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The Santini Brothers #2
Brando
Death and sex on two legs ... BRANDO is coming for you.
Dark, brooding, and one hell of an asshole, Brando walks through life taking what he wants—and who he wants, whether they like it or not. And he wants Ivy, the second in command of the Vipers—a team of female assassins.
Having been owned before, Ivy tries to resist Brando, who is just as deviant as her former master—a notorious human trafficker called the Black Russian. But after discovering Brando’s devastating past, she sets out to get to know the real man behind the beautiful face: a tortured soul with secrets to die for.
Dark, brooding, and one hell of an asshole, Brando walks through life taking what he wants—and who he wants, whether they like it or not. And he wants Ivy, the second in command of the Vipers—a team of female assassins.
Having been owned before, Ivy tries to resist Brando, who is just as deviant as her former master—a notorious human trafficker called the Black Russian. But after discovering Brando’s devastating past, she sets out to get to know the real man behind the beautiful face: a tortured soul with secrets to die for.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
4 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Marita A. Hansen
100 books855 followersSOME FACTS ABOUT ME:
I'm a New Zealander from Auckland, with dual citizenship (NZ and Croatia). I've also lived in Kerikeri, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
CAREER PATH: I started off as a Graphic Designer, then went to Auckland University, where I got a BA degree in Art History and Italian Studies and a post-graduate Honors degree in Art History. I worked in the Art History field, then became a full-time artist, doing commissions. I eventually lost all of my senses and gave it up to be a self-published writer, publishing my first book in 2011. Though, earlier in 2023 I returned to art, shelving being a writer since book pirates made it impossible to earn a living from my work, excessively pirating my books. They basically broke my spirit. However, a very nice reader spurred me on to try again, so I'm attempting to revive my writing career.
BAD HABITS: I'm a major procrastinator, I stay up way too late, and I get distracted far too easily unless it's doing something I love. My mind never stops racing, can't turn ADHD off.
SPORTS: As a teenager my favourite sports were karate, badminton, and running. I also did unarmed combat and played in a touch rugby team (my gym teacher made me do the last one!) As an adult, I've couched soccer and have completed two marathons, numerous half-marathons and one 30K run, though I stick to the gym now, hanging up my running shoes.
STATUS: Married to my high school sweetheart (which he hates me calling him). We have two kids.
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Marita-A-Han...
I'm a New Zealander from Auckland, with dual citizenship (NZ and Croatia). I've also lived in Kerikeri, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
CAREER PATH: I started off as a Graphic Designer, then went to Auckland University, where I got a BA degree in Art History and Italian Studies and a post-graduate Honors degree in Art History. I worked in the Art History field, then became a full-time artist, doing commissions. I eventually lost all of my senses and gave it up to be a self-published writer, publishing my first book in 2011. Though, earlier in 2023 I returned to art, shelving being a writer since book pirates made it impossible to earn a living from my work, excessively pirating my books. They basically broke my spirit. However, a very nice reader spurred me on to try again, so I'm attempting to revive my writing career.
BAD HABITS: I'm a major procrastinator, I stay up way too late, and I get distracted far too easily unless it's doing something I love. My mind never stops racing, can't turn ADHD off.
SPORTS: As a teenager my favourite sports were karate, badminton, and running. I also did unarmed combat and played in a touch rugby team (my gym teacher made me do the last one!) As an adult, I've couched soccer and have completed two marathons, numerous half-marathons and one 30K run, though I stick to the gym now, hanging up my running shoes.
STATUS: Married to my high school sweetheart (which he hates me calling him). We have two kids.
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Marita-A-Han...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 3, 2015
** 2-2,5 "#NotForMe" STARS **
"I do like you a lot, Mr. Santini."
"No, you love me, soon to be Mrs. D'Angelo."
This might be one of the most exhausting books I've ever read. My brain still hurts. I can't even find the energy to summarize the plot, so I'll jump right into my thoughts:
Why didn't this book work out for me?
#1 // The extreme number of characters. I don't mean like...10 when I say "extreme" though. I mean at least 25 different characters, with separate story lines and with individual importance in the story. I constantly had small episodes of "Hum...Okay...So who the F was that?" and had to just stop for a few seconds to remember them every 2 paragraphs.
#2 // The complete lack of romance.
What I want in a Romance book is to witness the process of the characters falling in love with each other and understand the reasons for them being special for one another.
In Book#1, Brando was the a**hole that ordered Ivy to take her clothes off and f*cked her without caring how she felt, just interested in his own pleasure and Ivy was more interested in his older brother anyway... And that's okay, because let's be honest here, we all LOVE a**holes and complete and utter b*tches in Romance books! That's because we know they will eventually grow real feelings for one another and win our hearts...
In Brando and Ivy's case though, all we got to see is them playing a game of push-and-pull and lusting crazily for each other. In the end they came to a point where the L words were flying around, but it came so out-of-nowhere that I had difficulty finding it realistic...or romantic.
#3 // There were just so many Mafia stuff going on to have any time left for romance anyway!!! I felt like the author has just too many things in her head and is trying too hard to interwove them together. You see, the story is divided into branches and they progress simultaneously along with different POVs every new chapter. It was very difficult to follow and not get lost in the complexity of the plot.
#4 // The use of Italian curse words here and there, obviously in order to make the characters look "tough", which was...laughable at the best.
#5 // Brando f*cking a random chick in the corner of a bar, trying to taunt poor Ivy. Now THAT is a hard limit for me.
#6 // The soap-opera-like twists in the plot, like girlfriends cheating on the characters with brothers, random people turning out to be half-brothers, loooooots of family drama and teenagers "looking exactly like" a random character coming out of nowhere and turning out to be their children...
OVERALL: I'm not even sure if I'll be reading the rest of the series. Do I recommend it? Not trying to be a b*tch here but...
Read
July 3, 2015LAST DAY FOR BRANDO @99 CENTS.
AMAZON US
AMAZON UK
AMAZON IT
From Ivy's POV:
Jealousy flared again.
Red
Hot
Volatile
And itching to kill. She dug her nails into her palms to stop herself from reacting. She didn’t understand why she wanted the bastard so much. She should like nice men, the kind who gave her gifts of flowers and chocolates, unlike Brando, who would grab his crotch and say he had a present for her. Who spoke to women like that?
Assholes.
That was who, and she needed to ignore him.
AMAZON US
AMAZON UK
AMAZON IT
From Ivy's POV:
Jealousy flared again.
Red
Hot
Volatile
And itching to kill. She dug her nails into her palms to stop herself from reacting. She didn’t understand why she wanted the bastard so much. She should like nice men, the kind who gave her gifts of flowers and chocolates, unlike Brando, who would grab his crotch and say he had a present for her. Who spoke to women like that?
Assholes.
That was who, and she needed to ignore him.
April 20, 2015
4.5 Shocking Stars
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
April 25, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
Love.Sex.Blood.Betrayal.Death.
Brando was filled with steam, lies, mayhem and devastation.
Brando was a deviant bastard-- a sexy alpha one at that, that sometimes was a corrupt douche…but, there was something appealing about him.
And Ivy, she was badass. She was one of those female heroines where you clearly would stay clear of if you got on her bad side.
I hope Vinnie’s story is next! That poor son of a gun!
But so far, it looks as if it's going to be either Rosa's follow up story or his & Dominic's for bk3!!
Love.Sex.Blood.Betrayal.Death.
Brando was filled with steam, lies, mayhem and devastation.
Brando was a deviant bastard-- a sexy alpha one at that, that sometimes was a corrupt douche…but, there was something appealing about him.
And Ivy, she was badass. She was one of those female heroines where you clearly would stay clear of if you got on her bad side.
I hope Vinnie’s story is next! That poor son of a gun!
But so far, it looks as if it's going to be either Rosa's follow up story or his & Dominic's for bk3!!
April 25, 2015
ARC was provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Review to come ...
Review to come ...
Want to read
August 8, 2014 I NEED THIS BOOK NOW!
April 17, 2015
**** ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review!*****
All thoughts is just mine.
Woow! I wasn't expecting that!
This one was really good read for me.
As you know,I love this kind of books,with crazy mobsters and twisted plot so I just know that this one is going on my favorite list.
And when I get my ARC from author, I was like a little kid in candy store.
This is a story about Brando and Ivy.
As story begins,you'd think that this is another love story gone bad,but baby you'd be so wrong!
This is a story about two proud souls that belongs together.
Brando is one hot disturbed son of a motherless goat!
He's one big ass with dirty sexy mouth,and I was swooning all over him.
He has disturbed past,has some whipping issues and he can fuck you brainless in 30 seconds!
Ivy is one hot headed assasin. Everybody is scared of her.
Female character writen just the way I love them.
She's strong,fierce and knows how to fight.
She cares for Brando but she doesn't want to admit it to herself.
I really love this book.
There was suspense,romance,hot steamy scenes and crazy ass mobsters.
Love how this isn't just about Brando.
There is little about every brother and I love to meet them all.
Can't wait for another one!
May 17, 2015
Review to come.
November 30, 2016
Did I love it? No
Did I think it was amazing? No
But could I stop reading? No!
It's a solid 3.5 stars, cliffys and so much more information needed.. I won't even try to explain, it's addictive for sure. The next book doesn't even help though so... probably too cliffy for me.
I doubt I will continue as all the relationships are left halfway and the that's not my jam - or many others I would imagine since everything is unresolved.
Did I think it was amazing? No
But could I stop reading? No!
It's a solid 3.5 stars, cliffys and so much more information needed.. I won't even try to explain, it's addictive for sure. The next book doesn't even help though so... probably too cliffy for me.
I doubt I will continue as all the relationships are left halfway and the that's not my jam - or many others I would imagine since everything is unresolved.
July 10, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
A thriller chock full of murders, betrayals, kidnappings, sexual abuse, self inflicted pain, manipulation, intimidation, insanity, control, explosions, gunfire, revenge and violence. A well crafted tale pulling all the different agendas into place to deliver one action packed journey through the madness. The Mafia War was captivating and well described to make it appear realistic. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This story is about an Brando who is in a Mafia Family and Ivy who is a female assassin for the Vipers. Well Brando finds out that he isn't really part of the family he thought he has been born into. His father is a man that he kills will during a mission. When he sees Ivy he has to have her. Brando normally gets what he wants and if he doesn't he takes it or finds any way possible to get what he wants. Ivy is bound to avoid Brando at all cost because of her former Master The Black Russian. Can these two learn what they really want or continue to fight until the end? Vincent who is Brando's brother winds up into some trouble but you will just have to see how that will end up. This book is great it has it all written to grab you from the beginning sex, violence, revenge. And a foul mouth dirty Alpha Male.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
A thriller chock full of murders, betrayals, kidnappings, sexual abuse, self inflicted pain, manipulation, intimidation, insanity, control, explosions, gunfire, revenge and violence. A well crafted tale pulling all the different agendas into place to deliver one action packed journey through the madness. The Mafia War was captivating and well described to make it appear realistic. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This story is about an Brando who is in a Mafia Family and Ivy who is a female assassin for the Vipers. Well Brando finds out that he isn't really part of the family he thought he has been born into. His father is a man that he kills will during a mission. When he sees Ivy he has to have her. Brando normally gets what he wants and if he doesn't he takes it or finds any way possible to get what he wants. Ivy is bound to avoid Brando at all cost because of her former Master The Black Russian. Can these two learn what they really want or continue to fight until the end? Vincent who is Brando's brother winds up into some trouble but you will just have to see how that will end up. This book is great it has it all written to grab you from the beginning sex, violence, revenge. And a foul mouth dirty Alpha Male.
May 20, 2015
How can I put this in words so you will want to stop what your doing and grab that kindle, purchase Brando and love this book as much as I do. What an awesome read. This story has it all, betrayal, hot sex, its dangerous, raw and so much more.
You have Brando who comes from a mafia family. He is their HIT MAN. He's very good at what he does . He's the type of man that if he wants something he gets it, no matter what, until Ivy. He wants her and is very persistent. Ivy steers clear of him because he is every thing she needs to stay away from but she cant help her attraction to him.
What will become of these two ? Guess you will have to find out.
GET THIS BOOK!!! It's a must read. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend this book to everyone. I give this book 5 stars
Want to read
September 24, 2014"Get out of my room, you misogynistic pig."
"Contrary to what they say about me, I'm all about women's rights: their right to take my cock up their culo."
Her hand whipped out, slapping him hard.
He laughed. “Oh, baby, that’s just foreplay to me. Now, if you whip me,” he closed his eyes and moaned, “I’ll be yours forever.”
_
“Brando marked Ivy.”
“What’s that mean?”
“When he kisses the back of a woman’s hand, he marks her as his.”
“It doesn’t look like Ivy likes him.”
“It doesn’t matter, once Brando marks a woman, he either gets them or...” Ricardo paused.
“Or what?”
“...kills them.”
~
.. How can I not want to read this one?
CANT WAIT!
"Contrary to what they say about me, I'm all about women's rights: their right to take my cock up their culo."
Her hand whipped out, slapping him hard.
He laughed. “Oh, baby, that’s just foreplay to me. Now, if you whip me,” he closed his eyes and moaned, “I’ll be yours forever.”
_
“Brando marked Ivy.”
“What’s that mean?”
“When he kisses the back of a woman’s hand, he marks her as his.”
“It doesn’t look like Ivy likes him.”
“It doesn’t matter, once Brando marks a woman, he either gets them or...” Ricardo paused.
“Or what?”
“...kills them.”
~
.. How can I not want to read this one?
CANT WAIT!
June 4, 2015
Holy mother fucking shit kabobs on a bun!
WHAT A BLOODY RIDE, AND I LOVEDDDD IT! WOOHOOOOO!!!
I loved crazy ass Brando and Ivy- and his whole HUGE family. Ivy is a bad-ass, strong and beyond cool, and Brando is a hot alpha motherfucker!!!! Together they are amazingly awesome and to be honest cute as hell!!!!! There was suspense, angst, romance and insane mafia family.
All in all, I DEVOURED IT, and recommend it without a shred of doubt!
April 27, 2015
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
Wow!! That was soooo kick-ass!! Not sure what I expected being that this is the first book I've read in this series but I didn't expect it to have me on the edge of my seat! Not only was there suspense & drama but some HOT, Steamy, let me go take a cold shower kind of scenes! Loved it!!! Now I want to read book 1!!! Lol seriously though.
Wow!! That was soooo kick-ass!! Not sure what I expected being that this is the first book I've read in this series but I didn't expect it to have me on the edge of my seat! Not only was there suspense & drama but some HOT, Steamy, let me go take a cold shower kind of scenes! Loved it!!! Now I want to read book 1!!! Lol seriously though.
April 30, 2015
Brando and the rest of the Santini men ... what the hell is not to like? This book was one crazy, exhilarating trip. Loved it!!!
April 27, 2015
First of all this is part two of a series, so if you haven’t read Ricardo Book #1, I highly recommend it to understand more of the background on the Santini family. If you haven’t read it, this can be read as a standalone because it’s not a cliffhanger to lead you into the next book. I rated this book 5 stars. This is not my typical read. It has an Italian mafia in it, which brings sex, violence, and scandals. This book was very suspenseful, I recommend reading when you have time to finish the whole thing, because otherwise you will be left hanging until you get an ending. I would say this book is not for everyone, but if you like suspense, and a good story, then this book/series is for you. It does have some hot sex scenes and plenty of mouthwatering Italian men to keep you intrigued.
After reading book one, Ricardo, I didn’t think I would like Brando whatsoever. I was totally wrong based on what I had learned about him from the first book. Everyone has their own story and until you know the truth of their past to know what has shaped them into the person they are today, you never know why they are the way they are. The perfect description for Brando: “dangerous, intense and downright sexy.”
He wants Ivy who is a part of the Vipers, team of female assassins. Ivy knows what it’s like to be owned by someone, so she tries to deny her attraction to Brando. But will discovering his past be what makes her sympathize with him or resist him like her former master, the Black Russian.
I promise you are not left with a cliffhanger but I hope to hear more about Brando's story in the upcoming continuation of the series. I really hope the next book will be about Vinnie aka Vincenzo Santini one of the twins.
**ARC given in exchange for honest review**
After reading book one, Ricardo, I didn’t think I would like Brando whatsoever. I was totally wrong based on what I had learned about him from the first book. Everyone has their own story and until you know the truth of their past to know what has shaped them into the person they are today, you never know why they are the way they are. The perfect description for Brando: “dangerous, intense and downright sexy.”
He wants Ivy who is a part of the Vipers, team of female assassins. Ivy knows what it’s like to be owned by someone, so she tries to deny her attraction to Brando. But will discovering his past be what makes her sympathize with him or resist him like her former master, the Black Russian.
I promise you are not left with a cliffhanger but I hope to hear more about Brando's story in the upcoming continuation of the series. I really hope the next book will be about Vinnie aka Vincenzo Santini one of the twins.
**ARC given in exchange for honest review**
April 20, 2015
ARC given by author for honest review
Brando....what can I say?!?! I have a love/hate relationship with him... He really isn't my favorite Santini brother but there is still something about him. At first I wanted to strangle him because of his crude and cocky behavior but I'll be damned if he didn't start to grow on me.
This book also gives you more than just Brando's story, we learn more about other characters and some HUGE revelations were revealed. Marita Hansen knows how to keep her readers guessing and that is why she is one of my favorites.
I really don't what to say too much about the story because seriously you need to get the full reading experience when you learn these revelations.
Kudos to you, Marita!! And hurry up with Vincenzo and Dominic....I need more of those two!!
Brando....what can I say?!?! I have a love/hate relationship with him... He really isn't my favorite Santini brother but there is still something about him. At first I wanted to strangle him because of his crude and cocky behavior but I'll be damned if he didn't start to grow on me.
This book also gives you more than just Brando's story, we learn more about other characters and some HUGE revelations were revealed. Marita Hansen knows how to keep her readers guessing and that is why she is one of my favorites.
I really don't what to say too much about the story because seriously you need to get the full reading experience when you learn these revelations.
Kudos to you, Marita!! And hurry up with Vincenzo and Dominic....I need more of those two!!
April 27, 2015
God I just love Brando. He is beautifully broken and Ivy is his perfect match. She knows the nightmare he lived through as she made it through one of her own. I love that they are both so very strong yet vulnerable with each other. Brando is one of those complex characters that is hell on wheels with a cruelty that could easily turn readers away, but the author has tempered him with a hilarious sense of humor and a capability of loving so big that it could easily overwhelm anyone other than Ivy. And she needs to have all that from someone. She has lost and lived through so much at the hands of a monster. It's only fitting that she find love with Brando who can rebuild that heart that she protects behind a wall that only he could really break through. I loved the two of them together and the story of family that surrounds them.
I give Brando 5 hearts!
I give Brando 5 hearts!
April 24, 2015
Brando is dark, dangerous and HOT! Brando never had been shown any love from his father, only his mother. His family is one of the Mafia families. He's there hit man. He's very good at his job. He takes want he wants, when he wants, no matter what, until Ivy.
Ivy is one of the Vipers. Brando's family agreed to help the Vipers destroy The Black Russian. Brando wants Ivy, but he is domineering and wants to dominate Ivy, but cannot have her. She refuses his attempts to have her, but she wants him.
Brando is torn with his feelings he has for Ivy, then decides he isn't good enough because of his demons. These two go at each other and come together and back at each other's throats. The sexual tension is so thick, you can see coming off the pages as you read.
Ivy is one of the Vipers. Brando's family agreed to help the Vipers destroy The Black Russian. Brando wants Ivy, but he is domineering and wants to dominate Ivy, but cannot have her. She refuses his attempts to have her, but she wants him.
Brando is torn with his feelings he has for Ivy, then decides he isn't good enough because of his demons. These two go at each other and come together and back at each other's throats. The sexual tension is so thick, you can see coming off the pages as you read.
April 30, 2015
MUST READ!!! I would recommend reading Ricardo and the My master's nightmares series first just to help with some of the characters back story, as they all seem to really tie into each other. What's not to love about this story? Mafia, love, hate, wars, and loads of sex and I do mean sex the get down and dirty kind makes your head spin just reading it. The emotions in this story are out of this world great you really begin to feel what the characters are feeling and then some. It's worth every page turn and words being read that make this story magic. It's one of those that you can become lost over and over again and know that it's worth it.
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
May 5, 2015
It was okay for me...I thought Brando sounded like a teenager and Ivy she's an assassin and I did not get why she fell for Brando and oh my God...Jagger, I read what happened to him in My Master Nightmare, read more about him and the Black Russian and I have a suspicion that he and the Black Russian will be in the next book. Jagger has been abused his whole life and now the Black Russian is going to have him. I don't think I can go there with Jagger. Also there is a lot of people and Mafia families, I feel like I did not get a lot from Brando and Ivy. The writing was good and I will continue to read her books :))..This one just did not grab me
May 1, 2015
Omg
Omg I could not put my kindle down...this story was so good..it was even better than the first..I love these brothers and can't wait for more
Omg I could not put my kindle down...this story was so good..it was even better than the first..I love these brothers and can't wait for more
April 23, 2015
4.75 stars
Brando is dark, dangerous and HOT! Brando never had been shown any love from his father, only his mother. His family is one of the Mafia families. He's there hit man. He's very good at his job. He takes want he wants, when he wants, no matter what, until Ivy.
Ivy is one of the Vipers. Brando's family agreed to help the Vipers destroy The Black Russian. Brando wants Ivy, but he is domineering and wants to dominate Ivy, but cannot have her. She refuses his attempts to have her, but she wants him.
Brando is torn with his feelings he has for Ivy, then decides he isn't good enough because of his demons. These two go at each other and come together and back at each other's throats. The sexual tension is so thick, you can see coming off the pages as you read
Brando is dark, dangerous and HOT! Brando never had been shown any love from his father, only his mother. His family is one of the Mafia families. He's there hit man. He's very good at his job. He takes want he wants, when he wants, no matter what, until Ivy.
Ivy is one of the Vipers. Brando's family agreed to help the Vipers destroy The Black Russian. Brando wants Ivy, but he is domineering and wants to dominate Ivy, but cannot have her. She refuses his attempts to have her, but she wants him.
Brando is torn with his feelings he has for Ivy, then decides he isn't good enough because of his demons. These two go at each other and come together and back at each other's throats. The sexual tension is so thick, you can see coming off the pages as you read
May 5, 2015
ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
The story of Brando and Ivy is one of a mafia family and a female assassin. Ivy tries to avoid Brando because of the man who owned her the Black Russian. Will Brando finally get Icy he wants her and he normally gets what he wants.
The story of Brando and Ivy is one of a mafia family and a female assassin. Ivy tries to avoid Brando because of the man who owned her the Black Russian. Will Brando finally get Icy he wants her and he normally gets what he wants.
April 26, 2015
Review to come~~
put-down-for-now
September 25, 2015Next up on my mafia binge..
Yeahhhhhh can not wait for a Brando book! Definitely my favourite brother.
Yeahhhhhh can not wait for a Brando book! Definitely my favourite brother.
December 10, 2015
I am really getting into this series, I love how complex the characters are and it makes for a great story.
October 26, 2017
Therapy Sessions
Brando and all of his family members need to be in therapy. They all have issues-some more than others. All of the Vipers could also spend a little time on a therapist's couch. I loved this mafia story with it's violent, foul mouthed characters! Five excellent stars!
Brando and all of his family members need to be in therapy. They all have issues-some more than others. All of the Vipers could also spend a little time on a therapist's couch. I loved this mafia story with it's violent, foul mouthed characters! Five excellent stars!
April 26, 2015
Reviewed by Dawn Vickers on behalf of Kindle Friends Forever.
This book focuses on Brando and Ivy, but there’s back stories of the other brothers and characters too. It’s raw, gritty and passionate and definitely not for those seeking a lovey dovey romance!!
Brando is damaged from his childhood and lives his life on the edge. He’s drop dead gorgeous but crude, arrogant and has a dirty mouth! However, you can’t help finding him hot as hell!! Brando is a hit man for his family. He’s good at it and he cares for no one until Ivy.
Ivy is a member of the Vipers. A group of female assassins. They protect the family who are also helping the Vipers take down, The Black Russian. He’s as evil as they come, dealing in every sordid thing possible including sex slaves, murder and torture. Everyone wants a piece of the Black Russian! This strong minded, strong willed woman takes none of Brando’s crap. He wants her, makes no secret of it, and he infuriates her no end. She wants him but won’t admit it to herself. When Ivy learns about Brando’s tragic past and why he behaves the way he does inflicting pain on himself and those around him, she decides to discover the man underneath all that bravado. The chemistry between Brando and Ivy is off the charts. Even though they're constantly quarrelling, bit by bit they start to let each other in. They finally get together and it’s hot! Brando is introduced to someone from his past who turns out to be closer to him than he ever imagined thanks to a confession from his mother. His brothers, Vinnie and Dominic, have their own dramas to deal with which results in a life threatening situation. For Vinnie, only the family and the Vipers can save him.
This is one long read. As there is so much going on, I often found it difficult to keep going. There’s a multitude of different characters from different families all with their own stories to tell which I found too much to take in at times. Stalking, kidnapping, self-harm, childhood flash backs, shootings, betrayal and lots and lots of sex. The drama, action and suspense just felt like an overload to my way of thinking, and could have been scaled down. It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s never boring with something happening on nearly every page! It’s impossible to touch on every character, but the ones that stood out for me are Brando, Ivy, Dominic, Vinnie, D and Jagger. Brando took a while for me to warm up to him but once you understand the pain he experienced, you can’t help but be drawn to his character. When hell rains down, he goes all out to protect those he loves and cares for. I loved Ivy’s personality; strong in both spirit, mind; a true fighter with a caring, compassionate side. She took Brando on giving as good as she got!
All in all, this is a very fast paced read. As I said before, it’s long. The various detailed storylines all good in their own right will keep you interested in the story and wanting to see how it all ends. I just felt that at times, this read left me somewhat confused.
This book focuses on Brando and Ivy, but there’s back stories of the other brothers and characters too. It’s raw, gritty and passionate and definitely not for those seeking a lovey dovey romance!!
Brando is damaged from his childhood and lives his life on the edge. He’s drop dead gorgeous but crude, arrogant and has a dirty mouth! However, you can’t help finding him hot as hell!! Brando is a hit man for his family. He’s good at it and he cares for no one until Ivy.
Ivy is a member of the Vipers. A group of female assassins. They protect the family who are also helping the Vipers take down, The Black Russian. He’s as evil as they come, dealing in every sordid thing possible including sex slaves, murder and torture. Everyone wants a piece of the Black Russian! This strong minded, strong willed woman takes none of Brando’s crap. He wants her, makes no secret of it, and he infuriates her no end. She wants him but won’t admit it to herself. When Ivy learns about Brando’s tragic past and why he behaves the way he does inflicting pain on himself and those around him, she decides to discover the man underneath all that bravado. The chemistry between Brando and Ivy is off the charts. Even though they're constantly quarrelling, bit by bit they start to let each other in. They finally get together and it’s hot! Brando is introduced to someone from his past who turns out to be closer to him than he ever imagined thanks to a confession from his mother. His brothers, Vinnie and Dominic, have their own dramas to deal with which results in a life threatening situation. For Vinnie, only the family and the Vipers can save him.
This is one long read. As there is so much going on, I often found it difficult to keep going. There’s a multitude of different characters from different families all with their own stories to tell which I found too much to take in at times. Stalking, kidnapping, self-harm, childhood flash backs, shootings, betrayal and lots and lots of sex. The drama, action and suspense just felt like an overload to my way of thinking, and could have been scaled down. It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s never boring with something happening on nearly every page! It’s impossible to touch on every character, but the ones that stood out for me are Brando, Ivy, Dominic, Vinnie, D and Jagger. Brando took a while for me to warm up to him but once you understand the pain he experienced, you can’t help but be drawn to his character. When hell rains down, he goes all out to protect those he loves and cares for. I loved Ivy’s personality; strong in both spirit, mind; a true fighter with a caring, compassionate side. She took Brando on giving as good as she got!
All in all, this is a very fast paced read. As I said before, it’s long. The various detailed storylines all good in their own right will keep you interested in the story and wanting to see how it all ends. I just felt that at times, this read left me somewhat confused.
June 28, 2015
Ok.. so I've been trying to figure out how I felt about book 1 -- Ricardo -- as I read this one. And I have finally been able to put words into my thoughts.
This isn't a bad series. I just can't call them great. Both book 1 and this one (book 2) are based on the Santini family. Book 1 about Ricardo and book 2 about Brando.
Now... my issue. there is way too much stuff going on with other characters. Neither book felt like they were based around the guys that were the main characters. I'm still left wondering about Ricardo and Bianca. There was never anything solid about how they ended up. And I'm left wondering about Brando and Ivy after finishing this one.
Both books had way too much story line wrapped around the other 12 million Santini brothers. and much of Brando 's story involved a ton about his twin brothers and 1 of his other brothers and in the end one of the sisters secrets came out. Very little of either book was actually about what the story claims to be. I understand that in a series parts will come to light about characters that will have their stories eventually told in the series. But I'm left wondering about Brando and Ivy. What is their story?? Guess. what?? I have no damn idea bc the book doesn't give much in the way of their relationship. Some is implied but it's all one big guessing game. And too many plots are swirling around other characters. Made my head hurt.
I didn't hate this. I am lust left kinda blah about it.. and honestly I'm not sure I will continue the series. Because there was still no indication as to how Ricardo and Bianca ended up. Are they together??
There is just way to much going on on these. I want the story about the couple. I don't mind other things being thrown in. But like in this case half the book is about one of Brandos other brothers.... just doesn't make any sense to me and I can't figure out where the author is trying to go with this.
This isn't a bad series. I just can't call them great. Both book 1 and this one (book 2) are based on the Santini family. Book 1 about Ricardo and book 2 about Brando.
Now... my issue. there is way too much stuff going on with other characters. Neither book felt like they were based around the guys that were the main characters. I'm still left wondering about Ricardo and Bianca. There was never anything solid about how they ended up. And I'm left wondering about Brando and Ivy after finishing this one.
Both books had way too much story line wrapped around the other 12 million Santini brothers. and much of Brando 's story involved a ton about his twin brothers and 1 of his other brothers and in the end one of the sisters secrets came out. Very little of either book was actually about what the story claims to be. I understand that in a series parts will come to light about characters that will have their stories eventually told in the series. But I'm left wondering about Brando and Ivy. What is their story?? Guess. what?? I have no damn idea bc the book doesn't give much in the way of their relationship. Some is implied but it's all one big guessing game. And too many plots are swirling around other characters. Made my head hurt.
I didn't hate this. I am lust left kinda blah about it.. and honestly I'm not sure I will continue the series. Because there was still no indication as to how Ricardo and Bianca ended up. Are they together??
There is just way to much going on on these. I want the story about the couple. I don't mind other things being thrown in. But like in this case half the book is about one of Brandos other brothers.... just doesn't make any sense to me and I can't figure out where the author is trying to go with this.
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