This complete saga includes:
1. HEAT
You'll want to read every delicious word for yourself. The best part of reading a new series and being the person who sets the tone for the remainder of the books. I'll let you, as a new reader, do that.
2. RUIN
Eric works for Luciano Salvatore, his right-hand man. Capo of the mightiest network of organized crime on the West Coast. In Eric's mind, he's his boss, his mentor, his savior. He absolutely loathes the man while at the same time, he'd die for him.
Anna had worked in a law office before the incident. After that she couldn't handle the stress so she quit her job and went to work for an innocuous printing company as a Customer Service Rep. Wasn't as challenging as her previous position but the work was so mundane for the most part she didn't need to put too much thought into it. Besides, she has also built a shield around herself keeping everyone else at arms length.
When these two broken people come into contact with each other, it's not what you would call a Cupid's calling.
There are several things about this book I want to mention. As I said previously, I read it as a standalone without any lost information pertinent to the story. The characters with their personality flaws and quirks are so relatable it's easy to be sucked into the story. When their feelings and emotions become involved I felt myself leaning forward like I was afraid I would miss something. The last and probably most poignant thing I want to point out is the fact this wasn't a fluff happily ever after, they rode into the sunset ending. I won't give anything away, but I was rather impressed with where the characters remained. That made it more relatable to me than anything. Congratulations Nicolina on not only a great read but what looks like a terrific series. You've also picked up a new follower.
3. SHAME
Carmen had come to the United States with her Uncle, wanting a better life than living on a farm in the mountains of Columbia. When her Uncle was hurt in a work accident and eventually died, Carmen was led to believe she had broken her parent's heart and they would never forgive her or want her to return. That left her with little option of making her way and being able to survive. That's how she wound up working the streets until she moved in with Matron and her girls. Unfortunately, they were all owned by Luciano Salvatore and she was soon to learn what the price for that was to be.
Lucas left his parents and their farm in Iowa wanting something more. He was the driver for the organization for two years and he wanted to move up so he could receive the respect and privileges that came with it. When the time came for him to participate and take the next step of being involved, his reaction was not what he or anyone else expected.
If you have trigger issues with caning, humiliation, or rape then be warned. There are some scenes and consequences that are chilling. That being said, I was immediately thrown into this world again within the first chapter and found myself leaning forward and mentally putting myself in a bubble with all that was going on with this story and its characters. Speaking of which, you'll either love them or love to hate them, but Nicolina Martin will not let her readers sit passively with one of her works. By the end of the book, my stomach and hands had finally stopped shaking and my heart had calmed down. This was a heartbreaking, heartwarming story that left me wondering what was coming next. Congratulations Nicolina for a five-star review
4. REDEMPTION
First, let me say this; I'm an incurable romantic when it comes to books. I always want things to have a happy ending, because we all know life just doesn't always work that way. That being said, Redemption: Savage Duet, Part 1 has about ripped my heart and brought me to tears several times. To be honest, I've cried as a must for Christian as I have Kerry. A worse set of circumstances couldn't be found for two people. And you did see where this is part 1, right? So we have a cliffhanger and I for one will not be able to put this to rest until I get the rest of their story. I don't want to give any spoilers because if you've been following "The Russo Saga," then I know you're going to want to read every word for yourself.
5. ABSOLUTION
This was probably one of the most soul-wrenching, tear-jerking, anger-inducing books I've read in a while. I've cried for Christian. I've cried to Kerry. My heart just melted for Cece. I was scared for Christian's sister and for Kerry's mother. And in the mountain? OMG!!! I can't give you any details because I know you'll want to read it all for yourself and not miss a single word or emotion that Nicolina Martin has laid out. Just trust me, it's that good.
6. CAPO
Just WOW!!! This has to be the darkest, most intense book of the series. Between Christian and Luciano poor Chloe has had a rude awakening. Not just in the world, she finds herself in but within herself as well. The raw emotion Nicolina Martin has given us is so palpable that at times it had the hair on my body standing on end. THIS is the kind of writing I've used to set the bar by. Congratulations!! Now I want to know what happens with Angela. LOL