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Francesca
Single mother Francesca is struggling to get by when an act of desperation leads to her owing a debt to notorious gangland boss, Tony Lambrianu.
Tony has his own troubles – a change of image from playboy to respectable married man is needed to further his criminal career. He has women falling at his feet, but none he wants to make his wife.
As Francesca is drawn deeper into the dark underworld dealings of Tony and his associates, she has to make alliances of her own to survive. And she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her small son.
This is a roller coaster ride of high stakes, dirty tricks, loyalty and love. Strap in – it’s a hell of a trip!
Please note: this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Tony has his own troubles – a change of image from playboy to respectable married man is needed to further his criminal career. He has women falling at his feet, but none he wants to make his wife.
As Francesca is drawn deeper into the dark underworld dealings of Tony and his associates, she has to make alliances of her own to survive. And she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her small son.
This is a roller coaster ride of high stakes, dirty tricks, loyalty and love. Strap in – it’s a hell of a trip!
Please note: this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2019
72 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 3, 2019
The Lambruanu story continues in this the 3rd book although I think ( although may be wrong ) that this was the first book to be written and what came before actually came after!
Once again it’s great to have Tony, Jake, Ella, ‘The Golds’ and everyone back and once again the book starts where the last one finished, who is the mystery ‘Francesca’ and how can Tony find her!
The book takes you through the detailed ( 542 kindle flicks is a long read compared to many books ) years going forward and the many disasters on the way to Tony and Fran finding true love, its a love story with a gangland theme betwixt a family drama and all 3 elements work well, once again the author makes sure the reader understands every step of every of the many plots and sub plot stories that bring the book all together
I love all the characters and by now the familiarity of them to me and although Francesca was ‘trying’ at times I did warm to her too
A great 3rd book and now I see the 4th and final instalment is due later this month and will look forward to that too
The only thing I didnt like was the cover which doesnt do the book justice but thats just a cover not the story of course
If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!
10/10
5 Stars
April 12, 2019
This book was recommended to me by dearest friend Tracy and i am so glad i read it.Fran needed to earn good money to pay off the debts her husband Luke had left her with,fran was gutted after finding out luke wanted nothing to do with their unborn child and was now involved with some one fran had thought was a friend.After giving birth to her son Bobby fran knew he was her world and she would do anything to make him safe and secure.Going to a party with her mate she enjoyed herself and let her hair down.She was attracted to a man she didn't know and going outside for some air she did something that she felt mortified about.As time life goes on Fran and Candy change jobs and are now working for gangland boss Tony Lambrianu until one day fran gets a call from her brothers and rushes home to her mothers,she is fuming when she finds her mothers boyfriend has left them with nothing even taking her brothers beds.Fran does something she would later regret but i recommend that you read this book to find out.I for one can't wait to read Gillian Y Goddens next book and if i could i would give this book more than the 5* as it is BRILLIANT.
September 26, 2020
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Gillian Godden’s Francesca is a slice-of-life account of a woman who falls in love with a gangster.
Francesca starts on a great note and maintains a brisk pace for the first two hundred pages. These many pages make up a novella, however, Godden’s characters have a lot to say and live through; hence, strap in your buckles and get ready for a lengthy trip.
Getting to know the criminal underworld up close made for a riveting read. Add to this romance between Tony and Francesca, it becomes even more engrossing. Further, Godden provides a detailed backstory of every character present in this book. This coupled with the realistic dialogues makes Francesca a character-driven story. Moreover, despite being a part of a series, I had no difficulty in enjoying this book.
The romance between Tony and Francesca was slow-burn and passionate. I enjoyed their interactions with each other. However, Francesca is not the story of just one couple; it is the story of three couples—Tony and Francesca, Jake and Sharon, and Ralph and Julie. Thus, the story of what happened between each couple as they retired to their personal lives once tending to their crime syndicate was over made for an engaging read.
However, I do have quibbles with the book. Godden unnecessarily drags out the story by including descriptions of the everyday routines of every character over twelve months, barring a few weeks. As a result, I found myself skimming a good number of paragraphs.
Additionally, Tony and Francesca were two stubborn individuals. The length of the novel (five hundred pages approx.) made them appear even more stubborn.
Francesca has low self-esteem. She does not believe she deserves happiness. This causes her to make stupid decisions, one of them is trying not to know her husband and believing his façade. Tony, on the other hand, is a stubborn mule. He, too, believes Francesca’s lies that she does not love him. All these misunderstandings originate because none of them communicate with each other.
I was frustrated to see Tony and Francesca repeat the same mistakes. It is only towards the end they reconcile (yay, happy ending!) and put an end to my frustration.
The romance in this novel considerably softens the dour tones of the criminal underworld that it showcases. Overall, I enjoyed the story. If it had been a couple of pages shorter, I would have enjoyed it more.
If you love to read crime fiction where a heavy dose of romance and happy endings takes the edge off the bleakness, you will like Francesca by Gillian Godden.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book. This does not affect my opinion on the book.
April 14, 2019
"i wish i could give this book more than 5 stars what a book what a story I fell in love with Characters in book I would so love a Julie she so sassy. Francesca would do anything for her son her husband so horrible then he leaves her then Francesca starts dancing to earn money then she meets tony. and his brother Jake this story is everything witty gripping brilliant characters . a bit twisty . I so recommend so cant wait for 2nd book"
November 26, 2019
The first books on the series, were more enjoyable this book somehow seems so far from the other in the series...not my cup of tea....
June 25, 2019
If you want a gritty crime book, with a sprinkling of comedy and a love story all rolled into one this is the book.
This new author can most certainly write a gripping story.
The characters were loveable, with the right amount of violence. The story was believable and carried me along with every gripping page.
Francesca and Tony were adorable and surrogate mum/nan Elle was loving and sensible in the madness of their lives. Jake, Tony's adoptive brother kept hotheaded Tony calm. Both being gangland bosses, their relationship had the right balance.
Julie Gold is hilarious and always makes sense but with little tact, her husband Ralph is the godfather of crime in their world.
This is a story of money, power, violence, but struggle and frustration.
Gillian's other book "Dangerous Games is the beginning of Tony's story and how he rose to notoriety. Being excited i read them the wrong way round. But reading the description it really doesn't seem to matter and can't wait to learn how he got to where he did.
I have just learned that she is also releasing another book in the trilogy "Nasty business". This is due to come out in July 2019.
This new author can most certainly write a gripping story.
The characters were loveable, with the right amount of violence. The story was believable and carried me along with every gripping page.
Francesca and Tony were adorable and surrogate mum/nan Elle was loving and sensible in the madness of their lives. Jake, Tony's adoptive brother kept hotheaded Tony calm. Both being gangland bosses, their relationship had the right balance.
Julie Gold is hilarious and always makes sense but with little tact, her husband Ralph is the godfather of crime in their world.
This is a story of money, power, violence, but struggle and frustration.
Gillian's other book "Dangerous Games is the beginning of Tony's story and how he rose to notoriety. Being excited i read them the wrong way round. But reading the description it really doesn't seem to matter and can't wait to learn how he got to where he did.
I have just learned that she is also releasing another book in the trilogy "Nasty business". This is due to come out in July 2019.
September 10, 2020
This story is one for gritty, gangland crime fans. Francesa struggles to keep her head above water when her lover cheats and leaves. Emotionally and financially broken, she crosses path with the world of gangs and crime, and it changes her life.
Believable characters and authentic settings draw the reader into the ganglit world. Francesa is vulnerable because of her loyalty to family and her need to protect her son. These family drama elements give the story, its emotional depth. There's also romance full of conflict and compromise which is realistic. The plot is complex and creates a believable world. This story forms part of a saga, and it's probably best to read the books in order for continuity.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Believable characters and authentic settings draw the reader into the ganglit world. Francesa is vulnerable because of her loyalty to family and her need to protect her son. These family drama elements give the story, its emotional depth. There's also romance full of conflict and compromise which is realistic. The plot is complex and creates a believable world. This story forms part of a saga, and it's probably best to read the books in order for continuity.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
April 2, 2019
We meet Francesca, the single parent of a baby boy. Her husband didn’t stay around, he just left her in debt!
She had no money, no job but needs to get work. She’d never done it before, but she tried the local strip club, working behind the bar. Her friend said she would baby sit for her.
She eventually stripped in the club,as the money was so much better.
She meets Tony one night, but he’s a criminal and likes the ladies. Yes, he’s handsome. Yes, the ladies like him. She can’t help being attracted to him. Why would she steal money off him?
There’s a lot more to this story, that will
keep you glued to it. I loved it!
GILLIAN Y. GODDEN is a new author for me. I will now be following.
She had no money, no job but needs to get work. She’d never done it before, but she tried the local strip club, working behind the bar. Her friend said she would baby sit for her.
She eventually stripped in the club,as the money was so much better.
She meets Tony one night, but he’s a criminal and likes the ladies. Yes, he’s handsome. Yes, the ladies like him. She can’t help being attracted to him. Why would she steal money off him?
There’s a lot more to this story, that will
keep you glued to it. I loved it!
GILLIAN Y. GODDEN is a new author for me. I will now be following.
June 12, 2019
Fab!!!!
Such a gripping read from the first page!! Not normally into romance books but loved the story thoughly, with this book. I also liked the east end villan twists, that made it feel more exciting. I really felt I got to know all the characters well thoughout each character. Will definitely be recommending to my family and friends!! Look forward to reading more books from this very talented author 😊😊
Such a gripping read from the first page!! Not normally into romance books but loved the story thoughly, with this book. I also liked the east end villan twists, that made it feel more exciting. I really felt I got to know all the characters well thoughout each character. Will definitely be recommending to my family and friends!! Look forward to reading more books from this very talented author 😊😊
October 1, 2019
Brilliant author.
I just cannot believe this author her mind is amazing to write this novel I would go to say Gillian y.Godden is has good as martina Cole she is certainly up there. Every chapter held me and I felt I was actually in the book and New everybody. Great author and well worth reading you will not be disappointed .So come on and work your fingers for your next book . If I could give more stars then I would . Congratulations and well done .
I just cannot believe this author her mind is amazing to write this novel I would go to say Gillian y.Godden is has good as martina Cole she is certainly up there. Every chapter held me and I felt I was actually in the book and New everybody. Great author and well worth reading you will not be disappointed .So come on and work your fingers for your next book . If I could give more stars then I would . Congratulations and well done .
November 28, 2019
Wanted the book to go on
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (which is my first by this author). Hope she will write a sequel. It was good to see how friendships can be made from unlikely sources and all rallied round when needs whatever the reason. The essence of a good book is a beginning a middle and an end but, also enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. This book has everything and will certainly read another in the future
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (which is my first by this author). Hope she will write a sequel. It was good to see how friendships can be made from unlikely sources and all rallied round when needs whatever the reason. The essence of a good book is a beginning a middle and an end but, also enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. This book has everything and will certainly read another in the future
June 11, 2020
A considered 4* - this novel is very out of my comfort zone - i don't normally choose gangland novels to read. But i read this and enjoyed it, the story felt quite patchy in places and there were some times i wanted to slap the characters because they were being so dense. But it comes together in the end and you want to know how things work out, i'm glad i read through to the end and i did enjoy it - it has a real hint of romance which makes it stand out from the usual crime novels.
May 16, 2022
Romance not Gangland Thriller
This book is more a romance than a gangland thriller. The story is OK but I don't think it was proof read, there are so
many mistakes in the writing; extra words put in, spelling mistakes and the use of the wrong word. If I hadn't known better I would have thought this was the authors first attempt at writing. Hopefully the next one will be better.
This book is more a romance than a gangland thriller. The story is OK but I don't think it was proof read, there are so
many mistakes in the writing; extra words put in, spelling mistakes and the use of the wrong word. If I hadn't known better I would have thought this was the authors first attempt at writing. Hopefully the next one will be better.
August 10, 2022
Having read the rest of the series I was so disappointed. This book is littered with mmistakes. Child like spelling and gramma issues. The tense changes within a chapter , the story line was rushed and ridiculous at times . Almost like the author needed to knock it out . The most laughable error was when someone 'through' something on a bed . How did these errors get published? Embarrassing read which I jumped from chapter 22 to the last chapter just to read the end
May 31, 2019
Absolutely fantastic.
Loved this book so much, it was very hard to put down. Fabulous story line, loved all the characters. I have just started to read Dangerous Games and I am so excited to learn more about Antonias. Gillian you are amazing and I can't wait to read more of your books in the future..x
Loved this book so much, it was very hard to put down. Fabulous story line, loved all the characters. I have just started to read Dangerous Games and I am so excited to learn more about Antonias. Gillian you are amazing and I can't wait to read more of your books in the future..x
June 26, 2019
Grippimg
I was gripped from the beginning of this book and I was holding my breath in some chapters smiling in other's and was upset and annoyed in some. Ooooo it's a rollercoaster of a ride. But loved every minute.
Couldn't put it down. Reading a book with a strong female character
In this kind of genre was epic and very different. Bring on the next one.
I was gripped from the beginning of this book and I was holding my breath in some chapters smiling in other's and was upset and annoyed in some. Ooooo it's a rollercoaster of a ride. But loved every minute.
Couldn't put it down. Reading a book with a strong female character
In this kind of genre was epic and very different. Bring on the next one.
August 14, 2019
What an amazing followup to the previous 2 books. Francesca was a struggling single Mum struggling to pay off her debts that her husband had left her in. I don't want to say too much as it will giveaway the story. Such a well written book that brings you on a tale of gripping sagas. Highly recommended
October 18, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and Francesca’s character. I have read the first 2 books but this was just brilliant! Frustrating too when Tony and Francesca kept misunderstanding each other ! The other characters are great too with Mrs Gould being another favorite. As the book ended I am sure there is scope for another one please !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed reading this set of books and I'm just sorry that I've finished them. Full of great characters but it's Tony and Francesca who are the main ones. They are surrounded by friends and family, plus foes who make it a great read I would recommend this book to all.
I really enjoyed reading this set of books and I'm just sorry that I've finished them. Full of great characters but it's Tony and Francesca who are the main ones. They are surrounded by friends and family, plus foes who make it a great read I would recommend this book to all.
May 10, 2020
Good Book but....
Would have given this 4 stars but unfortunately I found some of the spelling and grammar hard to forgive.
The story itself I enjoyed especially as I had just read the previous one in the series. I will carry on with the series as I enjoy the life's of Tony ,Jake and family.
Would have given this 4 stars but unfortunately I found some of the spelling and grammar hard to forgive.
The story itself I enjoyed especially as I had just read the previous one in the series. I will carry on with the series as I enjoy the life's of Tony ,Jake and family.
August 31, 2021
Fantastic story for the first book from this author.
I found I could not put this book down, a genuine interesting page turner. You start to feel sorry for the main chsracter (Francesca) as if she was a real person and not the character in a book.
Well done Gillian you have found your vocation in life.
Keep writing, you can only get better the more you write.
I found I could not put this book down, a genuine interesting page turner. You start to feel sorry for the main chsracter (Francesca) as if she was a real person and not the character in a book.
Well done Gillian you have found your vocation in life.
Keep writing, you can only get better the more you write.
July 2, 2022
Fantastic - definitely recommend
Another brilliant story about the Lambrianu’s. I can’t wait to read Dirty Dealing’s - although I’m slightly sad to read it as it is the last book in this series. So I will read it quickly as always but when it gets to the end it will be bittersweet. Definitely recommend this series and also the series about the Gold’s.
Another brilliant story about the Lambrianu’s. I can’t wait to read Dirty Dealing’s - although I’m slightly sad to read it as it is the last book in this series. So I will read it quickly as always but when it gets to the end it will be bittersweet. Definitely recommend this series and also the series about the Gold’s.
May 17, 2019
Fantastic first book.
What a bloody good start to her first book. I couldn't put it down, didn't want it to finish, I felt like I was there in the book lol. Can't wait for the next one.
What a bloody good start to her first book. I couldn't put it down, didn't want it to finish, I felt like I was there in the book lol. Can't wait for the next one.
May 23, 2019
I had heard so much about this book that it made me curious to check it out and I'm glad I did. I would definitely recommend reading this and there is a prequel to it all about Tony and Jake and how they got to where they are which I've downloaded too.
June 12, 2019
Brilliant story about love and crime
Fantastic read,gripping storyline,had some proper belly laughs in it,couldn't put it down read it all in 1 day..can't wait to read her next novel
Fantastic read,gripping storyline,had some proper belly laughs in it,couldn't put it down read it all in 1 day..can't wait to read her next novel
July 21, 2019
Fantastic. 😁😁 Highly recommended. Debut author with amazing ability to draw the reader in and develop emotional attachments to her characters. Also read Dangerous Games and Nasty Business. A brilliant trilogy. A must read.
July 28, 2019
Absolutely brilliant book
I have read the three books in the series and being a massive fan of these type of books i have to say these three books and the characters have been the best i have ever read. I was unable to put them down and now sorry to have finished the series xx
I have read the three books in the series and being a massive fan of these type of books i have to say these three books and the characters have been the best i have ever read. I was unable to put them down and now sorry to have finished the series xx
August 23, 2019
Fan, blooming, tastic
Another fabulous book from an up an coming writer, I loved this book so.much I even limited myself to two chapters a day, because I couldn't hear to finish it.
I am now easily anticipating the next, bravo Gillian Godden.
Another fabulous book from an up an coming writer, I loved this book so.much I even limited myself to two chapters a day, because I couldn't hear to finish it.
I am now easily anticipating the next, bravo Gillian Godden.
September 4, 2019
Amazingly good read !
I absolutely loved this book ...first I've read from this author .I couldn't put it down ..has you gripped from start to finish ..I am going to purchase her next book now ..can't wait ..thank you Gillian.
I absolutely loved this book ...first I've read from this author .I couldn't put it down ..has you gripped from start to finish ..I am going to purchase her next book now ..can't wait ..thank you Gillian.
April 14, 2025
brilliantly writtten. gillian always writes loveable characters, even if like antonias"Tony" they are rogues. His love for Francesca was always there but he puts a facade on so as not to lose face as a womaniser and ruthless businessman. looking forward to reading the next instalment
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews