Sent away with his identical twin to get their wild ways under control, Beni Guzzi expects nothing to change. Same crap, new city, right? But if the boss of the Chicago mob can’t set the principes straight, then nothing will.
And then she rolls into town.
Stuck in a job that seems intent to keep her working behind a desk, August Rivera hopes a trip to the windy city for an assignment will make the magazine finally give her a spread. But getting to see her best friend, well, that’s just a bonus.
And then she sees him from across a club.
With a gang causing trouble for the Outfit, and a Capo’s crew in shambles, Beni has a million other things to focus on except the beautiful New Yorker who keeps finding her way into his bed. The thing is, when he’s with August, everything is better—easier.
Falling in love while handling family drama and mafia affairs is anything but simple … and in this business? It only takes a single mistake to lose it all.
That lesson can’t be taught, and it always comes too late.
*
NOTE: Beni is a standalone novel within The Guzzi Legacy series. It can be read as such.
The author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
The Guzzis have always lived good and as the babies of the family, Beni and Bene got away with a lot. However, when they push their father a bit too far, he decides that the best thing to do is send them away to Chicago so that they can learn some hard lessons and maybe come back with some appreciation and maturity. Things ain't so bad with The Outfit. It's not like they're not among family. And the twins always have each other, so what could really go wrong? Well, when August enters the picture and it quickly becomes obvious how serious Beni is about her, things between the brothers will never be the same.
Everyone knows how much I love anything BK puts out. She could re-write the phone book and I'd be one-clicking that bad boy. However... this wasn't one of my favorite reads. While I adored Beni, I didn't love how he treated Bene. His blossoming relationship with August shouldn't have affected his relationship with his twin. Family always comes first for these people. I also didn't have a grand love for August. Out of all the heroines I've been introduced to in this world so far, Cam was my least favorite... now August has her beat. I felt absolutely no connection to this girl, which sucked because it's not often I get to read about a woman of color. Everything between her and Beni lacked dimension. I didn't feel their chemistry. This is unheard of. I feel bad even typing this. But it is sadly the truth. This story didn't have the same je ne sais quoi as all the rest. I was missing the intense passion that usually makes me freak out in excitement. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the story because I definitely did. Every minute I get to spend in this world is a sweet delight. It's only I have so many other BK stories to compare this to and so many other characters I've already fallen in love with and I expected to add these two to the list.
I'm really looking forward to the legacy novels to come. Bene is next and I can't wait to see how this author chooses to blow my mind!
This series has tanked for me a little, though there's been an improvement with this book. I struggled with the Corrado and Alessio duet, Chris was an improvement and now Beni is getting back to what I love about all things BK.
I loved Beni, loved him! His character is why I inhale this author's books and only rarely do I not get along with both hero and heroine though as much as I adored Beni, August .... not so much. I struggled to connect with her and it was only towards the end of the book that I actually warmed to her.
Beni sees us moving away from the Cartel drama and back into the mafia world that this author does so well. She also teased us with Bene, what's up with HIM? I can't wait for his book next month.
Title: Beni (The Guzzi Legacy #4) Author: Bethany-Kris
When it comes to organised crimes/mafia romance books I always turn to just a handful of authors and Bethany-Kris is one of them. You can be assured that when you read her books, you will never be disappointed.
Bethany-Kris always manages to write books that feels dangerous, a little sweet and a whole lot of sexy. Beni was just that and I couldn't put it down.
Beni and August are DIVINE! I couldn't get enough of them! I love when heroines make the hero work for it and August was just that..Smart, confident and keeps Beni on his toes.
Is this my favourite book by the author? No. That's the tough part because the OG's are THE ONE for a reason but as always, Bethany-Kris has given us a book that is filled with just the right amount of drama, love, lust, action and adventure.
I loved reading about Beni and August so much! Their chemistry is 🔥🔥
I highly recommend any of Bethany-Kris's books. I love them all!
Sent away with his identical twin to get their wild ways under control, Beni Guzzi expects nothing to change. Same crap, new city, right? But if the boss of the Chicago mob can’t set the principes straight, then nothing will.
And then she rolls into town.
Stuck in a job that seems intent to keep her working behind a desk, August Rivera hopes a trip to the windy city for an assignment will make the magazine finally give her a spread. But getting to see her best friend, well, that’s just a bonus.
And then she sees him from across a club.
With a gang causing trouble for the Outfit, and a Capo’s crew in shambles, Beni has a million other things to focus on except the beautiful New Yorker who keeps finding her way into his bed. The thing is, when he’s with August, everything is better—easier.
Falling in love while handling family drama and mafia affairs is anything but simple … and in this business? It only takes a single mistake to lose it all.
That lesson can’t be taught, and it always comes too late.
*
NOTE: Beni is a standalone novel within The Guzzi Legacy series. It can be read as such.
The Guzzi Men keep taking my heart. Beni and Bene are identical twins and the babies of the family. They are wild but they are just 21 years olds. Their last stunt has them shipped off to Chicago for a year. They will work for their Uncle Tommas of the Chicago Outfit where they must learn to shape up or else.
Beni meets August and is immediately taken. She is beautiful, driven, smart and keeps Beni on his toes. As it’s always been Beni and Bene, meeting August has given Beni a different purpose in life. And for identical twins who were inseparable, Bene isn’t coping with not being with Beni 24/7. Learning to navigate your life, falling in in love, working for another family, and learning how to be independent of your twin are all issues that Beni must face. August too has her issues. Stay in NY or move to Chicago, leave her job for a new one, and life dating someone in the mafia. But each know that the other is something special and worth the time to figure out.
I will say that I enjoyed Beni and August’s story. It was rather sweet and of course very sexy. There were some OMG moments and I have to say I loved them fierce.I’m looking forward to Bene’s story. He’ not handling being his own man when all he’s ever known was being a twin.
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
OMG!!! YOU GUYS! Beni is legit the perfect example why I adore Bethany Kris' mafia stories. This story was absolutely incredible and outstanding. It was so sexy, raw, intense and full of butterfly inducing swoony moments. Beni and August were just captivating and addicting. I fell in love with them, their connection and their love and never wanted their story to end!
When I read a novel by this author I am always taken aback by how real the characters seem. They are compelling and gripping and their stories come right off the pages. Beni was an absolute joy who I loved from the first page. He was alpha and so strong but also unflinchingly honest. I loved him and his brother, Bene, and how at first glance, he knew August would be a gamechanger for him. He was a part of the mafia life and lived and breathed it on the daily, but he was also family oriented and a man in love who knew August was it for him. Likewise, I adored how strong and independent August was. She had goals and accomplishments she wanted to achieve and wouldn't let anything stand in her way. But when Beni Guzzi entered her life, she never could have expected the way he could love her and transform her life.
It's sickening how much I can talk about this couple. They are amazing and just the best damn thing I've read in a long time. Now I need to read Bene and Marcus' stories. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Wow! Beni is the most like Gian and I loved it. I can't get enough of Bethany's writing. I'm going to read her catalog all over again. Her stories are absorbing, character driven tales. Another interesting component too is Beni's relationship with his twin, his mirror image, Bene. These two were struggling a bit, not being in each other's back pocket. My fav of this series, so far. I'll read it again for sure.
The Guzzi Legacy is one of my most favourite series by Bethany-Kris. Honestly it comes second after The Russians. Each book of this series is a masterpiece and I love it to pieces. Reading each book is like getting a Christmas present. I so loved Beni and his book. It was so worth reading. All those actions, angst and all other things just made this book so yummy. And his twin brother Bene and their connection. It'so freaky but at the same time so cool. Loved it and recoomend everyone to read it! So looking forward to Bene's book!
Bethany-Kris brings us Beni Guzzi in this standalone book in the Guzzi Legacy Series. Beni and Bene are the youngest twins of Cara and Gian Guzzi. I love this book so hard.
BK never fails to have me so captivated that I can’t help but devour her books in one sitting. I was hooked from the very beginning. The chemistry between August and Beni was off the charts! He is probably my fave Guzzi brother so far. There is something about his character that will have you swooning.
Bethany-Kris’ ability to have me hook, line and sinker never fails. She has a way to grab at my heartstrings and keep her readers entertained to the very end. Five stars for this phenomenal book!
Sweet read with not too much drama. Looks like the next book is going to be the one with the drama. Beni is all alpha sexy as hell and just plan hot! August was a good match for him.
"—La lección más importante que una mujer puede aprender en los negocios —una mujer inteligente le dijo una vez a August Rivera—, es que siempre tendrá que trabajar el doble de duro para ser vista incluso la mitad de bien que un hombre en la misma posición."
Los Guzzi siempre han vivido bien, y el par de gemelos más chicos se salieron con la suya en más de una ocasión. Sin embargo, su padre decide mandarlos a ambos por un año a Chicago con su tio Tommas Rossi para que aprendan algunas lecciones y vuelvan más maduros y enderezados.
Las cosas parecian estar bien para Beni y Bene Guzzi, pero tras seis meses Beni conoce a August y queda más en claro que el Guzzi quiere estar con ella.
August Rivera va a Chicago de vacaciones a visitar a su mejor amiga, Camilla Rossi, y a realizar unas entrevistas y a tomar fotografías para escribir una columna para su actual trabajo. Y es durante una salida a un club con Cam donde conoce a Bene, y no puede evitar sentirse atraía por él.
"—¿Vas a venir a casa conmigo esta noche, o no? —¿Si digo que no? —Entonces, es un no. Ella escuchó lo que no se dijo, pero ahí dentro. —¿Pero? —Todavía me gustaría verte de nuevo, de cualquier manera." Beni y August.
Beni y August son divinos. No tuve suficiente de ellos dos. Ambos estaban muy interesados en el otro desde la primera vez que sus miradas se cruzaron y desde su primer encuentro siguieron buscando momentos para estar juntos. Hasta sus amigos los empujaban a que pasen tiempo con el otro.
El problema es que ambos están temporalmente en la Ciudad del Viento y sus encuentros eventualmente terminaran. Sin embargo, Beni está dispuesto a luchar por ella y tenerla permanentemente a su lado mientras August lidia con aceptar un trabajo que promete muchísimo o continuar en el que está donde siente que está estancada pero al que quiere seguir dando lo mejor hasta que vean realmente su valor.
Sin embargo, cuando ambos toman aquella decisión tan importante que cambiará sus vidas, queda más que claro que no tomaron esas decisiones por el otro y para estar juntos. Beni se da cuenta que se siente más cómodo en el Outfit de Chicago que en Cánada, donde le cuesta separar a su padre del jefe. Y August después de ver como trataron su proyecto, quitándole cosa y haciendole cambios, finalmente da ese paso que tanto dudó y se va a perseguir ese trabajo que le dará más espacio para crecer y se le valorará su desempeño. Así que sí, estar junto al otro es un añadido adicional.
"El valor de una mujer nunca debe basarse en su comportamiento en el dormitorio, pero el de un hombre siempre debe determinarse por la forma en que la trata fuera de él."
Ahora, en cuanto a cierto conflicto con una pandilla consideré que fue muy pobre. Me esperaba una guerra, pelea o algo, pero una vez que se descubrió al culpable solo lo atraparon y lo asesinaron por su traición, después Beni sale herido (acá tengo que decir que para ser mafiosos y tener comprados o sobornados a cierta gente poderosa no tienen una buena clínica con todas las herramientas necesarias para tratar a un herido).
Pero si me gustó como August conoció a la familia Guzzi. Ninguno de ellos sabía de ella, excepto Bene, pero todos la recibieron con los brazos abiertoa y le dieron la bienvenida a su familia. Se sostuvieron entre ellos en un momento difícil.
En fin, no puedo terminar esto sin decir que Beni se convirtió en mi hermano Guzzi favorito. Es dulce, amable y considerado, totalmente enamorado de la chica con la chaqueta de Frankie Zombie. Y August me encantó. Una mujer independiente, que se hace valer y que sabe lo que quiere.
Romance dulce y sexy, poca acción para mi gusto y dos jóvenes encontrando su lugar. Eso es este libro.
The buildup between Beni and August was perfect as friends of friends struck sparks from their first meeting. Things escalated quickly with real life problems and challenges hit right away. But, that either works for or against a relationship and nothing was going to stand in their way…
Beni knew when to push and pull and to be romantic at just the right moment. August was a great character too. Strong, smart and full of sass, her love of family matched his while they both navigated the inevitable obstacles Oh, and did I mention the heart-melting heat? It was all-encompassing as their feelings deepened and their desire right along with it…
There was no unnecessary drama here because their lives had more than enough! This roller coaster ride had a shocking peak which brought everyone’s emotions to the surface and reminded them all what was important… Be prepared for the grit, because this author once again doesn’t pull any punches, but also know the hits to the heart are in equal (or more) measure…
So much left undone in this family I get can’t enough. I’m worried about Bene and really hope he finds his way next!
Ahhhh these two. They were so perfect for each other. August a planner, while Beni was wild. Her focusing on her career, while Beni was just settling down in what he needed to be doing. Both far from home, staying in Chicago and finding each other across a club. Their chemistry was sizzling from the moment they locked eyes. They both had a lot going on, decisions to be made, and yet all they wanted to do was spend time with each other, to get just a little more of one another. The action was good, I was wondering who wasn't to be trusted, and what the consequences would be from the fall-out of the truth being revealed. But I was completely unprepared for what went down a.k.a. the way my heart got ripped from my chest. I loved the romance, not just the steamy parts (and boy were they hot), but also the bond they built, the connection they had. Their smiles that were just for each other, the way Beni would surprise her, and the way they supported one another, and gave each other space to work through things on their own. I cannot wait for the next Guzzi book.
I will admit to an addiction to Bethany's Mafia stories. Beni is another great story that was so easy to read.
Beni like other mafia men is a contradiction. To those he loves you will have his unflinchingly loyalty and protection, to his enemies he is ruthless. August and Beni have intense chemistry they were explosive together. I enjoyed watching Beni's character growth how he has to learn who he is without his twin. Family dramas trouble with rivals and love this book had it all.
Suffice it to say that Bethany-Kris is such a talented writer. The way in which she delivers Beni Guzzi's story is enthralling!!! I read this book in one sitting...just devoured it!
All the Guzzi Boys are absolutely swoon-worthy! They're in a class all their own! Beni is definitely one of my favourites, there is something about his humour and wild side that just calls to me. August is the perfect woman for him. They make an amazing couple with a striking chemistry that is off the charts!
This may be the fourth book in The Guzzi Legacy Series, but it can be read as a standalone. Beni by Bethany-Kris is another EPIC read that will join many of the author's previous books in the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
I liked this story and although isn't my favorite of the author I found myself hooked on it from the beginning. It's a story that mixes action, suspense, a great protagonist and romance. A surefire combination that I love to see in stories of this theme.
I really liked Beni, a very well written character who can be protective and faithful to those he loves, while being dangerous to those he should. I liked the relationship and conflict he had with his twin here, it seemed credible and very well written and made me curious about his twin's story. August was a character that pissed me off at times in the book and maybe that's why I couldn't feel a romantic connection between them.
Beni is a story that despite not connecting me with the romance between the characters, it still brought a very well written story, with the very well inserted mafia element that left me wanting to see the conclusion, brought back old acquaintances that I loved to again and of course it made me anxious for the next books in this series.
When Benito (Beni) and Benedetto (Bene) are sent to Chicago to straighten up their ways, Beni figures it'll be same Outfit, different city. He never accounted for meeting August, though. The woman who'd change everything...especially for his and Bene's relationship.
From their very first meeting, August drives Beni crazy, in all the ways, especially in bed. Their chemistry is beyond hot! But it's not be smooth sailing for Beni and August. For one, Beni is trying to figure out his new life in a new city. His relationship with August has changed his relationship with his twin, and frankly, neither (especially Bene) is dealing with that change very well. August, for her part, is wavering. Does she stay in the windy city or go back to New York? She never expected to meet a gorgeous Italian twin and fall in love with him, that's for sure...
I was honestly not expecting to fall in love with Beni quite so hard. In the other Guzzi stories, I didn't take a ton of notice of him other than to think he was a young party boy. Here, though, he shows off exactly who he is, who is as he's falling in love, who he is apart from his identity as his brother's twin. And who Beni is is fabulous. He's smart and clever, he's alpha in his own way and August has brought him to his knees. He and August together are perfect. And now I am impatiently awaiting Bene. I can't wait to read his story and see the special someone whom he gives his heart to.
This was another great read for us in this ongoing family Saga.
I loved Beni right from the very beginning of the story he was sexy, and I found that he dabbled in mischief more than a time or two but, he was also one of those bad boys that played hard until one fateful night his father has had enough and ships his twins off to mentor under another families' organization.
Beni and Bene were the complete opposite of their other brothers, Corrado and Chris, who were also twins. Beni and Bene were inseparable but, things are changing fast, and they are both struggling to find their own identities and being apart from one another, and I have to say one twin was fairing better than the other. You could not help but be affected emotionally personally by their struggles.
August was the kind of character that you fall in love with instantly, as she is fiercely independent and smart and sexy and sassy and driven as well, and these bad boy mafia types don't scare her one bit.
Overall I found the story to be sexy and engaging and had a great cast of characters that were also engaging and funny and that Cam is downright hilarious and such a firecracker but, most of all I love that these mafia men fall in love with these women who are s fiercely strong and independent as well as beautiful and their match in every way. One thing I love most about these authors' stories is the way she writes her stories in a way that it always makes you feel like you are part of them or side by side right along with its characters and "We just love that!". We are so loving reading about this Guzzi family and their head matriarch Gian and Cara are some of our favorite characters in this ongoing mafia series.
Beni and this identical twin have a reputation for stirring up trouble in low places—most of the time without even saying a word.
The Guzzi boys know better, but they do the opposite—because they can. Some say they are a bit spoiled or maybe they have high expectations and a low tolerance for other people's bullshit.
You don't walk over Beni Guzzi. People can run their mouths, but they better be quick about it...because if Beni doesn't punch them in the mouth, his twin certain will.
Another bar brawl earns the boys a one way ticket to Chicago.
The family's way of teaching them a lesson. It's nothing like home. Beni and his twin jump right into business, running the streets, getting shit done the Guzzi way.
Streets of Chicago are different though. Guzzi reputation is an advantage, as much as it is a curse. Beni is viewed as untrustworthy—a threat. Because he is. And Beni likes it that way.
But none of that will work on her. The big name...the legacy...nah
August is more than beautiful, she is career driven, and she doesn't mind going against the crowd. She's in the city visiting her long time bestie, who happens to be married the Mafia.
It's a world August is familiar with, but its not her life, not her rules...
Beni Guzzi captures more than just her attention. It's not Beni's last name, but that dark and mysterious swagger that screams limit pusher, rule breaker and August wants nothing more than to jump down the rabbit hole just to see how far Beni Guzzi will go...
Beni has never, ever been afraid to ask for what he wants. Everything in Beni wants a taste of August. And August will tell Beni all the ways he can have her.
Their introductions start off with a bang in more way than one. Right from the start, Beni and August were real and upfront. Always playful, teasing and aiming to please.
They skipped the details and choose what felt good. Being together. Being around each other. Not only was it easy, it felt right.
Beni's twin, however, didn't know how deal with all that. August wasn't a casual lay, she was something more, something unexpected.
Beni's twin bails on Chicago And this time…Beni doesn't follow.
His twin isn't the only one unsure how to navigate this new feeling. August has always chosen to live in familiar—she sticks to her goals and what she knows to be true…family, friends...
Beni, his life, the life is a question mark. August won't uproot everything she's earned, everything she values for a 'might work out'.
And the boundary pushing, wild and act-now-think-later-Beni let's August take the lead. Because to Beni, August is worth it...
Gang tensions are high on the streets of Chicago. Every move, every motive, everyone is in question.
Beni jumps ahead of game and makes himself a target. Not unfamiliar territory for Beni and his mouth.
But the consequence this time isn't a bar brawl or bail out from jail...
It's a reality check. A reminder that this life is unforgiving. And nothing is more certain than a love that defies logic.
I have a thing for watching these made-men becoming fathers and growing up. Beni and Bene are the babies that push everyone's limits in the family but since they're the babies they find themselves not getting in as much trouble as other Guzzi children might have. Until they take it a bit too far. Beni and Bene are sent to Chicago to learn life lessons and to hopefully mature and go learn some respect and appreciation. Sometimes it just takes a good woman, THE woman, to change a man's life. Beni's and August's eyes meet across the club and it's all over. They are hooked from that first look!!
I wasn't too fond of the way Beni acted with his brother after meeting August. He just didn't keep that close relationship that they had and I felt a shift. While I liked both Beni and August, they fell a bit flatter than most of Kris's couples. However, I am aware that not everyone can be Cross and Catherine. They just didn't reach that seem level of love that I often feel in reading her books. Saying that, I do love the man that Beni developed into. The Chicago change was definitely a good move for the Guzzi babes!
Bethany-Kris does it again... and again... and again! I recommend this author time and time again when someone is looking for a mafia and/or organized crime books. Obviously I don't know the mafia or anyone in the mafia but she builds these stories up to just what I'd think is accurate and she takes it deeper, further. They are always better than I could have imagined. The families are all about their loved ones, their children, and this deep bonding that seems to go hand in hand with a Kris book. They are always family-centered.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
This is the 4th book in this amazing series, and is Beni and Augusts’ story. Beni and Beni are identical twins, and when they cross a line their dad sends them to their uncle in Chicago hoping that when they learn some of life’s hard lessons, and they will mature and appreciate what they have. When August comes into Beni’s life, the dynamics between the twins changes, and I must admit my heart went out to Bene, and I just wanted to hug him. This is a well written story which had drama, action, and love, which all had me hooked and intrigued, and I am looking forward to reading Bene’s story next.
Good story. Hero and the Hero if the next book are twins so the groundwork is laid for the next book. There are a lot of family connections and history mentioned as I felt like I needed a chart to remember who was who as it's been a while since I read earlier books. Hero and heroine are not virgins. No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. No other woman or man drama. Some violence, not much detail. No cheating or flirting with anyone else. HEA. Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beni Guzzi and his twin brother (Bene) was considered the mischievous duet without a filter for exploring their horizon and repeated troublemakers for the Guzzi organization. They were in need of a wake-up/grow up call and sent away to be mentored by their uncle in the Chicago mafia organization. The true test began with the tight connection between the close knit infinite wild boys acceptance of their individuality and brotherhood. August Rivera determination for further advancement with her job resulted in her trip to Chicago where she encountered Beni. Their connection was sealed immediately as she tries to separate business from pleasure. A well written story! I read and loved the first three books in the series and was looking forward to reading this one. I am curious about Bene’s separation actions that close knit twins seems to spiral into. ****I voluntarily received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review****
I drew a deep breath the moment I read the names of the youngest Guzzi twins, Beni and Bene. How on earth was I going to separate them in my mind? One vowel difference between them was doing my head in right from the start. What a stroke of brilliance to illustrate that on paper they were just as easy to think of as one rather than as individuals.
Beni and Bene were out of control. Acting out, ready to throw their weight around at the slightest slur to the Guzzi family name. They were immature, which landed them in my bad books right from the start LOL. I am the first to embrace a character who doesn’t come up smelling of roses in their day to day life but they were just two out of control privileged boys.
Fed up with their blatant disregard for their actions, their brother Marcus decided that they needed to spend time in Chicago and experience life without their father and brother to clean up their messes. This idea of uprooting to Chicago didn’t impress Beni or Bene. Beni had no idea that their extradition would be the best thing that ever happened to him.
After catching each other’s attention in a club, Beni found himself intrigued with August Rivera. August however was not looking for anything more than a fling. Their meeting was the moment where Beni displayed the Guzzi traits I expected of him. He went all out to convince her to think more of him. The trouble was August knew enough about his family business to know that he came with all the trappings of a life far from the one she had planned for herself.
Both Beni and August were at a crossroads in their lives for different reasons. She had some tough decisions to consider besides what might be between her and Beni. After a while, her indecisiveness frustrated me and tested poor Beni. Then there were the work dramas. Beni was on the outside in Chicago despite his strong connections. He walked into an unsettled crew and his job was to suss out why, and his solution left me unsettled. Choices for Beni were a matter of life and death but for August it was about taking a risk for gain way down the track. Though that didn’t stop them from road testing their compatibility which left you with no doubt that they had great chemistry.
What I enjoyed most was the multiple plot facets within Beni’s story. The twin factor added barriers to both his approach to work and his love life. Family was an important factor in their lives and living in separate cities played on Beni and August’s mind. I adored the welcome to the family scenes and the cameo appearances from the Guzzi’s. August’s friendship with her childhood friend Cam opened up the story to some fun meddling, all dished out with good intentions.
While the suspense didn’t kick in until halfway into the book, the angsty-hot romance made up for what I was craving. Fortunately, all it took to warm to Beni was for me to see him through August’s eyes. My perseverance in the early part of the book was rewarded with a fast-paced, emotion-packed story. Bene’s book is next and I am beyond curious to discover who will be the one to put a smile on his face 😍
Benito “Beni” Guzzi is just trying to find his place in the world. He’ll show us that at times it can be quite frustrating. August Rivera is ready for her life to change. I liked that the author built their stories separately first before putting them in each other’s space. And once they are the pages will light up from the heat that’s created.
August has a great friend named Camilla - Cam. She’s the one that asks the questions so that August will give us the answers. Beni is a little more complicated. That’s not surprising when you look to see who his family is and what their business is about. His family can be a little complicated but our author makes it so that it will hold our attention but not take it away from the couple we are getting to know.
I enjoyed the pace of the story. The author took her time in building our couple’s relationship as well as the world around them. For me that’s a good thing because I have no choice but to slow down, actually take the time to relax, and just concentrate on the words that I see so that I can picture their world in my mind. The author makes it all seem so easy.
We know that it must take a lot of time and energy to develop a story that others will like. What’s written for our enjoyment is a great way to see how creative the person is. I’m envious because it’s something I could never do. Sometimes it’s like the book is the pole, the pages are the bait, and the main characters are the hook which I guess means we’re the fish. With this author I don’t mind either – she can bait me any time.
What I wouldn’t recommend is to start this series here. In order to get to know the Guzzi family it would be best to start at the beginning – you only have three books in order to catch up. And the nice thing is that our author isn’t done with this family yet. Bene is there to build my anticipation.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Beni Guzzi y su gemelo se están volviendo demasiado salvajes para el gusto de su padre y hermano mayor, por lo que son enviados a Chicago para que su tío corrija esa actitud en ellos. Después de seis meses viviendo en la ciudad del viento, Beni y Bene, su gemelo, van a un club donde el primero conoce a una mujer a la que no puede sacarle los ojos de encima. August Rivera vive en Nueva York, tiene unos padres amorosos y un trabajo de ensueño. Pero su trabajo no le llena como debería, ahí no valoran realmente lo que hace y no le dejan explotar su talento. Por lo que decide viajar a Chicago con la excusa de hacer un trabajo que le encomendaron de la revista donde trabaja como secretaria de la editora y aprovecha para visitar a su mejor amiga. Cam, su bff, decide llevarla a un club, donde, desde la distancia, ve a un par de gemelos idénticos, sin embargo, solo uno llama su atención. Después de una noche interrumpida por una pandilla que decide dispararle al club, Beni y August pasan la noche juntos. Y así es como inicia esta historia de amor. Me gustó cómo se desarrolló la historia, como desde el segundo uno ambos estaban muy interesados por el otro y no lo disimulaban. Como hacían tiempo para verse e incluso los más cercanos a ellos, Tom y Cam, hacían que los dos pudieran salir juntos en una cita. Beni tiene la arrogancia de todos los Guzzi, pero también es dulce y tierno, ¡y se sonroja cuando algo lo pone tímido! August tiene una personalidad súper divertida, es descarada y cariñosa. Me gustó mucho. Y si hay algo que me encanta es cuando el hombre es el primero en enamorarse y en decir "te amo". Y acá pasa exactamente eso. Además, al tener la historia narrada desde los dos puntos de vista podemos apreciar cómo de enganchado estaba Beni por August. Y como A va cayendo por B. Como en los libros anteriores de la serie, no hay mucha mafia, solo una o dos escenas. Pero está bien, en esta ocasión no me importó porque sólo quería leerlos a ellos dos.
Aw this was so cute. Not a lot of angst TBH, but a love story nonetheless.
BENI is a:
MF MAFIA Stand alone series Low angst
Book in which Beni explores living a life away from his family and friends. He wants to break away from the expectations set upon as well as being extremely tied to his twin brother.
Bethany Kris develops characters and has excellent world building. If you want a low key love story that's also tied into a large and epic mafia family, this is for you.