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Pagano Brothers #5
Things Impossible
THE CONCLUSION OF THE PAGANO BROTHERS SERIES
Alex Di Pietro started working for the Pagano Brothers in high school, to help his mom with the bills after his dad skipped out. Several years later, he’s still a lowly associate, too young to make his bones. However, because he looks the part, he’s been given the job of guarding one of Don Nick Pagano’s precious daughters while she’s at college.
He takes that job seriously; he knows first-hand what happens to a man who’s let the don down, and he never wants to be in that place again. But it’s not easy to ignore his growing attraction to the sweet, sad girl he’s charged to protect.
Lia Pagano is trying to have a normal college experience despite who her father is. She hates all the security around her, but it helps that her bodyguard does what he can to give her some space. It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome and kind, either.
All she wants is a chance to make her own life her own way, but that’s not so easy when your father is Don Nicolo Pagano, the so-called King of New England.
Nick Pagano has been don for a long time. He knows his time at the head of the table is moving toward its end, and he intends to leave a legacy of his own choosing. To do so, he will have to declare a civil war, between the old ways of Italy and the new ways of America. He’s marshaled his allies and is prepared to win, but it will not be easy.
He means to protect his family from that war at any cost.
When Lia almost falls to a danger not a part of Nick’s world but very much a part of college life, Nick calls her home—and learns that his daughter and the bodyguard he trusted with her protection have grown much closer than he’d intended. Or wanted.
They are all fighting for the future they want, for things others say are impossible.
But no war can be won without pain and loss.
The true victory comes in what we make of what’s left when war is over.
Alex Di Pietro started working for the Pagano Brothers in high school, to help his mom with the bills after his dad skipped out. Several years later, he’s still a lowly associate, too young to make his bones. However, because he looks the part, he’s been given the job of guarding one of Don Nick Pagano’s precious daughters while she’s at college.
He takes that job seriously; he knows first-hand what happens to a man who’s let the don down, and he never wants to be in that place again. But it’s not easy to ignore his growing attraction to the sweet, sad girl he’s charged to protect.
Lia Pagano is trying to have a normal college experience despite who her father is. She hates all the security around her, but it helps that her bodyguard does what he can to give her some space. It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome and kind, either.
All she wants is a chance to make her own life her own way, but that’s not so easy when your father is Don Nicolo Pagano, the so-called King of New England.
Nick Pagano has been don for a long time. He knows his time at the head of the table is moving toward its end, and he intends to leave a legacy of his own choosing. To do so, he will have to declare a civil war, between the old ways of Italy and the new ways of America. He’s marshaled his allies and is prepared to win, but it will not be easy.
He means to protect his family from that war at any cost.
When Lia almost falls to a danger not a part of Nick’s world but very much a part of college life, Nick calls her home—and learns that his daughter and the bodyguard he trusted with her protection have grown much closer than he’d intended. Or wanted.
They are all fighting for the future they want, for things others say are impossible.
But no war can be won without pain and loss.
The true victory comes in what we make of what’s left when war is over.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2020
12 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,418 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 19, 2020
5 There Is Only One World
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I have been with the Pagano Family from the start. I was there during the introduction of the two parts of the family, the "Good and the Bad". Each branch of this family had its own challenges, just like in real life, and we were shown the paths taken and lived through all of them.
Each branch of the Paganos was strong and resilient. The family was always the focus, it was how that focus and the actions taken to keep the family safe and whole, was the difference.
With the aging of these families, choices and callings were made by the next generation. One of the biggest choices was made by Trey, the son of the good family, the clean family. Trey's calling was to cross over, to go to the other side of the church's pew, and stand with his Uncle Nick, Don Pagano.
The grooming and choice by Don Pagano to have his nephew Trey be his successor put in motion this conclusion of the Pagano Brothers. Throughout this series, the overview of how to make this new move in the La Cosa Nostra was the goal. It was the making this happen, the opening of minds to the world was changing and the Families needed to change with it.
In this story, we have the insight into what it is like to be the children of the Don. How it impacts everything good and bad, easy and hard.
Lia Pagano has been going to college at Brown. She is trying to experience life not as a Pagano but as an everyday person. Well, as best as she can with Alex Di Pietro has her bodyguard. Lia has enrolled as Leah Maddox so her two friends and every other person have no idea about her father. Alex is not the usual type of bodyguard the family usually has, older and big as a house...Alex is twenty-three and looks the part of a college guy so Lia has her girls think he is just a friend who hangs around.
Alex Di Pietro would have been one of those enrolled students with Lia if his family life hadn't been a lie. His father pulled one over his mother and him, causing Alex to turn down all of the scholarships he had earned by being bright, hardworking, and focused during his schooling. He couldn't leave his mother to manage on her own after her support system of Alex's grandfather died, her husband left her penniless, and him not there to help.
Instead, Alex made the decision to go to the Paganos and start to work for them full time. He had been doing this and that since he was fourteen for extra cash but now he was all in, it was the only path he could see for himself and still help his mother.
Now he was watching over Lia at Brown, making sure she was safe. It was the most important thing he has been tasked with since working with the family. A while back, he was tested, had to prove he was loyal, and he endured all he had to...he was loyal and truthful always, showing those who mattered they could trust him with the Don's daughter.
Watching Lia, Alex starts to see who she really is, not the part she plays around others. He sees her beauty, her talents, and also her insecurities. He sees she doesn't feel like she should take up space, she always puts others before her. These observations have Alex feeling more that he should but when he needs to look out for Alex, he puts everything aside and makes the right call.
Lia going away to college has been a strain for Nick and Bev. There is much happening in the Pagano world, the one Nick tries to keep separate from his wife and children. Nick never thought he would have the beauty of his life. He was set on his path, devoted to the family, and understood his place as an enforcer.
But then he met Bev and her sunshine was too much to turn away. She was his everything and together they made the decision to live the life they had. Bev had her eyes wide open as to who Nick was and what her life would be. Both wanted children and Nick believed he would always be able to protect his family.
But real life can be just as evil and dangerous as Nick's world. When Lia realizes all she believed about the world was different than she thought, that there were other factors that melted together, she had to decide how to deal with it. The entire family had to learn to deal with the mixing of both worlds.
During this time, Alex and Lia see each other differently and their romance begins. It is sweet, strong, and important. It is not something either of them has ever experienced before...love and devotion are new to them. Alex is amazing with Lia and gives her everything she needs. This love is solid for these two and we are fortunate to experience it.
This is the conclusion of this series and in keeping with the way Fanetti writes, truth in everything whether it is pretty or not...It is all there. All the truth of what a family is. What the real horror of what a La Cosa Nostra life can bring. Of how the horror of what regular college kids can do. And what the beauty of love can be.
I love the writing of Susan Fanetti. I am so happy to have the ability to read what she writes. The life lessons learned and reinforced through her writing touches me and her readers. If you have any interest in the underworld, these series, The Pagano Family and The Pagano Brothers are for you.
Simple Faith (Pagano Brothers, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hidden Worthiness (Pagano Brothers, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Accidental Evils (Pagano Brothers. #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Name of Honor (Pagano Brothers. #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Things Impossible (Pagano rothers, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you wish to meet the Original Families and Couples, here is the first series:
Footsteps (Pagano Family, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Touch (Pagano Family, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rooted (Pagano Family, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deep (Pagano Family, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prayer (Pagano Family, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle (Pagano Family, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Where Do I Begin...
I Was There When This Family Came to Light...
I Watched How Men And Women...
Came Together Under The Shadows...
Of Right And Wrong, Of Good And Evil...
I Saw Generations Pass The Baton...
The Old Ways Lean Into New Ones...
Now The Stage Is Finally Set...
What This Family Has Worked To Accomplish...
Will Be Tested To The Final Outcome...
Only After The Wheels Are In Motion...
Will We Know If All The Steps...
All The Sacrifices Made...
Things Impossible (Pagano Brothers #5)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I have been with the Pagano Family from the start. I was there during the introduction of the two parts of the family, the "Good and the Bad". Each branch of this family had its own challenges, just like in real life, and we were shown the paths taken and lived through all of them.
Each branch of the Paganos was strong and resilient. The family was always the focus, it was how that focus and the actions taken to keep the family safe and whole, was the difference.
With the aging of these families, choices and callings were made by the next generation. One of the biggest choices was made by Trey, the son of the good family, the clean family. Trey's calling was to cross over, to go to the other side of the church's pew, and stand with his Uncle Nick, Don Pagano.
The grooming and choice by Don Pagano to have his nephew Trey be his successor put in motion this conclusion of the Pagano Brothers. Throughout this series, the overview of how to make this new move in the La Cosa Nostra was the goal. It was the making this happen, the opening of minds to the world was changing and the Families needed to change with it.
In this story, we have the insight into what it is like to be the children of the Don. How it impacts everything good and bad, easy and hard.
Lia Pagano has been going to college at Brown. She is trying to experience life not as a Pagano but as an everyday person. Well, as best as she can with Alex Di Pietro has her bodyguard. Lia has enrolled as Leah Maddox so her two friends and every other person have no idea about her father. Alex is not the usual type of bodyguard the family usually has, older and big as a house...Alex is twenty-three and looks the part of a college guy so Lia has her girls think he is just a friend who hangs around.
Alex Di Pietro would have been one of those enrolled students with Lia if his family life hadn't been a lie. His father pulled one over his mother and him, causing Alex to turn down all of the scholarships he had earned by being bright, hardworking, and focused during his schooling. He couldn't leave his mother to manage on her own after her support system of Alex's grandfather died, her husband left her penniless, and him not there to help.
Instead, Alex made the decision to go to the Paganos and start to work for them full time. He had been doing this and that since he was fourteen for extra cash but now he was all in, it was the only path he could see for himself and still help his mother.
Now he was watching over Lia at Brown, making sure she was safe. It was the most important thing he has been tasked with since working with the family. A while back, he was tested, had to prove he was loyal, and he endured all he had to...he was loyal and truthful always, showing those who mattered they could trust him with the Don's daughter.
Watching Lia, Alex starts to see who she really is, not the part she plays around others. He sees her beauty, her talents, and also her insecurities. He sees she doesn't feel like she should take up space, she always puts others before her. These observations have Alex feeling more that he should but when he needs to look out for Alex, he puts everything aside and makes the right call.
Lia going away to college has been a strain for Nick and Bev. There is much happening in the Pagano world, the one Nick tries to keep separate from his wife and children. Nick never thought he would have the beauty of his life. He was set on his path, devoted to the family, and understood his place as an enforcer.
But then he met Bev and her sunshine was too much to turn away. She was his everything and together they made the decision to live the life they had. Bev had her eyes wide open as to who Nick was and what her life would be. Both wanted children and Nick believed he would always be able to protect his family.
But real life can be just as evil and dangerous as Nick's world. When Lia realizes all she believed about the world was different than she thought, that there were other factors that melted together, she had to decide how to deal with it. The entire family had to learn to deal with the mixing of both worlds.
During this time, Alex and Lia see each other differently and their romance begins. It is sweet, strong, and important. It is not something either of them has ever experienced before...love and devotion are new to them. Alex is amazing with Lia and gives her everything she needs. This love is solid for these two and we are fortunate to experience it.
This is the conclusion of this series and in keeping with the way Fanetti writes, truth in everything whether it is pretty or not...It is all there. All the truth of what a family is. What the real horror of what a La Cosa Nostra life can bring. Of how the horror of what regular college kids can do. And what the beauty of love can be.
I love the writing of Susan Fanetti. I am so happy to have the ability to read what she writes. The life lessons learned and reinforced through her writing touches me and her readers. If you have any interest in the underworld, these series, The Pagano Family and The Pagano Brothers are for you.
Simple Faith (Pagano Brothers, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hidden Worthiness (Pagano Brothers, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Accidental Evils (Pagano Brothers. #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Name of Honor (Pagano Brothers. #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Things Impossible (Pagano rothers, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you wish to meet the Original Families and Couples, here is the first series:
Footsteps (Pagano Family, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Touch (Pagano Family, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rooted (Pagano Family, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deep (Pagano Family, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prayer (Pagano Family, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle (Pagano Family, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Where Do I Begin...
I Was There When This Family Came to Light...
I Watched How Men And Women...
Came Together Under The Shadows...
Of Right And Wrong, Of Good And Evil...
I Saw Generations Pass The Baton...
The Old Ways Lean Into New Ones...
Now The Stage Is Finally Set...
What This Family Has Worked To Accomplish...
Will Be Tested To The Final Outcome...
Only After The Wheels Are In Motion...
Will We Know If All The Steps...
All The Sacrifices Made...
Things Impossible (Pagano Brothers #5)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 11, 2020
It’s the end of the fabulous Pagano Brothers. What an ending it was.
There’s no question that Nick is my favorite Pagano. The moment he was introduced in the Pagano Family series I was done for. He just had something. The Don side and the family side. Mob Boss and Father/Husband. Flawed and human.
Things Impossible is about Nicks daughter Lia but most definitely also what will happen to Nick when he retires. Who will be the new Don?
This book has some surprises and one in particular I didn’t see coming. It’s what I expect when I read a Susan Fanetti book. Characters from both series, Pagano Family and Pagano Brothers, made appearances and I got a little sentimental. I just love both series and the characters.
Things Impossible was Alex, Lia and her father Nick’s journey. Lia’s growth was a highlight and especially because of how she viewed her father. Also her experiencing love for the first time. Alex and him going deeper into this world of violence and making a relationship with Lia work. Nick has made some questionable choices in his life as the Don but his wife and children will forever be the right ones. They’re his center. His constants.
I felt the romance took a backseat but I didn’t mind it because I was so invested in the story and the characters. At first I didn’t think I needed this book but now after finishing it I can honestly say it was the perfect way to end the series. One of my favorite mafia series.
4 There Was Only Ever One Stars
There’s no question that Nick is my favorite Pagano. The moment he was introduced in the Pagano Family series I was done for. He just had something. The Don side and the family side. Mob Boss and Father/Husband. Flawed and human.
Things Impossible is about Nicks daughter Lia but most definitely also what will happen to Nick when he retires. Who will be the new Don?
This book has some surprises and one in particular I didn’t see coming. It’s what I expect when I read a Susan Fanetti book. Characters from both series, Pagano Family and Pagano Brothers, made appearances and I got a little sentimental. I just love both series and the characters.
Things Impossible was Alex, Lia and her father Nick’s journey. Lia’s growth was a highlight and especially because of how she viewed her father. Also her experiencing love for the first time. Alex and him going deeper into this world of violence and making a relationship with Lia work. Nick has made some questionable choices in his life as the Don but his wife and children will forever be the right ones. They’re his center. His constants.
I felt the romance took a backseat but I didn’t mind it because I was so invested in the story and the characters. At first I didn’t think I needed this book but now after finishing it I can honestly say it was the perfect way to end the series. One of my favorite mafia series.
4 There Was Only Ever One Stars
July 18, 2022
Reread July 2022.
**Things Impossible generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5+ "To deserve her." Stars
A stunning conclusion to a brilliant series. The main couple perfectly suit the story arc of the ongoing troubles facing The Pagano Series and help to bring the series to it's ultimate conclusion. This book surprises in the usual Fanetti ways. It's hopeful and tragic, full of love, compromise, strength, and the utmost grief. To follow this series is to love the mafia themes and to accept Nick Pagano, to appreciate and love this conclusion in Things Impossible is to see this family tested in painfully enlightening ways. Susan Fanetti delivers fully with her beautiful gift for storytelling and her keen sense of knowing exactly what her characters need, want, and must conquer to be fulfilled. It's not without heart ache but it's brimming with love. A twisty, wonderful journey where we see much deeper into Nick Pagano's family gaining a more rounded sense of this man and the family he created in both worlds all the while falling further under the Fanetti storytelling spell. If you love this series you can't miss this conclusion.
**Things Impossible generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5+ "To deserve her." Stars
A stunning conclusion to a brilliant series. The main couple perfectly suit the story arc of the ongoing troubles facing The Pagano Series and help to bring the series to it's ultimate conclusion. This book surprises in the usual Fanetti ways. It's hopeful and tragic, full of love, compromise, strength, and the utmost grief. To follow this series is to love the mafia themes and to accept Nick Pagano, to appreciate and love this conclusion in Things Impossible is to see this family tested in painfully enlightening ways. Susan Fanetti delivers fully with her beautiful gift for storytelling and her keen sense of knowing exactly what her characters need, want, and must conquer to be fulfilled. It's not without heart ache but it's brimming with love. A twisty, wonderful journey where we see much deeper into Nick Pagano's family gaining a more rounded sense of this man and the family he created in both worlds all the while falling further under the Fanetti storytelling spell. If you love this series you can't miss this conclusion.
September 24, 2020
3.75 stars
First thing I have to say is that, if you're strictly expecting a book about the love story between a small time mafia soldier/bodyguard and the daughter of the Don, you're gonna be sorely disappointed.
This book is 40% love story and 60% mafia business told from the perspective of the Don, Nick Pagano.
The conflict that started in book one and then changed and grew over the course of the later books, comes to an all time high and the repercussions are devastating on a lot of the characters.
The love story between Lia and Alex was actually sweet and genuine, but I wouldn't call it memorable or extraordinary. It was a typical honest relationship I suppose.
This book offered a sort of momentary closure to the chain of events that kept unraveling and spilling from one book to the next, but apart from that, there is very realistic sentiment of "you never know what happens next, but we're good for now"
This was also not an easy book to digest. There were some heartbreaking scenes and a lot of reflection on past, present and future choices and how they unleash repercussions that cannot be expected or prevented. I did cry at one point during this book so yes, it was heavy on the sadness.
First thing I have to say is that, if you're strictly expecting a book about the love story between a small time mafia soldier/bodyguard and the daughter of the Don, you're gonna be sorely disappointed.
This book is 40% love story and 60% mafia business told from the perspective of the Don, Nick Pagano.
The conflict that started in book one and then changed and grew over the course of the later books, comes to an all time high and the repercussions are devastating on a lot of the characters.
The love story between Lia and Alex was actually sweet and genuine, but I wouldn't call it memorable or extraordinary. It was a typical honest relationship I suppose.
This book offered a sort of momentary closure to the chain of events that kept unraveling and spilling from one book to the next, but apart from that, there is very realistic sentiment of "you never know what happens next, but we're good for now"
This was also not an easy book to digest. There were some heartbreaking scenes and a lot of reflection on past, present and future choices and how they unleash repercussions that cannot be expected or prevented. I did cry at one point during this book so yes, it was heavy on the sadness.
July 11, 2020
I'm really, REALLY going to miss these characters. : (
Angie will always be my heart, but Lia and Alex's story came at the right time. And they do not disappoint. It was very well wrapped up. I loved everything about this story.
#ThingsImpossible
#BookHangoverCommence #NoMorePaganos #MyAngie #LiaAndAlex #Family #Nick #Bev #LaCosaNostra #Page360 #ThisBookWentOffWithABang #PaganoBrothersV #Pithing #WellDoneAngie
#ThereWasOnlyEverOne #TheEnd
#MyTeaser
Angie will always be my heart, but Lia and Alex's story came at the right time. And they do not disappoint. It was very well wrapped up. I loved everything about this story.
#ThingsImpossible
#BookHangoverCommence #NoMorePaganos #MyAngie #LiaAndAlex #Family #Nick #Bev #LaCosaNostra #Page360 #ThisBookWentOffWithABang #PaganoBrothersV #Pithing #WellDoneAngie
#ThereWasOnlyEverOne #TheEnd
#MyTeaser
January 5, 2022
Whoa! The cover
July 8, 2020
3 neutral stars
Read to 50% and skimmed the rest.
Its a personal opinion, but to me the book stopped at the 25% mark. The part that intrigued me the most was the forbidden/secret aspect of the bodyguard falls in love with mafia princess plot. That was pretty much resolved in the first half so nothing else was capturing my attention. I skimmed the rest, and it was bogged down by mafia violence and death of a family member. No longer interested.
I will say, the writing was good and the characters interested me to a degree, but not enough to continue with my full attention.
Read to 50% and skimmed the rest.
Its a personal opinion, but to me the book stopped at the 25% mark. The part that intrigued me the most was the forbidden/secret aspect of the bodyguard falls in love with mafia princess plot. That was pretty much resolved in the first half so nothing else was capturing my attention. I skimmed the rest, and it was bogged down by mafia violence and death of a family member. No longer interested.
I will say, the writing was good and the characters interested me to a degree, but not enough to continue with my full attention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2020
Great end to this series, really liked Alex and Lia. As this is an end (I think) in this series (I could be wrong) I would have loved an epilogue seeing into Alex’s and Lia’s life when they are older as they are only 19 and 22. Amazing writing by Susan once again.
December 28, 2022
.......Sigh.......this one was definitely hard to say goodbye too - quite the binge ride of these 11 books that make up the 2 series of Pagano's. I loved and adored the whole storyline that spanned decades! First the Pagano family series and all of the siblings and cousin Nick, then right in to the Pagano brothers 5 books, but now it's come to an end and I'm pretty sad to see The cove go!!!!!!!!
It was an interesting way to end it with the story of Nick's daughter Lia and Alex the bodyguard. I enjoyed it - but the overall story with the whole mob world finally came to the crescendo that has been building for many many years, and that obviously is what takes the cake for this book. It's been a few years since this release and while the author has said it's the conclusion, there were massive loose ends and maybe someday we will get another spinoff!!!!!!
If you like Mafia - this is the ultimate!!!!!! I am a forever super fan of Susan Fanetti and can't wait to pick up all of her other stuff another day!! I'm going to read her sicily mafia duet next because technically it is related to this world and I am a firm believer...no matter how books are sold or marketed - max enjoyment for me will always be had when I read continuous and have all the characters, back story and connections fresh in my mind!!!! So onto La Bellezza!!!!
It was an interesting way to end it with the story of Nick's daughter Lia and Alex the bodyguard. I enjoyed it - but the overall story with the whole mob world finally came to the crescendo that has been building for many many years, and that obviously is what takes the cake for this book. It's been a few years since this release and while the author has said it's the conclusion, there were massive loose ends and maybe someday we will get another spinoff!!!!!!
If you like Mafia - this is the ultimate!!!!!! I am a forever super fan of Susan Fanetti and can't wait to pick up all of her other stuff another day!! I'm going to read her sicily mafia duet next because technically it is related to this world and I am a firm believer...no matter how books are sold or marketed - max enjoyment for me will always be had when I read continuous and have all the characters, back story and connections fresh in my mind!!!! So onto La Bellezza!!!!
July 18, 2020
A worthy ending to an awesome series. I loved The Pagano Brothers!
July 6, 2020
Sublime
I'd give it 10 stars if I could. This is an epic closure to the Pagano series. Susan Fanetti has a way of writing that makes you feel like all her characters are your own friends and family; you hurt with them and heal with them and they all claim a little piece of your heart.
I'd give it 10 stars if I could. This is an epic closure to the Pagano series. Susan Fanetti has a way of writing that makes you feel like all her characters are your own friends and family; you hurt with them and heal with them and they all claim a little piece of your heart.
July 10, 2020
The final book in the Pagano series where the old adage, "You live by the sword, you die by the sword" finally comes to fruition. It's certainly been a journey through both sides of the family the ones who turned their back on the old ways of violence and those who embraced it.. with heartbreaking consequences. But once again Susan Fanetti takes the reader beyond the face value of the heinous acts to the emotions of the people involved. Not excusing it by any means but exploring the culture and the feelings of those who live by the code of La Costa Nostra. And through a lot of darkness ended the series with a ray of light.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 13, 2020
I'm going to miss the Paganos! Nick is still my favorite and I loved that we got so much of his POV in this book. As per usual, this author gives such excellent storytelling and characters that I don't want them to end. I mean, I really need to know what happens with Nick and Bev's other children in the future now, because I'm just finally getting to really know them!!! Sadly, I will have to be happy with what I've been given. I liked Lia and Alex together and I loved that Alex was so sweet. Good book, good ending.
January 30, 2025
Spoilers ahead
And finally...... we've come to the end. This book is in two parts for me, though it's not separated in any way. We have maybe a 30-40% of the actual romance and the rest is the conclusion of the Mafia plotline and healing of old hurts. Aside from Simple Faith this one was my favourite.
The romance
Alex is tasked with being Lia's bodyguard on campus as the Paganos and their allies prepare for a strike from the Sicilians. When Lia is almost drugged Alex steps in and saves her, unfortunately this situation led Nick to taking his daughter out of school but by then Alex had already fallen in love.
******
As with every book in this series the romance was the weak link, in the very beginning Alex was her bodyguard and she was a typical though shy college student. He mentioned he liked her but also mentioned he would've been open to sleeping with another girl. Lia too in her internal voice mentioned her almost rapist as being someone she liked. My point is there was no leadup to the romance, they were both in their roles one minute and the next kissing and having sex. It was rushed, poorly developed and unbelievable. As time went on it became an ok relationship with a HFN ending.
*********
To the real MVP, the mafia plot
Nick and Giada rocked the very foundation of Costra Nostra by the changes they made, now the head of the Italian families is bent on eliminating what he sees as a threat to the traditions of the mafia. He sends in hitmen to take out the three problems. Giada is shot in the neck, Trey is shot in the back and the bullet meant for Nick killed his firstborn child. In the midst of his grief Nick gathers his allies and forms a plan to take down the godfather and finally bring peace.
*******
This part was epic, I loved it so much. I've been intrigued by Nick since I met him in Trey's story, I've read every book just to get to this point and I wasn't disappointed. I cried but I loved seeing Nick's strength and wisdom. He finally got what he wanted, which was for them to choose the way they made up their own families, but it came at great cost too.
All in all this series frustrated me greatly but I'm glad I made it to this ending, I'd have liked an epilogue some time in the future but alas we're left with peace....for now.
The only person who pmo was Beverly, in a couple of the previous books it's mentioned how she's aging naturally and had a little weight on her with grey hair. In real life aging naturally is fine but in my books I don't want my mcs like regular folks 😭 why couldn't she take care of herself? Ugh. Nick's love for his wife endured over the years however, he still loved his sun but man I wanted her better.
Then after the death of her daughter even her other children were able to handle it better than she did. Lia in particular really grew throughout this book. Basically I didn't like Beverly in the beginning and I didn't like her in the ending 🤷🏿♀️
*******
No cheating
Lia was a virgin, Alex was a Pagano associate so of course he'd been getting him some since her was 15 🙄
No others since he met the h though
Lots of violence
Loss of a child
Mention of depression
And finally...... we've come to the end. This book is in two parts for me, though it's not separated in any way. We have maybe a 30-40% of the actual romance and the rest is the conclusion of the Mafia plotline and healing of old hurts. Aside from Simple Faith this one was my favourite.
The romance
Alex is tasked with being Lia's bodyguard on campus as the Paganos and their allies prepare for a strike from the Sicilians. When Lia is almost drugged Alex steps in and saves her, unfortunately this situation led Nick to taking his daughter out of school but by then Alex had already fallen in love.
******
As with every book in this series the romance was the weak link, in the very beginning Alex was her bodyguard and she was a typical though shy college student. He mentioned he liked her but also mentioned he would've been open to sleeping with another girl. Lia too in her internal voice mentioned her almost rapist as being someone she liked. My point is there was no leadup to the romance, they were both in their roles one minute and the next kissing and having sex. It was rushed, poorly developed and unbelievable. As time went on it became an ok relationship with a HFN ending.
*********
To the real MVP, the mafia plot
Nick and Giada rocked the very foundation of Costra Nostra by the changes they made, now the head of the Italian families is bent on eliminating what he sees as a threat to the traditions of the mafia. He sends in hitmen to take out the three problems. Giada is shot in the neck, Trey is shot in the back and the bullet meant for Nick killed his firstborn child. In the midst of his grief Nick gathers his allies and forms a plan to take down the godfather and finally bring peace.
*******
This part was epic, I loved it so much. I've been intrigued by Nick since I met him in Trey's story, I've read every book just to get to this point and I wasn't disappointed. I cried but I loved seeing Nick's strength and wisdom. He finally got what he wanted, which was for them to choose the way they made up their own families, but it came at great cost too.
All in all this series frustrated me greatly but I'm glad I made it to this ending, I'd have liked an epilogue some time in the future but alas we're left with peace....for now.
The only person who pmo was Beverly, in a couple of the previous books it's mentioned how she's aging naturally and had a little weight on her with grey hair. In real life aging naturally is fine but in my books I don't want my mcs like regular folks 😭 why couldn't she take care of herself? Ugh. Nick's love for his wife endured over the years however, he still loved his sun but man I wanted her better.
Then after the death of her daughter even her other children were able to handle it better than she did. Lia in particular really grew throughout this book. Basically I didn't like Beverly in the beginning and I didn't like her in the ending 🤷🏿♀️
*******
No cheating
Lia was a virgin, Alex was a Pagano associate so of course he'd been getting him some since her was 15 🙄
No others since he met the h though
Lots of violence
Loss of a child
Mention of depression
July 13, 2020
This doesn't feel like the end...
Fifth and final book in Susan Fanetti's compelling mafia romance series The Pagano Brothers. This is one of the youngest couples that Fanetti has ever written. Lia is the middle daughter of Don Nick Pagano. Because both of her sisters have such dramatic personalities in different ways and have taken up a lot of their parents attention, Lia appears quiet and unobtrusive. Against the opposition of her father especially, Lia pushed so that she could attend Brown University. Because of the volatile situation with the Godfather and the Sicilian mafia Nick insists that she has protection around the clock, even though she is enrolled under a fake name. But when danger finds her, it’s not from the mafia, but from what generally ist he greatest hazard for women on an American college campus.
Alex Di Pietro hadn’t really planned to become a mafia soldier. He was actually a good student and was even offered some scholarships to decent universities. But before he could embark on his studies the life of his family went thru a dramatic upheaval, so that he felt he couldn’t abandon his mom to fend for herself. He buried his dreams of a different career path and went to work for Don Pagano full time, after having done some grunt work before. Although his heart is not really in it, he is steady and has a cool head on his shoulders. Because of that and his youth, he is tasked to be Lia’s main bodyguard. He admires her from afar because thru their close contact he knows that she is not only beautiful, but a genuinely nice person. But at the same time he knows what Nick would do to him if he were to ever lay hands on his daughter. But when Lia turns to him after he saved her, he is just not strong enough to push her away…
Their young love is put to the test when the simmering conflict with the Sicilians boils over in a terrible way that threatens to tear Lia’s family apart…
I think Fanetti really captured the sweetness and heartbreak of a first college romance well. The characters "feel" the age they are supposed to be. But at the same times I also got the impression of tentativeness, as both main protagonists still had a lot of growing to do. At the end of the book they were HFN, but in a way it also felt like they just stood at the beginning of their lives and their mutual journey, without knowing if they would really end up staying together of if they would grow apart.
Also, the story arc of Trey becoming Nick’s successor is not finished, though the path has been cleared. So the story is kind of open-ended, with all the possibilities laid out before us. Asked about a possible continuation Susan Fanetti emphasized that she has no short-term (or long-term) plans to continue the Pagano series, although she didn’t completely rule out the possibility of revisiting the younger Pagano generation, should inspiration strike…
As always with any book by Susan Fanetti, I loved the book, although maybe not as much as some of the others in the series, so 4 ½ stars.
Fifth and final book in Susan Fanetti's compelling mafia romance series The Pagano Brothers. This is one of the youngest couples that Fanetti has ever written. Lia is the middle daughter of Don Nick Pagano. Because both of her sisters have such dramatic personalities in different ways and have taken up a lot of their parents attention, Lia appears quiet and unobtrusive. Against the opposition of her father especially, Lia pushed so that she could attend Brown University. Because of the volatile situation with the Godfather and the Sicilian mafia Nick insists that she has protection around the clock, even though she is enrolled under a fake name. But when danger finds her, it’s not from the mafia, but from what generally ist he greatest hazard for women on an American college campus.
Alex Di Pietro hadn’t really planned to become a mafia soldier. He was actually a good student and was even offered some scholarships to decent universities. But before he could embark on his studies the life of his family went thru a dramatic upheaval, so that he felt he couldn’t abandon his mom to fend for herself. He buried his dreams of a different career path and went to work for Don Pagano full time, after having done some grunt work before. Although his heart is not really in it, he is steady and has a cool head on his shoulders. Because of that and his youth, he is tasked to be Lia’s main bodyguard. He admires her from afar because thru their close contact he knows that she is not only beautiful, but a genuinely nice person. But at the same time he knows what Nick would do to him if he were to ever lay hands on his daughter. But when Lia turns to him after he saved her, he is just not strong enough to push her away…
Their young love is put to the test when the simmering conflict with the Sicilians boils over in a terrible way that threatens to tear Lia’s family apart…
I think Fanetti really captured the sweetness and heartbreak of a first college romance well. The characters "feel" the age they are supposed to be. But at the same times I also got the impression of tentativeness, as both main protagonists still had a lot of growing to do. At the end of the book they were HFN, but in a way it also felt like they just stood at the beginning of their lives and their mutual journey, without knowing if they would really end up staying together of if they would grow apart.
Also, the story arc of Trey becoming Nick’s successor is not finished, though the path has been cleared. So the story is kind of open-ended, with all the possibilities laid out before us. Asked about a possible continuation Susan Fanetti emphasized that she has no short-term (or long-term) plans to continue the Pagano series, although she didn’t completely rule out the possibility of revisiting the younger Pagano generation, should inspiration strike…
As always with any book by Susan Fanetti, I loved the book, although maybe not as much as some of the others in the series, so 4 ½ stars.
July 10, 2020
Spoilers.....
I am sad that the Pagano series has ended, but I am so happy it ended with Nick still being alive ❤️ Nick has grown so much throughout this series and I’ve loved seeing it. He’s become one of my favorite Fanetti characters.
There was so much I loved about this book. While the last book crushed me with Nick and Angie’s relationship, this book helped repair me. I needed to see it from Nick’s perspective which definitely helped. I loved seeing inside of Nick’s home life and his interactions with his kids. Him and Ren talking about his future, and him and Lia when she gave him the manuscript. I loved Alex and loved how he started off being her bodyguard.
I feel like Fanetti left room to grow some of these characters and story lines, but I was totally content with my Paganos at the end ❤️
I am sad that the Pagano series has ended, but I am so happy it ended with Nick still being alive ❤️ Nick has grown so much throughout this series and I’ve loved seeing it. He’s become one of my favorite Fanetti characters.
There was so much I loved about this book. While the last book crushed me with Nick and Angie’s relationship, this book helped repair me. I needed to see it from Nick’s perspective which definitely helped. I loved seeing inside of Nick’s home life and his interactions with his kids. Him and Ren talking about his future, and him and Lia when she gave him the manuscript. I loved Alex and loved how he started off being her bodyguard.
I feel like Fanetti left room to grow some of these characters and story lines, but I was totally content with my Paganos at the end ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2020
A very satisfying ending to a wonderful series!
5 ★
5 ★
August 27, 2020
4.5 stars. Great end to this series. Love this author. This one was hot, sexy, emotional, dark, violent and so much more.
August 2, 2020
This series is so amazing!! So sad it is over!!
July 8, 2020
What an end to a great series!! You can never predict anything in a Susan Fanetti book for sure. This whole series had me so absorbed and more than that I loved how much the characters felt real- their emotions, struggles, love, relationships... everything was so marvellously created and more or less painted... if I could give more than 5 star to this series, I would!
September 16, 2021
It always takes me a while to read Susan Fanetti's, almost like I have to steel my spine for what's to come. I binged on the entire Family Pagano and Pagano Brothers series, and finished this book last night. To say that I've had a few sleepless nights over the last couple of weeks is putting it mildly, but once I started, I just couldn't stop, such is the power of her writing - no matter what tragedy befalls the characters, there is always some beacon of light. Things Impossible, is a book that will stay with me for many years to come, not one that I will be able to reread, but certainly one that I will think about. Yes, it's the story of Lia and Alex, but to a large extent, I found that this was more a story about Nick, especially towards the latter part of the book. And I have loved Nick from the first moment I read his book, a man of honor, trying to keep his family separate from the violent underworld that he rules, and you know that one is going to bleed into the other with tragic consequences. But out of that tragedy, you see the love of a family trying to find meaning, and their place after their world is irrevocably changed forever, and at the centre of it all is Nick - Don Pagano, dangerous, revered and feared by many, but you realise that he is only just a man - and it is his love for his family and the love they have for him that makes him human. I loved this book, it is gut wrenching but at the end you know that this family will survive and come out the other side as a stronger unit. I was never a fan of the mobster genre, but then I hadn't read Susan's take on it. I'm so glad I did, I can't rave enough about these books!
February 29, 2024
Ah the end of a series. Now I have a Pangano hangover.
I thought this book was about Lia and Alex. And in parts it was. But I’m glad it had Nicks POV too because his part was needed to wrap up this series.
I’ve forgiven Nick for the whole Angie situation. I get it. I got back in the last book but I wasn’t ready to be over it.
Of course the situation was over and peace reigned. But I did not see how it got there coming. Elisa dying was so sad. The torment this family went through in their grieving. But like true Pagano’s they came through it.
Alex and Lia were sweet and I’m glad their futures turned the way they did both going to Brown. I could see that coming - Nicks generosity and his flexibility in keeping Alex in the family but in a role he wanted versus being a thug. Alex deserved it.
The book wasn’t as full on as I expected it to be in terms of a full story. I felt it was more inner monologues from everyone. But we needed to see that for the characters development.
I honestly wanted an epilogue. A glance into the future of where they all are, but it wasn’t meant to be. That would have been a great wrap up of a great series- both Pagano series. I didn’t warm to all the books but overall it was a great read by one of my fave authors. Thank you for the journey.
I thought this book was about Lia and Alex. And in parts it was. But I’m glad it had Nicks POV too because his part was needed to wrap up this series.
I’ve forgiven Nick for the whole Angie situation. I get it. I got back in the last book but I wasn’t ready to be over it.
Of course the situation was over and peace reigned. But I did not see how it got there coming. Elisa dying was so sad. The torment this family went through in their grieving. But like true Pagano’s they came through it.
Alex and Lia were sweet and I’m glad their futures turned the way they did both going to Brown. I could see that coming - Nicks generosity and his flexibility in keeping Alex in the family but in a role he wanted versus being a thug. Alex deserved it.
The book wasn’t as full on as I expected it to be in terms of a full story. I felt it was more inner monologues from everyone. But we needed to see that for the characters development.
I honestly wanted an epilogue. A glance into the future of where they all are, but it wasn’t meant to be. That would have been a great wrap up of a great series- both Pagano series. I didn’t warm to all the books but overall it was a great read by one of my fave authors. Thank you for the journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
Looking for the connection
This is probably the only book of Ms Fanetti's I've ever had a hard time connecting with. The writing is superb but the characters fell short for me. Alex and Lia are both sweet and interesting but together they were boring. I wanted more conflict between them, it felt like their relationship was too easy.
We cant always connect with every story and I guess this is the one for me. What I do know without a doubt is that there will be other books by Ms Fanetti that I will connect with and that's why she will always be one of my favorite authors. Her writing is superb and that is what keeps me coming back for more.
This is probably the only book of Ms Fanetti's I've ever had a hard time connecting with. The writing is superb but the characters fell short for me. Alex and Lia are both sweet and interesting but together they were boring. I wanted more conflict between them, it felt like their relationship was too easy.
We cant always connect with every story and I guess this is the one for me. What I do know without a doubt is that there will be other books by Ms Fanetti that I will connect with and that's why she will always be one of my favorite authors. Her writing is superb and that is what keeps me coming back for more.
July 6, 2020
The end
As always Ms Fanetti's characters capture your heart and take you on a journey. As much as this story is about Lia and Alex, it is also The Paganos ending. As sad as I am to see the stories of this family wrap up I was happy to meet this third generation of the family. There is a "Fanetti moment". There were moments of joy and tears. There is a happy ending but with just enough left unsaid that you have to imagine the future. Highly recommend as always.
As always Ms Fanetti's characters capture your heart and take you on a journey. As much as this story is about Lia and Alex, it is also The Paganos ending. As sad as I am to see the stories of this family wrap up I was happy to meet this third generation of the family. There is a "Fanetti moment". There were moments of joy and tears. There is a happy ending but with just enough left unsaid that you have to imagine the future. Highly recommend as always.
July 5, 2020
Fanetti is a superior storyteller. This is the last book in the Pagano Brothers series. It was not my favorite... That was Donnie's story. For me Donnie had a page presence more compelling than Lia and Alex. These young lovers were just the medium used to color the last pages in the series, and it worked ...a very satisfying read ...
July 7, 2020
Wonderful ending to a great series
What a great ending to a terrific series. Lia and Alex were really sweet together and I enjoyed getting to see more of the Pagano family including Nick’s kids. I like how all the books are so different yet each one in the series fits perfectly together.
What a great ending to a terrific series. Lia and Alex were really sweet together and I enjoyed getting to see more of the Pagano family including Nick’s kids. I like how all the books are so different yet each one in the series fits perfectly together.
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November 12, 2024Susan Fanetti's is one of my most favorite authors. She writes some of the most difficult (heartbreaking, violent, graphic, etc.) scenes, but her books are that much more beautiful for having them. You have to experience the lows to appreciate the highs & that kind of rollercoaster ride is what you'll get from Fanetti's books. I can't get enough!!! I'm so blessed I found her when I did.
July 6, 2020
Omg
Well I don't know how to describe this book,it had everything I love in a book but my poor heart was breaking at some chapter's,I've read everything this author has written and they have been a joy to read,sad this series has come to and end
Well I don't know how to describe this book,it had everything I love in a book but my poor heart was breaking at some chapter's,I've read everything this author has written and they have been a joy to read,sad this series has come to and end
July 6, 2020
A perfect ending to a great series!
No one writes gritty romances like Susan Fannetti. Whether they are about an MC , the mafia, or MMA she makes them into real people and brings you on their journey.
No one writes gritty romances like Susan Fannetti. Whether they are about an MC , the mafia, or MMA she makes them into real people and brings you on their journey.
July 8, 2020
If you read this book with the mindset that Lia and Alex as the main characters you may not think this is your favourite Pagano book. If you read this book with the mindset that this is the conclusion to the Nick Pagano story then this is definitely a 5 star read
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