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Pagano Family #3
Rooted
When her mother died, Carmen stepped into her shoes and became the woman of the family, shouldering much of the responsibility for raising her two youngest siblings and keeping the family running. Even though Joey and Rosa are now grown, she’s found it difficult to let that role go.
When Rosa graduates from college, Carmen takes her to Europe for the summer. She means the trip as not simply a gift, but a way to strengthen their bond as sisters and to help Rosa, the youngest sibling and the pampered family princess, become a more fully-realized adult. She has no intention of spending time with anyone but her sister.
Writer and widower Theo Wilde is living in Paris for several months, with the mission to write his next book. His grown sons, worried that he is too much alone, push him into the city to meet someone new. He’s not enthusiastic, but he makes a promise to try. It’s Carmen he meets.
What begins as a summer fling against the beautiful, romantic backdrop of Paris becomes something that neither of them expected, something Carmen is not prepared for. She has always placed her family first, but to be with Theo, she’ll need to stretch beyond her roots and grow.
Note: explicit sex, some violence.
When Rosa graduates from college, Carmen takes her to Europe for the summer. She means the trip as not simply a gift, but a way to strengthen their bond as sisters and to help Rosa, the youngest sibling and the pampered family princess, become a more fully-realized adult. She has no intention of spending time with anyone but her sister.
Writer and widower Theo Wilde is living in Paris for several months, with the mission to write his next book. His grown sons, worried that he is too much alone, push him into the city to meet someone new. He’s not enthusiastic, but he makes a promise to try. It’s Carmen he meets.
What begins as a summer fling against the beautiful, romantic backdrop of Paris becomes something that neither of them expected, something Carmen is not prepared for. She has always placed her family first, but to be with Theo, she’ll need to stretch beyond her roots and grow.
Note: explicit sex, some violence.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2014
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,420 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 54 reviews
November 14, 2014
2 disappointing stars. DNF @83%. Review posted November 14, 2014
My final update @83 % says all. Well…almost. I'll be a bit more specific in my review.
The crude, vulgar and judgmental bitch of a heroine did me in. To be fair, I didn't like the hero either. Both of them and certain plot twists killed this story for me.
I can only hope that book #4 in the series will make up for Rooted. Fact is, I didn't like Footsteps but enjoyed Touch very much. This third installment, however, was once again a pretty huge disappointment.
There was actually nothing really wrong with the writing except that it was a bit cheesy a few times but otherwise I thought it was quite all right. The problem was that it did not engage me and the first 44 % of the story were too boring. Rooted also failed in regards of the characters and the lame and overdone plot twists. Also, I did not like Rosa. I'm not interested to deal with a spoiled, whiny and drunken "little girl" who has yet to grow up. Though she miraculously seemed to come around when she But that kinda happened off page, so it didn't really satisfy me. The fifty-year-old hero calling the thirty-seven-year-old Carmen beautiful girl was awkward and ridiculous. It really got on my nerves.
"I love you, beautiful girl. Make love with me."
Just…no. Make that a big fat NO.
Theo's constant smiles and laughs and all the dimples here and there annoyed me. I love, love older characters but I'm sorry to say that I didn't find Theo particularly sexy or hot. I didn't even find him intriguing. He came off as absurd, intrusive and desperate when he met Carmen for the first time. Well, saying that he hadn't been on the market for the last thirty or so years didn't really help to make him more endearing either. Sheesh, he acted like a bull in a china shop. On the other hand, we have a heroine who's incredibly unlikable and very, very crude and very, very bitchy.
And, what really annoyed me was the fact that both MCs were drunk one too many times for my liking.
Very early into Rooted I thought that Theo should Though I guess it's always easy to criticize as an onlooker. Regardless, 40 % into the story and nothing really happened that would have been worth mentioning. That's just not good. Everything felt a bit 'blah'.
Well, like I already said the boredom lasted up until the 45 % mark. Then our "dear" heroine Carmen said to Theo
A chronology of events:
First 44 %:
Nothing of importance happened. They met in Paris and then it was more or less "blah".
At 46 %:
See? She's a crude, vulgar and judgmental bitch and I wanted to slap her too. It's a bad idea to sink to her low level, though.
At 56 %:
How lame is that???
But it gets better yet:
Sooooo…she I am so done with THAT.
At 63 %:
Are you fucking kidding me? That. Is. All??? She acted like the biggest bitch and then Bite me!
At 68 %:
Period.
At 77%:
Drama, drama, drama.
Shut the f@ck up, you stupid bitch! Geez…and then she I can't say how much I disliked this friggin' bitch of a "heroine".
Bottom line, I truly love me some strong heroine but Carmen was nothing but a bitchy drama queen. The hero didn't really appeal to me either and the bland plot twists didn't do anything for me, so I decided to cut my losses at 83 %. It was late, I know, but better late than never. Nick's story is up next. I just hope he's going to make up for the failures of Rooted.
My final update @83 % says all. Well…almost. I'll be a bit more specific in my review.
The crude, vulgar and judgmental bitch of a heroine did me in. To be fair, I didn't like the hero either. Both of them and certain plot twists killed this story for me.
I can only hope that book #4 in the series will make up for Rooted. Fact is, I didn't like Footsteps but enjoyed Touch very much. This third installment, however, was once again a pretty huge disappointment.
There was actually nothing really wrong with the writing except that it was a bit cheesy a few times but otherwise I thought it was quite all right. The problem was that it did not engage me and the first 44 % of the story were too boring. Rooted also failed in regards of the characters and the lame and overdone plot twists. Also, I did not like Rosa. I'm not interested to deal with a spoiled, whiny and drunken "little girl" who has yet to grow up. Though she miraculously seemed to come around when she But that kinda happened off page, so it didn't really satisfy me. The fifty-year-old hero calling the thirty-seven-year-old Carmen beautiful girl was awkward and ridiculous. It really got on my nerves.
"I love you, beautiful girl. Make love with me."
Just…no. Make that a big fat NO.
Theo's constant smiles and laughs and all the dimples here and there annoyed me. I love, love older characters but I'm sorry to say that I didn't find Theo particularly sexy or hot. I didn't even find him intriguing. He came off as absurd, intrusive and desperate when he met Carmen for the first time. Well, saying that he hadn't been on the market for the last thirty or so years didn't really help to make him more endearing either. Sheesh, he acted like a bull in a china shop. On the other hand, we have a heroine who's incredibly unlikable and very, very crude and very, very bitchy.
And, what really annoyed me was the fact that both MCs were drunk one too many times for my liking.
Very early into Rooted I thought that Theo should Though I guess it's always easy to criticize as an onlooker. Regardless, 40 % into the story and nothing really happened that would have been worth mentioning. That's just not good. Everything felt a bit 'blah'.
Well, like I already said the boredom lasted up until the 45 % mark. Then our "dear" heroine Carmen said to Theo
A chronology of events:
First 44 %:
Nothing of importance happened. They met in Paris and then it was more or less "blah".
At 46 %:
See? She's a crude, vulgar and judgmental bitch and I wanted to slap her too. It's a bad idea to sink to her low level, though.
At 56 %:
How lame is that???
But it gets better yet:
Sooooo…she I am so done with THAT.
At 63 %:
Are you fucking kidding me? That. Is. All??? She acted like the biggest bitch and then Bite me!
At 68 %:
Period.
At 77%:
Drama, drama, drama.
Shut the f@ck up, you stupid bitch! Geez…and then she I can't say how much I disliked this friggin' bitch of a "heroine".
Bottom line, I truly love me some strong heroine but Carmen was nothing but a bitchy drama queen. The hero didn't really appeal to me either and the bland plot twists didn't do anything for me, so I decided to cut my losses at 83 %. It was late, I know, but better late than never. Nick's story is up next. I just hope he's going to make up for the failures of Rooted.
May 19, 2015
FANETTI FOR THE WIN
I was holding out on reading this book because it's the only Susan Fanetti book I hadn’t read yet. When it was released I was in the middle of another series and by the time my schedule cleared up the next book happened to be out so I just skipped this one and went straight into ‘Deep.’ In the back of my mind it was comforting knowing I had one more Fanetti book I still needed to read. Now, that I’ve finished this book I have to wait until she releases her next book in June to read more books by her.
Carmen is a tough one to love. I knew from the two previous books that Carmen is an acquired taste. She is b*tchy and resentful. Wow, even writing that makes me feel bad because we know from the other two books why she has this hard outer shell; she gave up her life to come back and raise her two younger siblings after their mother died. Her father giving her eldest brother the family home, they grew up in, was the icing on the cake for Carmen’s pity party. But here’s the thing Theo doesn’t see her the same way...he sees her as a woman who is afraid. ”You’re afraid of letting your family down. You’re afraid of living your life on your terms. You’re afraid to let yourself be happy. And you’re afraid to let yourself love. You’re afraid of all of it. I see it every day, in everything you do.”
What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. Remember that song from Salt ‘n’ Pepa? That pretty much sums up Theo…. he’s a good man; widower, father, poet, and professor. ’His job was to reach into people’s heads and draw pictures on their brains.’ I love that description so much because it is exactly what Ms. Fanetti does with her stories.
The underlying plot of moving on was subtle but profound. Theo is a widower who has been given another chance at love. For Carmen Theo is her one and only great love but she's not his "only." Her insecurities about competing for his love with his deceased wife shone bright, as mine would too if I was in her shoes. Theo’s words to her are from The Great Gatsby: ”There are all kinds of love in the world, but never the same love twice.” I agree with that statement that each love is unique.
The Pagano family and Wilde family are both a compassionate clan. Theo’s grown sons added a lot of depth to the story. The way they supported their dad was endearing. I love that they never once tried to make their dad feel anything but their love and support about finding someone to share his life with now that their mother has passed away (5 years prior).
I’ve always been a big fan of the Pagano family, all the siblings and their father make me wish I wasn’t an only child. The moments Carmen spent with her father getting his advice brought me to tears. Of course, I can’t forget the times Carmen had heart-to-hearts with her eldest brother, Carlo. They made me envious of their relationship. Growing up I wanted an older brother to look up to and Carmen is blessed to have that with Carlo.
Rooted planted itself deep in my soul and endeared me to this couples love story. The story felt like it had many special connections to the author since Theo is a writer. I loved getting to see a little bit of author when I would read about Theo and his thought process. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story because Carmen holds everyone at arm's length but after reading it it has become another FANETTI FAVORITE of mine.
”Love is not disposable. It’s something you fight for. It’s something you cling to even when literally every other possible choice would be easier.” -Jordan (Theo's youngest son)
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
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: (38 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: (37 years old) a landscape designer, free spirit, big dreamer.
Luca: (35 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
Nick: (45 years old) only child to Lorrie. In control at all times, powerful, mysterious and aloof.
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
I was holding out on reading this book because it's the only Susan Fanetti book I hadn’t read yet. When it was released I was in the middle of another series and by the time my schedule cleared up the next book happened to be out so I just skipped this one and went straight into ‘Deep.’ In the back of my mind it was comforting knowing I had one more Fanetti book I still needed to read. Now, that I’ve finished this book I have to wait until she releases her next book in June to read more books by her.
Carmen is a tough one to love. I knew from the two previous books that Carmen is an acquired taste. She is b*tchy and resentful. Wow, even writing that makes me feel bad because we know from the other two books why she has this hard outer shell; she gave up her life to come back and raise her two younger siblings after their mother died. Her father giving her eldest brother the family home, they grew up in, was the icing on the cake for Carmen’s pity party. But here’s the thing Theo doesn’t see her the same way...he sees her as a woman who is afraid. ”You’re afraid of letting your family down. You’re afraid of living your life on your terms. You’re afraid to let yourself be happy. And you’re afraid to let yourself love. You’re afraid of all of it. I see it every day, in everything you do.”
What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. Remember that song from Salt ‘n’ Pepa? That pretty much sums up Theo…. he’s a good man; widower, father, poet, and professor. ’His job was to reach into people’s heads and draw pictures on their brains.’ I love that description so much because it is exactly what Ms. Fanetti does with her stories.
The underlying plot of moving on was subtle but profound. Theo is a widower who has been given another chance at love. For Carmen Theo is her one and only great love but she's not his "only." Her insecurities about competing for his love with his deceased wife shone bright, as mine would too if I was in her shoes. Theo’s words to her are from The Great Gatsby: ”There are all kinds of love in the world, but never the same love twice.” I agree with that statement that each love is unique.
The Pagano family and Wilde family are both a compassionate clan. Theo’s grown sons added a lot of depth to the story. The way they supported their dad was endearing. I love that they never once tried to make their dad feel anything but their love and support about finding someone to share his life with now that their mother has passed away (5 years prior).
I’ve always been a big fan of the Pagano family, all the siblings and their father make me wish I wasn’t an only child. The moments Carmen spent with her father getting his advice brought me to tears. Of course, I can’t forget the times Carmen had heart-to-hearts with her eldest brother, Carlo. They made me envious of their relationship. Growing up I wanted an older brother to look up to and Carmen is blessed to have that with Carlo.
Rooted planted itself deep in my soul and endeared me to this couples love story. The story felt like it had many special connections to the author since Theo is a writer. I loved getting to see a little bit of author when I would read about Theo and his thought process. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story because Carmen holds everyone at arm's length but after reading it it has become another FANETTI FAVORITE of mine.
”Love is not disposable. It’s something you fight for. It’s something you cling to even when literally every other possible choice would be easier.” -Jordan (Theo's youngest son)
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
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: (38 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: (37 years old) a landscape designer, free spirit, big dreamer.
Luca: (35 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
Nick: (45 years old) only child to Lorrie. In control at all times, powerful, mysterious and aloof.
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
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
4 Learning to Let Go and Live Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
This was the third part of the Pagano Series by Susan Fanetti.
We learned there are numerous branches; some of which are "mob-related" and others that have remained primarily separate. Through the first two books, we met the core characters and developed an understanding of all of them.
Some of the characters we met were immediately likable... others not so much. Each had serious backstories which gave us the insight to understand their reasons... and up until this entry, both books were structured around couples whose stories were very easy to latch on to.
This tale, though, had a harder road to travel. By being the journey for Carmen, the eldest daughter, we were already aware of her prickly nature.Her life did not turn out how she had thought... her college career dreams were snuffed out by her mother's untimely death. Carmen took on the role of surrogate mom to her younger siblings, Rosa and Joey. This changing of her life's course bent how she saw her own need for happiness...her perception of everything. Her pain created her armor which had become ridged. Her story was not going to be easy or cuddly.
I felt this book worked as a link to move the underlining story forward. Although the main story was the meeting, relationship and love between Carmen and Theo, the additional plot points were all directed to the central family unit and their continuing challenges. We met and learned about new characters, some who clearly will have books down the line.
There were some very special life lessons discussed but some of the actions and ways we finally got them could frustrate the reader, in my opinion. Carmen had a lot of baggage to work through making it hard to warm up to her for me.
Yet, I was able to put it all in perspective... and like in any true family, not everyone is your favorite relative. Everyone has a purpose and reason; not every tale is easy and fun...but in the crafting of this series, we needed to understand all the dynamics. This was how Ms. Fanetti decided to tell it.
There is another entry coming in December; the long-awaited story of Nick. This should be a compelling next chapter.
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
4 Learning to Let Go and Live Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
This was the third part of the Pagano Series by Susan Fanetti.
We learned there are numerous branches; some of which are "mob-related" and others that have remained primarily separate. Through the first two books, we met the core characters and developed an understanding of all of them.
Some of the characters we met were immediately likable... others not so much. Each had serious backstories which gave us the insight to understand their reasons... and up until this entry, both books were structured around couples whose stories were very easy to latch on to.
This tale, though, had a harder road to travel. By being the journey for Carmen, the eldest daughter, we were already aware of her prickly nature.Her life did not turn out how she had thought... her college career dreams were snuffed out by her mother's untimely death. Carmen took on the role of surrogate mom to her younger siblings, Rosa and Joey. This changing of her life's course bent how she saw her own need for happiness...her perception of everything. Her pain created her armor which had become ridged. Her story was not going to be easy or cuddly.
I felt this book worked as a link to move the underlining story forward. Although the main story was the meeting, relationship and love between Carmen and Theo, the additional plot points were all directed to the central family unit and their continuing challenges. We met and learned about new characters, some who clearly will have books down the line.
There were some very special life lessons discussed but some of the actions and ways we finally got them could frustrate the reader, in my opinion. Carmen had a lot of baggage to work through making it hard to warm up to her for me.
Yet, I was able to put it all in perspective... and like in any true family, not everyone is your favorite relative. Everyone has a purpose and reason; not every tale is easy and fun...but in the crafting of this series, we needed to understand all the dynamics. This was how Ms. Fanetti decided to tell it.
There is another entry coming in December; the long-awaited story of Nick. This should be a compelling next chapter.
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
May 20, 2015
Book Hangover
You've heard the term. Maybe you've had the experience. A book that was just so amazing, you have trouble moving on. A book that that left you speechless? Breathless? Introspective?
What causes a book hangover?
The phenomenal writing style? The perfect setting brought to life? Feeling connected to the characters? A resonating narrative?
Rooted
Has given me a huge hangover ... for all of the reasons I noted. It is just, too beautiful for words!
Not surprising, since practically every Susan Fanetti book has left me feeling this way. The only cure I can seem to find is ... MORE Susan Fanetti.
There is always a little trepidation going into a SF book.
Why, you ask? Isn't SF like one of you're very fave authors, Kim? Well, duh ... yes! she is!
But I worry ... Will this book live up to my expectations? I admit, those expectation are possibly a little high. It's hard to be reasonable when past experience sets the bar. SF always sets the bar sooooo damn high!
This book specifically gave me a little anxiety pre-read. Thankfully, my apprehension was without merit.
The leading man, Theo won my heart, even though he is far from perfect ... very, very far at times. I found him to be wonderfully charming with his poetry writing and his metaphorical thinking ... heck, even his terribly lame, over-the-top romanticism had me swooning.
But, the highlight of this book (for me) was the leading lady, Carmen. She is a tough nut. Her description in previous books could lead a reader to believe she was just a bitch ... but trust me when I tell you ... she is so very complex. I found a lot of common ground with Carmen. She (like me) builds a protective layer around herself to ward off hurt - a coping strategy of sorts. The icy outer layer hides a soft, gooey center. (sort of like a Caramel centered ice cream ... yummmm) <- see what I did there? Carmen is definitely a soft center. And she was worth all the time it took to melt her down.
I won't lie and tell you that I was happy with every part this story. Nope. There were some terribly frustrating moments. But ... and it is a big, giant, incredibly IMPORTANT, But ... the complications (every single one of them) are written in a way that matter. None of it is filler. None of it is drama, just for the sake of drama. Without the hardships and the obstacles these characters would never grow, and the story would no longer be poignant romantic fiction - instead the characters would become stereotypically one dimensional and the story would become a simple fairy tale. In other words ... Susan Fanetti knows how to make shit REAL. And I love her for it. I love that she can make me so uncomfortable, and still make me want MORE!
Did my review run away from me? Did I fangirl a little here? yeah ... sorry, not sorry. This book was fan-fucking-tastic and deserves to be raved about! (even if my raving is a little erratic & perhaps a tad melodramatic ... still not sorry!)
You've heard the term. Maybe you've had the experience. A book that was just so amazing, you have trouble moving on. A book that that left you speechless? Breathless? Introspective?
What causes a book hangover?
The phenomenal writing style? The perfect setting brought to life? Feeling connected to the characters? A resonating narrative?
Rooted
Has given me a huge hangover ... for all of the reasons I noted. It is just, too beautiful for words!
Not surprising, since practically every Susan Fanetti book has left me feeling this way. The only cure I can seem to find is ... MORE Susan Fanetti.
There is always a little trepidation going into a SF book.
Why, you ask? Isn't SF like one of you're very fave authors, Kim? Well, duh ... yes! she is!
But I worry ... Will this book live up to my expectations? I admit, those expectation are possibly a little high. It's hard to be reasonable when past experience sets the bar. SF always sets the bar sooooo damn high!
This book specifically gave me a little anxiety pre-read. Thankfully, my apprehension was without merit.
The leading man, Theo won my heart, even though he is far from perfect ... very, very far at times. I found him to be wonderfully charming with his poetry writing and his metaphorical thinking ... heck, even his terribly lame, over-the-top romanticism had me swooning.
But, the highlight of this book (for me) was the leading lady, Carmen. She is a tough nut. Her description in previous books could lead a reader to believe she was just a bitch ... but trust me when I tell you ... she is so very complex. I found a lot of common ground with Carmen. She (like me) builds a protective layer around herself to ward off hurt - a coping strategy of sorts. The icy outer layer hides a soft, gooey center. (sort of like a Caramel centered ice cream ... yummmm) <- see what I did there? Carmen is definitely a soft center. And she was worth all the time it took to melt her down.
I won't lie and tell you that I was happy with every part this story. Nope. There were some terribly frustrating moments. But ... and it is a big, giant, incredibly IMPORTANT, But ... the complications (every single one of them) are written in a way that matter. None of it is filler. None of it is drama, just for the sake of drama. Without the hardships and the obstacles these characters would never grow, and the story would no longer be poignant romantic fiction - instead the characters would become stereotypically one dimensional and the story would become a simple fairy tale. In other words ... Susan Fanetti knows how to make shit REAL. And I love her for it. I love that she can make me so uncomfortable, and still make me want MORE!
Did my review run away from me? Did I fangirl a little here? yeah ... sorry, not sorry. This book was fan-fucking-tastic and deserves to be raved about! (even if my raving is a little erratic & perhaps a tad melodramatic ... still not sorry!)
November 10, 2014
5 Roots, My Beautiful Girl Stars
Susan Fanetti books should be classified by their rating system. Each and every one of her stories proves to be a five star read. You can’t deny the unbelievably flawless writing of this gifted author. The plots that keep you guessing leaving you breathless are unlike any other. The characters in which you find something to relate to every time, intrigued and compelled by the motivations. They are books you won’t be able to put down from start to finish. Susan Fanetti makes romance more real than other romance author I’ve read.
It's fair to say Carmen and Theo’s story in Rooted doesn’t hail as my favorite from the Pagano family saga. There were times I distrusted Carmen and Theo both becoming increasingly angry with each of them. But the beauty of a Fanetti story proves Rooted doesn’t have to be my favorite of the series and I can love their story all the same. Reaching deep to understand their motivations, their wants and needs made me not only fall in love with their tale but more importantly – thanks to and fueled by this author’s unbelievable gift – I deeply respected their journey to each other.
With each book, Fanetti solidifies my belief that life is as much about the pain as it is the pleasure. The belief in the strength and growth from pain. The maturity. Theo Wilde stands a proud man both desirable and complex. Carmen Pagano stands a proud woman both strong and conflicted. Two beautiful, intelligent people embark on a coupling that makes limited sense to them both yet total sense to the readers. Their relationship cushions the pages with real conflict and issues. Rooted centers itself around Carmen & Theo but increases our insight into the other Pagano’s as well as some new characters helping to make the story whole. This author has this incredible way of pulling family together so while we learn of the new characters we're still in entrenched in the stories of the others.
The nuances of time, of letting go and moving on, of staying rooted combined with the faith in oneself, in their family, in their past. My god the strength in all of that. It’s breathtaking reading both poignant and beautiful each story providing a quality, a kinship, a single line that resonates fully with me as a reader making me feel even more deeply for the characters because of the feelings evoked. I’m left breathless and sated all at once.
This author wastes none of your time. She gets to the passion, she gets the conflict, she gets to the resolution all before you even realize 6 hours of your Sunday has passed. She’s ruthless with the ability to quickly rip out your heart and then delicately sew it back together.
Fanetti writes stories true to herself, to her muse, relishing on building, breaking, and building again. The depth and pain of triumph. The bliss in discovery and love. They hurt and heal at the same time. With blunt logic and poignant prose – this author captures it all. I can’t recommend this series, this author, this writing enough. Do yourself a favor and discover their greatness. Get Rooted which can be read as a standalone but I would NEVER recommend doing so as you’d miss the beauty of the compounding series.
March 17, 2015
5 BEAUTIFUL GIRL STARS
I cannot get enough of Susan Fanetti and the Paganos! What I love most about these flawlessly written stories is that Ms. Fanetti does not shy away from the raw truth. She boldly and poignantly shows us time and time again that relationships and more specifically, love, is not always easy, clean or pretty. And that humans are flawed and at times stupid, spiteful, silly or scared.
Carmen Pagano and Theo Wilde's relationship/story is not easy but it's strongly rooted in love, passion and family.
There are moments of beauty and happiness for these two as much as there is discord, recriminations and hurt.
“Love is not disposable. It’s something you fight for. It’s something you cling to even when literally every other possible choice is easier.”
I absolutely love how strong Ms. Fanetti's women are and Carmen is one hard ass! She is strong, resistant, stubborn but also giving, caring and loving. I totally got Carmen and while there were times that I was furious with her, as with Theo...
I could not help but empathize. This was a moving tale of making your own path, stripping yourself bare and letting go.
“It’s a powerful thing to be understood…He had seen deep inside her, finding even the dark corners she hid from herself. The glimpse into herself through his eyes sobered her. It hurt her heart. It made her swell with love. And it terrified her.”
Next up is Nick Pagano's story, this one will be dark and definitely captivating! I'm excited, it's out the day before my bday, what a glorious present to me!!
I cannot get enough of Susan Fanetti and the Paganos! What I love most about these flawlessly written stories is that Ms. Fanetti does not shy away from the raw truth. She boldly and poignantly shows us time and time again that relationships and more specifically, love, is not always easy, clean or pretty. And that humans are flawed and at times stupid, spiteful, silly or scared.
Carmen Pagano and Theo Wilde's relationship/story is not easy but it's strongly rooted in love, passion and family.
There are moments of beauty and happiness for these two as much as there is discord, recriminations and hurt.
“Love is not disposable. It’s something you fight for. It’s something you cling to even when literally every other possible choice is easier.”
I absolutely love how strong Ms. Fanetti's women are and Carmen is one hard ass! She is strong, resistant, stubborn but also giving, caring and loving. I totally got Carmen and while there were times that I was furious with her, as with Theo...
I could not help but empathize. This was a moving tale of making your own path, stripping yourself bare and letting go.
“It’s a powerful thing to be understood…He had seen deep inside her, finding even the dark corners she hid from herself. The glimpse into herself through his eyes sobered her. It hurt her heart. It made her swell with love. And it terrified her.”
Next up is Nick Pagano's story, this one will be dark and definitely captivating! I'm excited, it's out the day before my bday, what a glorious present to me!!
October 22, 2018
**4.5 Stars**
I’m crazy about the Pagano family. With every book my love for them grows. I’ve been waiting for Carmen’s book. The second oldest sibling who put her own dreams on hold to raise her younger siblings.
Rooted is Carmen in a nutshell. She’s so rooted to her family that she sacrifices her own needs and dreams because she can’t let go. She’s done it for so many years that she lost herself in the progress.
When Carmen meets Theo her dreams comes back into focus yet she’s so afraid to want and get it all. Theo tries everything to show Carmen that their future and that’s it’s okay to want it.
Their romance begins in France and what a beautiful romance it is. They complement each other perfectly. Crazy chemistry. I enjoyed their story so much. Filled with romance and angst. The other members of the Pagano family is there too cause this is all about family and love.
4.5 Lavender Stars
I’m crazy about the Pagano family. With every book my love for them grows. I’ve been waiting for Carmen’s book. The second oldest sibling who put her own dreams on hold to raise her younger siblings.
Rooted is Carmen in a nutshell. She’s so rooted to her family that she sacrifices her own needs and dreams because she can’t let go. She’s done it for so many years that she lost herself in the progress.
When Carmen meets Theo her dreams comes back into focus yet she’s so afraid to want and get it all. Theo tries everything to show Carmen that their future and that’s it’s okay to want it.
Their romance begins in France and what a beautiful romance it is. They complement each other perfectly. Crazy chemistry. I enjoyed their story so much. Filled with romance and angst. The other members of the Pagano family is there too cause this is all about family and love.
4.5 Lavender Stars
January 16, 2016
There were so many parts of Rooted I enjoyed. The scenes unfolding in Paris, the city of lights to the heart breaking clincher of having to go home. Susan Fanetti shocked and wowed us with her brilliance in this master piece. Couldn't help but fall in love with Theo and Carmen, even tho at times I thought she was a heartless bitch and didn't deserve him.
“Yes, actually. I was hoping you could help me. I made a promise that I wouldn’t go home until I’d spoken with a beautiful girl. It’s been days now, and I really want my bed. I don’t suppose you’d speak with me?” Carmen rolled her eyes and set her tablet down. Immediate deduction of at least six hot points for starting off with a lame line like that. “Seriously? Is that line something you practiced in front of the mirror? Because I’m here to tell you, bud. Your mirror lies. You should never use that again.
Tho the wars are heating up and the battles are front and center, hitting everyone where it counts, you have to admire this family's resilience and strength in the way they pull together.
Another roar and squeal marked the end of the thunder. With a rush, her senses and her intellect finally converged, and she realized the thunder had been gunfire. Now the air was filled with shouts and screams and weeping. Four star golden read!
June 18, 2015
★★★★☆
Rooted was a different kind of story than what I've read so far in the Pagano family series. The mystery, suspense and general fast-moving pace is absent. Instead, this is the story about Carmen Pagano, the responsible, no-nonsense "maternal figure" of the Pagano clan.
Hoping to add some culture and influence an attitude change in her little sister Rosa, upon Rosa's college graduation, Carmen takes her to France for the summer. While there, Carmen hopes that Rosa will grow up and become a less self-absorbed, spoiled "brat". Realizing the family has babied Rosa her whole life, Carmen hopes getting her away from familiar surroundings will encourage growth in her sister. However, Carmen is about to realize she too can benefit from a little growth herself.
While her sister recovers from jet-lag, Carmen sets out to explore the town. While eating dinner one night, she is approached by a man with lame pick up lines, and a handsome face. Carmen, with a reputation for telling it like it is, quickly shuts him down.
Theo doesn't back down so easily. He promised his son's he wouldn't come home until he has spoken to a beautiful girl, and Carmen was gorgeous. He is a widow and hasn't been with anyone in years. Carmen recognizes his last name when the waiter acknowledges him. He is the author of a book she loves. A book about the death of is wife. They share stories about books and family. The longer they sit together, the more they drink. Carmen loosens up a bit and realizes she has only two things in her life that she focuses on; work and family. Relationships were not in the equation. But it had been so long since she had been with anyone, she begins to question if perhaps a no-expectations fling while in France is such a bad idea.
As the days pass, the two spend a lot of time together. As do Rosa and Theo's son Eli. Where Rosa and Eli develop a relationship, Carmen spends the majority of the time with Theo holding back. Afraid to get involved.
Carmen pushes away from Theo and when a family emergency occurs, she and Rosa rush back home leaving Eli and Theo in France. Theo is heartbroken. Having fallen in love with Carmen, the only other person he's loved besides his wife, he is devastated and begins drinking excessively. His writing suffers. He struggles with the sequel to his memoir.
The journey these two go through to become whole as individuals and in turn as a couple is a rough one. But necessary. And as usual, this author's writing impeccably details each struggle, turn and triumph. Rooted is about overcoming grief, it's about love and it's about accepting fear for what it is, and challenging yourself to be more.
I didn’t get enough of the side characters. I ADORED Jordan! He was a character with such depth and emotion I wanted to read more about him and his journey. Eli and Rosa were intriguing. I hope to get more of them and their relationship together. And NICK! I am so excited to get to know him. We first met *wink* in Touch and I'm thrilled to get to read his story on December 20, in Deep! For cover reveal, blurb, prologue AND first chapter, click here. You can preorder now!
Rooted was a different kind of story than what I've read so far in the Pagano family series. The mystery, suspense and general fast-moving pace is absent. Instead, this is the story about Carmen Pagano, the responsible, no-nonsense "maternal figure" of the Pagano clan.
Hoping to add some culture and influence an attitude change in her little sister Rosa, upon Rosa's college graduation, Carmen takes her to France for the summer. While there, Carmen hopes that Rosa will grow up and become a less self-absorbed, spoiled "brat". Realizing the family has babied Rosa her whole life, Carmen hopes getting her away from familiar surroundings will encourage growth in her sister. However, Carmen is about to realize she too can benefit from a little growth herself.
While her sister recovers from jet-lag, Carmen sets out to explore the town. While eating dinner one night, she is approached by a man with lame pick up lines, and a handsome face. Carmen, with a reputation for telling it like it is, quickly shuts him down.
"I'm Theo."
"No. This is not our Woody Allen meet-cute. You are not charming. And you are not invited. Go away."
Theo doesn't back down so easily. He promised his son's he wouldn't come home until he has spoken to a beautiful girl, and Carmen was gorgeous. He is a widow and hasn't been with anyone in years. Carmen recognizes his last name when the waiter acknowledges him. He is the author of a book she loves. A book about the death of is wife. They share stories about books and family. The longer they sit together, the more they drink. Carmen loosens up a bit and realizes she has only two things in her life that she focuses on; work and family. Relationships were not in the equation. But it had been so long since she had been with anyone, she begins to question if perhaps a no-expectations fling while in France is such a bad idea.
"What's your name, beautiful girl?"
"Carmen."
"Beautiful. Well, Carmen, you were wrong."
"About what?"
"This was our Woody Allen meet-cute."
As the days pass, the two spend a lot of time together. As do Rosa and Theo's son Eli. Where Rosa and Eli develop a relationship, Carmen spends the majority of the time with Theo holding back. Afraid to get involved.
"You're so afraid, Carmen. You're afraid of letting your family down. You're afraid of living your life on your terms. You're afraid to let yourself be happy. And you're afraid to let yourself love. You're afraid of all of it. I see it every day, in everything you do."
Carmen pushes away from Theo and when a family emergency occurs, she and Rosa rush back home leaving Eli and Theo in France. Theo is heartbroken. Having fallen in love with Carmen, the only other person he's loved besides his wife, he is devastated and begins drinking excessively. His writing suffers. He struggles with the sequel to his memoir.
The journey these two go through to become whole as individuals and in turn as a couple is a rough one. But necessary. And as usual, this author's writing impeccably details each struggle, turn and triumph. Rooted is about overcoming grief, it's about love and it's about accepting fear for what it is, and challenging yourself to be more.
“She is rooted in my heart, and I am free and full.”
I didn’t get enough of the side characters. I ADORED Jordan! He was a character with such depth and emotion I wanted to read more about him and his journey. Eli and Rosa were intriguing. I hope to get more of them and their relationship together. And NICK! I am so excited to get to know him. We first met *wink* in Touch and I'm thrilled to get to read his story on December 20, in Deep! For cover reveal, blurb, prologue AND first chapter, click here. You can preorder now!
January 2, 2015
This has to be one of my most favorite books Fanetti has written so far. Maybe because it's the holidays and I need/crave the love within this book. For whatever reason it just sang to me. The ending was perfection!
January 9, 2019
Carmen Pagano, second oldest of the Pagano clan is taking her spoiled brat of a baby sister to Europe for the summer. With their home base being a friend's Parisian apartment, Carmen's plan is to show her spoiled, vapid baby sister that the world is bigger than she and hopefully provide Rosa with a new prospective so she can grow the f**k up. Of course after yet another solo dinner out, Carmen's chance meeting with a charming man begins a romance for not only Carmen, but her baby sister too. The handsome stranger is writing a follow up memoir and his adult sons happen to be in Paris with him. Of course a whirlwind romance for both Carmen and Rosa ensue. Inevitably, Carmen and her prickly bitchy personality begin to sabotage what could be the love of a life time and poor sweet widower Theo is blindsided by her. At this juncture of the story is where I really had to convince myself to keep reading. I really couldn't stand baby sister Rosa in the first two books, but Carmen? Carmen I loathed. After all the shit she put Theo through, she deserved to be unhappy. Again and again she beats that poor caring man's heart into oblivion and eventually he is done. It takes a horrific act of violence to get the two together again but this time Theo takes charge and refuses to listen to any more of her self sabotaging, selfish, bitchy bullshit. So in the end, I decided that Carmen is a strong woman whose dreams were changed but her mother's death but she is still covered in that damn bitchy wrapper.
Fanetti has a knack for writing complicated and flawed characters but Carmen is on a whole different level and is not for everyone.
Fanetti has a knack for writing complicated and flawed characters but Carmen is on a whole different level and is not for everyone.
January 16, 2015
4.5 Stars....
Susan just writes so beautifully. No shock value just beautiful stories told with beautiful words and this is no exception. Though I have to admit that this Pagano family member was hard for me to love. In fact I never ended up loving Carmen at all. She's a bit too rough and a raging bitch at times. Having said that Susan drew me into this story with beautiful words.
Theo is a widower with two grown boys who so desperately wants their dad to meet someone, join the land of the living. That's when Theo meets the bitchy and hard as nails Carmen. They start a steamy affair (even though Carmen was reluctant). But it's like Carnen's her own worst enemy when it comes to her happiness. She's so bitter and stuck in her past that she can't move forward.
"You're so afraid, Carmen. You're afraid of letting your family down. You're afraid of living your life on your terms. You're afraid to let yourself be happy. And you're afraid to let yourself love. You're afraid of all of it. I see it every day, in everything you do."
Plus Carmen feels like she's competing with a ghost. That she can't be Theo"s true love cause he loved Maggie first.
"The human heart has an infinite capacity for love. God wants us to love freely and ecstatically. He wouldn't be so cruel as to put a cap on love."
If that isn't enough but the Pagano's uncle business is mixing with her dads. So drama mixed with beautiful words keeps you ROOTED to thus story.
"I love you, too, baby. We'll always be here. You won't lose your roots, but it's time you let yourself reach up."
Susan just writes so beautifully. No shock value just beautiful stories told with beautiful words and this is no exception. Though I have to admit that this Pagano family member was hard for me to love. In fact I never ended up loving Carmen at all. She's a bit too rough and a raging bitch at times. Having said that Susan drew me into this story with beautiful words.
Theo is a widower with two grown boys who so desperately wants their dad to meet someone, join the land of the living. That's when Theo meets the bitchy and hard as nails Carmen. They start a steamy affair (even though Carmen was reluctant). But it's like Carnen's her own worst enemy when it comes to her happiness. She's so bitter and stuck in her past that she can't move forward.
"You're so afraid, Carmen. You're afraid of letting your family down. You're afraid of living your life on your terms. You're afraid to let yourself be happy. And you're afraid to let yourself love. You're afraid of all of it. I see it every day, in everything you do."
Plus Carmen feels like she's competing with a ghost. That she can't be Theo"s true love cause he loved Maggie first.
"The human heart has an infinite capacity for love. God wants us to love freely and ecstatically. He wouldn't be so cruel as to put a cap on love."
If that isn't enough but the Pagano's uncle business is mixing with her dads. So drama mixed with beautiful words keeps you ROOTED to thus story.
"I love you, too, baby. We'll always be here. You won't lose your roots, but it's time you let yourself reach up."
March 12, 2015
Wow.... Awesome book!!!! Awesome writer!!!
Susan fanetti has awesome talent. Carmen is a bitch.... A well written chatacter who stays true to her personality. I think I may have expected her to thaw under Theo's influence and the unconditional love of her family but she guards the chip on her shoulder.
Theo was awesome!!!! A definite bbf (book boyfriend) he was not without his flaws but was a most endearing character. I fell in love with him.
The drama in this story was just enough. It did not distract from the main storyline of Theo's and Carmen's romance and yet was not too shallow as to be unbelievable.
I'm awed at all the excellent components that made up this 5 star read.
Some of my fellow buddy readers founds that Carmen's nasty attitude spoiled the book for them. I did not feel that way because I felt the emotions that Carmen triggered (namely annoyance, anger, pissed off, disappointment and pity to name a few...), helped make the book real and passionate... so hating carmen was as important to the story as loving Theo and his sons was.
Susan fanetti has awesome talent. Carmen is a bitch.... A well written chatacter who stays true to her personality. I think I may have expected her to thaw under Theo's influence and the unconditional love of her family but she guards the chip on her shoulder.
Theo was awesome!!!! A definite bbf (book boyfriend) he was not without his flaws but was a most endearing character. I fell in love with him.
The drama in this story was just enough. It did not distract from the main storyline of Theo's and Carmen's romance and yet was not too shallow as to be unbelievable.
I'm awed at all the excellent components that made up this 5 star read.
Some of my fellow buddy readers founds that Carmen's nasty attitude spoiled the book for them. I did not feel that way because I felt the emotions that Carmen triggered (namely annoyance, anger, pissed off, disappointment and pity to name a few...), helped make the book real and passionate... so hating carmen was as important to the story as loving Theo and his sons was.
December 9, 2014
4.5 Stars!
I struggled something fierce in the beginning and it all had to do with Carmen her personality drove me up a wall and then some. She is really snarky, and down right mean. I get that she has her issues or reasons, but I had to take a break. Now with that said I really did love the story, and I came to like Carmen as wel,l it just took some time and in the end it was worth it all. I loved the story, and the other side characters were amazing too. Glad I went back and finished now I can't wait for the next one.
I struggled something fierce in the beginning and it all had to do with Carmen her personality drove me up a wall and then some. She is really snarky, and down right mean. I get that she has her issues or reasons, but I had to take a break. Now with that said I really did love the story, and I came to like Carmen as wel,l it just took some time and in the end it was worth it all. I loved the story, and the other side characters were amazing too. Glad I went back and finished now I can't wait for the next one.
July 12, 2019
I like that this book was about an older couple (as well as a side story about a younger couple). I enjoy stories about mature protagonists who've seen a bit of life. Theo and Carmen go through a lot before they get their HEA. The early section in Paris is great (with a funny meet-cute). Then s*** gets real and Carmen especially struggles to face up to reality after the wonderful holiday is over.
Susan Fanetti writes realistic and interesting characters who grow and change through her books. This one is a good one. I'm really enjoying the Pagano series.
Susan Fanetti writes realistic and interesting characters who grow and change through her books. This one is a good one. I'm really enjoying the Pagano series.
May 9, 2017
4 star read for me and that was ONLY because of Carmen (she drove me NUTS)!!
This story had it ALL and when I started this series with the first book, I knew I was going to be in for one hell of a ride.
Ms. Fanetti is just utterly brilliant! That`s it!!
I don`t know what more to say; she has taken a spot in my top 5 favorite authors!!
Now I just have to get my ass in gear and read her MC series ;p
This story had it ALL and when I started this series with the first book, I knew I was going to be in for one hell of a ride.
Ms. Fanetti is just utterly brilliant! That`s it!!
I don`t know what more to say; she has taken a spot in my top 5 favorite authors!!
Now I just have to get my ass in gear and read her MC series ;p
January 18, 2019
1.5 stars
Carmen's story was the only one I didn't read so far in this series; so I decided I needed to wrap it up as I have read all others; to be honest I didn't have high hopes as I didn't like Carmen in any of the other books; it was good that I had low expectations as Carmen was just as poor a character as I always thought ...
Theo, the H was interesting and more generous and open hearted than Carmen
Carmen was a raging bitch; which I knew. I don't mind bitchy h's; I like them actually but there must a good reason for her bitchiness ... and she must be intelligent overall ... for me, bitchiness shouldn't susbstitute smartness ...
Carmen supposedly sacrificed her life plans to help bring her siblings up; by her nature, she was a 'tough broad' who didn't need open acknowledgment of her sacrifice but inwardly she was resentful that she had had to make that sacrifice ... which she carries along in her book and from my understanding of this series, still carries it ... even after her siblings move along, she is still stuck in her own rut and refuses to recognise that for all her outward toughness, she is a scared and resentful woman who cannot seem to find a way out for herself.
It would be ok if she started out this way and eventually sees her path; she doesn't. She remains a vicious and cruel character; when she panics, she gets vicious and takes steps that are tantamount to cutting off her own nose ...
I felt that with the final incident where she is shot and is in ICU, the author got a way to gift Carmen a happily ever after; which was not deserved. It seemed that for each time she was vicious she had a get out card through some other means ...
IMO, she didn't deserve Theo ... out of all Susan Fanetti books Carmen has to be the character I seriously dislike ... I liked all other books in this series ... my favorite remains Deep ....
Carmen's story was the only one I didn't read so far in this series; so I decided I needed to wrap it up as I have read all others; to be honest I didn't have high hopes as I didn't like Carmen in any of the other books; it was good that I had low expectations as Carmen was just as poor a character as I always thought ...
Theo, the H was interesting and more generous and open hearted than Carmen
Carmen was a raging bitch; which I knew. I don't mind bitchy h's; I like them actually but there must a good reason for her bitchiness ... and she must be intelligent overall ... for me, bitchiness shouldn't susbstitute smartness ...
Carmen supposedly sacrificed her life plans to help bring her siblings up; by her nature, she was a 'tough broad' who didn't need open acknowledgment of her sacrifice but inwardly she was resentful that she had had to make that sacrifice ... which she carries along in her book and from my understanding of this series, still carries it ... even after her siblings move along, she is still stuck in her own rut and refuses to recognise that for all her outward toughness, she is a scared and resentful woman who cannot seem to find a way out for herself.
It would be ok if she started out this way and eventually sees her path; she doesn't. She remains a vicious and cruel character; when she panics, she gets vicious and takes steps that are tantamount to cutting off her own nose ...
I felt that with the final incident where she is shot and is in ICU, the author got a way to gift Carmen a happily ever after; which was not deserved. It seemed that for each time she was vicious she had a get out card through some other means ...
IMO, she didn't deserve Theo ... out of all Susan Fanetti books Carmen has to be the character I seriously dislike ... I liked all other books in this series ... my favorite remains Deep ....
December 31, 2014
Title: Rooted (Pagano Family #3)
Series: Standalone series
Author: Susan Fanetti
Rating: 3 stars for the story an additional star for the writing itself
POV: Dual
HEA:
Heat/Steam 3/5
Triggers?
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .At times.
Über Douchebagery .No.
Taboo Subject Matter .No.
Cheating:
Love Triangle
The story had me nodding off a bit but it was Fanetti's writing that kept me interested. I didn't enjoy this book as much as book 2 but I just love the author's writing so much I can't bring myself to rate it lower. There's just something about the way she writes a story that draws you in it's just beautiful.
Now to the story:
I found the heroine to be a bit too much. I enjoy a bad ass heroine that safeguards her emotions (I loved Lillie from Signal Bend) so much, however, unlike her previous book heroines I just couldn't relate to Carmen.She was too cold and just too stubborn for me. That's not to say the hero didn't piss me off as well. I could understand why Carmen was so upset with him wanting to change her life and her living arrangements for him. If he understood her as well as he claimed to he would have realized that it would make her feel like she was once again being forced to change herself for someone else. I could definitely understand her anger and I felt like he was quite insensitive with the way he went about trying to force her to. It could have been handled a lot more carefully by him.
With all her bitchiness I still felt like she deserved to have a man who hadn't always given up as quickly as Luca did. I mean really? He had to wait till after the event at the church to grow some balls and fight for his family? Meh.
I've been uber excited to get Nick's story since he was first introduced so I'm still excited about that. I
January 17, 2015
Incredible read. Proper review to follow.
November 9, 2022
I jumped right in to book 3 of the Pagano series - Rooted. The oldest sister, Carmen...the crabby matriarch of the family!!! I truly love a good series investment and I am really enjoying this whole family dynamic. You truly get to know the ins and outs and how each member of the family works and contributes to the dynamic - I love when I find authors that write series like these, that revolve around one member of the family and their romance but include so much of the life and stories of all around them. So after a few books in I am giving this a huge thumbs up as a series!!!
This romance started out in Paris, which was a great vibe for me in the moment - so I loved it!! I could feel and see, and really enjoy the whole setting!!! Carmen is a tough gal and I loved Theo and his boys and actually was all in on the tough fight and walls they both put up and took down. 4 stars for their story!!! I was caught in deep by 70% and despite the back and forth fighting, I was hooked and finished the book in one long stretch! So far Luca(book 2) remains my fave...but I love a true alpha romance so that explains that!!! LOL! So in true series fashion I will be binging this hard and jumping right to book 4 now!!!!
This romance started out in Paris, which was a great vibe for me in the moment - so I loved it!! I could feel and see, and really enjoy the whole setting!!! Carmen is a tough gal and I loved Theo and his boys and actually was all in on the tough fight and walls they both put up and took down. 4 stars for their story!!! I was caught in deep by 70% and despite the back and forth fighting, I was hooked and finished the book in one long stretch! So far Luca(book 2) remains my fave...but I love a true alpha romance so that explains that!!! LOL! So in true series fashion I will be binging this hard and jumping right to book 4 now!!!!
May 12, 2015
4.5
I adore the way Susan writes her stories. She reaches into your mind and heart and makes you feel all the emotions each of her characters feel. Each sucks you in and leaves you wanting more. While this was not my favorite of Susan's books, it certainly was still loved!
There is no doubt that Carmen is a strong woman. She has barricades around her heart that bring out the cold-hearted bitch. Can you blame her? After her mothers death she gave up her dreams to keep a family consisting mainly of strong opinionated men in line, including her own father. You'd almost have to have some type of barrier when brothers are involved!
Unfortunately, she lost herself along the way and as they all grew up, she didn't know how to let go and become that woman she once dreamed of becoming.
That is until she meets Theo. He starts to chip away at the barriers. The Chemistry alone should have melt it down to a puddle of goo! Whew!! It takes Theo a while to reach her and after being patient and through his absence and a life altering moment, his persistence he breaks through.
I adore the way Susan writes her stories. She reaches into your mind and heart and makes you feel all the emotions each of her characters feel. Each sucks you in and leaves you wanting more. While this was not my favorite of Susan's books, it certainly was still loved!
There is no doubt that Carmen is a strong woman. She has barricades around her heart that bring out the cold-hearted bitch. Can you blame her? After her mothers death she gave up her dreams to keep a family consisting mainly of strong opinionated men in line, including her own father. You'd almost have to have some type of barrier when brothers are involved!
Unfortunately, she lost herself along the way and as they all grew up, she didn't know how to let go and become that woman she once dreamed of becoming.
That is until she meets Theo. He starts to chip away at the barriers. The Chemistry alone should have melt it down to a puddle of goo! Whew!! It takes Theo a while to reach her and after being patient and through his absence and a life altering moment, his persistence he breaks through.
March 25, 2016
Carmen Pagano is one angry woman resulting from having to grow up too fast and take over the caring role for her younger siblings when her mother passed away. Noted author Theo Wilde is disappearing into the bottom of a bourbon bottle in trying to unsuccessfully deal with the loss of his beloved wife. When these two damaged people meet in Paris for an explosive summer fling they have a chance to renew their lives but will the grief of the past let them move forward into a happy future?
Susan Fanetti is the master of getting inside her characters and she does it again in "Rooted" when she explores the many facets of grief, the accepting of loss and the difficulties in letting yourself love again. Despite the fact that her heroine Carmen is prickly and sometimes makes impulsive decisions Theo is a great balance as a man endeavouring to teach her that the capacity for love is infinite and sometimes you have to let go of the past to move forward into the future. Great storytelling.
4.5 stars.
Susan Fanetti is the master of getting inside her characters and she does it again in "Rooted" when she explores the many facets of grief, the accepting of loss and the difficulties in letting yourself love again. Despite the fact that her heroine Carmen is prickly and sometimes makes impulsive decisions Theo is a great balance as a man endeavouring to teach her that the capacity for love is infinite and sometimes you have to let go of the past to move forward into the future. Great storytelling.
4.5 stars.
December 30, 2015
Didnt like this book as much as the previous ones. I think the whole push and pull between Theo and Carmen was a turnoff for me. Carmen wasnt ready to be in a relationship with someone other than herself and her family.
I like strong women in books, but Carmen was getting annoying with her drama and giving up her life for her family.
Cant wait for Nick's story!
I like strong women in books, but Carmen was getting annoying with her drama and giving up her life for her family.
Cant wait for Nick's story!
March 4, 2015
Loved this book!
Carmen is such a strong women, almost too strong if there is such a thing. When she met Theo while in Europe for the summer, she was not looking to fall in love. This vacation she planned with her sister, Rosa was supposed to be a sort of bonding experience but little did she know what fate had in store for her! Another hit from this wonderful author!
Carmen is such a strong women, almost too strong if there is such a thing. When she met Theo while in Europe for the summer, she was not looking to fall in love. This vacation she planned with her sister, Rosa was supposed to be a sort of bonding experience but little did she know what fate had in store for her! Another hit from this wonderful author!
September 1, 2015
I love Susan Fanetti. Her books are gold to me. This one is my new favorite of this series.
February 5, 2020
I actually enjoyed this one. Theo was amazing but Carmen got on my nerves a bit more than usual. She was so back and forth and couldn't make up her mind. The storyline was great...loved Jordan and Eli!
Taking a break before I start the next one...
Taking a break before I start the next one...
November 15, 2014
Partway through this book I had to put it aside to go to work, and as I walked through the office parking lot I thought, boy I am lucky to be reading this great book! But by the time I finished it, a day later, I was largely frustrated by the characters. So what happened?
The first part of the story is a vacation in Paris, with lots of great literature woven in. (It's a pleasure to see this clearly deeply passionate and erudite side of this author.) then later it moves to New England. The lovers meet, spar, enjoy each other, spar some more, separate, come together again, etc etc. you get the picture.
Carmen is not an easy woman to love, not for anyone, not for her lover and not for the reader. At one point toward the end of the book, her own father says he wants to put her over his lap and paddle her butt until she sees reason. I suspect every reader will agree with him vehemently. She's a 37 year old woman being stupid, anti-social, and disgracefully wishy washy.
Theo, on the other hand, is pretty much a dream man. Educated and poetic but also macho when it counts. Great in bed, a good father and loyal beyond measure. He's good around the house, has a steady job and pension, creative....what more can you want? And really why does he love Carmen so much? Aside from her physical beauty and the fact that she likes to read some of his favorite books? And, ok, she gets him, although not nearly enough to get out of her own blundering head.
How does she deserve a great guy like this? A guy that you can bet that every single over 30 woman in his county in Maine would like to catch? And this self-centered bitch from Rhode Island gets him? Not fair.
I know life is not fair. I know unlikeable women sometimes nab the most marvelous men. But I didn't need to read about it.
So now I have two more unrelated items:
1. So psyched for Nick's book! A tough guy falls in love, oh yeah. Plus, hopefully a resolution to this war.
2. What is with Rosa's accent? I live about a mile from Brown and can tell you few educated people of her generation have thick local accents, especially if they go to private schools and colleges. URI maybe, but Brown? Just not ringing true. But I could be wrong.
The first part of the story is a vacation in Paris, with lots of great literature woven in. (It's a pleasure to see this clearly deeply passionate and erudite side of this author.) then later it moves to New England. The lovers meet, spar, enjoy each other, spar some more, separate, come together again, etc etc. you get the picture.
Carmen is not an easy woman to love, not for anyone, not for her lover and not for the reader. At one point toward the end of the book, her own father says he wants to put her over his lap and paddle her butt until she sees reason. I suspect every reader will agree with him vehemently. She's a 37 year old woman being stupid, anti-social, and disgracefully wishy washy.
Theo, on the other hand, is pretty much a dream man. Educated and poetic but also macho when it counts. Great in bed, a good father and loyal beyond measure. He's good around the house, has a steady job and pension, creative....what more can you want? And really why does he love Carmen so much? Aside from her physical beauty and the fact that she likes to read some of his favorite books? And, ok, she gets him, although not nearly enough to get out of her own blundering head.
How does she deserve a great guy like this? A guy that you can bet that every single over 30 woman in his county in Maine would like to catch? And this self-centered bitch from Rhode Island gets him? Not fair.
I know life is not fair. I know unlikeable women sometimes nab the most marvelous men. But I didn't need to read about it.
So now I have two more unrelated items:
1. So psyched for Nick's book! A tough guy falls in love, oh yeah. Plus, hopefully a resolution to this war.
2. What is with Rosa's accent? I live about a mile from Brown and can tell you few educated people of her generation have thick local accents, especially if they go to private schools and colleges. URI maybe, but Brown? Just not ringing true. But I could be wrong.
Read
November 10, 2014DNF
I ended up not being able to finish it. I wasn't connecting to the characters at all. Carmen was too stiff of a character to start liking, and Theo wasn't the confident alpha type that I find appealing. He was about 50, and he seemed like it. He was too cheesy, and although the heroine ended up finding it charming, I didn't. And he's a poet. Not at all bad thing, but put it together with the fact that he's about 50, doesn't know his way around dating, and has 2 full grown boys, one of them being ELi, who I thought was way more interesting than Theo, then you have a no-go for me. Some may find Theo endearing, not me. Even though the book described him differently (young looking for his age), I couldn't stop picturing Jonathon Kent from the show Smallville. It just wasn't cuttin' it for me.
This book may work for others though, so give it a try! Susan Fanetti is an awesome author, and although this book wasn't for me, the other's I've read before are phenomenal!
I ended up not being able to finish it. I wasn't connecting to the characters at all. Carmen was too stiff of a character to start liking, and Theo wasn't the confident alpha type that I find appealing. He was about 50, and he seemed like it. He was too cheesy, and although the heroine ended up finding it charming, I didn't. And he's a poet. Not at all bad thing, but put it together with the fact that he's about 50, doesn't know his way around dating, and has 2 full grown boys, one of them being ELi, who I thought was way more interesting than Theo, then you have a no-go for me. Some may find Theo endearing, not me. Even though the book described him differently (young looking for his age), I couldn't stop picturing Jonathon Kent from the show Smallville. It just wasn't cuttin' it for me.
This book may work for others though, so give it a try! Susan Fanetti is an awesome author, and although this book wasn't for me, the other's I've read before are phenomenal!
December 6, 2015
I'm reading this series so I can come to my own conclusion as to whether they are as good as her MC books, and I don't think they are. The author still gives a very good story in each of the Pagano books, and what she does best, is having family at the background of her books. I think book two Manny and Lucas book, so far are the best. I didn't really see what there was to like about Carmen, sorry she was a bitch. Overall though I did enjoy this book, just wished Carmen would have thawed a bit towards to the end. The other reason I carried on with this series is I'm really looking forward to Nicks book and which will be my last Susan Fanetti book for me for a while as I've now read all of her books. I still think this author is amazing.
August 11, 2016
Disclaimer: I might be a bit bias because I want to be Carmen when I grow up. She stands up for herself and her family. She was willing to sacrifice her whole life and probably gave up most of her chances to marry and have a family. Carmen took her baby sister, Rosa, to Europe after graduation to try to broaden Rosa's views and expose her to a different world. One little bump in the road and everything changes. Their is wonderful. So kind and patient and caring. There were a couple of times when I wanted to bitch slap Carmen but I realize that some of her actions might had something to do with all the changes in her life.
This is one of the best family sagas that I have ever read.
This is one of the best family sagas that I have ever read.
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