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DeLuca Duet #1
Waste of Worth
DeLuca Duet, Part One
Ask anyone and they will all say the same thing about just who Dino DeLuca is. A criminal, the son of a traitor, and a mafia Capo who can’t be trusted. His past has shaped his life, creating demons he can’t escape from that live in his mind day and night.
He is all too aware of just how people see him.
Closed off.
Cold.
Different.
He doesn’t care—keeping people out means no one can get close enough to hurt him again, and he already has one too many monsters with their claws stuck in his back that he’s still fighting off. His walls are so high, no one is climbing over them. Or so he thinks …
Karen came into his life like a spring shower, her light shining through the darkness and making him see something other than the hell that surrounded him for so long. She doesn’t know who he is or what he has done to become the man he is today. If he can help it, she’ll never know, and his monsters will never hurt her.
She sees his differences as beauty.
She never asks for more.
She is perfect.
The problem with happiness for Dino DeLuca is that his monsters don’t mind taking away what makes him happy. After all, what isn’t given cannot be kept.
These lessons will be the hardest he has ever learned.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The DeLuca Duet is a two book tale following the same couple through their journey. It is a standalone Duet that can be read independently with a HEA ending.
Ask anyone and they will all say the same thing about just who Dino DeLuca is. A criminal, the son of a traitor, and a mafia Capo who can’t be trusted. His past has shaped his life, creating demons he can’t escape from that live in his mind day and night.
He is all too aware of just how people see him.
Closed off.
Cold.
Different.
He doesn’t care—keeping people out means no one can get close enough to hurt him again, and he already has one too many monsters with their claws stuck in his back that he’s still fighting off. His walls are so high, no one is climbing over them. Or so he thinks …
Karen came into his life like a spring shower, her light shining through the darkness and making him see something other than the hell that surrounded him for so long. She doesn’t know who he is or what he has done to become the man he is today. If he can help it, she’ll never know, and his monsters will never hurt her.
She sees his differences as beauty.
She never asks for more.
She is perfect.
The problem with happiness for Dino DeLuca is that his monsters don’t mind taking away what makes him happy. After all, what isn’t given cannot be kept.
These lessons will be the hardest he has ever learned.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The DeLuca Duet is a two book tale following the same couple through their journey. It is a standalone Duet that can be read independently with a HEA ending.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2017
83 people are currently reading
1198 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 154 reviews
February 10, 2019
3.75 Stars
Really enjoyed this. Off to book 2.
Spoiler-free review of the duet: Review
Really enjoyed this. Off to book 2.
Spoiler-free review of the duet: Review
February 7, 2017
Ever since meeting Dino in Deathless & Divided, I wanted to know his story and I was excited to hear that Bethany-Kris had created a duet for him.
Dino DeLuca came across as cold, detached, and unapproachable. But it was evident from the beginning of this book that Dino was a broken man. He had a huge heart filled with compassion and understanding, however, due to his past (and present), he believed himself unworthy of any good or happiness. That all started to change when Karen Martin got him to smile. The evolution of their relationship was beautiful!
If you've read Deathless & Divided, then you know that Dino, Theo and Lily's parents were murdered because their father turned snitch. Their killer: Ben DeLuca, their uncle. Ben then took guardianship over them and made their lives a living hell by the way that he brutalized them. Dino, as the eldest, took the brunt and it broke my heart. I've been wanting Ben to die a slow and painfully miserable death. Just sayin'. Nothing much has changed except that now Dino is a man and has practically shut off his emotions. Ben can't hurt him physically but loves to find ways to torture the younger DeLuca generation, especially Dino. I'm terrified of what will happen if Dino's newfound love and happiness is discovered.
In the end, Dino and Karen's world comes crumbling down and if the glimpse I got into book two is anything to go by, shite's about to go down. This story has plenty of dirty deeds, manipulation, power plays, and suspense, as any good mafia book should. It also has a lot of love and a lot of heart and I loved seeing Dino LIVE!! He and Karen have to make so many hard decisions and sacrifices and I hope it is all worth it in the end. I better get a freaking fantastic epilogue for the pain I'm going through right now!! I can't wait to see how things turn out. I'm staying tuned for Worth of Waste!!
Release Date: January 9, 2017
Genre: Mafia Romance
Dino DeLuca came across as cold, detached, and unapproachable. But it was evident from the beginning of this book that Dino was a broken man. He had a huge heart filled with compassion and understanding, however, due to his past (and present), he believed himself unworthy of any good or happiness. That all started to change when Karen Martin got him to smile. The evolution of their relationship was beautiful!
If you've read Deathless & Divided, then you know that Dino, Theo and Lily's parents were murdered because their father turned snitch. Their killer: Ben DeLuca, their uncle. Ben then took guardianship over them and made their lives a living hell by the way that he brutalized them. Dino, as the eldest, took the brunt and it broke my heart. I've been wanting Ben to die a slow and painfully miserable death. Just sayin'. Nothing much has changed except that now Dino is a man and has practically shut off his emotions. Ben can't hurt him physically but loves to find ways to torture the younger DeLuca generation, especially Dino. I'm terrified of what will happen if Dino's newfound love and happiness is discovered.
In the end, Dino and Karen's world comes crumbling down and if the glimpse I got into book two is anything to go by, shite's about to go down. This story has plenty of dirty deeds, manipulation, power plays, and suspense, as any good mafia book should. It also has a lot of love and a lot of heart and I loved seeing Dino LIVE!! He and Karen have to make so many hard decisions and sacrifices and I hope it is all worth it in the end. I better get a freaking fantastic epilogue for the pain I'm going through right now!! I can't wait to see how things turn out. I'm staying tuned for Worth of Waste!!
Release Date: January 9, 2017
Genre: Mafia Romance
January 6, 2017
4 "take the fall..." stars
This is a story of Dino DeLuca. The oldest brother of the DeLuca mafia family we've met in the shadows of the Chicago Wars series and even though he played a somewhat secondary role in there, he was actually an essential link, a presence that brought up the curiousity in finding out his background, his thoughts before the final actions, that made him the way he was, or was he a pawn in a much bigger devious game? or maybe a mere shadow to the more important ordeal, a man who'd be sacrificed, a man marred by the actions of his father, a broken man of no worth, or so it seemed, at the time...
Dino didn't like mirrors. He didn't like the face staring back at him.
Here we meet the man haunted by the past, and a man so closed off cause he can't trust anyone but himself, and even that is a questionable thing at times...
He was always watching people walk away; he had yet to find a person he wanted to follow.
until he meets her, Karen Martin, by mere chance, unexpectantly...and she was a strong enough of a pull to break him...in a good way, a way Dino forgot existed, a way of a heart Dino forgot he had.
Dino had spent so long keeping his emotions shut off from the rest of the world, because it was easier to deal with life when he didn't have the complication of feeling to go along with it, and it didn't quite know how to discern the things he felt now.
cause things started to change, in slow, persistant motion...from inside out
She was a small bit of light in his dismal life.
BUT she also became a liability, she became a wager, Dino needed to protect even more than he already had planned that included his remaining family cause...
With her, he didn't dream horrible things or at least not as often. with her, he was calm and content. With her, there was peace.
In all his efforts to keep Karen from being pulled into his life, she had become the most important part of it.
he knew what will play out in a huge devious act of betrayal orchestrated by his uncle, a man who saw him as another figurine in a mafia business downfall, a sacrificial pawn already marked as a waste of worth , considering Dino was "paying" for his own father's actions BUT he was also aware that the sacrifice meant doing the things one NEEDED to do and NOT what you wanted to do - even if that meant turning into a rat, just like his father did....or maybe, in fact, there might be another game going on and the players might have changed the roles they were given in the first place...
When I found out that Bethany-Kris was writing Dino DeLuca's story, and knowing the shocking fact from a glimpse of his destiny in the Chicago Wars series, i was both intrigued and sceptic at first, and as I was nearing to the end of book 1 of Dino's story I started to smile, like a Chesire cat, thinking hmmm, Bethany must have another ACE hidden up her sleeve, and I wanna find out what that includes. So, here I am, eager to find out the real conclusion to Dino's story in the following second installment.
***ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
February 6, 2017
She's a photographer. He's a made man. Sparks fly and strong feelings erupt between the two until circumstances forcibly claw them apart. This is Dino's story.
Readers of Bethany-Kris's Chicago War series are well acquainted with Dino DeLuca. This book was narrated entirely from his perspective and provided a more thorough and insightful look into the mind of the man who was mysterious, complex, and of very few words.
This story was raw, gripping, and engaging! There were some side characters that were absolutely loathe-worthy and in need of being pummeled, but I loved the drama and pacing of this story. Karen Martin was the vital and missing element in Dino's world, but his corrupt, intense, and shockingly cruel lifestyle almost swallowed him whole by the end of this book.
Definitely looking forward to reading the conclusion of Dino's story in part two!
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
Readers of Bethany-Kris's Chicago War series are well acquainted with Dino DeLuca. This book was narrated entirely from his perspective and provided a more thorough and insightful look into the mind of the man who was mysterious, complex, and of very few words.
This story was raw, gripping, and engaging! There were some side characters that were absolutely loathe-worthy and in need of being pummeled, but I loved the drama and pacing of this story. Karen Martin was the vital and missing element in Dino's world, but his corrupt, intense, and shockingly cruel lifestyle almost swallowed him whole by the end of this book.
Definitely looking forward to reading the conclusion of Dino's story in part two!
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
August 9, 2019
**Re-read August 2019**
And it was even better this time around. I think Dino and Kare are one of the best coupled BK has written, and given that she hadn't actually planned on giving him his story ... yeah, blew my mind!
**Original review**
Just when I think Bethany Kris has given her best she ups the ante and goes the extra mile. Every. Single. Time!! I was so desperate to read Dino's story but, given this was a cliffy and I don't do cliffhangers at all, I held back till Worth of Waste was released. And am I glad I did!
Waste of Worth was phenomenal. I'm on such a BK kick and plan to read everything she's written, she's just that bloody good! Dino's story hurt to read for a fair bit of the time, my heart broke over and over for that man. BK couldn't have given him a better heroine in Karen than she did. Karen was loyal, trusting (even though he pushed the bounds of trust over and over) oh so loving, patient, understanding and she just GOT him, you know. I love when two characters click the way Dino and Karen did, despite all they had stacked up against them.
I'm guilty of another BK gush fest and I don't give one crap! She's bloody genius people, Genius!!
And it was even better this time around. I think Dino and Kare are one of the best coupled BK has written, and given that she hadn't actually planned on giving him his story ... yeah, blew my mind!
**Original review**
Just when I think Bethany Kris has given her best she ups the ante and goes the extra mile. Every. Single. Time!! I was so desperate to read Dino's story but, given this was a cliffy and I don't do cliffhangers at all, I held back till Worth of Waste was released. And am I glad I did!
Waste of Worth was phenomenal. I'm on such a BK kick and plan to read everything she's written, she's just that bloody good! Dino's story hurt to read for a fair bit of the time, my heart broke over and over for that man. BK couldn't have given him a better heroine in Karen than she did. Karen was loyal, trusting (even though he pushed the bounds of trust over and over) oh so loving, patient, understanding and she just GOT him, you know. I love when two characters click the way Dino and Karen did, despite all they had stacked up against them.
I'm guilty of another BK gush fest and I don't give one crap! She's bloody genius people, Genius!!
February 10, 2017
5 DINO STARS
Gah!! Bethany slayed me with this one. I knew Dino's story would be sad and tortured, but man, my heart broke for him.
I love the Chicago War series and from meeting Dino in the first book, I was so intrigued by this character and wanted more. When I heard Bethany was giving us his book and a duet, no less, I was one happy girl!
While this can be read as a standalone from the Chicago War series, I'd definitely recommend you read it, either before or after. I don't think it really matters.
The De Luca's have a sad and sordid family history and Dino was the first to break the cycle. He sacrificed a lot for his family, his brother and sister, and he didn't do it to be a martyr. He did because he was selfless. When he meets Karen, their pairing is hopeful, yet also sad as she becomes very important to him and he is willing to do anything to keep her safe. Even hurt her by pushing her away.
This book has all the feels. It's beautifully written and wrought with emotion. I can't wait to see how their tale ends. I want my HEA!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
Gah!! Bethany slayed me with this one. I knew Dino's story would be sad and tortured, but man, my heart broke for him.
I love the Chicago War series and from meeting Dino in the first book, I was so intrigued by this character and wanted more. When I heard Bethany was giving us his book and a duet, no less, I was one happy girl!
While this can be read as a standalone from the Chicago War series, I'd definitely recommend you read it, either before or after. I don't think it really matters.
The De Luca's have a sad and sordid family history and Dino was the first to break the cycle. He sacrificed a lot for his family, his brother and sister, and he didn't do it to be a martyr. He did because he was selfless. When he meets Karen, their pairing is hopeful, yet also sad as she becomes very important to him and he is willing to do anything to keep her safe. Even hurt her by pushing her away.
This book has all the feels. It's beautifully written and wrought with emotion. I can't wait to see how their tale ends. I want my HEA!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
Read
February 11, 2017Now on Kindle Unlimited!
Waste of Worth, Part One in the DeLuca Duet
Released January 9th, 2017
"Memories can make a monster out of a man."
The DeLuca Duet is now in Kindle Unlimited! <3
Waste of Worth
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GKD8H
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01N6GKD8H
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6GKD8H
Worth of Waste:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSYT78K
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MSYT78K
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSYT78K
Part Two, Worth of Waste, releasing February 6th, 2017, is also on pre-order at the following:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSYT78K
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/wort...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/11253...
Waste of Worth, Part One in the DeLuca Duet
Released January 9th, 2017
"Memories can make a monster out of a man."
The DeLuca Duet is now in Kindle Unlimited! <3
Waste of Worth
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GKD8H
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01N6GKD8H
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6GKD8H
Worth of Waste:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSYT78K
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MSYT78K
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSYT78K
Part Two, Worth of Waste, releasing February 6th, 2017, is also on pre-order at the following:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSYT78K
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/wort...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/11253...
April 6, 2020
AY MI CORAA.. 💔😭
Este libro es bien bonito y emocional y me gustó más de lo que yo pensé que sería.
Por este libro empecé la serie de The Chicago War porque vi en un review que el protagonista salía en esa serie y como tengo una obsesión por leer todo en orden decidí leer la serie primero y no sé si me arrepiento.
Este libro ocurre tres años antes de los acontecimientos de Deathless & Divided que es el primer libro de la serie.
En ese primer libro conocemos a Dino DeLuca un capo que pertenece a una de las familias del Outfit de Chicago una organización criminal de mafia italiana.
Ahí lo vemos frío, distante, tomando decisiones no tan buenas para otras personas especialmente sus hermanos y haciendo cosas muy cuestionables.
Sin embargo no conocemos a profundidad a Dino, sólo conforme avanza la serie van mostrando cosas de su pasado pero es sólo la punta del Iceberg porque oh my goodness todo lo que le pasa a Dino es muy triste, a mí me rompió mi corazón.
Él fue mi personaje favorito del primer libro y de toda la serie y confirmo ahora que lo conocí más a profundidad sus sentimientos, sufrimiento, sacrificio y amor por sus hermanos que Dino DeLuca es un hombre hermoso y EL MEJOR PERSONAJE
Y yo ruego por todo los Dioses que Bethany-Kris le de su HEA y que termine bien por él se merece toda la felicidad del mundo, todo el amor todo el respeto y el reconocimiento.
Karen es la protagonista perfecta para Dino amé que le diera aunque sea un poco de felicidad y lun en su oscura vida.
Es de los libros de Bethany que más he disfrutado el romance porque es muy lindo y tierno, sé que no hay tantos temas de mafia y lo entiendo porque eso te lo da la serie principal aquí tenemos más bien la parte de la historia que no conocíamos de Dino DeLuca, y el backgraund de porque se inició la guerra.
Estoy que muero por leer el segundo libro porque o le da paz a mi alma o me da una depresión y me hundo más.
Este libro es bien bonito y emocional y me gustó más de lo que yo pensé que sería.
Por este libro empecé la serie de The Chicago War porque vi en un review que el protagonista salía en esa serie y como tengo una obsesión por leer todo en orden decidí leer la serie primero y no sé si me arrepiento.
Este libro ocurre tres años antes de los acontecimientos de Deathless & Divided que es el primer libro de la serie.
En ese primer libro conocemos a Dino DeLuca un capo que pertenece a una de las familias del Outfit de Chicago una organización criminal de mafia italiana.
Ahí lo vemos frío, distante, tomando decisiones no tan buenas para otras personas especialmente sus hermanos y haciendo cosas muy cuestionables.
Sin embargo no conocemos a profundidad a Dino, sólo conforme avanza la serie van mostrando cosas de su pasado pero es sólo la punta del Iceberg porque oh my goodness todo lo que le pasa a Dino es muy triste, a mí me rompió mi corazón.
Él fue mi personaje favorito del primer libro y de toda la serie y confirmo ahora que lo conocí más a profundidad sus sentimientos, sufrimiento, sacrificio y amor por sus hermanos que Dino DeLuca es un hombre hermoso y EL MEJOR PERSONAJE
Y yo ruego por todo los Dioses que Bethany-Kris le de su HEA y que termine bien por él se merece toda la felicidad del mundo, todo el amor todo el respeto y el reconocimiento.
Karen es la protagonista perfecta para Dino amé que le diera aunque sea un poco de felicidad y lun en su oscura vida.
Es de los libros de Bethany que más he disfrutado el romance porque es muy lindo y tierno, sé que no hay tantos temas de mafia y lo entiendo porque eso te lo da la serie principal aquí tenemos más bien la parte de la historia que no conocíamos de Dino DeLuca, y el backgraund de porque se inició la guerra.
Estoy que muero por leer el segundo libro porque o le da paz a mi alma o me da una depresión y me hundo más.
August 9, 2019
3.75*
I don’t even know where to start with this one.
Now it’s a good well written book. I’ll put that out there before I start.
That said I didn’t enjoy it that much.
Dino’s had a terrible time at the hands of his uncle Ben. Ben is a true monster and I hated that Dino had suffered like this. Is still suffering. And that Ben played him and his brother Theo off against each other. Ruining any chance of a real relationship between them.
I felt so sorry for Dino throughout the whole book. He doesn’t sleep because he’s haunted my nightmares. He’s existing not living. Doing what he can to protect his brother and sister Lily.
Now I’ve already read Lily’s book (not sure if I read them out of order). And therefore I was constantly trying to remember Dinos part and what happened to him.
Even when he finds love with Karen. He can’t let himself relax? Constantly worried they’ll be discovered. And she’ll be taken from him. This made for an angst filled read. Well for me anyway.
Plus while I know he’s caught in an almost impossible situation. I just wanted him to take a stand. To hit back and take out Ben. I just hated that he suffered throughout the whole book.
It’s straight onto the next book now where I’m hoping he’ll get his revenge, his woman and his life back. I’ll settle for nothing less.
I don’t even know where to start with this one.
Now it’s a good well written book. I’ll put that out there before I start.
That said I didn’t enjoy it that much.
Dino’s had a terrible time at the hands of his uncle Ben. Ben is a true monster and I hated that Dino had suffered like this. Is still suffering. And that Ben played him and his brother Theo off against each other. Ruining any chance of a real relationship between them.
I felt so sorry for Dino throughout the whole book. He doesn’t sleep because he’s haunted my nightmares. He’s existing not living. Doing what he can to protect his brother and sister Lily.
Now I’ve already read Lily’s book (not sure if I read them out of order). And therefore I was constantly trying to remember Dinos part and what happened to him.
Even when he finds love with Karen. He can’t let himself relax? Constantly worried they’ll be discovered. And she’ll be taken from him. This made for an angst filled read. Well for me anyway.
Plus while I know he’s caught in an almost impossible situation. I just wanted him to take a stand. To hit back and take out Ben. I just hated that he suffered throughout the whole book.
It’s straight onto the next book now where I’m hoping he’ll get his revenge, his woman and his life back. I’ll settle for nothing less.
October 29, 2022
Re-read 2020, I love this duet . Dino de Luca hold a special place in my heart. He is one of my favorite character ever.
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
This duet can be read as a standalone
After reading The Chicago War series, I couldn't wait to read about Dino's history. I loved diving into his mind and following his thought process.
As a made man, he knows his life is dangerous. His innocent mother was murdered, and the last thing he wants to do is getting involved with an angel. She'll get hurt or end up dead too.
When Karen auditions as a stripper at Dino's club for some extra cash, Dino steps in to give her a different job that doesn't involve taking her close off. The attraction between them is steamy and explosive.
Karen is the light in Dino's dark life, and their relationship is something he can't give up even though there are dangerous obstacles in the way. This romantic story is full of mafia drama, and I can't wait to read book 2 to see what happens with Karen and Dino.
This duet can be read as a standalone
After reading The Chicago War series, I couldn't wait to read about Dino's history. I loved diving into his mind and following his thought process.
As a made man, he knows his life is dangerous. His innocent mother was murdered, and the last thing he wants to do is getting involved with an angel. She'll get hurt or end up dead too.
When Karen auditions as a stripper at Dino's club for some extra cash, Dino steps in to give her a different job that doesn't involve taking her close off. The attraction between them is steamy and explosive.
Karen is the light in Dino's dark life, and their relationship is something he can't give up even though there are dangerous obstacles in the way. This romantic story is full of mafia drama, and I can't wait to read book 2 to see what happens with Karen and Dino.
February 7, 2017
This was an emotional read and somewhat cathartic for me. Dino DeLuca was the older brother from the Chicago War series and this new series is his story. I recommend that readers start with the Chicago War series to truly understand and appreciate the sacrifices that Dino made for his brother Theo and his sister Lily. I think that knowing his past is essential to truly feeling Dino's pain and it added so much depth and complexity for the character. Lots of feels in this book.
Dino’s family history with the Outfit is complicated and unpretty. But Dino figured out how to save his siblings from their power-hungry Uncle Ben and he made the unholy deals to do so. Now, Dino walled off his emotions and wasn’t prepared when photographer Karen Martin barged into his life
Karen moved to New York to pursue a career in photography and had no involvement with organized crime. So while Dino wants to protect her from his family’s business and himself, Dino is inexplicably drawn to her.
What I enjoyed about this book is what the reader got a chance to see Dino and his maneuverings from Dino’s perspective. In the Chicago War series, I knew he loved his siblings, but the depth of his affections and loyalty wasn’t truly understood and appreciated until this book. Dino was a man in an untenable situation and Karen was his saving grace.
Karen was compassionate, understanding and patient with the broody Dino. She brought light to his dark world and their chemistry was intense. I enjoy those push-pull relationships where the character tries to push away the object of his affections, only to return to them. Dino’s internal struggle was heartbreaking, which is another reason her persistence made me like Karen that much more
Thank you Bethany-Kris for beginning to heal Dino because he has suffered enough. I hope the next book is more good things coming into his life and adding remaining pieces to Dino’s life in the sequel.
*Special Thanks to IndieSage PR for the ebook given in exchange for an honest review.
indiesage
Dino’s family history with the Outfit is complicated and unpretty. But Dino figured out how to save his siblings from their power-hungry Uncle Ben and he made the unholy deals to do so. Now, Dino walled off his emotions and wasn’t prepared when photographer Karen Martin barged into his life
Karen moved to New York to pursue a career in photography and had no involvement with organized crime. So while Dino wants to protect her from his family’s business and himself, Dino is inexplicably drawn to her.
What I enjoyed about this book is what the reader got a chance to see Dino and his maneuverings from Dino’s perspective. In the Chicago War series, I knew he loved his siblings, but the depth of his affections and loyalty wasn’t truly understood and appreciated until this book. Dino was a man in an untenable situation and Karen was his saving grace.
Karen was compassionate, understanding and patient with the broody Dino. She brought light to his dark world and their chemistry was intense. I enjoy those push-pull relationships where the character tries to push away the object of his affections, only to return to them. Dino’s internal struggle was heartbreaking, which is another reason her persistence made me like Karen that much more
Thank you Bethany-Kris for beginning to heal Dino because he has suffered enough. I hope the next book is more good things coming into his life and adding remaining pieces to Dino’s life in the sequel.
*Special Thanks to IndieSage PR for the ebook given in exchange for an honest review.
indiesage
December 27, 2016
I knew reading Dino's story is going to break my heart and it does, but I'm still glad Bethany decided to write a story for him and he is going to get his own HEA in the end. So I'm just gonna sucked it up and endure the painful journey because I'm not gonna sugar coat it, Dino's life is horrible.
Having read the Chicago War series, I knew some of the event that took place in this book, although getting it from Dino's perspective is refreshing with some extra information. Dino dedicated his whole life trying to protect his siblings from their evil uncle, Ben. My heart hurt for him because Theo and Lily never know what their older brother sacrifice for them. I wish Ben a painful death over and over during the duration of the read.
Dino's life is seriously depressing, so when he met the heroine, Karen, I'm over the moon. Karen is such a great character. She is everything that Dino needs in his bleak life. It might be due to the complication of the mafia world, which make it seems that Karen is so simple and pure. She is like a ray of sunshine making Dino feeling happy for the first time. I bet she had her own issue, but compare to everything else, it pales in comparison. In this book, we didn't get her POV yet, but that's okay because Dino is enough to carry the whole story. But honestly, I rather read about him with Karen than him stressing over his work.
Dino knew that starting something with Karen, someone from the outside is going to end badly. He either going to disappoint her or harm her unintentionally. But with Karen tempting presence in his vicinity and never giving up on him, Dino decided to do something selfish for himself for once.
Every moment of Dino and Karen is simply magically. I enjoyed seeing their connection and love blossom. Karen is a very understanding, compassionate and accepting character, for who else would willingly love a man like Dino, who keep hiding a part of himself and vanishing for a period at a time.
The ending simply breaks my heart again and although I know what need to happen before their HEA, I hope that Bethany can give us more of the happy epilogue in the next book. I can't wait for Dino to embark on the next chapter of his life.
Having read the Chicago War series, I knew some of the event that took place in this book, although getting it from Dino's perspective is refreshing with some extra information. Dino dedicated his whole life trying to protect his siblings from their evil uncle, Ben. My heart hurt for him because Theo and Lily never know what their older brother sacrifice for them. I wish Ben a painful death over and over during the duration of the read.
Dino's life is seriously depressing, so when he met the heroine, Karen, I'm over the moon. Karen is such a great character. She is everything that Dino needs in his bleak life. It might be due to the complication of the mafia world, which make it seems that Karen is so simple and pure. She is like a ray of sunshine making Dino feeling happy for the first time. I bet she had her own issue, but compare to everything else, it pales in comparison. In this book, we didn't get her POV yet, but that's okay because Dino is enough to carry the whole story. But honestly, I rather read about him with Karen than him stressing over his work.
Dino knew that starting something with Karen, someone from the outside is going to end badly. He either going to disappoint her or harm her unintentionally. But with Karen tempting presence in his vicinity and never giving up on him, Dino decided to do something selfish for himself for once.
Every moment of Dino and Karen is simply magically. I enjoyed seeing their connection and love blossom. Karen is a very understanding, compassionate and accepting character, for who else would willingly love a man like Dino, who keep hiding a part of himself and vanishing for a period at a time.
The ending simply breaks my heart again and although I know what need to happen before their HEA, I hope that Bethany can give us more of the happy epilogue in the next book. I can't wait for Dino to embark on the next chapter of his life.
November 5, 2019
Lo admito, durante un tiempo considere no leer esta novela pese a lo mucho que me encantan las historias que crea Bethany - Kris, la razon principal de mis dudas es que lo que ocurre con Dino en Deathless & Divided me dejo bastante conmovida y no estaba de humor para leer un libro tragico, por suerte, Waste Of Worth no fue para nada lo que esperaba, en el buen sentido.
La historia de Dino y Karen me enamoro completamente y aunque me hubiera gustado mucho que fuera mas largo y asi poder disfrutar mas de su relacion, reconozco que quede sumamente satisfecha con esta lectura.
Esta primera parte tiene tantos aspectos positivos que no se ni por donde empezar, en primer lugar, como siempre me sucede con esta autora alabare su pluma, despues de todos los trabajos que he leido de esta escritora y aun sigo maravillada por su estilo, pero es que es realmente digno de mencionar, en segundo puesto debo nombrar las trama en si misma, la cual me resulto muy muy adictiva, lo que tiene doble merito al ya saber ciertos detalles al haber leido el primer tomo de la saga The Chicago War, no obstante, en ningun momento de la novela la senti repetitiva o aburrida, y en tercera posicion, destacaria la personalidad de el protagonista masculino, por alguna razon tenia una idea muy erronea de Dino, pero la verdad es que como narrador me conquisto desde el primer capitulo y ademas me enamoro con su forma de ser, no solo porque en esta lectura queda clara su verdadera forma de ser sino tambien porque me parecio un personaje muy distinto a lo que solemos conocer en las historias de mafia.
Resumiendo, Waste Of Worth fue intensa, emocional, desgarradora en ciertos momentos y que lee de una forma muy natural y amena pera concluir en un final que me dejo con ganas de mas, espero pronto poder leer la siguiente parte.
Muy recomendable!
4 Estrellas!!
April 9, 2017
Ohhhhhh my baby Dino. My heart broke for all the things he's been through. All the abuse simply because he wanted to protect his siblings. Well that and because his uncle was a freaking psychopath. Learning why he did a lot of the things that came off as cold in the Chicago War series made me see him in a whole new light.
Speaking of light, I loved Karen. She was the single ray of sunshine in Dino's dangerous and dark world. She was exactly what he needed to get out of his head and realize he had worth and deserved love. Plus their super hot sex scenes didn't hurt. Lol.
Off to read book 2. I cannot wait to see what Dino does to the mf's who did him wrong.
Speaking of light, I loved Karen. She was the single ray of sunshine in Dino's dangerous and dark world. She was exactly what he needed to get out of his head and realize he had worth and deserved love. Plus their super hot sex scenes didn't hurt. Lol.
Off to read book 2. I cannot wait to see what Dino does to the mf's who did him wrong.
February 7, 2017
** 4.5 stars **
LOVED IT!!!!
I think I have a new favourite author...and her name is Bethany-Kris. Added bonus for being Canadian (which I didn't know until I started putting my review together).
Right off the bat I was hooked. Did you read that opening line?! Bethany-Kris is a crafty individual who knows how to write characters with depth, not to mention making you fall in love with them and breaking your heart all at once.
Dino comes off as a cold hearted individual, but I had a feeling there was more to him and I was right! Karen was a breath of fresh air for Dino but he considered her a distraction and tried to keep his distances and making it seem like he did not return Karen's feelings. At times I kept wondering if they really would get a HEA.
Overall, Waste of Worth, Part I was an addictive read This was my first read by Bethany-Kris and for sure will not be my last! I'm already impatiently waiting for February to come so I can get my hands on Part II thanks to the cliffhanger! Luckily, we don't have to wait long :)
Would I recommend Waste of Worth (Part I)? HECK YES!! Especially if you're a fan of mafia/organized crime romance novels. Bethany-Kris' writing style was so addictive that now I just want to read all of her books.
LOVED IT!!!!
Memories could make a monster out of a man.
I think I have a new favourite author...and her name is Bethany-Kris. Added bonus for being Canadian (which I didn't know until I started putting my review together).
Right off the bat I was hooked. Did you read that opening line?! Bethany-Kris is a crafty individual who knows how to write characters with depth, not to mention making you fall in love with them and breaking your heart all at once.
Dino comes off as a cold hearted individual, but I had a feeling there was more to him and I was right! Karen was a breath of fresh air for Dino but he considered her a distraction and tried to keep his distances and making it seem like he did not return Karen's feelings. At times I kept wondering if they really would get a HEA.
Overall, Waste of Worth, Part I was an addictive read This was my first read by Bethany-Kris and for sure will not be my last! I'm already impatiently waiting for February to come so I can get my hands on Part II thanks to the cliffhanger! Luckily, we don't have to wait long :)
Would I recommend Waste of Worth (Part I)? HECK YES!! Especially if you're a fan of mafia/organized crime romance novels. Bethany-Kris' writing style was so addictive that now I just want to read all of her books.
February 3, 2021
No es justo. Cuando leí sobre Dino en el primer libro de The Chicago War realmente no entendía porqué hacía lo que hacía, y no terminaba de formar una opinión sobre él. Mientras avanzaba la serie entendí un poco por una que otra escena que mostraba rasgos generales de lo que era su vida. En estos momentos, me gustaría cagar a trompadas a Theo por no esforzarse un poco más por su hermano, a Dino por no ser un poco más comunicativo aunque entiendo de dónde viene y lo más importante: tengo muchas ganas de releer la muerte de Ben para poder sentir un poco de satisfacción porque nunca odié tanto a ese pedazo de hijo de puta como en estos momentos.
Por otro lado, aunque realmente no me molestó leer desde el pov de Dino realmente eran necesarios dos o tres capítulos desde el pov de Karen. Espero que en el próximo libro haya un par de conversaciones más profundas entre ellos o escenas que muestren un poco más el desarrollo de su relación. Si bien ella le trae paz y es su luz, siento que las palabras 'te amo' se dijeron muy rápido.
El final me dejó muy mal, quiero leer lo que dicen esas cartas y necesito desesperadamente leer desde el pov de Karen para sentir más profundamente lo que viene.
Por otro lado, aunque realmente no me molestó leer desde el pov de Dino realmente eran necesarios dos o tres capítulos desde el pov de Karen. Espero que en el próximo libro haya un par de conversaciones más profundas entre ellos o escenas que muestren un poco más el desarrollo de su relación. Si bien ella le trae paz y es su luz, siento que las palabras 'te amo' se dijeron muy rápido.
El final me dejó muy mal, quiero leer lo que dicen esas cartas y necesito desesperadamente leer desde el pov de Karen para sentir más profundamente lo que viene.
December 3, 2017
I'm a big fan of mafia style books. I enjoyed this book. I wouldn't say this is my favorite mafia/mob romance book that I've read but I did enjoy this alot and I couldn't wait to dive into book two!! ~5 stars~
December 25, 2016
I'm speechless! Bethany made it again! Created a masterpiece that you never want to end.
5 - You are my light -s tars
You are raised the way it seems worth.
You are valued and you are considered to be a waste.
But one day you had enough.
And you prove how much of a waste you really are.
"The Outfit was not about honor and family. It was death, blood, and power. That's all it ever was."
Waste of worth by Bethany-Kris is part one of DeLuca Duet . The books should be read in the following order:
One -
coming January 9th 2017
Two -
coming February 6th 2017
They can be read as a standalone though the story is slightly connected to her Chicago War: The Complete Series series.
It's the story of Dino DeLuca and his fight. Fight with his family, fight for his freedom, fight for his choices and much more. Being raised in the Outfit by cruel uncle, he knows all too well what mobsters look like. He has his demons that he fights daily and he knows what his choices can lead to.
It's the story of Karen Martin and her warmth that managed to melt his heart. It's her fight to crackle his skin. Of kindness and things we are ready to close our eyes to to be together with a person we love.
"Suddenly, he was reminded what it felt like to be alive. All because of a kiss."
The photographer and a Capo. Two impossibles fighting to stay together.
Nobody can be trusted. Everything is weighed and judged. Nothing should be taken at its face value.
This story gripped me from the first chapters. I was intrigued and wanted more. More Dino. More Karen. More their love and fight. And the cliffhanger - I want no NEEEEED next book!
5 - You are my light -s tars
You are raised the way it seems worth.
You are valued and you are considered to be a waste.
But one day you had enough.
And you prove how much of a waste you really are.
"The Outfit was not about honor and family. It was death, blood, and power. That's all it ever was."
Waste of worth by Bethany-Kris is part one of DeLuca Duet . The books should be read in the following order:
One -
coming January 9th 2017Two -
coming February 6th 2017They can be read as a standalone though the story is slightly connected to her Chicago War: The Complete Series series.
It's the story of Dino DeLuca and his fight. Fight with his family, fight for his freedom, fight for his choices and much more. Being raised in the Outfit by cruel uncle, he knows all too well what mobsters look like. He has his demons that he fights daily and he knows what his choices can lead to.
It's the story of Karen Martin and her warmth that managed to melt his heart. It's her fight to crackle his skin. Of kindness and things we are ready to close our eyes to to be together with a person we love.
"Suddenly, he was reminded what it felt like to be alive. All because of a kiss."
The photographer and a Capo. Two impossibles fighting to stay together.
Nobody can be trusted. Everything is weighed and judged. Nothing should be taken at its face value.
This story gripped me from the first chapters. I was intrigued and wanted more. More Dino. More Karen. More their love and fight. And the cliffhanger - I want no NEEEEED next book!
February 9, 2017
3.5 stars!!
Dino is a closed off quiet character with a boat load of issues! He doesn't trust easily and he never smiles.
Karen is a bubbly photographer who moved to New York to pursue her passion. They meet one morning after church in the cemetery near by.
Karen feels something for Dino but her feelings aren't reciprocated in the same way... That's what she thinks!
Dino tries to stay away from Karen because she's a distraction. A distraction he doesn't need.
Will Dino be able to fight his attraction for long?
Dino is a closed off quiet character with a boat load of issues! He doesn't trust easily and he never smiles.
Karen is a bubbly photographer who moved to New York to pursue her passion. They meet one morning after church in the cemetery near by.
Karen feels something for Dino but her feelings aren't reciprocated in the same way... That's what she thinks!
Dino tries to stay away from Karen because she's a distraction. A distraction he doesn't need.
Will Dino be able to fight his attraction for long?
January 14, 2017
I read this as part of a buddy read in the Mafia Connections group. Dino DeLuca is a Capo in the Chicago branch of the mob. Karen is the outsider fate keeps throwing in his path, and he's helpless to resist.
The Good:
1. The writing itself is solid.
2. A beta hero in an mafia romance is different.
3. Ben DeLuca, the hero's uncle makes for an interesting villain.
The Bad:
1. Dino is so in his head, it bubblewraps the romantic elements of the story away from the reader at times.
2. I'm alpha addicted, so this beta hero didn't work for me.
3. Dino narrative comes off very monotone, and boring at times.
4. Nothing happens until the end.
5. Cliffhanger (with a blurb heads-up)
Final Thoughts:
This did not work for me. Maybe beta fans would see this in a different light though. The ending held a little promise, so might continue with the story to find out what happens in the next installment.
The Good:
1. The writing itself is solid.
2. A beta hero in an mafia romance is different.
3. Ben DeLuca, the hero's uncle makes for an interesting villain.
The Bad:
1. Dino is so in his head, it bubblewraps the romantic elements of the story away from the reader at times.
2. I'm alpha addicted, so this beta hero didn't work for me.
3. Dino narrative comes off very monotone, and boring at times.
4. Nothing happens until the end.
5. Cliffhanger (with a blurb heads-up)
Final Thoughts:
This did not work for me. Maybe beta fans would see this in a different light though. The ending held a little promise, so might continue with the story to find out what happens in the next installment.
January 7, 2017
5 DINO STARS!
I don't know how to express my love for Bethany-kris and her words. She uses words in a way that it sweeps you into it and dives you into that universe. When this happens, if the main characters cry, I cry. When they hurt, I hurt. Waste of worth takes you into a rollercoaster ride. It was filled with action, emotion, fairytales, love and I have so much love for this mafia universe it's not even funny. I went in with high expectations and I'm happy to say that I was definitely enchanted. I'm obsessed with mafia themed books and I'm thankful to Bethany for this magical read.
"She was like a drug."
We get to know so much about Dino, what makes him tick, what he fears and his greatest weakness. I've always been curious about his mysterious personality. It was always larger than life in the books and I'm so happy Bethany explored it. His immensely fierce love for Karen was awe-inspiring and possessive and can I please have someone out there like dino. Anyone? you out there? Just hit me up. lol.
Karen is certainly a character that I love to read more in books. She's so damn loyal and beautiful in the way she loved dino. They both couldn't get enough of each other and reading such cutesy stuff makes my tummy tingle. I'm weird.
I love how the storyline progressed from sad to happy. Dino is going through depression and he's more lonely than he's ever been. Karen comes into his life when he needed her the most and dino latched on to it. They go through high and lows together and I love how the story ended. There are alot of people that Dino needs to get rid of. Too many enemies and too much to plan. I'm very excited for the next book. I'm hoping it ends the way I want it to end.
All love.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know how to express my love for Bethany-kris and her words. She uses words in a way that it sweeps you into it and dives you into that universe. When this happens, if the main characters cry, I cry. When they hurt, I hurt. Waste of worth takes you into a rollercoaster ride. It was filled with action, emotion, fairytales, love and I have so much love for this mafia universe it's not even funny. I went in with high expectations and I'm happy to say that I was definitely enchanted. I'm obsessed with mafia themed books and I'm thankful to Bethany for this magical read.
"She was like a drug."
We get to know so much about Dino, what makes him tick, what he fears and his greatest weakness. I've always been curious about his mysterious personality. It was always larger than life in the books and I'm so happy Bethany explored it. His immensely fierce love for Karen was awe-inspiring and possessive and can I please have someone out there like dino. Anyone? you out there? Just hit me up. lol.
Karen is certainly a character that I love to read more in books. She's so damn loyal and beautiful in the way she loved dino. They both couldn't get enough of each other and reading such cutesy stuff makes my tummy tingle. I'm weird.
I love how the storyline progressed from sad to happy. Dino is going through depression and he's more lonely than he's ever been. Karen comes into his life when he needed her the most and dino latched on to it. They go through high and lows together and I love how the story ended. There are alot of people that Dino needs to get rid of. Too many enemies and too much to plan. I'm very excited for the next book. I'm hoping it ends the way I want it to end.
All love.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2017
*ARC received from author via IndieSage PR as part of blog tour*
Bethany-Kris, shoulda’ known that this is how you want to roll, eh? LOL
If you’re not familiar with Bethany-Kris’ work, I’ll tell you now that she doesn’t like easy. She likes to put her MCs thru as much as wringer as she can and I loved her for that. So be warned, that you need to be in the right mood to read her. Probably the only reason why this didn't get the max ratings for me. Not that there was anything wrong with it. It just made me too on-edge waiting for the other shoe to drop when I wasn't prepared to be that nervous. Anyhoot, if you’re looking for fluffy, you may want to put this off. Just sayin…
This was told entirely from Dino’s perspective, and I found that I “enjoyed” that. I liked being in his head. I saw his fears first hand, what motivates him even though I question some of them. I liked how he saw Karen, which made me fall in love with her as much as he did.
Karen may feel nondescript but she’s not, if that makes sense. You only really see her when with Dino, but those times showed me she’s a h I like. She’s very easy-going but doesn’t pull punches when it came to Dino. To be that accepting of him, without strings, Dino was def one lucky dude.
The world Dino lives in is all kind of wrong, as you can expect, I suppose, in the mafia world. While most mafia stories (or specifically romance) glorifies the “good things” in it such as honor, family and tradition, this doesn’t. It’s a cruel world that once anyone is sucked in, whether by choice or not, there is no turning back. At least that’s how Dino lives it. And I don’t blame him.
How do you find then your HEA in such a world?
This is only the first book so of course their story was not finished yet. There’s a glimpse of book 2 at the end. It seems it’s Karen’s POV this time. I hope I continue to like Karen, first and foremost. But more importantly, I can’t wait to read the sh!t that Dino will rain on those people.
Bethany-Kris, shoulda’ known that this is how you want to roll, eh? LOL
If you’re not familiar with Bethany-Kris’ work, I’ll tell you now that she doesn’t like easy. She likes to put her MCs thru as much as wringer as she can and I loved her for that. So be warned, that you need to be in the right mood to read her. Probably the only reason why this didn't get the max ratings for me. Not that there was anything wrong with it. It just made me too on-edge waiting for the other shoe to drop when I wasn't prepared to be that nervous. Anyhoot, if you’re looking for fluffy, you may want to put this off. Just sayin…
This was told entirely from Dino’s perspective, and I found that I “enjoyed” that. I liked being in his head. I saw his fears first hand, what motivates him even though I question some of them. I liked how he saw Karen, which made me fall in love with her as much as he did.
Karen may feel nondescript but she’s not, if that makes sense. You only really see her when with Dino, but those times showed me she’s a h I like. She’s very easy-going but doesn’t pull punches when it came to Dino. To be that accepting of him, without strings, Dino was def one lucky dude.
The world Dino lives in is all kind of wrong, as you can expect, I suppose, in the mafia world. While most mafia stories (or specifically romance) glorifies the “good things” in it such as honor, family and tradition, this doesn’t. It’s a cruel world that once anyone is sucked in, whether by choice or not, there is no turning back. At least that’s how Dino lives it. And I don’t blame him.
How do you find then your HEA in such a world?
This is only the first book so of course their story was not finished yet. There’s a glimpse of book 2 at the end. It seems it’s Karen’s POV this time. I hope I continue to like Karen, first and foremost. But more importantly, I can’t wait to read the sh!t that Dino will rain on those people.
Want to read
December 9, 2016
Waste of Worth: The Deluca Duet, Part One
by Bethany-Kris
DeLuca Duet #1
Publication Date: January 9, 2017
Genres: Adult, Mafia, Romance, Organized Crime
Synopsis: DeLuca Duet, Part One
Ask anyone and they will all say the same thing about just who Dino DeLuca is. A criminal, the son of a traitor, and a mafia Capo who can’t be trusted. His past has shaped his life, creating demons he can’t escape from that live in his mind day and night.
He is all too aware of just how people see him.
Closed off.
Cold.
Different.
He doesn’t care—keeping people out means no one can get close enough to hurt him again, and he already has one too many monsters with their claws stuck in his back that he’s still fighting off. His walls are so high, no one is climbing over them. Or so he thinks …
Karen came into his life like a spring shower, her light shining through the darkness and making him see something other than the hell that surrounded him for so long. She doesn’t know who he is or what he has done to become the man he is today. If he can help it, she’ll never know, and his monsters will never hurt her.
She sees his differences as beauty.
She never asks for more.
She is perfect.
The problem with happiness for Dino DeLuca is that his monsters don’t mind taking away what makes him happy. After all, what isn’t given cannot be kept.
These lessons will be the hardest he has ever learned.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The DeLuca Duet is a two book tale following the same couple through their journey. It is a standalone Duet that can be read independently with a HEA ending.
EXCERPT
Memories could make a monster out of a man.
There were times that seemed harder to deal with than others; a passing moment that could make Dino DeLuca’s chest tighten in pain, or his fists clench in anger.
The sound of metal being dropped was one of the worst. He swore he could feel his back bruising and bleeding all over again at the simple tinging tone.
Whispered words made him jumpy—paranoid. Whispers were good for nothing but taunting, and he didn’t want to hear those mocking words anymore.
Had enough yet?
Learn to follow directions, Dino.
It should fucking hurt, kid.
The stench of vomit, clinging to the air and seemingly never letting go, would make his panic rush into overdrive, overwhelming him with an almost sense of itchiness all over his skin. As if the vomit was still soaked and dripping off his clothes in the darkness as he sobbed in a dank basement, curled in a corner and fighting off another round of sickness.
The reactions always came so swiftly they surprised him no matter the time or place. His memories weren’t much different when it came right down to it.
These times were the most difficult for Dino.
Those times came at night.
When the lights were off …
When the apartment was quiet …
When it was just him and his monsters …
When he was alone.
The most frightening thing about monsters was the fact that they could be anybody. The old man sitting outside the pizzeria, tipping his hat at the ladies passing by. The young woman on the city bus with her hair bleached white and her gaze distant, staring at anything but anyone. The mother pushing a stroller down the street, oblivious but focused.
Or a monster could be the man dressed in three-piece suit stepping out of the restaurant he owns, the ring of his key fob for his white Bentley spinning circles as he whistled Ave Maria on his way to church.
Dino caught sight of the lower portion of his reflection in the darkly tinted glass of his Bentley’s window.
He managed a smile.
It was more like a smirk.
Fact was, the expression he wore was neither. Dino found it incredibly hard to smile—something that came so easy for others was foreign to him. When he did try, it came off as a grimacing grin and that worked its way into a sneer.
Or a smirk.
He liked that better.
It was manageable.
The monster was definitely the man wearing the three-piece suit with the key fob in his hand, staring at himself in the window, Dino knew.
Slipping into the SUV, the noise of the busy Chicago city street was silenced instantly as Dino turned on his vehicle and checked his rearview mirror before he could pull out onto the road.
He regretted choosing the rearview almost immediately.
While his reflection in the window of his car had been partly obscured by the shadows of trees providing shade to the sidewalk, it was not concealed at all in the rearview mirror.
Dino didn’t like mirrors.
He didn’t like the face staring back at him.
The soulless brown gaze, emotionless expression, and silence was more than enough to make him look away.
Except he couldn’t.
Under the right edge of his strong jaw was a three inch scar that started three-quarters of the way up his throat and stopped just before his ear. The broad slope of his nose had the slightest crook in the middle. Sometimes the left side of his jaw ached when it rained.
Those were the obvious things—marks, scars, and reminders he could pick out instantly when faced with his reflection. The longer he stared at himself, the more he would find.
It was—without meaning to be—the most dangerous game he could play with himself.
Church, he told himself. You need to be seen at church.
It was only the ringing of his phone that finally drove his gaze away from the rearview mirror, making him check the caller ID, and breaking his cycle of self-loathing.
Dino was grateful for that.
Not so much the caller that interrupted him.
Sighing, he connected the call through Bluetooth as he pulled out onto the road.
“DeLuca here,” Dino answered.
“Why the fuck is Riley Conti calling me with demands about you, Dino?”
Dino counted back from five silently before he answered his younger brother. “Theo, good morning to you, too. Are you at church? I’m headed that way. We can talk then.”
“Dino—”
“Church, man.”
Dino let the call drop.
Theo wouldn’t say two words to Dino at the church and he knew it for a fact. When it came to the public, Theo and Dino were constantly apart from one another—on opposite sides of the room where they didn’t have to speak.
It was the easiest way for Dino to handle Theo DeLuca.
Maybe that made him a coward.
The brothers’ history together was not an easy one, not when it had been shadowed by the death of their parents, and then the events that followed the murders. Unlike Dino, who learned quickly that trust was a beautiful myth in their lifestyle and in the Chicago Outfit, Theo was of a more stubborn mindset.
And so, the two were distant.
Dino tried with Theo, but it never really seemed to help the relationship.
He was all too aware that his younger brother blamed him for things that had been out of his control, though Theo thought his older sibling could have handled the past far better.
He probably could have—should have.
Dino thought he had, honestly. He’d taken years of abuse from the hands of their uncle Ben after their parents’ deaths. He’d lived separately from the family, sure, but he was not exempt from the beatings and the manipulation.
Of course, that was a story for another day.
If Dino got his wish, that day would never come.
Another call rang through to Dino’s cell phone.
He checked the caller ID again.
Ben DeLuca, it read.
Dino didn’t pick up the call, still driving toward the church.
He would see Ben soon enough.
Without even being told, Dino was already aware he would suffer for not picking up the call.
Years had passed since he’d suffered some form of physical harm from his uncle’s hard hand.
Years.
Dino’s chest tightened at the thought.
Truth was, he still wasn’t exempt from the manipulation.
Not when he was constantly haunted with it all.
He still wasn’t free.
Worth of Waste: The Deluca Duet, Part Two
by Bethany-Kris
DeLuca Duet #2
Publication Date: February 6, 2017
Genres: Adult, Mafia, Romance, Organized Crime
Synopsis: DeLuca Duet, Part Two
The Chicago Mob is the same as it has always been—violent, greedy, and excessive. The Outfit families have turned their backs when they were needed the most one too many times, but Dino DeLuca didn’t expect anything different.
His whole life has been lived for the Outfit—for his family.
He has a whole new set of reasons to live and fight now.
Karen Martin makes Dino change all the rules.
He’s finally ready to show everyone just how much waste is truly worth in the mafia, and just how far one will go for freedom from it all.
He’s learned these lessons well.
Too well.
Author’s Note: The DeLuca Duet is a standalone duet with a HEA ending that can be read independently.
ABOUT BETHANY-KRIS
Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to three young sons, one cat, and two 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, snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something … when she can find the time.
To keep up-to-date with new releases from Bethany-Kris, sign up to her New Release Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bf9lzD
Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Pinterest • Mailing List • Amazon Author Page
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
January 13, 2017
Waste of Worth (DeLuca Duet #1) by Bethany-Kris
4 stars!!!
Bethany-Kris is fast becoming one of my go to Mafia authors, after the Seasons of Betrayal series that was co-written with London Miller, this author has been firmly on my radar. That series sucked me in hook, line and sinker and Waste of Worth is no different. It seems I have a huge back catalogue to catch up with.
Dino DeLuca was one of the periphery characters in the Chicago War series and while that series has finished it seems Dino had his own story to tell. Dino is a made man, a capo, a life he never wanted, yet has no chance of escaping. Dino was the son of a nark, his father did a deal with the devil and as such, paid for it with his life and that of his wife, leaving the DeLuca kids orphans. The DeLuca kids were brought up by their uncle, Ben, an uncle that pulled the trigger on their parents, he made their life hell under the misguided belief that he was grooming them for their jobs. Ben is an arse, and I hope that by the end of this duet he truly meets karma and his maker. To Ben, Dino was a lamb ripe for slaughter, the sacrificial pawn, the son of a traitor…a “Waste of Worth.”
Dino is well and truly broken, being the eldest, he is the one that has taken the beatings and I mean beatings in the hope of saving his siblings. Dino is the one that takes the risks, runs interference and is the brick wall that ring fences his siblings. They see him as a prick, they just see him as stifling and protective, but deep down he is happy being the bad man if it saves them from the life that he is currently living existing.
From the very start you cannot help but empathise with Dino, even though he has done bad things, you know deep down he only does them to stay alive, to be the protector that his mum and dad can longer be. He has terrible nightmares and as such is an insomniac, he comes across as unapproachable, disconnected and indifferent yet underneath his cold, unfeeling façade is a man that just wants to do right by his family. Dino has a huge heart, but it is a heart that he thinks is empty, broken, unable to love and undeserving of love in return…until he meets a photographer, Karen.
Karen breathes life into Dino the moment they meet, but being a made man Dino is hesitant to bring Karen into his world, more for her own protection. Karen is an outsider and outsiders are never welcome, but sometimes the heart wants who the heart wants and no matter the risks, the love, the reward is far more alluring. This is Dino and Karen’s story.
I seriously need book two, like yesterday! Bethany-Kris totally consumed me with this story, I was emotionally invested, the character connection was intense and the storyline was gripping from start to finish. This book has everything you expect from a Mafia story, manipulations and collusions, criminal activities, power struggles and intrigue, but most of all, underneath the dark, is the light desperately trying to break out. An unlikely love story, a love story that on paper could only end in tragedy. Will this be the mafia version of Romeo and Juliet? We don’t have long to wait Worth of Waste releases on February 6th. I for one, cannot wait.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!!
“Anything that was not given to him was always taken away.”
Bethany-Kris is fast becoming one of my go to Mafia authors, after the Seasons of Betrayal series that was co-written with London Miller, this author has been firmly on my radar. That series sucked me in hook, line and sinker and Waste of Worth is no different. It seems I have a huge back catalogue to catch up with.
Dino DeLuca was one of the periphery characters in the Chicago War series and while that series has finished it seems Dino had his own story to tell. Dino is a made man, a capo, a life he never wanted, yet has no chance of escaping. Dino was the son of a nark, his father did a deal with the devil and as such, paid for it with his life and that of his wife, leaving the DeLuca kids orphans. The DeLuca kids were brought up by their uncle, Ben, an uncle that pulled the trigger on their parents, he made their life hell under the misguided belief that he was grooming them for their jobs. Ben is an arse, and I hope that by the end of this duet he truly meets karma and his maker. To Ben, Dino was a lamb ripe for slaughter, the sacrificial pawn, the son of a traitor…a “Waste of Worth.”
Dino is well and truly broken, being the eldest, he is the one that has taken the beatings and I mean beatings in the hope of saving his siblings. Dino is the one that takes the risks, runs interference and is the brick wall that ring fences his siblings. They see him as a prick, they just see him as stifling and protective, but deep down he is happy being the bad man if it saves them from the life that he is currently living existing.
“Dino didn’t understand why he should celebrate his life when he was barely fucking living it.”
From the very start you cannot help but empathise with Dino, even though he has done bad things, you know deep down he only does them to stay alive, to be the protector that his mum and dad can longer be. He has terrible nightmares and as such is an insomniac, he comes across as unapproachable, disconnected and indifferent yet underneath his cold, unfeeling façade is a man that just wants to do right by his family. Dino has a huge heart, but it is a heart that he thinks is empty, broken, unable to love and undeserving of love in return…until he meets a photographer, Karen.
“He was always watching people walk away; he had yet to find a person he wanted to follow after.”
Karen breathes life into Dino the moment they meet, but being a made man Dino is hesitant to bring Karen into his world, more for her own protection. Karen is an outsider and outsiders are never welcome, but sometimes the heart wants who the heart wants and no matter the risks, the love, the reward is far more alluring. This is Dino and Karen’s story.
“Three little words. Spoken quietly. Quickly said, mumbled into a pillow. He loved her, too. It just wasn’t that simple.”
I seriously need book two, like yesterday! Bethany-Kris totally consumed me with this story, I was emotionally invested, the character connection was intense and the storyline was gripping from start to finish. This book has everything you expect from a Mafia story, manipulations and collusions, criminal activities, power struggles and intrigue, but most of all, underneath the dark, is the light desperately trying to break out. An unlikely love story, a love story that on paper could only end in tragedy. Will this be the mafia version of Romeo and Juliet? We don’t have long to wait Worth of Waste releases on February 6th. I for one, cannot wait.
www.theromancecover.com
April 11, 2017
Amazing work. No suprise there, it is Bethany-Kris , after all.
December 27, 2016
Although written as a standalone, I'm excited to understand Dino's attitude and his actions in the War series. As the legal guardian of the DeLuca kids, Ben abused Dino and Theo in ways very few could survive. I am appalled I felt sorry for Ben the asshole while reading the War series! Ben is a complete bastard!
Dino lived a life of abuse and darkness. He appears standoffish, constantly living in his head, and untouchable. However his light, Karen, expose the beauty in Dino. She's everything he could ever need. She's not in the life, she never asks questions, she loves him unconditionally. What more does he need? It's not in the cards for their happiness just yet. Dino has to clean house first. The mafia is nasty and every now and again, one has to prune those pesky weeds.....
I love this story so hard! It's well written and explains sooooo much! We learn a ton about Dino, Theo, and the asswipe, Ben. Lots of "aha" moments! I can't wait for Duet 2! I know it's going to blow our minds!
Five stars!
February 11, 2017
She's an outsider
He's a capo for the Chicago outfit
Karen and Dino against the complicated web of lies, pain and secrets that mob life is.
As always, if someone know about mafia is Bethany Kris, freaking Genius you all!
He's a capo for the Chicago outfit
Karen and Dino against the complicated web of lies, pain and secrets that mob life is.
As always, if someone know about mafia is Bethany Kris, freaking Genius you all!
January 9, 2017
WASTE OF WORTH IS NOW LIVE
I didn't realise how much I needed Dino's book until I started reading it. When it was announced that Dino was getting a book all I could think about was how it was going to end and I wasn't prepared to relive that through his words. But Bethany-Kris promised a great story with a HEA and I couldn't NOT be excited for it. And also... I was and still am very curious to know how it's going all play out.
So I went in having a vague idea what to expect but at the same time I had no clue what to 'really' expect. First thing first. I'd like to say for those of you who believe this first installment will give you a behind the scene front row seat of the Chicago war through Dino's eyes - push that idea aside when you read this. This is Dino's story. This is his journey like we've never seen (read) before. Because really we haven't read it before (duh) but what I mean is the Dino we know from Lily and Theo's POV is not the Dino you'll get to know in Waste of Worth.
If you've read Theo's book then you've got an idea at how haunted he is and you'd know about the DeLuca brother's horrid past in the hands of their uncle Ben. If you have not read Theo's book then that's all you'll get from me regarding their past. (DeLuca duet can be read as a standalone series so if you don't want to read the Chicago war series you don't have to. But I highly recommend you do because they are seriously fantastic)
Anyway onto Dino. In Karen's word Dino is hauntingly beautiful. I haven't read about a character like him within the mafia word and even though Theo went through similar situations their personalities, feelings and journey are completely different. As much as Dino does not want to 'feel' anything subconsciously that's all he does. For us readers that's all we can feel when he speaks to us but really he does not want to remember the pain of his past. He just wants to do his job and care for his siblings. Dino is one of a kind.
And Karen. She is probabaly one of my favourite heroines that has been introduced to us. She was herself. She didn't take any bullshit. She lived her life. She was upfront and asked for what she wanted. She was rational. She was level headed. She understood Theo. Never pried and when she did she did it respectfully which in return made Dino trust her and open up to her. And he did the same with her. Karen was amazing. Independent but not obnoxiously so. I adored her. And it was why things were so effortless between Dino and Karen.
You see their relationship grow as months go by but you also see other characters within Dino's life. His relationship with Theo for example. My heart hearts for them. They don't have the best relationship but they still have the brotherly bond. There's also Ben DeLuca. And man do I hate him. I hated him before but I really loathe him now. If you're curious about how or who or what exactly started the Chicago war then you'll get your answer in this book. Don't expect for it to just revolve around that. Please don't otherwise you won't experience all the other goodness but just now it all ties in and makes sense. It may not be the focal point of the story but once you read this you'll realise it doesn't matter because Dino and Karen stole the story.
Ms. Bethany-Kris really has a way with words and it astonishes me how she can continue to captivate me with her words and effortless storytelling one book after another. Waste of Worth kept me captivated from the beginning to end and I cannot wait for the next book!
------
Absolutely LOVED Dino DeLuca.
I didn't realise how much I needed Dino's book until I started reading it. When it was announced that Dino was getting a book all I could think about was how it was going to end and I wasn't prepared to relive that through his words. But Bethany-Kris promised a great story with a HEA and I couldn't NOT be excited for it. And also... I was and still am very curious to know how it's going all play out.
So I went in having a vague idea what to expect but at the same time I had no clue what to 'really' expect. First thing first. I'd like to say for those of you who believe this first installment will give you a behind the scene front row seat of the Chicago war through Dino's eyes - push that idea aside when you read this. This is Dino's story. This is his journey like we've never seen (read) before. Because really we haven't read it before (duh) but what I mean is the Dino we know from Lily and Theo's POV is not the Dino you'll get to know in Waste of Worth.
If you've read Theo's book then you've got an idea at how haunted he is and you'd know about the DeLuca brother's horrid past in the hands of their uncle Ben. If you have not read Theo's book then that's all you'll get from me regarding their past. (DeLuca duet can be read as a standalone series so if you don't want to read the Chicago war series you don't have to. But I highly recommend you do because they are seriously fantastic)
Anyway onto Dino. In Karen's word Dino is hauntingly beautiful. I haven't read about a character like him within the mafia word and even though Theo went through similar situations their personalities, feelings and journey are completely different. As much as Dino does not want to 'feel' anything subconsciously that's all he does. For us readers that's all we can feel when he speaks to us but really he does not want to remember the pain of his past. He just wants to do his job and care for his siblings. Dino is one of a kind.
And Karen. She is probabaly one of my favourite heroines that has been introduced to us. She was herself. She didn't take any bullshit. She lived her life. She was upfront and asked for what she wanted. She was rational. She was level headed. She understood Theo. Never pried and when she did she did it respectfully which in return made Dino trust her and open up to her. And he did the same with her. Karen was amazing. Independent but not obnoxiously so. I adored her. And it was why things were so effortless between Dino and Karen.
You see their relationship grow as months go by but you also see other characters within Dino's life. His relationship with Theo for example. My heart hearts for them. They don't have the best relationship but they still have the brotherly bond. There's also Ben DeLuca. And man do I hate him. I hated him before but I really loathe him now. If you're curious about how or who or what exactly started the Chicago war then you'll get your answer in this book. Don't expect for it to just revolve around that. Please don't otherwise you won't experience all the other goodness but just now it all ties in and makes sense. It may not be the focal point of the story but once you read this you'll realise it doesn't matter because Dino and Karen stole the story.
Ms. Bethany-Kris really has a way with words and it astonishes me how she can continue to captivate me with her words and effortless storytelling one book after another. Waste of Worth kept me captivated from the beginning to end and I cannot wait for the next book!
------
Absolutely LOVED Dino DeLuca.
February 10, 2017
*ARC provided by author*
4 I'm here stars!!
"Memories can make a monster out of a man."
Dino DeLuca has been told his whole life to trust the family. Family comes first. Don't turn your back on family. But when it came down to it, it was his family that turned their backs on him. On his little brother and sister. On their parents being murdered. On what happened behind closed doors with their Uncle. He learned well and fast that the only one he could trust... was himself.
Karen moved to Chicago for a fresh start. And to prove to her parents that she could make it in the world with only her camera around her neck. Her passion for photography leads her all over the beautiful city, and eventually on one Sunday, to the cemetery. Her focus is lasered in on a man, kneeling and talking to a grave. Though that isn't what captured her attention. It was how sad he looked. Lost. Detached. One accidental bump and a few words shared, Karen is overjoyed...she made the sad man smile.
Having read the Chicago Outfit series, I've always wondered about Dino. NO BODY NO PROOF! He was such a...lonely character. He was hardened by the abuse he was put through since his parents were killed. He was cold to everyone around him. Even his younger siblings. But despite his detachment he never stopped protecting them, doing everything to take the beatings, the attention off them and on him.
He is such a heroic character! I love that his story ends in an HEA because after everything he was put through he deserves that.
I'll be honest, I wasn't to wowed by Karen's character. There really wasn't anything spectacular about her, and I'm not asking her to be able to speak 20 different languages, she was just very average? Though I wasn't to thrilled with her I thought her normalcy and calm was perfect for Dino. It's what he needed in his life. Real. Positive. The light to his dark.
I'm so ready for the next book! BTW does anyone who's read the Chicago Outfit series remember what happens to Ben?
4 I'm here stars!!
"Memories can make a monster out of a man."
Dino DeLuca has been told his whole life to trust the family. Family comes first. Don't turn your back on family. But when it came down to it, it was his family that turned their backs on him. On his little brother and sister. On their parents being murdered. On what happened behind closed doors with their Uncle. He learned well and fast that the only one he could trust... was himself.
Karen moved to Chicago for a fresh start. And to prove to her parents that she could make it in the world with only her camera around her neck. Her passion for photography leads her all over the beautiful city, and eventually on one Sunday, to the cemetery. Her focus is lasered in on a man, kneeling and talking to a grave. Though that isn't what captured her attention. It was how sad he looked. Lost. Detached. One accidental bump and a few words shared, Karen is overjoyed...she made the sad man smile.
Having read the Chicago Outfit series, I've always wondered about Dino. NO BODY NO PROOF! He was such a...lonely character. He was hardened by the abuse he was put through since his parents were killed. He was cold to everyone around him. Even his younger siblings. But despite his detachment he never stopped protecting them, doing everything to take the beatings, the attention off them and on him.
He is such a heroic character! I love that his story ends in an HEA because after everything he was put through he deserves that.
I'll be honest, I wasn't to wowed by Karen's character. There really wasn't anything spectacular about her, and I'm not asking her to be able to speak 20 different languages, she was just very average? Though I wasn't to thrilled with her I thought her normalcy and calm was perfect for Dino. It's what he needed in his life. Real. Positive. The light to his dark.
I'm so ready for the next book! BTW does anyone who's read the Chicago Outfit series remember what happens to Ben?
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