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Ruin & Revenge #3
Rocco
Mafia enforcer, Rocco De Lucchi is the best in the business.
Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.
Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss's right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?
Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.
Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss's right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
141 people are currently reading
1929 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Castille
29 books3,356 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha heroes and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and traveled abroad before trading her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home near the Canadian Rockies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
December 13, 2017
I LOVED book one in this series (NICO) but was disappointed in book two (LUCA) so this book was a make it or break it book for me. Well, let me just say this author not only made it, she blew it out of the water and ROCCO has now moved up to the top as my favorite book of this series. From beginning to end this was a total pleasure to read.
I found this one to be fantastically well written. It was a fairly long book, but It held my attention all the way through. The plot was engaging. Surprisingly, this wasn't very angsty. I thought for sure with Rocco's and Grace's history there would have been a lot more pushing away on both their parts, but nope, they pretty much get past their issues quite quickly. I wasn't in the mood for a book filled with the heroine being bitchy and pushing the hero away, so Eve was a happy camper. There wasn't any OW/OM drama. Both had been with other people in their six years apart. The sex scenes were both smokin' hot and plentiful. There was an excellent array of secondary characters. Nico and Mia and Luca and Gabrielle featured in this one quite a lot. Along with a bunch of other VERY intriguing people. I hope very much we will see Mike get a HEA along with Olivia and Tom. Maybe even Ethan. The cast of secondary characters in this one really added so much to the story.
Both main characters were awesome. I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about either of them. Rocco was sexy as f-ck. He was alpha. He was badass. He was protective. He was tormented. His history will make you cry and I am dying to find out who his real family is. Grace had the potential to be a very annoying heroine. I figured she would be this judgy, bitter and angry woman who couldn't get over having her heart broken. She wasn't that AT ALL. Oh sure at the beginning she was a little prickly, but even then it was portraid in such a manner you couldn't help loving her feistiness. She was sassy. She was smart. She was strong. She was funny. She was sweet, and she embraced Rocco for everything that he was. She was actually one the best written heroines I have read this year. Last, it was all wrapped up in a sweet epilogue that ended things perfectly. I am not sure whose book is up next (I am hoping Mike's) but whoever it is I will stand in line anxiously awaiting its release. This one gets two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.
January 7, 2018
4 STARS
I love me a gritty and sexy mafia romance, and man if this book didn't hit the spot. An enforcer, a mafia princess, and an underground power struggle war between rivaling families, all weaving together into a story brimming with sexual tension, action and suspense. Rocco was a page turner from beginning to finish.
I was an instant fan of Sarah Castille when I first read Nico, but this was definitely my favorite book in the series so far. There was just something so tortured about Rocco that I couldn't get enough off. This is a man that never had a choice in the life he leads. A baptism by fire is an understatement for how he was introduced to it. His training and childhood guaranteed to shape him into a ruthless, coldblooded killer and enforcer for the mafia. He's a man that makes others tremble in fear at the mere mention of his name, but struggles to feel any emotion beyond rage and hatred himself.
But one time, years ago, he was different. At one time, he had a dream of a different life with a woman that was ripped from him in much the same way he was introduced into the mafia life; violently and without mercy. She's a woman that he never forgot and never got over. And now a mob war brings her into the epicenter of his storm, and nothing will stop him from having her again.
As the daughter of the underboss, Grace Mantini isn't a stranger to mafia. But even though she loves her brother and father who are engrained in the life, she wants nothing to do with it. Not years ago when she learned the hard truth of who her family is, and certainly not now, knowing the full depth of it. But when her life is in danger and her family looks to be the target of a hit, she has no choice but turn to the man that she once couldn't run faster away from.
This was a roller coaster of a book; full of action and sizzling romance. While the younger version of Grace from years ago was naive and sweet, the Grace of today is different. She knows exactly who Rocco is and her reaction to what he does for a living is different. She understands the life they live is one that they can't always run from. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. It was a pulse pounding and suspenseful ride from beginning to finish. There was also a little side story that weaved into the plot of this one with Mike. And while I wasn't too interested in his story previously, I was downright salivating for his HEA by the end of this one.
Sarah Castille has an interesting writing style that took me a while to get used to. She has a tendency to repeat and overly describe certain mafia details that can get redundant at times. However, if you've never read a mafia romance before, those details wouldn't go under appreciated.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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Once upon a time those eyes had looked into her soul, and those lips had touched every part of her body. Once upon a time all that beauty had belonged to her, and then the mob had stolen it away.
I love me a gritty and sexy mafia romance, and man if this book didn't hit the spot. An enforcer, a mafia princess, and an underground power struggle war between rivaling families, all weaving together into a story brimming with sexual tension, action and suspense. Rocco was a page turner from beginning to finish.
I was an instant fan of Sarah Castille when I first read Nico, but this was definitely my favorite book in the series so far. There was just something so tortured about Rocco that I couldn't get enough off. This is a man that never had a choice in the life he leads. A baptism by fire is an understatement for how he was introduced to it. His training and childhood guaranteed to shape him into a ruthless, coldblooded killer and enforcer for the mafia. He's a man that makes others tremble in fear at the mere mention of his name, but struggles to feel any emotion beyond rage and hatred himself.
But one time, years ago, he was different. At one time, he had a dream of a different life with a woman that was ripped from him in much the same way he was introduced into the mafia life; violently and without mercy. She's a woman that he never forgot and never got over. And now a mob war brings her into the epicenter of his storm, and nothing will stop him from having her again.
As the daughter of the underboss, Grace Mantini isn't a stranger to mafia. But even though she loves her brother and father who are engrained in the life, she wants nothing to do with it. Not years ago when she learned the hard truth of who her family is, and certainly not now, knowing the full depth of it. But when her life is in danger and her family looks to be the target of a hit, she has no choice but turn to the man that she once couldn't run faster away from.
This was a roller coaster of a book; full of action and sizzling romance. While the younger version of Grace from years ago was naive and sweet, the Grace of today is different. She knows exactly who Rocco is and her reaction to what he does for a living is different. She understands the life they live is one that they can't always run from. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. It was a pulse pounding and suspenseful ride from beginning to finish. There was also a little side story that weaved into the plot of this one with Mike. And while I wasn't too interested in his story previously, I was downright salivating for his HEA by the end of this one.
Sarah Castille has an interesting writing style that took me a while to get used to. She has a tendency to repeat and overly describe certain mafia details that can get redundant at times. However, if you've never read a mafia romance before, those details wouldn't go under appreciated.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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January 16, 2018
"Ten years of nothing. And then Grace had walked into his life and had undone it all with a smile.
Rocco is the third book in the Ruin and Revenge Series. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. With complex characters, mobster action, and passion, Rocco is an absolute must for mafia romance fans.
"There is no light in my soul. It's all darkness."Rocco De Lucchi is an enforcer for the mob. He was raised to kill and destroy. When he was tasked to take care of a mafia princess, a connection formed between them and they fell in love. Grace Mantini didn't know the truth about her family until one horrifying night altered the course of her life and ripped her away from the only man she had ever loved. Years have past and Rocco and Grace have done their best to forget about each other and move on. But when the two are reunited, it is obvious that the passion they shared still exists and the time apart has only made the attraction grow even more. When the mafia dynamics intensify between the families, Rocco and Grace are given a second chance to prove that even an enforcer and mafia princess can find their happy ever after.
"His girl was in his arms and there was nowhere else he would rather be."Told in multiple POV, Rocco offers a riveting forbidden romance with plenty of action, passion, and tender romance. The plot is complex as the characters are all fighting for what they want. The mafia men are brutal and will kill to protect their women and the family. The history of Rocco and Grace was quite intense and after so much heartbreak, they deserved to find happiness together. Grace and Rocco were both forced to overcome so much and the way in which they were able to heal each other was truly beautiful. In true Sarah Castille fashion, the passion between Rocco and Grace is smoking hot! With action, suspense, and romance, Rocco is unforgettable.
Overall, the Ruin and Revenge Series continues to deliver smoking hot alpha mafia men and their headstrong women. I highly recommend this series to mafia romance fans. Sarah Castille is an amazing storyteller who never ceases to amaze me with her fluid writing style and complex characters.
***Ruin and Revenge***
*ARC graciously provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
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January 4, 2018
I didn’t want it to end! 😭😭
Everything is right with the world again! It wasn’t perfect, but it so damn close! I floved Rocco and literally did not want it to end. I got to the last page and still tried to flip to the next. Rocco and Grace made that much of an impression.
So, here’s what I loved:
The characters – The main characters were superb together. They’re both fairly complex and so is there relationship. I particularly enjoyed Rocco. He made a great impression on me while reading Luca, so it was fantastic to read his love story. Grace is beautiful, flawed, and stronger than she realizes. Watching her character grow and evolve was pure joy.
Here's what you really need to know. Rocco is a badass. He’s the enforcer that’s down to do whatever to handle business. You know what they say….bad-boys do it better! And Rocco is certainly a bad-boy. LOL
The storyline is entertaining, exciting, and pretty action packed. I enjoyed the taboo aspect of the story. It wasn’t always front center, but the age difference played a significant role in how these characters interact with one another.
The writing was so much better this time around. Not perfect, but really good. I definitely recommend it to lovers of Mafia romance, alpha-heroes, and 2nd chance romances.
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Everything is right with the world again! It wasn’t perfect, but it so damn close! I floved Rocco and literally did not want it to end. I got to the last page and still tried to flip to the next. Rocco and Grace made that much of an impression.
So, here’s what I loved:
The characters – The main characters were superb together. They’re both fairly complex and so is there relationship. I particularly enjoyed Rocco. He made a great impression on me while reading Luca, so it was fantastic to read his love story. Grace is beautiful, flawed, and stronger than she realizes. Watching her character grow and evolve was pure joy.
Here's what you really need to know. Rocco is a badass. He’s the enforcer that’s down to do whatever to handle business. You know what they say….bad-boys do it better! And Rocco is certainly a bad-boy. LOL
The storyline is entertaining, exciting, and pretty action packed. I enjoyed the taboo aspect of the story. It wasn’t always front center, but the age difference played a significant role in how these characters interact with one another.
The writing was so much better this time around. Not perfect, but really good. I definitely recommend it to lovers of Mafia romance, alpha-heroes, and 2nd chance romances.
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
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November 29, 2017
3.5 to 4*
Having loved Nico and Luca to a lesser extent I was excited but a little apprehensive about reading this and as a result I pushed back starting but once I had it didn’t take me long to get engrossed in the story.
Grace Mancini is the daughter of a high ranking New York mafia boss but she’s living in Las Vegas, having spent her youth in blissful ignorance believing her father to be just a business man her world came crashing down years later.
At 10 years old her and her younger brother Tom were given a driver Rocco and Grace even at ten years old was infatuated with him, at sixteen she pursued and caught him and despite the fact that he was ten years older she fell madly in love and for six wonderful years they were everything to each other. But then one night their world collapses, Grace runs and Rocco is left to deal with the consequences.
They haven’t seen each other in six years.
Rocco is a member of the De Lucchi crew, a brotherhood of assassins who are required, on pain of death, to train a son or an orphan to take their place so the crew will exist in perpetuity.
His adoptive father Cesare tortured and abused him and it’s horrific the life he’s lead, the things he’s had to do and the torture he’s suffered.
So Grace and Rocco are both in Las Vegas along with her father and brother and everything is about to hit the fan.
There’s no spoilers here just my opinion.
I had very mixed feelings on Grace early on, at times she really annoyed me yet at others she was okay. She won me round in the end but it was touch and go for a long while.
Rocco, well who doesn’t love a dark tortured bad boy/ruthless assassin?
I’ve given 3.5 to 4* which I think is fair, it’s an entertaining read but it dragged in places and was repetitive in others but overall I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
May 12, 2020
I immediately dived into Rocco, the third book in the Ruin and Revenge series upon completion of Luca. I was curious to learn how this story would unfold as the hero of this installment was a cold-blooded killer. The second most feared enforcer for the mob. I met him in the previous installment and I recognized that beneath his cold-blooded exterior he harboured deep-seated pain and I was desirous of learning what made him tick. What I learned was heart-breaking and painful.
Rocco knew only pain and loss for most of his life until the Grace Mantini, the daughter of an under-boss, entered his life. Despite their ten-year age difference, they forged an unbreakable bond. He became her protector, her best friend and her lover. They had plans to spend the rest of their lives together, but when Rocco was forced to kill to protect her their dreams were shattered. That incident changed their lives forever. Rocco became an unfeeling and cold-hearted enforcer who never questioned his orders to kill.
Grace left home after that fateful incident and spent most of her time trying to live her life separate from the mob. However, she would learn that no matter how far she ran, she could never out run her past.
This was a beautiful written second chance romance, and I enjoyed every moment spent in Grace and Rocco’s world. Watching them both find their way back to each other was such a delight. Their moments together were intense and passionate and their chemistry was hot enough to burn a hole through my headphones.
The flashbacks provided by the author allows the reader to understand the horrors they suffered along with how their relationship had developed. Reading about their past and watching them in the present fuelled my need to see them get their happily ever after. However, before they could accomplish that, there were several obstacles they needed to overcome.
The story had its share of danger and drama one would expect with a mafia romance. It was fast paced, engaging and emotional.
My issue with this installment was how it ended. I had hope to get an answer regarding Rocco’s heritage, but that information was never revealed.
Narration
Aiden Snow continues to narrate, and he did an excellent job as I expected. He brought life to the story and the characters.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Rocco delivered a steamy and passionate second chance romance that will put a smile on your face and leave you feeling contented.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Rocco knew only pain and loss for most of his life until the Grace Mantini, the daughter of an under-boss, entered his life. Despite their ten-year age difference, they forged an unbreakable bond. He became her protector, her best friend and her lover. They had plans to spend the rest of their lives together, but when Rocco was forced to kill to protect her their dreams were shattered. That incident changed their lives forever. Rocco became an unfeeling and cold-hearted enforcer who never questioned his orders to kill.
Grace left home after that fateful incident and spent most of her time trying to live her life separate from the mob. However, she would learn that no matter how far she ran, she could never out run her past.
This was a beautiful written second chance romance, and I enjoyed every moment spent in Grace and Rocco’s world. Watching them both find their way back to each other was such a delight. Their moments together were intense and passionate and their chemistry was hot enough to burn a hole through my headphones.
The flashbacks provided by the author allows the reader to understand the horrors they suffered along with how their relationship had developed. Reading about their past and watching them in the present fuelled my need to see them get their happily ever after. However, before they could accomplish that, there were several obstacles they needed to overcome.
The story had its share of danger and drama one would expect with a mafia romance. It was fast paced, engaging and emotional.
My issue with this installment was how it ended. I had hope to get an answer regarding Rocco’s heritage, but that information was never revealed.
Narration
Aiden Snow continues to narrate, and he did an excellent job as I expected. He brought life to the story and the characters.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Rocco delivered a steamy and passionate second chance romance that will put a smile on your face and leave you feeling contented.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
November 30, 2020
Re-read (paperback edition) 5/21/2018
I still love this series! Am bummed we haven't heard anything about the next installment (or even if this series will continue.) I would love to get a story for Mikey. The way things ended with Tiffany, it needs it's own story Please! And Paolo, I can definitely see him as a made man later on down the line. And if we just so happen to get a little more of Luca's growing family again or Mia and Nico's maybe ooor Rocco and Grace's? The more the merrier! I'm a junkie for any crumb this author will give me about these amazing characters, Lol! Here's hoping we get more of the Toscani Las Vegas fraction!
I have been hooked on this series since book one and have fallen for each one of the hunky male leads. They are all just as yummy as their covers promise!
Rocco has made a few ominous appearances in previous books - most noticably in Luca's - and he is full on dark and twisty. His childhood, his family, the work he takes on. It all adds up to make a man with a lot of scars, both inside and out. His past with Grace was heartbreaking and all though he talked a lot about how it was doomed from the start and there being no hope for them, he was stubborn enough to keep some faith alive.
Years ago, Grace was the only light in his life but their time together was all too fleeting. When his world comes crashing down around him, Rocco looses the last bit of his soul and lets Grace run as far away from him as she can. Now years later, she's back and the feelings he's successfully buried before, are now clamoring to get out.
But things are being put into motion that threaten Grace. Rocco knows this time, he'll have to choose between his woman and his family and there won't be any more running. Because for a De Lucci the only way to get out is death. After years of living in the dark with nothing to live for, Rocco realizes that he isn't ready to give up on Grace and a future with her. This was a mafia romance with all the angst, action and dominance you can expect.
What I liked:
This was equal parts steamy, romantic, suspenseful, angsty and bloody! A weird set of descriptors but this is a mob romance so ... yeah. I liked Grace. She was strong heroine and she needed to be to battle Rocco's demons - both the emotional crippling kind and the flesh and blood ones out take them down. She might have looked fragile but she was anything but. Growing up in a mob family toughens a girl up and Grace was pretty damn tough. Rocco was all kinds of growly, possessive, OTT and dangerous. He was an explosive cocktail that kept you hooked.
It was peppered with both old and new characters, some I loved to see again and some I hope will get their just deserts - I'm talking to you Tony!
I was genuinely surprised that a book with some pretty heavy undertones was able to also be funny and sweet. Romantic? Check. Silly? Check. I loved that this book surprised me. Check out my memorable moments for a taste of the sweet, silly romantic humor I'm talking about.
Favorite Line(s):
Memorable Moments:
The first one is a smexy one so click at your own risk!
Would I recommend?: Hands down YES!
This was a fast paced, action packed romantic suspense. I loved Rocco and I loved Grace. I loved that we see Luca and Nico again and I loved that with each addition to this series the story gets bigger, the layers get more detailed and the characters keep growing. This is one of my favorite series and can't wait to see where SC is gonna take us next!
SAFETY INFO:
I still love this series! Am bummed we haven't heard anything about the next installment (or even if this series will continue.) I would love to get a story for Mikey. The way things ended with Tiffany, it needs it's own story Please! And Paolo, I can definitely see him as a made man later on down the line. And if we just so happen to get a little more of Luca's growing family again or Mia and Nico's maybe ooor Rocco and Grace's? The more the merrier! I'm a junkie for any crumb this author will give me about these amazing characters, Lol! Here's hoping we get more of the Toscani Las Vegas fraction!
I have been hooked on this series since book one and have fallen for each one of the hunky male leads. They are all just as yummy as their covers promise!
Rocco has made a few ominous appearances in previous books - most noticably in Luca's - and he is full on dark and twisty. His childhood, his family, the work he takes on. It all adds up to make a man with a lot of scars, both inside and out. His past with Grace was heartbreaking and all though he talked a lot about how it was doomed from the start and there being no hope for them, he was stubborn enough to keep some faith alive.
Years ago, Grace was the only light in his life but their time together was all too fleeting. When his world comes crashing down around him, Rocco looses the last bit of his soul and lets Grace run as far away from him as she can. Now years later, she's back and the feelings he's successfully buried before, are now clamoring to get out.
She was still the Grace he’d loved but now she was a whole lot more - more courage, more strength, more attitude. For the first time, he felt a flicker of hope that maybe there was someone in the world that could handle all that he was, that maybe this time she could accept the ugliness inside of him.
But things are being put into motion that threaten Grace. Rocco knows this time, he'll have to choose between his woman and his family and there won't be any more running. Because for a De Lucci the only way to get out is death. After years of living in the dark with nothing to live for, Rocco realizes that he isn't ready to give up on Grace and a future with her. This was a mafia romance with all the angst, action and dominance you can expect.
What I liked:
This was equal parts steamy, romantic, suspenseful, angsty and bloody! A weird set of descriptors but this is a mob romance so ... yeah. I liked Grace. She was strong heroine and she needed to be to battle Rocco's demons - both the emotional crippling kind and the flesh and blood ones out take them down. She might have looked fragile but she was anything but. Growing up in a mob family toughens a girl up and Grace was pretty damn tough. Rocco was all kinds of growly, possessive, OTT and dangerous. He was an explosive cocktail that kept you hooked.
It was peppered with both old and new characters, some I loved to see again and some I hope will get their just deserts - I'm talking to you Tony!
I was genuinely surprised that a book with some pretty heavy undertones was able to also be funny and sweet. Romantic? Check. Silly? Check. I loved that this book surprised me. Check out my memorable moments for a taste of the sweet, silly romantic humor I'm talking about.
Favorite Line(s):
He understood now why Cesare said women made a man weak. He would die for this - not just the act itself, but the connection with her that took the encounter from just a physcial act to something that nourished his soul. Cesare was dangerous to his body, but Grace was dangerous to his heart. ~ Rocco
"Every song I sing comes from my heart and my heart is full of you. I'll never run out of songs to sing." ~ Grace
Rocco bent down and gave her an inappropriate, hand-in-hair, tongue down-the-throat, this-is-my-woman, touch-her-and-die kiss.
"You stole Sinatra's words," she teased.
"He stole my words. He knew one day a man would meet a girl and fall in love the first time he met her, so he sang a song for us before we were even born."
Grace melted against him, safe in his strong arms.
"Did he know that love would last even though we were apart?"
"I knew it, Gracie." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "When I fell in love with you, I fell in love forever."
Memorable Moments:
The first one is a smexy one so click at your own risk!
Grace laughed. "Seriously, Rocco. Your stamina is-"
"Legend."
"No."
"Magnificent."
"No."
"Incredible?"
"Exhausting."
His brow creased in a frown. "Exhausting?"
Grace pressed her lips against his ear and whispered, "How can you want me every minute of the day?"
"Because you're you."
"Shhh. I'm not finished {with} the story you're expecting me to tell our childern." She cleared her throat and changed to the same gentle tone she'd started with.
"So then your grandfather tried to shoot me and your Papa shot him and the light disappeared and your Papa shouted in the darkness, 'Belle, will you marry me?' and then he crawled across the floor and squeezed my breasts."
"I can hear you," Tom called out. "Except for the manhandling my sister part, it's kind of romantic."
Grace groaned. "It's not romantic to be asked to marry someone because he thinks you might be dead."
"I knew you were alive," Rocco huffed.
"How?"
"I could feel you." He placed her hand over his chest. "Right here."
Would I recommend?: Hands down YES!
This was a fast paced, action packed romantic suspense. I loved Rocco and I loved Grace. I loved that we see Luca and Nico again and I loved that with each addition to this series the story gets bigger, the layers get more detailed and the characters keep growing. This is one of my favorite series and can't wait to see where SC is gonna take us next!
SAFETY INFO:
November 30, 2017
ARC provided my NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Brief overview and then some of my thoughts/issues with the book.
Rocco worked for Grace's father. Rocco was hired by Grace's father as a driver for his children. There was a ten age difference. Grace was ten when she first laid eyes on Rocco and became infatuated immediately. At age sixteen Grace and Rocco's friendship evolved into love and a relationship. Unbeknowest to Grace her father was part of the mafia (she thought he was a successful businessman). A horrific event reveals to Grace the her beloved Rocco is really a mob enforcer and her father a mob boss. She is revolted and traumatized, she runs aways to Las Vegas and becomes a therapist.
Six years later her father is in town for a funeral and is shocked to see Rocco at the funeral as well. Grace's Father is also trying to arrange a marriage for Grace. They go out to dinner and to discuss his plan/wishes. During dinner her father is killed and Rocco comes to the rescue.
From there we are pulled into who and why her father is killed and is Grace safe? Rocco is there to protect her. The two still have unresolved feeling for each other, hate and love. A lot is revealed about their relationship as well as what transpired with her Father. The mystery of their past and the death of her father all come together in the end.
As I stated a brief synopsis of the story. The writing is excellent as well as the story/plot-line, somewhat. Why a three star rating?? I really had an issue with Grace. You are given a strong impression of her trauma and how it devastated her, as well as her total disgust for the mafia. But as the story progressed its like a different Grace emerged/evolved that was more accepting and okay with the workings of mafia. In the end I didn't really recognize Grace from the one in the first and second chapter of the book. I accept that characters change and evolve, but what was so stark and clear was her disgust and distain for what her father and Rocco did.
Again writing was excellent (except my issue with Grace's character) as well as pacing. But just couldn't let go of the Grace problem.
Brief overview and then some of my thoughts/issues with the book.
Rocco worked for Grace's father. Rocco was hired by Grace's father as a driver for his children. There was a ten age difference. Grace was ten when she first laid eyes on Rocco and became infatuated immediately. At age sixteen Grace and Rocco's friendship evolved into love and a relationship. Unbeknowest to Grace her father was part of the mafia (she thought he was a successful businessman). A horrific event reveals to Grace the her beloved Rocco is really a mob enforcer and her father a mob boss. She is revolted and traumatized, she runs aways to Las Vegas and becomes a therapist.
Six years later her father is in town for a funeral and is shocked to see Rocco at the funeral as well. Grace's Father is also trying to arrange a marriage for Grace. They go out to dinner and to discuss his plan/wishes. During dinner her father is killed and Rocco comes to the rescue.
From there we are pulled into who and why her father is killed and is Grace safe? Rocco is there to protect her. The two still have unresolved feeling for each other, hate and love. A lot is revealed about their relationship as well as what transpired with her Father. The mystery of their past and the death of her father all come together in the end.
As I stated a brief synopsis of the story. The writing is excellent as well as the story/plot-line, somewhat. Why a three star rating?? I really had an issue with Grace. You are given a strong impression of her trauma and how it devastated her, as well as her total disgust for the mafia. But as the story progressed its like a different Grace emerged/evolved that was more accepting and okay with the workings of mafia. In the end I didn't really recognize Grace from the one in the first and second chapter of the book. I accept that characters change and evolve, but what was so stark and clear was her disgust and distain for what her father and Rocco did.
Again writing was excellent (except my issue with Grace's character) as well as pacing. But just couldn't let go of the Grace problem.
March 10, 2018
I have been hooked on this series since book one and have fallen for each one of the hunky male leads. They are all just as yummy as their covers promise!
Rocco has made a few ominous appearances in previous books - mainly Luca's - and he is full on dark and twisty. His childhood, his family, the work he takes on. It all adds up to make a man with a lot of scars, both inside and out.
Grace was the only light in his life and even that was fleeting. When his world comes crashing down around him, Rocco looses the last bit of his soul and lets Grace run as far away from him as she can. Now years later, she's back and the feelings he's successfully buried before, are now clamoring to get out. But things are being put into motion that threaten Grace and Rocco knows this time, he'll have to choose between his woman and his family. And in his family the only way to get out is in death.
What I liked:
This was equal parts steamy, romantic, suspenseful, angsty and bloody! A weird set of descriptors but this is a mob romance so ... yeah. I liked Grace. She was strong heroine and she needed to be to battle Rocco's demons - both the emotional crippling kind and the flesh and blood ones out take them down. She might have looked fragile but she was anything but. Growing up in a mob family toughens a girl up and Grace was pretty damn tough. Rocco was all kinds of growly, possessive, OTT and dangerous. He was an explosive cocktail that kept you hooked.
It was peppered with both old and new characters, some I loved to see again and some I hope will get their just deserts.
It might surprise you that a book with some pretty heavy undertones can also be funny and sweet. Romantic and silly? Then this book will definitely surprise you. Check out my memorable moments for a taste of the sweet, silly romantic humor I'm talking about.
Favorite Line(s):
Memorable Moments:
The first one is a smexy one so click at your own risk!
Would I recommend?: Hands down YES!
This was a fast paced, action packed romantic suspense. I loved Rocco and I loved Grace. I loved that we see Luca and Nico again and I loved that with each addition to this series the story gets bigger, the layers get more detailed and the characters keep growing. This is one of my favorite series and can't wait to see where SC is gonna take us next!
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Rocco has made a few ominous appearances in previous books - mainly Luca's - and he is full on dark and twisty. His childhood, his family, the work he takes on. It all adds up to make a man with a lot of scars, both inside and out.
Grace was the only light in his life and even that was fleeting. When his world comes crashing down around him, Rocco looses the last bit of his soul and lets Grace run as far away from him as she can. Now years later, she's back and the feelings he's successfully buried before, are now clamoring to get out. But things are being put into motion that threaten Grace and Rocco knows this time, he'll have to choose between his woman and his family. And in his family the only way to get out is in death.
What I liked:
This was equal parts steamy, romantic, suspenseful, angsty and bloody! A weird set of descriptors but this is a mob romance so ... yeah. I liked Grace. She was strong heroine and she needed to be to battle Rocco's demons - both the emotional crippling kind and the flesh and blood ones out take them down. She might have looked fragile but she was anything but. Growing up in a mob family toughens a girl up and Grace was pretty damn tough. Rocco was all kinds of growly, possessive, OTT and dangerous. He was an explosive cocktail that kept you hooked.
It was peppered with both old and new characters, some I loved to see again and some I hope will get their just deserts.
It might surprise you that a book with some pretty heavy undertones can also be funny and sweet. Romantic and silly? Then this book will definitely surprise you. Check out my memorable moments for a taste of the sweet, silly romantic humor I'm talking about.
Favorite Line(s):
He understood now why Cesare said women made a man weak. He would die for this - not just the act itself, but the connection with her that took the encounter from just a physcial act to something that nourished his soul. Cesare was dangerous to his body, but Grace was dangerous to his heart.~ Rocco
"Every song I sing comes from my heart and my heart is full of you. I'll never run out of songs to sing."~ Grace
Rocco bent down and gave her an inappropriate, hand-in-hair, tongue down-the-throat, this-is-my-woman, touch-her-and-die kiss.
"You stole Sinatra's words," she teased.
"He stole my words. He knew one day a man would meet a girl and fall in love the first time he met her, so he sang a song for us before we were even born."
Grace melted against him, safe in his strong arms.
"Did he know that love would last even though we were apart?"
"I knew it, Gracie." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "When I fell in love with you, i fell in love forever."
Memorable Moments:
The first one is a smexy one so click at your own risk!
Grace laughed. "Seriously, Rocco. Your stamina is-"
"Legend."
"No."
"Magnificent."
"No."
"Incredible?"
"Exhausting."
His brow creased in a frown. "Exhausting?"
Grace pressed her lips against his ear and whispered, "How can you want me every minute of the day?"
"Because you're you."
"Shhh. I'm not finished {with} the story you're expecting me to tell our childern." She cleared her throat and changed to the same gentle tone she'd started with.
"So then your grandfather tried to shoot me and your Papa shot him and the light disappeared and your Papa shouted in the darkness, 'Belle, will you marry me?' and then he crawled across the floor and squeezed my breasts."
"I can hear you," Tom called out. "Except for the manhandling my sister part, it's kind of romantic."
Grace groaned. "It's not romantic to be asked to marry someone because he thinks you might be dead."
"I knew you were alive," Rocco huffed.
"How?"
"I could feel you." He placed her hand over his chest. "Right here."
Would I recommend?: Hands down YES!
This was a fast paced, action packed romantic suspense. I loved Rocco and I loved Grace. I loved that we see Luca and Nico again and I loved that with each addition to this series the story gets bigger, the layers get more detailed and the characters keep growing. This is one of my favorite series and can't wait to see where SC is gonna take us next!
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
December 30, 2017
Bring me the biggest, baddest, scariest Hero and I’ve gotta read it! I just love to read about the emotionally challenged men and watch them fall for that one person who reaches past the barriers no one else can touch. This is what you get with Rocco aka Frankie and Grace.
Rocco was orphaned at age 6 and then adopted by Cesare De Lucchi. Cesare didn’t want a son, he wanted a killing machine for the mafia. He provided Rocco with everything a little boy could love and then cruelly stripped it all away, teaching him that love is a weakness.
Grace is a mafia princess who thought her father was an insurance salesman growing up. When she’s forced to watch the love of her life perform his duty for the mafia, the brutal truth about her life can no longer be denied. She leaves New York to live a life away from the violence. Years later Rocco and Graces lives collide again. This time Rocco can’t let her walk away because nobody can protect her like he can.
Sarah Castille did a fantastic job with Rocco and Grace’s story. You see the killer in Rocco but also that little boy he was before he was broken and rebuilt, only the adoptive father didn’t completely succeed in breaking him. The struggle he feels for being what he’s made to be and for wanting the light that Grace brings him is felt.
You also understand the struggle Grace felt learning the truth about her family and wanting nothing to do with it while she battles her love for Rocco. She feels betrayed by him but also knows he’s more than a killer.
The couples in the previous book make appearances in each book, but you could easily read each one as standalones. I’m curious if Mike’s story is next and if so, how he’ll handle the aftermath of what happened to him in this book. ARC provided by NetGalley.
Rocco was orphaned at age 6 and then adopted by Cesare De Lucchi. Cesare didn’t want a son, he wanted a killing machine for the mafia. He provided Rocco with everything a little boy could love and then cruelly stripped it all away, teaching him that love is a weakness.
Grace is a mafia princess who thought her father was an insurance salesman growing up. When she’s forced to watch the love of her life perform his duty for the mafia, the brutal truth about her life can no longer be denied. She leaves New York to live a life away from the violence. Years later Rocco and Graces lives collide again. This time Rocco can’t let her walk away because nobody can protect her like he can.
Sarah Castille did a fantastic job with Rocco and Grace’s story. You see the killer in Rocco but also that little boy he was before he was broken and rebuilt, only the adoptive father didn’t completely succeed in breaking him. The struggle he feels for being what he’s made to be and for wanting the light that Grace brings him is felt.
You also understand the struggle Grace felt learning the truth about her family and wanting nothing to do with it while she battles her love for Rocco. She feels betrayed by him but also knows he’s more than a killer.
The couples in the previous book make appearances in each book, but you could easily read each one as standalones. I’m curious if Mike’s story is next and if so, how he’ll handle the aftermath of what happened to him in this book. ARC provided by NetGalley.
November 16, 2017
ARC received for review
Rocco and Grace have a past, but get back together with lots of drama and hot sex. There's someone running around trying to kidnap her and kill her family. The flashback to their past was nicely done, but it did drag in places. Not sure which of the crew I want to get a HEA next.
Rocco and Grace have a past, but get back together with lots of drama and hot sex. There's someone running around trying to kidnap her and kill her family. The flashback to their past was nicely done, but it did drag in places. Not sure which of the crew I want to get a HEA next.
April 22, 2020
**4.5 Stars**
I knew Rocco would be amazing based on the two previous books in the Ruin and Revenge series. Frankie is Rocco’s mobster name. In the Nico and Luca books he was portrayed as a brutal soulless killer and in Rocco I got the whole background story and why he is the way he is. It was gritty and dark. It all goes back to his father. He made Rocco into Frankie the enforcer. The killer. Starting when he was a kid. To his father Rocco was a toy and not his son. He beat every emotion out of Rocco and taught him emotions was a weakness.
Luckily Rocco met Grace before he was fully immersed in the enforcer life. Before his light was snuffed out. Grace was just that. His savior and saving grace. His light in the darkness and he was her first everything. Sadly their secret love affair was cut short because of Rocco’s father. He showed Grace who Rocco or should I say who Frankie really was. They don’t see each other for six years.
When they meet again Rocco does and tries everything to push his emotions for Grace down. This time around Grace isn’t running. She’s stronger and braver now. She wants Rocco and knows who he truly is. Her growth and evolution is amazing. These two have so much heat and chemistry. The story of how they fell in love is also why I connected so strongly with them as a couple and cheered them on. The return of the other characters from the two other books are an added bonus. Rocco is why I enjoy mafia romance. A flawed and broken hero who seeks redemption and a kickass heroine. I couldn’t ask for more.
4.5 Strangers in the Night Stars
I knew Rocco would be amazing based on the two previous books in the Ruin and Revenge series. Frankie is Rocco’s mobster name. In the Nico and Luca books he was portrayed as a brutal soulless killer and in Rocco I got the whole background story and why he is the way he is. It was gritty and dark. It all goes back to his father. He made Rocco into Frankie the enforcer. The killer. Starting when he was a kid. To his father Rocco was a toy and not his son. He beat every emotion out of Rocco and taught him emotions was a weakness.
Luckily Rocco met Grace before he was fully immersed in the enforcer life. Before his light was snuffed out. Grace was just that. His savior and saving grace. His light in the darkness and he was her first everything. Sadly their secret love affair was cut short because of Rocco’s father. He showed Grace who Rocco or should I say who Frankie really was. They don’t see each other for six years.
When they meet again Rocco does and tries everything to push his emotions for Grace down. This time around Grace isn’t running. She’s stronger and braver now. She wants Rocco and knows who he truly is. Her growth and evolution is amazing. These two have so much heat and chemistry. The story of how they fell in love is also why I connected so strongly with them as a couple and cheered them on. The return of the other characters from the two other books are an added bonus. Rocco is why I enjoy mafia romance. A flawed and broken hero who seeks redemption and a kickass heroine. I couldn’t ask for more.
4.5 Strangers in the Night Stars
January 7, 2018
Let me get a few things out of the way...right away, folks. As an avid mafia romance reader, I’ve definitely got my preferences as well as things I’d rather avoid in my romantic reads. Learning Rocco was 20 and Gracie, the heroine, was only 10 when they first met bothered me. Especially when he kissed the back of her hand when they were first introduced and a joke was made by her father she likely wouldn’t mind him being her new driver now. That came across creepy to me, not cute. Then her losing her virginity to him at 16 while he was 26. Then eventually having to endure her what was meant to be sexy but felt poorly scripted to me, wanton, smexy flashbacks recapping her coming onto him when she was underage. It just felt wrong. Later on, Rocco’s regular jaunts to a sex club to be tied down and brutally whipped to help him forget his pain. No, I don’t subscribe to that notion, either.
OK...I feel better now. But, unfortunately, not about this book. At 30%, I realized the writing style wasn’t working for me. Since this is the fourth book I’ve read by this author and only enjoyed one, I’m thinking her writing style just isn’t a good fit for me. Make no mistake. I’m no stranger to dark mafia reads. It’s my favorite genre. I just expect more engaging writing, with better flow, and less objectionable/questionable elements intermixed that don’t leave me feeling disappointed/repulsed.
Hats off to this author for her eye-catching book-covers. But what lies between the pages just wasn’t appealing. I wish her all the best. But I tapped out of this one at 46% since I wasn’t enjoying it.
Title: Rocco, Series: Ruin & Revenge (Book 3), Author: Sarah Castille, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, some violence, graphic smexy scenes, mafia backdrop.
Book 1 - Nico, (Nico & Mia), 12/6i/16, Pages: 336
Book 2 - Luca, (Gabrielle & Luca), 5/2/17, Pages: 350
Book 3 - Rocco, (Rocco & Grace), 1/2/18, Pages: 384
(I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
OK...I feel better now. But, unfortunately, not about this book. At 30%, I realized the writing style wasn’t working for me. Since this is the fourth book I’ve read by this author and only enjoyed one, I’m thinking her writing style just isn’t a good fit for me. Make no mistake. I’m no stranger to dark mafia reads. It’s my favorite genre. I just expect more engaging writing, with better flow, and less objectionable/questionable elements intermixed that don’t leave me feeling disappointed/repulsed.
Hats off to this author for her eye-catching book-covers. But what lies between the pages just wasn’t appealing. I wish her all the best. But I tapped out of this one at 46% since I wasn’t enjoying it.
Title: Rocco, Series: Ruin & Revenge (Book 3), Author: Sarah Castille, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, some violence, graphic smexy scenes, mafia backdrop.
Book 1 - Nico, (Nico & Mia), 12/6i/16, Pages: 336
Book 2 - Luca, (Gabrielle & Luca), 5/2/17, Pages: 350
Book 3 - Rocco, (Rocco & Grace), 1/2/18, Pages: 384
(I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
January 3, 2018
This book was fantastic, I absolutely devoured it! Rocco and Grace’s story was exhilarating, stunning, heartbreaking and incredibly suspenseful, definitely one of the most captivating mafia romance I have ever read. Grace Mantini is a reluctant Mafia princess. She is the daughter of the underboss of a powerful New York crime family, but has never accepted her family’s “line of business”, she can’t deal with the violence and the mafia politics. She has made a life for herself in Vegas, away from the Mafia world and from the man she loves.
Rocco De Lucchi is an enforcer, a member of a brotherhood of mob assassins. Rocco is an incredibly complex, tortured and genuine character. He is totally flawed, and yet I found him an endearing, impossible not to love anti-hero. He survived a terrible childhood, deprived of affection and love. He was trained by his brutal adoptive father to become a perfect, cold-blooded murderer, a violent hitman fulfilling mob contracts with coldhearted intensity and efficiency. He is emotionally numb and unfeeling. And yet, when he was tasked with protecting teenage Grace, he found his soulmate, despite their ten years age difference. To save her life, he was forced by his adoptive father to sever his connection with her.
Fate has reunited them and Rocco can’t stay away from her, he can’t contain his feelings when it comes to Grace. I liked that we get to know the man he really is, his gentle, human and emotional side. Grace awakens deeply buried feelings and the hope that she’ll be able to accept him as he is. She sees behind the mask he has been forced to wear. I loved Grace, she is a pacifist fighter living in a very dangerous world. Her life has been dominated by loss and sadness, but she is finally ready to fight back .
This book is a wonderful mix of romance, mystery and suspense, with a few spectacular twists. I’m completely wowed by Sarah Castille’s phenomenal writing. I have loved each and every book in the "Ruin and Revenge" series, but Rocco is hands down my favorite, definitely a must read if you enjoy mafia romance!
ARC generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Rocco De Lucchi is an enforcer, a member of a brotherhood of mob assassins. Rocco is an incredibly complex, tortured and genuine character. He is totally flawed, and yet I found him an endearing, impossible not to love anti-hero. He survived a terrible childhood, deprived of affection and love. He was trained by his brutal adoptive father to become a perfect, cold-blooded murderer, a violent hitman fulfilling mob contracts with coldhearted intensity and efficiency. He is emotionally numb and unfeeling. And yet, when he was tasked with protecting teenage Grace, he found his soulmate, despite their ten years age difference. To save her life, he was forced by his adoptive father to sever his connection with her.
Fate has reunited them and Rocco can’t stay away from her, he can’t contain his feelings when it comes to Grace. I liked that we get to know the man he really is, his gentle, human and emotional side. Grace awakens deeply buried feelings and the hope that she’ll be able to accept him as he is. She sees behind the mask he has been forced to wear. I loved Grace, she is a pacifist fighter living in a very dangerous world. Her life has been dominated by loss and sadness, but she is finally ready to fight back .
This book is a wonderful mix of romance, mystery and suspense, with a few spectacular twists. I’m completely wowed by Sarah Castille’s phenomenal writing. I have loved each and every book in the "Ruin and Revenge" series, but Rocco is hands down my favorite, definitely a must read if you enjoy mafia romance!
ARC generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
January 1, 2018
Rocco by Sarah Castille is book Three in the "Ruin & Revenge" series. This is the story of Rocco and Grace. I have read the other books in this series but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Rocco works for Grace's father and when she was a kid he would be the one her father assigned to drive them and look after them. Grace didn't know exactly who her father was other than a successful business man. When Grace is around 16 years old her feelings for Rocco take on a more adult theme for her and him. But it also opened her eyes to who her father was and what Rocco did for him. Grace would later run away and take on a new life. But then their worlds collided again, when he goes into protective mode after her father was taken down.
Rocco could be a killing machine but he was taught that way and not to love from an early age. But with Grace he can only be loving and protective.
This was an exciting second chance at love type story!
Rocco works for Grace's father and when she was a kid he would be the one her father assigned to drive them and look after them. Grace didn't know exactly who her father was other than a successful business man. When Grace is around 16 years old her feelings for Rocco take on a more adult theme for her and him. But it also opened her eyes to who her father was and what Rocco did for him. Grace would later run away and take on a new life. But then their worlds collided again, when he goes into protective mode after her father was taken down.
Rocco could be a killing machine but he was taught that way and not to love from an early age. But with Grace he can only be loving and protective.
This was an exciting second chance at love type story!
April 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
November 4, 2018
I was a bit bored at the beginning of this one, especially as I'm not a fan of flash backs of too much pushing away in my book......but when it got started it GOT started!
Rocco/Frankie was forged as a Delucci enforcer under the harshest of circumstances,trained to believe that emotions made him weak he had fallen in love with a young girl but when that ended he turned back into the cold blooded hard man he was trained to be.
Grace loved Rocco without knowing exactly what he did, she was brutally exposed to the reality of his role when she was forced to witness him murder someone....during that horrific night she was scarred with a knife by Rocco's evil adopted dad,traumatized she fled.
Fast forward some years later and these two reconnect. In the beginning I wasn't too fond of Grace but by about 40% I mostly liked her,her choosing to constantly run from a situation was something that annoyed me but for the most part I liked her..... she was fiesty,stubborn and fully able to stand up for herself even against big bad Rocco.
Rocco was a possessive, jealous,dirty talking Alpha hero who was ready and able to hurt anyone who even looked a his girl sideways. After enduring such a terribly abusive childhood he deserved his hea.
Though this was a second chance romance(still not a fan) the reasons for the breakup were valid(psycho dad/father in law works really well) and they were both with others during the separation (not a fan either)
The suspense was good,though I'm disappointed in Mike but very intrigued by Teresa/Tami/Tiffany and wouldn't mind having her as Mike's h,should he get a book and providing she didn't sleep with Tom lol.
Nico,Luca,Mia, Gabrielle and Paolo all made appearances as Rocco learned that underneath it all he was more a part of Nico's crew than he was a Delucci.
As much as I enjoyed this one and couldn't put it down there is no way I can 5* a book where 26 year old Rocco had a relationship with 16 year old Grace. Regardless of whether she instigated it or not I'd have preferred he wait,(celibately of course) until she turned 18,as such my rating was lowered.
All in all I liked the books I've read from this author(and those covers alone are are worth the price of the book)and would hope that this series continues, meanwhile I'm off to try her other books!
Rocco/Frankie was forged as a Delucci enforcer under the harshest of circumstances,trained to believe that emotions made him weak he had fallen in love with a young girl but when that ended he turned back into the cold blooded hard man he was trained to be.
Grace loved Rocco without knowing exactly what he did, she was brutally exposed to the reality of his role when she was forced to witness him murder someone....during that horrific night she was scarred with a knife by Rocco's evil adopted dad,traumatized she fled.
Fast forward some years later and these two reconnect. In the beginning I wasn't too fond of Grace but by about 40% I mostly liked her,her choosing to constantly run from a situation was something that annoyed me but for the most part I liked her..... she was fiesty,stubborn and fully able to stand up for herself even against big bad Rocco.
Rocco was a possessive, jealous,dirty talking Alpha hero who was ready and able to hurt anyone who even looked a his girl sideways. After enduring such a terribly abusive childhood he deserved his hea.
Though this was a second chance romance(still not a fan) the reasons for the breakup were valid(psycho dad/father in law works really well) and they were both with others during the separation (not a fan either)
The suspense was good,though I'm disappointed in Mike but very intrigued by Teresa/Tami/Tiffany and wouldn't mind having her as Mike's h,should he get a book and providing she didn't sleep with Tom lol.
Nico,Luca,Mia, Gabrielle and Paolo all made appearances as Rocco learned that underneath it all he was more a part of Nico's crew than he was a Delucci.
As much as I enjoyed this one and couldn't put it down there is no way I can 5* a book where 26 year old Rocco had a relationship with 16 year old Grace. Regardless of whether she instigated it or not I'd have preferred he wait,(celibately of course) until she turned 18,as such my rating was lowered.
All in all I liked the books I've read from this author(and those covers alone are are worth the price of the book)and would hope that this series continues, meanwhile I'm off to try her other books!
December 9, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Rocco the third and most recent addition to the Ruin and Revenge series, comes up with a story that delves into depth of darkness and emotion, a couple torn apart by circumstances and now they have a way to be together if they don't get killed first
Rocco was a story I was very eagerly looking forward to especially since I have enjoyed the way that this author has explored this series. I never know what to expect with her stories and Rocco is not different. I will say that Rocco is a bit darker than the previous two books. So if dark romance or intense romances appeal to you, then pick up Rocco because I guarantee that it will take you on a thrilling adventure but a scary one. I am not sure if I could compare this one to Nico and Luca because of the major fact that this one did contain a bit of a darker theme. Now I wouldn't exactly call it a "dark romance" because it doesn't get super dark, but it does have some edges that not everyone will like or will want to read in a romance.
Our key players for this full of thrills romance are:
Rocco, our sexy and dangerous hero, he has had to sacrifice many good parts of himself just to survive, and he doesn't believe there is any good in him except for his inner love with Grace.
Grace, our emotionally troubled heroine, she is completely devoted to her family, and even though she is strong she still struggles with some inner turmoil.
Rocco and Grace grew up together as kids, and Rocco although a few years older than Grace, was her protector, her best friend and then her lover. They thought they had the world at their feet until one fateful night that tore them apart forever. A night that made Rocco the man he is, without thought or feeling, only obeying orders. And Grace, who spent her entire life always on the run, trying to keep the "mob" out of her life. She is driven and wants to help those with emotional problems, especially children. But while attending a funeral, at the request of her father, she runs into the man she thought she would never see again....Rocco. He is still the same man that loved her and then broke her and now she keeps running into him. Rocco is ordered to kill Grace's father and brother. Now that he has Grace back in his life again...will he fight to protect her and a chance to be together?
What a really wonderfully penned romance and I had such a blast with this one. What really intrigued me was seeing these two come together again. It was pretty heartbreaking, I will admit. The way that they get torn apart is not easy to see, but the author does include some flashbacks, where you can understand what they have suffered through in the past but also some fun moments of what made them work so well together. What I really thought was a strong focus in this story, was the character development.
I know you make me laugh, I know you make me feel worth something, you make me feel needed, and I know I want you like I've never wanted any other woman in my life.
Especially in the way that we see these two overcome some crazy obstacles, and explore their relationship. There is so much depth into the "intimacy" between them that I found riveting and I honestly couldn't get enough of seeing them together and fighting for each other. Now, of course, there are some great conflicts, and drama that comes with this type of relationship, but seeing them work hard to overcome everything that is against them, makes the ending all that much sweeter!! A romance you can count on to give you the satisfying feels that leaves you sated!
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Rocco the third and most recent addition to the Ruin and Revenge series, comes up with a story that delves into depth of darkness and emotion, a couple torn apart by circumstances and now they have a way to be together if they don't get killed first
Rocco was a story I was very eagerly looking forward to especially since I have enjoyed the way that this author has explored this series. I never know what to expect with her stories and Rocco is not different. I will say that Rocco is a bit darker than the previous two books. So if dark romance or intense romances appeal to you, then pick up Rocco because I guarantee that it will take you on a thrilling adventure but a scary one. I am not sure if I could compare this one to Nico and Luca because of the major fact that this one did contain a bit of a darker theme. Now I wouldn't exactly call it a "dark romance" because it doesn't get super dark, but it does have some edges that not everyone will like or will want to read in a romance.
Our key players for this full of thrills romance are:
Rocco, our sexy and dangerous hero, he has had to sacrifice many good parts of himself just to survive, and he doesn't believe there is any good in him except for his inner love with Grace.
Grace, our emotionally troubled heroine, she is completely devoted to her family, and even though she is strong she still struggles with some inner turmoil.
Rocco and Grace grew up together as kids, and Rocco although a few years older than Grace, was her protector, her best friend and then her lover. They thought they had the world at their feet until one fateful night that tore them apart forever. A night that made Rocco the man he is, without thought or feeling, only obeying orders. And Grace, who spent her entire life always on the run, trying to keep the "mob" out of her life. She is driven and wants to help those with emotional problems, especially children. But while attending a funeral, at the request of her father, she runs into the man she thought she would never see again....Rocco. He is still the same man that loved her and then broke her and now she keeps running into him. Rocco is ordered to kill Grace's father and brother. Now that he has Grace back in his life again...will he fight to protect her and a chance to be together?
What a really wonderfully penned romance and I had such a blast with this one. What really intrigued me was seeing these two come together again. It was pretty heartbreaking, I will admit. The way that they get torn apart is not easy to see, but the author does include some flashbacks, where you can understand what they have suffered through in the past but also some fun moments of what made them work so well together. What I really thought was a strong focus in this story, was the character development.
I know you make me laugh, I know you make me feel worth something, you make me feel needed, and I know I want you like I've never wanted any other woman in my life.
Especially in the way that we see these two overcome some crazy obstacles, and explore their relationship. There is so much depth into the "intimacy" between them that I found riveting and I honestly couldn't get enough of seeing them together and fighting for each other. Now, of course, there are some great conflicts, and drama that comes with this type of relationship, but seeing them work hard to overcome everything that is against them, makes the ending all that much sweeter!! A romance you can count on to give you the satisfying feels that leaves you sated!
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December 21, 2017
Rocco De Lucchi loved only one woman, Grace Mantini and when she left his heart went with him. Years later Rocco is near her again, but his bitterness for her has grown and he only focuses on his job. Thrown together by circumstance, Grace sees Rocco has changed and is not the man she remembers. When a betrayal happens and Grace is thrown into it, Rocco is again by her side but can each other put the pieces of their past together to have any hopes of a future?
This had a major twist I was not anticipating where Rocco was concerned. I like that each book in this series is so different from the first one. Rocco has a major chip on his shoulder and I liked that Grace had backbone and didn't let him get away with his behavior. Intriguing read that captivated from beginning to end.
This had a major twist I was not anticipating where Rocco was concerned. I like that each book in this series is so different from the first one. Rocco has a major chip on his shoulder and I liked that Grace had backbone and didn't let him get away with his behavior. Intriguing read that captivated from beginning to end.
May 30, 2017
I LOVE this series so much! Another fantastic book from Sarah Castille. I never want to leave this world! Readers are going to love this one. Thank you so much to Sarah Castille for giving me the honor of beta reading another amazing book, this one is a must read!
January 9, 2018
For years, Grace Mantini was chauffeured to and from school with her brother by Rocco. He’s almost a decade older than her but the attraction between them is hot and they succumb to temptation once she is sixteen years old. That was before she discovered her father is a mob boss . . . . and that Rocco was a made man. Determined to leave the mob world behind her, Grace has made a new life for herself without her father or Rocco in it.
Years later, Grace’s new life and her family’s mob life collide as they attend a funeral. Shortly after her father is taken down in a mafia hit. Rocco goes into protective mode. The two have never forgotten each other or got over their attraction. Now Rocco is an enforcer, a killer for hire, the Ice Man and one of the most deadly in the business with no way to get out, even if that’s what Grace makes him dream of doing. Can she learn to trust him again? Can he protect her and stop those who seek to destroy her and her family?
The relationship between the two main characters is superbly portrayed - angst and all! The plot is action packed, enthralling and full of intrigue. The flashbacks help fill in their background relationship, helping the reader understand their prior romantic connections and how they impinge on their present and potential future together. The heat is definitely on in this steamy, suspense filled, second-chance, mafia romance!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Years later, Grace’s new life and her family’s mob life collide as they attend a funeral. Shortly after her father is taken down in a mafia hit. Rocco goes into protective mode. The two have never forgotten each other or got over their attraction. Now Rocco is an enforcer, a killer for hire, the Ice Man and one of the most deadly in the business with no way to get out, even if that’s what Grace makes him dream of doing. Can she learn to trust him again? Can he protect her and stop those who seek to destroy her and her family?
The relationship between the two main characters is superbly portrayed - angst and all! The plot is action packed, enthralling and full of intrigue. The flashbacks help fill in their background relationship, helping the reader understand their prior romantic connections and how they impinge on their present and potential future together. The heat is definitely on in this steamy, suspense filled, second-chance, mafia romance!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
December 17, 2017
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Sexy mafia enforcer and the daughter of one of the mob’s top men get a second chance in Rocco. The third book in the Ruin & Revenge series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sarah Castille is full of danger and suspense.
When Grace Mantini learned the truth behind not only her father’s ties to the mob, but also her lover’s, she ran. She ran and never looked back. But now a funeral has put her back in Rocco De Lucchi’s sights. She wants nothing to do with him, but soon learns that she needs his protection against those that want to use her to destroy her family. Can they resist the pull of passion to evade their enemies, or will their love bring about their downfall?
Rocco is exactly what you expect when you think of a mob enforcer. He is tough, ruthless, unforgiving, he does his job and he does it well. The only softness, or I guess weakness he seems to have is Grace. But when she left, he hardened his heart and became the stereotypical mob brute that is portrayed in the movies.
Grace to me was a bit naïve. I mean it goes with the storyline, but how could she have no idea that her father and her boyfriend both had ties to the mob, there had to be some hint. Then to hate him for years, but still keep in contact with her father enough to hear about the funeral, that’s petty. I just felt that she had a lot of growing up to do, and I was glad to see it happen.
While I connected with Rocco more than I did Grace, I did enjoy the suspenseful plot. I was intrigued and that kept me turning the pages and eventually finding a slight connection with Grace.
A great romantic suspense with a mafia twist. Four stars.
Sexy mafia enforcer and the daughter of one of the mob’s top men get a second chance in Rocco. The third book in the Ruin & Revenge series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sarah Castille is full of danger and suspense.
When Grace Mantini learned the truth behind not only her father’s ties to the mob, but also her lover’s, she ran. She ran and never looked back. But now a funeral has put her back in Rocco De Lucchi’s sights. She wants nothing to do with him, but soon learns that she needs his protection against those that want to use her to destroy her family. Can they resist the pull of passion to evade their enemies, or will their love bring about their downfall?
Rocco is exactly what you expect when you think of a mob enforcer. He is tough, ruthless, unforgiving, he does his job and he does it well. The only softness, or I guess weakness he seems to have is Grace. But when she left, he hardened his heart and became the stereotypical mob brute that is portrayed in the movies.
Grace to me was a bit naïve. I mean it goes with the storyline, but how could she have no idea that her father and her boyfriend both had ties to the mob, there had to be some hint. Then to hate him for years, but still keep in contact with her father enough to hear about the funeral, that’s petty. I just felt that she had a lot of growing up to do, and I was glad to see it happen.
While I connected with Rocco more than I did Grace, I did enjoy the suspenseful plot. I was intrigued and that kept me turning the pages and eventually finding a slight connection with Grace.
A great romantic suspense with a mafia twist. Four stars.
gave-up
June 1, 2021What is it with Mafia romances and disturbing age gaps??
I really liked the first book in this series. This one would be good as well....if it weren't for gross age gap.
Heroine is 10 and Hero is 20 when they meet. When she sings a song, he "feels something" and bonds with her. As she grows up, he chases boys away from her and then they sleep together when she is 16.
And he blames her for not accepting his killer side and being his "salvation" at that age!! What 26 year old goes to a 16 year old for that kind of comfort. It's just disturbing on many levels. Especially since we get the Hero's POV.
This kind of plotline was done right by Ilona Andrews in Blood Heir and Magic Stars. But the way it's written here is just grooming 101.
I really liked the first book in this series. This one would be good as well....if it weren't for gross age gap.
Heroine is 10 and Hero is 20 when they meet. When she sings a song, he "feels something" and bonds with her. As she grows up, he chases boys away from her and then they sleep together when she is 16.
And he blames her for not accepting his killer side and being his "salvation" at that age!! What 26 year old goes to a 16 year old for that kind of comfort. It's just disturbing on many levels. Especially since we get the Hero's POV.
This kind of plotline was done right by Ilona Andrews in Blood Heir and Magic Stars. But the way it's written here is just grooming 101.
December 11, 2017
Team Rocco here!!
I know I say it after every release, but Rocco is my favorite! I can’t believe each stand-alone in this series is better than the last. I must admit, Rocco, is my favorite because we “see” his pain. He wears it like a mantle of pride! What can I say? I have a heart for wounded heroes! And the woooossaaaa moment???!!! Heroine has her share of wounds! Can you say Mafia perfection?
Rocco’s story is darker than previous releases. Castille does justice to both the hero and heroine in this story. Their childhood experiences were rough even by mafia standards. Castille NAILED the opportunity to weave Rocco and Grace’s dark story with integrity while staying true to the “life”. This story is packed with action, betrayal, angst, and forbidden romance....all the feels you can handle! Prepare your heart, readers! It’s a roller coaster ride from beginning to end!
#teamRocco
Five fabulous stars!
I know I say it after every release, but Rocco is my favorite! I can’t believe each stand-alone in this series is better than the last. I must admit, Rocco, is my favorite because we “see” his pain. He wears it like a mantle of pride! What can I say? I have a heart for wounded heroes! And the woooossaaaa moment???!!! Heroine has her share of wounds! Can you say Mafia perfection?
Rocco’s story is darker than previous releases. Castille does justice to both the hero and heroine in this story. Their childhood experiences were rough even by mafia standards. Castille NAILED the opportunity to weave Rocco and Grace’s dark story with integrity while staying true to the “life”. This story is packed with action, betrayal, angst, and forbidden romance....all the feels you can handle! Prepare your heart, readers! It’s a roller coaster ride from beginning to end!
#teamRocco
Five fabulous stars!
December 26, 2017
Yep. This series is still AMAZING.
Rocco was HOT. I mean, talk about "protector to the nth degree." He was one guy you didn't want to mess with, and yet, Grace stood up to him like no one had, and he was powerless to ever be mean to her. LOVED that.
I really felt for Grace; she had physical and mental scars that she had to deal with, but she sure didn't take any guff from anyone, and for that, I admired her.
Sarah truly did an excellent job of describing emotions. I'm pretty sure I felt everything she intended, from the intense love between Grace and Rocco to his fear when she might have been hurt to her fierce need for him. Very. Well. Done.
I enjoyed the dynamic of the Mafia, especially the characters I had met in previous books (this is a standalone, but you'll totally want to read the other books too!) Sarah takes a seemingly dark world and makes it into a "meh, these guys aren't so bad" kind of feel.
I am SO excited to see what ends up happening with a certain villain and a certain victim, so I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
Rocco was HOT. I mean, talk about "protector to the nth degree." He was one guy you didn't want to mess with, and yet, Grace stood up to him like no one had, and he was powerless to ever be mean to her. LOVED that.
I really felt for Grace; she had physical and mental scars that she had to deal with, but she sure didn't take any guff from anyone, and for that, I admired her.
Sarah truly did an excellent job of describing emotions. I'm pretty sure I felt everything she intended, from the intense love between Grace and Rocco to his fear when she might have been hurt to her fierce need for him. Very. Well. Done.
I enjoyed the dynamic of the Mafia, especially the characters I had met in previous books (this is a standalone, but you'll totally want to read the other books too!) Sarah takes a seemingly dark world and makes it into a "meh, these guys aren't so bad" kind of feel.
I am SO excited to see what ends up happening with a certain villain and a certain victim, so I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
January 3, 2018
Love, Love, LOVE this series!
Rocco is an enforcer, part of the De Lucchi family, the lowest a person can be because he isn't technically part of the family. My heart broke when we are told about his past and his father. Can he ever truly be good enough for Grace, the Mob Princess?
You can see my full review along with a #giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
Rocco is an enforcer, part of the De Lucchi family, the lowest a person can be because he isn't technically part of the family. My heart broke when we are told about his past and his father. Can he ever truly be good enough for Grace, the Mob Princess?
You can see my full review along with a #giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
January 5, 2018
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
4 Feel Nothing Crowns
There is something that I love about a series that has an over-arching plot line while giving readers standalones with each book. Maybe it is all the sub-plots the author has to juggle. Maybe it is the satisfaction of getting a completely story but also being forced to wait for the final big resolution. Either way, this series has been one of my favorite, for the plot as well as this mafia world the author has created.
Rocco is an enforcer in the mafia. He was brutalized as a child in order to create a killing machine who follows orders only. He is never meant to feel, but he falls in love at a young age. This relationship leads to disastrous consequences that shapes who he becomes as a man. Although he is talked about be the secondary characters as this man with no soul, I didn’t really see it. Readers don’t really get to see him do anything that bad. He is in the mafia so we expect violence, but nothing really warranted his reputation. Readers also see him with Grace, and when he is with her he feels it all. Readers will like his character though, as he is honorable, even as a criminal, and he loves and protects what is his, giving him attributes readers love in a romance hero.
Grace, like the previous heroines in the series, grows and changes. She has adamant beliefs about the mafia and wants nothing to do with them. Everything is black and white for her. As the novel progresses, however, she begins to see it isn’t so clear cut, that there are shades of grey. Additionally, we see her change as the people she cares for are threatened. Even as she evolves, the core of who she is didn’t. She just figures out how to live in this world.
The plot is one filled with suspense and plot revelations galore. Readers get that second chance romance with a hint of danger. The author does a fantastic job of keeping readers on their toes with the suspense with the use of foreshadowing. These hints get readers thinking and anticipating how the story is going to play out, and I can honestly say I didn’t figure it out until right before it is all revealed. The resolution is also fantastic, and the author gives and HEA while still adhering to the rules of the mafia world.
Rocco is another great addition to this series. Suspenseful and sexy with a dash of romance, the third installment will have readers glued to their books.
______
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
4 Feel Nothing Crowns
There is something that I love about a series that has an over-arching plot line while giving readers standalones with each book. Maybe it is all the sub-plots the author has to juggle. Maybe it is the satisfaction of getting a completely story but also being forced to wait for the final big resolution. Either way, this series has been one of my favorite, for the plot as well as this mafia world the author has created.
Rocco is an enforcer in the mafia. He was brutalized as a child in order to create a killing machine who follows orders only. He is never meant to feel, but he falls in love at a young age. This relationship leads to disastrous consequences that shapes who he becomes as a man. Although he is talked about be the secondary characters as this man with no soul, I didn’t really see it. Readers don’t really get to see him do anything that bad. He is in the mafia so we expect violence, but nothing really warranted his reputation. Readers also see him with Grace, and when he is with her he feels it all. Readers will like his character though, as he is honorable, even as a criminal, and he loves and protects what is his, giving him attributes readers love in a romance hero.
Grace, like the previous heroines in the series, grows and changes. She has adamant beliefs about the mafia and wants nothing to do with them. Everything is black and white for her. As the novel progresses, however, she begins to see it isn’t so clear cut, that there are shades of grey. Additionally, we see her change as the people she cares for are threatened. Even as she evolves, the core of who she is didn’t. She just figures out how to live in this world.
The plot is one filled with suspense and plot revelations galore. Readers get that second chance romance with a hint of danger. The author does a fantastic job of keeping readers on their toes with the suspense with the use of foreshadowing. These hints get readers thinking and anticipating how the story is going to play out, and I can honestly say I didn’t figure it out until right before it is all revealed. The resolution is also fantastic, and the author gives and HEA while still adhering to the rules of the mafia world.
Rocco is another great addition to this series. Suspenseful and sexy with a dash of romance, the third installment will have readers glued to their books.
______
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
March 18, 2018
I was hesitant, I mean he is a criminal! And not just any criminal. He is a mafia enforcer, and he will pull the trigger without blinking. As you can see this was my first trip to the darker side of romance, I guess gangsters need love too. So at first I was all, he kills people! *eyes wide* But dang it, he managed to steal my heart! Told you, a thief too.
Rocco as you might have guess is a criminal. He kills people. He break their knees and he was raised to feel nothing. And he is SO alpha. Possessive, dark, too much, but at the same time, he is just so broken that my inner voice goes all, someone needs to fix him. He is not very likable, but to those that see past it, yes, he has a heart and I like that Castille managed to give him a soul. Because it was tough in the beginning.
Grace ran away from her mafia family and made herself a new life. I do wonder who she could be so blind and not see that her dad was a mobster. Oh girl, seriously? She was broken too after something that happened that we later learn about. She was anti violence, anti mafia, anti family. She was also really self conscious about her scar. Again poor girl, stand up for yourself and tell people to go to H if they stare!
After 6 years they meet again. And they could never forget each other, awwww. But he is nothing and a killer. She is still way above him and not to mention she does not want that life. They had a lot to go through and I did wonder at times if they would make it. I mean I knew they would but how?
Throw in lots of violence, mob hits and hiding. And let us not forget lots of passion too.
One thing, she explains a lot of terms, this being book 3 I guess the explains those terms in all books. I wrote a paper about Lucky Luciano in HS, I know those terms (and yes I was weird, who writes about him?).
But the end, omg, there is this secret and they are all, we will talk about it tomorrow and the book ends! And no word about more books. But but but I wanted to know!
It did make me go back and listen to the previous two!
So dark and passionate.
Narrator Aiden Snow
I liked his voice for Rocco. He was Rocco, all dark and edgy. He did a great job bringing this terrible world to life. Perfect.
Rocco as you might have guess is a criminal. He kills people. He break their knees and he was raised to feel nothing. And he is SO alpha. Possessive, dark, too much, but at the same time, he is just so broken that my inner voice goes all, someone needs to fix him. He is not very likable, but to those that see past it, yes, he has a heart and I like that Castille managed to give him a soul. Because it was tough in the beginning.
Grace ran away from her mafia family and made herself a new life. I do wonder who she could be so blind and not see that her dad was a mobster. Oh girl, seriously? She was broken too after something that happened that we later learn about. She was anti violence, anti mafia, anti family. She was also really self conscious about her scar. Again poor girl, stand up for yourself and tell people to go to H if they stare!
After 6 years they meet again. And they could never forget each other, awwww. But he is nothing and a killer. She is still way above him and not to mention she does not want that life. They had a lot to go through and I did wonder at times if they would make it. I mean I knew they would but how?
Throw in lots of violence, mob hits and hiding. And let us not forget lots of passion too.
One thing, she explains a lot of terms, this being book 3 I guess the explains those terms in all books. I wrote a paper about Lucky Luciano in HS, I know those terms (and yes I was weird, who writes about him?).
But the end, omg, there is this secret and they are all, we will talk about it tomorrow and the book ends! And no word about more books. But but but I wanted to know!
It did make me go back and listen to the previous two!
So dark and passionate.
Narrator Aiden Snow
I liked his voice for Rocco. He was Rocco, all dark and edgy. He did a great job bringing this terrible world to life. Perfect.
January 2, 2018
Honor, betrayal and love make a complicated combination…
I am fascinated by this genre where men and women, while not glorified as they walk on the wrong side of the law, are given humanity, emotions, that are sometimes hard to reconcile with their actions. It is a brutal world where loyalty and family is everything and a misstep is deadly…
What happens when lovers are separated yet love remains? Rocco and Grace’s chemistry was clear even as they found themselves with a line between them that neither was willing to cross. He was mafia. Cold, brutal and emotionless when it comes to getting the job down, his role as a mob enforcer drove a wedge between them that couldn’t be moved. Grace and done everything she could to distance herself from him as well as her family that was built the same way. When circumstances meant she had to rely on Rocco for her well-being, she had to re-evaluate her whole life once again…
Star-crossed lovers they definitely were as their second chance played against a brutal and bloody backdrop of familia politics. As with the other books in this series, I found myself totally immersed in the drama, complete with nervous stomach and anxiety shadowing every turn of the page. I couldn’t imagine how their romance would play out with a happy ending and I admit I was surprised how it all came together. At the end of the day I found myself firmly rooting for their love that felt too real to be set aside….
December 31, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
I have mixed feelings about this book... I think perhaps Mafia Romance may not be my cup of tea (I think it's because my husband binge watches The Sopranos constantly so over the past ten years I've had my fair share of wiseguys). It took me a while to get into the book, but about 35% in I was fully committed and enjoyed the ride, but it wasn't an easy one. While it's the third book in the series, it read ok as a standalone, though I think I may have enjoyed it more had I read books 1 and 2 first (especially since the hierarchy of the organization, the current drama, and quite a few of the secondary characters are set up in those books). Rocco/Frankie and Grace were great characters with layers and heavy backstories and a beautiful (if not a bit taboo) history with each other and it was good to see them work their way back in each other's lives. There was a lot of action and tons of suspense and honestly that's what kept me turning the pages. I'm interested to see how I feel about the series if I start again from the beginning, but at this point I don't know if I want to commit to continuing with the series. It's not that I didn't enjoy the book - the writing was really good and the author seemed to do research to familiarize herself with the world, but I just don't think the mob is for me. 3.5 out of wine glasses.
I have mixed feelings about this book... I think perhaps Mafia Romance may not be my cup of tea (I think it's because my husband binge watches The Sopranos constantly so over the past ten years I've had my fair share of wiseguys). It took me a while to get into the book, but about 35% in I was fully committed and enjoyed the ride, but it wasn't an easy one. While it's the third book in the series, it read ok as a standalone, though I think I may have enjoyed it more had I read books 1 and 2 first (especially since the hierarchy of the organization, the current drama, and quite a few of the secondary characters are set up in those books). Rocco/Frankie and Grace were great characters with layers and heavy backstories and a beautiful (if not a bit taboo) history with each other and it was good to see them work their way back in each other's lives. There was a lot of action and tons of suspense and honestly that's what kept me turning the pages. I'm interested to see how I feel about the series if I start again from the beginning, but at this point I don't know if I want to commit to continuing with the series. It's not that I didn't enjoy the book - the writing was really good and the author seemed to do research to familiarize herself with the world, but I just don't think the mob is for me. 3.5 out of wine glasses.
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