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Pagano Family #5
Prayer
John Pagano is the “good son” of his family, the one among his brothers who has always done what was expected of him, who was never a disappointment or a trouble. He’s built a good life in that quiet space. But he’s not happy. Despite the strong foundation of his family, his work, and his town, John is missing what he really wants: something—someone—of his own. A family and home that’s his. As he’s gotten older, that need for what’s missing has begun to make cracks in the foundation of his good life.
Katrynn Page has had no such strong foundation of family. The product of an unconventional upbringing, she has learned that love is a wavering, unreliable thing. Working with Bev Pagano at Cover to Cover Books, becoming close friends, Katrynn has spent her years in Quiet Cove as an honorary member of the Pagano family—just close enough to really see all she does not have, has never had. Everything she most wants.
John comes to see that Katrynn is what he’s been missing. Katrynn comes to see that John is exactly what she wants. But a drunken encounter gets them off to a disastrous start, and Katrynn must first find it in herself to forgive John and then learn to trust him, and herself, enough to believe that love can be steadfast. She will have to take a leap of faith.
Note: explicit sex
Katrynn Page has had no such strong foundation of family. The product of an unconventional upbringing, she has learned that love is a wavering, unreliable thing. Working with Bev Pagano at Cover to Cover Books, becoming close friends, Katrynn has spent her years in Quiet Cove as an honorary member of the Pagano family—just close enough to really see all she does not have, has never had. Everything she most wants.
John comes to see that Katrynn is what he’s been missing. Katrynn comes to see that John is exactly what she wants. But a drunken encounter gets them off to a disastrous start, and Katrynn must first find it in herself to forgive John and then learn to trust him, and herself, enough to believe that love can be steadfast. She will have to take a leap of faith.
Note: explicit sex
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2016
7 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,419 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 3, 2016
5 “You’re not alone. I’m with you.” STARS
This was like coming home. I’ve really missed the Paganos and immersing myself in Quiet Cove with this warm, loving, boisterous Italian family was heaven. It was like a great big hug...
It’s no secret that Susan Fanetti is one of my fave, go-to authors. No matter the story, she speaks to me on a visceral level. I get the gooey goodness inside me and the authenticity of the characters and their stories no matter how harsh or ugly it may be. John Pagano and Katrynn Page’s story was just like that.
John was the sweet, sexy and loving guy that I’d imagined him to be and more. And even when he messed up, he tried to make it right without playing games or pulling punches. Seriously, how could you not love a guy like that?
Katrynn was a little harder to warm to but I understood where she was coming from. What I love about Susan’s women is how they're all strong in their own way. They're complex, flawed and genuine. Katrynn had her fears and hurdles, she readily recognized them and willingly faced them. It may not have been easy and it was trying but, it was real.
This was a beautiful story with so many feels. And Susan, I must say thank you for the little 'tokens' of Luca and Nick (my faves of this clan).
Especially Nick and the secondary story line, it was THE crowning glory. Your words right here capture why I love Nick so much:
“Don Pagano had ice for blood, but Nick Pagano’s love for his wife was naked heat."
Also, maybe it's wishful thinking on my part but perhaps Lola, Fanett's muse, is considering a book for Trey? She gave us a few bread crumbs that could make a great story...Susan, hint, hint!
If you love books that speak to your heart, move your soul and leave you a better person, you have to read The Prayer and any and all of Susan's books!
--------------------------------
I won this in a Foxy Blogs Giveaway with the lovely Kim B and Amy (Foxy)
Thank you! You ladies ROCK! xo
This was like coming home. I’ve really missed the Paganos and immersing myself in Quiet Cove with this warm, loving, boisterous Italian family was heaven. It was like a great big hug...
It’s no secret that Susan Fanetti is one of my fave, go-to authors. No matter the story, she speaks to me on a visceral level. I get the gooey goodness inside me and the authenticity of the characters and their stories no matter how harsh or ugly it may be. John Pagano and Katrynn Page’s story was just like that.
John was the sweet, sexy and loving guy that I’d imagined him to be and more. And even when he messed up, he tried to make it right without playing games or pulling punches. Seriously, how could you not love a guy like that?
Katrynn was a little harder to warm to but I understood where she was coming from. What I love about Susan’s women is how they're all strong in their own way. They're complex, flawed and genuine. Katrynn had her fears and hurdles, she readily recognized them and willingly faced them. It may not have been easy and it was trying but, it was real.
This was a beautiful story with so many feels. And Susan, I must say thank you for the little 'tokens' of Luca and Nick (my faves of this clan).
Especially Nick and the secondary story line, it was THE crowning glory. Your words right here capture why I love Nick so much:
“Don Pagano had ice for blood, but Nick Pagano’s love for his wife was naked heat."
Also, maybe it's wishful thinking on my part but perhaps Lola, Fanett's muse, is considering a book for Trey? She gave us a few bread crumbs that could make a great story...Susan, hint, hint!
If you love books that speak to your heart, move your soul and leave you a better person, you have to read The Prayer and any and all of Susan's books!
--------------------------------
I won this in a Foxy Blogs Giveaway with the lovely Kim B and Amy (Foxy)
Thank you! You ladies ROCK! xo
January 29, 2016
Wow! Again, I'm in awe of Ms. Fanetti’s ability to capture my attention and make me feel so deeply for her characters. I’m not a crier and yet every single Fanetti book has made me cry with this one being no exception. The realness of her stories leaves a powerful punch. I feel like I really know the characters and because of that I’m invested in their outcome.
”On paper, it looked good: good job, cool house, great family.”
John Pagano is the “good son.” He does what is expected of him and he keeps his nose clean. Since this is the 5th book in the series John has aged through the series and is now in his late thirties. Over the years he's watched his siblings have families of their own and now he’s realizing he wants one too. He knows on paper he's the total package with a good job in the family business, a house on the beach and his close knit family but he’s missing that special someone to share it with.
”Shitty luck with men.”
Katrynn is a catch in herself but unfortunately she keeps landing the bottom of the barrel type of guys. As a friend and an employee of the Pagano’s she’s been friends with John for the last 5 years. Their timing has always been off …when one them was in a relationship the other one wasn't.
”You’re not trying to polish up a turd. You’re trying to find the flaw in the diamond.”
Katrynn is like many women who fret over a good thing. They begin to worry that 'this guy' is too good to be true. John being about 5 years older than Katrynn was beyond playing games and was ready to be downright honest about his feelings towards their situation.
The majority of Ms. Fanetti books have older characters which I, for one, thoroughly enjoy. It shows that beyond your teen and college days - when we all favor youth ... "older" people can have just as exciting and fulfilling lives. Their stories are book worthy. The maturity that comes with age is something I enjoy reading because life still dumps on those who we'd consider having their act together.
Picking up a Fanetti book is like living in a world where I don't want to leave. I love the worlds she creates so much that I'm still suffering from a book hangover. The only cure I've been able to find for a #FanettiBookHangOver is to wait it out. It's been a week and half since I closed the cover of Prayer and I've yet to find any book that can hold my attention. *Le sigh*
Don't miss out this awesome series. If you love books that center around strong family bonds than you've hit the jackpot with the Pagano Family series. Plus, for all the fans of FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS romance will be happy with this one.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2016
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1OXDWAC
SERIES
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
”On paper, it looked good: good job, cool house, great family.”
John Pagano is the “good son.” He does what is expected of him and he keeps his nose clean. Since this is the 5th book in the series John has aged through the series and is now in his late thirties. Over the years he's watched his siblings have families of their own and now he’s realizing he wants one too. He knows on paper he's the total package with a good job in the family business, a house on the beach and his close knit family but he’s missing that special someone to share it with.
”Shitty luck with men.”
Katrynn is a catch in herself but unfortunately she keeps landing the bottom of the barrel type of guys. As a friend and an employee of the Pagano’s she’s been friends with John for the last 5 years. Their timing has always been off …when one them was in a relationship the other one wasn't.
”You’re not trying to polish up a turd. You’re trying to find the flaw in the diamond.”
Katrynn is like many women who fret over a good thing. They begin to worry that 'this guy' is too good to be true. John being about 5 years older than Katrynn was beyond playing games and was ready to be downright honest about his feelings towards their situation.
The majority of Ms. Fanetti books have older characters which I, for one, thoroughly enjoy. It shows that beyond your teen and college days - when we all favor youth ... "older" people can have just as exciting and fulfilling lives. Their stories are book worthy. The maturity that comes with age is something I enjoy reading because life still dumps on those who we'd consider having their act together.
Picking up a Fanetti book is like living in a world where I don't want to leave. I love the worlds she creates so much that I'm still suffering from a book hangover. The only cure I've been able to find for a #FanettiBookHangOver is to wait it out. It's been a week and half since I closed the cover of Prayer and I've yet to find any book that can hold my attention. *Le sigh*
Don't miss out this awesome series. If you love books that center around strong family bonds than you've hit the jackpot with the Pagano Family series. Plus, for all the fans of FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS romance will be happy with this one.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2016
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1OXDWAC
SERIES
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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.
2016
3.5 Real People Get Stories, Too Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Series are structured in a particular way. Some do books which are linked by towns or families but have singular stories so you can jump in anywhere you want. Some have continuing story-lines which cause the need for the reader to have read the first installment, then continuing as the story unfolds.
Then there is the type Susan Fanetti has done with the Pagano series. It is a hybrid; for you don't have to have read the other books before it to enjoy each book.... but it does add another layer of understanding to what is being presented to you if you do. With this book, Prayer, I felt reading and understanding the entire families/extended families dynamics helped this story.
Because not every part of a family has the same draw. Just like the placement of where children are born and how their personalities incorporate their rankings, the same can be said for characters in books and series. I felt this story needed to be told for a couple of reasons and Ms. Fanetti understood John, "the good son" was the vehicle to move this epic family tale along.
This story is about regular people who have irregular families; John's with his side of the Pagano being the construction side yet still part overall of the Crime family head by Nick, now Don. Katrynn's family is as different as the strong Italian family of John's as you can get. It isn't even a "hippy family or artsy family"... it is something which revolved around a committed love her mother had for her father....how she accepted his flaws and all to just be with him. The man couldn't stay in one place so he would be there and then vanish to new adventures to try, sometimes leaving the mother and her without a word.
Both of these people were products of their environments and families and how they end up interacting and communicating plays along with the trust and willingness to let go lines throughout the story. Their past history together is as friends... he watched her, liked her but neither of them was single at the same time to try more than friendly.
Then New Year's Eve happened; he was dumped not too long ago, she was just dumped hours ago. Both were at the neighborhood hangout not wanting to be losers at home in front of the TV.
They proceed to vent about their asshat ex's...they drink... hard...and a lot. They get put into a cab and the first stop is her place. She decides to invite him in...
He wakes up and has no idea where he is... just knows he needs to get his ass in gear because he is flying to Italy in 4 hours from now. He realizes who he is in bed with and freaks... he has zero memory of what went down except he has a stuck condom on his cock...well, at least he was a safety boy. He still doesn't know what to do...and leaves to get his stuff and plane. As he is waiting for the pick-up, he sees the curtains move and he knows she must have been awake... shit...
Katrynn can't believe what just happened... this encounter was with a man she has liked... he gave her the best sex of her existence, made her feel things she has never in her history of men felt... and it was like he was running away with his boots in his hands outside. She should know better... this is her fate. She allows crappy things to happen to her, so why should she be surprised.
Now here is where I want to remind you...all characters are not epic, unique or dynamic...sometimes they are just real people with real lives. They have their own unique tales, too...and that is how it felt to me with these two...
But what happens through them is important. We experience what it is like to come to the realization of you do not want to play games anymore. You want to tell the woman you are interested in... you are there... willing to try this out and feel it is the real deal. John is that man. He is everything a real guy-guy is...trustworthy, smart, and caring. A little dense about women but then he turns out to be this guy all would wish for... because he is the real deal... the one who doesn't want to play you... he just wants to love you.
Katrynn, though was not having it...she had really bad habits with men...she would be silent and let them do what they wanted with her... she would sort of check out... wait things out and eventually, they would break up. For a smart person, it was just kind of strange she didn't use her words.
While the relationship between Katrynn and John was happening, the other story was about Nick and Bev's part of the family... the darker side. Bev and Nick have become, through Bev's hard work, the center of the family with having Christmas Eve dinner for all once again. She has not been her usual self... bright, shiny, and full of light lately. She just had her third little girl Carina and she is a handful... doesn't settle down for a minute. With two other girls under 5, Bev is stretched to the max. She also handles the book store with Katrynn. There is something off about Bev and it is showing to everyone no matter how hard she tries to make everything perfect.
Nick is very worried about her. Nick's love for Bev holds no bounds. It is that love that keeps him human and able to move between dark and light. Nick will do whatever it will take to make his Bev happy and feeling like herself again.
So we have these two stories happening; an established love between Nick and Bev and the starting relationship between John and Katrynn. Both John and Katrynn want what Nick and Bev have. It will just be up to Katrynn to trust John not to hurt her again.
The writing was the strongest for me when Nick was on the page. All that involved his concern for Bev, the way he handled certain situations... it was sharp and jumped off the page. It was like the book became high def during anything involving Nick.
John warmed my heart; but at first, his actions caused me to wonder whatever happened to leaving a note...He more than made up for it in his patience and devotion to Katrynn and the need for family.
Katrynn was harder to handle for me. Her arc took a very long time to make the required growth. She came through it and ended on the right side... but it was a journey for all of us.
All of the families are there in this tale, picking up and carrying a lot of the weight. There are new generations in the wings.... and also Joey, the last brother. We are given a taste of what is to come with him and it is said it is the last entry to the series.
I happen to love the series and the Pagano Family overall. It will be interesting to see where this family takes me next.
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...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Duh, it is no surprise I am counting down the days until this is released.
Those who know me know I am a huge Susan Fanetti junkie.
Her books feed my reading addiction...they hit all the targets which light my flame...
Now she is back with the Pagano Family...focusing on John and his chosen woman, Katrynn.
A Fanetti Romance...may not be ground-breaking, might not have major excitement with kidnapping or bank robberies...
But it will have personal upheaval and growth...
Is it January 30th yet?
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.
2016
3.5 Real People Get Stories, Too Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Series are structured in a particular way. Some do books which are linked by towns or families but have singular stories so you can jump in anywhere you want. Some have continuing story-lines which cause the need for the reader to have read the first installment, then continuing as the story unfolds.
Then there is the type Susan Fanetti has done with the Pagano series. It is a hybrid; for you don't have to have read the other books before it to enjoy each book.... but it does add another layer of understanding to what is being presented to you if you do. With this book, Prayer, I felt reading and understanding the entire families/extended families dynamics helped this story.
Because not every part of a family has the same draw. Just like the placement of where children are born and how their personalities incorporate their rankings, the same can be said for characters in books and series. I felt this story needed to be told for a couple of reasons and Ms. Fanetti understood John, "the good son" was the vehicle to move this epic family tale along.
This story is about regular people who have irregular families; John's with his side of the Pagano being the construction side yet still part overall of the Crime family head by Nick, now Don. Katrynn's family is as different as the strong Italian family of John's as you can get. It isn't even a "hippy family or artsy family"... it is something which revolved around a committed love her mother had for her father....how she accepted his flaws and all to just be with him. The man couldn't stay in one place so he would be there and then vanish to new adventures to try, sometimes leaving the mother and her without a word.
Both of these people were products of their environments and families and how they end up interacting and communicating plays along with the trust and willingness to let go lines throughout the story. Their past history together is as friends... he watched her, liked her but neither of them was single at the same time to try more than friendly.
Then New Year's Eve happened; he was dumped not too long ago, she was just dumped hours ago. Both were at the neighborhood hangout not wanting to be losers at home in front of the TV.
They proceed to vent about their asshat ex's...they drink... hard...and a lot. They get put into a cab and the first stop is her place. She decides to invite him in...
He wakes up and has no idea where he is... just knows he needs to get his ass in gear because he is flying to Italy in 4 hours from now. He realizes who he is in bed with and freaks... he has zero memory of what went down except he has a stuck condom on his cock...well, at least he was a safety boy. He still doesn't know what to do...and leaves to get his stuff and plane. As he is waiting for the pick-up, he sees the curtains move and he knows she must have been awake... shit...
Katrynn can't believe what just happened... this encounter was with a man she has liked... he gave her the best sex of her existence, made her feel things she has never in her history of men felt... and it was like he was running away with his boots in his hands outside. She should know better... this is her fate. She allows crappy things to happen to her, so why should she be surprised.
Now here is where I want to remind you...all characters are not epic, unique or dynamic...sometimes they are just real people with real lives. They have their own unique tales, too...and that is how it felt to me with these two...
But what happens through them is important. We experience what it is like to come to the realization of you do not want to play games anymore. You want to tell the woman you are interested in... you are there... willing to try this out and feel it is the real deal. John is that man. He is everything a real guy-guy is...trustworthy, smart, and caring. A little dense about women but then he turns out to be this guy all would wish for... because he is the real deal... the one who doesn't want to play you... he just wants to love you.
Katrynn, though was not having it...she had really bad habits with men...she would be silent and let them do what they wanted with her... she would sort of check out... wait things out and eventually, they would break up. For a smart person, it was just kind of strange she didn't use her words.
While the relationship between Katrynn and John was happening, the other story was about Nick and Bev's part of the family... the darker side. Bev and Nick have become, through Bev's hard work, the center of the family with having Christmas Eve dinner for all once again. She has not been her usual self... bright, shiny, and full of light lately. She just had her third little girl Carina and she is a handful... doesn't settle down for a minute. With two other girls under 5, Bev is stretched to the max. She also handles the book store with Katrynn. There is something off about Bev and it is showing to everyone no matter how hard she tries to make everything perfect.
Nick is very worried about her. Nick's love for Bev holds no bounds. It is that love that keeps him human and able to move between dark and light. Nick will do whatever it will take to make his Bev happy and feeling like herself again.
So we have these two stories happening; an established love between Nick and Bev and the starting relationship between John and Katrynn. Both John and Katrynn want what Nick and Bev have. It will just be up to Katrynn to trust John not to hurt her again.
The writing was the strongest for me when Nick was on the page. All that involved his concern for Bev, the way he handled certain situations... it was sharp and jumped off the page. It was like the book became high def during anything involving Nick.
John warmed my heart; but at first, his actions caused me to wonder whatever happened to leaving a note...He more than made up for it in his patience and devotion to Katrynn and the need for family.
Katrynn was harder to handle for me. Her arc took a very long time to make the required growth. She came through it and ended on the right side... but it was a journey for all of us.
All of the families are there in this tale, picking up and carrying a lot of the weight. There are new generations in the wings.... and also Joey, the last brother. We are given a taste of what is to come with him and it is said it is the last entry to the series.
I happen to love the series and the Pagano Family overall. It will be interesting to see where this family takes me next.
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...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Duh, it is no surprise I am counting down the days until this is released.
Those who know me know I am a huge Susan Fanetti junkie.
Her books feed my reading addiction...they hit all the targets which light my flame...
Now she is back with the Pagano Family...focusing on John and his chosen woman, Katrynn.
A Fanetti Romance...may not be ground-breaking, might not have major excitement with kidnapping or bank robberies...
But it will have personal upheaval and growth...
Is it January 30th yet?
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 3, 2016
Live! on AMAZON
ALL THE STARS
Susan Fanetti just rocked my world with another novel of perfection.
There are so many wonderful things that I want to say about this beautiful work of art. The feelings this author is able to inspire with her words ... simply astounding. Susan gets to me, every time.
On the outside this book seems like such a simple sweet tale of love and family, but there is a brilliant complexity woven into each of the characters and circumstances.
John Pagano “the good son” is completely divine … and Katrynn Page is his perfect match. The struggles faced by this pair are not completely uncommon. Some miscommunication, some jealousy, some lost trust. Yet, Fanetti explores those struggles in a way that’s similar to having a major revelation.
I found myself very easily able to identify with Katrynn. Her family is nothing like my own, yet somehow I seem to share a lot of her same fears. Her “muteness” is something I completely understand. Her inner conflict may seem understated to some, but I recognize the debilitating fear happening in that moment. Personal hang-ups, regardless of their nature, are difficult to overcome. I love that this character was allowed to battle with it and not provided an easy answer or quick fix.
This is what Susan Fanetti does best - she lets her characters go through the mire before they can come out better on the other side, and even once they emerge from that dark place, life does not throw bouquets of fresh flowers - Susan let’s her characters be exactly who they are and face the demons within.
John is simply swoon worthy. I won’t go into great detail about him … I’ll just say - should my husband wish to read up on how to be a perfect man - I’m handing him this book.
As per the theme of this series, the family element plays a large and important role. It’s just another thing that Ms. Fanetti manages to nail flawlessly into place. When I read these books, I feel like I too become part of the Pagano family … and it’s an exceptional place to be.
Can’t wait for Joey’s book and the conclusion to this epic tale.
* ARC graciously provided by the author. Thank you. *
ALL THE STARS
Susan Fanetti just rocked my world with another novel of perfection.
There are so many wonderful things that I want to say about this beautiful work of art. The feelings this author is able to inspire with her words ... simply astounding. Susan gets to me, every time.
On the outside this book seems like such a simple sweet tale of love and family, but there is a brilliant complexity woven into each of the characters and circumstances.
John Pagano “the good son” is completely divine … and Katrynn Page is his perfect match. The struggles faced by this pair are not completely uncommon. Some miscommunication, some jealousy, some lost trust. Yet, Fanetti explores those struggles in a way that’s similar to having a major revelation.
I found myself very easily able to identify with Katrynn. Her family is nothing like my own, yet somehow I seem to share a lot of her same fears. Her “muteness” is something I completely understand. Her inner conflict may seem understated to some, but I recognize the debilitating fear happening in that moment. Personal hang-ups, regardless of their nature, are difficult to overcome. I love that this character was allowed to battle with it and not provided an easy answer or quick fix.
This is what Susan Fanetti does best - she lets her characters go through the mire before they can come out better on the other side, and even once they emerge from that dark place, life does not throw bouquets of fresh flowers - Susan let’s her characters be exactly who they are and face the demons within.
John is simply swoon worthy. I won’t go into great detail about him … I’ll just say - should my husband wish to read up on how to be a perfect man - I’m handing him this book.
As per the theme of this series, the family element plays a large and important role. It’s just another thing that Ms. Fanetti manages to nail flawlessly into place. When I read these books, I feel like I too become part of the Pagano family … and it’s an exceptional place to be.
Can’t wait for Joey’s book and the conclusion to this epic tale.
* ARC graciously provided by the author. Thank you. *
November 28, 2018
**4.5 Stars**
Another fabulous book in the Pagano Family series. John Pagano is the good son and that’s exactly what he is. The good man. Omg how I loved him and his protection and admiration for Katrynn. These two had their rocky start. How they found their way back to friendship and then became lovers was beautifully storytelling. Katrynn’s family is unconventional and has influenced her and her views on family and love. Thankfully John doesn’t walk away or scares easily. He makes Katrynn shine and feel more self confident. Her growth throughout Prayer is extraordinary. The Pagano family is such a wonderful and incredible series that truly encompasses what family is all about. Only 1 book left. I’m not ready to say goodbye.
4.5 You’re My Home Stars
Another fabulous book in the Pagano Family series. John Pagano is the good son and that’s exactly what he is. The good man. Omg how I loved him and his protection and admiration for Katrynn. These two had their rocky start. How they found their way back to friendship and then became lovers was beautifully storytelling. Katrynn’s family is unconventional and has influenced her and her views on family and love. Thankfully John doesn’t walk away or scares easily. He makes Katrynn shine and feel more self confident. Her growth throughout Prayer is extraordinary. The Pagano family is such a wonderful and incredible series that truly encompasses what family is all about. Only 1 book left. I’m not ready to say goodbye.
4.5 You’re My Home Stars
August 5, 2016
**Prayer generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "You do matter." Stars
As a rabid Susan Fanetti reader and fan I was super excited for the Pagano Family series to continue with John's story. As always with Fanetti's writing I'm left in awe and admiration of her gift with words. There is no denying the beauty and caliber of this author's story-telling. Eloquently weaved together highlighting not only the triumphs in John and Katrynn's lives but making the mistakes so redeemable as well. These two, most especially John, take the reader on a meaningful journey.
The rating of Prayer comes from my admiration of this author's writing, the hero John, and the subplot working beneath the main love story between Nick Pagano and Beverly. John Pagano has admittedly always been the good child of the family. His life, in present day, looks much different than what he expected. With his siblings all becoming a part of couple, starting families John finds himself lonely and searching for something solid of his own. While much different from the uber alpha persona's of his brothers, John's compassionate self coupled with a very distinct need for a family of his own and his incomparable conscience he is set apart from them in a very beautiful way. His trust, patience, and overwhelming support made him a quieter alpha someone for whom you want to be with just because he makes you feel safe like you're the only person in the world he sees. He's in tune with himself in such an organic way that when he starts to veer off his path a little we acutely feel his vulnerability. Overcoming this to be the man he was throughout the majority of the book was a joy to read. John Pagano is no doubt a hero you'll fall in love with from the beginning even through his faults.
I'd be remiss in reviewing this love story if I wasn't honest about my feelings for Katrynn, our heroine. My all-time favorite part of a Fanetti story is always the heroine. This author continually showcases a strength in women I aspire to reach in my own life. Her pride in women shines through the female character she writes. Strength, courage, depth, and redemption all qualities I consistently find in each heroine. Qualities each Fanetti woman builds upon throughout their story to become completely formidable. These women are REAL women whom I want to emulate, or find strength from, or some combination of both. With Katrynn, this regrettably just didn't happen for me. I felt her issues, I sympathized even recognizing the problem and understanding. And while I normally pride myself on digging deep and finding the compassion for a woman's plight there was just too much consistent selfish action from Katrynn. Too much misunderstanding. Too much cowardess. She never stepped up, in my opinion. I wanted to shake her so hard I was seething at the Kindle. Even by the end I never truly felt strength from her or any sort of redemption or maturation. Her selfishness knew no bounds and I felt sorry for her because she wasn't overcoming. She was a tough heroine to swallow in a league of truly outstanding Fanetti women.
As an adoring fan of this series I also must mention Nick Pagano. My goodness, what I wouldn't do for a Nick Pagano. I'm not going into explicit detail about the man or his plot in Prayer in case some of you reading this haven't read his story in Deep. But I want to say if you're a Nick lover then Prayer will be extra special for you because of it. He and Beverly overcome obstacle after obstacle in their lives together and this rings true even still. His presence and authority hang over the Pagano family in such a natural way. He's deeply a family man, a strong man, a formidable opponent who's values and morals straddle a very grey line. His character is alluring, captivating, and he no less the man I ever thought he was in Prayer he's even more. Coupled with the strength I find in Beverly, the two are a match made in family saga heaven.
With my reservations about the heroine in this story, a realization has occurred to me: with excellent writing and a well-structured plot sometimes even disliking a heroine can make you love a book. I'm all about the feels and while my feels were not always warm and fuzzy, for parts of this even downright distasteful, I felt so very much. And this is a true testament to the power of a Fanetti book. From the very beginning in my journey through the works and writing of this author I have held one position: Susan Fanetti's writing is like magic.
And it still holds true. Her honest portrayal of her characters never ceases to amaze me. Her continual quest to write characters that are true to her and the stories she writes is beyond admirable. She's writing books that portray real people with real issues. No matter how much a character might not be the crowd-pleaser, this author is true to who that character is. There is so much beauty in writing what exactly you feel and not succumbing to pleasing the masses. This story proves that. Her writing speaks for itself and should classified in a league all it's own, in my world is it classified this way. The story of Prayer brings together all the Pagano's in a big way. There's a lot happening for this family and I can't wait to continue reading about all of them with the conclusion to this dramatic family saga in Joey's story.
My 5 star reviews for the entire Pagano Family series:
Book 1: Footsteps
Book 2: Touch
Book 3: Rooted
Book 4: Deep
May 2, 2016
My apologies to Susan Fanetti in advance. Never in a million years would I have believed I'd be giving any of her books a negative review, let alone a Pagano. The story is well written but my biggest beef I was bored. After so much action and tragic events in the last four books, I was expecting more. I wasn't counting on the emotional instability of the characters. Okay maybe one but not two. Secondly I couldn't connect with Katrynn Page. She embodies everything I despise in a heroine. John was sweet and I genuinely felt bad for him, many times over. I recommend giving Prayer a chance, you may feel differently.....enjoy!
June 20, 2018
Reread June 2018
November 18, 2022
I am all in on this series - it's book 5 and I am not even thinking about taking a break!!! I need more of this family! While this couple John and Katrynn was not the swooniest, I loved their dynamic with the family throughout the book and especially Katrynn's bond with Bev and Nick. I would say Bev's storyline was as much a part of this book as the main couple - which I LOVED!!!!
Everyone in the family is an important piece - probably what makes this series so adored!!! I am endeared to the father who is getting older and all the siblings as they hold on to the family traditions and keep the businesses going and also taking care of each other. Next up Joey, the final sibling and finale - book 6. But more to come as I already downloaded the next few books in the spinoff series - Pagano brothers!!!! I cheered when I found out this all continues on!!!!!
Everyone in the family is an important piece - probably what makes this series so adored!!! I am endeared to the father who is getting older and all the siblings as they hold on to the family traditions and keep the businesses going and also taking care of each other. Next up Joey, the final sibling and finale - book 6. But more to come as I already downloaded the next few books in the spinoff series - Pagano brothers!!!! I cheered when I found out this all continues on!!!!!
March 2, 2018
When it comes to Susan Fanetti, I have NO doubt that I will love her books.
She writes true and honest stories that deal with real life issues.
You won't find any sugar coated goodies in her stories because she isn't afraid to write and tell stories that deal with life's everyday struggles and demands.
I am over the freakin moon that she decided to continue with the Pagano series and also knowing now that there will be a book for Joey; I have a feeling that with his story, I'll need all the tissues in the world.
Yeah, so this isn't a review review, cause I honestly have trouble coming up with the words, so this is just a fangirls thoughts on this author :)
She writes true and honest stories that deal with real life issues.
You won't find any sugar coated goodies in her stories because she isn't afraid to write and tell stories that deal with life's everyday struggles and demands.
I am over the freakin moon that she decided to continue with the Pagano series and also knowing now that there will be a book for Joey; I have a feeling that with his story, I'll need all the tissues in the world.
Yeah, so this isn't a review review, cause I honestly have trouble coming up with the words, so this is just a fangirls thoughts on this author :)
August 12, 2016
I read some bad reviews on this one but I liked John in the other book and I wanted to give it a try. The writing was exceptional and I like catching up with the other Pagano family members. But there were plot points and character arcs that frustrated me. I felt like the author was telling me the character's personality and then showing me that it was something else entirely. Most of my issues had to do with John.
I'm going to try not to get too rant-y about this but be warned.
John has a drunken one night stand with Katrynn and then panics and runs away without a word. Then he goes to Italy where he has 6 weeks of crazy monkey sex with his vacation fling Giada. OK, whatever, I'm not really cool with that but he didn't remember the night with Katrynn and he shouldn't have to mope around during his vacation. But the part that gets my temper going comes later when he gets back home.
So anyway, I just got really frustrated with John's behaviors when he is presented as the "good son" and the guy who always does the right thing. That lost him some romantic Hero points and made Katrynn seem like more of a doormat than she already was.
I'm going to try not to get too rant-y about this but be warned.
John has a drunken one night stand with Katrynn and then panics and runs away without a word. Then he goes to Italy where he has 6 weeks of crazy monkey sex with his vacation fling Giada. OK, whatever, I'm not really cool with that but he didn't remember the night with Katrynn and he shouldn't have to mope around during his vacation. But the part that gets my temper going comes later when he gets back home.
So anyway, I just got really frustrated with John's behaviors when he is presented as the "good son" and the guy who always does the right thing. That lost him some romantic Hero points and made Katrynn seem like more of a doormat than she already was.
July 20, 2019
Another enjoyable book in the Pagano Family Saga. John is considered the 'good son'. Katrynn has an odd, dysfunctional family which has made it difficult for her to live the way she would really like to. But John and Kattryn are lovely together, and they are really good for each other. Their HEA is well-deserved.
We also see a bit more of Nick and Bev in this book, because Katrynn works for Bev at the bookshop, and they are close friends. We see some of the fallout of Bev's post-natal depression after the birth of Carina, and how she and Nick deal with it. An interesting side story to the main act in this book.
Lovely writing by Fanetti, as always.
We also see a bit more of Nick and Bev in this book, because Katrynn works for Bev at the bookshop, and they are close friends. We see some of the fallout of Bev's post-natal depression after the birth of Carina, and how she and Nick deal with it. An interesting side story to the main act in this book.
Lovely writing by Fanetti, as always.
March 11, 2018
I have really enjoyed Susan Fanetti's books, but this one bothered me. I want my money back.
Hero - John
Heroine - Katrynn
Giada is someone John has sex with for 6 weeks after he had sex with Katrynn.
John's "relationship" with Giada (not the heroine) bothered me. He seemed to always want to go back there. Sex/phone calls...ugh.
Katryn's (the heroine) issues with men bothered me too. She said she was strong with everything but men. She always ended up having sex with men who just wanted sex. K would just give it up with any man who would show her any bit of affection. She had sex with that one guy because he showed signs of endearment by calling her "Kitty". Katrynn supposedly hated nicknames, but since this guy was attractive and "smart" she took him home?!?! She even had sex with John who did not even remember having sex with her. She needs therapy. I am tired of these story lines with women just giving it up just to find "love".
You may love it. Reading is subjective. This was just not for me. I did not care for John. He was an a**.
Hero - John
Heroine - Katrynn
Giada is someone John has sex with for 6 weeks after he had sex with Katrynn.
John's "relationship" with Giada (not the heroine) bothered me. He seemed to always want to go back there. Sex/phone calls...ugh.
Katryn's (the heroine) issues with men bothered me too. She said she was strong with everything but men. She always ended up having sex with men who just wanted sex. K would just give it up with any man who would show her any bit of affection. She had sex with that one guy because he showed signs of endearment by calling her "Kitty". Katrynn supposedly hated nicknames, but since this guy was attractive and "smart" she took him home?!?! She even had sex with John who did not even remember having sex with her. She needs therapy. I am tired of these story lines with women just giving it up just to find "love".
You may love it. Reading is subjective. This was just not for me. I did not care for John. He was an a**.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2016
I liked this one but still have to admit that Luca is my favorite brother.
May 3, 2016
So glad this author went back to the Pagano family! Loved seeing calm John Pagano get a bit ruffled. Great addition to the series!
May 19, 2016
Another great character driven contemporary from Susan Fanetti.
★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)
★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)
February 19, 2020
I enjoyed this book because it had more of Nick and Bev. John was sweet but Kathryn got on my nerves. Off to the next and final chapter of the Paganos.
August 15, 2017
Overall I liked this story but unfortunately not as much as the others. I didn't hate her but I didn't love Katrynn either. Not one of Susan's best heroine's. She had her good points but there was just something about her that rubbed me the wrong way at times. I love John. Being the "good son" I wasn't expecting too much drama or suspense from this story because it would have been too much out of character. There was some repetitiveness and the book centered around a few other characters more than John and Katrynn - ie. Nick and Bev - which was fine by me because I love those two. I shed some tears because of Pop. I'm looking forward to reading Joey's book. I could not believe he left his own brother's wedding. That's a really shit thing to do regardless of how you feel so this should be a good one. My heart goes out to him because his life was cut off at his prime but he needs to put his big boy pants on and get off his ass and start living - DAMN!!!!!
February 11, 2016
This one was 3.5 stars for me.
I didn't love it, it had Susan's great writing but the story its self didn't really grab me, I didn't dislike the main characters but other family members over shadowed them.
I am looking forward to seeing how Joey's book develops and hopeful for a Trey book if we can jump ahead to some of the children being adults but not if he is still young.
I didn't love it, it had Susan's great writing but the story its self didn't really grab me, I didn't dislike the main characters but other family members over shadowed them.
I am looking forward to seeing how Joey's book develops and hopeful for a Trey book if we can jump ahead to some of the children being adults but not if he is still young.
June 28, 2016
5 Praying Stars
I love this series and I'm so glad Susan continue with it. John and Katrynn's were bit up and down cause due to them not having roots to plant. They are not settling cause they are afraid.
“You’re my home, Katrynn.”
I love this series and I'm so glad Susan continue with it. John and Katrynn's were bit up and down cause due to them not having roots to plant. They are not settling cause they are afraid.
“You’re my home, Katrynn.”
November 1, 2024
4.5 STARS
I LOVED THIS ONE
I LOVED THIS ONE
April 25, 2022
I feel like I am a broken record when I review Susan's books; what can you say: they're superb! I have been switching back and forth between series: I did this for Signal Bend and Night Horde and then I started doing it with the Paganos and Brazen Bulls. I had just decided to stop doing that and finish Brazen Bulls when I heard that she was starting a new series with the Mafia side of the Pagano family, so of course, I dove into the rest of this series so I could have it finished by the time the new series starts. Since I am a relative newbie to Fanetti land, I always feel like I'm trying to catch up with the other fans!
So, this book focuses on John, the middle, & "good" son; and Katrynn, who works for Bev (Nick's wife from book 4) in her bookstore. Kat is hard to describe, I would call her self-contained. She wants to have love in her life but it never quite works out and while she is friendly and warm, she is also hesitant to let anyone get too close, in part bc she comes from a kind of "crazy"; family of free-spirited folks who have trouble making commitments, including to their children. John, who is close to 40 also wants to get married and have kids, but it never seems to work out. Kat and John have known each other for awhile; they have one passionate night together but John makes a big mistake and it takes awhile for them to come back from that fiasco.
So, why did I adore this book? First, Susan has this way of really letting you get into the hearts and minds of her characters; I mean, you really feel like you are living and experiencing everything with them. I find myself talking back to her characters all the time! I even write notes to them on my Kindle! Second, when her characters fall in love - they don't half step - they plunge into love. I don't mean they necessarily fall in love quickly, I mean they fall in love deeply. I found myself sighing; it so reminded me of the way I felt when I fell in love with my hubby 33 years ago; she gets the big moments but most importantly, she knows how to capture the small moments that make up a relationship, those little smiles, sparkle in the eyes, the way your heart skips a beat for just a second when your love walks into the room - she makes you want to swoon when you read these passages. What I also loved is that you might think Kat and John are kind of boring - John is described as hot and Kat as pretty, but they aren't necessarily striking, kind of nicely attractive. They have regular jobs with regular issues, but when they make love -OMG - the intensity will leave you speechless.
Kat and John have a lot of obstacles to overcome, most of them due to Kat's difficulty with trust, but Susan did a nice job letting us see where that originated from and she did it in a way the reader is discovering and figuring things out just like John and Kat are. Susan also excels at creating characters who have mental health challenges; this theme is seen in many of her books either in the main characters or secondary characters. At one point, Bev, Nick's wife suffers from severe post-partum depression, and again, Susan did an excellent job with the description of the disorder. She's not afraid to address these issues and as a mental health professional, I'm so glad she has her characters go to therapy!!! At times I felt frustrated with Kat (like John did) but I didn't want him to give up on her bc it felt like their HEA was just around the corner if they could hang in there. Susan also does an excellent job of weaving in the characters from past and future books, so there's a nice balance between focusing on the new couple but getting to visit with the older characters.
I was almost tempted to say that this is my fav in the series and that John is my new book boyfriend, but, I think I'm still goo-goo ga-ga over Nick - there is something about his smoldering intensity...
So, this book focuses on John, the middle, & "good" son; and Katrynn, who works for Bev (Nick's wife from book 4) in her bookstore. Kat is hard to describe, I would call her self-contained. She wants to have love in her life but it never quite works out and while she is friendly and warm, she is also hesitant to let anyone get too close, in part bc she comes from a kind of "crazy"; family of free-spirited folks who have trouble making commitments, including to their children. John, who is close to 40 also wants to get married and have kids, but it never seems to work out. Kat and John have known each other for awhile; they have one passionate night together but John makes a big mistake and it takes awhile for them to come back from that fiasco.
So, why did I adore this book? First, Susan has this way of really letting you get into the hearts and minds of her characters; I mean, you really feel like you are living and experiencing everything with them. I find myself talking back to her characters all the time! I even write notes to them on my Kindle! Second, when her characters fall in love - they don't half step - they plunge into love. I don't mean they necessarily fall in love quickly, I mean they fall in love deeply. I found myself sighing; it so reminded me of the way I felt when I fell in love with my hubby 33 years ago; she gets the big moments but most importantly, she knows how to capture the small moments that make up a relationship, those little smiles, sparkle in the eyes, the way your heart skips a beat for just a second when your love walks into the room - she makes you want to swoon when you read these passages. What I also loved is that you might think Kat and John are kind of boring - John is described as hot and Kat as pretty, but they aren't necessarily striking, kind of nicely attractive. They have regular jobs with regular issues, but when they make love -OMG - the intensity will leave you speechless.
Kat and John have a lot of obstacles to overcome, most of them due to Kat's difficulty with trust, but Susan did a nice job letting us see where that originated from and she did it in a way the reader is discovering and figuring things out just like John and Kat are. Susan also excels at creating characters who have mental health challenges; this theme is seen in many of her books either in the main characters or secondary characters. At one point, Bev, Nick's wife suffers from severe post-partum depression, and again, Susan did an excellent job with the description of the disorder. She's not afraid to address these issues and as a mental health professional, I'm so glad she has her characters go to therapy!!! At times I felt frustrated with Kat (like John did) but I didn't want him to give up on her bc it felt like their HEA was just around the corner if they could hang in there. Susan also does an excellent job of weaving in the characters from past and future books, so there's a nice balance between focusing on the new couple but getting to visit with the older characters.
I was almost tempted to say that this is my fav in the series and that John is my new book boyfriend, but, I think I'm still goo-goo ga-ga over Nick - there is something about his smoldering intensity...
February 9, 2019
Dans la fratrie Pagano, John a toujours été le bon fils. Il n’a pas l’âme d’un chef, mais plutôt d’un gentil exécutant, le pacificateur né de cette famille bouillonnante de sentiments exacerbés. Cinq années viennent de passer et les gentils Pagano sont de plus en plus intiment liés affectivement avec la partie plus sombre de cette famille… surtout que John tombe amoureux de la meilleure amie de Bev, la femme de Nick, notre très inquiétant mafieux. Cela commence comme une comédie… et les premiers rebondissements sont même pleins d’humour. Mais comme toujours dans cette série, les évènements deviennent rapidement dramatiques. Et pourtant, c’est amusant de voir à quel point nos deux héros, malchanceux en amour, avancent à petits pas, pleins de malentendus… qu’ils surmontent laborieusement.
Une fois encore, l’auteur ne se répète pas. Déjà, le récit est raconté par nos deux héros, étrangers aux évènements qui surgissent depuis dix ans, même si John avait été un dommage collatéral d’un des drames survenus dans les histoires précédentes. Ils ne sauront jamais ce qui s’est « vraiment » passé, seulement pour certains détails, ils nous parlent de la version officielle. On s’aperçoit bien vite que Bev est restée très fragile, et que l’équilibre familial est difficile. John se sent, lui, frustré… frustré par la vie, par le fait de ne pas avoir justement choisi sa vie, de ne pas avoir une épouse et des enfants, de ne pas s’être affirmé… Kathryn, elle, a une famille dysfonctionnelle, elle ne rêve que d’une chose : la normalité. Etre épouse, mère et avoir une famille aussi chaleureuse et aimante que les Pagano, même si… le côté très inquiétant de certains membres peut poser problème. Et justement, comme toujours, chacun des deux va devoir en payer le prix.
Encore un excellent opus ! On ne s’en lasse pas…
Une fois encore, l’auteur ne se répète pas. Déjà, le récit est raconté par nos deux héros, étrangers aux évènements qui surgissent depuis dix ans, même si John avait été un dommage collatéral d’un des drames survenus dans les histoires précédentes. Ils ne sauront jamais ce qui s’est « vraiment » passé, seulement pour certains détails, ils nous parlent de la version officielle. On s’aperçoit bien vite que Bev est restée très fragile, et que l’équilibre familial est difficile. John se sent, lui, frustré… frustré par la vie, par le fait de ne pas avoir justement choisi sa vie, de ne pas avoir une épouse et des enfants, de ne pas s’être affirmé… Kathryn, elle, a une famille dysfonctionnelle, elle ne rêve que d’une chose : la normalité. Etre épouse, mère et avoir une famille aussi chaleureuse et aimante que les Pagano, même si… le côté très inquiétant de certains membres peut poser problème. Et justement, comme toujours, chacun des deux va devoir en payer le prix.
Encore un excellent opus ! On ne s’en lasse pas…
August 29, 2018
Too Real?
Was this too real for me? These two. Ugh. Plagued with insecurities. And he’s a guy who tears up during/after a fight. I can’t respect that. They are both plagued with such insecurities. I think they have great sex, but are not very romantic. He’s so clueless. I want to beat him over the head with a clue. She’s VERY doormate-y, passive and willing to take abuse(bad family history.)
Their relationship? This is the too real part. It’s like the two friends in your circle who like each other but can’t get it together, and then when they get it together enough to date- the torture that is their relationship and it’s pitfalls, bickering and breaking up to get back together and do it again type thing-I can see this happening. There was some funny other woman drama(funny to me, horrifying to heroine.) Susan Fanetti, She’s a great writer. This is not my favorite book of hers, but I respect the craft. I also think the author does a great job of making the reader like the Don, respect the Don-but also revile and loathe the Don and sometimes i want to see the characters walk away or try to leave- but they can never get out of course. It’s the Hotel Don-a-fornia.
Was this too real for me? These two. Ugh. Plagued with insecurities. And he’s a guy who tears up during/after a fight. I can’t respect that. They are both plagued with such insecurities. I think they have great sex, but are not very romantic. He’s so clueless. I want to beat him over the head with a clue. She’s VERY doormate-y, passive and willing to take abuse(bad family history.)
Their relationship? This is the too real part. It’s like the two friends in your circle who like each other but can’t get it together, and then when they get it together enough to date- the torture that is their relationship and it’s pitfalls, bickering and breaking up to get back together and do it again type thing-I can see this happening. There was some funny other woman drama(funny to me, horrifying to heroine.) Susan Fanetti, She’s a great writer. This is not my favorite book of hers, but I respect the craft. I also think the author does a great job of making the reader like the Don, respect the Don-but also revile and loathe the Don and sometimes i want to see the characters walk away or try to leave- but they can never get out of course. It’s the Hotel Don-a-fornia.
February 24, 2024
I struggled to like this book as much as the previous. While I didn’t dislike it, I found it the most boring out of all of them so far.
And I struggled with Katrynn. I get where her insecurities come from. Growing up with parents like she had. But I felt her reactions, in particular when he left for Italy, were over blown.
Sure to wake alone after a night with a friend would be a little off putting, but they weren’t a couple. It was a drunk one night stand and she had no right to carry on like she did when he returned. To not even hear him out? Nah.
And then she just kept shutting down and carrying on. He should have stayed gone when he left her.
I also found the text snooping off. Yes curiosity and all. But she had no right to storm out and behave the way she did without context. If John had been messaging and encouraging Giardia then yes. But he showed her the thread when he finally caught up with her and it wasn’t what she thought. I hate miscommunication tropes. They grate me big time because they’re so avoidable.
John was the good son. Yes he was. And he was boring for it.
And I struggled with Katrynn. I get where her insecurities come from. Growing up with parents like she had. But I felt her reactions, in particular when he left for Italy, were over blown.
Sure to wake alone after a night with a friend would be a little off putting, but they weren’t a couple. It was a drunk one night stand and she had no right to carry on like she did when he returned. To not even hear him out? Nah.
And then she just kept shutting down and carrying on. He should have stayed gone when he left her.
I also found the text snooping off. Yes curiosity and all. But she had no right to storm out and behave the way she did without context. If John had been messaging and encouraging Giardia then yes. But he showed her the thread when he finally caught up with her and it wasn’t what she thought. I hate miscommunication tropes. They grate me big time because they’re so avoidable.
John was the good son. Yes he was. And he was boring for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
John the good son is how he is known. He wakes up on New Year's Day and realizes he slept with a friend he has been attracted to. What does he do? Dresses and runs away before she can wake up. He spends the next 6 weeks screwing his way through Paris.
Now he is back and the has to face Katrynn and how he acted.
For me this was a disappointment. Katrynn was just to weird. She hooks up with Atticus and let's him about strangle her because she wouldn't speak up that she wasn't into that. She wouldn't communicate what she wanted and didn't want. John was the goody boy and just let her keep doing it. He finally threw a fit but it just didn't seem like something he would do. I didn't get their attraction and didn't feel it. I was fed up with her wishy washy was that I couldn't see how John wasn't.
I am also noticing that the men in this series are just to besotted with their woman that they turn into googly eyed teenagers.
Now he is back and the has to face Katrynn and how he acted.
For me this was a disappointment. Katrynn was just to weird. She hooks up with Atticus and let's him about strangle her because she wouldn't speak up that she wasn't into that. She wouldn't communicate what she wanted and didn't want. John was the goody boy and just let her keep doing it. He finally threw a fit but it just didn't seem like something he would do. I didn't get their attraction and didn't feel it. I was fed up with her wishy washy was that I couldn't see how John wasn't.
I am also noticing that the men in this series are just to besotted with their woman that they turn into googly eyed teenagers.
January 13, 2019
This is Pagano brother John's story. John is the brother who does everything expected of him and rarely disappoints but he is lonely. Enter Katrynn, and all her crazy baggage from her family. Katrynn's parents have an open marriage and her father goes on his "walk abouts" disappearing for months at a time. While she was a bit of a drama llama, Katrynn was likable and she really won me over when John struggled with the marker Don Nick Pagano called in.
While this is not about Nick Pagano, he often appears in the pages because Bev, his lady, is BFFs with Katrynn, so I was a happy reader!
While this is not about Nick Pagano, he often appears in the pages because Bev, his lady, is BFFs with Katrynn, so I was a happy reader!
November 5, 2017
“You’re not alone. I’m with you,” - John to Katrynn
July 17, 2018
Belonging
Belonging could easily have been the name of this book. Joe resized he belonged were he was and Katrynn found where she belonged.
Belonging could easily have been the name of this book. Joe resized he belonged were he was and Katrynn found where she belonged.
July 27, 2018
loved it so much!
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