I’m about to marry a monster. And no one cares how loud I scream for help. ISA
How did I end up here? Stuck on an altar with a cold-blooded killer?
Everyone is getting what they want – except for me. My father gets peace between the city’s crime families. Lorenzo’s father gets a powerful ally against a new and dangerous threat.
But all I get is used like a mobster’s toy.
Because Lorenzo Montorini is a savage beast. And he doesn’t give a damn how loud I scream. Or how much I beg.
He’s determined to do one thing and one thing only: Make me utterly, hopelessly HIS.
LORENZO
I’ve had every beautiful woman in this whole damn city, but I’m still hungry for more. So getting married is the last thing I want. Especially this fake, forced marriage between two children of the city’s most powerful dons.
I’ll do what’s right for my family, if I must. Whatever it takes to make the Montorinis kings of the city.
But when nighttime falls and my bride’s veil comes off… I’m going to do what’s right for me.
I’m going to make her MINE.
LORENZO is a full-length, standalone, super steamy, bad boy mafia romance novel from bestselling author KATHRYN THOMAS.
This suspenseful, action-packed mafia romance is intended for mature audiences, due to violence, strong language, dark themes and elements, and explicit intimate scenes. The romance between the alpha male bad boy and the fiery woman he can't resist ends with a guaranteed happily ever after (HEA) ending, has absolutely NO CHEATING, and does NOT include a cliffhanger of any kind.
This contains the following tropes: forced/fake marriage, rival mafias, unexpected baby, and powerful protector.
Inner dialogue anyone. Two whole chapters before the characters actually talked to each other. Then about four more until they again spoke. For a mafia guy who was second in command he was extremely out of the loop. Someone is going to kill you, who?, we don’t know, ok? The hey don’t worry we got the people who were out to get you, ok. Really? Save your brain cells.
This was a great story. Love the flow of the plot, action, and the dialogue. Not all stories are built on sexual connections and this is one of those. The author wants to tell a in depth love story about an arranged marriage. The two children of rivaling mobsters were contracted to get married so that the families territories were united. The stopped the feuding and hatred in the D’Augustino and Montorini families. Well let’s throw in an insane ex girlfriend named Elissa. Now we have a party! The book opens with the wedding and we get to see how two strangers get married and fall in love. Great storyline but kinda passionless. As the relationship between the characters grew deeper then the desire and unrequited passion and attraction should have intensified as their hatred for one another lessened. The little things matter and the devil is in the detail for each story. 🥰😈
I’m sorry I just don’t get it. You’re 27 and you’re father says one day “you’re going to marry this guy, you can’t work anymore when you’re married and oh, btw, I’m a criminal”.
What do you do?
1. You tell your father “no”, run away, then come back and agree to marry the man. 2. You get the fuck outta there cus you’re an adult and you make your own decisions, and never come back.
Guess what Isa does? She marries him. No real fighting. No real arguments. She just cries on the wedding day and marries him.
Fine, fine -I won’t even complain about the sham marriage- I won’t complain about the fact that both the characters are so boring because neither has the audacity to fight for what they really want -which is obviously not to get married. (On a side note, even Ida’s friend Marina is more interesting cus she at least slaps Lorenzo).
Anyways, even after the marriage, when Lorenzo forces Isa to do the dishes? I want to scream. WHY ARE YOU ACTUALLY DOING THEM?? I’m sorry. She has a choice not to do the dishes. She has a choice in disobeying him but she doesn’t. She just conforms to his misogynistic ways.
Then, she grows some balls and tries to go to work. But like, I’m sorry, did the world run out of restaurants? Just cus your dad fires you from his restaurant doesn’t mean you can’t go find work at some other restaurant!
I just don’t get it.
Also, Lorenzo. His point of view is just blatantly annoying. He is sickening as a man. He expects the women to act like a woman?? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? It’s the 21st century. What exactly is the role of a man and the role of a woman? And he is so shallow! Ugh I wanna slap him like Marina does. He acts all high and mighty. Just no.
I can’t read any further. Too annoyed. Too bored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Blurb: I’m about to marry a monster. And no one cares how loud I scream for help. -- ISAs POV: How did I end up here? Stuck on an altar with a cold-blooded killer? Everyone is getting what they want – except for me. My father gets peace between the city’s crime families. Lorenzo’s father gets a powerful ally against a new and dangerous threat. But all I get is used like a mobster’s toy. Because Lorenzo Montorini is a savage beast. And he doesn’t give a damn how loud I scream. Or how much I beg. He’s determined to do one thing and one thing only: Make me utterly, hopelessly HIS. -- LORENZOs POV: I’ve had every beautiful woman in this whole damn city, but I’m still hungry for more. So getting married is the last thing I want. Especially this fake, forced marriage between two children of the city’s most powerful dons. I’ll do what’s right for my family, if I must. Whatever it takes to make the Montorinis kings of the city. But when nighttime falls and my bride’s veil comes off… I’m going to do what’s right for me. I’m going to make her MINE. -- My Review: Imagine getting married to someone completely like a Mafia. Yes, exactly that would be my reaction too. Lorenzo is just that mob/mafia Isa is married to. Obviously she didn't want to marry him but she had no say in it whatsoever. I pretty much liked the book it was really a good romance read and by the end you don't end up hating Lorenzo. It didn't take a lot of time to complete this book. I just loved the flow of the story. It had been really nice. Language was easy. It does keep you engaged till the end. It's a series. (I am confused whether to call it a standalone romance novel or not:-( ) --
EXCELLENT character-centered Mafia romance – An entertaining MUST-BUY! I have fallen in love with the writing of Kathryn Thomas. Her easy-to-read yet eloquently descriptive prose, the complex, compelling and twisty plots, and characters so well developed one could expect to see them walking into the room, all pool together to make FANTASTIC stories which consistently earn 5+STAR reviews. Thomas’s newest novel, “LORENZO,” is no exception – carrying on Thomas’s commitment to writing novels that entertain, strum a reader’s emotions and give her readers that break from reality which only a GREAT novel can bring. I have read a number of Thomas’s novels, some mafia, some MC and all contemporary. However, “LORENZO” tops the list as my favorite. The story is deep, angsty, and through the use of dual narration allows readers to gain a profound understanding of both Lorenzo and Isa, the main characters of this epic tale. They are forced into a modern-day arranged marriage that ends with the promised HEA. Yet how they get to that happy ending is a roller-coaster ride of romance, trust, anger and lust – and hours of page-turning entertainment. I voluntarily ready a copy of “LORENZO” and this is my honest, voluntary 5+STAR review. I STRONGLY suggest that you purchase your copy of “LORENZO” today! Happy pages! 😉
I liked Lorenzo and Isa, well, I liked them once I got about 1/3 into the story. Prior to that they were both a bit irritating. The storyline want bad, but the long sections of internal monologue made it drag a little. I found myself skimming through them. The mafia part of the storyline wasn't completely believable for me because Lorenzo, the son of the boss, kept asking his men for information and getting non-answers he just settled for. There was no retaliation for anything, and it was easy for members to leave it behind. It was just very mafia light for me. I also kept waiting for the danger that was mentioned to finally materialize but when it did, it seemed mild. I know this book has a lot of positive reviews, so it is obviously well liked. It just wasn't for me.
Lorenzo & Isa are two individuals forced to marry each other to bring peace between their rival mafia families. Their fathers have decided their fate without the consent of the two. How can love overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles? This tale shows us how hate and anger turn into acceptance and love. The drama, suspense, action, sizzling sexual tension, shocking surprises and sweet romance kept me reading non-stop. If you're looking for an exciting, heart-pounding, pulse racing, smooth flowing, page turning story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “Lorenzo” is it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book, one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much is that it was a little different to this authors other books. I think it’s a good thing to change things up a bit sometimes, and in this case it worked as a whole. The storyline was intriguing and entertaining. You had to read the first few chapters to get totally into the story but it was an interesting way of writing it. The characters were a fascinating pair, the start of their relationship wasn’t great but as the story went on you warmed up them. So overall a great read. A copy was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with my honest opinion.
I honestly tried to love this book, tried to like this Book- I just couldn’t. A lot & when I say a lot of own thoughts conversation (is like 95%) of the story is in their heads/thoughts. Another thing I didn’t like was her (h-isa) her insecurities, her imagination, her focusing on the negatives was driving me CRAZY! For the 1st like 10 chapters they just kept saying how they got to that situation.. arranged marriage by their fathers & how they didn’t know but had to do it blah blah blah. They did this again & again! I couldn’t take it anymore. I stop reading when I reached to chapter 20 & I had to stop the torture! Don’t waste your time w/this book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book Oh Kathryn Thomas you do write good stories. Two mafia dons marrying their son and daughter ..Lorenzo and Isa , who have no say in it. At first I thought Lorenzo was a big headed, macho, arrogant pig but as the story progressed you realised he wasn’t that at all. He was caring, loving and did care about Isa . I felt sorry for Isa , she was like a lost soul. They basically had to learn how to get on with each other and “date” one another. Lots of twists and turns and surprises. Would have loved to have read an epilogue at the end. As it repeated dual POV at times I only gave 4 stars but loved it though.
Wow! This books starts out kinda like the 1950's. With poor Isa in the kitchen doing the dishes while Lorenzo has a dinner party. They were married for the convenience of their families, not love. However, over the course of time they learn to love each other. Unfortunately their happiness is short lived when tragedy strikes that threatens to tear their world apart. This books has love, a few tears, suspense, deception and betrayal. There is also an abundance of naughty scenes. Ms. Thomas has another great book on her hands.
This is a romance that should not have worked but against all odds it did. I thought the character of Lorenzo was extremely annoying and could quite cheerfully have done him a mischief with some of his ideas of how a woman should act. I thought it was so awful it became funny. His saving grace was there was no malice in him he was just ignorant in how to treat a modern woman. In all the essentials the relationship was solid and that made for a good story. It gave it the bones to work on and survive everything that happened.. This is a good read I enjoyed it.
A wonderfully written story showing us more of the mafia life and the trials each had to go through. This well developed plot took us from Lorezo and Isa’s mafia fathers having arranged their marriage to each other. It wasn't about love but to further their fathers own agendas, the chemistry is their but page after page kept me wondering if it was enough or could they learn to trust and love each other. A great story that is full of drama, action and twists this story takes you on a wild ride. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC
Isa and Lorenzo are a fun couple, the story a bit different but has a degree of suspense and lots of romance once the couple goes into hiding. But it kind of dies two thirds into the book. The tragedy that Isa is dealt was just plain senseless. This could of been a really great story but this time Kathryn dropped the ball. I have enjoyed this author many time with her well told stories, have received many ARCs from her, but felt left hanging on this one. Recommend to read but not her usual caliber of writing.
2 1/2 stars. The story flows easily. I think there was too much internal dialogue without speaking to each other, particularly in the beginning. Lorenzo comes off as a shallow bully at first, from his own internal dialog: he's only interested in sex and making her do housework. Later he's different without really explaining why. It is not just that you get to know the character better and it was all Isa's bias. He's portrayed in conflicting manners. Isa complains too much. Yes, she has justification to be pissed but she should do something.
Unfortunately it dragged. I dislike both heroines from the get go. I did warm up to them by the end but only because Lorenzo stopped being a nobhead and Isa became decent enough. But there was no character building. They basically changed personas!
Dialogue needs a good clean up. There is ALOT of repeating and ridiculous amount of inner dialogue. scenarios that would never happen, even in a mafia book, happened. It wasn't REAL!!
I wanted to finish the book because I hate failing! But I can't get back them 3 hours.
(swoon and sigh) What a beautiful mafia romance. The H/h displayed down to earth emotions and concerns. Their reactions to what was happening around them were authentic and realistic. There is the wonderful plot and great subplots. Reading this book was like peeking into the movie "The Godfather" with a local New York twist. I absolutely loved reading this book and I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isa and Lorenzo are not brought together by love but to unite their families and stop a mob war. Neither are happy with being forced to marry.
It is a little hard to like him at first with all of his arrogance. Once you get thru the first couple of chapters, you get to know him a little better and see some better aspects. They definitely have good chemistry.
The book was pretty good, the best friend Marina however pissed me off, like I get sticking up for your friends and wanting to protect them but she crossed too many lines and boundaries she had no right crossing or understanding. Everything also seemed to be rushed, 3 months of love and a baby is good, but the organized crime reference to it all was barely there. It was more like a mafia arranged marriage but without the mafia, that’s s little disappointing.
Too much inner dialogue. Repeating the same things over and over again. This book can be cut by 2 thirds at least. Cannot be called a mafia romance... Except for the forced marriage (thanks for telling me this 1000 times) there were no real mafia angst, no crime lord alpha either.
This was a good read. Lots of up’s and downs. I just kept wanting to know what was next, but it kind off drug on. I felt like there was a lot of repetitiveness. Although there was a good bit going on it was just a little slow paced for me. But overall it was a good read.
An mafia arranged marriage with no prior contact turns a son into a man. Learning how to be married was a challenge for Lorenzo and his independent strong wife. When he switches from being a follower to a !reader is when the story gets interesting. Lots of character building in getting to the point of being a husband and protector of his family. Easy read.
Such a complete turnaround in this book, Isa was forced to marry Lorenzo who she didn't know he made her his skivvy but gradually things changed and she found herself falling in love with him but much to her surprise he fell for her as well, it is a really good book and deserves to be read
A great mafia story I was hooked from the beginning Lorenzo and Isa had to marry to bring peace between the families I did so want to slap Lorenzo I felt the anger within the story so much drama and action a must read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
It started as an arranged marriage. Lorenzo and Isa don't know each other. Neither wanted it. A hit put out on Isa made them hide. You can find out a lot about someone when you are stuck in a motel room with them.
Loved the story. It's full of anger, sadness and joy.
It just kept repeating the same thing over and over. Predictable and boring. I didn't for all the way to 96% and didn't even care to find out how it ended. Don't ask why I made it that far. I have no answer.
I just had to stop the train. The train wreck of a book was not making me a good reader. If one more misunderstanding or if the heroine cried on her only friend . Not pretty sight pulling out my hair.
I really wanted to like this book but i found it to be slow and pretty predictable. I read the whole book to see if there was a twist but it ended as a happy perfect ending. So if you like that sort of ending I’d give this book a shot.