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Pagano Brothers #2
Hidden Worthiness
Twenty years ago, as a young Pagano Brothers soldier, Donnie Goretti was horribly injured on the job. The devastating scars of that attack led him to be known as “The Face.”
Since then, he’s been alone, reminded daily that he’s too ugly to look at, much less to love. He devoted himself instead to his work, and he rose through the ranks to become the underboss of the Pagano Brothers family.
Now, he is a man of wealth, influence, and respect. In the day, he’s a powerful executive and philanthropist. In the night, he’s the don’s ruthless right hand. When he wants companionship, he has it; there will always be women attracted to his status. But he harbors no delusions that they care about him. How could they, when they can hardly bear to look at him?
When he meets Arianna Luciano, a principal dancer with the Rhode Island Ballet, Donnie offers her the same arrangement he’s offered many other women. He’s armored his heart with cool reserve and an arsenal of iron-clad rules about what he expects, what he’ll allow, and what he’ll give in exchange.
But Ari doesn’t like rules, and she wants no part of Donnie’s offer. She sees his scars as signs of his pain, markers of his history. They are nothing to be ashamed of. They don’t diminish his worth. She wants the chance to fall in love.
If only she could make him believe it.
Since then, he’s been alone, reminded daily that he’s too ugly to look at, much less to love. He devoted himself instead to his work, and he rose through the ranks to become the underboss of the Pagano Brothers family.
Now, he is a man of wealth, influence, and respect. In the day, he’s a powerful executive and philanthropist. In the night, he’s the don’s ruthless right hand. When he wants companionship, he has it; there will always be women attracted to his status. But he harbors no delusions that they care about him. How could they, when they can hardly bear to look at him?
When he meets Arianna Luciano, a principal dancer with the Rhode Island Ballet, Donnie offers her the same arrangement he’s offered many other women. He’s armored his heart with cool reserve and an arsenal of iron-clad rules about what he expects, what he’ll allow, and what he’ll give in exchange.
But Ari doesn’t like rules, and she wants no part of Donnie’s offer. She sees his scars as signs of his pain, markers of his history. They are nothing to be ashamed of. They don’t diminish his worth. She wants the chance to fall in love.
If only she could make him believe it.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2019
28 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,419 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 8, 2020
3 stars
Hmm, after the first book in the series, I was hoping for things to go from good to better because while Trey (the protagonist from book 1) was new to the “organisation” and most of the mafia dealings were above his station, Donnie (the hero from this book) is an established member and part of the so called inner sanctum. That to me suggested we would get a closer look into a dangerous world and the power politics within.
Did we get that? Sure. But a lot of it was just hero worship towards Nick (the Don) which is a theme present in every book (I already finished the whole series by the time I’m writing this) . I am honestly tired of everyone being in awe of Nick. The running theme throughout the books in this series is that Nick Pagano is a genius Don and he does not give his loyalty easily.
Donnie, the hero, has been working for Nick since his twenties. (He is 45 years old atm and Nick is in his sixties - close to 70) when he was 26, while he was a bodyguard for Nick’s future wife they were attacked and half of his face was badly burned when he was pressed into a burning industrial grill. Since then he has risen in the ranks and has it all BUT he is deeply insecure about his scars and he shallowly believes that no one can see past them.
Anyway, he meets a ballerina (who is very forward and asks him out) - in my opinion she has a case of lust at first sight (which I believe is also fuelled by the fact that he is a dangerous mafia guy - the girl is clearly a thrill chaser) and then it quickly develops into big pronouncements of love which just didn’t seem genuine to me. And that was the whole point of the book. That someone can fall in love based of more than looks. Their interactions did not in any way explain her infatuation or obsession much less her quick confession of love.
This book didn’t work for me because I did not believe the couple and when they kept saying cheesy proclamations of love back and forth I just felt uncomfortable because it just didn’t sounds genuine. There was no base to explain the feelings they both easily caught.
The writing was good as per usual. The conflict was good as well but the love story- that was a disappointment.
Hmm, after the first book in the series, I was hoping for things to go from good to better because while Trey (the protagonist from book 1) was new to the “organisation” and most of the mafia dealings were above his station, Donnie (the hero from this book) is an established member and part of the so called inner sanctum. That to me suggested we would get a closer look into a dangerous world and the power politics within.
Did we get that? Sure. But a lot of it was just hero worship towards Nick (the Don) which is a theme present in every book (I already finished the whole series by the time I’m writing this) . I am honestly tired of everyone being in awe of Nick. The running theme throughout the books in this series is that Nick Pagano is a genius Don and he does not give his loyalty easily.
Donnie, the hero, has been working for Nick since his twenties. (He is 45 years old atm and Nick is in his sixties - close to 70) when he was 26, while he was a bodyguard for Nick’s future wife they were attacked and half of his face was badly burned when he was pressed into a burning industrial grill. Since then he has risen in the ranks and has it all BUT he is deeply insecure about his scars and he shallowly believes that no one can see past them.
Anyway, he meets a ballerina (who is very forward and asks him out) - in my opinion she has a case of lust at first sight (which I believe is also fuelled by the fact that he is a dangerous mafia guy - the girl is clearly a thrill chaser) and then it quickly develops into big pronouncements of love which just didn’t seem genuine to me. And that was the whole point of the book. That someone can fall in love based of more than looks. Their interactions did not in any way explain her infatuation or obsession much less her quick confession of love.
This book didn’t work for me because I did not believe the couple and when they kept saying cheesy proclamations of love back and forth I just felt uncomfortable because it just didn’t sounds genuine. There was no base to explain the feelings they both easily caught.
The writing was good as per usual. The conflict was good as well but the love story- that was a disappointment.
September 16, 2020
5 Seeing More Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I am like Pavlov's Dog when I see Susan Fanetti has published another installment to the Pagano Brothers series. I click-click and put everything else aside and dive in. It doesn't matter what time of day, what sleep I will miss... I am conditioned to start this book as soon as I get my hands on it.
With Pagano Brothers Family... I seem to have the Sopranos theme song playing in the back of mind when I start. You know the feeling... it is this feeling of coming back to where you want to be. It is the connection of being back and finding out what has been happening with these characters... mental people who you think about long after the stories end.
This happens every single time I read Fanetti.
This time we got to see Donnie Goretti up close and personal. This is a man who lost a life he thought he would have... He was strong, knew he was good looking, and had no trouble with the women. He had chosen to go to the dark side by joining the Paganos causing him to be turned away by his own family. He was young and wanted to prove himself. In a moment, everything he thought his life would be ended, leaving a constant reminder of the pain and suffering which took place on his face.
The disfigurement of his ride side was something that became a test of sorts. The woman who should have seen him for who he was before and now, left him. Those who were not able to understand recoiled. As time went by, reactions to him taught him never to believe in pure love...any woman who even hinted of loving him was a pretender.
He did receive family love from his Don's family. The children only knew him as Uncle Donnie and never saw anything else. Donnie's relationship with Nick was strong and true. Donnie was Nick's Underboss and although behind Donnie's back he knew many of the lower soldiers had called him "The Face", no one ever did so to him.
For Donnie's power was vast. His wealth was his attraction. His manners were perfect and clear. He understood perception was everything and how he handled himself would impact all around him. He was known as this dark power and political officials and social circles bent to his will.
Donnie kept up his body and he had women, either paid for a night or had agreed to an arrangement for a longer-term. He was always the one in control and the moment the woman seemed to think he would fall for her "Loving" him, she was gone. He hated liars, as he knew no one could ever love him.
Arianna Luciano landed in Donnie's awareness due to her being a principal dancer with the Rhode Island Ballet. Arianna was a unique artist. She had made it all the way to the American Ballet company. She had the skill and talent but missed one important factor... she didn't lose herself in the characters she danced. She always remanded Ari. This is what kept her from remaining in NYC and ABT. ABT had wanted more emotions and a chameleon.
So Rhode Island Ballet it was. She was a dancer, an excellent one and this was the only thing she ever wanted. Unfortunately, she had to deal with a choreographer/director who bullied and was verbally abusive. He also had all the power as to who got what positions and parts so fighting back was a no starter. Luckily she wasn't totally alone in the situation. Arianna's best friend was her dance partner and his support was so important to her.
Donnie was a huge financial supporter of the ballet company and had box seats every year. He knew of Arianna and thought she was amazing and beautiful. When she was tapped to take over the Prima Ballerina spot for the upcoming presentation of Phantom of the Opera ballet, it caused him to pay attention. He had received the VIP invitation for the mascarade pre-event. He had a special mask made to order which covered all of the scars of his face. In his mind's eye, he thought of how it would allow him to just be... be the man he thought could have been... before his disfigurement.
But then he knew it was only a fantasy...
But the pull of seeing Arianna up close and personal became too much and he went to the event.
Arianna is tired. Her feet hurt... well they almost always hurt. She is tired of having to "be on" with all of the donors even though she understands it is part of the job. She goes to the bar and indulges with a glass of champagne and sees there is another man dressed as the Phantom at the end of the bar. At least this one wasn't wearing the one mask everyone was wearing from the movie... ugh, Arianna hated that one. No, this one was truly different. It seemed custom-made. His suit probably cost more than her car and it fit his body like a glove.
Donnie walked over to the petite dancer and risked talking to her. They both had a bit of exchange but before anything could take hold, Arianna was pulled away from her dance partner.
On opening night, Arianna had learned who her masked Phantom was, the Underboss of the Pagano family. Her dance partner warned her to stay away from him and his danger. Arianna, though, was intrigued. She also came from a family in New Jersey who had mob ties. She understood the divisions and codes of what all that entailed. Donnie didn't scare her. In fact, she wanted to know him better and sent a note to his box letting him know she wanted to meet with him.
A bold move. A move which causes Arianna to check to see if Donnie is in his box and when she finally sees him, she dances the best of her life... losing herself in the moment, flying across the stage and feeling emotions she always wished for when she danced.
These two do meet and this meeting is everything Arianna wished for until it wasn't. Arianna was a woman who knew what she wanted and needed. She refuses the standard offer Donnie has given and even though it hurts, she stands her ground.
This is the main set up of this tale. A powerful man who thinks of himself a certain way believes no one could ever love him and who is stunned when he is pushed to make concessions to this wisps of a woman. The fight for equal power between the two of them is staggering to him. The fact that he considers them and sees how she is able to actually see the man before the scars and love him as he is now stunned.
These two were perfect for each other and I was caught up from the start. As a child of ballet classes, auditioning for the Nutcracker was a highlight. Fanetti takes the reader to what it takes to be a company dancer. The pain, the due diligence in molding the all-important toes shoes. She has just the right flavor of the coveting a part and the power of welded by the choreographer. Fanetti did her research and it paid off.
We also are involved in the on-going plot points of the Pagano family and the Ukraine mafia. All of this is handled with the usual Fanetti power, with kernels of ideas planted to know more will be coming in upcoming books.
This book held its own and made me sit and read through the night. Fanetti cannot write fast enough for me. I will be waiting, counting the months until I get the next Pagano book.
Simple Faith (Pagano Brothers, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hidden Worthiness (Pagano Brothers, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Accidental Evils (Pagano Brothers. #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Name of Honor (Pagano Brothers. #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Things Impossible (Pagano rothers, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you wish to meet the Original Families and Couples, here is the first series:
Footsteps (Pagano Family, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Touch (Pagano Family, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rooted (Pagano Family, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deep (Pagano Family, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prayer (Pagano Family, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle (Pagano Family, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
He was the one...
The dark side of the moon...
He held power...
Stood shoulder to shoulder with the Head of the Family...
He did all the dirty work...
He knew where all the bodies were buried...
As he was the one who probably buried them...
But with all this Power...
There was a Reality of how He saw himself...
The roadmap of his life was literally the Scars on His Face...
He knew the score...
Made the Rules of Engagement...
Then He met Her...
She saw through His Posturing...
She saw his Beauty...
She saw his...
Hidden Worthiness (Pagano Brothers #2)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I am like Pavlov's Dog when I see Susan Fanetti has published another installment to the Pagano Brothers series. I click-click and put everything else aside and dive in. It doesn't matter what time of day, what sleep I will miss... I am conditioned to start this book as soon as I get my hands on it.
With Pagano Brothers Family... I seem to have the Sopranos theme song playing in the back of mind when I start. You know the feeling... it is this feeling of coming back to where you want to be. It is the connection of being back and finding out what has been happening with these characters... mental people who you think about long after the stories end.
This happens every single time I read Fanetti.
This time we got to see Donnie Goretti up close and personal. This is a man who lost a life he thought he would have... He was strong, knew he was good looking, and had no trouble with the women. He had chosen to go to the dark side by joining the Paganos causing him to be turned away by his own family. He was young and wanted to prove himself. In a moment, everything he thought his life would be ended, leaving a constant reminder of the pain and suffering which took place on his face.
The disfigurement of his ride side was something that became a test of sorts. The woman who should have seen him for who he was before and now, left him. Those who were not able to understand recoiled. As time went by, reactions to him taught him never to believe in pure love...any woman who even hinted of loving him was a pretender.
He did receive family love from his Don's family. The children only knew him as Uncle Donnie and never saw anything else. Donnie's relationship with Nick was strong and true. Donnie was Nick's Underboss and although behind Donnie's back he knew many of the lower soldiers had called him "The Face", no one ever did so to him.
For Donnie's power was vast. His wealth was his attraction. His manners were perfect and clear. He understood perception was everything and how he handled himself would impact all around him. He was known as this dark power and political officials and social circles bent to his will.
Donnie kept up his body and he had women, either paid for a night or had agreed to an arrangement for a longer-term. He was always the one in control and the moment the woman seemed to think he would fall for her "Loving" him, she was gone. He hated liars, as he knew no one could ever love him.
Arianna Luciano landed in Donnie's awareness due to her being a principal dancer with the Rhode Island Ballet. Arianna was a unique artist. She had made it all the way to the American Ballet company. She had the skill and talent but missed one important factor... she didn't lose herself in the characters she danced. She always remanded Ari. This is what kept her from remaining in NYC and ABT. ABT had wanted more emotions and a chameleon.
So Rhode Island Ballet it was. She was a dancer, an excellent one and this was the only thing she ever wanted. Unfortunately, she had to deal with a choreographer/director who bullied and was verbally abusive. He also had all the power as to who got what positions and parts so fighting back was a no starter. Luckily she wasn't totally alone in the situation. Arianna's best friend was her dance partner and his support was so important to her.
Donnie was a huge financial supporter of the ballet company and had box seats every year. He knew of Arianna and thought she was amazing and beautiful. When she was tapped to take over the Prima Ballerina spot for the upcoming presentation of Phantom of the Opera ballet, it caused him to pay attention. He had received the VIP invitation for the mascarade pre-event. He had a special mask made to order which covered all of the scars of his face. In his mind's eye, he thought of how it would allow him to just be... be the man he thought could have been... before his disfigurement.
But then he knew it was only a fantasy...
But the pull of seeing Arianna up close and personal became too much and he went to the event.
Arianna is tired. Her feet hurt... well they almost always hurt. She is tired of having to "be on" with all of the donors even though she understands it is part of the job. She goes to the bar and indulges with a glass of champagne and sees there is another man dressed as the Phantom at the end of the bar. At least this one wasn't wearing the one mask everyone was wearing from the movie... ugh, Arianna hated that one. No, this one was truly different. It seemed custom-made. His suit probably cost more than her car and it fit his body like a glove.
Donnie walked over to the petite dancer and risked talking to her. They both had a bit of exchange but before anything could take hold, Arianna was pulled away from her dance partner.
On opening night, Arianna had learned who her masked Phantom was, the Underboss of the Pagano family. Her dance partner warned her to stay away from him and his danger. Arianna, though, was intrigued. She also came from a family in New Jersey who had mob ties. She understood the divisions and codes of what all that entailed. Donnie didn't scare her. In fact, she wanted to know him better and sent a note to his box letting him know she wanted to meet with him.
A bold move. A move which causes Arianna to check to see if Donnie is in his box and when she finally sees him, she dances the best of her life... losing herself in the moment, flying across the stage and feeling emotions she always wished for when she danced.
These two do meet and this meeting is everything Arianna wished for until it wasn't. Arianna was a woman who knew what she wanted and needed. She refuses the standard offer Donnie has given and even though it hurts, she stands her ground.
This is the main set up of this tale. A powerful man who thinks of himself a certain way believes no one could ever love him and who is stunned when he is pushed to make concessions to this wisps of a woman. The fight for equal power between the two of them is staggering to him. The fact that he considers them and sees how she is able to actually see the man before the scars and love him as he is now stunned.
These two were perfect for each other and I was caught up from the start. As a child of ballet classes, auditioning for the Nutcracker was a highlight. Fanetti takes the reader to what it takes to be a company dancer. The pain, the due diligence in molding the all-important toes shoes. She has just the right flavor of the coveting a part and the power of welded by the choreographer. Fanetti did her research and it paid off.
We also are involved in the on-going plot points of the Pagano family and the Ukraine mafia. All of this is handled with the usual Fanetti power, with kernels of ideas planted to know more will be coming in upcoming books.
This book held its own and made me sit and read through the night. Fanetti cannot write fast enough for me. I will be waiting, counting the months until I get the next Pagano book.
Simple Faith (Pagano Brothers, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hidden Worthiness (Pagano Brothers, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Accidental Evils (Pagano Brothers. #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Name of Honor (Pagano Brothers. #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Things Impossible (Pagano rothers, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you wish to meet the Original Families and Couples, here is the first series:
Footsteps (Pagano Family, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Touch (Pagano Family, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rooted (Pagano Family, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deep (Pagano Family, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prayer (Pagano Family, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle (Pagano Family, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
He was the one...
The dark side of the moon...
He held power...
Stood shoulder to shoulder with the Head of the Family...
He did all the dirty work...
He knew where all the bodies were buried...
As he was the one who probably buried them...
But with all this Power...
There was a Reality of how He saw himself...
The roadmap of his life was literally the Scars on His Face...
He knew the score...
Made the Rules of Engagement...
Then He met Her...
She saw through His Posturing...
She saw his Beauty...
She saw his...
Hidden Worthiness (Pagano Brothers #2)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 7, 2019
***4.5 Stella Mia Stars***
Donnie locked away his heart for twenty years. It was kept safe behind bars ever since his right side of his face got burned off. For twenty years he hasn’t kissed any woman on the mouth. Only 2 women gets to kiss his face. His boss - Nick’s wife Bev and their daughter Carina. Donnie has condemned himself to a life without love. He’s had his share of mistresses but never a woman he let into his heart. The Pagano Family is his life. Nick and his wife and their kids are his family.
I couldn’t wait to see how Arianna would claim his heart and how Donnie would claim hers as well. It’s not easy to let go or welcome change after twenty years where you’ve lived your life by certain rules to protect yourself.
Arianna changes everything for Donnie. It takes time and that’s what I appreciate about this author’s storytelling. Donnie and Arianna’s character development is incredible. Especially Donnie’s. How he goes from a closed off man to letting Arianna inside. Their evolution was beautifully explored and depicted. He takes a risk and opens himself up to the possibility of being hurt or loved. He lets her see the real Donnie. Scars and all.
Arianna is a ballerina and doesn’t care about looks. She’s around beautiful people every day because of her work. For her it’s what’s inside that matters. She’s persistent and patient in her relationship with Donnie. She doesn’t want to be another mistress. She wants more and was the perfect woman for Donnie. He had to wait twenty years but she was worth it.
Another thing I absolutely love about this series are the Pagano Brothers and their friendships. Especially Donnie and Nick. They are not brothers by blood but it definitely feels like it. They trust each other explicitly. Also Nick and how he cares for Donnie and Arianna. There’s so much love between these characters.
I’m hoping this is not the end of this fabulous series.Angie the Enforcer needs his own book.
4.5 Stella Mia Stars
Donnie locked away his heart for twenty years. It was kept safe behind bars ever since his right side of his face got burned off. For twenty years he hasn’t kissed any woman on the mouth. Only 2 women gets to kiss his face. His boss - Nick’s wife Bev and their daughter Carina. Donnie has condemned himself to a life without love. He’s had his share of mistresses but never a woman he let into his heart. The Pagano Family is his life. Nick and his wife and their kids are his family.
I couldn’t wait to see how Arianna would claim his heart and how Donnie would claim hers as well. It’s not easy to let go or welcome change after twenty years where you’ve lived your life by certain rules to protect yourself.
Arianna changes everything for Donnie. It takes time and that’s what I appreciate about this author’s storytelling. Donnie and Arianna’s character development is incredible. Especially Donnie’s. How he goes from a closed off man to letting Arianna inside. Their evolution was beautifully explored and depicted. He takes a risk and opens himself up to the possibility of being hurt or loved. He lets her see the real Donnie. Scars and all.
Arianna is a ballerina and doesn’t care about looks. She’s around beautiful people every day because of her work. For her it’s what’s inside that matters. She’s persistent and patient in her relationship with Donnie. She doesn’t want to be another mistress. She wants more and was the perfect woman for Donnie. He had to wait twenty years but she was worth it.
Another thing I absolutely love about this series are the Pagano Brothers and their friendships. Especially Donnie and Nick. They are not brothers by blood but it definitely feels like it. They trust each other explicitly. Also Nick and how he cares for Donnie and Arianna. There’s so much love between these characters.
I’m hoping this is not the end of this fabulous series.Angie the Enforcer needs his own book.
4.5 Stella Mia Stars
January 15, 2019
5 “Stella Mia” Stars
I live in Texas but for the past few days, I was transported to Quite Cove, Rhode Island. The visual clarity of this author’s words have those powers. I was there when Donnie “The Face” Goretti met his beautiful ballerina, Arianna Luciano, for the first time. These two reminded me of Beauty and the Beast and oh what a glorious and emotional story it was.
This is my second Susan Fanetti book and her writing is exquisite. She tells a tale in a very soothing and tranquil way. The emotions are deep and heavy and the feelings you feel will penetrate your heart. Quite Cove is where the Pagano Brothers run their shipping empire as well as their mafia underworld. Nick Pagano is the Dom and Donnie is his underboss and best friend. Donnie has had a hard life. His face is permanently scarred and his heart shares those scars. He definitely isn’t prepared for the chassé Arianna does on him. This amazing ballerina sees the real Donnie, not the scarred Donnie. But when the hearts has walls all around it, can Arianna do the impossible and show Donnie that he too can still find love?
Beside being a romance story, this story also envelopes the mafia world. There are dangers and threats and actions. It is brutal and cutthroat and there is a russian bratva that is like a sore festering on the Pagano Brothers back. It adds suspense and drama to this emotional and awakening love story.
Donnie and Arianna’s story, along with the ballet and the mafia, was woven into a beautiful tapestry filled with passion, danger, hope and love. I look forward to my next visit to Quiet Cove.
I live in Texas but for the past few days, I was transported to Quite Cove, Rhode Island. The visual clarity of this author’s words have those powers. I was there when Donnie “The Face” Goretti met his beautiful ballerina, Arianna Luciano, for the first time. These two reminded me of Beauty and the Beast and oh what a glorious and emotional story it was.
This is my second Susan Fanetti book and her writing is exquisite. She tells a tale in a very soothing and tranquil way. The emotions are deep and heavy and the feelings you feel will penetrate your heart. Quite Cove is where the Pagano Brothers run their shipping empire as well as their mafia underworld. Nick Pagano is the Dom and Donnie is his underboss and best friend. Donnie has had a hard life. His face is permanently scarred and his heart shares those scars. He definitely isn’t prepared for the chassé Arianna does on him. This amazing ballerina sees the real Donnie, not the scarred Donnie. But when the hearts has walls all around it, can Arianna do the impossible and show Donnie that he too can still find love?
Beside being a romance story, this story also envelopes the mafia world. There are dangers and threats and actions. It is brutal and cutthroat and there is a russian bratva that is like a sore festering on the Pagano Brothers back. It adds suspense and drama to this emotional and awakening love story.
Donnie and Arianna’s story, along with the ballet and the mafia, was woven into a beautiful tapestry filled with passion, danger, hope and love. I look forward to my next visit to Quiet Cove.
July 18, 2022
Reread July 2022
5+++ "Open your eyes." Stars
Another extraordinary mafia love story from this gifted author. Hidden Worthiness gives readers the story of Donnie Goretti and his perfectly unlikely match, Arianna Luciano. Susan Fanetti takes a character from her Pagano series for whom we've grown to know and respect, and provides the most unexpected, fulfilling story. The care in which she took with these characters imparts yet another layer of the depth of her storytelling to her readers.
It's a quiet, softer progression of story than established Fanetti readers are accustomed to and it works so phenomenally for the kind of jounrey into love this hero deserves. It's simple in how the romance unfolds even though Donnie's story, in particular, is quite complex. And without ever meeting Arianna Luciano before, I understood her and fell in love with her immediately. The unlikely pair made for an engaging, illuminating kind of tale. It's subtle yet so very impactful. It invokes what I always say about Fanetti characters in that she feels them deeply as she's writing and gives them exactly what they need. You can feel it intensely through her brilliant, precise prose how acutely attuned to her characters Fanetti really is. It's the mark of great reading for me because this kind of natural storytelling evokes such strong emotions. I thought I had an idea of what Donnie's story would be like and was once again left stunned that it was so much more.
Susan Fanetti keeps her mafia edge adding in elements of surprise and complication in the Pagano Brothers world while simultaneously penning a reverent, soulful romance. Hidden Worthiness is absolutely brilliant in how it unfolds without secrets; full of passion, unanticipated elements, and multi-dimensional characters you won't soon forget.
My 5 star review for Book One of the Pagano Brothers series:
Simple Faith
**Reviewer note - While this could technically be read as a stand alone, you'd miss important elements of Donnie's life by not reading book one and I'd suggest starting with Simple Faith.**
**Hidden Worthiness generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5+++ "Open your eyes." Stars
Another extraordinary mafia love story from this gifted author. Hidden Worthiness gives readers the story of Donnie Goretti and his perfectly unlikely match, Arianna Luciano. Susan Fanetti takes a character from her Pagano series for whom we've grown to know and respect, and provides the most unexpected, fulfilling story. The care in which she took with these characters imparts yet another layer of the depth of her storytelling to her readers.
It's a quiet, softer progression of story than established Fanetti readers are accustomed to and it works so phenomenally for the kind of jounrey into love this hero deserves. It's simple in how the romance unfolds even though Donnie's story, in particular, is quite complex. And without ever meeting Arianna Luciano before, I understood her and fell in love with her immediately. The unlikely pair made for an engaging, illuminating kind of tale. It's subtle yet so very impactful. It invokes what I always say about Fanetti characters in that she feels them deeply as she's writing and gives them exactly what they need. You can feel it intensely through her brilliant, precise prose how acutely attuned to her characters Fanetti really is. It's the mark of great reading for me because this kind of natural storytelling evokes such strong emotions. I thought I had an idea of what Donnie's story would be like and was once again left stunned that it was so much more.
Susan Fanetti keeps her mafia edge adding in elements of surprise and complication in the Pagano Brothers world while simultaneously penning a reverent, soulful romance. Hidden Worthiness is absolutely brilliant in how it unfolds without secrets; full of passion, unanticipated elements, and multi-dimensional characters you won't soon forget.
My 5 star review for Book One of the Pagano Brothers series:
Simple Faith
**Reviewer note - While this could technically be read as a stand alone, you'd miss important elements of Donnie's life by not reading book one and I'd suggest starting with Simple Faith.**
**Hidden Worthiness generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
January 1, 2019
What a way to start the year. This book is everything. EVERYTHING!
January 29, 2025
Spoilers
Reread as I try to finally make it through this series......
A stupid choice by Donnie and Angie has war brewing with the Ukrainians and the Paganos.
Lots of violence and a child was accidentally killed.
My original thoughts on the romance stands, Ari was the pursuer and that's just not my thing.
They were separated for a few weeks in the beginning after they first had sex and he was an ass afterwards.
She's put in danger because of his job and that paved the way for their reconciliation
No third act breakup thankfully
We see Donnie break things off with his previous comare and also have sex with an escort. That's before he and Ari officially "meet" though he's watched her dance many times.
After they got together and even during the weeks of the separation no others.
Ari was raped years ago, it's mentioned but I really wanted justice from that situation. Donnie wasn't even told the details
All in all still not a favourite but I needed a refresher as to the mafia plotline
Spoilers ahead, 2.5*
Donnie is the right hand man of Don Pagano, 20 years ago he was attacked while guarding Nick's now wife and his face severely burned. Now full of scars and missing an ear Donnie has spent a lifetime shunning love and the spotlight
Ari is a ballet dancer working towards becoming the lead, a chance encounter at a masquerade ball put her in Donnie's sights but a note slipped to him was Arianna taking a chance.
But with war on the horizon things are becoming dangerous in the Pagano brother hood
********
Hmmmmmm, I did not enjoy this one asuch as book 1. In all honesty the mafia business was more interesting than the romance
1)I did not need to know of Donnie's habit of having a comare
2)I think his ex really did care for him but he's so focused on his scars that he considered himself unlovable and any woman who professed such he immediately broke things off. Nevertheless I didn't need to see the ex either
3)I did not need to see him hiring a hooker and having sex with her
4)I get it, what happened to him, the effect of living with horrific scars would turn any man but I was not a fan of his history with women especially as his breakup was so recent. He went from his ex to Arianna
5)Ari was the pursuer here, she was the one to develop feelings first and beg him to stay with her. She did stand up for herself when he offered his usual arrangement so she wasn't a doormat but she came across as needy and desperate for me
6)So many words of love but not the actual feeling and connection of it..... definitely not like in book 1
All in all this one didn't quite work for me
No cheating
H had arrangements with women where they'd go out etc, have sex but he never kissed them and wanted no professions of feelings
Ari's sexual history I actually am not too sure about, she was raped previously but that was brushed off. She was sexually harassed at work but that got handled
We see the H having sex with a hooker
Reread as I try to finally make it through this series......
A stupid choice by Donnie and Angie has war brewing with the Ukrainians and the Paganos.
Lots of violence and a child was accidentally killed.
My original thoughts on the romance stands, Ari was the pursuer and that's just not my thing.
They were separated for a few weeks in the beginning after they first had sex and he was an ass afterwards.
She's put in danger because of his job and that paved the way for their reconciliation
No third act breakup thankfully
We see Donnie break things off with his previous comare and also have sex with an escort. That's before he and Ari officially "meet" though he's watched her dance many times.
After they got together and even during the weeks of the separation no others.
Ari was raped years ago, it's mentioned but I really wanted justice from that situation. Donnie wasn't even told the details
All in all still not a favourite but I needed a refresher as to the mafia plotline
Spoilers ahead, 2.5*
Donnie is the right hand man of Don Pagano, 20 years ago he was attacked while guarding Nick's now wife and his face severely burned. Now full of scars and missing an ear Donnie has spent a lifetime shunning love and the spotlight
Ari is a ballet dancer working towards becoming the lead, a chance encounter at a masquerade ball put her in Donnie's sights but a note slipped to him was Arianna taking a chance.
But with war on the horizon things are becoming dangerous in the Pagano brother hood
********
Hmmmmmm, I did not enjoy this one asuch as book 1. In all honesty the mafia business was more interesting than the romance
1)I did not need to know of Donnie's habit of having a comare
2)I think his ex really did care for him but he's so focused on his scars that he considered himself unlovable and any woman who professed such he immediately broke things off. Nevertheless I didn't need to see the ex either
3)I did not need to see him hiring a hooker and having sex with her
4)I get it, what happened to him, the effect of living with horrific scars would turn any man but I was not a fan of his history with women especially as his breakup was so recent. He went from his ex to Arianna
5)Ari was the pursuer here, she was the one to develop feelings first and beg him to stay with her. She did stand up for herself when he offered his usual arrangement so she wasn't a doormat but she came across as needy and desperate for me
6)So many words of love but not the actual feeling and connection of it..... definitely not like in book 1
All in all this one didn't quite work for me
No cheating
H had arrangements with women where they'd go out etc, have sex but he never kissed them and wanted no professions of feelings
Ari's sexual history I actually am not too sure about, she was raped previously but that was brushed off. She was sexually harassed at work but that got handled
We see the H having sex with a hooker
January 18, 2019
Another great Fanetti read where her skill of getting inside her character's emotions makes the reader see so much more than a violent man.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 6, 2019
‘It wasn’t his fear that told him no one would love him. The world told him that every single day.’
The war is building between the Pagano brothers and the Bratva, and as we come to know the cast of characters intimately, firstly Trey in Simple Faith (Pagano Brothers Book #1) and now Donnie, in Hidden Worthiness, we admit we’re a little nervous for what’s to come as the series progresses. Susan Fanetti weaves a compassionate tale, teaching us to dig beneath and find the beauty within, all whilst building a suspenseful, gritty, emotional and gritty story with a theme that will continue throughout, with the characters who will shape the Pagano future.
Forty-six-year-old Donnie Goretti is the underboss, the right-hand man and best friend of Mafia Don, Nick Pagano. A man revered and feared, Donnie has lived a life in the shadows as it were, believing he was unlovable, due to disfigurement on one side of his face, the result of being agonisingly tortured twenty or so years earlier. Instead of opening his heart to hurt, Donnie settles for ‘arrangements’ with women. He is physically involved, showering them with gifts for their time, but not giving them his heart believing no woman could love him because of the way he looks.
‘He was not lovable, so he would never love.’
What he didn’t envisage was thirty-one-year-old, ballerina Arianne Luciano. Donnie is immediately taken with Ari, and after one night together, Donnie offers Arianne the same arrangement. Ari is hurt by his offer, as she sees the man beneath the scars – she sees a handsome, compassionate, caring, sad man whose coldness is a mask to protect his heart, not a disfigured man.
‘He’d been too young and stupid to want love. Since that night, he’d been too damaged to have it.’
Despite the chaos facing the Pagano families, both blood and brotherhood, Donnie can’t stop thinking about Arianne, wondering if she really did see him as someone she could love, and in return could he find a way to open his heart and trust her with his feelings. Arianne is determined to make Donnie see the possibilities a relationship with her could yield. The beautiful act of kissing is foreign to Donnie, who thinks such a thing would repulse Ari, but he didn’t count on the honesty of her feelings.
“You won’t kiss me? At all?”
“No.”
“A kiss is the seed of a romance.”
We loved Hidden Worthiness, a sort of the Godfather meets Beauty and the Beast, where we saw the beautiful heart of a man tortured by his past, who had simply accepted his lonely future until his beauty came to save him. Set against the powerful and dangerous Mafioso, we witness a simmering and passionate love amidst the chaos unfolding around the Pagano clan.
“Love doesn’t grow in this world. So, it’s best not to pretend it can.”
“But Donnie, how can you be happy if your heart is so closed off?”
“A closed heart is better than a broken one.”
Revenge is in the air, danger lurks on every corner. Can Ari and Donnie find their way, and open their hearts to love, or will the danger and violence of Donnie’s life be too much of a price to pay? Susan Fanetti delivered a beautiful and compassionate story with a couple we both adored. Ari and Donnie were soulmates through and through. A beautiful heartfelt love story with a smattering of suspense.
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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February 24, 2019
I enjoy this author’s writing, she has such a distinctive style and I liked her spin on mafia romance, this is the first one I read in this series.
January 5, 2019
‘It wasn’t his fear that told him no one would love him. The world told him that every single day.’
The war is building between the Pagano brothers and the Bratva, and as we come to know the cast of characters intimately, firstly Trey in Simple Faith (Pagano Brothers Book #1) and now Donnie, in Hidden Worthiness, we admit we’re a little nervous for what’s to come as the series progresses. Susan Fanetti weaves a compassionate tale, teaching us to dig beneath and find the beauty within, all whilst building a suspenseful, gritty, emotional and gritty story with a theme that will continue throughout, with the characters who will shape the Pagano future.
Forty-six-year-old Donnie Goretti is the underboss, the right-hand man and best friend of Mafia Don, Nick Pagano. A man revered and feared, Donnie has lived a life in the shadows as it were, believing he was unlovable, due to disfigurement on one side of his face, the result of being agonisingly tortured twenty or so years earlier. Instead of opening his heart to hurt, Donnie settles for ‘arrangements’ with women. He is physically involved, showering them with gifts for their time, but not giving them his heart believing no woman could love him because of the way he looks.
‘He was not lovable, so he would never love.’
What he didn’t envisage was thirty-one-year-old, ballerina Arianne Luciano. Donnie is immediately taken with Ari, and after one night together, Donnie offers Arianne the same arrangement. Ari is hurt by his offer, as she sees the man beneath the scars – she sees a handsome, compassionate, caring, sad man whose coldness is a mask to protect his heart, not a disfigured man.
‘He’d been too young and stupid to want love. Since that night, he’d been too damaged to have it.’
Despite the chaos facing the Pagano families, both blood and brotherhood, Donnie can’t stop thinking about Arianne, wondering if she really did see him as someone she could love, and in return could he find a way to open his heart and trust her with his feelings. Arianne is determined to make Donnie see the possibilities a relationship with her could yield. The beautiful act of kissing is foreign to Donnie, who thinks such a thing would repulse Ari, but he didn’t count on the honesty of her feelings.
“You won’t kiss me? At all?”
“No.”
“A kiss is the seed of a romance.”
We loved Hidden Worthiness, a sort of the Godfather meets Beauty and the Beast, where we saw the beautiful heart of a man tortured by his past, who had simply accepted his lonely future until his beauty came to save him. Set against the powerful and dangerous Mafioso, we witness a simmering and passionate love amidst the chaos unfolding around the Pagano clan.
“Love doesn’t grow in this world. So, it’s best not to pretend it can.”
“But Donnie, how can you be happy if your heart is so closed off?”
“A closed heart is better than a broken one.”
Revenge is in the air, danger lurks on every corner. Can Ari and Donnie find their way, and open their hearts to love, or will the danger and violence of Donnie’s life be too much of a price to pay? Susan Fanetti delivered a beautiful and compassionate story with a couple we both adored. Ari and Donnie were soulmates through and through. A beautiful heartfelt love story with a smattering of suspense.
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
November 4, 2021
January 2019: Book 2 in the next-gen Paganos books. I think it could be read as a standalone, but there are characters from other books (e.g. Nick and Beverly and 4 kids) as well as reference to previous events.
Donnie, the hero, is a side character in previous books, and you knew little about him. But you knew what had happened when his face got dramatically burned, leaving him severely scarred. In this book we see inside Donnie, his loneliness and inner hurt despite his stoic surface demeanour. I like that he is 46, too. I enjoy romances with more mature protags.
Arianna is a new character, but I quickly grew to like and respect her. A ballerina, with oodles of self-discipline and a strong and likeable personality. I loved the way their relationship developed, and yep, I just had to keep reading on to see the way things panned out and how they reached their HEA.
As in other books in this series, there is a small number of violent scenes, and as I have done before, I skimmed through them because it makes me uncomfortable. But Fanetti does a great job of showing you what drives her characters and making you understand and like them. The focus here is not on the mafiosa life as much as it is on the romance and the character development. And that's the way I prefer it, though that probably won't suit all readers.
Donnie, the hero, is a side character in previous books, and you knew little about him. But you knew what had happened when his face got dramatically burned, leaving him severely scarred. In this book we see inside Donnie, his loneliness and inner hurt despite his stoic surface demeanour. I like that he is 46, too. I enjoy romances with more mature protags.
Arianna is a new character, but I quickly grew to like and respect her. A ballerina, with oodles of self-discipline and a strong and likeable personality. I loved the way their relationship developed, and yep, I just had to keep reading on to see the way things panned out and how they reached their HEA.
As in other books in this series, there is a small number of violent scenes, and as I have done before, I skimmed through them because it makes me uncomfortable. But Fanetti does a great job of showing you what drives her characters and making you understand and like them. The focus here is not on the mafiosa life as much as it is on the romance and the character development. And that's the way I prefer it, though that probably won't suit all readers.
January 6, 2019
5+++++++++++++ stars from me. Susan’s books are always something very special and Hidden Worthiness is very, very special. Donnie and Ari are perfect together and it was lovely to catch up with Nick and Bev and their family again. The Paganos are one of those families that just make me want to be a part of.
This is such a great book. I wish I could express myself better - my reviews always seem to read like not very good Year 10 book reports and this book deserves so much better than what I can write. This series has me hooked - like all of Susan’s do and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
This is such a great book. I wish I could express myself better - my reviews always seem to read like not very good Year 10 book reports and this book deserves so much better than what I can write. This series has me hooked - like all of Susan’s do and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
January 6, 2019
I’ve been waiting for Donnie’s book since he made an appearance in Deep. Susan wrote such a beautiful book for him. I loved it!
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January 8, 2019
January 2019 -- 5 Stars!!
January 16, 2019
5 "Sei la mia stella" ☆☆☆☆☆
The attention to detail as always - shows.
Donnie, what an incredibly deep lovable man you are. He has suffered and endured, thought him self not lovable. But ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, how you are.
Arianna, you little star you. You saw what he couldn't, and how you turned him around, with such honest love was just a joy to read. I fell in love with you both.
What a super surprise Julian was!, he was a great character.
It's pretty safe to say that I fell in love with this story and characters.
My 1st 5 star of 2019.
#LovedIt
*Teasers made with purchased pics and authors words.
The attention to detail as always - shows.
Donnie, what an incredibly deep lovable man you are. He has suffered and endured, thought him self not lovable. But ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, how you are.
Arianna, you little star you. You saw what he couldn't, and how you turned him around, with such honest love was just a joy to read. I fell in love with you both.
What a super surprise Julian was!, he was a great character.
It's pretty safe to say that I fell in love with this story and characters.
My 1st 5 star of 2019.
#LovedIt
*Teasers made with purchased pics and authors words.
January 7, 2019
I have been anxiously awaiting Donnie’s book. His is a character that sticks with you from the time he is introduced. I just finished his book and it was perfection. It was just what I hoped for him and more. ❤️
Arianna was a great heroine. I loved seeing into the world of ballerinas. I loved how strong she was and how she interacted with Donnie.
On a side note, I love Nick Pagano more every time I read about him 🥰
Arianna was a great heroine. I loved seeing into the world of ballerinas. I loved how strong she was and how she interacted with Donnie.
On a side note, I love Nick Pagano more every time I read about him 🥰
January 7, 2019
Book 2 of the spinoff from the Pagano Family series; Donnie plays a vital role in the Pagano patriarch Nick's story in Deep. He is Nick's underboss and has a scarred face and its bad enough to scare children. h is a ballerina and they meet when he attends a masquerade as Erik from Phantom of the Opera
H is into impersonal relationships with mistresses; he offers the same deal to h and she refuses. She is very upset and cries as she feels he cheapened what they had shared the previous night.
As is usual with Susan Fanetti's book, she always has a few plots running along; one main arc of a rival Ukraine mafia, the main H and h's love story and another one that deals with the concept of 'no means no' and objectifying the female body.
The mafia plot progressed to an outright war and spoilers here; the Pagano group ends up killing a minor in a shootout as they were unaware that any children would be present there
The love plot; seemed ok. The H has issues with his face and scars but he feels something for the h while the h is falling deeper in love with the H; I cannot find fault with their love except maybe that they seemed to progress very fast; but as I have found, this author does love, sex, tenderness and building a relationship very well.
The issues I had with were the minor plot of 'no means no'. h was a rape victim; it happened off page but its something she doesn't disclose to H, not even at the end. Her boss at the ballet touches her inappropriately, body shames her and victimises her as she doesn't want to sleep with him. On the other side we are shown Nick's teenage daughter beating up a classmate who snaps girls bra straps. Her mother supports her and as she tells the H; he is a great guy but won't understand the struggles girls face. On one hand we have h who is afraid to take a step as it could mean the death knell for her career and on the other hand we have a teenager strong enough to take a stand. This issue does not get anymore page time. h solves the pervy boss issue by asking H to come to her rehearsals and intimidating the perve; which H does. Perve straightens his ways towards h; nothing more is said about the teenager although, given that she is H's favorite person and is portrayed as a strong, vivid and wild child, we can likely expect to see her in later books. Maybe the objectifying plot will get more page time. What disappointed me with h's resolution here is that when H offers to make her his mistress, she is very distressed, even to the point that she throws up and is miserable for days. H has his reasons and his life is rather limited in some ways and he has hangups. But h tolerates her pervy boss's touching and doesn't have the same extreme reaction.
So all in all; long and deep story and I could get into it and read
H is a good character; has achieved a lot and tries his best and makes a genuine effort to allow h into his life
h wins points for the love she has for H, the affection she shows him and the way she makes him feel that he is worthy.
Plot and author lose some points for not making h stronger; somewhere the message we get is that its ok to let your boss be inappropriate and abusive because you don't want to give up your career and to have a stronger character (H) solve your problems
Side characters; it was good to see Nick; out of the original Pagano Family series, I liked Nick the best; he almost convinces me to make an effort for silver foxes and mafia bosses ...
H is into impersonal relationships with mistresses; he offers the same deal to h and she refuses. She is very upset and cries as she feels he cheapened what they had shared the previous night.
As is usual with Susan Fanetti's book, she always has a few plots running along; one main arc of a rival Ukraine mafia, the main H and h's love story and another one that deals with the concept of 'no means no' and objectifying the female body.
The mafia plot progressed to an outright war and spoilers here; the Pagano group ends up killing a minor in a shootout as they were unaware that any children would be present there
The love plot; seemed ok. The H has issues with his face and scars but he feels something for the h while the h is falling deeper in love with the H; I cannot find fault with their love except maybe that they seemed to progress very fast; but as I have found, this author does love, sex, tenderness and building a relationship very well.
The issues I had with were the minor plot of 'no means no'. h was a rape victim; it happened off page but its something she doesn't disclose to H, not even at the end. Her boss at the ballet touches her inappropriately, body shames her and victimises her as she doesn't want to sleep with him. On the other side we are shown Nick's teenage daughter beating up a classmate who snaps girls bra straps. Her mother supports her and as she tells the H; he is a great guy but won't understand the struggles girls face. On one hand we have h who is afraid to take a step as it could mean the death knell for her career and on the other hand we have a teenager strong enough to take a stand. This issue does not get anymore page time. h solves the pervy boss issue by asking H to come to her rehearsals and intimidating the perve; which H does. Perve straightens his ways towards h; nothing more is said about the teenager although, given that she is H's favorite person and is portrayed as a strong, vivid and wild child, we can likely expect to see her in later books. Maybe the objectifying plot will get more page time. What disappointed me with h's resolution here is that when H offers to make her his mistress, she is very distressed, even to the point that she throws up and is miserable for days. H has his reasons and his life is rather limited in some ways and he has hangups. But h tolerates her pervy boss's touching and doesn't have the same extreme reaction.
So all in all; long and deep story and I could get into it and read
H is a good character; has achieved a lot and tries his best and makes a genuine effort to allow h into his life
h wins points for the love she has for H, the affection she shows him and the way she makes him feel that he is worthy.
Plot and author lose some points for not making h stronger; somewhere the message we get is that its ok to let your boss be inappropriate and abusive because you don't want to give up your career and to have a stronger character (H) solve your problems
Side characters; it was good to see Nick; out of the original Pagano Family series, I liked Nick the best; he almost convinces me to make an effort for silver foxes and mafia bosses ...
December 17, 2022
I was absolutely consumed by this book all morning, I had to finish it!!!!!!!! Swoon!!! I loved Donnie and Arianna - their stories had me wrapped around their fingers - entwined like the ballerina dancing!!!! I am a sucker for a dancer story! So this combo of extra mafia business and a broken broken man + one tough ballerina.....5 stars from me!!!!!! Between Donnie and Nick.....they are feeding me!!!!
This new series of Pagano business is serving up to be a mighty war....and I am here for it! All the books are written and I can't wait to enjoy each of the players stories. We continue to get Nick, Bev and Family and I imagine when we get to the different guys we will get back to some of the other siblings side stories and be able to catch up with their lives too! I love how each and every book is so different and written in a way that doesn't make me feel like I just read 8 of this authors books in a row!!!!! fabulous stuff!
This new series of Pagano business is serving up to be a mighty war....and I am here for it! All the books are written and I can't wait to enjoy each of the players stories. We continue to get Nick, Bev and Family and I imagine when we get to the different guys we will get back to some of the other siblings side stories and be able to catch up with their lives too! I love how each and every book is so different and written in a way that doesn't make me feel like I just read 8 of this authors books in a row!!!!! fabulous stuff!
May 25, 2019
Loved it! SF is such a great storyteller! I really enjoyed how Ari was able to see beyond Donnie's scars, both the physical and emotional ones, and slowly break down his walls and convince him to open himself up to the possibility of love. She was the perfect mix of a sweet and strong - exactly the type of woman Donnie needed. So many other character relationships and interactions that I also liked throughout the book which made it extra fun to read. Really looking forward to the next 2 in the series, Tony's and Angie's stories, though I'm super nervous about the inevitable mafia war that I can tell will be coming along with them...
July 3, 2019
Donnie “The Face” Goretti, is 46 years old and he's the underboss of the Pagano Brothers, a Mafia family.
People call him "the face" because the right side of his face is extensively scarred but very few know that his deepest scars are not visible on the outside.
He meets 31 years old Arianna Luciano, a principal dancer with the Rhode Island Ballet, and the attraction is instant.
Sparks fly but Donny screws up and Arianna flees.
When he realizes her association to him might throw her in the middle of a dangerous situation, their paths cross again and, while trying to protect her, the attraction develops into more.
Arianna is brave enough to stand up for herself and her genuineness is able to break through the steel wall he's built around his heart.
The “ballet” setting was a good change of "scenery" for me and I believe it was very well portrayed, the story was engaging from beginning to end.
Donnie & Ari reminded me a bit of Christine and the "Phanthom" in the famous Phantom of the Opera story but the actual plot hasn't much in common with it.
The comparison probably came to my mind just because they meet at an event for Ari's company's production of The Phantom of the Opera.
I LOVE the 2004's movie with my beloved Gerard Butler, I keep the entire soundtrack on my ipod and think of him when I listened to it! XDXDXD
Oh well...that's a digression, let's get back to Susan Fanetti's book ^_^
The MC chemistry was good but Ari's quick jump into love didn't convince me.
I think her reaction after their first night together (when he screws up because he treats her like an escort) was powerful and well written and, for once, the heroine reacts believably to that kind of situation.
Often heroines justify a wrong or rude behavior because the hero is troubled, as if they are able to read heros' mind and motives, which is something that unfortunately happens in real life too.😣
Donny's actions can be explained knowing his past and his issues BUT that doesn't mean they're justified.
After such a strong reaction from Arianna, I expected a more gradual building up of their relationship when they actually clear things up. I didn't expect insta-love on her part.
That said, I enjoyed the way she's able to make him trust her enough to open up about his scars and issues.
I fell in love with Arianna's BBF and fellow ballet dancer Julian, he's truly THE BEST friend and colleague a person could have😍.
I love Susan Fanetti’s writing, it's always compelling and competent.
Whenever I venture into reading Mafia stories I rarely see italian phrases perfectly used hence...bonus points!😁
⭐ 4 Stars ⭐
~ MY RATINGS ~
Writing: 4.5 /5
Plot: 3.5 /5
Hero: 4 /5
Heroine: 3.5 /5
Secondary Characters: 5 /5
MC's chemistry: 3 /5
Steam: 4 /5
Triggers: Hero doesn't like to be touched especially his scarred face, Violence, Sex with OW (a prostitute, he hadn't met the heroine yet), Mafia Business
Recommended to: Contemporary Romance Readers in the mood for romance in a mafia setting with a scarred hero.
Are you looking for a specific mix of ingredients for your next read?
October 28, 2019
Touching read
You are worth more then your parts. A lesson learned in this touching story. We are are worthy we just have to believe. As always love conquers all.
You are worth more then your parts. A lesson learned in this touching story. We are are worthy we just have to believe. As always love conquers all.
January 30, 2019
I love this series and was so excited for Donnie’s story... it didn’t disappoint. Sempre Famiglia❤️
January 17, 2019
A modern retelling of The Phantom of the Opera
Wow, I am so in love with this beautiful story. I love all of Susan Fanetti’s books, but this one is extra special: I feel that every aspect of it is perfect. In a perverse way this makes it so much more difficult to review since it is easier to write about stuff you want to criticize. Also, I want to avoid gushing (not sure whether I will succeed).
First things first, though. This is a mafia romance and contains some strong violence, although not quite as bad as in some of Fanetti’s other books. It is book #2 of the Pagano Brothers (which sort of marks Nick’s reign of la famiglia) and book #8 of the Pagano Family series overall. That is important because Donnie Goretti played a supporting but nevertheless important role in Nick’s story, Deep. During an attack by a rivalling crime family he was tortured and horribly burned, by having the right side of his face held to a hot grill. At the time he was a simple foot soldier, but now he is Nick’s underboss and the #2 in the organization. Ever since he has been disfigured the only contact with women he has allowed himself has been in form of an arrangement, where he provides all the amenities of a luxurious life (travel, eating in expensive restaurants, visits to the opera, presents) in return for companionship, but only ever on his terms, because he feels that no woman could love him the way he is. At the first hint of feelings (which aren’t real anyway, in his view), he ditches his companion. Until his latest “mistress” tells him that not the scars on his face are the problem, but the scars on his heart. That’s when he meets Ari and everything changes. The opera is one of the pleasures Donnie indulges in and Ari is a dancer with the local Long Island Ballet. They meet at a masked ball the ballet company is putting on for the premiere of their performance of The Phantom of the Opera and Ari is instantly fascinated by Donnie, so she invites him to dinner and more, even knowing who and what he is…
As you might have guessed by now I had very high expectations for Donnie’s story and I was not disappointed, it’s a beautiful, deeply emotional and even hopeful love story. One of the things I admire most about Fanetti’s writing is that every one of her protagonists is unique in their personality, their history, past and quirks and the dynamic between each couple is always different and fresh. Quite a few romance authors fall into the trap of repetition and their protagonists and stories become formulaic, but not so Fanetti, even after dozens and dozens of books.
Another thing that stands out is the attention to detail she puts into the development of her characters, and although I suspect quite lot of research goes into it, it is always done with a light hand. But you really believe Ari is a ballerina, as you follow her everyday struggles and disappointments that as an audience of a performance we never see, as it is meant to appear effortless. It makes her protagnosts immensely relatable, like the glimpse of Donnie’s hidden geekiness.
Although I quite like the trope of the tragic, disfigured hero, who feels he is unworthy to be loved, Phantom of the Opera (In all it’s incarnations), is not my favorite realization of that trope, and neither is it Fanetti’s: in the book she describes Erik as an creepy, abusive stalker and marvels why women feel so drawn to him, considering the way he treats Christine. So she sets out to transform the story, so that the Phantom is no longer monstrous (in his treatment of the heroine), but considerate and passionate and ends up not dead, but happy for now. I really liked the virtuosity of how the story of The Phantom of the Opera was interwoven with Donnie and Ari’s story and how she plays Christine on the stage as well as in real life, but with a different Erik and a different outcome.
5+ stars for this amazing retelling of a tragic tale of unrequited obsession. I wish I could read it for the first time again!
Wow, I am so in love with this beautiful story. I love all of Susan Fanetti’s books, but this one is extra special: I feel that every aspect of it is perfect. In a perverse way this makes it so much more difficult to review since it is easier to write about stuff you want to criticize. Also, I want to avoid gushing (not sure whether I will succeed).
First things first, though. This is a mafia romance and contains some strong violence, although not quite as bad as in some of Fanetti’s other books. It is book #2 of the Pagano Brothers (which sort of marks Nick’s reign of la famiglia) and book #8 of the Pagano Family series overall. That is important because Donnie Goretti played a supporting but nevertheless important role in Nick’s story, Deep. During an attack by a rivalling crime family he was tortured and horribly burned, by having the right side of his face held to a hot grill. At the time he was a simple foot soldier, but now he is Nick’s underboss and the #2 in the organization. Ever since he has been disfigured the only contact with women he has allowed himself has been in form of an arrangement, where he provides all the amenities of a luxurious life (travel, eating in expensive restaurants, visits to the opera, presents) in return for companionship, but only ever on his terms, because he feels that no woman could love him the way he is. At the first hint of feelings (which aren’t real anyway, in his view), he ditches his companion. Until his latest “mistress” tells him that not the scars on his face are the problem, but the scars on his heart. That’s when he meets Ari and everything changes. The opera is one of the pleasures Donnie indulges in and Ari is a dancer with the local Long Island Ballet. They meet at a masked ball the ballet company is putting on for the premiere of their performance of The Phantom of the Opera and Ari is instantly fascinated by Donnie, so she invites him to dinner and more, even knowing who and what he is…
As you might have guessed by now I had very high expectations for Donnie’s story and I was not disappointed, it’s a beautiful, deeply emotional and even hopeful love story. One of the things I admire most about Fanetti’s writing is that every one of her protagonists is unique in their personality, their history, past and quirks and the dynamic between each couple is always different and fresh. Quite a few romance authors fall into the trap of repetition and their protagonists and stories become formulaic, but not so Fanetti, even after dozens and dozens of books.
Another thing that stands out is the attention to detail she puts into the development of her characters, and although I suspect quite lot of research goes into it, it is always done with a light hand. But you really believe Ari is a ballerina, as you follow her everyday struggles and disappointments that as an audience of a performance we never see, as it is meant to appear effortless. It makes her protagnosts immensely relatable, like the glimpse of Donnie’s hidden geekiness.
Although I quite like the trope of the tragic, disfigured hero, who feels he is unworthy to be loved, Phantom of the Opera (In all it’s incarnations), is not my favorite realization of that trope, and neither is it Fanetti’s: in the book she describes Erik as an creepy, abusive stalker and marvels why women feel so drawn to him, considering the way he treats Christine. So she sets out to transform the story, so that the Phantom is no longer monstrous (in his treatment of the heroine), but considerate and passionate and ends up not dead, but happy for now. I really liked the virtuosity of how the story of The Phantom of the Opera was interwoven with Donnie and Ari’s story and how she plays Christine on the stage as well as in real life, but with a different Erik and a different outcome.
5+ stars for this amazing retelling of a tragic tale of unrequited obsession. I wish I could read it for the first time again!
February 18, 2019
I read a fair amount of mafia romances, but this book I think is going to stand out in my mind for a while as the book against which most other mafia romances I read fall short. I’ve read a couple MC books by the author, but this was my first mafia romance by her, and I truly hope she writes a lot more in the genre. The hero, Donnie, had been gravely injured in his twenties, when enemies pressed the side of his face to a commercial grill. Although he rose up in the ranks to become the number two guy in the Pagano Family, he is incredibly vulnerable about his face, how people stare at him, and how children have cried in fear when they see him. Because of this, he is stoic and disbelieving that anyone can care about him, so he is also quite lonely. Donnie to me was a unique take on the mafioso hero we typically read about - yes he’s strong, but also tends to be quiet, is passionate about the arts, and just as capable with financial matters for the Family as he is with physical violence on their behalf. And his relationship with Arianna was heart-breakingly beautiful. I also quite enjoyed the juxtaposition of the ballet scene against the backdrop of Donnie’s world, and Arianna was a wonderfully complex character as well. I do not think my review does this book justice, but I do hope it’s clear how much I loved it - 5 stars.
January 10, 2019
Voilà une auteure que je découvre et que je relirai sans doute car cette histoire d’amour dans un contexte mafieux est particulièrement réussie. Attention, nous sommes loin des livres qui ne font qu’effleurer leur sujet avec ce milieu illégal. Il a un avantage certain, il permet de parler d’hommes dangereux avec des valeurs bien à part de la société traditionnelle qui risque leur vie très souvent mais aussi celle de leurs proches. Cette saga autour des frères Pagano est en fait un spin-off d’une autre parue il y’a plusieurs années. Des personnages secondaires vont avoir droit à leur histoire notamment Donnie Goretti, horriblement mutilé au visage lors d’une séance de tordre orchestrée par des ennemis du clan Pagano. Ceux-ci sont installés dans l’est des USA et Donnie les sert depuis des années. Il est trésorier du groupe mais est capable de se servir de son arme aussi.
Nous entrons alors dans une classique histoire de belle et la bête. Donnie a été défigurée par des brûlures qui ont affectées un côté de son visage. Il vit une souffrance physique qui persiste des années plus tard et l’absolue conviction qu’il ne peut que repousser les gens. Il fait avec et dans sa vie amoureuse, cela le pousse à instaurer des règles très strictes avec des femmes qui ne sont que de passage dans sa vie. Donnie est aussi un passionné de musique classique et de ballet. C’est comme ça qu’il va rencontrer la jolie Arianna Luciano, danseuse étoile. Elle est belle, lumineuse, heureuse, au sommet de sa carrière. Il est plus âgé, défiguré, endurci par une vie compliquée. La Belle et la Bête. Sur cette base simple, Susan Fanetti va nous livrer une histoire très bien écrite, qui prend son temps, et oscille entre la romance et les dangers qui rôdent autour de la famille Pagano et de Donnie. Ils ont des démêlés avec un clan ukrainien. L’auteure prend bien son temps pour nous en parler et c’est parfois un peu longuet de savoir quelle fonction a tel personnage ou qui est qui. Je suppose que pour les lecteurs du précédent tome et de la saga qui a tout commencé, c’est bien plus clair. Tout est très bien mené, avec précision et efficacité. Et l’histoire d’amour entre Arianna et Donnie est très belle parce que les deux personnages sont forts, avec des personnalités riches et attachantes. Donnie est un homme en contrôle extrême qui souffre de son physique et de l’éloignement que cela provoque avec les autres.C’est aussi un homme totalement dévoué à son « don », le chef du clan Pagano. Quant à Arianna, elle n’a jamais peur de cet homme dur et balafré. Elle est lumineuse, empathique et va aller débusquer la bête au fond de sa tanière.
Les rebondissements sont un peu attendus, tout va un peu trop vite entre les deux héros. Mais on a envie de croire à cette histoire, passionnée, belle, honnête. Une vraie réussite.
https://romance-bluemoon.com/2019/01/...
Nous entrons alors dans une classique histoire de belle et la bête. Donnie a été défigurée par des brûlures qui ont affectées un côté de son visage. Il vit une souffrance physique qui persiste des années plus tard et l’absolue conviction qu’il ne peut que repousser les gens. Il fait avec et dans sa vie amoureuse, cela le pousse à instaurer des règles très strictes avec des femmes qui ne sont que de passage dans sa vie. Donnie est aussi un passionné de musique classique et de ballet. C’est comme ça qu’il va rencontrer la jolie Arianna Luciano, danseuse étoile. Elle est belle, lumineuse, heureuse, au sommet de sa carrière. Il est plus âgé, défiguré, endurci par une vie compliquée. La Belle et la Bête. Sur cette base simple, Susan Fanetti va nous livrer une histoire très bien écrite, qui prend son temps, et oscille entre la romance et les dangers qui rôdent autour de la famille Pagano et de Donnie. Ils ont des démêlés avec un clan ukrainien. L’auteure prend bien son temps pour nous en parler et c’est parfois un peu longuet de savoir quelle fonction a tel personnage ou qui est qui. Je suppose que pour les lecteurs du précédent tome et de la saga qui a tout commencé, c’est bien plus clair. Tout est très bien mené, avec précision et efficacité. Et l’histoire d’amour entre Arianna et Donnie est très belle parce que les deux personnages sont forts, avec des personnalités riches et attachantes. Donnie est un homme en contrôle extrême qui souffre de son physique et de l’éloignement que cela provoque avec les autres.C’est aussi un homme totalement dévoué à son « don », le chef du clan Pagano. Quant à Arianna, elle n’a jamais peur de cet homme dur et balafré. Elle est lumineuse, empathique et va aller débusquer la bête au fond de sa tanière.
Les rebondissements sont un peu attendus, tout va un peu trop vite entre les deux héros. Mais on a envie de croire à cette histoire, passionnée, belle, honnête. Une vraie réussite.
https://romance-bluemoon.com/2019/01/...
February 7, 2019
Okay but mafia romances are not for me.
January 10, 2019
It’s been a long time since I read a Mafia book. I know this type of books are most of the time tricky, when I thought of Mafia books I relate them with cheating and a lot of OW drama, so I try to avoid them.
This one was different, refreshing and I loved it! A broken man fixed by an innocent and sweet woman. It was angsty but romantic at the same time. There is OW drama in the beginning, but that’s it, the rest is about they trying to make their relationship work.
There are some situations I did not like, that’s why the four stars. Like the explicit scene between H and OW (before he “met” h). The constant remainders from H about fucking and dating but no loving OW. Sometimes the explanations of the situations were heavy and boring, too much explanation but not enough dialogue, I skip through that long explanations and still understood the context. H’s age, it bothers me a little he was so old, 39 or 40 it’s still good to me, but 46... I don’t know I feel he could enjoy his upcoming years... personal taste I guess. They not wanting have children at all, it’s related to H’s age, too.
This one was different, refreshing and I loved it! A broken man fixed by an innocent and sweet woman. It was angsty but romantic at the same time. There is OW drama in the beginning, but that’s it, the rest is about they trying to make their relationship work.
There are some situations I did not like, that’s why the four stars. Like the explicit scene between H and OW (before he “met” h). The constant remainders from H about fucking and dating but no loving OW. Sometimes the explanations of the situations were heavy and boring, too much explanation but not enough dialogue, I skip through that long explanations and still understood the context. H’s age, it bothers me a little he was so old, 39 or 40 it’s still good to me, but 46... I don’t know I feel he could enjoy his upcoming years... personal taste I guess. They not wanting have children at all, it’s related to H’s age, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2019
I love this whole crazy mafia family! This one felt different to me but in a good way. It was a slower build up and I felt like less couple centered but it didn’t take away from their story. You felt for Donnie. This big scary guy being brought to his knees by words and actions shown him was heartbreaking. But he was the sweetest
November 14, 2021
The best of the Pagano series
Maybe because the brutal violence of the series was tempered, and the story let the characters shine through, this was the best read of all the Pagano books. Can be read as a standalone
Maybe because the brutal violence of the series was tempered, and the story let the characters shine through, this was the best read of all the Pagano books. Can be read as a standalone
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