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Morelli Family #3
Once Burned
Adrian Palmetto.
Mine is a name known by every lowlife in Chicago. Mateo Morelli's right hand man: problem-solver, hit man, chief strategist, confidante—whatever he needs, I'm his guy. Kinda funny, since I hate the bastard. At least, that's what I've told myself over the last five years, serving a man I consider despicable—a man I once considered my closest friend. It's what I had to do, if I wanted Elise. And I wanted Elise more than I've ever wanted anything in my godforsaken life.
Thing is, I'm free now. I don't have to be Mateo's guy anymore. I paid the price for Elise's freedom and now I can start building a life with her. Only it's not that simple. Nothing ever is in this damned family. Elise carries emotional baggage from her own time served, and Mateo's in deep shit without me.
You'd think I would've learned my lesson about the evils of Mateo's family at 8, when they ruined my life, or maybe even at 28, when they stole it. Now here I am, 33, faced with one final choice: do I escape this family once and for all, or do I dive back into the flames to save Mateo's ass one last time?
**Recommended for readers 18+ due to violence.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a standalone. None of these are standalones. Start with Accidental Witness or suffer the consequences! (The consequence is that you'll be really confused. No one will murder you or anything. But I don't advise it.)**
*** It's also strongly recommended that you read Irreparable Damage and Irreparable Lives prior to this one. This book has ALL the spoilers from that duet, so if you ever wanted to read it, you'll want to do that before this book. ***
Mine is a name known by every lowlife in Chicago. Mateo Morelli's right hand man: problem-solver, hit man, chief strategist, confidante—whatever he needs, I'm his guy. Kinda funny, since I hate the bastard. At least, that's what I've told myself over the last five years, serving a man I consider despicable—a man I once considered my closest friend. It's what I had to do, if I wanted Elise. And I wanted Elise more than I've ever wanted anything in my godforsaken life.
Thing is, I'm free now. I don't have to be Mateo's guy anymore. I paid the price for Elise's freedom and now I can start building a life with her. Only it's not that simple. Nothing ever is in this damned family. Elise carries emotional baggage from her own time served, and Mateo's in deep shit without me.
You'd think I would've learned my lesson about the evils of Mateo's family at 8, when they ruined my life, or maybe even at 28, when they stole it. Now here I am, 33, faced with one final choice: do I escape this family once and for all, or do I dive back into the flames to save Mateo's ass one last time?
**Recommended for readers 18+ due to violence.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a standalone. None of these are standalones. Start with Accidental Witness or suffer the consequences! (The consequence is that you'll be really confused. No one will murder you or anything. But I don't advise it.)**
*** It's also strongly recommended that you read Irreparable Damage and Irreparable Lives prior to this one. This book has ALL the spoilers from that duet, so if you ever wanted to read it, you'll want to do that before this book. ***
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2017
511 people are currently reading
1035 people want to read
About the author
Sam Mariano
49 books4,844 followersFollow Sam Mariano on Facebook, Instagram (@sammarianobooks), or check out her Blog! If you need to email her, she can be reached at sammarianoauthor@gmail.com (but she is sometimes tardy about checking email. Mateo is very demanding).
Sign up for Sam's mailing list (to stay up to date on current projects--she won't spam you! Only for notification of new releases or book sales.)
All of Sam's books are available on Amazon! (And don't forget to follow Sam's Amazon Author page to get notified about the newest releases.)
Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!
Sign up for Sam's mailing list (to stay up to date on current projects--she won't spam you! Only for notification of new releases or book sales.)
All of Sam's books are available on Amazon! (And don't forget to follow Sam's Amazon Author page to get notified about the newest releases.)
Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
June 23, 2018
4.5
Once Burned by Sam Mariano is the third book in the Morelli Family series. Unlike the first two, this installment focuses on the relationship between Adrian and Elise. That fact actually made me think that I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but I couldn't have been more wrong!
Adrian Palmetto is many things to Mateo Morelli. He's his right hand, his enforcer, his conscience, and the closest thing he has to a friend. They grew up together in the Morelli household, but Adrian has held a grudge ever since Mateo's father murdered his mother and set him on fire. Who could blame him though, right?
Adrian wanted nothing more than to be free of the Morelli family long ago, but he made a deal with Mateo to work for him for five extra years. In exchange, Mateo would allow Elise, a woman enslaved by him, to leave with Adrian. Now, the five years are up. It's time for Adrian to grab his girl and get out, and he wastes no time doing just that.
When Meg, Mateo's pregnant fiance, gets shot by a bullet intended for him, Adrian decides to go back to help Mateo on a temporary basis until he deals with the person responsible for the attempt on his life. Adrian may not agree with Mateo's way of doing pretty much anything or the way he treats people, but he still doesn't want him dead. No matter how hard he tries to hate him, he can't. Their bond is weird but strong. There is no one more loyal to Mateo than Adrian, so he is the only man for the job.
Adrian has waited to be with Elise for half a decade. He finally got a chance to start a life with her. Will helping Mateo mean that life will be over before it really begins?
Adrian is one of my new favorite characters. I love a lot of things about him, but his heart is what endears him to me most. His love and sacrifice for Elise and even Mateo makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It's comical at times, because he is so gruff on the outside. Adrian beats, tortures, and murders people, but the author writes him in a way that you can't help but love him all the same!
Elise isn't so bad herself. Adrian is perfect for her. He's the one man that won't take advantage of her innocence and purity. She isn't the only one to benefit from their relationship though. He needed someone like her, too. How often do you find someone that can live in a criminal world and remain wholesome and good? Adrian is so conflicted that I think Elise helps him stay centered in the madness. Bottom line, I have no complaints about his other half.
Once Burned far exceeded my expectations! I had to start the next book immediately, because I haven't enjoyed anything the way I enjoyed this in a while. I've been in a reading slump for months, and this book brought me out! Thank you, Sam!
If you haven't read this book or any of the Morelli Family series yet, what are you waiting for? It's fantastic! I recommend Once Burned to fans of the series, and I recommend the series to fans of mafia romance!
Once Burned by Sam Mariano is the third book in the Morelli Family series. Unlike the first two, this installment focuses on the relationship between Adrian and Elise. That fact actually made me think that I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but I couldn't have been more wrong!
Adrian Palmetto is many things to Mateo Morelli. He's his right hand, his enforcer, his conscience, and the closest thing he has to a friend. They grew up together in the Morelli household, but Adrian has held a grudge ever since Mateo's father murdered his mother and set him on fire. Who could blame him though, right?
Adrian wanted nothing more than to be free of the Morelli family long ago, but he made a deal with Mateo to work for him for five extra years. In exchange, Mateo would allow Elise, a woman enslaved by him, to leave with Adrian. Now, the five years are up. It's time for Adrian to grab his girl and get out, and he wastes no time doing just that.
When Meg, Mateo's pregnant fiance, gets shot by a bullet intended for him, Adrian decides to go back to help Mateo on a temporary basis until he deals with the person responsible for the attempt on his life. Adrian may not agree with Mateo's way of doing pretty much anything or the way he treats people, but he still doesn't want him dead. No matter how hard he tries to hate him, he can't. Their bond is weird but strong. There is no one more loyal to Mateo than Adrian, so he is the only man for the job.
Adrian has waited to be with Elise for half a decade. He finally got a chance to start a life with her. Will helping Mateo mean that life will be over before it really begins?
Adrian is one of my new favorite characters. I love a lot of things about him, but his heart is what endears him to me most. His love and sacrifice for Elise and even Mateo makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It's comical at times, because he is so gruff on the outside. Adrian beats, tortures, and murders people, but the author writes him in a way that you can't help but love him all the same!
Elise isn't so bad herself. Adrian is perfect for her. He's the one man that won't take advantage of her innocence and purity. She isn't the only one to benefit from their relationship though. He needed someone like her, too. How often do you find someone that can live in a criminal world and remain wholesome and good? Adrian is so conflicted that I think Elise helps him stay centered in the madness. Bottom line, I have no complaints about his other half.
Once Burned far exceeded my expectations! I had to start the next book immediately, because I haven't enjoyed anything the way I enjoyed this in a while. I've been in a reading slump for months, and this book brought me out! Thank you, Sam!
If you haven't read this book or any of the Morelli Family series yet, what are you waiting for? It's fantastic! I recommend Once Burned to fans of the series, and I recommend the series to fans of mafia romance!
May 7, 2019
Left feeling really twitchy after finishing this despite great writing and being so totally fascinated with Adrian .....
I don't believe Elise feels half as much for Adrian as he does for her, he loves her wholy.
Mateo is a manipulative pig. Any brownie points he gained from me in the previous book are totally shot to shit .... because Mia.
Mia and Vince are not even HFN and I still don't believe they will last.
Mateo and Mia are still sniffing around each other despite each being in a different relationship
This is not what I want to read in my romance novels :(
2.5ish stars (though 5+ for Adrian who is the perfect hero)
I don't believe Elise feels half as much for Adrian as he does for her, he loves her wholy.
Mateo is a manipulative pig. Any brownie points he gained from me in the previous book are totally shot to shit .... because Mia.
Mia and Vince are not even HFN and I still don't believe they will last.
Mateo and Mia are still sniffing around each other despite each being in a different relationship
This is not what I want to read in my romance novels :(
2.5ish stars (though 5+ for Adrian who is the perfect hero)
May 20, 2017
You wanna talk explosive, this has been the ticking time bomb wealth of information and reveals…..like the mother loads of epic proportions! Sam Mariano shocked and wowed me and reminded me, why I’ve drawn up teams like Vince and Adrian. Five bullet star read.
Yeah ladies those hotties.... are mine! You can claim your own teams and not worry about me fighting you for the other characters, which she brings back in this action packed saga!
You want steamy Oooo’s? Commence exploding ovaries! Take Adrian for example. In this novel I saw a side of him I didn’t expect to see. You know what I’m talking about….the more human side. Yeah sometimes you have to bloody your hands to make a point!
You ever wonder why a guy like him, who wears danger like a second skin would hang around powerful men like Mateo? Think you have the answers? Even to my own eyes the reasoning is shocking and makes me question the boundaries of loyalty!
Some of the women ugh...I wanna shake, slap up their proverbial heads, screaming “What the hell are you thinking? Thank goodness Elise isn’t one. If anything I was touched and warmed by her story.
You want one hell of a storyline filled with drama? This amazing author doesn’t disappoint….she’ll keep you guessing and keep you on your toes!
If you haven’t already done so…. please please read Accidental Witness & Surviving Mateo before starting Once Burned. Happy reading enjoy!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
April 8, 2023
3/5 ★★★☆☆
"𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙞𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 --𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙩."
The fact that this book is Adrian-Elise story and my favorite quotes and scenes are 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙈𝙞𝙖 should tell you 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨!
I liked this book. It was so very 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 from the two that came before. That probably had something to do with the fact that the first book was Mia POV and the second Meg POV and while both those women had their own sufferings and challenges when it came to belonging to a Mofia family, it was still different. They weren't on the front lines.
Morelli women never are. For all their sexist BS, the Morellis do treasure their women.
This book, on the other hand, was from Adrian's POV. (I have a feeling Sam Mariano couldn't write it from Elise's POV because she is too docile for her usual writing style. Not that Elise didn't have fire of her own -- 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥!
That scene where Elise takes down a mugger? Total badass! She does deserve the unconditional devotion that she has from Adrian. ♡ )
Adrian POV was, by all accounts, different and with a more hardened undertone of constant danger and death.
He is Mateo's right hand man after all -- 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳!
Where before he only did those things to buy Elise's freedom ---
𝙊𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙄 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙚. ♡
(Okay, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘈𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯!
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳!)
But from this book onwards, Adrian started to embrace his position in Mateo's life and home in a more concrete manner, no longer fleeting and temporary.
And I was all for that.
Because this guy is truly Mateo's best friend, his brother really. In all ways that count.
But, the only thing that I didn't enjoy in this book was just how 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘈𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦. 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Now, it's not like I didn't 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 he was that way. He is our silent, dangerous, deadly homicidal looking bear after all. But his POV did get a bit repetitive and challenging to embrace for the first quarter of the book.
I get it.
He's suffered. He's socially inept. He's broody.
But it didn't make for a fun read.
The only real fun parts were when he was forced to deal with the Mateo-Mia-Vince troubles.
Yay!!!
I love those troubles. I'm evil.
Despite how much he 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 Mateo's actions and usual behavior, despite how well he could 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 to Vince's resentment, our guy Adrian is loyal above everything else.
Loyal to a fault.
This book seemed more like the writer's attempt to show that not everyone condoned Mateo's actions all the time. But their hands are tied. Mateo is the 𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙨.
What are you gonna do?
This book made a lot of the backstory clearer for the readers.
We get to know more about why Mateo's dad (also named, Mateo/Matt) was confined to a room.
We get to know more about other side characters like Belle (Mateo Sr. 's first wife), Luciana (Mateo's eldest sister, now deceased), Joey and the story of Joey's dead mum.
We get to see how Cherie is probably the only female in the Morelli household who doesn't worship at the altar of Mateo and actually wishes his reign would be usurped.
𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨!
We are told again and again about Dante (Mateo's brother) and how dangerous and 𝙣𝙤𝙩-𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 he is.
I have to say, my curiosity is definitely piqued.
We also get to see a different, more complex side of Vince and Mia's relationship as it progresses and Vince's resentment of Mateo heightens. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 ...was interesting.
The parallel Adrian foresaw between Vince and Mateo Sr. was another thing that blew my mind. Not because it was farfetched, but because I could 𝙨𝙚𝙚 that coming true.
But, apart from all the Mateo drama, this book had nothing to hold my interest.
I liked Elise and the parallels she kept drawing in her life from the 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 lore. It was cute.
I do see it too.
Adrian is one hulking dangerous Beast who's actually a total softie for his Belle, his beauty, his Elise.
But it didn't live up to my hopes.
For me, this story was about the complex friendship between Adrian and Mateo, more than it was about the romantic relationship between Adrian and Elise.
𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙗 𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.
(See what I mean? One of the best bromance there is.)
But there was also this....
"𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙄'𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚; 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪."
And thats that.
In a nutshell, Adrian is a badass warrior without whom King Mateo essentially cannot protect his kingdom from external and internal threats.
His scars don't make him less handsome. They show that he's been through hell and come back stronger for it. And he's. Not. Someone. To. Be. Messed. With.
He loves Elise, she's the one person who makes him 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 and she's really nice and loyal, but overall? Boring.
He also loves Mateo as a brother/best friend but h̶a̶t̶e̶s̶ 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 his dubious life choices.
He feels bad for Vince and relates with the resentment they both feel for Mateo.
He keeps an eye on the Mia-Meg situation constantly because he knows he is the unlucky one who will inevitably have to pick up any stray pieces when things blow up!
He is the spine, the backbone of not just Mateo's empire, but his family too.
He is the best.
We all love Adrian.
𝘼𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨!
⚔️
"𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙞𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 --𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙩."
The fact that this book is Adrian-Elise story and my favorite quotes and scenes are 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙈𝙞𝙖 should tell you 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨!
I liked this book. It was so very 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 from the two that came before. That probably had something to do with the fact that the first book was Mia POV and the second Meg POV and while both those women had their own sufferings and challenges when it came to belonging to a Mofia family, it was still different. They weren't on the front lines.
Morelli women never are. For all their sexist BS, the Morellis do treasure their women.
This book, on the other hand, was from Adrian's POV. (I have a feeling Sam Mariano couldn't write it from Elise's POV because she is too docile for her usual writing style. Not that Elise didn't have fire of her own -- 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥!
That scene where Elise takes down a mugger? Total badass! She does deserve the unconditional devotion that she has from Adrian. ♡ )
Adrian POV was, by all accounts, different and with a more hardened undertone of constant danger and death.
He is Mateo's right hand man after all -- 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳!
Where before he only did those things to buy Elise's freedom ---
𝙊𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙄 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙚. ♡
(Okay, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘈𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯!
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳!)
But from this book onwards, Adrian started to embrace his position in Mateo's life and home in a more concrete manner, no longer fleeting and temporary.
And I was all for that.
Because this guy is truly Mateo's best friend, his brother really. In all ways that count.
But, the only thing that I didn't enjoy in this book was just how 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘈𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦. 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Now, it's not like I didn't 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 he was that way. He is our silent, dangerous, deadly homicidal looking bear after all. But his POV did get a bit repetitive and challenging to embrace for the first quarter of the book.
I get it.
He's suffered. He's socially inept. He's broody.
But it didn't make for a fun read.
The only real fun parts were when he was forced to deal with the Mateo-Mia-Vince troubles.
Yay!!!
I love those troubles. I'm evil.
Despite how much he 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 Mateo's actions and usual behavior, despite how well he could 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 to Vince's resentment, our guy Adrian is loyal above everything else.
Loyal to a fault.
This book seemed more like the writer's attempt to show that not everyone condoned Mateo's actions all the time. But their hands are tied. Mateo is the 𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙨.
What are you gonna do?
This book made a lot of the backstory clearer for the readers.
We get to know more about why Mateo's dad (also named, Mateo/Matt) was confined to a room.
We get to know more about other side characters like Belle (Mateo Sr. 's first wife), Luciana (Mateo's eldest sister, now deceased), Joey and the story of Joey's dead mum.
We get to see how Cherie is probably the only female in the Morelli household who doesn't worship at the altar of Mateo and actually wishes his reign would be usurped.
𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨!
We are told again and again about Dante (Mateo's brother) and how dangerous and 𝙣𝙤𝙩-𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 he is.
I have to say, my curiosity is definitely piqued.
We also get to see a different, more complex side of Vince and Mia's relationship as it progresses and Vince's resentment of Mateo heightens. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 ...was interesting.
The parallel Adrian foresaw between Vince and Mateo Sr. was another thing that blew my mind. Not because it was farfetched, but because I could 𝙨𝙚𝙚 that coming true.
But, apart from all the Mateo drama, this book had nothing to hold my interest.
I liked Elise and the parallels she kept drawing in her life from the 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 lore. It was cute.
I do see it too.
Adrian is one hulking dangerous Beast who's actually a total softie for his Belle, his beauty, his Elise.
But it didn't live up to my hopes.
For me, this story was about the complex friendship between Adrian and Mateo, more than it was about the romantic relationship between Adrian and Elise.
𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙗 𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.
(See what I mean? One of the best bromance there is.)
But there was also this....
"𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙄'𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚; 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪."
And thats that.
In a nutshell, Adrian is a badass warrior without whom King Mateo essentially cannot protect his kingdom from external and internal threats.
His scars don't make him less handsome. They show that he's been through hell and come back stronger for it. And he's. Not. Someone. To. Be. Messed. With.
He loves Elise, she's the one person who makes him 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 and she's really nice and loyal, but overall? Boring.
He also loves Mateo as a brother/best friend but h̶a̶t̶e̶s̶ 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 his dubious life choices.
He feels bad for Vince and relates with the resentment they both feel for Mateo.
He keeps an eye on the Mia-Meg situation constantly because he knows he is the unlucky one who will inevitably have to pick up any stray pieces when things blow up!
He is the spine, the backbone of not just Mateo's empire, but his family too.
He is the best.
We all love Adrian.
𝘼𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨!
⚔️
August 7, 2022
There’s nothing in the whole world I want less than to be a Morelli.
3.5*
So I read the first two books in this series 5 years ago, and I guess in my head I was mentally ready to read the rest of the books. So here I am reading book three and somehow I still remember almost everything from the first two books. Sam has a way of writing memorable characters I suppose. Anyway. This was Adrian’s story, but of course everything revolves around Mateo and the ongoing story there, so yeah. It was good. Nice to get some more background on Adrian/Elise and to see them happy together. They aren’t really a dynamic couple, but I feel like this was a book to highlight them and to push the plot forward, and it did that.
I never thought I’d say this, but I sort of wish it was more about Mateo, lmao on to book four.
3.5*
So I read the first two books in this series 5 years ago, and I guess in my head I was mentally ready to read the rest of the books. So here I am reading book three and somehow I still remember almost everything from the first two books. Sam has a way of writing memorable characters I suppose. Anyway. This was Adrian’s story, but of course everything revolves around Mateo and the ongoing story there, so yeah. It was good. Nice to get some more background on Adrian/Elise and to see them happy together. They aren’t really a dynamic couple, but I feel like this was a book to highlight them and to push the plot forward, and it did that.
I never thought I’d say this, but I sort of wish it was more about Mateo, lmao on to book four.
May 31, 2017
I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. While I absolutely loved reading things from Adrian and Elise's perspective, it kinda changed how I felt about Mateo, AGAIN. Seriously I can't keep up with this family. It's literally giving me whiplash with the mood swings but omg, it's so goddamn addictive. There's no way I could give this family up. They are like my guilty pleasure, each book annoying the crap out of me but making me fall in love with this family even more. The twists in this book and we finally see and understand things even more in this book. It kind ruins some of the feelings you had for some characters but it makes sense and somehow, just like Adrian, we fall deeper and deeper into the Morelli family net; and they won't let us go. It's crazy how much love I have for this series. To be honest, when I first started, I wasn't expecting to fall so deep for this book. It's driven me to the point of insanity and I honestly, cannot wait for the next book. I wanna know all their secrets. I wanna know the inner workings of the Morelli minds and how they are going to survive everything that's coming for them. This book will take you on a ride you won't be ready for.
July 3, 2018
4 Adrian Palmetto Stars
I’m going through this series like mad. It’s because I’m obsessed with Mia and Mateo. I know they aren’t the focus couple in the series, but it’s because of them I am sticking with it. I still have hope Meg is going to die.
The books focus on different couples, but the plot is carries through each book, so you have to read them in order. I guess it kind of breaks up the tension.
This is Adrian’s story! I really liked this one. I really like Adrian because he is a good guy. He’s Mateo’s right hand man and I was desperate to get his POV. It goes to show he’s everything I thought he was and more.
He’s paid his dues and is now free and he takes Elise with him. The tension between Elise and Adrian has been simmering for the past two books and I was really excited to see how everything will go. Adrian and Elise live in the same apartment together, but Adrian tries really hard to be the stand up guy.
Elise only has one purpose and it’s to cook and clean, without it, she doesn’t know what to do. I adore Elise’s character. I love she has this one mind-set and it’s hard for her to break from that submissive mold. There isn’t a love triangle but we all know Elise has a thing for Mateo and that is addressed in this book.
What I also liked is the little glimpse of Mia, Mateo and Meg in the story. I still want to know what is up with them and gah, I can’t wait!
I’m going through this series like mad. It’s because I’m obsessed with Mia and Mateo. I know they aren’t the focus couple in the series, but it’s because of them I am sticking with it. I still have hope Meg is going to die.
The books focus on different couples, but the plot is carries through each book, so you have to read them in order. I guess it kind of breaks up the tension.
This is Adrian’s story! I really liked this one. I really like Adrian because he is a good guy. He’s Mateo’s right hand man and I was desperate to get his POV. It goes to show he’s everything I thought he was and more.
He’s paid his dues and is now free and he takes Elise with him. The tension between Elise and Adrian has been simmering for the past two books and I was really excited to see how everything will go. Adrian and Elise live in the same apartment together, but Adrian tries really hard to be the stand up guy.
Elise only has one purpose and it’s to cook and clean, without it, she doesn’t know what to do. I adore Elise’s character. I love she has this one mind-set and it’s hard for her to break from that submissive mold. There isn’t a love triangle but we all know Elise has a thing for Mateo and that is addressed in this book.
What I also liked is the little glimpse of Mia, Mateo and Meg in the story. I still want to know what is up with them and gah, I can’t wait!
July 4, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧.5
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Once Burned is the third book in the "Morelli Family" series and this is a story that revolves around Aiden, who is Mateo's bodyguard and confidant and probably the only one he completely trusts. Then we have, our heroine, who is Elise, who was raised in the Morelli family household and practically worships Mateo as he kept her safe and happy when her situation could have been way worse than it was. This was a delightful book. There are many secrets and truths that are revealed in this one that connect to the serial plot. So even if you aren't invested in this couple, I do think you need to read this one. While its not as good as the previous books, its a solid installment and really enjoyed these characters for the most part.
First Line
It still feels like I am on fire.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Aiden
The bodyguard and shield for Mateo, grew up alongside him like brothers, but the Morelli father got in the way and Aiden has horrible fire scars on his body.
The Heroine: Elise
Elise is a heroine that is reserved and embraces femininity over feminism qualities. (although none of these books have feminist heroines) She is happy in doing household chores and being pleasing to others. She gets much fulfillment from it.
Summary
Once Burned is a story where our couple begins their life together and they have yet to go on a date haha But they have both had a connection to each other and Adrian gave up five years of service to set her free from Mateo. As they start to set up a new life together, they both realize, that learning to live together and build a relationship isn't as easy or as simple as either of them imagined that it would be. There are many misunderstandings that occur, and when Mateo's life is put in danger, Adrian is brought back into the fold and he learns some truths about who the real traitor is and he will have to live with the consequences of it to protect the one man he is loyal to and always have been.
What I Loved
Once Burned was a superb of a read and I had a blast with this one. But the beginning of this book starts out SO rough for this couple. I am not going to lie, it was a struggle at times, because its so "off" between them. But I also haven't ever read a book like this where the couple is living together at the very very beginning (we are talking first page, first paragraph) so it definitely takes a bit to get used to. There is a emotional disconnect in the relationship as these two haven't really communicated much with each other. And as they learn to honestly communicate, then they start to find common ground and even more with each other. I absolutely loved seeing this growth in their relationship. The miscommunications that happen, feel real and relatable and not just used as a plot device. But to add meaning to the relationship and its true honest development. I loved how they work out their differences and its done in such a healthy way that I just wanted to applaud this author. There is actually no dubious or non consent scenes in this one, which while I have been loving it in this series, was so refreshing.
Then we have the plot developments in this book. Because WHEW!!! I totally didn't expect who we learn is the traitor. While at second glance I wasn't shocked because of what we see happen in the first book, it still was a struggle to see it happen. And the way that this book ended??? LIKE what? WHY??? The couple has a HEA I guess, but there are so many answers I need, that I doubt I will be able to wait even a week to read the fourth book. I really am enjoying the way that this author plot builds though, its super fascinating and just captures your attention so quickly.
What I Struggled With
I really struggled with the beginning and the flow of the relationship. But it makes sense. And then having a cliffhanger for a ending.
Overall View
Once Burned is a superb installment that is compelling, artfully complex and has its own brand of sexy and dark.
Favorite Quote(s)
Mateo could storm the gates of Hell, and my dumb ass would be right behind him, trying to keep the demons off his back.
Meg changed something between Mia and Mateo, something she didn’t mean to change, and I don’t know how that’s going to ultimately pan out.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Bodyguard, House Servant, Soldier
Themes: Feminine Heroine, Pining Hero
Tropes: Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
1st POV
Recommendation For Reading Order
YES!!! You must read these in order.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Read
August 13, 2017IT'S LIVE!! :D
Did you like the deleted scene at the end of book two? Well, despite obviously not being his story, book three was somehow overflowing with Mateo, and I ended up with not just deleted scenes... but two whole deleted chapters. One of them will be at the back of this ebook, BUT one of the deleted chapters will only be available in my reader group on Facebook, Mateo's Sweethearts. The group is full of spoilers, but once you are all caught up on and you've read book five, you should join so you can get access to the bonus content! :)
Did you like the deleted scene at the end of book two? Well, despite obviously not being his story, book three was somehow overflowing with Mateo, and I ended up with not just deleted scenes... but two whole deleted chapters. One of them will be at the back of this ebook, BUT one of the deleted chapters will only be available in my reader group on Facebook, Mateo's Sweethearts. The group is full of spoilers, but once you are all caught up on and you've read book five, you should join so you can get access to the bonus content! :)
August 7, 2018
Çok şükür ilk kitaptan nefret etmeme rağmen devamı güzel gidiyor.
Adrian'ın hayatına da bir göz atmış olduk bu kitapla birlikte. Aslında büyük bir sürpriz de öğrendik gibi ama herhangi bir netliğe kavuşturmadılar bu durumu.
Mia, Mateo ve Vince şeytan üçgeni de garipleşmeye devam ediyor. Hele ki Vince'in yapmaya cesaret ettiği şeyden sonra gelecek neler gösterecek merak ediyorum.
Adrian'ın hayatına da bir göz atmış olduk bu kitapla birlikte. Aslında büyük bir sürpriz de öğrendik gibi ama herhangi bir netliğe kavuşturmadılar bu durumu.
Mia, Mateo ve Vince şeytan üçgeni de garipleşmeye devam ediyor. Hele ki Vince'in yapmaya cesaret ettiği şeyden sonra gelecek neler gösterecek merak ediyorum.
May 19, 2017
You know what happened in SURVIVING MATEO.
Adrian's Five Years of service in exchange for something he wants very much, is complete.
But Mateo...
This guy.
Adrian can't leave him alone for 5 minutes without him trying to kill himself.
So Adrian - ever reluctantly faithful Adrian - does the knightly thing.
Mateo: "You're such a Boy Scout, Adrian."
I roll my eyes, rolling up my shirt sleeves to go beat some asshole half to death. "Oh yeah, I'm a real angel."
Don't get me wrong; he's not going to put up with Mateo's $hit
But he'd do anything for Elise, and Mateo... sigh. Mateo knows it.
Adrian even starts wearing suits - because his Elise shyly admits she likes him in a suit.
Oh, Girl. So we.
So. Do. We.
For such a dangerous, hard man, there was this balance of SWEET.
Sure, so he kills people! So what?
He thinks that his being a guy who kills other guys for a living to protect a (GOOOOOOD) bad guy makes him unworthy of Elise.
She sets him straight.
So does... Mateo.
Adrian: "It's pointless to argue an ethical stance with you."
Mateo: "It's not pointless. I understand the ethics, they just don't matter in this situation Get out of your own way and let yourself be happy for once."
*happy sighs* He's just so twistedly practical.
So is Adrian.
Mateo: "I'll make sure Cherie makes it past 18 without being defiled by the Irishman - all you have to do is stay."
Adrian: "I could make sure of the same thing for a lot cheaper," I inform him.
He also finds out little Elise is actually kinda badass
But she still got a thing for authority figures.
Baby, who doesn't?
There might be some little hiccups along the way.
I groan, even though she's completely right. "You used the M-word in bed. Why would you do that?"
He feels slight twinges of discomfort whenever he thinks his girl might still have a thing for his boss.
I glance down at my own knuckles. They're in worse shape than his, and Elise certainly didn't notice *mine*.
I've gotta stop here, before I spoil anything, but I will say, they work that out juuuust fine. ♥
Some thoughts:
Adrian has been this kind of grumpy, DARK, AND DEADLY character - but he's got a kind streak that you get to see so much more of.
He's got the gentle nature that - even with his crusty exterior - we got glimpses of it before; now you get to see the world through his eyes.
(And that's a point all on it's own: HOW FUN TO KEEP IN ADRIAN'S POV!!! You don't KNOW Elise's motives any better than he does and it keeps you right with him in puzzling her out.)
I fell in love with him right here:
What kind of man would let his daughter go through a thing like that to save his own skin?
You'd have to kill me TWICE to put my daughter through that kind of shit - and even then, my ghost would probably come for you.
I had 179 notes in this ARC and a whole lotta highlights because there were lines like this:
My heart beats a little faster, but I keep my face expressionless. He's not going where I think he's going with this. I'll jam that fork down his f*cking throat.
Gah! All the feels! I LOVED THIS BOOK!
WHAT A RIDE!!!
I LOVED this book.
And that ending.
CLARIFICATION: The SECOND ending.
November 23, 2021
4.5 stars
Great book. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this side character, Adrian and his story. Almost the entire book was written from a male's (hero's) point of view. I enjoyed the unfolding of the romance between Adrian and Elise. I liked Adrian's vulnerability, in great contrast to his enforcer, dispassionate when necessary, persona. Underneath Elise's innocence was wisdom and strength. While not expected, she held her own and took the reigns with Adrian and others. She excellently portrayed how to make lemons out of lemonade and be happy with what you have.
This book returns us to the more intense situations -- the mafia lifestyle, adding suspense, without the darkness (which I liked) of book. This tale rang more authentic as well. I liked the interactions and development among members of the Morelli family, including Cheri and the Irish bodyguard, Vince, Joey, Matt, the play-by-play between Adrian and Mateo. It goes without saying that Mateo starred in this storyline returning to his smug arrogance
Looking forward to part 5, admittedly will read part four for continuity.
Great book. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this side character, Adrian and his story. Almost the entire book was written from a male's (hero's) point of view. I enjoyed the unfolding of the romance between Adrian and Elise. I liked Adrian's vulnerability, in great contrast to his enforcer, dispassionate when necessary, persona. Underneath Elise's innocence was wisdom and strength. While not expected, she held her own and took the reigns with Adrian and others. She excellently portrayed how to make lemons out of lemonade and be happy with what you have.
This book returns us to the more intense situations -- the mafia lifestyle, adding suspense, without the darkness (which I liked) of book. This tale rang more authentic as well. I liked the interactions and development among members of the Morelli family, including Cheri and the Irish bodyguard, Vince, Joey, Matt, the play-by-play between Adrian and Mateo. It goes without saying that Mateo starred in this storyline returning to his smug arrogance
Looking forward to part 5, admittedly will read part four for continuity.
July 13, 2017
Ok
This was ok. Very slow start. Lots of twists and turns. Adrian is interesting. I wish he would take out Mateo. Elise was just there. I really didn't feel her connection to Adrian. I think she just went with the flow because that is all she ever knows to do. So weak.
I am sick of the Mateo/Meg/Mia thing. Meg is getting a crazy marriage like she had before. She is DUMB to be friends with Mia. Mia I literally detest. She makes me SICK. Mateo is right behind her on the detest list. That whole story line is sad and only there for shock value. If you want them to be a threesome then you don't have the other partners promising to love someone else and tell them they are all they need when you are clearly wanting someone else. Both woman are dumb as hell since Mateo basically raped both of them, but they are madly in love with him.
I think the additional ending over took Adrian's story and made it all about the characters that piss me off! And it was only one chapter! As you can see my review is about the last chapter.
I really can look away from this train wreck this time, but I want to hear Francesca's story.
This was ok. Very slow start. Lots of twists and turns. Adrian is interesting. I wish he would take out Mateo. Elise was just there. I really didn't feel her connection to Adrian. I think she just went with the flow because that is all she ever knows to do. So weak.
I am sick of the Mateo/Meg/Mia thing. Meg is getting a crazy marriage like she had before. She is DUMB to be friends with Mia. Mia I literally detest. She makes me SICK. Mateo is right behind her on the detest list. That whole story line is sad and only there for shock value. If you want them to be a threesome then you don't have the other partners promising to love someone else and tell them they are all they need when you are clearly wanting someone else. Both woman are dumb as hell since Mateo basically raped both of them, but they are madly in love with him.
I think the additional ending over took Adrian's story and made it all about the characters that piss me off! And it was only one chapter! As you can see my review is about the last chapter.
I really can look away from this train wreck this time, but I want to hear Francesca's story.
May 24, 2017
Ahhhhh. The Sam Mariano (and Mateo) that I know and love. It's no secret that I despised the second book in this series. I felt it wasn't true to the characters/actions/storyline from the first book. Mateo acted in ways that I felt were unrealistic and an awful love triangle appeared unnecessarily. Much of that falls by the wayside in this book.
Technically this is Adrian's story. Really it's not though. We certainly get more of a feel for Adrian. We learn what makes him tick, and we see him develop a nice relationship. But mostly we're back on familiar ground with Mateo being a psychopath and Mia being his wood nymph/weak spot. Right where we should be.
I considered not reading this book bc I loathed the last one so. Totally glad I did though. The worst character I've ever loved was back in all his lunatic glory - and steadfastly making his way to the woman with whom he belongs. The nitwitted side dish barely makes an appearance. I'm excited for book 4.
Technically this is Adrian's story. Really it's not though. We certainly get more of a feel for Adrian. We learn what makes him tick, and we see him develop a nice relationship. But mostly we're back on familiar ground with Mateo being a psychopath and Mia being his wood nymph/weak spot. Right where we should be.
I considered not reading this book bc I loathed the last one so. Totally glad I did though. The worst character I've ever loved was back in all his lunatic glory - and steadfastly making his way to the woman with whom he belongs. The nitwitted side dish barely makes an appearance. I'm excited for book 4.
July 12, 2018
3.5*
For me this truly was a book of two halves. The first half I found uninteresting and well...boring. The second half was better but I was still annoyed I’d had to sit through the first part.
Mateo is after revenge for the shooting of his fiancée Meg. Adrian who’s just been released from serving Mateo finds himself back. And Elise is struggling to settle into her new life.
Part of me wants to continue with this series although if I’m honest with myself it’s mainly for Colin. I don’t like what’s happening with Mateo, Meg and Mia and I found that in this book I didn’t particularly like any of the characters.
Meg made the previous book for me but I’m not sure what’s going on here. And don’t get me started on Mateo.
A book I’ve been waiting for has just been released (that makes two of them within a couple of days) so I’m going to leave this series to read them and only time will tell if I return or not.
September 27, 2017
5/5 Adrian is my favorite mobster stars.
This is my favorite book in the series so far. I love being in Adrian's head. I love Elise. I love them together. What can I say, I just love this book!
Unpopular opinion time: Adrian is the man I wish Mateo could be.
I get why Adrian did what he did to save Elise. I see his logic in the hierarchy of keeping certain people in power. Even his kills I understand. He is more loyal to Mateo than Mateo will ever be to him.
Favorite quote:
What kind of man would let his daughter go through a thing like that to save his own skin? You'd have to kill me twice to put my daughter through that kind of shit--and even then, my ghost would probably come for you.
After reading the additional scene, I'm getting a sick feeling in my stomach. Mia, don't do anything stupid.
This is my favorite book in the series so far. I love being in Adrian's head. I love Elise. I love them together. What can I say, I just love this book!
Unpopular opinion time: Adrian is the man I wish Mateo could be.
I get why Adrian did what he did to save Elise. I see his logic in the hierarchy of keeping certain people in power. Even his kills I understand. He is more loyal to Mateo than Mateo will ever be to him.
Favorite quote:
What kind of man would let his daughter go through a thing like that to save his own skin? You'd have to kill me twice to put my daughter through that kind of shit--and even then, my ghost would probably come for you.
After reading the additional scene, I'm getting a sick feeling in my stomach. Mia, don't do anything stupid.
April 18, 2025
Now to write my review...
FYI
1. I couldn't put this book down
2. Majority of the story I had a 4.5 Star ratig floating in my head
3. At 92% it dropped to 4 Stars
4. By the end I wanted to give it 5 Stars, the suspenseful ending has left me suspended and buzzing at the same time. More so than the other two books in the series.
Here's the expanded version of the above!
Once Burned is the continuation of the Morelli series with each new book delving deeper into the Morelli family, including the man who heads it, Mateo. If you’re curious about this series, you need to start with Irreparable Damage first, otherwise you’ll miss the bigger story bridging between each book in this suspenseful series.
“You’re my friend, Adrian, but don’t forget your place.”
Adrian is Mateo’s right hand man. A love/hate relationship underpinned by an unquestionable loyalty they have shared since childhood. It’s a relationship Adrian fights internally, unable to condone Mateo’s actions yet compelled to ensure his old friend’s safety. His weakness or quality, depending on how you look at it, is he has a heart of gold when it comes to damsels in distress and the people he cares about. He’s a complex character, carrying the physical scars of when he was first burnt by the Morelli’s and his reluctance or willingness to forgive.
When he first encounters Elise, he immediately steps in to protect her when he notices she has caught the dangerous attention of one of Mateo’s men. Reaching her in the nick of time, he saves Elise but then finds himself spending the next 5 years working to have her freed from a life of servitude within the Morelli household.
Elise is young, happy and is keen to return Adrian’s good deed. In Adrian’s mind she is too young and vulnerable and keeps his distance from her, encouraging a platonic relationship that grows over the years. I adored the way he went about providing a good life for Elise.
“We’re just adjusting to each other, that’s all.
It’s a learning process.” She smiles softly.
“That’s kind of our thing, though, isn’t it?”
Together they work to help and support each other. There’s an ongoing switch between who is reading their situation better and who is looking out for whom. Elise is far from vulnerable and her strength comes through in volumes as the story unfolds.
While this is a mafia romance,it is not a cookie cutter version. It dawned on me while I was reading this book what makes it so different is the absence of the strong backseat role a mother would hold in a mafia family. Yes, there are strong women who play significant roles, wise but youthful, and not matronly. Interestingly, the respect they garner is similar but the loyalty stems from their survival, not the traditional family bloodline.
“I gave you Elise, and I could take her away just as easily.”
“You don’t own her,” I grind out, my jaw locked so tight it’s painful.
“I don’t have to,” he answers silkily.
What has evolved under Mateo’s roof still demands adherence to family values, such as sharing Sunday meals together (like it or not). Everyone has a place and role, providing a sense of belonging. He also has a way of keeping everyone on their toes, especially the partners of the women who attend Sunday dinners. Mateo’s charm and control is not lost on the women and instills fear in the men who are forced to sit by and watch him play his games.
I nearly flipped my lid when I got to 92%, I thought I was going to be left hanging. Not sure I haven’t been, but the next 8% made me forget my earlier anguish. The hiccup towards the end took my rating from a 4.5 to a 4, but by the ending I wanted to lavish 5 stars. Once Burned left me with another book-buzz and I am grateful the wait between books in the Morelli Series is never long and peppered with teasers from the author to keep the momentum of the suspense alive!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
FYI
1. I couldn't put this book down
2. Majority of the story I had a 4.5 Star ratig floating in my head
3. At 92% it dropped to 4 Stars
4. By the end I wanted to give it 5 Stars, the suspenseful ending has left me suspended and buzzing at the same time. More so than the other two books in the series.
Here's the expanded version of the above!
Once Burned is the continuation of the Morelli series with each new book delving deeper into the Morelli family, including the man who heads it, Mateo. If you’re curious about this series, you need to start with Irreparable Damage first, otherwise you’ll miss the bigger story bridging between each book in this suspenseful series.
“You’re my friend, Adrian, but don’t forget your place.”
Adrian is Mateo’s right hand man. A love/hate relationship underpinned by an unquestionable loyalty they have shared since childhood. It’s a relationship Adrian fights internally, unable to condone Mateo’s actions yet compelled to ensure his old friend’s safety. His weakness or quality, depending on how you look at it, is he has a heart of gold when it comes to damsels in distress and the people he cares about. He’s a complex character, carrying the physical scars of when he was first burnt by the Morelli’s and his reluctance or willingness to forgive.
When he first encounters Elise, he immediately steps in to protect her when he notices she has caught the dangerous attention of one of Mateo’s men. Reaching her in the nick of time, he saves Elise but then finds himself spending the next 5 years working to have her freed from a life of servitude within the Morelli household.
Elise is young, happy and is keen to return Adrian’s good deed. In Adrian’s mind she is too young and vulnerable and keeps his distance from her, encouraging a platonic relationship that grows over the years. I adored the way he went about providing a good life for Elise.
“We’re just adjusting to each other, that’s all.
It’s a learning process.” She smiles softly.
“That’s kind of our thing, though, isn’t it?”
Together they work to help and support each other. There’s an ongoing switch between who is reading their situation better and who is looking out for whom. Elise is far from vulnerable and her strength comes through in volumes as the story unfolds.
While this is a mafia romance,it is not a cookie cutter version. It dawned on me while I was reading this book what makes it so different is the absence of the strong backseat role a mother would hold in a mafia family. Yes, there are strong women who play significant roles, wise but youthful, and not matronly. Interestingly, the respect they garner is similar but the loyalty stems from their survival, not the traditional family bloodline.
“I gave you Elise, and I could take her away just as easily.”
“You don’t own her,” I grind out, my jaw locked so tight it’s painful.
“I don’t have to,” he answers silkily.
What has evolved under Mateo’s roof still demands adherence to family values, such as sharing Sunday meals together (like it or not). Everyone has a place and role, providing a sense of belonging. He also has a way of keeping everyone on their toes, especially the partners of the women who attend Sunday dinners. Mateo’s charm and control is not lost on the women and instills fear in the men who are forced to sit by and watch him play his games.
I nearly flipped my lid when I got to 92%, I thought I was going to be left hanging. Not sure I haven’t been, but the next 8% made me forget my earlier anguish. The hiccup towards the end took my rating from a 4.5 to a 4, but by the ending I wanted to lavish 5 stars. Once Burned left me with another book-buzz and I am grateful the wait between books in the Morelli Series is never long and peppered with teasers from the author to keep the momentum of the suspense alive!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 30, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better !!! As I described in way too much detail in my review for book 1, this entire series really, really needs to be proofread, but the stories are just so incredibly phenomenal that they are still worth 5 stars!!!
November 2, 2024
JESUS FUCKING CHRISTTTTT THAT MATEOMIA BUZZ WILL KILL YOU
September 18, 2017
4.5 Star
This review has some spoilers.
Plot: 4.5
Characters: 4
Heat: 4
Enthrallment: 5
Plausibility: 5
Another page turner! I'd been interested in reading Adrian's story since he was introduced in book #1. I wasn't sure how well I would like it, but I freaking loved it. Couldn't put it down.
It's already told that Adrian & Elise kind of have a thing going on in book #2, but it’s very vague. I liked learning that Adrian worked 5 years to gain Elise’s freedom. That's devotion there. Sam knows how to create awkward, yet interesting & unique relationships. That's what makes them so great. You get tired of reading the same things over & over. So Sam's relationships are refreshing to read about.
At the beginning of the story. Adrian was dry & emotionless. I like how as the story progresses Elise enables Adrian to feel again—to find himself. He learns to love, more like express his love & not be afraid of it. I really enjoyed watching them to come together. Steamy sex that was worth the wait. When Adrian came out of his shell he put it down. Ate Elise like she was the best desert.
At first, I thought Elise was kind of a pushover. Later you find out that she can hold her own. She will speak her mind & kick your ass if need be.
When they got mugged & Elise took that guy down that was a pleasant surprise.
I knew from the other books that Adrian was a killer—Mateo's right-hand man. But seeing him in action was a little scary. He blew 2 people's head off without blinking. I'm thankful that Vince was spared. That scene had me a bit worried. I'm glad that Adrian did have compassion. I don't think I could have continued the series if Vince was killed. Though something tells me that Adrian's discretion is going to come out & backfire.
The other secret-son twist was also something that I never considered. But it definitely adds more depth to the story.
Adrian’s story ended with a bang—literally, another head blown off. Lol. I wasn't interested in Irreparable at 1st. But now that I got some insight into Willow & Ethan's story, I'm curious to see how it unfolded, even though I already know the end game.
I'm itching to get to bk #5 because I really enjoyed the alternate ending with Mia & Mateo. But after all the shit that went down with Francesca, I can't wait to see how she got entangled in that mess in the 1st place. Bring it on bk # 4.
This review has some spoilers.
Plot: 4.5
Characters: 4
Heat: 4
Enthrallment: 5
Plausibility: 5
Another page turner! I'd been interested in reading Adrian's story since he was introduced in book #1. I wasn't sure how well I would like it, but I freaking loved it. Couldn't put it down.
It's already told that Adrian & Elise kind of have a thing going on in book #2, but it’s very vague. I liked learning that Adrian worked 5 years to gain Elise’s freedom. That's devotion there. Sam knows how to create awkward, yet interesting & unique relationships. That's what makes them so great. You get tired of reading the same things over & over. So Sam's relationships are refreshing to read about.
At the beginning of the story. Adrian was dry & emotionless. I like how as the story progresses Elise enables Adrian to feel again—to find himself. He learns to love, more like express his love & not be afraid of it. I really enjoyed watching them to come together. Steamy sex that was worth the wait. When Adrian came out of his shell he put it down. Ate Elise like she was the best desert.
At first, I thought Elise was kind of a pushover. Later you find out that she can hold her own. She will speak her mind & kick your ass if need be.
When they got mugged & Elise took that guy down that was a pleasant surprise.
I knew from the other books that Adrian was a killer—Mateo's right-hand man. But seeing him in action was a little scary. He blew 2 people's head off without blinking. I'm thankful that Vince was spared. That scene had me a bit worried. I'm glad that Adrian did have compassion. I don't think I could have continued the series if Vince was killed. Though something tells me that Adrian's discretion is going to come out & backfire.
The other secret-son twist was also something that I never considered. But it definitely adds more depth to the story.
Adrian’s story ended with a bang—literally, another head blown off. Lol. I wasn't interested in Irreparable at 1st. But now that I got some insight into Willow & Ethan's story, I'm curious to see how it unfolded, even though I already know the end game.
I'm itching to get to bk #5 because I really enjoyed the alternate ending with Mia & Mateo. But after all the shit that went down with Francesca, I can't wait to see how she got entangled in that mess in the 1st place. Bring it on bk # 4.
August 27, 2022
This wasn't that great of a romance. The h was pretty weak and brainwashed, but I really loved Adrian.
The best part of this book was Mateo of course. Why do I love him so much...
I was all about him and Mia. Loved the epilogue. I'm not sure how I will feel about the next book when all I really want is more Mateo and Mia. It seems like a longer book too. Hopefully there will still be plenty of Mateo.
The best part of this book was Mateo of course. Why do I love him so much...
I was all about him and Mia. Loved the epilogue. I'm not sure how I will feel about the next book when all I really want is more Mateo and Mia. It seems like a longer book too. Hopefully there will still be plenty of Mateo.
June 1, 2020
I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as the others. It seemed pretty tame in comparison, and much of it was just conversation between Adrian and Elise figuring out their feelings for each other and this new life.
However I did enjoy all the crime parts and anything with the godly Mateo..quite looking forward to Francesca and sals story in the next book.
However I did enjoy all the crime parts and anything with the godly Mateo..quite looking forward to Francesca and sals story in the next book.
August 20, 2024
this was sweet ngl
June 6, 2017
Wow, just wow!
With every book I'm falling more in love with this family. I was so excited that this was Adrian's book. He has intrigued me throughout the series and I've been dying for his story. What makes him tick and to understand him more. I got everything I wanted and yes fell in love with him more.
My head is spinning with all the twists and turns. I have been on the edge of my seat desperate to get it all in. This is a wonderful series and if you haven't read any of it you are sincerely missing out. Love it!
With every book I'm falling more in love with this family. I was so excited that this was Adrian's book. He has intrigued me throughout the series and I've been dying for his story. What makes him tick and to understand him more. I got everything I wanted and yes fell in love with him more.
My head is spinning with all the twists and turns. I have been on the edge of my seat desperate to get it all in. This is a wonderful series and if you haven't read any of it you are sincerely missing out. Love it!
May 17, 2024
I really like Adrian. I am fkn prayyyying Sam’s fuckery won’t affect him. Onto the next…
August 23, 2017
Love this series
It's not hearts and flowers.......but yet it is...I couldn't put it down. Such great characters - love the suspense author creates
It's not hearts and flowers.......but yet it is...I couldn't put it down. Such great characters - love the suspense author creates
October 11, 2024
This one started off a lot slower than the others but the ending makes up for it. Adrian is an observer so you really get to watch the family dynamics and drama unfold in a way that you don’t get from the other family members. It’s so very juicy. And seeing all of these threads from this series and the Irreparable duet come together just so immensely satisfying.
My only complaint is that the romance was a bit underbaked. I think that’s partially because of Elise’s mild/passive personality and partially because of how they become a couple - it’s more or less arranged . But it was still sweet to see Adrian have someone and something soft in his life finally.
My only complaint is that the romance was a bit underbaked. I think that’s partially because of Elise’s mild/passive personality and partially because of how they become a couple - it’s more or less arranged . But it was still sweet to see Adrian have someone and something soft in his life finally.
December 6, 2022
All the feels!
This book has me all topsy turvey!
I'm sitting at the end of my seat gnawing on my nails as often as I am oooing and awwwing.
This book breaks my heart as much as it makes me want more, and I can't wait to read the next one.
This whole series is making me go through all the dam feels!
5 super stars!
This book has me all topsy turvey!
I'm sitting at the end of my seat gnawing on my nails as often as I am oooing and awwwing.
This book breaks my heart as much as it makes me want more, and I can't wait to read the next one.
This whole series is making me go through all the dam feels!
5 super stars!
May 22, 2017
4.5 stars
Review by Jen Skewes
OMG!!! I don’t even know where to start with this review. Once again Sam Mariano has managed to completely suck me in to the world of the Morelli family. She has shocked me with the twists and turns and left me hanging in a big way. Oh and the ending after the cliffy? I am not even sure how to process that one. I cannot get enough of this series. With each book it gets better and better. Just when you think you have things figured out and know how this will end, BAM!!. Ms. Mariano manages to throw in yet another twist that will shock you. This is Adrian’s story but don’t worry we still get to see plenty of the twisted man that we all hate to love so much.
Adrian has been paying his dues to Mateo. He gives him five years in exchange for his freedom and the woman that he has been pining over for the past five years. Adrian is done with his “sentence” and now it is time for him to move on…..with Elise. When they first move out, Adrian is so unsure how this will work between the two of them. He knows how he feels about Elise, but he is no so sure if the feelings are mutual. There is so much to still learn about each other, but there is also that one obstacle that always seems to get in the way; Mateo Morelli. And believe me Mateo interferes in their lives in more way than one. The constant reminder of how women, including Elise, tend to be enamored with Mateo no matter how much of an asshole he is. And also despite how he feels about Mateo he cannot help but want to be there to help when things start getting worse. Which leaves him with the decision as to whether or not he will go back to work for Mateo or live the free life he was hoping for with Elise.
I don’t want to go into any more detail about the story line or how things go with Mateo or between Elise and Adrian. I will say that I for one loved them together. Adrian knew what he wanted and he was willing to work for Mateo for five years to get it. He would do anything to make Elise his, but this is not in the way one would think. He really cared for her and wanted to make her happy. He would do anything to protect her. Unsure of her feelings and the fact that all she has ever known was living in the Mateo mansion. So his patience with her showed in the way he took things at a slower pace where she was concerned. But they were just so cute together. We saw this dark, brooding sort of guy in Adrian with the last two books but I loved seeing a different side of him.
While this book is Adrian’s and it is told from his POV, there is so much more to this story than him and Adrian’s romance. Mateo is still very much a part of it, as is the rest of the crew. This is after all the Morelli series. There were moments that shocked me, twists that came that made me wonder how this story would even go. At times making me so nervous that Ms. Mariano would go there and do the unexpected. Even at the end I am still left hanging and questioning everything. And that is what I love about this series. Expect the unexpected, hold onto your heart and your emotions and proceed with caution. Because this series will take you on one heck of a ride and trust me I loved every minute of the drama and angst that I went through. Now I need the final book to see how this will all end.
Review by Jen Skewes
OMG!!! I don’t even know where to start with this review. Once again Sam Mariano has managed to completely suck me in to the world of the Morelli family. She has shocked me with the twists and turns and left me hanging in a big way. Oh and the ending after the cliffy? I am not even sure how to process that one. I cannot get enough of this series. With each book it gets better and better. Just when you think you have things figured out and know how this will end, BAM!!. Ms. Mariano manages to throw in yet another twist that will shock you. This is Adrian’s story but don’t worry we still get to see plenty of the twisted man that we all hate to love so much.
Adrian has been paying his dues to Mateo. He gives him five years in exchange for his freedom and the woman that he has been pining over for the past five years. Adrian is done with his “sentence” and now it is time for him to move on…..with Elise. When they first move out, Adrian is so unsure how this will work between the two of them. He knows how he feels about Elise, but he is no so sure if the feelings are mutual. There is so much to still learn about each other, but there is also that one obstacle that always seems to get in the way; Mateo Morelli. And believe me Mateo interferes in their lives in more way than one. The constant reminder of how women, including Elise, tend to be enamored with Mateo no matter how much of an asshole he is. And also despite how he feels about Mateo he cannot help but want to be there to help when things start getting worse. Which leaves him with the decision as to whether or not he will go back to work for Mateo or live the free life he was hoping for with Elise.
I don’t want to go into any more detail about the story line or how things go with Mateo or between Elise and Adrian. I will say that I for one loved them together. Adrian knew what he wanted and he was willing to work for Mateo for five years to get it. He would do anything to make Elise his, but this is not in the way one would think. He really cared for her and wanted to make her happy. He would do anything to protect her. Unsure of her feelings and the fact that all she has ever known was living in the Mateo mansion. So his patience with her showed in the way he took things at a slower pace where she was concerned. But they were just so cute together. We saw this dark, brooding sort of guy in Adrian with the last two books but I loved seeing a different side of him.
While this book is Adrian’s and it is told from his POV, there is so much more to this story than him and Adrian’s romance. Mateo is still very much a part of it, as is the rest of the crew. This is after all the Morelli series. There were moments that shocked me, twists that came that made me wonder how this story would even go. At times making me so nervous that Ms. Mariano would go there and do the unexpected. Even at the end I am still left hanging and questioning everything. And that is what I love about this series. Expect the unexpected, hold onto your heart and your emotions and proceed with caution. Because this series will take you on one heck of a ride and trust me I loved every minute of the drama and angst that I went through. Now I need the final book to see how this will all end.
May 27, 2017
"Mine is a name known by every lowlife in Chicago. Mateo Morellis’s right hand man: problem-solver, hit man, chief strategist, confidante – whatever he needs, I’m his guy.”
Sam Mariano is an author that is very new to me. That being said, in the last month I’ve read the previous two books in the series, plus the duet that she said I had to read before this one came out. I loved them all and could hardly put them down. Yes, I will admit I had the release date for this one in my diary and it was downloaded the same day. I finished it the next day (I realise therefore that I’ve been a bit slack at getting the review typed up).
This novel is Adrian’s story and unlike the other books written entirely from his point of view. Timescale wise, there is a crossover between where book two ends and where this one takes place.
Although I’m trying not to give too much away, half-two thirds of the way through book two, Adrian leaves his “employment” with Mateo after he works off his debt to “buy” Elise (Mateo’s somewhat enigmatic servant), who he has been in love with since she was 16.
Elise has some issues – which is hardly surprising when you consider what Mateo does to those he cares about. A women who was effectively bartered for a debt would arguably be somewhat disposable to him. She seems to have a case of Stockholm syndrome and is completely groomed into pleasing those around her. Adrian’s frustration with her is evident in his internal monologue throughout the first half of the book.
Adrian has resolved to turn over a new leaf and live legitimately in the outside world. However, as with all of those in Mateos world it doesn’t seem to be quite as easy as that and he does get pulled back in, although by his own choice.
Adrian and Elise have a series of personal misunderstandings but do end up together early on in the book and much hot sex ensues. However the relationship that develops between them is eclipsed by the wider story.
It seems to me that this is very much a transitional novel and that San Mariano has had her hands tied to some extent in that there are certain plot lines needed to be played out in this book in order to get to the place she needs to be in before writing the fourth and final book in the series. This means that in terms of the story between Adrian and Elise there was a lot of compromise.
I enjoyed that we saw the morally repulsive and yet bafflingly endearing Mateo from another angle in this book. I liked seeing Mia from a different angle too and we see a new side of Vince in a revelation from him discovered by Adrian part way through.
However, I found the book somewhat frustrating too. Adrian was very much in his own head throughout most of the novel. Elise wasn’t in there enough for it to be truly their story. It was more Adrian’s story with a side order of Elise and Mateo.
Overall this was a really good read and sets things up for the final book in the series. But it is weaker than the first two books and it suffered from entirely being from Adrian’s perspective.
That being said – I basically didn’t put it down until I’d read the whole thing. San Mariano is a very talently writer who has continued to do what she’s done in the other novels – created horribly violent and morally corrupt characters and made them likeable on some levels.
Read the book – read it now and prepare for the final book in the saga. I have pretty much no idea what will happen in the final book – but I have no doubts that it’ll be explosive.
Sam Mariano is an author that is very new to me. That being said, in the last month I’ve read the previous two books in the series, plus the duet that she said I had to read before this one came out. I loved them all and could hardly put them down. Yes, I will admit I had the release date for this one in my diary and it was downloaded the same day. I finished it the next day (I realise therefore that I’ve been a bit slack at getting the review typed up).
This novel is Adrian’s story and unlike the other books written entirely from his point of view. Timescale wise, there is a crossover between where book two ends and where this one takes place.
Although I’m trying not to give too much away, half-two thirds of the way through book two, Adrian leaves his “employment” with Mateo after he works off his debt to “buy” Elise (Mateo’s somewhat enigmatic servant), who he has been in love with since she was 16.
Elise has some issues – which is hardly surprising when you consider what Mateo does to those he cares about. A women who was effectively bartered for a debt would arguably be somewhat disposable to him. She seems to have a case of Stockholm syndrome and is completely groomed into pleasing those around her. Adrian’s frustration with her is evident in his internal monologue throughout the first half of the book.
Adrian has resolved to turn over a new leaf and live legitimately in the outside world. However, as with all of those in Mateos world it doesn’t seem to be quite as easy as that and he does get pulled back in, although by his own choice.
Adrian and Elise have a series of personal misunderstandings but do end up together early on in the book and much hot sex ensues. However the relationship that develops between them is eclipsed by the wider story.
It seems to me that this is very much a transitional novel and that San Mariano has had her hands tied to some extent in that there are certain plot lines needed to be played out in this book in order to get to the place she needs to be in before writing the fourth and final book in the series. This means that in terms of the story between Adrian and Elise there was a lot of compromise.
I enjoyed that we saw the morally repulsive and yet bafflingly endearing Mateo from another angle in this book. I liked seeing Mia from a different angle too and we see a new side of Vince in a revelation from him discovered by Adrian part way through.
However, I found the book somewhat frustrating too. Adrian was very much in his own head throughout most of the novel. Elise wasn’t in there enough for it to be truly their story. It was more Adrian’s story with a side order of Elise and Mateo.
Overall this was a really good read and sets things up for the final book in the series. But it is weaker than the first two books and it suffered from entirely being from Adrian’s perspective.
That being said – I basically didn’t put it down until I’d read the whole thing. San Mariano is a very talently writer who has continued to do what she’s done in the other novels – created horribly violent and morally corrupt characters and made them likeable on some levels.
Read the book – read it now and prepare for the final book in the saga. I have pretty much no idea what will happen in the final book – but I have no doubts that it’ll be explosive.
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