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Donati Bloodlines #2
Thin Lines
Calisto Donati
Calisto had never been a fan of pain, but he found it provided a certain relief.
It was a high that couldn’t compete with anything else he experienced. That was why he fought bare-knuckled, why he drove fast, despite knowing he might crash, and why he still enjoyed looking at Emma Donati—no matter her current status.
Pain felt good.
He might have been a fool for doing so, but as long as he got what he wanted from it, he didn’t really care.
When he fought, he was given release. When he drove, he was given freedom. When he looked at Emma, he was given memories.
All of them brought a certain level of pain. All three might kill him someday.
Calisto glanced at Emma, taking her in again when she didn’t know he was looking.
He realized then that only one might actually be worth dying for.
Emma Donati
Emma kept her gaze on the book in her lap, pretending like there wasn’t an argument going on across the room. She had become terribly good at acting like she didn’t hear.
Calisto watched her out of the corner of his eye while he argued on with Affonso.
She was too focused on Calisto to care about their fight.
His anger. The tightness of his jaw. Searing soul-black eyes.
The two men were not the same. They might have shared blood, but their hearts were entirely different. One man never let her out of his sight when he was nearby. The other acted like she didn’t exist.
This was what it was like, she realized, to be in love with someone she couldn’t have.
Calisto Donati would never be hers.
This wasn’t a fairy tale that would end happily.
They weren’t star-crossed. They were impossible.
Calisto had never been a fan of pain, but he found it provided a certain relief.
It was a high that couldn’t compete with anything else he experienced. That was why he fought bare-knuckled, why he drove fast, despite knowing he might crash, and why he still enjoyed looking at Emma Donati—no matter her current status.
Pain felt good.
He might have been a fool for doing so, but as long as he got what he wanted from it, he didn’t really care.
When he fought, he was given release. When he drove, he was given freedom. When he looked at Emma, he was given memories.
All of them brought a certain level of pain. All three might kill him someday.
Calisto glanced at Emma, taking her in again when she didn’t know he was looking.
He realized then that only one might actually be worth dying for.
Emma Donati
Emma kept her gaze on the book in her lap, pretending like there wasn’t an argument going on across the room. She had become terribly good at acting like she didn’t hear.
Calisto watched her out of the corner of his eye while he argued on with Affonso.
She was too focused on Calisto to care about their fight.
His anger. The tightness of his jaw. Searing soul-black eyes.
The two men were not the same. They might have shared blood, but their hearts were entirely different. One man never let her out of his sight when he was nearby. The other acted like she didn’t exist.
This was what it was like, she realized, to be in love with someone she couldn’t have.
Calisto Donati would never be hers.
This wasn’t a fairy tale that would end happily.
They weren’t star-crossed. They were impossible.
305 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2016
65 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Bethany-Kris
107 books4,259 followersThe author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
July 25, 2016
4 STARS
My heart ached throughout this read for the hero and heroine. The pain and angst that Emma and Cal go through as she embraces her role as his uncle’s wife is simply torture. Their connection is just as strong yet they fight it because nothing will ever come of it.
”You were supposed to be nothing more than his hired-bride. You were everything except what I expected.”
Emma goes through heartbreaking events and Cal is time and again the only one who cares. Between his uncle luring him by mistreating Emma and then disappearing Cal must step up to the position his uncle wanted for him after all. While the cats away the mice do play as the love they share can't be contained any longer.
”Stolen moments.
Emma clung onto each one.
Every single time.”
The story ends with a cliff which I knew was coming however for the unoriginality of it all I took a whole star off my rating.
Note to authors: Amnesia as a plot device is used entirely too much it's as common as falling into quick sand for goodness sake.
This second installment is much longer and allows you to truly settle in with the plot and characters. Even though the events at the end didn’t wow me and story could have went a million other directions, I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to the conclusion.
My heart ached throughout this read for the hero and heroine. The pain and angst that Emma and Cal go through as she embraces her role as his uncle’s wife is simply torture. Their connection is just as strong yet they fight it because nothing will ever come of it.
”You were supposed to be nothing more than his hired-bride. You were everything except what I expected.”
Emma goes through heartbreaking events and Cal is time and again the only one who cares. Between his uncle luring him by mistreating Emma and then disappearing Cal must step up to the position his uncle wanted for him after all. While the cats away the mice do play as the love they share can't be contained any longer.
”Stolen moments.
Emma clung onto each one.
Every single time.”
The story ends with a cliff which I knew was coming however for the unoriginality of it all I took a whole star off my rating.
Note to authors: Amnesia as a plot device is used entirely too much it's as common as falling into quick sand for goodness sake.
This second installment is much longer and allows you to truly settle in with the plot and characters. Even though the events at the end didn’t wow me and story could have went a million other directions, I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to the conclusion.
June 26, 2016
5 I'm ruined STARS
Bloody hell, help me!! Bethany, you've destroyed me!
This is one of those books that everything ached while I read the story that unfolded but I couldn't help myself. This series is about the forbidden love between Calisto Donati, consigliere and nephew to Affonso, the boss and his wife, Emma (Emmy) Donati.
I was already highly strung and full of heartache at the end of book 1, Thin Lies, this second book picks up right where things left off. Taking the angst and turmoil and kicking up about a 100 scorching degrees.
"Calisto Donati would never be hers.
This wasn’t a fairy tale that would end happily.
They weren’t star-crossed.
They were impossible."
Like Cal and Emmy, this whole story was a tidal wave of emotions. Try as they might to fight their connection and attraction, it's a losing battle.
“We’re not very good at this whole thing, are we?” he asked.
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Being near one another.”
No matter the impossible circumstance, these two finally give into their desire, flirting with fire and navigating the dangerous world they live in for stolen moments together.
“Do not walk on lines so thin that they’ll break under your weight, Calisto.”
The intensity and passion between Cal and Emmy is palpable and all consuming. This was so well written and flawlessly executed, weaving a masterful tale of betrayal, secrets and lies, and a love so great that no obstacle is too great. Like all things forbidden, there's always the risk of having to face dire consequences for your actions. And like a guillotine, this threat and the very possible reality hangs heavy over their heads throughout the book.
I was a complete wreck for most of this book. But I must admit, I loved every delicious and torturous moment of it!
“She hated that he hurt. She liked that he hurt for her. Calisto didn’t know it, but Emma was no better than him. It was sick and wonderful.”
I seriously don't know if I can wait for the conclusion of this heartbreaking and extremely passionate mafia love story!
**ARC generously provided by Bethany-Kris in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
--------
BEFORE READING:
This was me after reading book 1, Thin Lies
I hope I can keep it together for this one.
**ARC generously provided by Bethany-Kris in exchange for an honest review.**
Bloody hell, help me!! Bethany, you've destroyed me!
This is one of those books that everything ached while I read the story that unfolded but I couldn't help myself. This series is about the forbidden love between Calisto Donati, consigliere and nephew to Affonso, the boss and his wife, Emma (Emmy) Donati.
I was already highly strung and full of heartache at the end of book 1, Thin Lies, this second book picks up right where things left off. Taking the angst and turmoil and kicking up about a 100 scorching degrees.
"Calisto Donati would never be hers.
This wasn’t a fairy tale that would end happily.
They weren’t star-crossed.
They were impossible."
Like Cal and Emmy, this whole story was a tidal wave of emotions. Try as they might to fight their connection and attraction, it's a losing battle.
“We’re not very good at this whole thing, are we?” he asked.
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Being near one another.”
No matter the impossible circumstance, these two finally give into their desire, flirting with fire and navigating the dangerous world they live in for stolen moments together.
“Do not walk on lines so thin that they’ll break under your weight, Calisto.”
The intensity and passion between Cal and Emmy is palpable and all consuming. This was so well written and flawlessly executed, weaving a masterful tale of betrayal, secrets and lies, and a love so great that no obstacle is too great. Like all things forbidden, there's always the risk of having to face dire consequences for your actions. And like a guillotine, this threat and the very possible reality hangs heavy over their heads throughout the book.
I was a complete wreck for most of this book. But I must admit, I loved every delicious and torturous moment of it!
“She hated that he hurt. She liked that he hurt for her. Calisto didn’t know it, but Emma was no better than him. It was sick and wonderful.”
I seriously don't know if I can wait for the conclusion of this heartbreaking and extremely passionate mafia love story!
**ARC generously provided by Bethany-Kris in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
--------
BEFORE READING:
This was me after reading book 1, Thin Lies
I hope I can keep it together for this one.
**ARC generously provided by Bethany-Kris in exchange for an honest review.**
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January 10, 2021Buy Now at the vendor of your choice | https://www.bethanykris.com/dbparttwo...
February 10, 2017
So much beauty, agony, raw emotion, and revelation in this book.
I loved it all! But I also hated how this story pushed all of my emotional buttons!
I loved these characters and I loved their story! I even loved the dramatic tango between Affonso and Calisto! I loved hating that dreadful and wretched Donati Don!
Although this story dragged my heart through the mud and I'm tempted to preserve what's left of my emotional well-being by NOT reading the next book in this series, I can't leave these characters hanging.
On to book three!!
I loved it all! But I also hated how this story pushed all of my emotional buttons!
I loved these characters and I loved their story! I even loved the dramatic tango between Affonso and Calisto! I loved hating that dreadful and wretched Donati Don!
Although this story dragged my heart through the mud and I'm tempted to preserve what's left of my emotional well-being by NOT reading the next book in this series, I can't leave these characters hanging.
On to book three!!
July 19, 2016
4 Forbidden Stars
The saga continues......Thin Lines
Calisto Donati knows he should forget Emma Donati. She is married to Affonso Donati, the Boss, who also happens to be his uncle. But she has gotten under his skin and he can't forget her. But Calisto also has pressure from Affonso. He wants something from Calisto and he will stop at nothing to get his way. Affonso is a man who has his own agenda. His ruthlessness and selfishness are ever present in this book.
This story is the angsty middle. Two souls.....
They’re not star-crossed. They’re impossible.
There is lots of sexual tension in this book, it's dynamite waiting to explode. Calisto and Emma and their feelings, feelings that are hidden, feelings that are boiling, feelings that eventually win out and cross the Thin Lines they walk on throughout the story. Cosa Nostra has a code and every man in the Mafia must live by the code as well as die by the code. Calisto and Emma know their feelings are wrong but sometimes you cross the thin line and take what you can get for the moment, even if you break the code in the process.
I loved the first book, their meeting and their connection was intense and complicated. This book had lots of angst. It was mixed with despair, sadness, loss, recklessness and deep overwhelming love. I seemed to be holding my breath while reading. Waiting for what might happen, knowing what could happen and the repercussions that would happen from the feelings that Emma and Calisto tried to ignore. We also get more of the past and how it has shaped the present. And then the end........my stomach was doing somersaults. It was a lot of drama......There was a WHY moment, a WHY DIDN'T YOU moment, a NO WAY moment and a UGHHHHHH moment.
I will say that I'm scared for book 3 but I also can't wait!! There doesn't seem to be a way for happiness to reach Emma and Calisto. But I have hope and faith in the author......I NEED for things to happen........POSITIVE things for Calisto and Emma and HAPPY and FOREVER things as much as can be when you live in the Mafia world!!!
Advanced copy provided by author via IndieSage PR in exchange for an honest review
The saga continues......Thin Lines
Calisto Donati knows he should forget Emma Donati. She is married to Affonso Donati, the Boss, who also happens to be his uncle. But she has gotten under his skin and he can't forget her. But Calisto also has pressure from Affonso. He wants something from Calisto and he will stop at nothing to get his way. Affonso is a man who has his own agenda. His ruthlessness and selfishness are ever present in this book.
This story is the angsty middle. Two souls.....
They’re not star-crossed. They’re impossible.
There is lots of sexual tension in this book, it's dynamite waiting to explode. Calisto and Emma and their feelings, feelings that are hidden, feelings that are boiling, feelings that eventually win out and cross the Thin Lines they walk on throughout the story. Cosa Nostra has a code and every man in the Mafia must live by the code as well as die by the code. Calisto and Emma know their feelings are wrong but sometimes you cross the thin line and take what you can get for the moment, even if you break the code in the process.
I loved the first book, their meeting and their connection was intense and complicated. This book had lots of angst. It was mixed with despair, sadness, loss, recklessness and deep overwhelming love. I seemed to be holding my breath while reading. Waiting for what might happen, knowing what could happen and the repercussions that would happen from the feelings that Emma and Calisto tried to ignore. We also get more of the past and how it has shaped the present. And then the end........my stomach was doing somersaults. It was a lot of drama......There was a WHY moment, a WHY DIDN'T YOU moment, a NO WAY moment and a UGHHHHHH moment.
I will say that I'm scared for book 3 but I also can't wait!! There doesn't seem to be a way for happiness to reach Emma and Calisto. But I have hope and faith in the author......I NEED for things to happen........POSITIVE things for Calisto and Emma and HAPPY and FOREVER things as much as can be when you live in the Mafia world!!!
Advanced copy provided by author via IndieSage PR in exchange for an honest review
July 2, 2016
4.5 "Action-protect la famiglia-passion of forbidden love-lies" stars
In The Thin Lines we continuously follow the lives of Emma, Calisto and Affonso...in a rough and detached marriage where the only purpose Emma has is being a child breeder and a nice pretty doll on Affonso's hand when the ocassions command it. Affonso is a narcissitic asshole to say the least, and deserves no sympathy at all, and yet he's the first wheel in this unhappy triangle...
cause not only he writes his own rules but he makes them for Calisto and Emma as well, putting them both into their paths with his own hidden calculative agenda not being aware that their lives are already connected by a THIN LINE.
Emma is unhappy, lonely and she's deteriorating quickly, she's hates her position and yet she feels trapped the only slight hope she sees in her link to Calisto. And he's trying to stay away.
Calisto was still walking a thin line between stupid and insane where Emma was concerned.
The woman was ...entirely unavailable...
Yet, he still wanted her.
What they had in one night of passion before she became „off limits“ for Calisto still lingers in the air. It still haunts him, it eats him alive and he's fighting his weakness. But when the events shatter Emma'y life into the smallest of pieces, Calisto is the one who picks them up and puts them together again.
She's holding on to him...it's more than the passion they shared. It's a different kind of universe they both share and they both recognize as the bond that makes them alive. But it makes them also mere actors in a cruel play and they have been given a foul roles as offenders. So they enter this dangerous game of forbidden love, hiding, blinking over each shadow, sneaking and stealing each little touch, each look, each sigh, each little moment they could have for themselves...
Stolen moments.
Emma clung onto each one.
Every single time.
Where we are will never matter. It's always going to be stupid and dangerous, Emmy. It'll always be bad and wrong. The only thing that I care about is making sure you get out pleased and alive each and every time.
But when fate enters that very same play acting out as the cruel judge who interferes with their lives, their own destinies and their hearts...
Will they find their way back to each other? We'll just need to wait and see what Bethany-Kris has instored for us and for Calisto and Emma in the third and final installment.
Full of twists, toughs decisions, and rough playouts that Calisto and Emma go through on their journey makes you wanna interact and do smth drastically stupid and vile to help them...
even if what they are doing looks wrong in the frames of formality, or moral compass, it's never just a matter of black and white and this time the circumstances are what makes all the difference, being exactly that THIN FUCKIN GREY LINE that links them all together in a whirlwind of passion, love and belonging in the wrong place at the wrong time.
ARC generously provided by the author, Bethany-Kris in exchange for an honest review
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September 28, 2020
This kicked up on hell of a notch after a wee bit of a shaky start in the first book. With all the twists and turns and heart-stopping moments there is no way I could've read this on release and then have to wait for the conclusion. So, so glad I waited till their story was complete before tackling this series.
Loved Thin Lines, this is the fantastic writing I know Bethany-Kris will deliver, and she sure did .... with bells on!
Loved Thin Lines, this is the fantastic writing I know Bethany-Kris will deliver, and she sure did .... with bells on!
December 5, 2019
" El dolor era un recordatorio de la vida. "
Thin Lines es el segundo libro de la trilogia titulada Donati Bloodlines escrita por Bethany - Kris y continua narrando la historia de Calisto y Emma.
Estas dos novelas que llevo leidas han sido una autentica sorpresa, cuando inicie la trilogia no imaginaba que estas historias iban a ser tan interesantes y adictivas pero es verdaderamente impresionante la forma en la que la vida de la familia Donati te enreda en sus secretos, manipulaciones y crimenes, tanto que cuando terminas un tomo solo quieres empezar el siguiente inmediatamente y no es solo debido a los finales de infarto que escribe la autora.
La saga Donati Bloodlines es esa serie que no sabes que estas buscando hasta que te la encuentras de frente y te envuelve con cada nuevo capitulo que lees.
Emma y Calisto son una pareja con una evolucion increible, ya no son los despreocupados chicos que eran en Thin Lies, en esta continuacion vemos como sus vidas se han transformado, son mas maduros, serios y complejos, me encanto el cambio tan verosimil y creible que sufren, ese hecho hizo que me enamorara aun mas su relacion, la cual ha partir de hoy entra en mi lista de favoritas.
Pero no crean que la pareja protagonista es lo unico destacable de esta novela, a ese aspecto se le unen la trama llena de tension e incertidumbre que me hizo morderme las uñas sin parar, y tambien la magnifica pluma de la escritora, la cual no para de mejorar con cada nuevo libro suyo que devoro.
En resumen, Thin Lines no podia haber sido una mejor secuela ni intentandolo, es refrescante, trepidante, intensa, pasional y una verdadera droga, literalmente no podia dejar de pensar en esta lectura durante todo el dia, y ese final?? fue completamente inquietante a la par que desesperante, no veo la hora de leer el siguiente y descubrir como termina todo el enredo de la familia Donati.
Muy muy muy recomendable!
4 Estrellas!!
June 16, 2017
***** 4.5 Stars *****
Cannot be read as a standalone.
"They weren't star-crossed. They were impossible."
Oh man... the angst. More pain and anguish. To want something you can't have.
I can't stop thinking about Calisto. He's stuck in a position where he's forced to take on more responsibility in la famiglia. But all he wants is one thing. Emma.
Emma fakes her smiles and tries to be Affonso's ornament. Affonso is a horrible husband that doesn't hide the fact he has women everywhere. As Emma and Cal try to avoid each other, she is completely alone. All she craves is Cal.
The spark between them never dies, and they can't be friends. When they get together, the chemistry is explosive.
Get ready for many surprises. There are secrets everywhere. Bethany-Kris shocked me to the core with Thin Lines.
Where is the next book?!?! I NEED IT NOW!
Cannot be read as a standalone.
"They weren't star-crossed. They were impossible."
Oh man... the angst. More pain and anguish. To want something you can't have.
I can't stop thinking about Calisto. He's stuck in a position where he's forced to take on more responsibility in la famiglia. But all he wants is one thing. Emma.
Emma fakes her smiles and tries to be Affonso's ornament. Affonso is a horrible husband that doesn't hide the fact he has women everywhere. As Emma and Cal try to avoid each other, she is completely alone. All she craves is Cal.
The spark between them never dies, and they can't be friends. When they get together, the chemistry is explosive.
Get ready for many surprises. There are secrets everywhere. Bethany-Kris shocked me to the core with Thin Lines.
Where is the next book?!?! I NEED IT NOW!
July 6, 2016
Thin Lines is not a standalone, so you must read book 1 first!
" They weren’t star-crossed. They were impossible."
Let's talk about that ending for a second, Bethany how could you!
Why did it have to end that way
You would think Bethany made them suffer enough throughout the book, WRONG!!
I feel like my heart was breaking for Calisto and Emmy during the whole book and after that last revelation at the end my heart was smashed!
So yes Thin Lines is heartbreaking journey but I still can't wait for the last book so I can finally see them have HEA!!!
March 31, 2017
This book ripped my heart out, stomped on it, killed it, got the pads out, resuscitated it, gave me a little bit of rehab time to strengthen it back up, and then repeated the ripping and stomping.... then shattered it completely. Do I seem dramatic? I don't care. That's the only way I can describe emotions I went through while reading this.
This was me reading....
Where do I even begin? Emmy, oh my poor sweet, strong Emmy. She went through things that many people would've let break them, but she overcame them and I simply loved her for it. She had strength in so many ways. The strength to bear her many burdens, but also the strength to wear a mask that kept her life intact. She loved Cal so much and the things she suffered for that love were crushing.
Cal..... Finding out more about his back story was so heartbreaking. Knowing he had to look his despicable uncle in the face everyday after what he found out. I don't know how he did it. Well no, that's not true, I know one big reason. Emmy. He loved that girl so freaking much and I wanted them to be free to be together so bad. Everytime they risked everything to touch or kiss each other, my heart was breaking with both happiness and sadness.
The sex was super hot, and it was made even better by their intimacy. Their need for each other was so authentic and raw. They helped each other through so much darkness and their connection was unbreakable.
Then there's the "family' aspect. There were the obvious bad guys and the hidden snakes. There were so many plays being made. I loved the violence and meeting some new mobtsers.
Like I said, I'm sitting here with a shattered heart, but the author told me to have hope, so I'm off to read book 3 and hopefully pick up the pieces of my heart.
This was me reading....
Where do I even begin? Emmy, oh my poor sweet, strong Emmy. She went through things that many people would've let break them, but she overcame them and I simply loved her for it. She had strength in so many ways. The strength to bear her many burdens, but also the strength to wear a mask that kept her life intact. She loved Cal so much and the things she suffered for that love were crushing.
Cal..... Finding out more about his back story was so heartbreaking. Knowing he had to look his despicable uncle in the face everyday after what he found out. I don't know how he did it. Well no, that's not true, I know one big reason. Emmy. He loved that girl so freaking much and I wanted them to be free to be together so bad. Everytime they risked everything to touch or kiss each other, my heart was breaking with both happiness and sadness.
The sex was super hot, and it was made even better by their intimacy. Their need for each other was so authentic and raw. They helped each other through so much darkness and their connection was unbreakable.
Then there's the "family' aspect. There were the obvious bad guys and the hidden snakes. There were so many plays being made. I loved the violence and meeting some new mobtsers.
Like I said, I'm sitting here with a shattered heart, but the author told me to have hope, so I'm off to read book 3 and hopefully pick up the pieces of my heart.
July 26, 2016
*ARC received from author via IndieSage PR as part of blog tour*
Before I found the words to describe how I felt about this book, this was me in a nutshell...
And now that I’ve found the words, I think… um… lemme see…
For starter, Bethany-Kris is making a hypocrite out of me. The whole theme of this book is not one I’m fond of nor one I will gravitate towards, but it’s too late, Bethany-Kris has sucked me in. It didn’t matter that I didn’t agree about a lot of the H&h’s actions and thoughts because I was right there next to them, cheering for them over one forbidden action after another.
This book gave me “The Night Manager” feel to it, for some reason, I mean when I think of the dynamics b/w Calisto and Emma… My heart ached for them and had me on edge, anticipating the kind of trouble they might find themselves in because of their actions. And as they continue to muddle their way thru the gray waters that has become their world, more things are revealed and towards the end, more things are piled on them, naturally. GAH!!!
I’ll say it again, don’t think Bethany-Kris knows the word easy. Oh the tangled web people weave… and all the stuff that gets caught in that weave…
Before I found the words to describe how I felt about this book, this was me in a nutshell...
And now that I’ve found the words, I think… um… lemme see…
For starter, Bethany-Kris is making a hypocrite out of me. The whole theme of this book is not one I’m fond of nor one I will gravitate towards, but it’s too late, Bethany-Kris has sucked me in. It didn’t matter that I didn’t agree about a lot of the H&h’s actions and thoughts because I was right there next to them, cheering for them over one forbidden action after another.
This book gave me “The Night Manager” feel to it, for some reason, I mean when I think of the dynamics b/w Calisto and Emma… My heart ached for them and had me on edge, anticipating the kind of trouble they might find themselves in because of their actions. And as they continue to muddle their way thru the gray waters that has become their world, more things are revealed and towards the end, more things are piled on them, naturally. GAH!!!
I’ll say it again, don’t think Bethany-Kris knows the word easy. Oh the tangled web people weave… and all the stuff that gets caught in that weave…
June 25, 2016
Grab your copy here AMAZON
5 - living on a prayer - mega stars
They happen. But they cannot exist. They should forget and move on. But could they?
Thin Lines by Bethany-Kris is the second part of Donati Bloodlines Trilogy. The books are close conected and must be read in strict order.
1 - Thin Lies
2 - Thin Lines
3 - Thin Lives - coming September, 2016
All those books follow the story of Calisto Donati and Emma Sorrento. They are not star-crossed. They are impossible.
The book starts some months after the first one. Calisto is trying really hard to avoid Emma. Emma is living make believe - the only thing left to her.
They are in pain. They could not be together but they could not be apart.
The loss and pain - two things driving them together again. They try to cope and they try to survive. Because the lines they walk on have never before been thinner.
I liked this new Emma. She is really a survivor with attutide. Though she turns her cheek, she is not ready to deal with all the things he husband expects from here.
I felt Calisto's pain. It's really impossible to live every day knowing and coping with a lot of dirty secrets and understand that you can do nothing. He is strong and calm. And I'm sure he'll get his revenge!
This book is more emotional that the first one. I really loved it. It's just the perfect combination of all I love in Bethany's works - mafia, fight, love, tragedy and detrmination to be happy no matter what. Thank you, Bethany!
It really ends in a cliffy and if you thought the first book ended in a terrible on, read the second one. You'll really learn how an ungly cliffy looks like. Thanks God, we have to wait only for two months. Two very long months, which I hope will fly!
***ARC was provided to me by a very generous author Bethany-Kris in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion***
5 - living on a prayer - mega stars
They happen. But they cannot exist. They should forget and move on. But could they?
"Pain was reminder of life."
Thin Lines by Bethany-Kris is the second part of Donati Bloodlines Trilogy. The books are close conected and must be read in strict order.
1 - Thin Lies
2 - Thin Lines
3 - Thin Lives - coming September, 2016
All those books follow the story of Calisto Donati and Emma Sorrento. They are not star-crossed. They are impossible.
The book starts some months after the first one. Calisto is trying really hard to avoid Emma. Emma is living make believe - the only thing left to her.
They are in pain. They could not be together but they could not be apart.
The loss and pain - two things driving them together again. They try to cope and they try to survive. Because the lines they walk on have never before been thinner.
"Having and keeping are two entirely different things..."
I liked this new Emma. She is really a survivor with attutide. Though she turns her cheek, she is not ready to deal with all the things he husband expects from here.
I felt Calisto's pain. It's really impossible to live every day knowing and coping with a lot of dirty secrets and understand that you can do nothing. He is strong and calm. And I'm sure he'll get his revenge!
"When he fought, he was given release. When he drove, he was given freedom. When he looked at Emma, he was given memories."
This book is more emotional that the first one. I really loved it. It's just the perfect combination of all I love in Bethany's works - mafia, fight, love, tragedy and detrmination to be happy no matter what. Thank you, Bethany!
It really ends in a cliffy and if you thought the first book ended in a terrible on, read the second one. You'll really learn how an ungly cliffy looks like. Thanks God, we have to wait only for two months. Two very long months, which I hope will fly!
***ARC was provided to me by a very generous author Bethany-Kris in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion***
December 16, 2018
5 fucking amazing 🌟!!I can't stop reading..... Bethany Kris definitely is the Queen in mafia romance books!!
September 12, 2016
AMAZING!!!
I loved this book it held my attention all the way through and I just could not put it down.
I felt all kinds of emotions in this book!! Heartbreak, hatred, happiness and most importantly love!
Emma and Calisto's relationship was so much deeper and significant. The fact that they couldn't just be with each other broke my heart. The secrets and the lying made this book for me. It was like watching a dramatic series on tv and not being able to wait for the next episode.
The characters were amazing even the affonso. The hatred I had for him was something that I love feeling when reading a book. The emotions and all the thoughts rushing through my head made me so happy. I love when authors can evoke emotions like that from me.
Emma was so grown up in this book! She went through a lot without having to deal with Affonso. Her naivete was gone and she was seeing peoples true colors for the fist time.
Callisto was as sweet as ever his protectiveness over Emma was so adorable. The drama was just right for this story. The author didn't take it overboard and add in too much. I also liked the action, the love story wasn't lost which can often happen in mafia.
The cliffhanger for this book had me biting my nails off!!
I am loving this series.
June 28, 2016
Bethany-Kris has done it again in this phenomenal one of a kind forbidden edgy mafia romance read.
She’ll superbly shatter you, leave you clinging for more. Those four letters is what you’ll crave as you pick up on Emma & Calisto’s unfinished story.
I howled in bitter rage with all the injustices, as lies and betrayals in the Donati family surfaced, then cried like a banshee!
Make sure you have your Kleenexes, coffee and chocolates on hand. You'll want all your comforts at your fingertips in this sensational five star read!
She’ll superbly shatter you, leave you clinging for more. Those four letters is what you’ll crave as you pick up on Emma & Calisto’s unfinished story.
I howled in bitter rage with all the injustices, as lies and betrayals in the Donati family surfaced, then cried like a banshee!
Make sure you have your Kleenexes, coffee and chocolates on hand. You'll want all your comforts at your fingertips in this sensational five star read!
July 8, 2016
That ending!! Wow! Is awful, but awesome too. Bethany-Kris is pure genius. I can't believe she went there, but I'm feeling especially excited for the next one.
I have been putting off reading this book because I knew is gonna be hard. Calisto has to watch Emma getting married to Affonso. Let just put a dagger to my heart, shall we?
He didn't say he love her, but I knew he do. And the part I most worried about is to read about Affonso's dick anywhere near Emma. Is gonna be an awful experience for me, although I knew is something I can't avoid. Thank God Bethany didn't actually put Affonso's nether region in my face. I might be scarred for life. That's the sole reason I survived reading this book.
Calisto and Emma spend part of the book avoiding each other, and then making nice with each other and then engage in illicit affairs. I don't like cheating in any form, but in this case, I totally in support. Just make sure to be smart and not get caught, please.
There are a lot of new revelation in regards to Calisto and Affonso's past. It was pure soap opera, I tell you. My heart hurt for Calisto and his shitty situation. I know he keep saying there is no way out, but for me, there is a way. Just shoot the motherfucker, shall we? Reading Bethany's work just make me plain blood thirsty.
With everything that happened towards the cliffhanger ending, I'm sure the final book is gonna kick some major ass and I'm SO ready. Bring it on!
I have been putting off reading this book because I knew is gonna be hard. Calisto has to watch Emma getting married to Affonso. Let just put a dagger to my heart, shall we?
He didn't say he love her, but I knew he do. And the part I most worried about is to read about Affonso's dick anywhere near Emma. Is gonna be an awful experience for me, although I knew is something I can't avoid. Thank God Bethany didn't actually put Affonso's nether region in my face. I might be scarred for life. That's the sole reason I survived reading this book.
Calisto and Emma spend part of the book avoiding each other, and then making nice with each other and then engage in illicit affairs. I don't like cheating in any form, but in this case, I totally in support. Just make sure to be smart and not get caught, please.
There are a lot of new revelation in regards to Calisto and Affonso's past. It was pure soap opera, I tell you. My heart hurt for Calisto and his shitty situation. I know he keep saying there is no way out, but for me, there is a way. Just shoot the motherfucker, shall we? Reading Bethany's work just make me plain blood thirsty.
With everything that happened towards the cliffhanger ending, I'm sure the final book is gonna kick some major ass and I'm SO ready. Bring it on!
January 31, 2021
Tres palabras que resumen perfectamente este libro: dolor, sufrimiento e impotencia.
June 10, 2021
This was definitely my favorite, all the forbidden love stuff! I'm in, it was also very painful to read all the loss and that ending! 💔
Español
Este fue mi favorito definitivamente, todo lo del amor prohibido! estoy dentro, también fue muy doloroso de leer; toda la perdida y ese final...😢😢😢😢
Español
Este fue mi favorito definitivamente, todo lo del amor prohibido! estoy dentro, también fue muy doloroso de leer; toda la perdida y ese final...😢😢😢😢
September 13, 2018
ciśnienie 5oo . sama książka wymiata. smutna przerazliwie ale koniec....WTF?!?!
June 22, 2016
"What is this for you? You and me, what are we?"
Crazy. Stupid. Reckless.
"Something," Calisto settled on saying.
"Something," she echoed.
Something wonderful, maybe.
Something doomed, probably.
WHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!????
Ah for f*cks sake! I'm dead.
I've died.
Affonso sweetheart...
*Deep breaths*
I'm good. I'm cool.
July 11, 2016
THE SHIT HAS HITTITH THE FAN
I'm loving this series. Infedility, heartbreak and great sex makes this one of my top reads of the year.
*This may trigger anyone who has had a miscarriage.*
*Read thru Kindle Unlimited*
I'm loving this series. Infedility, heartbreak and great sex makes this one of my top reads of the year.
*This may trigger anyone who has had a miscarriage.*
*Read thru Kindle Unlimited*
August 1, 2025
i would give up my own life if it meant they would finally be together and happy
June 27, 2016
Thin Lines is LIVE EARLY
You know that feeling where you've just had your heart pulled out of your chest, had it gone through a blender and then a grater and then shoved back into your chest in pieces?
The last couple of chapters made me feel like that. I'm angry. So ANGRY! I'm sad. I'm heartbroken. I hated that ending. Because SOMETHING HAPPENED AND SHREDDED ALL MY HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE COUPLE. I'm probably overdoing it with all the hyperbolic sentences, but please bear with me and pretend (or not) you understand my pain by holding my hand and telling me everything is going to be okay. Because I think I really need that now.
There's so much that happens in this installment. It was truly a roller coaster ride and I known how crazy those can be sometimes. Things are revealed about why Calisto has such a strong hated towards Affonso. (IT MAKES SENSE) And these revelations were rather shocking. There's so many twists and turns you just don't see coming and that is what I absolutely adore about Ms. Bethany Kris's books. You attempt to *predict* the future but something else throws you out of the loop and you're back to square one wondering what will happen next. I love how it never goes the way you think and it's never done in a way that will make you question the legitimacy of their actions. It flows well and is at a perfect pace with the rest of the story. Unlike the first book, Thin Lines focused quite a bit on the Donati Cosa Nostra's business and the future of it. Which was very interesting!
Emma Goes through so much hardship in Thin Lines. I feel incredibly hurt for her and what she has to go through. She deserves happiness. She deserves reprieve from the hell she's living in especially with a monster like Affonso. Who I'm getting to shortly.
And Calisto. My love. How tortuous must it be to watch another man you despise playing house (ha barely) with the woman you love? I felt his pain through his words and actions. I felt his pain every time he was close to Emma and couldn't touch her. Or speak to her like he would within their own private space.
And let me tell you something about Affonso Donati everyone: Affonso is a monster. He has the bare minimum of human qualities but he is nonetheless a despicable monster. He's not the *obvious* villain. Because frankly in a Mafia book they're all, you know ~bad guys~. But it's usually the rivals that are the obvious villains. In the first book....He's just the old mob boss that wants to marry a younger woman to give him a son and woman to look pretty at his side and he needs a wife to be a suitable don. He's the bad guy because we as readers really want Cal and Emma together but he's the obstacle thus making him the bad guy (and he's a lying scumbag cheater) but not the point.
Now, in book 2: he's become the more obvious monster. And again not in the traditional sense: he seemed to be a good enough boss (so it seems). He has love for Calisto... in his own twisted sense but after what I found out, after what he did and especially after the last few chapters he is the worst type of man. I hate him. He's a snake. I don't know if this is making sense or not but I hope you get the gist.
Those last couple of chapters honestly destroyed me. I got that feeling of when your stomach drops to the ground and then I felt pain after that. I'm just so damn angry about it. But dammit I love the story regardless. I don't know how this will turn out in Thin Lives but I have a strange feeling things will get crazier.
Despite feeling like everything and everyone are against Emma and Calisto being together, I have full confidence that Bethany-Kris will give these characters the story and HEA they deserve. It's just going to hurt to get there.
You know that feeling where you've just had your heart pulled out of your chest, had it gone through a blender and then a grater and then shoved back into your chest in pieces?
The last couple of chapters made me feel like that. I'm angry. So ANGRY! I'm sad. I'm heartbroken. I hated that ending. Because SOMETHING HAPPENED AND SHREDDED ALL MY HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE COUPLE. I'm probably overdoing it with all the hyperbolic sentences, but please bear with me and pretend (or not) you understand my pain by holding my hand and telling me everything is going to be okay. Because I think I really need that now.
There's so much that happens in this installment. It was truly a roller coaster ride and I known how crazy those can be sometimes. Things are revealed about why Calisto has such a strong hated towards Affonso. (IT MAKES SENSE) And these revelations were rather shocking. There's so many twists and turns you just don't see coming and that is what I absolutely adore about Ms. Bethany Kris's books. You attempt to *predict* the future but something else throws you out of the loop and you're back to square one wondering what will happen next. I love how it never goes the way you think and it's never done in a way that will make you question the legitimacy of their actions. It flows well and is at a perfect pace with the rest of the story. Unlike the first book, Thin Lines focused quite a bit on the Donati Cosa Nostra's business and the future of it. Which was very interesting!
Emma Goes through so much hardship in Thin Lines. I feel incredibly hurt for her and what she has to go through. She deserves happiness. She deserves reprieve from the hell she's living in especially with a monster like Affonso. Who I'm getting to shortly.
And Calisto. My love. How tortuous must it be to watch another man you despise playing house (ha barely) with the woman you love? I felt his pain through his words and actions. I felt his pain every time he was close to Emma and couldn't touch her. Or speak to her like he would within their own private space.
And let me tell you something about Affonso Donati everyone: Affonso is a monster. He has the bare minimum of human qualities but he is nonetheless a despicable monster. He's not the *obvious* villain. Because frankly in a Mafia book they're all, you know ~bad guys~. But it's usually the rivals that are the obvious villains. In the first book....He's just the old mob boss that wants to marry a younger woman to give him a son and woman to look pretty at his side and he needs a wife to be a suitable don. He's the bad guy because we as readers really want Cal and Emma together but he's the obstacle thus making him the bad guy (and he's a lying scumbag cheater) but not the point.
Now, in book 2: he's become the more obvious monster. And again not in the traditional sense: he seemed to be a good enough boss (so it seems). He has love for Calisto... in his own twisted sense but after what I found out, after what he did and especially after the last few chapters he is the worst type of man. I hate him. He's a snake. I don't know if this is making sense or not but I hope you get the gist.
Those last couple of chapters honestly destroyed me. I got that feeling of when your stomach drops to the ground and then I felt pain after that. I'm just so damn angry about it. But dammit I love the story regardless. I don't know how this will turn out in Thin Lives but I have a strange feeling things will get crazier.
Despite feeling like everything and everyone are against Emma and Calisto being together, I have full confidence that Bethany-Kris will give these characters the story and HEA they deserve. It's just going to hurt to get there.
July 16, 2016
Purchasing Links:
Amazon
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
I should have posted this review weeks ago but life got in the way. So, I’m going to keep this review relatively short as I think everyone should read this without knowing too many details. I was stunned with the way Thin Lies ended. I kept wondering how Bethany Kris was going to turn everything around. How it was going to be possible for the main characters to interact with each other without getting caught or killed. In terms of character growth, I thought that Emma was the star of this book. I have to admit that she was not my favorite in Thin Lies, she was very shallow and I just couldn’t connect with her. But, she definitely stunned me in this one, all the things that she has to deal with made her a stronger and more mature person in my eyes (despite her age). And because you know what she goes through early on you come to understand why she makes some decisions at the end of the book and you feel for her. I think that Calisto was sort of on the same boat as Emma. He has to deal with controlling and hiding his feelings for Emma as he knows it is wrong, he does a somewhat admirable job with this. However, in the end it was just too much for him and he couldn’t hide it forever from her or from himself. That’s why you also come to accept the decisions he makes, because you know how difficult it was for him.
In terms of their relationship, I know that some people would hate what occurs. There is involved but I didn’t mind it because Affonso is a horrible, horrible man. The ending did leave me wondering what is going to happen next and with that twist Bethany Kris threw in there I don’t know how these characters are going to get their HEA. But you can definitely believe I will be reading the last book when it comes out in September.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
I should have posted this review weeks ago but life got in the way. So, I’m going to keep this review relatively short as I think everyone should read this without knowing too many details. I was stunned with the way Thin Lies ended. I kept wondering how Bethany Kris was going to turn everything around. How it was going to be possible for the main characters to interact with each other without getting caught or killed. In terms of character growth, I thought that Emma was the star of this book. I have to admit that she was not my favorite in Thin Lies, she was very shallow and I just couldn’t connect with her. But, she definitely stunned me in this one, all the things that she has to deal with made her a stronger and more mature person in my eyes (despite her age). And because you know what she goes through early on you come to understand why she makes some decisions at the end of the book and you feel for her. I think that Calisto was sort of on the same boat as Emma. He has to deal with controlling and hiding his feelings for Emma as he knows it is wrong, he does a somewhat admirable job with this. However, in the end it was just too much for him and he couldn’t hide it forever from her or from himself. That’s why you also come to accept the decisions he makes, because you know how difficult it was for him.
In terms of their relationship, I know that some people would hate what occurs. There is involved but I didn’t mind it because Affonso is a horrible, horrible man. The ending did leave me wondering what is going to happen next and with that twist Bethany Kris threw in there I don’t know how these characters are going to get their HEA. But you can definitely believe I will be reading the last book when it comes out in September.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2016
5 F*CKING STARS
This book will hit you where it hurts the most. It will take your heart: twist the heartstrings, tear it slowly, stitch it back up, only to pry it back open again. You will smile. You will cry. You will swoon and then die a little inside. Basically, you'll act like a crazy person. But, it'll all be worth it. If you have read her previous books, you know you just gotta trust her. Haha bravo Bethany-Kris. Thank you for all the emotions I have exhausted while reading this book. Calisto and Emmy will have a special place in my heart. The final book will be epic...I can feel it.
PLOT LINE - SO MUCH HAPPENS...I feel like if I start talking about it, I will spill all their secrets. ;) Just prepare yourself. Seriously...you will be going through some serious freak outs, blow ups, and throwing curse words everywhere.
CHEMISTRY - There is some serious sexual tension between Emma and Calisto. No matter how many road blocks/obstacles stand in their way...there is this invisible string that pulls them together. Calisto only has eyes for Emma. Staying away is hard...but for how long? How long with this torture last? When will they ever get that chance to finally be together? How many people actually stand in their way? How many people have to suffer until happiness comes?
SERIES - This series is becoming my favorite so far. It's emotionally draining and books that make you have the FEELS are the BEST. Getting emotionally attached to characters is one of the greatest feelings. You want laugh, cry, and feel their pain right along with them.
Warning: don't read in public because you may ugly cry. Get them tissues ready...
*This book was kindly given by author in exchange for an honest review
This book will hit you where it hurts the most. It will take your heart: twist the heartstrings, tear it slowly, stitch it back up, only to pry it back open again. You will smile. You will cry. You will swoon and then die a little inside. Basically, you'll act like a crazy person. But, it'll all be worth it. If you have read her previous books, you know you just gotta trust her. Haha bravo Bethany-Kris. Thank you for all the emotions I have exhausted while reading this book. Calisto and Emmy will have a special place in my heart. The final book will be epic...I can feel it.
PLOT LINE - SO MUCH HAPPENS...I feel like if I start talking about it, I will spill all their secrets. ;) Just prepare yourself. Seriously...you will be going through some serious freak outs, blow ups, and throwing curse words everywhere.
CHEMISTRY - There is some serious sexual tension between Emma and Calisto. No matter how many road blocks/obstacles stand in their way...there is this invisible string that pulls them together. Calisto only has eyes for Emma. Staying away is hard...but for how long? How long with this torture last? When will they ever get that chance to finally be together? How many people actually stand in their way? How many people have to suffer until happiness comes?
SERIES - This series is becoming my favorite so far. It's emotionally draining and books that make you have the FEELS are the BEST. Getting emotionally attached to characters is one of the greatest feelings. You want laugh, cry, and feel their pain right along with them.
Warning: don't read in public because you may ugly cry. Get them tissues ready...
*This book was kindly given by author in exchange for an honest review
December 4, 2021
First read Sep 2019: ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Re-Read Nov 2021: ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 5 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
“Pain was a reminder of life. It couldn’t be felt after death.”
TW: child-loss, miscarriage
OHHHHHH this one was GOOD. I love love love how deep this author goes in the mafia. It’s so interesting and well thought out!!
This story is kinda complex and everyone struggles and it’s hot and frustrating and GOD I WANNA KILL RAY. There’s gonna be a whole ass conflict and all because this bitch ass wants to be the boss.
I can NOT wait to start the next one, but I know Im gonna be in pain and frustrated. I LOVE IT HERE.
*NOTE: this a trilogy about a forbidden romance and it should be read in order*
OG review:
OH MY GOD! NO NO NO NO I can’t live knowing what i know now! I’m sobbing, my heart ached so much reading this! Poor girl and Calisto too, they deserve better. I’m starting the next one right now, I need them to find their HEA 🥺
Re-Read Nov 2021: ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 5 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
“Pain was a reminder of life. It couldn’t be felt after death.”
TW: child-loss, miscarriage
OHHHHHH this one was GOOD. I love love love how deep this author goes in the mafia. It’s so interesting and well thought out!!
This story is kinda complex and everyone struggles and it’s hot and frustrating and GOD I WANNA KILL RAY. There’s gonna be a whole ass conflict and all because this bitch ass wants to be the boss.
I can NOT wait to start the next one, but I know Im gonna be in pain and frustrated. I LOVE IT HERE.
*NOTE: this a trilogy about a forbidden romance and it should be read in order*
OG review:
OH MY GOD! NO NO NO NO I can’t live knowing what i know now! I’m sobbing, my heart ached so much reading this! Poor girl and Calisto too, they deserve better. I’m starting the next one right now, I need them to find their HEA 🥺
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• Donati Bloodlines Trilogy •
Thin Lies #1 ─ 4.25 stars
Thin Lines #2 ─ 5 stars
Thin Lives #3 — 4 stars
Behind the Bloodlines #3.5 — 3.5 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
Read
July 9, 2016 Jesus christ. I can't fucking breath. I cannot and I am not using this as a figure of speech. I really fucking cannot. My tears are not stopping. My emma. My emmy poor emmy. Lord. That fucking son of a douche Affnso (or whtevr that fucktard is called) needs to DIE.SLOWLY.WITH LOTS OF BLOOD.IN THE HANDS OF CALISTO AND EMMA. I know this is just a book but dealing her with the most shitiest hand there is .....is breaking me. I FUCKING CANNOT. *GASP* ....OH MY GAWD. I know I am not supposed to be here on GR right now...but sweet mother of god.....I needed to get this out. *OHMYGAWD*.... I AM GOING TO BED NOW...I can't calm ....I cant for the lord BREATH. I need something to go on...anything...
***full review after exams***
So sorry for the crasness but I needed to rant my ass off here
***full review after exams***
So sorry for the crasness but I needed to rant my ass off here
consider-later
June 20, 2016
✿ ✿ ✿ ARC Giveaway! ✿ ✿ ✿
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June 23, 2016
THAT ENDING!!! OH MY FUCKING GOD!!! WHAT JUST HAPPENED????
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