Amore, Part 1

Amore #1

by Bella Jewel

“It is not love that defines us, Julietta. It is love that destroys us.”


I’m just a normal girl.
Or so you would think.
I’ve never thought of myself as anything different.
Until I met him.
He doesn’t think I’m normal.
He thinks I’m special.
Special enough to be in his life.
Special enough to enter his world.
Special enough for his bed.
Rafael Lencioni. Dangerous. Beautiful. Terrifying.
My story is the one that’s never told.
I’m not the daughter.
I’m not the wife.
I’m not the forbidden lover.
I’m not a sister or a mother.
I’m not who you think I am.
So for me to fit into their world, I have to do something I never wanted in my life.
Something I would have frowned upon until I met him.
I have to change who I am.
I have to shut down my heart.
I have to accept my place.
My body belongs to him.
My heart isn’t permitted to.
Those are his rules.
But rules were made to be broken…right?

Genres: Romance, Crime, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Forbidden Love, Audiobook, Mafia Romance

188 pages, Unknown Binding

First published September 18, 2016

About the author

Heya!! My name is Bella, I'm a new aussie author and I am as crazy as they come. I'm playful, friendly and always up for a chat so stop on by x

Reviews

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers) · Rating 1 out of 5]

The hero is a cheating bastard who's married with a "good" wife and he's in the mafia and is expected of him to have a mistress yeah you read right a mistress and the heroine wasn't the first mistress that he had don't get me started on the heroine who knows he's married but still slept with him she becomes his mistress and gets pregnant. He cares for his wife and calls her his girl. I was disgusted by this book.
The wife is another doormat who knows her husband has mistresses.
This is NOT romance.
I don't don't even know why people are rating it high I guess it's alright to cheat on their spouses.

[Chantal ❤️]

TWO OF THE THINGS I HATE CHEATERS AND THE WORD MISTRESS.
You want me not to read your book just put mistress in the title and you my friend are all set!
Set to piss me off and have me never read your book ever.
I am so over that sh*t. Grow up people what century are we living in here!!!
Marry who you want, sleep with who you want but don't expect your spouse to put up with your cheating ass!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT'S LIVE!
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*

3.5 Stars

Bella Jewel wrote the untold story that we all need to hear. This book isn't just the typical mafia book with a badass Hero and a heroine that matches his every need, turning into a love story. No, this is the heartbreaking story of the other women, the one we always hate and want to shame. It's not pretty, and it's not nice, but it's real.



Amore wasn't an easy book to read because it brings up a lot of moral questions and makes you really think about whats going on. I thought it was great that this book was finally written, even if it's not one I ever thought I would read or even have a desire to read. But by the end of it I understood why Julietta's story was necessary and I liked how most of it was handled so I'm happy I took a chance on it.

Julietta was just a normal girl until the night she met Rafael Lencioni. That night changed her life and changed her as a person, which that was very clear in this story. I liked that her change wasn't an unexpected one, and it wasn't abrupt. We got to see her emotions playing out and how her situation made her into a different person. There are times characters have random, very sudden personality changes, but that wasn't the situation in this book so I was thankful for that since it made everything real.

With that being said, she was also a difficult character to like at some parts. Her emotions were very real and her actions were understandable at most parts. But there were still a few moments that really changed my opinion about her and made me mad to see a woman not standing up for herself. She can't be described as a tough heroine, which is fine because even though that's what I prefer in my books, it's not always the case.. Yet at the same time, it kills me to see someone bow down to another person and just take their shit. That was my main problem with the story and the reason for my 3.5 rating. I just couldn't handle some of the things that she did for her "love" of Rafael. There are a lot of things that happen in books that I'm okay with even though in real life I wouldn't be. But this is one of those things that I'm not okay with no matter where it's happening.



I still liked Rafael as a Hero, even when he was being a giant asshole. Not because of a double standard or anything like that but because I loved to hate him. Is he book boyfriend material for me? Not at all. But i loved his character because of how much I hated him and it added more of the realness to the book. Might not seem logical but it makes sense in my crazy brain.

Overall, I really think any mafia trope lovers should read this book. It's not the typical story that you can get from just any author and I think it will surprise some people when they read it. I'm happy the next installment is coming soon because I definitely need to find out how Rafael and Julietta's story ends.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*

Omg I luvd this sooooooo much but that ending ahhhhhh



This book is a lot different to the books that the author normally writes but I really hope she stays on this mafia thing I've enjoyed everything about this book well bar the ending she as never done a cliffhanger like never an she as just killed with this one I need that book like now



As u can tell I totally luvd this book the book is basically about the mistress of a mafia boss an well him as well Julietta is a sassy fun lovin woman she's a nurse an enjoys what's she does life is ok she as a great family an best friend an when they r together they alway have a great time she flirts with men an drinks cosmos what more could u want until one nite she goes to a mafia ran nite club she was told to stay away but she was goin input to dance an have a great time with her bestie but she ends up meetin the very sexy Rafael he as a very domineering presents about him but she can't seem to take her eyes of him an after him helping her get out a sticky situation it makes him even more appealing but she doesn't know who Rafael is an when she finds out she's not very happy



I don't really want to go into this story to much cause it's should a great one there r twists thrown in al over the place but I luv the way Julietta is with Rafael she doesn't stand for his alpha ways she stands up to him an no other woman as ever done that before an this just make them both want each other even more no matter how hard they try to stop it but things r never that easy an the ending in this book just shows that



I highly recommend this book I m a huge fan of this author an this book is just great I couldn't get enough I read it in a day I couldn't put it down I was dyin to know what was goin to happen an I was shocked in a few parts but it just made the story so good bring on the next book xxx

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Bella Jewel" In exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!

TITLE: Amore
AUTHOR: Bella Jewel
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 30
RELEASE DATE: September 19th 2016

MY RATING: 5 STARS



AMORE: Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives' Julietta & Rafael Lencioni

What can't this author write? This is a whole new genre from her, and OMFG when I saw she was going to dip her feet into the mafia world I had to hunt this down so hard!! Mafia reads are one of my top sort after genres, add it's coming from a favourite author and I was jumping on that bad boy faster than a hooker!!

This is going to be a wee bit different to other mafia reads out there though due to it being from the other woman's perspective. Yes you read this right, the mistress..
Add that equation in and this is what is going to make it a unique read and one even I have not come across before.

The 'Prologue' is setting us up for some bumpy heartbreak, she broke one rule that he stipulated she never break.

Just two friends out on the town, drinking, dancing and goofing around, the one club they go to is run by a mafia lord, they know it but it's a happening hot spot in town and that's not going to stop them letting their hair down for the night.

Their goofing around gets Juliette noticed by none other than Rafael Lencioni, the owner and top leader of his kingdom, one thing leads to another, a man that sweeps her off her feet, a one night stand that has her running out of the club once he lets slip who he is..

I'm a girl and I'm single
This is the kind of man you want to have a one night stand with.

Due to running out on him she left her purse behind with all her identification so it wasn't hard for him to track her down to her home address.

A proposition like no other, to become his mistress she has to agree to his terms

Two rules
1: Don't fall in love with me
2: And don't EVER under any circumstances, mention who I am or what I do.



This entails no dates, no being seen in public, no sleep overs, no cuddling, no falling in love.

Rafael Lencioni sees something in Juliette that he likes, she's quirky, fun loving, she challenges him and is feisty and his equal in every way. He wants to make her his..Sounds easy right?? WRONG!! *Drum Roll*

BOOM

He's married

Now don't all go getting your knickers in a twist, I know for a lot that will be a hard limit, but (and no I'm not justifying it) in the mafia world in some cases it's the norm to take a mistress or even more than one on the side.

So basically I'm going to get the best of him, without commitment,
without contracts, and with the added bonus of being taken care of as if
he's my husband. Only he's not.



Let the rollercoaster of feels begin..

It's been a while since I've read a mafia book that took so little effort by the author to captivate me. But Amore did exactly that. I loved this book, once I started it I didn't put it down, I was so drawn into the story the outside world ceased to exist, I was transported to another world.

I guess this would've made for a cringe worthy read if the wife loved him, but really it was an arranged marriage between the two families, like a business deal, she bears him sons to carry on the legacy. It seemed like they barely tolerated each other, and lived their separate lives, she knew he had a mistress and was ok with that, it's their way of life.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 scratching my head stars

This will be a review where I don’t agree with everyone else. Maybe I was in a mood when I read this and maybe I just have a certain way I like to read mafia books whatever the case Amore wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t a hit for me.

I love mafia books, like I am obsessed with them, but I guess with me, if the book is too fast pace it’s kind of a turn off. I usually like fast pace books, but when it comes to mafia, I really like subtle reads.

I didn’t find the chemistry between the Hero and the Heroine. I thought it was too lustful in my opinion. She’s dancing at a club and he sees her and then BAM they fuck. I was taken aback by it because as much as I love a good steamy sex scene I was thinking to myself, wow that was REALLY quick.

From there they start an affair.

The hero is married, but it’s the mafia right? So I guess it’s kind of like the MC world, where it’s not really cheating if the couple aren’t into each other. I’m okay with cheating now, before I would cringe when I read stuff like that, but I don’t know. Something about this rubbed me the wrong way. So the Heroine is his mistress? Okay… I’ll keep on reading.

There’s some mafia politics that go on and I kind of enjoyed that a lot. There’s a traitor in the organization and the Hero must figure out who it is.

I tried really hard to connect with the characters, but I didn’t feel it. It was one sex scene after another and I just couldn’t see them falling in love.

Finally the cliffy, I’m all about them. I love me a good cliffy and I’m one of the rare readers that like to be surprised when I read them. So when I realized the cliffy was coming, I was like ohh okay. But a lot of stuff happens in the end.

I’m not sure if I agree with everything.
Especially, now the Heroine must work against the Hero? WHY?!!!!!!!! It doesn’t make sense. Ugggg…. I can feel the angst in book two and I haven’t even started.

I’m not sure if I am going to dive into book II only because I don’t agree with the ending. But you never know.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75**

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

***** 4.5 Stars *****

I love how this story is about a romance between a mistress and a sexy mafia boss. It's an edgy forbidden romance, and I couldn't put it down.

Julietta is just a normal girl having fun with her girlfriend at a club. Her sexy carefree personality attract a lot of attention... including the boss of a mafia.

Rafael goes through mistresses like it's nothing. It's normal in his line of business. A boss that doesn't have something on the side looks bad. His wife knows what the life involves, and she acts like the proper wife. They care about each other, but there's just not much romance between them.

Julietta lights a fire in Rafael. He can't get enough of her. She knows that he's married and she has to follow the rules. She feels ashamed of herself, but he's like a drug.

The romance and chemistry is off the charts. There is also some mystery involved in the story. The ending is a cliffhanger, but the next book is coming out soon. I'll be counting down the days!

[Jac K · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4ish Goomada Stars
I originally listened to the audio back in 2018 which might be why I rated higher. It held up enough on the re-read to round up to 4 ⭐’s. I’m pretty positive that this used to be out in KU, but I can’t even find an ebook in the Kindle store now. I did find it on scribd though.

Amore is split into two parts, so each half is a pretty quick read. The first part follows nurse Julietta, and her relationship with mob boss Rafael Lencioni. It opens with a teaser and ends in a cliffy.

Rafe is married to Maria, and Julie is the OW. If it helps, their (Rafe & Maria) marriage was arranged and Maria knows that he has mistresses. BUT… Julie is also aware of this, and initially agrees to a sort of great sex for $$ arrangement. So, if you can’t deal with your h being in this role…I’d skip, because it’s pretty much the entire plot.

Bottom Line- There’s some angst, and some action. Julie is immature and times, and Rafe can be cold, but I still swallowed this up.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why?!? Oh why did you have to leave us hanging like that Ms. Jewel?!? I need more now please!

“An Italian stallion without a doubt. This is the kind of man you would pay to ride all night long, without hesitation.”

Rafael is the head of the Italian mafia. He is wanted by many and feared by all. But Julietta gets under his skin, intriguing him more than any other woman has.

“I’m playing with fire. I’m going to get burned, but damned if I can stop. I don’t know if I even want to.”

Julietta is a nurse. She has her career and that is enough for now. Until she meets him. One night turns into so much more. Even when it’s breaking the rules.

I have to say that I am not a huge mafia fan. I have read a few and, while I enjoyed them, it is not my go to genre. However, I am a huge Bella Jewel fan and this story blew me away. It is so unique, telling a story that never gets told. It was full of drama, secrets, hot sex, and so much more. I simply need Part 2 immediately! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars

~~~

I didn’t know what to expect when going into this book because I hadn’t read a mafia book before, but I shouldn’t have been wary, because Bella Jewel knows how to write a great book. Amore had so many hot moments, suspense, and secrets, hooking me from the very first page. I had a hard time putting this book down.

Rafael, a mafia leader, meets Julietta and propositions her to be his mistress. This leads them down a dangerous path as there are rules and they are not meant to be broken. When love enters the picture along with dangerous people what will happen to their relationship?

This book enraptured me and didn’t let me go. Rafael and Julietta had so much chemistry and were people meant to be together but their relationship couldn’t go beyond merely a man with his mistress. The story was laden with secrets and when revealed, I was definitely surprised. I loved this story line. I can’t wait to see how things will play out. The ending to this book has me not so patiently waiting for the next book! I need it now! ~ Leah, 5 Stars

~~~

Oh my goodness, this book was simply amazing!! A modern day Romeo & Juliet filled with angst, love, hate, twists & turns and LOTS of sexiness, which is my kind of book.

Rafael Lencioni, sexy Italian Mafia boss knows what he wants and goes for it. He doesn't take no for an answer and Julietta is no exception. When things start to go awry with his men and business, he does whatever he needs to do to make those responsible pay.

Julietta is naïve and wreckless and knows that falling for Rafael is one of the worst mistakes she could ever make. No matter how hard she tried to avoid it, her heart had other plans. The more she falls for Rafael the more his plan goes accordingly, but the question that kept plaguing me was: Who is the true guilty one?

There are many questions that are left unanswered, but once they are, I know this story will blow our minds! Ms. Jewel really took us for a ride with this modern day Romeo & Juliet story and I can't wait for the rest of their story! ~ Kara, 4.5 Stars

[Katie]

Ahhhh!!!



LOVE me some Bella Jewel ♡

[Elizarey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!



I'M IN LOVE!! When can I get the next one!! This book was amazing.

The moment I got this book on my kindle I knew I was going to go through some serious withdrawals the moment I finished. Everything about this book was perfect for me. I loved it all!!

Rafael is the boss of the chicago mafia.


In control at all times until he meets sassy Julietta at one of his nightclubs. He is immediately intrigued when she starts pulling funny faces at one of his security cameras. I loved Julietta she was fun and sassy and knew how to have a fun time. Julietta gave as good as she got and never let Rafael walk all over her which I really love. She was stubborn but didn't get annoying which I feel often happens in other books.



Julietta becomes Rafaeals mistress.
I've never read the story of a mafia mistress and I have been waiting for a long time to find a book like this. I loved it. It was everything I wanted it to be and more.

So Much More!! The author executed the whole story brilliantly.

Rafael was so sexy and attentive he took care of Julietta so well. The sex was soo hot and passionate my kindle was burning up.





Julietta wasn't just his mistress, she was his friend. Someone to spend time with and have fun. I loved that we got to see that side also. It really made me feel more connected to the main characters.

It is safe to say I will be counting down the weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds till the next book is ready for me to read.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read about the mafia world, there are certain things about the world that may or may not be to your liking ... but it's their world, and you have to respect that. I'm not condoning their world, I'm just respecting it. So without saying too much more .... there are things going on in this story that a lot of you will find deplorable. Get past it. Because if you give up on the story you are missing out of one heck of a ride! #TRUST

Now, is there any type of story Bella Jewel cannot right and nail it perfectly?! Apparently not! I was completely drawn in from the beginning. The story is very unique. It's told from the perspective of the other woman. It's her story. It's full of twists and turns everywhere and the ending will have your mouth hanging open. And the ride is worth every minute of your time because Bella is a gifted story-teller. Her stories come to life on the pages and they captivate you as if you were right there with them.

Just .. wow ... I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment in their story!!!

Copy provided for blog tour

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! There's mystery and intrigue and hot steamy sex in here. I need the next part of this story pronto!

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Jewel, one of my favourite authors, has written a mafia romance, one of my favourite genres! I was anticipating this being good and it was, very, very good! So good in fact that I can forgive her for the cliffhanger ending. Yes, it's the dreaded cliffy ending but Bella assures us in the Author's Note that the follow up will be quick to release after this one so we won't be kept in suspense for long.
Now this book contains a subject matter that I've always struggled with; cheating. It's the story of Rafael Lencioni, the leader of the Italian mafia. He meets our heroine Julietta whilst she's on a night out at one of his clubs. What starts as a one night stand soon becomes something more when he approaches her with an arrangement. Rafael needs a mistress for status purposes, and he has his sights set on Julietta.
As I said I've always struggled with cheating storylines but I found the way Bella Jewel approached this story made it easier to digest. Written in Julietta's POV, seeing how it began and seeing how things affected her made me look at it from a whole new angle and I developed a lot of understanding for her. 
Onto that cliffy ending, aaaargh!!! What a way to leave us hanging! I'm drooling for book 2, I actually cannot wait! I need to know what happens! As well as the excitement there's also a pit of dread in my stomach about where this story could go and what could happen to these characters. Bella Jewel, put me out of my misery and please get book 2 to us as soon as you can! Pretty please!!

[Janja · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5
I know i'm the only one with so low rating but i can't helped. The plot was absolute winner ,story not so much. For me another quick wrtiting with no head no tail and with characters i can't stand.
Bella was my absolute one click author for many years,but lately i'm disappointed .

[Lidia's Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 2-Star rating has nothing to do with the themes in the book. I'm addicted to angsty reads and I'll read almost anything as long as it gives me my fix. I never confuse fiction with reality; so my morals are safe, thank you very much.

The rating is due to the writing. Basically, it lacked depth. This was like a B-movie, and not even an entertaining one. I don't know why I finished it. Maybe I was hoping at some point it would improve. But nah. The characters were lame. I didn't like the heroine, Julietta, one bit. I had seen this book numerous times before on lists and friends' shelves; however, it wasn't available on Amazon anymore, only the audible version which I don't do. When 'Amore' popped up again, this time I googled it and finally found it online for free! I was very excited. I read part 1 and part 2 (skimmed a lot of it, if I'm honest.)
Links to books:
Part 1
Part 2

Sadly, the angst was nonexistent. Considering the hero, Rafael, is a mafia boss, he wasn't much of an alpha, not with the heroine. He even told her she could see other men while she was his mistress. Julietta was a pushover, even though she tried acting otherwise, she was weak, always allowing Rafael to treat her like dirt. In short, the entire story fell flat. What a shame because this should have been my jam!

Note:
This is the one where the heroine names her secret baby--Ajax. 😂

"Ajax? I almost laugh out loud. She has to be fucking kidding me? She named our son, the first son in my line, Ajax?"

“If you wish to come, I’m not going to stop you. Now collect the child.”
“He has a name,” she snaps.
“I heard. It’s awful.”

The author must have known how stupid the heroine would seem 🙈 Talk about second-hand embarrassment.

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I think I have Bella Jewel figured out, she goes and does something completely different leaving me speechless. From reading the blurb, I really didn't know what I was going to get out of this story so to say I was nervous was a huge understatement. Personally I've never read a story like this one and I'm so glad this author went out of her comfort zone to create this. It was telling, seductive, with a touch of suspense that leaves you craving more.

"I'm going to be the mistress to the leader of the Mafia. What the fuck is wrong with me?

Julietta is a simple girl. Being an only child, she's adored by her parents immensly and has a good career being a nurse. Her love is another story. Deciding to go out with her best friend to one of the hottest clubs in town, she's ready to let her hair down and have a good time. But that club is owned by the leader of the crime boss family the Lencioni's and she's about to enter the infamous Rafael's Kingdom.

"Men like Rafael radiate a terrifying vibe when they're in a room. They dominate it. They own it. You know they're there long before they make their presence known".

Rafael is a man that always gets what he wants. His ruthless, feared, and crossing him would be the biggest make of your life. Growing up he knew everything about the Mafia life and what it was going to take to be a leader. His father taught him everything and one of the first things he needed to know is that having Mistress was a part of that life. It's been known that if a leader doesn't have one, he's considered as weak in their culture. Having gone through a few Mistresses of his own, he's getting quite bored with his set up but that all changes when he sees Julietta dancing in his club. Now he's about to make her an offer she can't refuse with two simple rules.

1:"Don't fall in love with me."

2: And don't EVER under any circumstances,mention who I am or what I do."

This isn't a story about boy meets girl, boy falls for girl and live happily ever after. This is about what its like to be the other woman and what happens when everything you've ingrained in yourself and swore you'll never do, is suddenly in question. What's it like being the Mistress of the most powerful man in the mafia? Can their relationship really work without them falling for each other? How many rules willl be broken. I asked myself all of those questions and I loved how Rafael and Julietta's relationship was portrayed in this one. Yes it was difficult at times but it also had some hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud.

If you want a completely different read, then you should really try this one. Please note: This story does contain cheating and it ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. If you're the type to smash electronic devices over that, I suggest you wait for part two.

*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather C · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ 4.5 Stars ~

So let’s be honest here. When I signed up to review Amore, I had no idea that it was going to be part one. In fact, none of us did. Would that have changed my mind? Absolutely not. In fact, after reading it, I’m actually glad that Bella wrote it the way she did. It looks like there’s so much more to Julietta and Rafael and I can’t wait for the rest of it.

Julietta (Julie) is a single, beautiful young woman who has been raised in a mixed family that is dominated by Italian blood. She’s smart and fun and has a fierce loyalty to her family and friends. On an average night out at a night club with her best friend, Julie is having a blast. Sure, they are in a club own by the mafia and instead of being afraid, they make light of it. Little did she know that her fun time just caught the attention of Rafael Lencioni, the mafia Boss, and her life is about to be forever changed.

Rafael Lencioni has a lot of responsibilities as the Boss. He is expected to hold a certain status and that means there are different expectations for him and how he lives. It isn’t uncommon to have a woman on his arm. So when Julietta captures his attention, it doesn’t seem like anything different. He plans to pursue her like he has anyone else. But there just seems to be something completely different about her. Something that pulls her to him and won’t let him go. Something that stirs up feelings in him that he is not prepared for and definitely does want. Will he be able to keep all this in check or will Julietta get to him unlike anyone else?

Here’s the thing. I’m leaving this a bit vague. This story is a different take on a mafia romance. It’s from a perspective that we don’t normally get a side to. It wasn’t until the Author’s Note at the beginning that I really understood what kind of journey that I might be going on and I couldn’t have been more excited. There are loads of plot twists in this story. Just when you think you have everything figured out, something else happens and it shakes you up. I was always trying to figure out what was going on and loved it when I was actually wrong and surprised. It made it so much better. I’m so glad Bella Jewel decided to give us this particular story. I’m really starting to think there isn’t anything she can write.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. If you are looking for a mafia romance with so many plot twists and a unique take on mafia romance, then get this book now. You won’t be disappointed!

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

{ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.}

3.75 Stars

Review to come...

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Amei este livro. Que homem!

[Riz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Three Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Review by Lisa Kane
“Let me go, Raf,” I breathe, trying to move away from those intense brown eyes.
“Not until you tell me why.”
“I’m in love with you.”
Brown eyes connect with mine, and in a low, husky voice, he murmurs, “I told you not to do that.”

Julietta is looking to have a good time with her friend Celia at a new club in town. Her parents, especially her father, warn her that the club is tied to the mafia and to be careful. She’s just looking for great dance music and good drinks. When she’s there she gets the attention of Rafael Lencioni by acting the fool in front of the club’s two way mirrors. He makes sure to introduce himself. Julietta is immediately smitten with him (I picture him as a young Andy Garcia in my head) and they eventually end up having sex. He has a proposition for her-he wants to make her his mistress in exchange for things he can give to her to ease her financial burden. She’s a nurse, drowning in student loan debt. But he’s married and she knows this can’t turn into anything more than just sex. He lets her know his wife, Maria is well aware of his affairs with other women. His is an arranged marriage. She is there to provide him sons.

He has restrictions for this relationship. Ones that are iron clad and must never be broken.

“There are only two rules, Julietta.”
“And those are?” I say, looking up at him.
“Don’t fall in love with me and don’t ever, under any circumstances, mention who I am or what I do.”
“That’s it?” I say, skeptical.
“And obviously I ask that you do not communicate with my wife for her respect.”

So it begins. Stolen moments and lots of mind blowing sex. But for each time Rafael shows tenderness, he makes Julietta’s head spin with the way he can shut things down.

“I told you, my business is my own. Stay out of it and just do as you’re fucking told.”

Nice guy huh?

Here's my problem with this story. While I am intrigued by the POV of the “other woman” it is understandable that she may develop feelings for her lover. She’s not a prostitute who does this solely for the financial gain. But Rafael blows hot and cold too often for me.

Fuck. Why do I care so much? She’s just a mistress. She doesn’t matter to me.
Fuck.
Right?

He’s done this many times, and often instigates moments where Julietta will see him with Maria. That is just too hurtful for me. Julietta needs to grow a spine and show some back bone to this guy. Instead, every time she asserts herself and pisses him off, he gets her back by having sex. Agghhh…

And then there is his motives. Julietta has some powerful connections that she is not even aware of, but Rafael is more than aware of what information she can provide to him. Is that a factor for staying with her?

There is so much deception going on. I don’t think anyone is without an agenda here-Rafael, his wife, Julietta’s family. No one is what they seem.
This is a cliffy and I’m not sure how many more installments will follow. The ending was a shocker, and I may read the next one just to see how things play out between Julietta and Rafael.

[Abby McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome! I love me some Bella Jewel and this story is no exception. It has her likable characters and fantastic story lines that you come to expect from her. I devoured it in one sitting and can not wait for the second part. I will be stalking for a release date, which is promised to be very soon! If you love a Mafia book, this is one not to be missed!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I want more of Amore

Amore is part one and thankfully we don't have to wait long for part two because omg I would pull my hair out waiting.

Rafael, A Mafia boss, feared, dangerous, a man of power who is not only married but in his world he is expected to have a mistress.

Julietta is a bold, fiery character and when she first meets Rafael at a club she knows it's owned by the Mafia but has no idea he's the boss. Julietta's has sass which draws Rafael to want her.

A one night stand turns into a proposition, a proposition with rules. One of those rules Rafael lays down include don't fall in love with me.



I was completely intrigued,hooked and was desperate to know how it would all unfold as the lines became blurred and the rules ignored.



As Julietta falls deeper in the Web of lies you could see the lines blurring.

Chaos surrounds Rafael's world, a mysterious enemy, deaths, danger, bloodshed, totally gripping action, Bella Jewel had me on the edge wide eyed wondering what was going to happen next.



Told in dual pov's, Amore is filled with suspense tangled with lies, deceit and mystery, I was gripped and loved the slow build up to the explosive ending.

Eagerly looking forward to book two.

Arc gratefully received for review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
FB & Goodreads group http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amore Part 1 by Bella Jewel is the first part in a two-part story that is just absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. Julietta and Rafael were two characters that I just absolutely couldn't stop reading about. The plot was perfect, the cliffhanger, not so much. Part 2 is supposed to be out real soon though so hang in there.

This is one where I don't want to say too much about the story for the sake of giving away spoilers. There is an undercurrent of betrayal within the mafia ranks and the facts that slowly unravels throughout the story. Add that to the emotional dilemma that Julietta is facing being the mistress of the mafia boss and you have a story that is absolute dynamite. I cannot wait to see what happens next. It was nail-biting. It was un-put-down-able! Love this author.

[Betül · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love Bella's books, but this one didn't work for me even though I love mafia romance. I definitely appreciate her writing about the mistress instead of wife. I totally didn't have a problem with that. However there were a lot I didn't like about this book.

First of all it was pretty cliche. I also didn't like either of the characters. Furthermore, I didn't feel a connection between them. Rafael was an asshole, and Julie was spineless. He didn't have any likable qualities. They did have some great sex, but that was it. Julie, didn't stand out at all. Nowadays I look for unique characters who I can connect with. I unfortunately felt zero connection with her, and the same goes for Rafael.

The ending was very predictable, and I didn't even care about the cliffhanger. Will I read the second part?? Maybe.. I haven't decided yet.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG that ending left me hanging!!!


This story is about a mistress Julietta and a mafia boss Rafael.
The mystery and twists just kept me intrigued. Loved it!!

I've never read anything like this - from the "other" side of the story.
You have my attention....now when can we get book 2

[Priscilla (angstbooklover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the Author

One word WOW!!!!!

[Lisa Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://lisas-book-reviews.blogspot.co...

exceptional read.