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Donati Bloodlines #3.5
Behind the Bloodlines
A Donati Trilogy Companion Novella
The secrets of the Donati family begin here …
Read as Cross and Camilla Donati go from children, to teens, to young adults, where their stories can now begin. Learn the most devastating moment in Affonso Donati’s life, as he handpicks his new bride.
And finish where it all began, where the secrets started, and the first lies muddied the bloodlines of the Donati family.
Written in novella form that moves from one scene to the next in single chapter formed mini-stories, Behind the Bloodlines is a collection that spans long before Calisto and Emma, to far into their marriage, and beyond with never before seen perspectives.
Behind the Bloodlines is a 20k Companion Novella to the Donati Bloodlines Trilogy. It includes three deleted scenes, one extended file, five unseen future-takes, and two never-seen-before POVs. It is not meant to be read as a standalone novella from the Trilogy, but as an add-on after finishing.
The secrets of the Donati family begin here …
Read as Cross and Camilla Donati go from children, to teens, to young adults, where their stories can now begin. Learn the most devastating moment in Affonso Donati’s life, as he handpicks his new bride.
And finish where it all began, where the secrets started, and the first lies muddied the bloodlines of the Donati family.
Written in novella form that moves from one scene to the next in single chapter formed mini-stories, Behind the Bloodlines is a collection that spans long before Calisto and Emma, to far into their marriage, and beyond with never before seen perspectives.
Behind the Bloodlines is a 20k Companion Novella to the Donati Bloodlines Trilogy. It includes three deleted scenes, one extended file, five unseen future-takes, and two never-seen-before POVs. It is not meant to be read as a standalone novella from the Trilogy, but as an add-on after finishing.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2017
31 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Bethany-Kris
108 books4,256 followersThe author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 23, 2017
Loved the simple and straightforward DEDICATION note at the beginning of this novella.
☞ Okay, on to the story!
The opening pages had me sliding into panic mode even though I already know how Donati Bloodlines: The Complete Trilogy ends!
Still, there's just something about this particular group of characters that I especially enjoy reading about, and being plunged back into that forbidden world between Emma and Cal, reliving the intensity of Emma's multiple heartaches, revisiting Affonso's not-so-empty shell of an existence--all of it was like marinating in the perfect storm! Again! This companion piece threw me back into some distressing scenes (and introduced me to some comforting ones!) and I simply loved it!
Favorite scene? The Donati Unseen File: The Donati Prince.
Favorite line by Calisto? “Fuck. Your. Policy.”
☞ Enjoyed!
☞ Okay, on to the story!
The opening pages had me sliding into panic mode even though I already know how Donati Bloodlines: The Complete Trilogy ends!
Still, there's just something about this particular group of characters that I especially enjoy reading about, and being plunged back into that forbidden world between Emma and Cal, reliving the intensity of Emma's multiple heartaches, revisiting Affonso's not-so-empty shell of an existence--all of it was like marinating in the perfect storm! Again! This companion piece threw me back into some distressing scenes (and introduced me to some comforting ones!) and I simply loved it!
Favorite scene? The Donati Unseen File: The Donati Prince.
Favorite line by Calisto? “Fuck. Your. Policy.”
☞ Enjoyed!
July 18, 2017
Well, well, well. Who woulda thought I'd 5 star the heck out of a companion novella that comprised in the main of deleted scenes and peeks into the future? Only Bethany-Kris could do this to perfection.
I absolutely loved spending extra time with Cal & Co., and not in the least bit surprised Cross is his dad's mini-me. ❤
I've said it before .... I'll read BK's shopping list.
I absolutely loved spending extra time with Cal & Co., and not in the least bit surprised Cross is his dad's mini-me. ❤
I've said it before .... I'll read BK's shopping list.
July 21, 2017
I loved it. All of it. I loved reading the deleted scenes. It was heartbreaking to go down memory lane with Cal and Emma and relive some of the moments that felt so hopeless at the time. But so sweet because you knew the hea was there. I loved reading some of what happened between the end of book 3 and the epilogue. It's got me so excited for Cross and Catherine, and Camilla and Tommaso's stories. I got 2 very unexpected povs at the end that really surprised me and summed up the books nicely.
December 27, 2020
Me pareció muy bueno este libro. Creo que eran las escenas extras que necesitábamos para cerrar bien ésta historia.
Ahora resta leer los libros Cross y Camilla.
Ahora resta leer los libros Cross y Camilla.
July 23, 2017
5 STARS ☆☆☆☆☆
The Donati trilogy is one of my favorites and I love Emma and Calisto.
This book gives us wonderful snippets and extras in this couples life.
Now on to Cross and Catherine the previews of what's to come in there story just gives a mini glimpse of the type of force that their relationship will have and I can't wait!!!!
Camilla and Tommaso, I mean and this is Tommas Rossi's son and Calisto Donati's daughter need I say more.
All my favorite families coming together♡
Thank you for this little gem Bethany-Kris!
The Donati trilogy is one of my favorites and I love Emma and Calisto.
This book gives us wonderful snippets and extras in this couples life.
Now on to Cross and Catherine the previews of what's to come in there story just gives a mini glimpse of the type of force that their relationship will have and I can't wait!!!!
Camilla and Tommaso, I mean and this is Tommas Rossi's son and Calisto Donati's daughter need I say more.
All my favorite families coming together♡
Thank you for this little gem Bethany-Kris!
February 2, 2021
No se si reírme o llorar porque las escenas que aparecen acá de Calisto con Cross eran lo que necesitaba para que el libro anterior fuera perfecto.
April 22, 2020
Behind The Bloodlines me parecio una lectura muy necesaria, que ademas complementa muy bien a la trilogia Donati Bloodlines, las nuevas escenas que encontramos en su interior son interesantes, y exceptuando algun que otro punto de vista que en mi opinion no resulta tan imprescindible, esta novela extra es un muy buen añadido a una serie que no te dejara indiferente.
En resumen, Behind The Bloodlines cumple su cometido, cerrar de forma inmejorable esta saga y a la vez dejarte con ganas de conocer las futuras historias de Catherine y Cross y Camilla y Tommaso.
3.5 Estrellas!
July 22, 2017
...
..
.
THIS IS NOTHING BUT A TEASE!!!!!!
I need him I need Cross! It's an obsession! From the moment he was first introduced in Legacy I. WAS. SOLD.
And all these little snippets... ARE DRIVING ME INSANE!
I ate up every little word, every detail I could on Cross because I really need his story! This is insanity. And this...this did nothing but make me even more impatient.
***Though I loved getting a bit on Camilla and Tommaso. Those two are just so cute! And of course my favorite couple, Cal and Emma.
BK can you please let my Donati Prince know...
..
.
THIS IS NOTHING BUT A TEASE!!!!!!
I need him I need Cross! It's an obsession! From the moment he was first introduced in Legacy I. WAS. SOLD.
And all these little snippets... ARE DRIVING ME INSANE!
I ate up every little word, every detail I could on Cross because I really need his story! This is insanity. And this...this did nothing but make me even more impatient.
***Though I loved getting a bit on Camilla and Tommaso. Those two are just so cute! And of course my favorite couple, Cal and Emma.
BK can you please let my Donati Prince know...
December 2, 2021
First read Sep 2019: ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Re-Read Nov 2021: ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.5 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
This novella was such a good addition to the trilogy!! It added exactly what it needed. I adored watching Cal and Emma be with their kids as babies and toddlers 😭😭
This novella is just a compilation of chapters that were deleted on the other books, new chapters about other character’s povs and a few scenes we missed in the 20-year time jump we had on the third book, before the epilogue.
*NOTE: this a trilogy about a forbidden romance and it should be read in order*
Re-Read Nov 2021: ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.5 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
This novella was such a good addition to the trilogy!! It added exactly what it needed. I adored watching Cal and Emma be with their kids as babies and toddlers 😭😭
This novella is just a compilation of chapters that were deleted on the other books, new chapters about other character’s povs and a few scenes we missed in the 20-year time jump we had on the third book, before the epilogue.
*NOTE: this a trilogy about a forbidden romance and it should be read in order*
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• Donati Bloodlines Trilogy •
Thin Lies #1 ─ 4.25 stars
Thin Lines #2 ─ 5 stars
Thin Lives #3 — 4 stars
Behind the Bloodlines #3.5 — 3.5 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
January 28, 2020
Nice addition to this series !
We really enjoyed all these cut scenes from all our favorite stories and it's characters.We loved seeing how things could have turned out differently and why the author chose to do things differently at deleting these scenes.This was a nice touch at adding this novella to a rather enjoyable series.
We really enjoyed all these cut scenes from all our favorite stories and it's characters.We loved seeing how things could have turned out differently and why the author chose to do things differently at deleting these scenes.This was a nice touch at adding this novella to a rather enjoyable series.
May 29, 2024
parentism peaked w emmacal
July 20, 2017
This novel could be labelled the perfect Donati trailer. Present, future and past all coincide to make a really good companion novella. Only thing that could have made it better was Cross's POV but I suspect that is to come in a later series.
I remember reading somewhere once that the author didn't plan on giving Camilla (the current generation) and Tommaso their own story because of their compatibility. At first, I didn't care because the Donati's have always been the series that gave me the most difficulty to complete, but after reading this, I have to ask ... Are you crazy Bethany? You have to give us something on these two!
A good filler, reminder and teaser. It really is as the dedication says, "for all the lovers of Calisto and Emma." After working my way up to being one of those readers, I can attest to never being satisfied and always wanting more. Dante, Calisto & the gang as silver foxes? Bring it on!
I remember reading somewhere once that the author didn't plan on giving Camilla (the current generation) and Tommaso their own story because of their compatibility. At first, I didn't care because the Donati's have always been the series that gave me the most difficulty to complete, but after reading this, I have to ask ... Are you crazy Bethany? You have to give us something on these two!
A good filler, reminder and teaser. It really is as the dedication says, "for all the lovers of Calisto and Emma." After working my way up to being one of those readers, I can attest to never being satisfied and always wanting more. Dante, Calisto & the gang as silver foxes? Bring it on!
July 19, 2017
I love Cross! I hope Bethany makes a book about him *fingers crossed*. Overall another great addition to the Donati series.
April 5, 2019
I liked that we got this. Got to see some deleted scenes and some that were written in other POVs (Affonso's and Camillas, Calisto's mother which I would've actually liked if it had been longer, more about her marriage to Richard).
I also liked that we got to see Calisto's POV about Camilla's (his daughter's) birth. And the parts with baby Cross made me cry. How Calisto wants to claim his child so bad, but can't.
I also liked that we got to see Calisto's POV about Camilla's (his daughter's) birth. And the parts with baby Cross made me cry. How Calisto wants to claim his child so bad, but can't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
I hate Emmy. Seriously, how much of a bitch do you have to be to string a beautiful ass man along while you're married and playing house with his uncle.
Such a hoe!
Such a hoe!
December 27, 2021
The crosscathrine unseen files were v cute can't wait to read them. skipped that affonso's pov chapter though cant read ab that nasty pig anymore
May 10, 2022
bethany kris acaba de desbloquearme la necesidad de que todas las autoras saquen las deleted scenes de sus libros en formato novella
March 4, 2023
crosscatherine 💕💕
May 21, 2021
Me gustaron estos extras, sobre todo los de los hijos de Calisto y Emma. Siento que ya amo a las parejas que son CamillaxTommaso y CrossxCatherine, y la verdad que no puedo esperar a leer sus libros y engancharme con sus historias.
"Era casi como si su hijo no pensara que ninguna mujer valiera la pena su tiempo o el esfuerzo para conocer a su familia, o para que él hablara de eso.
Ninguna, eso era, excepto por Catherine Marcello.""
Cross siempre preocupándose por Catherine entre sus idas y vueltas, incluso cuando ya no están más juntos, demuestra como Catherine es la única chica en su vida. Además de que se nota lo mucho que la ama.
En cuanto a la otra hija de Donati, me dio mucha ternura Tommaso yendo a Calisto para pedirle una cita con Camilla y Cal inmediatamente haciéndole saber que él no toma esas decisiones por ella, que tiene que ir por su cuenta a pedirle esa cita a su hija y así ella tener la oportunidad de rechazarlo o aceptarlo. ¿Y cuando aparecieron los dos agarrados de la mano en una cena Donati? *GRITOS DESCONTROLADOS* NECESITO MÁS DE ELLOS.
"Su hijo, aunque era su sobrino para el mundo exterior, era su orgullo.
Su mayor orgullo.
Y el niño solo tenía dos años."
Fue muy lindo pero a la vez triste ver cada momento que Cross llamaba Pa o papá a Calisto, y realmente espero que Cross durante sus libros sepa la verdad de su paternidad. Entiendo completamente que la oculten a los demás pero no me gusta que Cross no lo sepa, él tiene derecho a saberlo. Además, creo que Cross no sería capaz de enojarse con sus padres, al menos no mucho tiempo y hasta que sea capaz de entenderlo con claridad.
Y luego está lo del embarazo de Emma, fue muy doloroso porque ambos querían otro hijos juntos pero no querían arriesgarse a perderlo y sin duda Camilla luchó para vivir.
"—L ́amore é forte come la morte. El amor es fuerte como la muerte. Casi hace que el amor suene severo, o incluso mórbido, pero...
—Eso es porque es verdad."Emma y Cross.
El extra de Affonso me hizo odiarlo aún más si es posible. Entiendo que fue criado de una manera y que por eso trata a las mujeres como las trata, pero la verdad que eso no lo hace menos una mierda de persona y tampoco justifica su comportamiento.
Por último, hubo un extra de la madre de Calisto que fue lindo, triste y horrible empezando con un compromiso, posteriormente una boda y finalmente una Camilla embarazada frente a la lápida de su marido con su violador esperándola para atormentarla por el resto de su vida.
"Era casi como si su hijo no pensara que ninguna mujer valiera la pena su tiempo o el esfuerzo para conocer a su familia, o para que él hablara de eso.
Ninguna, eso era, excepto por Catherine Marcello.""
Cross siempre preocupándose por Catherine entre sus idas y vueltas, incluso cuando ya no están más juntos, demuestra como Catherine es la única chica en su vida. Además de que se nota lo mucho que la ama.
En cuanto a la otra hija de Donati, me dio mucha ternura Tommaso yendo a Calisto para pedirle una cita con Camilla y Cal inmediatamente haciéndole saber que él no toma esas decisiones por ella, que tiene que ir por su cuenta a pedirle esa cita a su hija y así ella tener la oportunidad de rechazarlo o aceptarlo. ¿Y cuando aparecieron los dos agarrados de la mano en una cena Donati? *GRITOS DESCONTROLADOS* NECESITO MÁS DE ELLOS.
"Su hijo, aunque era su sobrino para el mundo exterior, era su orgullo.
Su mayor orgullo.
Y el niño solo tenía dos años."
Fue muy lindo pero a la vez triste ver cada momento que Cross llamaba Pa o papá a Calisto, y realmente espero que Cross durante sus libros sepa la verdad de su paternidad. Entiendo completamente que la oculten a los demás pero no me gusta que Cross no lo sepa, él tiene derecho a saberlo. Además, creo que Cross no sería capaz de enojarse con sus padres, al menos no mucho tiempo y hasta que sea capaz de entenderlo con claridad.
Y luego está lo del embarazo de Emma, fue muy doloroso porque ambos querían otro hijos juntos pero no querían arriesgarse a perderlo y sin duda Camilla luchó para vivir.
"—L ́amore é forte come la morte. El amor es fuerte como la muerte. Casi hace que el amor suene severo, o incluso mórbido, pero...
—Eso es porque es verdad."Emma y Cross.
El extra de Affonso me hizo odiarlo aún más si es posible. Entiendo que fue criado de una manera y que por eso trata a las mujeres como las trata, pero la verdad que eso no lo hace menos una mierda de persona y tampoco justifica su comportamiento.
Por último, hubo un extra de la madre de Calisto que fue lindo, triste y horrible empezando con un compromiso, posteriormente una boda y finalmente una Camilla embarazada frente a la lápida de su marido con su violador esperándola para atormentarla por el resto de su vida.
November 20, 2020
Me agradó este extra porque me dio momentos CatherineCross y los amo sin haberlos leído aún. Fue muy lindo ver cómo Cross siempre estuvo ahí para ella incluso cuando no estaban juntos y después ver cómo dice que la ama y siempre lo hará. De verdad ya quiero leer sus libros.
Los momentos de Calisto con Cross fueron lindos pero también tristes cuando Cross le decía papá y Calisto pensaba en corregirlo para que le dijera tío. Odio eso. Amo que a Cross ya grande le valga verga eso.
Estuvo gracioso y tierno lo de Tommaso pidiendo permiso a Calisto para salir con Camilla. Me gustó como Calisto dejó claro que eso era completamente decisión de su hija, que el no la controla. Un comentario igual hizo Dante hablando con Calisto y los amo por eso.
Fue super triste todo el tema del embarazo de Emma, el dolor, las ganas de que funcionara, el terror cuando pensaron que pasaría de nuevo lo mismo que el bebé que perdió. Me dolió mucho eso y también la culpa que sentía Calisto por querer un hijo o hija que pudiera decirle padre en frente de quién sea. Igual al final todo salió bien y estuve feliz.
El extra de Affonso lo odié, entiendo que cree que la manera en que lo criaron es lo que lo hace como es con las mujeres, pero sigue siendo un asco de hombre. Lo odio nada más por existir.
La mamá de Calisto también tuvo un extra que fue lindo al principio con la boda y eso, pero terminó horrible en un cementerio y con ella embarazada por un violador que iba a seguir estando cerca por el resto de su vida.
En fin, si disfruté leyendo estás cositas extras, me gustaron.
Los momentos de Calisto con Cross fueron lindos pero también tristes cuando Cross le decía papá y Calisto pensaba en corregirlo para que le dijera tío. Odio eso. Amo que a Cross ya grande le valga verga eso.
Estuvo gracioso y tierno lo de Tommaso pidiendo permiso a Calisto para salir con Camilla. Me gustó como Calisto dejó claro que eso era completamente decisión de su hija, que el no la controla. Un comentario igual hizo Dante hablando con Calisto y los amo por eso.
Fue super triste todo el tema del embarazo de Emma, el dolor, las ganas de que funcionara, el terror cuando pensaron que pasaría de nuevo lo mismo que el bebé que perdió. Me dolió mucho eso y también la culpa que sentía Calisto por querer un hijo o hija que pudiera decirle padre en frente de quién sea. Igual al final todo salió bien y estuve feliz.
El extra de Affonso lo odié, entiendo que cree que la manera en que lo criaron es lo que lo hace como es con las mujeres, pero sigue siendo un asco de hombre. Lo odio nada más por existir.
La mamá de Calisto también tuvo un extra que fue lindo al principio con la boda y eso, pero terminó horrible en un cementerio y con ella embarazada por un violador que iba a seguir estando cerca por el resto de su vida.
En fin, si disfruté leyendo estás cositas extras, me gustaron.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
Great tid bits to get us even more enthralled with the Cosa Nostra
This filled in a lot of gaps from all three books in the series. I enjoyed it but it's a teaser. I hope that B. Kris will continue with the legacy series now that she's lead us into the lives of Tomasso and Camilla and Catherine and Cross. I'm anxious to read more about those characters.
This filled in a lot of gaps from all three books in the series. I enjoyed it but it's a teaser. I hope that B. Kris will continue with the legacy series now that she's lead us into the lives of Tomasso and Camilla and Catherine and Cross. I'm anxious to read more about those characters.
April 20, 2020
I loved the extra scenes about Emmy and Cal. They just reflected even more the sweet love they had.
Cami and Cross's only encouraged me to continue with their books. Camila's, Cal's mother, was very sad and Affonso's was simply unnecessary, it was not necessary to know anything about the monster or why it became one.
A nice gift from the author
Cami and Cross's only encouraged me to continue with their books. Camila's, Cal's mother, was very sad and Affonso's was simply unnecessary, it was not necessary to know anything about the monster or why it became one.
A nice gift from the author
January 7, 2021
Aquí podemos ver la relación más avanzada de Emma y Calisto, como el la apoya al 100%... Tuve dos momentos que ame, el primero cuando visitaron a la familia de Emma y segundo la escena de Calisto con Cross, increíble palabras de Cross sobre Catherine “Ella sabe que siempre puede contar conmigo, no importan el momento el lugar o la situación”.
Súper recomendado
Súper recomendado
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2021
Me gustaron estos extras, ame ver la relación entre Calisto, Emma y sus hijos. Y también la relación de Cross y Camilla con sus respectivas parejas.
No me esperaba un pov de affonso y después de leerlo creo que no era necesario. Entiendo el de la mamá de Calisto, pero odio a affonso y ningún pov suyo va a cambiar eso o hacer que lo entienda.
No me esperaba un pov de affonso y después de leerlo creo que no era necesario. Entiendo el de la mamá de Calisto, pero odio a affonso y ningún pov suyo va a cambiar eso o hacer que lo entienda.
July 17, 2017
Lots of behind the scenes bits and deleted scenes. If you have read the Bloodlines trilogy you will appreciate this as an addition to those extra little details.
December 11, 2017
this is a very short story but it helps fill in the gaps in the story. i found it to be very helpful.
September 17, 2017
I loved this series and had to purchase this collection. The added content at the end brings on so much anticipation for Cross. Such a mix of sin and heart these Donati boys.
September 28, 2017
Super good
It's meant to be read @ the end of the Donati trilogy, but, I read it 1st, so it'll give a good idea how everyone's connected to start with.
It's meant to be read @ the end of the Donati trilogy, but, I read it 1st, so it'll give a good idea how everyone's connected to start with.
October 23, 2017
5 Stars
I loved this little series accompaniment……more Cal whats not to like right ♥
I also loved seeing a glimpse of Cross as a teen and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
I loved this little series accompaniment……more Cal whats not to like right ♥
I also loved seeing a glimpse of Cross as a teen and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
October 30, 2017
Calisto and emma ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews