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Valetti Crime Family #3
Rough Touch
From USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a HOT mafia, standalone romance.
I thought I was safe.
I still remember smoothing my dress and putting on my earrings the day it all happened.
The day my family was murdered and I was taken.
The chain around my neck won’t ever leave me, but I won’t stop fighting.
I’ll have my revenge at any cost so long as I can remember the girl I used to be.
But I didn’t expect Kane. A man of power and fear, yet he shows me kindness.
Kindness I desperately need.
Kindness that will break me.
I thought I was safe.
I still remember smoothing my dress and putting on my earrings the day it all happened.
The day my family was murdered and I was taken.
The chain around my neck won’t ever leave me, but I won’t stop fighting.
I’ll have my revenge at any cost so long as I can remember the girl I used to be.
But I didn’t expect Kane. A man of power and fear, yet he shows me kindness.
Kindness I desperately need.
Kindness that will break me.
Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
721 people are currently reading
6241 people want to read
About the author
Willow Winters
167 books21.1k followersWillow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!
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All the other details you need to know: https://geni.us/3B53kF
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
Stay up to date!
Want a text alert? Text "Willow" to (302) 205-3701
Sign up to my newsletter + get EXCLUSIVE content, sneak peeks, and FREE books monthly: https://willowwinterswrites.com
All the other details you need to know: https://geni.us/3B53kF
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
August 25, 2023
plssssssss i need me a KANEEEE
August 19, 2016
If I take myself out of the equation and just review base on the author's writing, storyline and romance its a five star read. Good Girl is fast paced and the characters are well developed.
March 7, 2022
2.75⭐️
July 18, 2016
Good Girl
(Valetti Crime Family #3)
By Willow Winters
Both come from similar backgrounds both suffered losses in their family completely losing their families & positions. Eva was an ex Mafia princess that was turned into a sex slave by the man who killed her father. Kane was the muscle & money maker in his family… his whole family was demolished after a Rat uncle turned in most of his family to FBI. Whoever was left in his family was hunted down & killed…
Kane is now trying to hide in the Russian Mafia. He needs to earn a position so they can’t find him, since there a price on his head
Ava was given to Kane as a temporary gift for training once he has her in his possession he did not want to give her back.
Kane know it's only a matter of time before they take Ave from him
“She broke me. He healed me.. He set her free.”
Will Ava decide to return to Kane?
Or with she find a new place in life without Kane?
This book is full of tons of Mafia drama, I was surprised to see the aftermath Ava turmoil of the Terrors that she went through. This author did not leave you with one of those typical ending that everything was hunky-dory, Ms Winter gave small peek of the aftermath that Rape victim suffer
This is a standalone, full-length mafia romance with a filthy-mouthed, possessive bad boy. Dark mafia themes throughout.
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
I can't wait to see whose book comes next?
(Valetti Crime Family #3)
By Willow Winters
Both come from similar backgrounds both suffered losses in their family completely losing their families & positions. Eva was an ex Mafia princess that was turned into a sex slave by the man who killed her father. Kane was the muscle & money maker in his family… his whole family was demolished after a Rat uncle turned in most of his family to FBI. Whoever was left in his family was hunted down & killed…
Kane is now trying to hide in the Russian Mafia. He needs to earn a position so they can’t find him, since there a price on his head
Ava was given to Kane as a temporary gift for training once he has her in his possession he did not want to give her back.
Kane know it's only a matter of time before they take Ave from him
“She broke me. He healed me.. He set her free.”
Will Ava decide to return to Kane?
Or with she find a new place in life without Kane?
This book is full of tons of Mafia drama, I was surprised to see the aftermath Ava turmoil of the Terrors that she went through. This author did not leave you with one of those typical ending that everything was hunky-dory, Ms Winter gave small peek of the aftermath that Rape victim suffer
This is a standalone, full-length mafia romance with a filthy-mouthed, possessive bad boy. Dark mafia themes throughout.
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
I can't wait to see whose book comes next?
December 13, 2016
This book was really good found it very hard to put down.
July 15, 2016
Willow Winters is a relative new author to me. This is only the third book I have read of hers. I have to say that she really had done a great job with Vatelli crime family. I have read and loved all three books and the good thing is each book just gets better and better. To me that shows the sign of a very good series. I will have to say that this one, “Good Girl” really touched me in a way that the other two did not. I actually cried reading this one. I think it is because of my studies in the Criminal Justice field and I know that the things that happened to Ava actually happen in real life. Human trafficking is real and it is such a shame that all the women, children and MEN, sold don’t have a savior such as Kane. Willow really did a GREAT job in the details of the abuse that Ava suffered at the hands of the Russian mafia. It was Kane’s ability to draw the line even if it put him at risk as well that sent my emotions on spiral that kept me reading. I couldn’t put the book down. Neither will you. This is a Vatelli book that do not want to miss. Recommended for mature readers 18 and over because of the explicit sexual content, the violence, and the bad language.
Kane De Rocca was raised as muscle and to be ruthless for the mob. With all his family now dead, Kane needs some place to belong so he decided to work for Abram Petrov, the new head of the Marzano Cartel. Kane has his own demons to deal with and the last he expected was to be given a “human toy” to watch over temporarily by Petrov. Even the bad boy in him was pissed at the way the Mexican keeper, Felipe and the two Russian mob leaders were treating her. He was going to make sure that she was safe, and no one would ever hurt her again. He swore he’d kill anybody who did or tried. Ava was his now, and he was going to keep her. His only hope at keeping himself and Ava alive is Vatelli family. But will Vince and his family help him or turn on him?
Ava Ivanov is the only remaining Ivanov left alive after the Russian Abram and his side kick Valdik killed her entire family and raped her in front of her dad. Now she is a human toy for Petrov and his friends. She has been raped, trained, and beaten to submission to please them as they wish. She has sworn vengeance, and yet couldn’t let herself dare hope that this strong handsome man, Kane would free her. But her feelings started to change toward him as he kept trying to make things better for her, and letting her know he was going to keep her safe and he wasn’t going to hurt her. Will Kane keep his word and keep her safe? Will Kane and Ava be able to deal with their demons in order to be happy? Or will it destroy them both?
No Spoilers. ARC free book given in exchange for an honest review.
Kane De Rocca was raised as muscle and to be ruthless for the mob. With all his family now dead, Kane needs some place to belong so he decided to work for Abram Petrov, the new head of the Marzano Cartel. Kane has his own demons to deal with and the last he expected was to be given a “human toy” to watch over temporarily by Petrov. Even the bad boy in him was pissed at the way the Mexican keeper, Felipe and the two Russian mob leaders were treating her. He was going to make sure that she was safe, and no one would ever hurt her again. He swore he’d kill anybody who did or tried. Ava was his now, and he was going to keep her. His only hope at keeping himself and Ava alive is Vatelli family. But will Vince and his family help him or turn on him?
Ava Ivanov is the only remaining Ivanov left alive after the Russian Abram and his side kick Valdik killed her entire family and raped her in front of her dad. Now she is a human toy for Petrov and his friends. She has been raped, trained, and beaten to submission to please them as they wish. She has sworn vengeance, and yet couldn’t let herself dare hope that this strong handsome man, Kane would free her. But her feelings started to change toward him as he kept trying to make things better for her, and letting her know he was going to keep her safe and he wasn’t going to hurt her. Will Kane keep his word and keep her safe? Will Kane and Ava be able to deal with their demons in order to be happy? Or will it destroy them both?
No Spoilers. ARC free book given in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2016
I absolutely adoreddddd this one! It was damn adorable and not -
"Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my dick, and you have no choice but to marry me?"
God that was horrible, but I couldn't think of anyway to put it. Damn I'm so tacky sometimes.
*snort*
Whatever. I really liked the pace in this particular short smut story. It wasn't so much about the sexy times but more about love, more about wanting to get better for your significant other.
It was badass and sexy and sweet all at the same time. I need a man like Kane in my life.
Kane. Kane Kane....
"Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my dick, and you have no choice but to marry me?"
God that was horrible, but I couldn't think of anyway to put it. Damn I'm so tacky sometimes.
*snort*
Whatever. I really liked the pace in this particular short smut story. It wasn't so much about the sexy times but more about love, more about wanting to get better for your significant other.
It was badass and sexy and sweet all at the same time. I need a man like Kane in my life.
Kane. Kane Kane....
September 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! Kane’s story pulled me in right away, and I loved how the intensity of the mafia world mixed with the emotional pull of his relationship with Ava. Their connection had just the right balance of tension and chemistry to keep me turning the pages.
The pacing was fast and exciting, full of danger, loyalty, and romance exactly what I look for in a mafia romance. I also liked how the series weaves characters and storylines together, making it feel like you’re stepping deeper into the Valetti world with each book.
Overall, this was an action-packed and emotional read, and I’m excited to keep going with the series!
The pacing was fast and exciting, full of danger, loyalty, and romance exactly what I look for in a mafia romance. I also liked how the series weaves characters and storylines together, making it feel like you’re stepping deeper into the Valetti world with each book.
Overall, this was an action-packed and emotional read, and I’m excited to keep going with the series!
February 8, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
"Dolce e letale" è diverso dai due libri precedenti della serie. In primo luogo Kane, il protagonista maschile di questo libro, non ha nulla a che fare con i Valletti. È un mafioso che proviene da una famiglia traditrice e, quindi, mal visto dal giro. Quando resta da solo cerca di fare affari con Abram, un uomo malvagio e senza scrupoli che sta prendendo sempre più territori. Kane è un personaggio forte e pieno di umanità, elemento rato visto il genere del libro. Willow Winters in tutti i suoi libro cerca di fare personaggi malvagi, con una vita tutt’altro che normale e li rende pieni di valori: affetto per la famiglia e l'amore. Anche in questo libro, Kane è un uomo che vorrebbe solo trovare una famiglia sua, con dei compari da appoggiare e tornare a far parte di un gruppo solido. Pensava di trovare questo nel gruppo di Abram ma cambia presto idea quando vede che traffici illeciti trattano: schiave e prostituzione tra le altre cose. La prima volta che ho letto di Ava il mio cuore si è stretto fortissimo. Ava era la figlia di un potente mafioso fino a quando Abram non Ha ucciso tuti i suoi cari fino a seviziare lei davanti a suo padre. Quando Kane e Ava si incontrano, c’è una situazione molto particolare che lì lega: lui deve badare a lei come se fosse merce di scambio. Tra i due all’ inizio c’è un profondo imbarazzo, Kane non sa come gestire una ragazza maltrattata che nemmeno lo guarda in faccia e salta per qualunque tocco estraneo. Willow Winters ha creato delle descrizioni macabre e sanguinolente. In questo libro ha messo una nota dark che negli altri libri non era presente. Ava non è più una principessa ma una schiava. E non pensa ad altro che alla vendetta. Ho adorato il personaggio di Ava, nonostante sia stata resa sottomessa dalle continue umiliazioni fisiche e verbali preserva un carattere forte e spezzato. L’autrice è stata molto abile nel descrivere il personaggio rotto di Ava. Non è la classica paladina, è una donna che ha subito troppe violenze e non ha più speranza. Ava e Kane si conosceranno quando entrambi pensavano di aver toccato il fondo e insieme cercheranno di trovare la serenità a cui tanto ambiscono. I Valletti entreranno in scena per salvare la situazione, come degli eroi che entrano in scena al momento giusto. È il libro che mi è piaciuto di più della serie, perché chi mi conosce sa bene quanto amo i personaggi spezzati. L'autrice con questo libro è uscita dalle righe a cui è abituata e ha scritto qualcosa di diverso che personalmente ho apprezzato. Ho provato un sacco di emozioni contrastanti leggendo questo libro: l'autrice è stata abile a passare da una scena triste e cruenta ad una piena di dolcezza. È un libro pieno di emozioni, una giostra di sentimenti. Il libro è scritto in modo semplice e scorrevole, pieno di colpi di scena che ti lasciano senza parole fino alla fine. La libertà che Ava trova dopo tanta agonia è acqua fresca dopo una giornata afosa. Ava e Kane sono due persone che si attraggono fin da subito, creano un’ alleanza contro il mondo e cercano di restare a galla nonostante tutto.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
"Dolce e letale" è diverso dai due libri precedenti della serie. In primo luogo Kane, il protagonista maschile di questo libro, non ha nulla a che fare con i Valletti. È un mafioso che proviene da una famiglia traditrice e, quindi, mal visto dal giro. Quando resta da solo cerca di fare affari con Abram, un uomo malvagio e senza scrupoli che sta prendendo sempre più territori. Kane è un personaggio forte e pieno di umanità, elemento rato visto il genere del libro. Willow Winters in tutti i suoi libro cerca di fare personaggi malvagi, con una vita tutt’altro che normale e li rende pieni di valori: affetto per la famiglia e l'amore. Anche in questo libro, Kane è un uomo che vorrebbe solo trovare una famiglia sua, con dei compari da appoggiare e tornare a far parte di un gruppo solido. Pensava di trovare questo nel gruppo di Abram ma cambia presto idea quando vede che traffici illeciti trattano: schiave e prostituzione tra le altre cose. La prima volta che ho letto di Ava il mio cuore si è stretto fortissimo. Ava era la figlia di un potente mafioso fino a quando Abram non Ha ucciso tuti i suoi cari fino a seviziare lei davanti a suo padre. Quando Kane e Ava si incontrano, c’è una situazione molto particolare che lì lega: lui deve badare a lei come se fosse merce di scambio. Tra i due all’ inizio c’è un profondo imbarazzo, Kane non sa come gestire una ragazza maltrattata che nemmeno lo guarda in faccia e salta per qualunque tocco estraneo. Willow Winters ha creato delle descrizioni macabre e sanguinolente. In questo libro ha messo una nota dark che negli altri libri non era presente. Ava non è più una principessa ma una schiava. E non pensa ad altro che alla vendetta. Ho adorato il personaggio di Ava, nonostante sia stata resa sottomessa dalle continue umiliazioni fisiche e verbali preserva un carattere forte e spezzato. L’autrice è stata molto abile nel descrivere il personaggio rotto di Ava. Non è la classica paladina, è una donna che ha subito troppe violenze e non ha più speranza. Ava e Kane si conosceranno quando entrambi pensavano di aver toccato il fondo e insieme cercheranno di trovare la serenità a cui tanto ambiscono. I Valletti entreranno in scena per salvare la situazione, come degli eroi che entrano in scena al momento giusto. È il libro che mi è piaciuto di più della serie, perché chi mi conosce sa bene quanto amo i personaggi spezzati. L'autrice con questo libro è uscita dalle righe a cui è abituata e ha scritto qualcosa di diverso che personalmente ho apprezzato. Ho provato un sacco di emozioni contrastanti leggendo questo libro: l'autrice è stata abile a passare da una scena triste e cruenta ad una piena di dolcezza. È un libro pieno di emozioni, una giostra di sentimenti. Il libro è scritto in modo semplice e scorrevole, pieno di colpi di scena che ti lasciano senza parole fino alla fine. La libertà che Ava trova dopo tanta agonia è acqua fresca dopo una giornata afosa. Ava e Kane sono due persone che si attraggono fin da subito, creano un’ alleanza contro il mondo e cercano di restare a galla nonostante tutto.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
March 19, 2020
Diciamo quasi 4✨
Want to read
March 21, 2020🎁 The complete Valetti Crime Family Series is FREE on Amazon today (3/21/2020)! 🎁
July 19, 2016
5 sexy mobster stars!! This book would not let me put it down.
Kane lost everything, all because his uncle was a rat. He took out all of his enemies though and is fighting his way back in. But he may have got himself in a little deeper then he wanted. The Russians..... Kane goes to his first meet ready to get this started and over with but it doesn't go as he expected. When he lays eyes on a sad woman with a collar on her neck and shackles on her wrists. She is a sex slave and his to babysit for a little while. Can he do the job or will his instincts get in the way?!?!
Ava was a Russian princess but little did she know her father was a sick king pin. And in the end she paid the price. She now is collared and told what to do while being raped and beat on a daily basis. She just wants one chance to kill the man who has put her here but until then she has to play the good girl. And now she is being handed off to another creep, except this creep is gentle and hot. She keeps waiting for the shoe to drop...every man will eventually show his true colors. And she will be prepared.
This book made me sad, happy, angry, excited and so many more emotions. These two have been through hell and back. And I must say every book I read with the Valetti family I love them even more. I am so happy with how everything went down. I couldn't ask for a better story. And without ruining the story I do want to say I am glad that the person who was holding the gun finished what needed to be done.
Must read!! Fast paced romantic suspense with all types of dark mob loving. I truly am a fan of this author and I love me some mobsters.
**I received this book as an ARC from the author herself and in return gave my honest review**
Kane lost everything, all because his uncle was a rat. He took out all of his enemies though and is fighting his way back in. But he may have got himself in a little deeper then he wanted. The Russians..... Kane goes to his first meet ready to get this started and over with but it doesn't go as he expected. When he lays eyes on a sad woman with a collar on her neck and shackles on her wrists. She is a sex slave and his to babysit for a little while. Can he do the job or will his instincts get in the way?!?!
Ava was a Russian princess but little did she know her father was a sick king pin. And in the end she paid the price. She now is collared and told what to do while being raped and beat on a daily basis. She just wants one chance to kill the man who has put her here but until then she has to play the good girl. And now she is being handed off to another creep, except this creep is gentle and hot. She keeps waiting for the shoe to drop...every man will eventually show his true colors. And she will be prepared.
This book made me sad, happy, angry, excited and so many more emotions. These two have been through hell and back. And I must say every book I read with the Valetti family I love them even more. I am so happy with how everything went down. I couldn't ask for a better story. And without ruining the story I do want to say I am glad that the person who was holding the gun finished what needed to be done.
Must read!! Fast paced romantic suspense with all types of dark mob loving. I truly am a fan of this author and I love me some mobsters.
**I received this book as an ARC from the author herself and in return gave my honest review**
never-want-to-read
July 19, 2016Note for me the heroine is rape in front of her dad and abused horrible to become a sex toy-slave. Not for me at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2016
I was lucky again to receive an ARC of this book from Willow Winters. She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, her writing is inspiring and her imagination is delightful. I love Mafia books they are my favorite sub genre and Willow knocks it out of the park every time.
I was raised to be ruthless, and as muscle for the Petrov mafia, that’s all I am.
Then she got caught in the crossfire, and when it was over, she was mine - given as a temporary gift. Once a mafia princess, now just a bargaining chip, she wasn’t a part of my plans.
She’s scared, alone, and has the most perfect, innocent baby blues that beg me to protect her.
There’s not an ounce of good in me. I don’t deserve her, but I want her. I want her sweet submission and tempting curves, at any cost.
Even if I have to kill every f*cker who stands between us.
I was raised to be ruthless, and as muscle for the Petrov mafia, that’s all I am.
Then she got caught in the crossfire, and when it was over, she was mine - given as a temporary gift. Once a mafia princess, now just a bargaining chip, she wasn’t a part of my plans.
She’s scared, alone, and has the most perfect, innocent baby blues that beg me to protect her.
There’s not an ounce of good in me. I don’t deserve her, but I want her. I want her sweet submission and tempting curves, at any cost.
Even if I have to kill every f*cker who stands between us.
January 22, 2019
5 stars
This book is my favorite so far out of this series. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, because I don't like hearing of such horrible things happening to women. The more I read on the more I fell in love with Kane and Ava's story.
This book is my favorite so far out of this series. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, because I don't like hearing of such horrible things happening to women. The more I read on the more I fell in love with Kane and Ava's story.
March 6, 2024
I--
What the fuck was that shit. Why the fuck did I honestly torture myself to read this. I mean I'm almost done this series on what started off as an accident all because I saw Winter's discrete series and wanted to read it. But what the fuck was this!
Triggers: Rape, Human trafficking, violence, vulgar language.
My main complaints with books 1 and 2 was that its marketed as a romance or I should say "mafia romance" but there aren't really elements of that in the books.
Book 3 Rough touch formally known as "Good Girl" had more "mafia elements" I want to say but at the same time what the actual fuck was this. the Protagonist characters Kane and Ava was tried to be "complementary" in the fact that they both lost their families and witnessed there families die but the female protagonist Ava was just fucked in the head. I mean she was so weak yet trying to "not be a good girl" but keeping it on as an act? I don't know
This is the third book to the Valetti Crime family and its just not it! Its porn on paper but like its really really poorly written smut scenes or "erotic scenes"
Winter's writing is weak! I think there are wattpads written with better mafia and better mafia porn than this written to be honest.
I feel like I need to contol+alt+deleate whatever the fuck I read. Maybe Smut/porn/erotica whatever the fuck people want to call these steamy books just isn't for me because what!! Usually I can finish a Winters book fast considering how fast I read books 1 and 2 but book 3 WAS SO HARD TO GET THROUGH!
Honestly, don't recommended picking this up! WHY WERE ALL THE RATINGS FOR THIS BOOK HIGHER THAN 1 AND 2 THIS IS RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THIS BOOK WAS PURE GARBAGE!
What the fuck was that shit. Why the fuck did I honestly torture myself to read this. I mean I'm almost done this series on what started off as an accident all because I saw Winter's discrete series and wanted to read it. But what the fuck was this!
Triggers: Rape, Human trafficking, violence, vulgar language.
My main complaints with books 1 and 2 was that its marketed as a romance or I should say "mafia romance" but there aren't really elements of that in the books.
Book 3 Rough touch formally known as "Good Girl" had more "mafia elements" I want to say but at the same time what the actual fuck was this. the Protagonist characters Kane and Ava was tried to be "complementary" in the fact that they both lost their families and witnessed there families die but the female protagonist Ava was just fucked in the head. I mean she was so weak yet trying to "not be a good girl" but keeping it on as an act? I don't know
This is the third book to the Valetti Crime family and its just not it! Its porn on paper but like its really really poorly written smut scenes or "erotic scenes"
Winter's writing is weak! I think there are wattpads written with better mafia and better mafia porn than this written to be honest.
I feel like I need to contol+alt+deleate whatever the fuck I read. Maybe Smut/porn/erotica whatever the fuck people want to call these steamy books just isn't for me because what!! Usually I can finish a Winters book fast considering how fast I read books 1 and 2 but book 3 WAS SO HARD TO GET THROUGH!
Honestly, don't recommended picking this up! WHY WERE ALL THE RATINGS FOR THIS BOOK HIGHER THAN 1 AND 2 THIS IS RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THIS BOOK WAS PURE GARBAGE!
July 17, 2019
Nayeli - per RFS
.
" Non faccio queste cose. Mi sento messo all’angolo come mai prima d’ora. Non m’importa essere uno stronzo quando ho a che fare con dei bastardi, lo considero come parte del destino avverso nei loro confronti. Ma questa merda? Non mi piace per niente, cazzo."
La Winters ci propone nuovamente il caso di una donna oggetto di tratta (in questo caso ridotta in schiavitù e “addestrata” alla sottomissione), affidata temporaneamente a un ragazzo mafioso che, senza dovere, si innamora di lei. Ammiro il fatto che, nonostante le premesse simili ai primi due volumi, la caratterizzazione dei personaggi così diversa abbia prodotto, di fatto, un romanzo interessante e tutt’altro che ripetitivo.
Il fulcro della storia è indubbiamente Kane: rimasto senza una cosca a parargli le spalle, deve sottostare al potere dei capimafia più forti e accettare di svolgere i compiti che gli affidano, anche se si tratta di tenere sotto controllo una ragazza in catene, che ha perso la sua identità a causa delle privazioni e della violenza con cui è stata soggiogata, umiliata e torturata fino a quel momento.
A differenza dei Valetti, Kane non prende in considerazione neppure per un attimo la possibilità di assecondare questo tipo di attività ai danni di esseri umani, ma dovrà prima trovare l’appoggio di una famiglia mafiosa per poter sperare di non uscirne dentro a un sacco nero.
Kane è il pilastro che tiene in piedi questo romanzo: un ragazzo tutto d’un pezzo, schietto, diretto, in cui pare che onore e rispetto per le donne siano parole ancora piene di significato.
Kane non è un padrone, non è un dominatore. Ha testosterone da vendere, ma non ha intenzione di trattare Ava come una persona di livello inferiore. Tuttavia, capisce la sua fragilità, il suo bisogno di essere rassicurata, e trova il modo per far sì che si fidi di lui e che inizi a ricostruire una sua personalità con piccoli passi graduali.
Molto ben riusciti gli approfondimenti psicologici, sia di Kane che di Ava: non era facile rendere lo sdoppiamento di personalità necessario per sopravvivere in stato di schiavitù, che non significa solo il controllo totale sui propri impulsi, pensieri, desideri in modo che il padrone non possa leggerli, ma anche un’accondiscendenza che si fa totale. Per poter sopravvivere, Ava ha elaborato una personalità sottomessa, dedita a servire, compiacere, dare piacere a chi la possiede (mai come in questo caso è un termine corretto), che non risponde più solo a minacce o ordini diretti, ma capace di agire in modo preventivo, attivandosi per il suo dominatore prima che questi possa indisporsi nei suoi confronti. Un lavaggio del cervello in piena regola, insomma, che la porta ad avere una capacità decisionale pari a quella di un cucciolo e ad essere alla costante ricerca di conferme, come quella di sentirsi dire che è stata una brava ragazza.
Ava ha, di fatto, annullato la sua identità, nascondendo i suoi bisogni, i suoi desideri. Un atteggiamento che non cambia in automatico con la liberazione dalla schiavitù, e che finisce per alterare persino il rapporto con Kane, con l’uomo che la ama: Ava riesce a leggere i suoi bisogni e le sue aspettative, pertanto risponde o reagisce nel modo in cui sa che a lui piacerebbe. Mente, assecondando un meccanismo che le ha salvato la vita, anche se, ora che è libera, non servirebbe più.
Le dinamiche della trama si sviluppano in un crescendo sempre più intenso e pieno di adrenalina, come già notato nei volumi precedenti, ma stavolta in modo più fluido, mescolando bene azione e sentimento.
Finale forse un po’ affrettato, sia nel voler a tutti i costi concludere la storia d’amore nel modo classico tanto amato dagli americani, sia nell’arrivare a dichiarazioni d’amore quando ancora non c’è stato modo di maturare quel sentimento, senza essere prima passati per l’interessamento, per l’innamoramento. Avrei anche voluto che a Kane fosse dato il tempo per conoscere la nuova Ava, quella che aveva ritrovato se stessa dopo aver lottato per la sua personalità.
Ma l’aspetto che ho amato meno del romanzo è stata la sensazione che le scene piccanti fossero state aggiunge in un secondo momento, magari a fine stesura, come elementi che devono esserci “perché il pubblico li desidera”.
Risultano innaturali, avulse, così come le dichiarazioni d’amore estemporanee e affrettate.
Sembrano inserite in modo irrispettoso, con eccessiva passione rispetto allo sviluppo naturale delle cose, su delle psicologie che non sono ancora pronte. Per di più sono scene descritte con linguaggi volgari, espliciti, incoerenti con le emozioni di poco prima.
Traduzione non impeccabile, ci sono alcuni refusi e alcune frasi che avrebbero potuto essere più scorrevoli, ma lo stile narrativo è crudo, diretto, il ritmo rapido ed efficace.
A differenza del secondo volume, i Valetti e le loro compagne compaiono in modo più defilato, quindi questo volume può essere tranquillamente letto stand-alone.
«Shh. Va tutto bene. È tutto a posto.»
«Sono ancora la tua Brava Ragazza?» chiedo.
Mi guarda con un’espressione afflitta. Sono ancora brava. Posso essere la sua Brava Ragazza. È successo solo una volta. Sono ancora brava. Posso comportarmi ancora bene. Ho bisogno che mi perdoni. Ho bisogno di essere la sua Brava Ragazza. Altrimenti non sono niente.
.
" Non faccio queste cose. Mi sento messo all’angolo come mai prima d’ora. Non m’importa essere uno stronzo quando ho a che fare con dei bastardi, lo considero come parte del destino avverso nei loro confronti. Ma questa merda? Non mi piace per niente, cazzo."
La Winters ci propone nuovamente il caso di una donna oggetto di tratta (in questo caso ridotta in schiavitù e “addestrata” alla sottomissione), affidata temporaneamente a un ragazzo mafioso che, senza dovere, si innamora di lei. Ammiro il fatto che, nonostante le premesse simili ai primi due volumi, la caratterizzazione dei personaggi così diversa abbia prodotto, di fatto, un romanzo interessante e tutt’altro che ripetitivo.
Il fulcro della storia è indubbiamente Kane: rimasto senza una cosca a parargli le spalle, deve sottostare al potere dei capimafia più forti e accettare di svolgere i compiti che gli affidano, anche se si tratta di tenere sotto controllo una ragazza in catene, che ha perso la sua identità a causa delle privazioni e della violenza con cui è stata soggiogata, umiliata e torturata fino a quel momento.
A differenza dei Valetti, Kane non prende in considerazione neppure per un attimo la possibilità di assecondare questo tipo di attività ai danni di esseri umani, ma dovrà prima trovare l’appoggio di una famiglia mafiosa per poter sperare di non uscirne dentro a un sacco nero.
Kane è il pilastro che tiene in piedi questo romanzo: un ragazzo tutto d’un pezzo, schietto, diretto, in cui pare che onore e rispetto per le donne siano parole ancora piene di significato.
Kane non è un padrone, non è un dominatore. Ha testosterone da vendere, ma non ha intenzione di trattare Ava come una persona di livello inferiore. Tuttavia, capisce la sua fragilità, il suo bisogno di essere rassicurata, e trova il modo per far sì che si fidi di lui e che inizi a ricostruire una sua personalità con piccoli passi graduali.
Molto ben riusciti gli approfondimenti psicologici, sia di Kane che di Ava: non era facile rendere lo sdoppiamento di personalità necessario per sopravvivere in stato di schiavitù, che non significa solo il controllo totale sui propri impulsi, pensieri, desideri in modo che il padrone non possa leggerli, ma anche un’accondiscendenza che si fa totale. Per poter sopravvivere, Ava ha elaborato una personalità sottomessa, dedita a servire, compiacere, dare piacere a chi la possiede (mai come in questo caso è un termine corretto), che non risponde più solo a minacce o ordini diretti, ma capace di agire in modo preventivo, attivandosi per il suo dominatore prima che questi possa indisporsi nei suoi confronti. Un lavaggio del cervello in piena regola, insomma, che la porta ad avere una capacità decisionale pari a quella di un cucciolo e ad essere alla costante ricerca di conferme, come quella di sentirsi dire che è stata una brava ragazza.
Ava ha, di fatto, annullato la sua identità, nascondendo i suoi bisogni, i suoi desideri. Un atteggiamento che non cambia in automatico con la liberazione dalla schiavitù, e che finisce per alterare persino il rapporto con Kane, con l’uomo che la ama: Ava riesce a leggere i suoi bisogni e le sue aspettative, pertanto risponde o reagisce nel modo in cui sa che a lui piacerebbe. Mente, assecondando un meccanismo che le ha salvato la vita, anche se, ora che è libera, non servirebbe più.
Le dinamiche della trama si sviluppano in un crescendo sempre più intenso e pieno di adrenalina, come già notato nei volumi precedenti, ma stavolta in modo più fluido, mescolando bene azione e sentimento.
Finale forse un po’ affrettato, sia nel voler a tutti i costi concludere la storia d’amore nel modo classico tanto amato dagli americani, sia nell’arrivare a dichiarazioni d’amore quando ancora non c’è stato modo di maturare quel sentimento, senza essere prima passati per l’interessamento, per l’innamoramento. Avrei anche voluto che a Kane fosse dato il tempo per conoscere la nuova Ava, quella che aveva ritrovato se stessa dopo aver lottato per la sua personalità.
Ma l’aspetto che ho amato meno del romanzo è stata la sensazione che le scene piccanti fossero state aggiunge in un secondo momento, magari a fine stesura, come elementi che devono esserci “perché il pubblico li desidera”.
Risultano innaturali, avulse, così come le dichiarazioni d’amore estemporanee e affrettate.
Sembrano inserite in modo irrispettoso, con eccessiva passione rispetto allo sviluppo naturale delle cose, su delle psicologie che non sono ancora pronte. Per di più sono scene descritte con linguaggi volgari, espliciti, incoerenti con le emozioni di poco prima.
Traduzione non impeccabile, ci sono alcuni refusi e alcune frasi che avrebbero potuto essere più scorrevoli, ma lo stile narrativo è crudo, diretto, il ritmo rapido ed efficace.
A differenza del secondo volume, i Valetti e le loro compagne compaiono in modo più defilato, quindi questo volume può essere tranquillamente letto stand-alone.
«Shh. Va tutto bene. È tutto a posto.»
«Sono ancora la tua Brava Ragazza?» chiedo.
Mi guarda con un’espressione afflitta. Sono ancora brava. Posso essere la sua Brava Ragazza. È successo solo una volta. Sono ancora brava. Posso comportarmi ancora bene. Ho bisogno che mi perdoni. Ho bisogno di essere la sua Brava Ragazza. Altrimenti non sono niente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2020
incredibly wonderfully beautiful - I love the Valetti family stories - fantastic, great, Willow Winters!
August 25, 2017
That's right I'm back to read another mafia book and I so happy.
Rough Touch tells the stories of Ava and Kane.
Ava had suffered what no one should. Not only all her family was murdered but also she was raped in front of her dad. After that she was used as a human toy being raped and beaten to submit to those guys dark desires. All the time the abuse endured she sworn vengeance to every single one of them. When she sees the enigmatic Kane she wishes that he could set her free but what will happen? Can she be free? Can she forget the abuse and find happiness?
Kane was trained to be a ruthless hitman doe the Mob. He had lost all his family so his only chance to survive is to work under the orders of Petrov. He was a heartless man but when he saw the way the other guys treated Ava he needed to do something. He needed to save her but how can he do it? Can he runaway with her?
Oh my lord this book is so much darker then the others. The intensity behind each torture, behind each crime is so high that will leave you breathless and shaking. We all know that this happens but we tend to forget or don't care but we shouldn't.
How can I continue? I have to keep going.
Rough Touch tells the stories of Ava and Kane.
Ava had suffered what no one should. Not only all her family was murdered but also she was raped in front of her dad. After that she was used as a human toy being raped and beaten to submit to those guys dark desires. All the time the abuse endured she sworn vengeance to every single one of them. When she sees the enigmatic Kane she wishes that he could set her free but what will happen? Can she be free? Can she forget the abuse and find happiness?
Kane was trained to be a ruthless hitman doe the Mob. He had lost all his family so his only chance to survive is to work under the orders of Petrov. He was a heartless man but when he saw the way the other guys treated Ava he needed to do something. He needed to save her but how can he do it? Can he runaway with her?
Oh my lord this book is so much darker then the others. The intensity behind each torture, behind each crime is so high that will leave you breathless and shaking. We all know that this happens but we tend to forget or don't care but we shouldn't.
How can I continue? I have to keep going.
August 6, 2016
Kane De Rocca is a rogue without the protection of familia. Kane knows nothing but the life in the mafia. For Kane, being in the human trafficking unsettles him until he meets Ava Ivanov. Ava Ivanov is a mafia princess turned into sex slave by her enemies. Ava's had many encounters yet the one that sears her soul is Kane with his gentle ways and touch. Kane doesn't like the plans his temporary boss Abrams Petrov for Ava and the rest of the human trafficking ring. Will Kane remain a rogue? Can Ava let go of her revenge? Your answers await you in Good Girl.
This third book really shows how well Ms. Winters takes her characters on a roller coaster ride. The characters and story flows together seamlessly as each book builds on the previous one. I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to my next adventure in this series.
This third book really shows how well Ms. Winters takes her characters on a roller coaster ride. The characters and story flows together seamlessly as each book builds on the previous one. I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to my next adventure in this series.
June 8, 2017
DNF... I had a hard time with this one because of the lead female, Ava. She's endured some of worst things a female could deal with, being brutalized & used as a sex slave. So enter Cain, the hero. I didn't really have an issue with him. It was her. How can someone who was used & abused like she was still manage to think about sex? She gets turned on & wants to bone Cain. Seriously? You still don't know the fate of your life, you've been brutalized in horrific ways & you can still manage to want to get sexual with this complete stranger? Then within days she claims she loves him. And as the shit hits the fan & things unfold, she can still have a coherent thought in her head? Then a few weeks later she's back to normal life, living with Cain, going to school... ugh. I just didn't care for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2016
*****Be My Good Girl Stars*****
After reading and thoroughly loving Willow Winter's His Hostage, I had high expectations for this one! Ms. Winters exceeded those expectations with a dark, dirty and sexy read. Kane and Ava's story deals with some very dark elements such as human trafficking and rape, but it is written with class and compassion. Now to backtrack and read the first Valetti Crime Family, Dirty Dom!
*****I was gifted an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review*****
After reading and thoroughly loving Willow Winter's His Hostage, I had high expectations for this one! Ms. Winters exceeded those expectations with a dark, dirty and sexy read. Kane and Ava's story deals with some very dark elements such as human trafficking and rape, but it is written with class and compassion. Now to backtrack and read the first Valetti Crime Family, Dirty Dom!
*****I was gifted an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review*****
September 26, 2016
I'm officially in a mob romance kind of mood. This is the 2nd one I've read today and I read it all in one sitting.
This was super sad in parts but it had a fantastic happily ever after so it balanced out the misery in the beginning.
Apparently I'm really into romances where the hero is a ruthless, cold hearted killer but is super sweet and protective when it comes to the heroine.
Willow Winters gets 5 thank God it had a happy ending stars.
This was super sad in parts but it had a fantastic happily ever after so it balanced out the misery in the beginning.
Apparently I'm really into romances where the hero is a ruthless, cold hearted killer but is super sweet and protective when it comes to the heroine.
Willow Winters gets 5 thank God it had a happy ending stars.
July 21, 2016
If you are a fan of dark romance with violence, abuse, heart break, revenge, suspense, deception, corruption, and a filthy-talking possessive bad boy who will do whatever it takes to get the woman he wants... then Good Girl is the book for you. A page turner from the very first page to the very end.
I was given a courtesy copy for an honest review.
I was given a courtesy copy for an honest review.
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November 29, 2016****************DID..............NOT..................FINISH****************
first, let me say this is a written story & I enjoyed the author's writing......but. I'm not a fan of mafia stories & the basis of this...I just couldn't get into it. I read 8%.
first, let me say this is a written story & I enjoyed the author's writing......but. I'm not a fan of mafia stories & the basis of this...I just couldn't get into it. I read 8%.
March 13, 2018
Even better than book #2, which was worlds better than book #1. I seem to always be moved by slave trafficking stories, no matter who's writing them. Though, I could have sworn I'd read the first 2/3rds of it before, but then it changed, so I guess it was just a VERY similar story). So, you could say that I liked the plot. My only problem was that I got annoyed whenever:
1.) the hero would say "good girl" to the heroine, constantly. He would pet her hair or face, etc , like she was a pet dog. What drove me nuts was after she was freed, independent and no longer someone's pet, the heroine would ask the hero "am I still your good girl"? I hate that shit. I wouldn't say that I'm the face of Feminism, but come on!
1.) the hero would say "good girl" to the heroine, constantly. He would pet her hair or face, etc , like she was a pet dog. What drove me nuts was after she was freed, independent and no longer someone's pet, the heroine would ask the hero "am I still your good girl"? I hate that shit. I wouldn't say that I'm the face of Feminism, but come on!
May 7, 2020
Left as the only survivor of his family, Kane needs to regain some leverage in the mob and the only way he can do that is being the bridge between the Russian mob and the Valetti family. What he does not count on it that the Russian's want to mix things up and add human trafficking into the mix. One look at the slave he is given for compensation sends Kane down a path that puts in a position he never saw coming....he actually falls for Ava. But will the Russians allow him to keep her? Or will the Valetti family end things with both the Russians and leave Kane hanging out to dry? With a fast paced storyline and a roller coaster of emotions this was a fantastic read. I cannot wait for more in this series.
September 5, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. Kane was brutal and ruthless, but when it came to Ava he showed another side that made me melt. I loved how protective he was, even when his world was full of danger and violence. Ava broke my heart with her pain and trauma, but at the same time she had so much strength that it blew me away. Their chemistry was intense, full of passion, fear, and also hope. The mafia setting was raw and gritty, with twists and heavy moments that kept me turning pages. Willow Winters really knew how to balance the darkness with love. Thank you so much to the author and Hambright for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
January 2, 2023
It feels like one of those books that should have been published on Wattpad and stayed there.. the writing is very immature and elementary (and for the type of book this is... it isn't right LOL) it took me 1 1/2 hours to finish. The characters lacked in personality and this book felt more like Stockholm syndrome than anything.
How are you in that type of situation and falling in love almost immediately? Kane was kind of odd and his possessiveness from the very beginning just made no sense, I know he was being sympathetic but this is a man in a mafia.. they lack empathy. make it make sense.
I saw willow winters a lot on Tiktok and saw such good reviews but im reconsidering how I feel now.. I'm hoping since this is just book 3/50 and was written in 2016 that the writing and simply the logic got better...
Some parts were entertaining and okay but it just wasnt great. :)
How are you in that type of situation and falling in love almost immediately? Kane was kind of odd and his possessiveness from the very beginning just made no sense, I know he was being sympathetic but this is a man in a mafia.. they lack empathy. make it make sense.
I saw willow winters a lot on Tiktok and saw such good reviews but im reconsidering how I feel now.. I'm hoping since this is just book 3/50 and was written in 2016 that the writing and simply the logic got better...
Some parts were entertaining and okay but it just wasnt great. :)
December 28, 2022
that was absolute crap. seemed more like stockholm syndrome tbh. a traumatized girl whose parents were killed and then she was trafficked for months?? NOT IN THE RIGHT PLACE TO FAL IN LOVE!!! also, i think the timeline was like- a week??? he stalked her when she left him, and then they got together using the pregnancy trope. ☹️ also i’m pretty sure they fcked in front of a clinic…? whole story just grossed me out.
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