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Cavalieri Della Morte #1

Beautifully Brutal

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International bestselling author, Dani René, brings you the first of thirteen stories in the brand new, highly anticipated Cavalieri Della Morte series. These are suspenseful romances that will leave you hungry for more!

My beast hungers to be satiated. And my beauty is the only one who can feed it.

In a world ravaged with violence, I still think about the beauty who was taken from me. I’ve turned rabid in her absence. The dormant beast she had tamed is ravenous, feeding on brutality and bloodshed. 

I focus on the kill, until Arthur confesses his trump card, shattering every hope I had of reclaiming her. Focused on the job at hand, I step into the lion’s den, only to find nothing is as it seems.

My beast hungers to be satiated.
And my beauty is the only one who can feed it.

A dark treacherous journey where happily ever after may be just out of reach.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2019

477 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read

About the author

Dani René

123 books2,350 followers
Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark and deviant romance with a seductive edge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she now lives in the UK where she explores old buildings and cemeteries while plotting her next book.

When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design either for herself, or other indie authors.

She enjoys reading books about handsome villains and feisty heroines, mostly dark, always seductive, and sometimes depraved. She has a healthy addiction to tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.

You can find more information on her website, www.danirene.com, or find her on social media, Instagram and Facebook being her favorites. Along with her newsletter, which you can sign up for here - https://bit.ly/DaniVIPs

Find me online: Facebook Page | BookBub Page | Instagram | Amazon Page | TikTok | Pinterest

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5 stars
179 (32%)
4 stars
155 (28%)
3 stars
125 (23%)
2 stars
48 (8%)
1 star
36 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,060 reviews2,869 followers
March 27, 2019
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descriptionThis was actually relatively good start to this series. Well written. Well paced. An interesting plot. A little too slow on the main characters reuniting (50%). Lacking in the romance department. Dark. Bloody. Twisted. Intriguing characters. Age gap (18 years). Broody anti-hero. Feisty (virgin heroine). A disappointing lack of sex. Last, it was all wrapped up in an ending that felt super rushed.

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So why only 3-Stars? The OW shit. I already knew this author loves her slutty heroes that can't keep it in their pants. It is why I don't read her books anymore. And that isn't any shade towards the author. She is an excellent writer and has plenty of readers that love her books. It is just that "THIS" reader is tired of this kind of thing in my books. I hate being hit over the head repeatedly with the fact that the hero couldn't keep it in his pants for the two years him and the heroine were seperated, all the while claiming he "LOVED her SOOOO MUCH" <-- BULLSHIT. Add in the gag worthy talk about how she stayed "pure" for him, and how angry he got when he thought she had the audacity to be sleeping with another man...I just couldn't...the above scenario is one of my biggest pet peeves in the history of reading pet peeves. (lol)

And just because I am feeling a little "tongue-in-cheek" salty

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It legit wouldn't have bothered me as much if it had just been mentioned once in passing, but the author kept bringing it up the fact he couldn't keep it in his pants ad nauseam. So yea, that lessened my enjoyment of the book overall. I've got my fingers crossed that at least a few of the other books in this series stay away from that kind of drama. A girl can hope...right? (lol)

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Profile Image for Simran ..
Author 22 books1,347 followers
June 11, 2020
3-3.5 ”Lance & Lia” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

”You’re a brute, Lance,” she breathes with a smile against my lips.
“And you’re beautiful, baby girl,” I flirt with a grin, stepping back.
“I guess that makes us beautifully brutal.”


When I read about this series that there was going to be 13 mafia romance series by all different dark romance authors all standalones with interrelated characters, I was beyond excited. I am glad I finally picked this up and it’s definitely off to a good start. Unfortunately it wasn’t as awesome as I hoped it would be but it wasn’t bad either.

Even from the start, I was far too young for him, and my father would never have let us be together. That’s something we both knew. Perhaps we’re just star-crossed lovers. And we all know what happened to the last set of forbidden lovers.

The story is about Giuliana who is the daughter of the head of the Cavalieri Della Morte who falls in love with one of her father’s soldiers who is also way older than her. When they get caught, her father sends her away to a convent where she spends the next two year and that where the story starts. That’s the first issue I have with this book, I would have liked the beginning of their romance instead of jumping straight to them falling in love and getting only few glimpses.

Lance loves her more than anything and has spent two years searching for her. He was as dominant and ruthless as I expected him to be. I enjoyed how he could be so sweet towards her. When he finally gets a clue as to where she is, things become way to easy which looks a lot like a trap. I definitely loved the suspense and the unexpected turns. It always kept me on my toes.

My words, drenched with rage, promises of violence, and mixed with her soft whimpers of pleasure, are a contrast to what we’re doing.
She loves the violence.
She loves the danger that simmers between us, emanating from me.


Lia was strong and fierce. Even though shy, she had an inner strength in her. She knew he was a bad man who killed people despite that she accepted him and loved him unconditionally. The decisions he made were always to protect her. Their chemistry was really sizzling. The only person who was stopping them from being together was her own father and I really hated it.

”You’re my fucking woman, and if I say I want you on my dick, then you’ll lower that pretty little cunt on it until I’m balls deep inside you,” I interrupt her, causing her breath to hitch when I admit what’s really on my mind.
“You’re—”
“Insufferable?” I chuckle. “Yeah, I know. But you love it. I can’t stop thinking about how pretty your virtue looked coated all over my cock.”


The writing was flawless. You’ll never be able to guess what happens next. It wasn’t too lengthy either. Also it was my first book by this author and won’t be my last. As much as I love a lot of action, my priority is more romance though where this book lacked a little. I’m definitely intrigued about other’s stories.
Profile Image for Kayla.
106 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2019
Not safe. H fucks other women while he loves the h. h got sent away because her father found out about them but H kept looking for her and loves her but can’t keep it in his pants. When he finally finds the h again he sticks his tongue down another woman’s throat while the h watches. Yep I can feel the love he has for her!
Profile Image for Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez .
1,598 reviews472 followers
October 14, 2022
Complete and utter trash. Hero luuurvsss the heroine soooo much but NOT enough to keep his dick in his pants. He continues to fuck other women while searching for h. Sorry, not sorry, but that’s NOT love and that’s NOT romance. I think we can demand better and expect our heroes to be so devoted and obsessed with the heroine he doesn’t want to even look at other females, much less get close to another female—a hero who loves the heroine isn’t going to want to touch another woman, kiss ANOTHER WOMAN, get naked with ANOTHER WOMAN, crawl on top of ANOTHER WOMAN, and stick his penis in ANOTHER WOMAN. Are we all supposed to pretend that sex isn’t an intensely intimate and profoundly physical action that requires some level of trust to engage in?

Any man who can do that doesn’t love the heroine, so this book can go fuck itself.
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
1,144 reviews388 followers
April 2, 2019
⭐️ 3 "Baby Girl" Stars ⭐️
When I first learned about the Cavalieri Della Morte Series, the concept was alluring to me and I was so enthusiastic about these books. Beautifully Brutal was my introduction to Dani René’s writing and it was an enjoyable read. On the suspense and darkness aspect this story was thrilling, but I must confess that on the romance side I just didn’t really connect with the protagonists.

Lance Knight is Arthur Calthorpe’s most trusted assassin on the Tabella Della Morte. This callous man arbors a sinful secret: he’s in love with his boss’s much younger daughter, Giuliana! I normally love a good age gap, forbidden romance but in this situation I just couldn’t connect with either of the characters as much as I wanted. Maybe it was the fact the couple spend almost all the book apart and it didn’t help me feel their dynamic as a couple. The flashbacks were too short to really feel the blossoming of their feelings in my honest opinion.

Although the romance didn’t reach my expectations, this read was short and fast paced and brought a few interesting revelations and unexpected events. It kept me invested in all the scheming happening and the obstacle to Lance and Giuliana’s happiness.

I’ll definitely try other books in this series and learn about the other members of the Tabella Della Morte, because the idea behind the series is exciting!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
April 6, 2019
This was a beautifully, dark read! It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat!! I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,403 reviews261 followers
March 21, 2019
Lance Vincent Knight is part of the Cavalieri Della Morte which consists of Twelve men and their leader,Arthur Calthorpe, head of the Tabella Della Morte. Lance looked at Arthur as a father figure, molding him into the Assassin he is today & his right hand man. He is a cold, calculated, hot as hell killer. His only weakness...Giuliana Calthorpe...Arthur’s young daughter! Giuliana was young and in love but her father forbid her feelings for one of his Assassins. Sending her away...it’s been two years since she has seen Lance. Has he moved on or is he still looking for her? Lance wants nothing more that to find Giuliana but he has no clue where to start. Is she gone for good or can he finally find her? This is a wonderfully brilliant dark romance and I cannot wait for the others in this series. An Intriguing action packed mystery that keeps you turning every page until the very end. This series can be read as standalone novels; Told in dual POV
1,789 reviews38 followers
March 19, 2019
What an incredible beginning to this new series! The story of Lance and Giuliana will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! Lance has had feelings for Giuliana since she was young, but she was also forbidden. One day she disappears without a trace and he was determined to find her, but so much is against them. Was their relationship doomed from the beginning? Lance is the type of character you can’t help but love even though he does questionable things in life. And while Giuliana is young, she is a woman in love with someone she can’t have, yet will do anything to get him in her life. While this story is dark, it kept me captivated throughout and I didn’t want it to end. Keep in mind this is not your usual love story, and yet I couldn’t help but root for these two to somehow end up together. But in the end will love prevail? You will need to read this story to find out! I highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Joymzz.
617 reviews19 followers
April 15, 2019
STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK. The blurb is the ONLY thing interesting about it. It was short and boring, and the relationship between the two main characters did not exist at all. -_- Am usually a generous rater, I give 4 to 5 stars to most of my book, so for me to give this one a 1 means something.
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,303 reviews30 followers
April 4, 2019
I’ve read dark and twisted books before but this story is deliciously brutal in the best way possible. To have the POV from both Lance and Giuliana throughout the story has these characters coming to life more then ever. Author is vindictive and the ultimate villain you can’t get enough of or completely figure out his end plan. A non stop page turner that will have you on your toes the ENTIRE story. I for one will never want to be on the bad side of Cavalieri Della Morte that’s for sure.
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,114 reviews215 followers
April 4, 2019
"And I know in my heart and soul, I was born to be with him. I was made to be a soldier."

Beautifully Brutal is part of a series of interconnected standalones, each book features a killer, assassin for The Cavalieri Della Morte. This is Lance Knight's story. He wants the forbidden fruit. His ruthless bosses daughter. There's a huge age gap, the transition and coupling was aggressive and engaging. Yet.. I didn't get as much as I would've liked between the two mains.

I was torn on my rating. Did I love the plot and storyline? Sure did. The emotion, or lack of had me tapping my chin. I didn't fall in love.
The story is full of suspense, thrilling from start to finish. Yet the romance seemed to be an afterthought. A forbidden love, ruthless father, and insane amount of twists and turns. This one definitely had me on my toes with the plot twists. Romance took a back seat, but the story was twisted enjoyable.

I love the whole idea of this series and can't wait to meet the rest of the brotherhood.
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,284 reviews29 followers
March 20, 2019
Everlasting bond....

Lance Knight is my kryptonite. He is all alpha, savage and ferocious. A one man killing machine. The one beam of light in his heart and soul is Giuliana. She is his calm in his storm. They have loved each other since Giuliana was too young for him to touch.

This story is riddled with bloodshed and cruelty but also what makes this book so worthy to read is the passion and undying love this couple have for each other. The near impossible obstacles they fight together just to be together is breathtaking and remarkable to read. A definite Hell Yes!!!!
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
April 8, 2019
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Beautifully Brutal is a story about two lovers that never should be. Everything is against them age, her father, his job, everything. But love has a way of finding a way to make its way through.

Giuliana is a young girl that has grown up in a dangerous life. Her father is the head of the Cavalieri Della Marte and doesn't hide anything from her. She is to grow up knowing life is not easy. Lance is one of her father's assassins; Lance is like the son her father has never had. When Lance and Giuliana fall in love, she is taken away and hidden. But Lance never gives up in finding her.

Beautifully Brutal is the first book in this series by multiple authors. Dani comes out swinging with this book. I can not wait to see where the rest of the authors go.
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
April 26, 2019
Badly written, slow and drawn out, inconsistent in places, rushed in others and despite the fact I love me a bit of taboo, this was a step too far for me.
I did drag myself through it and read it all but in all honestly, it was a very telling story and I could have finished reading at 50% and still know how it finished, with the exception of one or two odd scenes.
Not the best way to start what I was hoping to be a gritty, captivating series. I'll see what book 2 brings.
Profile Image for all_hail_books.
21 reviews
October 2, 2019
I'm not down for a guy fucking other women while saying he's "in love" with another one. It's 2019, we can move on from that dragged out trope now.
Profile Image for Mary S..
936 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2019
This story was definitely something. Lance and Giuliana they had their difficult times finding happiness and loving one another as they have for along time. And Arthur I don't know if to love him or hate him but the thing I do know is I want his story. And I'm definitely looking forward to this new series.
Profile Image for The Smutbrarians.
2,239 reviews1,747 followers
April 4, 2019
Feels 3
Storyline 4
Steam 3
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Lindsey

WOWZA. I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I'm glad I took the chance. I love the dark in this family of books that are coming. If this is the way they are all going to be, my dark book loving heart will be content for a while. Loved the characters and chemistry they have. Definitely a dark read and at times a little brutal but I loved it!
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2019
“Can love really keep you captive like that? Can emotion be so brutal, yet beautiful at the same time?”

I’ve patiently, ok not so patiently been waiting for this series to be released. The first book in the series didn’t disappoint and was everything I imagined and more. The storyline was filled with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The Tabella Della Morte is where decisions are made, the kinds of decisions that are life changing. Headed by Arthur Calthorpe and surrounded by his twelve soldiers. He plays a game of strategy, with even the smallest of moves made with precision and finality. Arthur has known Lance Knight since he was a young lad, providing him with physical and mental training required to be one of his pawns in this game of brutality.

Lance has had his eyes on the ultimate prize Guiliana, Arthur’s daughter. He’s been watching her grow into a beautiful young woman. Keeping his hands to himself has not been easy. When Arthur finds out Lance wants his daughter he sends her packing. Lance has no idea where she’s been exiled, he’s continued looking but hasn’t been able to locate her.

Guiliana loves Lance, she doesn’t care that he’s older than her. Does he still want her? Why hasn’t he rescued her? Has he moved on? With nothing but time on your hands, these are the questions that plague her mind. She can’t sit back any longer it’s time to start playing her own game.

Profile Image for Cat Imb || The Reading Cat ||.
418 reviews42 followers
April 5, 2019
4.5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you Dani René!

What a great start to the series! Whatever pre-conception about what you think this will be, throw it out the window. You will be surprised by the twists, the turns, the darkness and the sweetness.

Lance and Giuliana are not conventional. René does not write a trope. She creates her own story. She steps outside the box and writes a book that breaks the rules of “formula romance”. The story is unique and refreshing.

This is a story about lust and the forbidden. Be prepared for a buttload of delicious angst! Nothing is as simple as it seems and the line between good and evil is not as crisp and theorized.

I loved reading this book! Dani René is inventive and takes risks in this book that I believe paid off! I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for ✨ Denise’s Dreamy Reads ✨.
318 reviews71 followers
April 25, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨

I’m all for age-gap romances and this one hit the spot with a little darkness in the mix!

I’M HERE FOR IT! ALL OF IT!!

Beautifully Brutal is utterly captivating, well-written, fast-paced with a plot that you want to sink your teeth into!

“Can love really keep you captive like that? Can emotion be so brutal, yet beautiful at the same time?”

Bloody, dark, suspenseful, and twisted... Rene woves you into a tale of a forbidden love between two souls that have and undying love and sizzling romance!

"And I know in my heart and soul, I was born to be with him. I was made to be a soldier."

Dani Rene really knows how to keep you consumed with everything she writes. It’s pure magic and I am obsessed!

An absolutely brilliant read and I cannot wait for what the rest of this series has to offer!

Five dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
Profile Image for Ellie Midwood.
Author 43 books1,160 followers
March 26, 2019
I honestly didn’t want this one to end! “Beautifully Brutal” gave me all kinds of feels as I was reading it. It was dark, twisted, raw, steamy, and incredibly sweet and touching all at the same time. From the very beginning, I rooted for Lance and Giuliana to find their way back to each other after they’d been cruelly separated by Giuliana’s father, the infamous Arthur Calthorpe - the head of the Cavalieri Della Morte. The plot was so suspenseful, so full of unexpected twists, it kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page was turned. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but if you love strong characters and don’t mind some blood - it’s a perfect read for you. I absolutely loved it and I already can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,013 reviews431 followers
April 10, 2019
What a fabulous introduction to this much anticipated series. Don’t get me wrong this is a full story and what a story it is.

Lance Knight is a fearless man and a member of the Cavalieri. He fears nothing or no one. Now he finds himself fighting for the woman he loves....

But when everything is against him can he find the strength to fight for what he craves the most.

Giuliana has had a sheltered life but u like how she’s come out strong and ready to fight for what she wants.

Absolutely brilliant read. I couldn’t read this fast enough. I’m so looking forward to reading more in the series. Bring em on:)
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,013 reviews431 followers
April 10, 2019
What a fabulous introduction to this much anticipated series. Don’t get me wrong this is a full story and what a story it is.

Lance Knight is a fearless man and a member of the Cavalieri. He fears nothing or no one. Now he finds himself fighting for the woman he loves....

But when everything is against him can he find the strength to fight for what he craves the most.

Giuliana has had a sheltered life but u like how she’s come out strong and ready to fight for what she wants.

Absolutely brilliant read. I couldn’t read this fast enough. I’m so looking forward to reading more in the series. Bring em on:)
Profile Image for kay reads.
1,297 reviews25 followers
Read
November 11, 2024

I don't think i've ever dnf-ed a book 4 chapters in but here are my reasons:

1- H who is 36 lays his eyes on h who was 17 at the time, underage mind you and falls in love with her
2- H talks about how he had different women basically couldn't keep it his goddamn trousers when he clearly states that h was the one for him
3- H has a foul mouth
4- H kisses another woman in front of h ( wdym you love h, why are you going around kissing other ppl then)
Profile Image for LaToya (Readingbythebayou).
894 reviews47 followers
May 9, 2019
Wanted to love it

I was so excited about these books and the fact that they were loosely based off the Knights of the Round table. There were lots of twists and turns that I feel like I have whiplash. I get the importance of the brotherhood but I didn't feel the connection between the main characters. I enjoyed the plot and storyline but it felt rushed. I'm going to finish the series and hope they are better.
Profile Image for Tashi.
283 reviews59 followers
November 29, 2019
OMG what a start to a series absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
March 26, 2019
See full review of Beyond the Covers blog here on Goodreads and check us out on Facebook
Profile Image for Lindsey King.
842 reviews34 followers
March 22, 2019
Feels 3
Storyline 4
Steam 3
Overall Rating 4

WOWZA. I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I'm glad I took the chance. I love the dark in this family of books that are coming. If this is the way they are all going to be, my dark book loving heart will be content for a while. Loved the characters and chemistry they have. Definitely a dark read and at times a little brutal but I loved it!
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