his mind.
I totally get what makes Luca want to be with Manny. But this girl don't know how to love someone and never been in a relationship before. Everything to her is foreign and she don't even like people touching her. The whole no touching rules she impose on Luca felt too much to me. It reminds me of the TV series Pushing Daisies whereby if Lee Pace ever touch his girlfriend, she will drop dead.
Back to Luca and Manny, their relationship is totally out of norm and I love seeing how they become such an intimate item. But honestly, I felt that Luca is working too hard for it. He is the kind of guy who can get whoever he want, but he seems to suffer so much to be with this difficult girl. If you like reading such a patient, giving and accepting guy, Luca is your man.
Manny is a short little petite young lady who had reactive attachment disorder and difficulty in interpreting people emotion. She don't understand hidden meaning or innuendo. Actually she felt pretty much like most of the autism characters that I read before. The main difference is, she is susceptible to violence when she is having one of her major breakdown.
Due to her condition and the need to be brutally honest, this bring forth many hilarious and surreal conversation between her and Luca. Plenty of WTF and LoL moments.
Luca is a the kind of harmless bad boy who enjoying his single life. His encounter with Manny make him intrigue with her colorful personality. He can't keep this weird girl out of his mind.
I totally get what makes Luca want to be with Manny. But this girl don't know how to love someone and never been in a relationship before. Everything to her is foreign and she don't even like people touching her. The whole no touching rules she impose on Luca felt too much to me. It reminds me of the TV series Pushing Daisies whereby if Lee Pace ever touch his girlfriend, she will drop dead.
Back to Luca and Manny, their relationship is totally out of norm and I love seeing how they become such an intimate item. But honestly, I felt that Luca is working too hard for it. He is the kind of guy who can get whoever he want, but he seems to suffer so much to be with this difficult girl. If you like reading such a patient, giving and accepting guy, Luca is your man.
August 18, 2016
5 "Luca-licious" ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
What a total surprise this was. I could kick myself because I'd put this on a back burner for a while. I'm totally blown away by Manny & Luca's story. It had all the feels I like in a book (apart from the crying, which I'm sort of coming around to.) I cried for Manny because her back story was heartbreaking, and I just wept for what she'd been dealt. I also cried at how Dottie & Adam had loved her and cared for her, even though it cost them grately. I simply can't comprehend how anyone could do what they did to her. I was a mess. That is until Big Luca-licious turns up and pushes her out of her comfort zone.
Luca, Luca, Luca, what a man/beast!. I fell for him almost instantly. He was so well written, and perfect for Manny...but, Manny doesn't like to be touched, which poses a pretty big problem. The things Luca did for her went above and beyond what most men would do. I cried at a certain part that really made me THINK because I never saw it that way, and that REALLY made me think, thanks to Dottie. Truly this book is bursting at the seams with depth, strength, passion, love...and family. That's key to this series - family. And this family is in need of respite. But that wouldn't make for good reading, would it?. The Pagano family is tested again in book 2. I've loved every word.
What a total surprise this was. I could kick myself because I'd put this on a back burner for a while. I'm totally blown away by Manny & Luca's story. It had all the feels I like in a book (apart from the crying, which I'm sort of coming around to.) I cried for Manny because her back story was heartbreaking, and I just wept for what she'd been dealt. I also cried at how Dottie & Adam had loved her and cared for her, even though it cost them grately. I simply can't comprehend how anyone could do what they did to her. I was a mess. That is until Big Luca-licious turns up and pushes her out of her comfort zone.
Luca, Luca, Luca, what a man/beast!. I fell for him almost instantly. He was so well written, and perfect for Manny...but, Manny doesn't like to be touched, which poses a pretty big problem. The things Luca did for her went above and beyond what most men would do. I cried at a certain part that really made me THINK because I never saw it that way, and that REALLY made me think, thanks to Dottie. Truly this book is bursting at the seams with depth, strength, passion, love...and family. That's key to this series - family. And this family is in need of respite. But that wouldn't make for good reading, would it?. The Pagano family is tested again in book 2. I've loved every word.
June 18, 2015
5 ★★★★★
"You're butterflies. Everybody else is spiders."
What's in a touch? It's a simple thing right? It can provide comfort to those who give and receive it out of love. It can provide pain to those who receive it when given to them out of hate. But what if you couldn't distinguish between the two? Touch no longer becomes simple, it's complex like a puzzle that needs to be solved. Filling the brain daily with just that simply task. Ms. Fanetti brilliantly explores this concept. She delves into the psyche of two individuals who struggle to find the balance.
This is the second book in the Pagano Family series and I loved it just as much as the first (read my review for Footsteps (Pagano Family # 1)). Susan Fanetti developed two complex and complicated characters within a plot that was contrastingly beautiful. The vulnerability of these characters was a divergence from their hard edges and rough persona's.
The ONE character that I (and most other readers) wanted to read about most after Footsteps was LUCA! Ms. Fanetti must have known she created a heart-throb, whom women would desire more of because she wrote her follow-up book about him! THANK YOU! XO Let me say now, that I declare my undying love for Luca Pagano! His unwavering love for Manny was so swoon-worthy, I couldn't get enough! Again, I think the reason this worked so much for me was because we see a side of him that we don't expect to see, his vulnerability.
"You can't know how hard it is to love a girl who hates that love like poison."
Luca first meets Manny at his brother's wedding in Footsteps where she was the manager of the band that performed. The second time he meets her it is again at work, but under a different name, and a different job. Luca is intrigued by the girl with the fiery spirit and smart mouth. She's very far away from his "normal type of girl", blonde, boobs and calm dispositions... she's tiny, 4'11 with dark hair and a fiery personality. He's not the settling down type, one night stands are his specialty. He's 34, works for his father and loves his life. Or so he thought. But as things change around him, his brother's marriage, his father's seeming relationship with the neighbor, and now this spit fire of a woman entered his life, he begins looking at his life.
"Two things I know can make any man rethink his life. Death or a woman."
Manny is strong and sassy. In her late 20's, she's struggling to maneuver in a world that is still unknown to her. Her brain never built the connections that recognize love, complex speech, emotions etc. She has to constantly examine what's going on around her to figure out what everything means. This reinforces her need to be in control of everything. Because when she's in control, there are no questions, there is nothing that needs to be figured out. This leads to some funny scenes and steamy ones...just imagine Luca, not being in control.
"I want to touch you so bad it feels like my hands are going to come through my skin. But I can wait. I wish I understood it better, but I can wait."
I have so much more I want to say, and yet I don't want to say much more, because it would be so easy to spoil this book. There are many great quotes, that I think I will share instead:
"You're not so easy to forget. I like being with you. I think about you when I'm not. I f*ckin' dream about you, and that's a first. So I'm with you. Unless you want me gone."
another from Luca: ♥
"I don't tap. I love Manny, and I don't tap."
Manny:
"I'm your manifest destiny." ⟵ Love that
Rooted (The Pagano Family #3) is Carmen's story and will be uploaded for pre-order on October 22, 2014 and released November 8th 2014. Cover reveal and blurb on October 22nd as well. For a teaser of Rooted, click here.
November 3, 2022
Beautiful!!!! Book 2 of this Pagano family series and it stole my heart!!! I definitely felt very neutral about book 1, not sure how to classify the author or style. But I know sometimes you need a little groundwork to really lay out a good family dynamic and storyline. This author also says she likes to write each of her books within a series differently - and that was evident in this book!
While book 1 footsteps, was soft, had a sad grit to it, but didn't create many feels for me - this book Touch was sooooo my favorite groove - I love when broken souls find and help heal each other...probably my top favorite trope or whatever you would call it!! I loved Manny and Luca, I loved the psych aspect of the storyline and all the feels that came along with these 2 working it out! I couldn't put it down!!!! I'm ready to see what book 3, rooted about sister Carmen has going on!!!
While book 1 footsteps, was soft, had a sad grit to it, but didn't create many feels for me - this book Touch was sooooo my favorite groove - I love when broken souls find and help heal each other...probably my top favorite trope or whatever you would call it!! I loved Manny and Luca, I loved the psych aspect of the storyline and all the feels that came along with these 2 working it out! I couldn't put it down!!!! I'm ready to see what book 3, rooted about sister Carmen has going on!!!
June 24, 2018
Reread June 2018
January 28, 2025
Spoilers ahead 3.5* mostly for Manny
Manny is a masseuse who suffers from reactive attention disorder, she's had to work very hard and endure a lot just to get to this stage of her life. She meets Luca Pagano when she takes over for another masseuse and her life changes forever.
Luca was a MMA fighter before his knee was destroyed, now he's working with his family in the construction business. He's never wanted a family or to settle down. Meeting Manny changes him forever, but the "other" side of the Pagano family have called in their marker. Now Luca must go undercover back in the fights as a trainer to his cousin to stop a fraudulent fight ring. Unfortunately his uncles underestimated just how far those people would go to keep their ring running, now Luca is scrambling to keep himself and his family safe.
*******
First of all OMFG I Loved Manny!!!!!! She had many issues due to her RAD, she didn't like to be touched and could spiral into violence. Her long history of struggling with her diagnosis broke my heart but she was so strong too. The things that came out her mouth had me cackling. One of my most favourite FMC ever.
Luca, ah Luca he was absolutely fantastic with Manny, patient, kind, loving and sticking with her through all her struggles BUT......this was our introduction to Luca
“Oh, fuck! Luca, fuck. God, yeah!”
***Spoiler alert that's not the h he was fucking!!!!
Luca may have been the biggest manwhore I've ever read, or maybe I was reminded so many times of his whoring that that's what stood out to me about Luca most.... especially at the beginning. He had sex with that OW, then set up a massage with another woman he sometimes fucked only he met the h instead. Still after that Luca met yet another woman that he sometimes fucked and was planning to go home with her but was interrupted. That's 3 women that he had on rotation. Over and over we're told how much if a disgusting horn dog he is. Idk if these things are to show a contrast to how different he was with the h but it was a whole fuck of a lot!!! He was so great with the h though that I tolerated him. Even after meeting the h and kissing her and taking her on a date he still went of with OW next day and kissed her. He contemplated taking her home but ultimately wasn't into it. The h saw him kissing OW 🤦🏿♀️
Manny had a lot of issues and struggles to overcome because of her RAD, she didn't know how to read people properly and touch to her felt like spiders crawling on her. She had violent episodes and one such incident resulted in her stabbing herself and slashing Luca. It was painful to read but he stood by her throughout.
We get some drama thrown in when Luca goes undercover for his mafia uncles and both he and Manny are badly beaten as a lesson to his uncles. It's implied she was assaulted but not raped.
At one point Manny took drugs to help with her being able to be touched by the H. I'm not sure if that actually works but taking Molly was a no no for me
All in all I loved this book because of the H, I don't know how realistic her struggles are but it was well written to me and I just wanted Manny to get her HEA. She had a turnaround after her beating and was able to accept Luca touching her, idk how I felt about that tbh it kinda felt like when good dick is used as a cure all. Nevertheless Manny was in therapy and had been struggling for so long I just rolled with it.
I had highlights on almost every page of this book.......but this review is long enough 😂
***In one scene Luca was tied up and Manny had sex with him without a condom. He did not want this and told her no. Because of her issues she didn't quite understand the situation. Her mom in explaining what she did wrong called it rape. In another book by this author there was a similar scenario. Idk why this needs to be included 😑
********
H was a ginormous manwhore,
Sex with ow on page🖕🏿
Numerous references to his previous whoring
He attempted to hook up with OW twice after meeting the h
h had hooked up with guys over the years, she'd never been in a relationship
Violence
Both mcs were kidnapped and brutally beaten
Manny is a masseuse who suffers from reactive attention disorder, she's had to work very hard and endure a lot just to get to this stage of her life. She meets Luca Pagano when she takes over for another masseuse and her life changes forever.
Luca was a MMA fighter before his knee was destroyed, now he's working with his family in the construction business. He's never wanted a family or to settle down. Meeting Manny changes him forever, but the "other" side of the Pagano family have called in their marker. Now Luca must go undercover back in the fights as a trainer to his cousin to stop a fraudulent fight ring. Unfortunately his uncles underestimated just how far those people would go to keep their ring running, now Luca is scrambling to keep himself and his family safe.
*******
First of all OMFG I Loved Manny!!!!!! She had many issues due to her RAD, she didn't like to be touched and could spiral into violence. Her long history of struggling with her diagnosis broke my heart but she was so strong too. The things that came out her mouth had me cackling. One of my most favourite FMC ever.
Luca, ah Luca he was absolutely fantastic with Manny, patient, kind, loving and sticking with her through all her struggles BUT......this was our introduction to Luca
“Oh, fuck! Luca, fuck. God, yeah!”
***Spoiler alert that's not the h he was fucking!!!!
Luca may have been the biggest manwhore I've ever read, or maybe I was reminded so many times of his whoring that that's what stood out to me about Luca most.... especially at the beginning. He had sex with that OW, then set up a massage with another woman he sometimes fucked only he met the h instead. Still after that Luca met yet another woman that he sometimes fucked and was planning to go home with her but was interrupted. That's 3 women that he had on rotation. Over and over we're told how much if a disgusting horn dog he is. Idk if these things are to show a contrast to how different he was with the h but it was a whole fuck of a lot!!! He was so great with the h though that I tolerated him. Even after meeting the h and kissing her and taking her on a date he still went of with OW next day and kissed her. He contemplated taking her home but ultimately wasn't into it. The h saw him kissing OW 🤦🏿♀️
Manny had a lot of issues and struggles to overcome because of her RAD, she didn't know how to read people properly and touch to her felt like spiders crawling on her. She had violent episodes and one such incident resulted in her stabbing herself and slashing Luca. It was painful to read but he stood by her throughout.
We get some drama thrown in when Luca goes undercover for his mafia uncles and both he and Manny are badly beaten as a lesson to his uncles. It's implied she was assaulted but not raped.
At one point Manny took drugs to help with her being able to be touched by the H. I'm not sure if that actually works but taking Molly was a no no for me
All in all I loved this book because of the H, I don't know how realistic her struggles are but it was well written to me and I just wanted Manny to get her HEA. She had a turnaround after her beating and was able to accept Luca touching her, idk how I felt about that tbh it kinda felt like when good dick is used as a cure all. Nevertheless Manny was in therapy and had been struggling for so long I just rolled with it.
I had highlights on almost every page of this book.......but this review is long enough 😂
***In one scene Luca was tied up and Manny had sex with him without a condom. He did not want this and told her no. Because of her issues she didn't quite understand the situation. Her mom in explaining what she did wrong called it rape. In another book by this author there was a similar scenario. Idk why this needs to be included 😑
********
H was a ginormous manwhore,
Sex with ow on page🖕🏿
Numerous references to his previous whoring
He attempted to hook up with OW twice after meeting the h
h had hooked up with guys over the years, she'd never been in a relationship
Violence
Both mcs were kidnapped and brutally beaten
April 12, 2019
Review to come but I’m loving these Pagano’s❤️
October 4, 2014
Yes! So excited about this one coming out!! Happy Dance!! :D
This was more like a 10 Star read for me! I LOVED IT! Unique, original, great characters, great plot, loved couldn't hardly put it down other than I had to make life happen too,lol.
more review to come:D
This was more like a 10 Star read for me! I LOVED IT! Unique, original, great characters, great plot, loved couldn't hardly put it down other than I had to make life happen too,lol.
more review to come:D
April 2, 2016
5 - butterflies - starts!
Fantastic book, of course she did it again!
this is gonna be the shortest of my-non-review reviews.
LUCA story didn't disappoint, but honestly since the havoc incident (from signal bend), I always have my guard up reading her books, expecting the worst. Surely it's gonna fade with time.
Fantastic book, of course she did it again!
this is gonna be the shortest of my-non-review reviews.
LUCA story didn't disappoint, but honestly since the havoc incident (from signal bend), I always have my guard up reading her books, expecting the worst. Surely it's gonna fade with time.
December 16, 2018
While this branch of the Pagano family is not the mafia, the Uncles are always lurking in the shadows.
Our main characters, Emmanuel (a.k.a Manny) and Luca have an unconventional beginning and a bumpy bumpy ride to their HEA. A lot of this story revolves around Manny's illness, Reactive Attachment Disorder. She was adopted at the age of six from a Ukrainian orphanage had rarely been touched and when she was touched it was cruel. Enter Luca Pagano, his patience and perseverance wins beautiful Manny's heart but not without some big bumps, mainly caused when the Uncles call in Luca's marker. All in all an interesting and exciting story.
Our main characters, Emmanuel (a.k.a Manny) and Luca have an unconventional beginning and a bumpy bumpy ride to their HEA. A lot of this story revolves around Manny's illness, Reactive Attachment Disorder. She was adopted at the age of six from a Ukrainian orphanage had rarely been touched and when she was touched it was cruel. Enter Luca Pagano, his patience and perseverance wins beautiful Manny's heart but not without some big bumps, mainly caused when the Uncles call in Luca's marker. All in all an interesting and exciting story.
January 16, 2016
Please….please don’t hate me for the rating as I’m huge, huge fan of Susan Fanetti. I love all of her work, but found Touch to be a bit disappointing. Not because of how it was written or even the quality but mainly the focal point. I thought Touch would dive more into the Pagano family dynasty not into mental illness and the issues that arises from it.
“Spiders. Arachnids. How do you feel about them?” His forehead creased again, but he answered. “Uh, I guess…not great. I mean, I’m not a girl about ‘em, but I’d rather not have ‘em crawling on me. That threw me a curve.” He looked up. “I got one dangling over my head or something?” She laughed—he, in fact, looked a little scared to her as he scanned the ceiling. “No, but that’s how touch feels to me. When somebody touches me, even if I’m ready for it, my body does that thing when a spider is crawling on you. When I’m not ready, it’s like the spider’s feet are electrified.”
Emmanuelle “Manny” Timko suffers from reactive attachment disorder or RAD. It’s a rare but serious condition in which an infant or young child doesn't establish healthy attachments with parents or caregivers. It was difficult reading Luca becoming involved with Manny and them fighting to have a semi balanced relationship, when all I’m craving is the action and violence Susan Fanetti is known to deliver. At times I was bored and I’d hope the author would move the events along. I hope this doesn’t discourage you from reading Touch, because it is really is good! Who knows maybe you’ll think differently and rate higher.
“You’re butterflies. Everybody else is spiders.”
“Spiders. Arachnids. How do you feel about them?” His forehead creased again, but he answered. “Uh, I guess…not great. I mean, I’m not a girl about ‘em, but I’d rather not have ‘em crawling on me. That threw me a curve.” He looked up. “I got one dangling over my head or something?” She laughed—he, in fact, looked a little scared to her as he scanned the ceiling. “No, but that’s how touch feels to me. When somebody touches me, even if I’m ready for it, my body does that thing when a spider is crawling on you. When I’m not ready, it’s like the spider’s feet are electrified.”
Emmanuelle “Manny” Timko suffers from reactive attachment disorder or RAD. It’s a rare but serious condition in which an infant or young child doesn't establish healthy attachments with parents or caregivers. It was difficult reading Luca becoming involved with Manny and them fighting to have a semi balanced relationship, when all I’m craving is the action and violence Susan Fanetti is known to deliver. At times I was bored and I’d hope the author would move the events along. I hope this doesn’t discourage you from reading Touch, because it is really is good! Who knows maybe you’ll think differently and rate higher.
“You’re butterflies. Everybody else is spiders.”
October 4, 2014
Title: Touch (Pagano Family #2)
Series: Yes
Author: Susan Fanetti
Rating: 5 Spider & Butterfly stars
POV: Dual
HEA:
Heat/Steam 4/5
Triggers?
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .No.
Über Douchebagery .No.
Taboo Subject Matter .No.
Cheating:
Love Triangle
Dear Susan Fanetti,
You fucking own me.
Lillie Arcado & Manny Timko are honestly my absolute favorite heroines.
I'm going pull a white girl moment and leave this review at "I can't even..."
Because I just can't even explain how much I loved this book. After not being so crazy about book 1 I was hesitant about continuing the series but decided I'd stay true my love of Fanetti's books. I'm so glad I did because this one just topped this years favorites list.
Sincerely,
Your loyal fan.
All hail.
October 10, 2014
I really liked it, but I love her style of writing any way. Am excited to read Carmen's story.
November 28, 2014
*** 5 "Butterflies Everywhere" Stars***
I loved the first book in the Pagano Family series, Footsteps and couldn't wait to read this one.
Touch is such a different book.
Luca Pagano, who was a drool-worthy bastard in Book 1, is the hero of this book. I love when a bad boy who thinks he has no room in his life or his heart for love falls hard, and
If you loved the gentle love story that built between Carlo, Jr. and Sabina in Footsteps, be prepared. This is not a gentle love story. But it is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever read, about two strong people with honest failings who would fight to their last breath for each other.
I loved the first book in the Pagano Family series, Footsteps and couldn't wait to read this one.
Touch is such a different book.
Luca Pagano, who was a drool-worthy bastard in Book 1, is the hero of this book. I love when a bad boy who thinks he has no room in his life or his heart for love falls hard, and
If you loved the gentle love story that built between Carlo, Jr. and Sabina in Footsteps, be prepared. This is not a gentle love story. But it is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever read, about two strong people with honest failings who would fight to their last breath for each other.
September 27, 2014
Way, way better than the first book in the series! I really enjoyed both main characters, and her disability (or whatever you should call it) gives the whole thing an interesting spin. Funny, in most typical romances it would be the man who has the problem with closeness and the woman breaking through... I love that it's the opposite here, without the man turning into a pussy. He's absolutely macho in fact. And definitely sexy.
Also, Fanetti nailed most of the important details about Rhode Island, which can't be easy for an outsider to do. I fist pumped when John asked for "jimmies" on top, because nobody uses that word outside of New England. Ok, so, yeah the Providence Flea in reality is a tiny and utterly genteel affair that would alarm no one, and aside from one short block, there are basically no row houses on the East Side. But those are microscopic errors.
So, this was a good book. I can see it as a reread someday.
Keep 'em coming Susan!
Also, Fanetti nailed most of the important details about Rhode Island, which can't be easy for an outsider to do. I fist pumped when John asked for "jimmies" on top, because nobody uses that word outside of New England. Ok, so, yeah the Providence Flea in reality is a tiny and utterly genteel affair that would alarm no one, and aside from one short block, there are basically no row houses on the East Side. But those are microscopic errors.
So, this was a good book. I can see it as a reread someday.
Keep 'em coming Susan!
Read
September 21, 2020This one didn't work for me.
Hero is a man-whore.
Intimate scenes with other woman at the start.
Heroine witnesses him kissing other woman after the Hero and heroine have sex, he says he tried to have sex with other woman but didn't work.
The heroine has issues so she too doesn't do relationships.
HEA.
Hero is a man-whore.
Intimate scenes with other woman at the start.
Heroine witnesses him kissing other woman after the Hero and heroine have sex, he says he tried to have sex with other woman but didn't work.
The heroine has issues so she too doesn't do relationships.
HEA.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 19, 2019
July 2019 -- Reread, upgraded to 5 Stars
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November 2017 - 4 Stars
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November 2017 - 4 Stars
July 24, 2018
Literally sitting on my kindle forever... this was intense and oddly sweet. It deals with mental health in such a real way. What it’s like for someone who doesn’t think or feel the way everyone else feels. How they fall in love and how they deal with affection. And I absolutely loved Luca. This family is awesome
October 13, 2014
I feel like I'm on repeat each time I review one of Fanetti's books. It was just gut wrenching and emotional to read this book. I was depressed through the 60% mark. The author took a very deep subject RAD (Reactive attachment disorder) and wrote a touching romance about a young woman who has the disorder. When I read book 1 in this series I fell in love with Luca. He was the totally hot alpha male who worked in construction and had all of the women dropping their panties. I certainly wasn't expecting Luca to be tied up with someone like Manny. The description of Manny's years in the orphanage were heartbreaking. Luca's determination to stick with Manny made me want to cry for him and I did on several occasions when Manny would rage or have a melt down. At 50% I was ready to throw the Kindle away. But I'm glad I stuck in there. If I had to rate Fanetti's ability to write about such a topic and drag the reader threw a multitude of emotions, my rating would be a 5+. If I had to rate how I felt about the actual story it would be a 3. So I'm picking the 4 stars because even though I was sad through much of the book, Fanetti (as usual) is the queen for having the ability to wring those emotions out of me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2016
After being slightly disappointed in Footsteps (Pagano Family book 1) the Susan Fanetti I've grown to love in her Night Horde books is definitely emerging in this second instalment. Great characters in Luca the second Pagano brother and Emmanuelle (Manny) Timko a woman damaged by a terrible childhood. Fanetti 's handling of a severe mental illness is sensitive without sugar coating or shying away from the difficulties that a family and a relationship would experience. Add to the mix the ever present danger from the mobster branch of the family and you have the type of novel that Fanetti excels in getting to the heart of her characters living through extraordinary circumstances.
4.5 ★
4.5 ★
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