The Beautiful Years I

The Fausti Family #1

by Annie Rose Welch

If you knew love could kill you, would you still fall?

Love never felt dangerous to me. He did.

The moment Brando Piero Fausti appeared in the snow-filled night, he made the blood hum in my veins, tethering my life to his with an irrevocable bond.

I became the light to his darkness, illuminating the face of an avenging angel. His intense dark eyes should’ve warned me away, but they only drew me closer. With a body worthy of a statue in Italy, he was the most beautiful man that I had ever seen, and the most dangerous man I had ever felt. A savage beast lurked just beneath his surface, ready to battle for what he loved the most—me.

He claimed me as his, per sempre. But he wanted something from me. For me. He wanted me to dance. To fulfill what the world insisted was my destiny.

Little did I know that he would lure me into a gilded cage with his beautiful words and searing touch, a twirling ballerina locked safe in a music box, rose petals strewn at my feet. And then set me free, his touch a brand on my skin.

Little did he know, I’d always fight to follow the true alignment of my stars.

The Beautiful Years, Book I is the beginning of a seven-part Mafia Romance saga. Start the journey today!

Author's Note: This saga is intended for a mature audience.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Fiction, New Adult

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2018

About the author

Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her passion for writing began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightning bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn’t stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.

When she’s not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently resides in Texas (where everything really is bigger) with her husband, daughter, and their three peculiar dogs, Boudreaux, Tabasco, and Vanna Loo (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).

For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie’s website:
www.annierosewelch.com

Reviews

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 1 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead, 1.5*


I read another book by this author and met members of the Fausti family, being a curious kitten I sought out their stories.....oh how I'd love to go back and slap myself silly



What we have here
1)Brando has been best friends with Scarlett's brother for years but the two don't officially meet until she's about 15
2)There's an instant and intense connection between them but that night ends in tragedy and he stays away from her
3)Sometime after he goes to her mother and makes a deal with her planning to come back for Scarlett when she's of age so as to not interfere with her promising career as a ballerina
4)remember this
5)As Scarlett is finishing high school he suddenly appears at a party she's at, she then finds out he's had one of his friend's brother spying on her for years and reporting to him as well as WARNING BOYS AWAY FROM HER
6)They two then proceed on a merry go round with him finally breaking up with her "for her own good". He intends to do better so he could be worthy of her and he wants her to continue her dancing
End scene

*********
I saw someone said this author's writing is like poetry, which is all well and good if I'm actually reading freaking poetry. OMG so many freaking words that go here there and every fricking where before they actually get to the point!!!! GET TO THE POINT! Not everything has to be described! There's no need for fifty billion words to describe the same things over and over!!! It's not poetic and beautiful!!! It's frustrating and tedious!!!! There was absolutely NO WAY this book needed to be this long!

Remember point 4 above? After that beautifully intense connection our mcs had?? While the H then spends years making sure our girl never even got asked out??? Well see HE then proceeded to have sex!!!! With many OW!!!! He was known to be only a one and done!!!!! Her best friend had to tell her his history!!!! And later on she asked him how many he'd been with he says he lost count or something to that effect. Listen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The way this man was over this girl could've been truly beautiful, it's so clear he really cared for her and he was my type of J/P Alpha.....but this type of hero would ABSOLUTELY NOT go having sex with all those OW when he'd already met his one...... And planned to come back in her life!!!!!! I'm sick of this!!!!!!! FED UP!!!!!!!! Why'd she have to remain celibate???????? And she didn't even make a fuss when she questioned his history???? Do women really act like this???? If I'm getting the alpha hero who loves this girl to.the point of obsession how can it be justified that he'd sleep with others????? I hate this scenario so much I want to burst out my skin in a rage!!!! That's how angry I get! She's never even been kissed!!!!!! SMH!!!!

Scarlett needed a backbone way before she found one at the bitter end, which of course turned into a disaster.

The H had a couple of moments when he got into a rage and reacted violently, now he wasn't physically abusive but punching walls, flipping shit while the H is around makes me uncomfortable. He did not in any way harm her!!!! But it made ME uncomfortable

This ends with the two broken up as he plays the martyr and gives her up for her own good while he's heartbroken and so very sure he won't get over her......he plans to get back with her though...... Now that they've actually had sex I wonder if he'll keep it in his pants this time!?? On to book 2 to find out!


I really liked Scarlett's relationship with his mother


******Why are the sexy times so bad!!!! Mostly fade to black!!!! Listen these people are over 18, I'm over 18, one assumes the author is over 18....WTF is this bs????? put some spice in these books please!!!!!!!!!


No cheating
Slight OW drama
OM drama
J/P H
H/h only get together after she turns 18, in the years from them first meeting to him finally making an approach he stays away from her(when she needed him too)
When they get together no others
When they broke up she goes off with OM but is almost raped
Cheating by secondary characters



The h doesn't seem to know who his family are, so the set up for drama is there.....maybe she doesn't have Google????



I labeled this mafia because the Fausti are a mafia family but Brando doesn't seem to be involved with them so no mafia type stuff happens.... Bummer

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man of Honor is actually not dark mafia romance. This is actually a sweet story with slow burn feeling. There is that background of mafia romance but not playing a major role in the story.

The chemistry is sweet. The hero is very patience with the heroine. The seduction is hot yet tender. The thing is the slow burn is really slow. And in some plot, it is quite boring without major twist on plot.

3 stars

[Maria11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

All for nothing

This was a circle to nowhere. I almost gave up on it. Will read the next I guess. Not sure what to think

[Wendy ⏃: ✦The Life of A Book Nerd✦]

This is currently a DNF. I'm still at 26% and I haven't picked up at all.

Not rating.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Man of Honor by Bella Di Corte is the first book of eight books in the Fausti Family series. This book sets the pace for the rest of the series. It gives the reader insight into the beginnings of Brando Fausti’s relationship with Scarlett, the ballerina who captured his heart.

Scarlett lived a sheltered life with her focus on ballet, while Brando has known only pain and loss. They came from different worlds, but fate brought them together. This story chronicles their journey, one forged from tragedy. Readers witness the obstacles they faced, ones created by their own hands and outside forces. The tragic event which hit close to home for Scarlett led to her losing her passion for ballet, but her connection to Brando is the one thing that keeps her going.

Although described as an organised crime romance there were no mafia business occurring in this story. However, readers are given hints regarding Brando’s familial ties to the mafia. The story focuses on their earlier years with Scarlett a high school senior and Brando being of college age.

I had high hopes for this for this story, but it turned out to be an average read for me. I did enjoy the author’s writing style, which was poetic and compelling. My issue lay within my failing to connect with the characters. I knew by the words written a connection existed and they were slowly falling for each other. Unfortunately, it did not resonate with me. I do believe that being forced to wade through tons of detailed information led to my disconnect with the characters. I ended up skipping through pages of the book so has to avoid the mountain of details. Despite this the story did have some memorable moments, which has me eager to discover what next is in store for Brando and Scarlett.

Overall, I found Man of Honor to be solid start to the Fausti series that has me keen to explore more of this world Bella De Corte has created.

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Annie Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was important for me to address this here. Hopefully this letter clarifies why the Mafia (such a simple term for this saga) angle of The Beautiful Years doesn't truly begin until Book III.

This letter can be found at the beginning of Book I, but I know that on some reading devices, books begin at chapter one and anything before that can be missed. My hope is that this letter will find you and, hopefully, shed some light on why the books were written this way.

P.S. Books I & II were originally supposed to be one book, but because of how lengthy they are, I wanted to make sure that all of the wonderful bloggers who have been with me since the beginning of my career would have time to read them.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And to all of the readers and bloggers who have given Brando and Scarlett a chance, and subsequently fallen in love with them-- grazie! It means the world to me.

***
Letter from Annie
Please read before beginning the journey of The Beautiful Years.

Dear Reader,

As usual, I find myself here, writing a letter to you about one of my stories. For whatever reason, I always feel this is necessary. Maybe it’s because my stories are hard to categorize in one genre. Or maybe it’s because there’s usually something “different” about my stories that somehow needs to be explained ahead of time.

In this case, it’s a little of both.

Just for the record, I never planned on writing Mafia Romance. (Side note: Mafia is a simple term for what’s to come, but since there are no other genres that are more suitable for this saga, here we are.)

However, this story goes much deeper than that. In the beginning stages, I had no idea what I was writing. I had a simple premise: boy meets girl, boy feels girl is too good for him, so he sends her off into the world to do great things at the expense of his heart. It was to be set in a small town.

Some of that still rings true, but it’s not the story Scarlett and Brando intended to tell. It wasn’t their story. Far from it. By the end of the second book, beginning of the third, I knew what I was in for. It wasn’t until then that Brando trusted me enough with his secrets.

I had a choice. Do something that I had never done before, had never planned on doing, or bow out if I didn’t have the courage to do the story justice.

As my editor said, “It's completely different than anything you've written before.”

This is so true, and after getting to know Brando and Scarlett, there’s no way that I could back out of my part of the deal. Besides, Brando would never allow it.

This brings me to the point of this letter. Though Book I and II gives you tastes of what’s to come, by the third book you will be fully submerged in that world—fast cars, exotic locations, dangerous situations, and beautiful, ruthless people who all seem to want to rule the world. The book you are about to dive into became the catalyst for a seven-part saga.

Each book is told at different times—hence, The Beautiful Years. This saga spans from the 1990s until current day.

It took me over a year to write this saga. For over a year I ignored all of my other obligations and poured all of the things a writer gives—heart, soul, mind, time, blood, sweat and tears—into Brando and Scarlett’s world. I have no regrets.

Revenge and forgiveness, ruthless and romance, rage and passion, this saga has it all, but above all, I found the most powerful theme to be love.

Unapologetic, resolute, evergreen love. If the love didn’t exist, the kind of love that prevails no matter the cost, there would be no seven-part saga. The love I found in these books is the kind of love worth dying for.

If you knew love could kill you, would you still fall?

I’ll leave that up to you to decide.

With love,
Annie Rose Welch

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brando Fausti, is a man you would get on your knees for and thank God for him being in your life. BUT you know what makes him who he is? He is the one on his knees thanking God for you. Brando, a name that sounds like sex, and a body of an Adonis. He stayed in the shadows when he watched his best friend’s sister dance one snowy night. He is going to make his move. He sees what’s his and he is going to take. I am still wrapping my mind around him. His love is so fierce it makes him dangerous. The same man who gives her his leather jacket, wants her to have every opportunity to dance and live. BUT he would kill for her, gosh maybe he has already?! See its ominous. I have so many questions, but it made it suspenseful. It’s world building and a slow burn romance. The pages bleed with that eerie feeling. Certain men in suits, a crooked sheriff, a past, and with a past comes connections.

It’s romantic. I mean i melted. Bella Di Corte’s words are poetic. They gave me pause. So many times I just wanted to soak it all in. A wise soul, so young, (finishing HS/a prodigy) I felt so deeply for Scarlett Rose. I understood her pain, I was sad and angry for her, how life must move on when all you want it to do, is stop. Didn’t the world feel less? And again, she is a giver, its her light. The way she can “feel” for Brando’s safety, honestly, brings tears to my eyes.

I was never so jealous of a “sucker” every time Brando popped one in his mouth I drooled. He savors! Ahah and Scarlett she gets to the middle quickly. I like their balance.

The ending was intense for me, I think the darkness is around the corner and I am ready for more. I am anxious to see who they are, and what is taking place. Gosh my nerves. Lol

[Lashell Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brando Fausti. Brando Fausti. Brando Fausti! Handsome as sin, protective and possessive. The way he watches over Scarlett and claims her as his, all but daring any other male to go near her, hints at something a little darker to come. You definitely get the sense that this book is only scratching the surface where he’s concerned. The connection between Brando and Scarlett is real. You feel it from the moment they meet in the snow, and it grows with every page. He becomes her courage, and she becomes his sweetness.

This is an instantly gripping, slow burn type of romance that had me still turning the pages at 4am! And as this is only book one in a seven-part saga, I personally cannot wait to read more! Mafia romance is one of my guilty pleasures, and if this first book is any indication, the rest of this series is going to be one of the best!

[witchy_book_babe · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of Bella Di Corte, I must say this one was a miss. I genuinely felt quite lost with how this story unfolded. I felt that I was constantly missing pieces of the story, which was a little frustrating because I really, really wanted to love this book. I also was quite sad after waiting so long in the book for the spice scene to finally take place; to only be robbed of the experience and was not thrilled over missing out on the details. I also do not like love triangles, which took place in this book (not between the MC’s).

I am absolutely going to finish the series. I understand that not every installment in a series is going to a fantastic read. So, although this one has a rocky and confusing start. I have faith in Bella’s writing and am eager to see how she transforms this story over the next several books.

[Medollga · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author saying in her letter to readers that she only had an idea of what she was writing about around book 3 should've been an indicator 😫🤦‍♀️

But she was so convincing that this idea of hers was great, that I fooled myself into sticking to the story. Joke's on me, I guess 🤡

This book is...unique, and that's putting it mildly. At first I was charmed by the lack of tropes and clichés in the story; the tone was set in such a way, that I couldn't predict where the story would go and what would happen next. It's exciting to be surprised every time you start a new chapter.

But then very quickly this unpredictability turned into muddiness of the story. The writing style focuses on eMoTiOnS and not actions. Even when the scene demands some action-centric sentences, we are bombarded with whimsical thoughts and feelings of the heroine. Because of it, I felt as if nothing really happened, we just stayed in her head all the time. Now, I don't want to shit on the author's writing: it's obvious she knows how to do it and beautifully at that. But if her feelings-based writing, full of pseudo philosophical lessons, cheesy quotes and emotions were contrasted by no-nonsense action packed scenes and things that existed outside of the heroines head, it would be so much better! Imagine a chocolate candy: it's delicious, exquisite, a cherry on top of your day. But if you eat it for breakfast, lunch AND dinner instead of actual FOOD, and then also add it with your tea/coffee, you'll soon puke your guts out from all that candy. Same thing happened to me here. I couldn't give a flying rat's ass about how the heroine felt, that's how tired of her weird inner monologues I got! 🤢🥱

I was mildly irritated due to the abundance of quirks that the heroine had. Right of the bat we are introduced to her special ability to sense danger to her "soulmate" and warn him about it. I chose this book because of the Mafia aspect of it, not some suspense and supernatural stuff 🤷🏼‍♀️💀 Then, it turns out she can "feel him in her blood", which in practical terms meant she felt her blood buzz or tingle for YEARS after they met! 👀👀😶 As if that wasn't enough, the heroine is the type of girl who would always look at the stars and space out, even during conversations with friends. Can you imagine trying to be friends with this girl??? 🤯 But what irked me the most about her, is her confusing languages subconsciously. This special doughnut speaks A LOT of languages, we get it, you're a genius, bravo! But she went as far as speaking French in her English class without realizing it. I get it: we need to see how smart and special she is, but do you need to make her an idiot too? I speak 4 languages, and yes, sometimes you can phrase an idea better in a specific language, sometimes you forget words from one language or all of them including your native language 😅, but generally speaking, YOU DO NOT ANSWER YOUR TEACHER OUT OF THE BLUE IN A RANDOM LANGUAGE AND THEN GO "OOPS, SILLY ME, WRONG LANGUAGE, HAHAHA" 🤬💀 Also, she has Slovenian roots, speaks the language and knows the culture, plus she lived in Russia, but still, when naming all the languages she speaks fluently or understands at least a bit, named SLAVIC as a SINGLE LANGUAGE!!!! You precious unicell, this is a language group that includes around 20 languages! 🤦‍♀️🤣 You speak them ALL? All 20 of them? The ones using Latin alphabet AND Cyrillic??? *I didn't study linguistics among other things in uni to let this shit slide*

Also, the amount of ePiC lOvE sToRiEs this tiny town had astounds me. Everyone and their dog upon meeting the heroine tell her their "out of this world, one of a kind, turn water in wine" love story. Do they add some drugs in the pipes of that town or what? 🤔🚩

The only thing that prompted me to read on, was the sweet ans swoony shit the hero would say to the heroine. He was controlled, but passionate, mysterious but possessive. Up until the point where it was abundantly clear he would commit one of the worst sins known to mankind: leave the heroine "for her own good". I didn't even get to that part, but I checked next books for spoilers and I know he will do it. Like WHY????? For her to pursue her career? Ballerinas can't have a relationship???? Is it forbidden in their contracts? What's the point??? Especially if he plans to reunite with her later🤦‍♀️💀 Looser, bye!

P.S. Judging by the comments, the author kept her promise and around book 3 the story got better, but I just can't force myself to suffer through everything to get to the good parts. Also, do they really need 6+ books for ONE underwhelming couple???

P.P.S. Although I DNF'd at chapter 28 out 0f 33 chapters, I'll still give this a rating, since I think I have a pretty good understanding how this book will end.🤷🏼‍♀️🥱

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Man of Honor was a story that completely blew me out of the water and I honestly doubt I will be able to articulate myself properly on how much I loved this book here or how much it deeply touched me. This is a book I have been trying to pick up all year and quite frankly I am glad I waited for the right time so that I could be in the proper headspace for this one. This author writes with a certain writing style that is vastly different from most authors and can take some getting used to. I really admired the way that she was able to layer this story. Man of Honor is just the beginning of this epic romance between Brando and Scarlett. Its a story that is slowly build over the years and I love seeing a couple grow over years that span the series. And Man of Honor was brilliantly mastered and one of the best written beginnings of a mafia romance I have ever read.

First Line
The ballerina twirled on one foot like a girl inside of a beautiful msuic box.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brando Fausti
-Stoic and Intense
-Alpha Male
-Protective yet Possessive

The Heroine: Scarlett
-Ballerina Dancer
-Kind
-Psychic Talents

Summary
When Brando sees Scarlett dancing when she is just fifteen, he is entranced. They meet on a snow filled night when Scarlett tried to protect her brother when a secret psycic ability rushed out to protect him. But she runs into one of her brother's best friends, Brando who is just a little older than she is. In that moment, they both fell hard for each other. But Brando knew it was not the time for them. Now its been 3 years, and Scarlett is still recovering from the death of her brother, and is now 18 years old. Brando is determined to have his chance with Scarlett even knowing she has the world at her feet with her dancing talent. As Scarlett and Brando explore what a relationship could mean for them both, there are also sacrifices that they will need to make if they want to have a future together...

What I Loved
Man of Honor was a story that touched me so deeply. Its a story that blew me away and kept me up all night thinking about. Its been 24 hours since I read it and I am still humbled by this story and that talent of this author. I can't even express what this author has done for me or what this story delivered for me. From the very beginning, you see their intense bond that is created immediately. The talent of this author to absolutely pull you into this story with her lyrical talent of showcasing this beautiful love story was brilliant and magnetic. Bella Di Corte has a writing style that is unlike any other author you have read. And if you like audiobooks, the narration sounds very good as well. But this is not a series or a book to rush into, this is a book that you want to take your time with. This won't be a quick read, but its a story that will be worth the journey, every single step of the way.

This story of Brando and Scarlett was so touching and poignant. One of my favorite aspects of this story was the atmosphere of the setting that is written. Its obvious that this author does her research, because with each setting, its so vividly portrayed, that you can literally feel that setting shine upon your face. Its so well written in that regard. Now the romance is very slow. Its a slow burn but a slow burn that you need to take your tiime with at a steady pace so that you can gain the full impact of. The relationship that they build together is so intimate. And the bedroom scenes were my favorite. I know some readers have struggled with the spice in this book. This book doesn't have spice per say. But its fade to black and honestly the BEST fade to black that I ever have had the opportunity to read. Its so sensual and the dialogue between these two keeps you captivated within these intimate moments between them.

The story between these two is rough in the third act at times, and might put some readers off but I think its important to keep in mind that there is a reason that they are going through what they are going through. That this is them building their foundation but that they will be tested and their connected will be pushed in ways that will challenge their inner strength and wills.

What I Struggled With
I will be honest, I didn't really struggle with anything. But the ending was a bit sad and does end with a cliffhanger. And some of the actions here in the third act did put me off a bit to keep it from a full five star.

Overall View
Man of Honor is a story of poetic like love, writing that will deliver deep heart, sensual intimacy and a couple that will make you believe in the power of love....

Favorite Quote(s)
“My heart has been yours, consciously, since that night out in the snow. Given or not.” I spread my hands. “Yours. Tonight, I give you all of me.”

Brando was older than me in so many ways. But in the eyes of the world, we were both still young. Still, our love seemed older than the two of us together and it demanded that we learn. There was no true escape for either of us.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Dancer/Ballerina, Protective Alpha Male
Themes: Slow Burn, Fade To Black, Heart/Feels/Touching, Tear Jerker, Lyrical Writing
Tropes: Instant Love Connection, Epic Love

Book Perspective
Duo Pov

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Endless Love

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, please read these in order.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.

[Milica's Bookshelf]

DNF @32%
At this point, this story is just too slow for my taste.
The very fact that I've been 'reading' it for almost nine months this year and I've barely gotten to a third of it, speaks volumes for itself.
Maybe some other time...

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, I really tried my hardest to finish this book. I REALLY gave it my best effort. But I couldn’t make it past 1/3 of it. This book has the weirdest, most unnatural, sporadic dialogue. The mood swings, and trying to follow the two main characters thoughts almost gave me whiplash. There were multiple times I would be reading and literally have to start over because I thought I might have misread something or I just wasn’t paying attention, I would reread and realize NOPE this shit just doesn’t make sense.

Lastly, this book just drags. I shouldn’t be 1/3 of the way through and still have no inkling what the purpose of the book is. My guess is moody, depressed, ballerina meets moody, sucker eating, mafia, boy. BOOM a love more moody than the Twilight Saga.

P.S. if this is supposed to develop into some mafia story (which is supposed to start in the second book... why not the first book ???) why, dear God, did the author give the Mafia Man the most childish and stupid habit of eating SUCKERS. WHY? I looked it up, they mention his sucker eating habit 22 TIMES. WE GET IT. The only foreshadowing I could see in the book it his dentist appointment to fix his inevitable cavities.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really not sure where to begin without giving things away.
It is beautifully written, the story wasn't in a hurry to end. Matter of fact it leaves you hanging, wanting more that very next minute.
Scarlett and Brando have this connection that you can't really place! It's like they can read each others thoughts and answer them on the same note.
Love is a crazy thing, makes you do crazy things. That saying "If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were." I truly believe in that quote.
I really didn't care for Scarlett's mom, I would have liked to smack her once or twice. There were a few times I wanted to walk into the book and yell at Scarlett. She's so young, yet is so mature because of the places she has been and things she has seen. Same goes for Brando! Family really isn't everything however in his case it is!
This is a must read and I can't wait to read part 2 and see where the characters are going to be and what will happen next.

[Lilith *EUPHORIA_READS_*]

THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: MAN OF HONOR BY BELLA DI CORTE.



GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:BELLA DI CORTE.
TYPE: BOOK #1 OF FAUSTI FAMILY.
POV: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
MY RATING: 5 PASSIONATE AND STUNNING STARS.



Bella is a new to me author but after her book Machiavellian and Marauder ...She is soon becoming my go-to unicorn author. Her writing style and characters just pulls you in and refuses to let go.

Brando Fausti is everything you want...need in a man. He is a perfect yet flawed character and that just made him more perfect. He has a past, a past that makes you tear yet proud of who he has become after going through so much...The way Bella has described has made me fall in love with him over and over again...

Scarlett...this girl is so damn strong...no matter how much he pushes her away..she still loves him.
The grief of losing a love one has enveloped her from a very young age and only our Fausti man can pull her out of it. She was the shy, Vulnerable yet Resilient girl who had the power to bring Brando Fausti to his knees...something no one has ever being able to do.

A star crossed lovers... This was a strong,emotional gut wrenching story of a relationship made in heaven. A book so unique in its that its one of a kind...the connection between them was palpible throughout the book. From page One to the last...I was enthralled by this story...
Though I was expecting some Mafia stuff too but I guess this book was just a prequel...to let us know what the Fausti's foundation are.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying, I’m not big on “straight” romance. I just, I need something more, so I shy away from anything that even hints at just that.

I saw the cover and read the title, with it’s little blurb on it: “If you knew love could kill you, would you still fall?” IDK, maybe it was the full moon, or quarantine fever, or the current temperature of the Nation, but it made me think. Would I? Could I? I needed to know more, so I looked up the author on Amazon.

I was immediately intrigued by her bio. She states her books don’t fall into a set genre - and I’ll be honest, her bio amused me. What the hell, I figured. I’d give it a shot..... worse case, I wasted a few bucks and a little time. Wouldn’t be the first time; and I doubt it’d be the last.

Holy hell! Yeah, it doesn’t really fall into a genre. It’s not really a romance, but it’s romantic. It’s not really a mafia, but there is mafia. It’s not really suspense, but it is suspenseful. It’s not really a high school book, but there are high schoolers in it. It’s not really a police thriller, but there’s cops & robbers. What it IS is menagerie of genre shoved into a lot of incredible writing.

There are: moments so pure & true, you sigh aloud; moments when you want to reach into the pages and shake some sense into the characters; moments when you don’t realise you’re holding your breath, until you let it out; moments that make you chuckle, realising you can relate or just KNOW that character IRL; moments so heart wrenching, you just ache....

Like I said, I figured I give it a shot.... My “what the hell” turn into a “holy hell, I want more”! So, if you’re thinking of “giving it a shot” or looking for something different - with all the same that’s out there - this is it. It’s well work the shot.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love so deep, you feel it in your bones

Wow.
Wow.
Wow!

This author is new for me. I found the machiavelli series first and read those which made me curious about the fausti family and wanted to read these.

The love between Scarlett and brando is a one in a million deep in your bones, soul mate love. I felt every emotion in this book! This is def setting the stage for their relationship and the other books. Even though it’s a mafia romance there isn’t much mafia or romance in this book. It’s two people with a soul crushing bond that are trying to navigate how to be together.

I will admit, I was confused in some areas. Some of the stuff didn’t make sense so I got confused on why Scarlett was feeling one way, or when they wouldn’t talk but her inner monologue was going on I was just confused as what
Was happening. Brando’s lack of communication got on my
Nerves slightly Too. Like say more than just tell me, who do you belong to. But overall amazing book, and I already bought the second!

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know what the hell was going on in this book. It was so slow, I kept skipping the chapters and just read the last few to know what the hell was going on. The hero was obsessed with the heroine.

There is separation, the heroine is a virgin, and I don't know about the hero. But when the heroine went to meet her mother she said...

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Her face seemed to turn to stone. “What do you want with my son? We have no bunnies here!”

“Your son?” The words came out automatically, followed by the thought, bunnies?

She nodded. Now she swallowed hard. “He doesn’t usually like for—for women—to come here.”
👆👆👆👆👆👆👆

I don't know what this implies.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - 14%

[Bonny Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Di Corte doesn't disappoint! Loved it! So looking forward to next in the series!

Another hit by Bella Di Corte!
The first book I ever read by Bella Di Corte was "Machevellian", 1st in her Gangsters of N.Y series published in 2020. I fell in love ... with the story (read it 3 times already) and with the cjaractets, particularly the hero, Capo (Mac) and heroine, Mariposa (Mari) and, as a result, with the author. I read the second in that series, "Marauder", and it too was a very good story with a good hero, but alas, Cash Kelly was no Mac and the story, although I loved it ... was not "Machevellian's" equal. Machiavellian made me laugh, made me cry, made me feel, down to the bone, every single emotion the characters felt. Marauder, though good, didn't move me in quite the same way. I worried that maybe Machevellian was her epic novel, never to be repeated, that Mac and Mari were one of those "once in a lifetime" perfect characters that could never be equalled and that reading any of Bella's previous books would only leave me disappointed. I needn't have worried. "Man of Honor", written prior to, was right up there with Machevellian.

Man of Honor has all of the same elements that made Machevellian so great ... The same intense, all-consuming love, the kind where you feel you can only breathe easy when your love is near; where you sacrifice anything for their benefit; multi -layered heroes and heroines who have suffered tragedies or had a difficult past and/or present (or both) but persevere to overcome and live life on their own terms; secondary characters that play important roles in the story...some you absolutely love that are qwerky and unique and some you love to hate; main characters that are intelligent and strong and yet have their vulnerabilites; and a plethora of emotions you will feel ... every... single... one - anger, despair, joy, love, anxiety, amusement, happiness, sadness...it's all there. Any yet while all the elements are the same in both, the stories themselves are so vastly different, as are the characters; what motivates the them, what moves them, their situations, all of it so very different.

I loved Brando and Scarlett and this story; which is only their beginning. Their story continues in Queen of Thorns. There were 6 books in the original Fausti Family Saga series, but Brando and Scarlett were so loved that Bella's readers kept requesting more Brando and Scarlett (as well as more Mac and Mari). Thankfully, she listened and after finishing the Gangsters of N.Y. series, she gave her readers what they wanted...more Brando and Scarlett. There are 2 additional books to the Fausti Family saga now and she's working on a new Mac and Mari. (The Fausti's also make an appearance in the Gangsters' series as well. They are all intertwined.). I can't wait to continue Brando's and Scarlett's story, so I'm going to stop writing and start reading Queen of Thorns right now!

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has written a letter to her readers. Please do the courtesy of reading. She tells you a little of the process to writing this saga. It’s not long and it won’t interrupt your reading time.

Someone has caught Brando Fausti’s attention. At times, he seemed to be like a puppeteer – moving people about as he moves the strings attached. As I got to know him, I felt as if he held some things close to his chest. He doesn’t want to reveal anything too quickly – he’s patiently waiting. Scarlett Poesy is feeling things she doesn’t know how to interpret. I felt the same about her. One minute she seems so much older than her chronological year. The next you can tell she’s testing her wings. I found it hard to feel a connection between our main characters and that’s part of why I had to turn the page – I was constantly looking for that connection.

Scarlett has an interesting friend named Violet. One minute I felt like she was a good friend and the next I was questioning her intentions. There were things that I could feel as I got to know the characters. On the one hand, there were times where I felt it took a while to understand what was going on. On the other hand there were times the author’s world seemed to take a lot of time to build. There were times when I became curious about a character. Even though she may not be a main character, that doesn’t make her any less important. Maggie is one such character. It will be interesting to see how the author goes about weaving her into the story.

I’m glad to see that Brando and Scarlett’s story is going to continue because the ending of this book was far from that. This book left me with the big question of “what the heck is going on?”
It will be interesting to see if that question gets answered or if I end up with more. Stay tuned.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Yvette (Booksandbandanas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the first book in what seems to be a long series but honestly, it really set the tone to this very addicting love story.

Brando & Scarlett meet on a snowy night and it would forever seal both of there fates. This book really gave us a touch of the love they have for one another. They are both young but there love is passionate and explosive. Although this is a mafia series, you only get bread crumbs of what is to come in this series. I devoured this story. It was highly addicting and I’m completely invested in this couples journey. Definite must read.

“If our love was a book, the language was ours alone. We both seemed to understand the writing easily enough, even if he refused to read past the first chapter.”

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews but felt compelled to give some brief thoughts regarding this. I don't usually read books that are long series especially if they're not completed. Something about this book called to me and after reading the first one I almost don't want to continue. This book was romantic in ways that I can't describe. I felt at times as if my heart was going to burst and when the book ended I felt as I hadn't breathed for at least two chapters. This was incredible and I'm glad that whatever caused me to read this occurred. I'll be reading the next one soon. I just need a moment to sit with this novel and just let my emotions settle.

[Amber- Leave Me Alone I’m Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm... I have mixed feelings. I enjoyed this book, but it’s hard to rate because it’s only the prologue. It is not a complete story by any means. Man of Honor lays the groundwork for the entire Fausti Family Saga. I like the characters, but they definitely need their time to learn and grow. It will be cool to see those transformations in the upcoming books. I can tell you these books are going to be angsty as hell, I just know it! I’m glad I don’t have to wait on this series. It’s complete and ready to binge and I’m here for it!

[Latoya Sterns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!

Now it makes sense who Brando Fausti was in Macchaveli! He was the one who pulled Mariposa out of the Hudson! I love it when the books are tied together, certain things make way more sense. Including Brando agreeing with Pnina to send Scarlett away. He was afraid she would end up like his mother. Love. Strangest thing ever. Letting the one you love go. Loved this book!

[thered_hairedreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and heartbreaking.

[Beeg Panda]

Brando Fausti, you man-ho🥊
Free for limited time🚨

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm going to say this but I have never read a book by Bella so fast. I am obsessed. I am about to finish book 3 in this series, so I needed to hop on here and review before I get too far, as I can't stop reading, this book hold your attention. I was going to read one book a week, space them out but I can't. This series is incredible, I can't even put it into words how incredible it is.

Scarlett is a beautiful young woman, she is so pure and light I adore her and Brando OMG I love him and I think I love him more than Corrado from Gangster of New York series and I love him a lot lol.

Man of Honor is just the beginning of Scarletts and Brandos story. Scarlett is a ballerina, she has grown up dancing all her life and has her future set, until something tragic happens in hers and Brando's life, it brings them together.


This book doesn't even scratch the surface for what's to come. This is literally the most beautiful book on how a love story starts.

From the first chapter I was captivated by this story and by all the characters. Bella writing is so floorless I never experience an author writing the way she does before. The detail that goes into this story... I don't know how she does it, it blows my mind. Her writing is like poetry.

I absolutely adore her and this story.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

”Love never felt dangerous to me. He did. The moment Brando Piero Fausti appeared in the snow-filled night, he made the blood hum in my veins, tethering my life to his with an irrevocable bond.”

Annie Rose Welch’s latest offering and first instalment of her new seven part mafia saga does not disappoint! Instantly drawing me in. This slow burning romance had me turning the pages into the early hours. I inhaled Brando and Scarlets story, and without giving anything away can not wait for part two!

I’m really looking forward to seeing where the authors goes with their story because book one in my opinion is just laying the foundations and what foundations they are!

”You’re the only one in life who can unhinge me to madness. You are the only one who can kill me without touching me.”

Would recommend to readers who enjoy a slow burn romance and who don’t mind waiting for instalments...unlike me who needs all seven parts and Brando wrapped in a bow like now!!

**Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Words Turn Me On Book Blog**

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing beginning to this 7 part series and I have to say that Annie knocked it out the park with this one. I don't want to say to much because I don't want to ruin the story for the readers but I have to say that this is an amazing mafia story that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

When Scarlett looks into the night she sees this gorgeous angel Brando and knows he is the one for her. As the two meet and start a friendship it blossoms into something so much more and their chemistry is off the chain and they are like a lock and key two sides of a coin and everything else.

As their relationship grows Scarlett is willing to give her all for him. To lay down her life for him and no matter what happens she is going to be there for him. The ending man that ending had me wanting and needing more because I was not ready to let go of Scarlett and Brando. I can't wait for part two. Kudos to you Annie for making me fall in love with Brando and adding him to my top list of book boyfriends because he does not disappoint.