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Varasso Brothers #5
Checkmate
I just want my husband back,
but he’s strangled by darkness.
There was a time that the love between Alessandro
and I was all that mattered.
Nothing could keep us apart, neither time, nor space, nor his family.
But he’s haunted by the spirit of his father,
and now the pull towards the darkness is too strong to resist.
With our family staring down obliteration,
I have no choice but to pretend to be a loving, supportive wife.
But our enemies hide right under our noses.
Can we save our family and regain our love,
or will this toxic business finally cost me my husband,
or worse, my life?
but he’s strangled by darkness.
There was a time that the love between Alessandro
and I was all that mattered.
Nothing could keep us apart, neither time, nor space, nor his family.
But he’s haunted by the spirit of his father,
and now the pull towards the darkness is too strong to resist.
With our family staring down obliteration,
I have no choice but to pretend to be a loving, supportive wife.
But our enemies hide right under our noses.
Can we save our family and regain our love,
or will this toxic business finally cost me my husband,
or worse, my life?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2020
13 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Reed
35 books45 followersDownload my FREE book here:
http://bit.ly/AddictedtotheDark
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Sophia Reed is a former elementary school teacher with a passion for dark romance. Having one of her erotic shorts awarded at a local writing contest motivated her to continue old stories she'd write but never publish. She has since moved to Vegas and spends her days writing in cafes around Sin City.
http://bit.ly/AddictedtotheDark
Join my private Reader Group here:
http://bit.ly/ReederGroup
Sophia Reed is a former elementary school teacher with a passion for dark romance. Having one of her erotic shorts awarded at a local writing contest motivated her to continue old stories she'd write but never publish. She has since moved to Vegas and spends her days writing in cafes around Sin City.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 19, 2020
A dramatic conclusion to the series!
by sewsummore
I found this book a deeply emotional read about the Varasso Crime Family. Alessandro was the head of the family, and his wife Willow stood beside him as did all the wives of the Varasso brothers. They believed the family was everything and stood united in their quest to bring the man responsible for the murder of the brother's father to justice. Alessandro had changed since his father's death, and he no longer was the man Willow married. There was a darkness in him that was never there be for his father's death, and the troubles the family experienced since only acerbated his problem. Alessandro and Willow had decided to divorce and slept separately while maintaining a united front for the family. Despite the love they still felt for each other, Willow could no longer live with the pain, fear, and violence while married to a mafia leader. The anguish that this couple felt was unmistakable! They had loved each other through childhood and into adult life and still loved each other desperately, but Allessandro had refused to leave the mafia life, becoming a man she could no longer call husband. This book is the conclusion to the Varasso Crime Family saga. I found the story was full of sorrow and danger. Throughout the book, Willow supported her husband and the pain the coming separation between her and the man she so desperately loved was real, as was Allesandro's pain, knowing her was helpless to stop her leaving when justice had been served!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by sewsummore
I found this book a deeply emotional read about the Varasso Crime Family. Alessandro was the head of the family, and his wife Willow stood beside him as did all the wives of the Varasso brothers. They believed the family was everything and stood united in their quest to bring the man responsible for the murder of the brother's father to justice. Alessandro had changed since his father's death, and he no longer was the man Willow married. There was a darkness in him that was never there be for his father's death, and the troubles the family experienced since only acerbated his problem. Alessandro and Willow had decided to divorce and slept separately while maintaining a united front for the family. Despite the love they still felt for each other, Willow could no longer live with the pain, fear, and violence while married to a mafia leader. The anguish that this couple felt was unmistakable! They had loved each other through childhood and into adult life and still loved each other desperately, but Allessandro had refused to leave the mafia life, becoming a man she could no longer call husband. This book is the conclusion to the Varasso Crime Family saga. I found the story was full of sorrow and danger. Throughout the book, Willow supported her husband and the pain the coming separation between her and the man she so desperately loved was real, as was Allesandro's pain, knowing her was helpless to stop her leaving when justice had been served!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2020
There aren't enough stars to sufficiently rate this final book and the series.This series by far is one of the best crime family series of 2020. The writing and editing is excellent. Ms. Reed has the ability to make the reader feel they are apart of each story and each character. She dives deep into each character's development with astonishing results. The reader gets to see what makes each character tick as well as exposing their vulnerabilities and their strengths.
Checkmate is the final book of the series which focus's on Willow's and Alessandro's frail relationship as well as Alessandro's reign as boss of the family. It's the final chapter in what has been a great series; one I am sorry to see end.
Alessandro and Willow must deal with family turmoil as well as being respected as the new head of the family and figure out who and what is trying to destroy the Varasso crime family and who killed Angelo, their father. This book is packed full of suspense, lies, manipulations and really focuses on the wives of the Varasso family. Willow proves herself beyond a doubt as being the one who is able to put the puzzle pieces together even when the rest of the family doesn't believe her. She is one badass woman that is tough and very smart. The other wives not only step up to the plate to fight right along side their husbands in this final book, but forge a bond by book's end that is unbreakable. The Varasso men come through in this final book of the series all bringing their individual talents to finally put an end to the war that has been plaguing them throughout the series. This is one of those series that you can re-read again and again because it is done so well.
Checkmate is the final book of the series which focus's on Willow's and Alessandro's frail relationship as well as Alessandro's reign as boss of the family. It's the final chapter in what has been a great series; one I am sorry to see end.
Alessandro and Willow must deal with family turmoil as well as being respected as the new head of the family and figure out who and what is trying to destroy the Varasso crime family and who killed Angelo, their father. This book is packed full of suspense, lies, manipulations and really focuses on the wives of the Varasso family. Willow proves herself beyond a doubt as being the one who is able to put the puzzle pieces together even when the rest of the family doesn't believe her. She is one badass woman that is tough and very smart. The other wives not only step up to the plate to fight right along side their husbands in this final book, but forge a bond by book's end that is unbreakable. The Varasso men come through in this final book of the series all bringing their individual talents to finally put an end to the war that has been plaguing them throughout the series. This is one of those series that you can re-read again and again because it is done so well.
August 11, 2020
Their second chance is battered but will it be broken apart?
Checkmate is the fifth book in the Varasso Brothers series and continues the story of Alessandro and Willow which started in Dark King. This part of their story is emotional and suspenseful. Their marriage is on the rocks but their love for each other will never die, but it can take a vacation. It is the old adage of "I love you but I don't like you right now" for Willow towards her Sandro. He has moved into a dark place which Willow is not willing to follow him to. So she may just lay another ultimatum down for him but first there are other things happening in the family which are causing more problems between them. What appears to be Willow's doing is actually someone else and she is going to have to fight to defend herself and her family. Watch out as the women are taking over the chessboard and will be calling checkmate before it is all done.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Checkmate is the fifth book in the Varasso Brothers series and continues the story of Alessandro and Willow which started in Dark King. This part of their story is emotional and suspenseful. Their marriage is on the rocks but their love for each other will never die, but it can take a vacation. It is the old adage of "I love you but I don't like you right now" for Willow towards her Sandro. He has moved into a dark place which Willow is not willing to follow him to. So she may just lay another ultimatum down for him but first there are other things happening in the family which are causing more problems between them. What appears to be Willow's doing is actually someone else and she is going to have to fight to defend herself and her family. Watch out as the women are taking over the chessboard and will be calling checkmate before it is all done.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
July 30, 2020
This book continues the story of The Varasso family and there need to eliminate the people that they have to so they can shut down there business and move away to start a new life, but as usual things do not go as planned. There are many twists and turns along with danger, secrets, pain, betrayal, loss, hope, love and many emotional scenes but will they all get out alive with everything that is going on around them or are there more players in the pot that the family are not aware of. Omg I love this book and series so much and I have to keep turning the page's to see what happens next and it is so addictive. Sophia Reed is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
Checkmate COMPLETELY breaks my heart! Out of all of the Varasso brothers I think Alessandro and Willows story in Dark King evoked the most emotion from me. In Checkmate the guys are trying to tie up loose ends and head to Maine to live a peaceful life but Alessandro and Willow are in a bad place in their marriage. They have loved each other just about their whole lives and it's so heartbreaking for them to have these problems especially when they still love each other so much. It doesn't help that an outsider is creating problems within the family and making it appear that Willow is the guilty party. This book is absolutely full of surprises and action. But, I think the women outdo the men this time with Willow being the top bada*s. By the time things are done they all have a new respect for the quiet girl who wanted nothing to do with the Varasso Family business.
June 7, 2021
A well deserved 5 stars. Rarely do you have a conclusion to a series. This was perfectly tied together.
As per usual, no spoiling. What I will share is his much more was added in this final instalment. There were twists/high expectations/ corruption/ distrust etc. Challenges were set forth for not only the Varasso Siblings but also thrir partners. Loyalty to the Varasso name is & was a major expectation. There were many stressful moments and many challenges set forth. Luca, Marco, Alessandro & Gabriel were faced with secrets that were supposed to have been hidden. Identities lost and new ines formed, trust United but most importantly Love & Loyalty. This is what it means to be a Varasso.
A perfect conclusion to the series. Very much appreciated by Sophia.
Do read in order as each book follows from one another.
As per usual, no spoiling. What I will share is his much more was added in this final instalment. There were twists/high expectations/ corruption/ distrust etc. Challenges were set forth for not only the Varasso Siblings but also thrir partners. Loyalty to the Varasso name is & was a major expectation. There were many stressful moments and many challenges set forth. Luca, Marco, Alessandro & Gabriel were faced with secrets that were supposed to have been hidden. Identities lost and new ines formed, trust United but most importantly Love & Loyalty. This is what it means to be a Varasso.
A perfect conclusion to the series. Very much appreciated by Sophia.
Do read in order as each book follows from one another.
August 2, 2020
Checkmate, book 5 of the Varasso Brothers series is the ongoing story of Alessandro (Sandro) and Willow. They’re married, but things aren’t going so well and they’ve secretly agreed to separate. She sees the changes in her husband…he isn’t the same man she married…and he is now consumed by darkness. She just wants him back. But, after all that has happened, can they overcome it all???
I like this story of perseverance, determination, strength, fortitude, and overwhelming love. Great story!!!!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like this story of perseverance, determination, strength, fortitude, and overwhelming love. Great story!!!!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2024
A breathtaking masterpiece!
The author has an incredibly beautiful writing style, filled with sensitivity and depth. At the heart of this story, we follow a couple on the brink of divorce.
Each word the author chooses is incredibly powerful, making us feel the full range of Willow's emotions toward her husband. Her love, despite their struggles, is immense and undeniable.
I've rarely read such poignant passages that touch the soul in this way.
While there is a light mafia backdrop with the crime syndicate, the true essence of the story revolves around the couple's issues.
A beautifully tender and heartbreaking book
The author has an incredibly beautiful writing style, filled with sensitivity and depth. At the heart of this story, we follow a couple on the brink of divorce.
Each word the author chooses is incredibly powerful, making us feel the full range of Willow's emotions toward her husband. Her love, despite their struggles, is immense and undeniable.
I've rarely read such poignant passages that touch the soul in this way.
While there is a light mafia backdrop with the crime syndicate, the true essence of the story revolves around the couple's issues.
A beautifully tender and heartbreaking book
August 3, 2020
What a Bobby Fisher level of a chess game this series has been. Ms. Reed couldn’t have cremated a better ending to this series.
The focus is on Alessandro and Willow.
The couple that have loved each other despite their differences. Yet this is a dark read where Alessandro is haunted and Willow is being set up to look guilty by outside forces.
Willow was fantastic!!! She step up and showed she was as tough as the rest. I highly recommend this fast paced and exciting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The focus is on Alessandro and Willow.
The couple that have loved each other despite their differences. Yet this is a dark read where Alessandro is haunted and Willow is being set up to look guilty by outside forces.
Willow was fantastic!!! She step up and showed she was as tough as the rest. I highly recommend this fast paced and exciting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2020
10 stars, Sophia Reed you made me cry, this has been a journey of love, hate, betrayal, money, greed, and above all else family. Alessandro and Willow hadn't realised how far they had come until they were with the rest of the family, and now something had happened and Willow knew it was time. All I can say is read this series it has been amazing I have cried and when I read the last paragraph I felt chills, absolutely spellbound.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. This story was unbelievably fantastic, Alessandro and Willow have a love like no other, since they were little now married they still love each other no matter what ever happens. When Alessandro and his brothers lost their father Alessandro changed he became dark and twisted never leaving the mafia. Willow ended up getting a divorce from her husband she could not live like that
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2020
This is the 5th book in this fantastic series and the author continues the series with this amazing story. Once I began reading this book, I couldn’t put it down till I’d finished it. I loved the twists and turns and the emotion in this book. If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, I strongly urge you to get them and join the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2020
Checkmate: At last our love of Willow and Alessandro. Our love of these two couple will face another obstacle to climb through. She’ll have to be strong to fight a battle thats within around her circle. Who can you trust? How can she still be strong and will they come out of this alive?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2020
The end is just the beginning
Endings, beginnings, death, birth, betrayal, pain, loss, gain, révélations, unity. These are just some of the trials and tribulations Alessandro, Willow and the rest of the family share in their final battle to escape their past and find a normal future. Some action, heat, suspense and more.
Endings, beginnings, death, birth, betrayal, pain, loss, gain, révélations, unity. These are just some of the trials and tribulations Alessandro, Willow and the rest of the family share in their final battle to escape their past and find a normal future. Some action, heat, suspense and more.
August 4, 2020
Wow this is well thought ouwritten storyline. The character grabbed the my attention and didn’t le till the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2020
Checkmate, game over!!
I was not certain about this book, I was not a fan of Alexsandro. He is power hungry and what else is there? So much more!! Fantastic ending for great series, really the best book of the Varasso family
I was not certain about this book, I was not a fan of Alexsandro. He is power hungry and what else is there? So much more!! Fantastic ending for great series, really the best book of the Varasso family
August 15, 2020
This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect read.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 17, 2020
This was a fitting book to add to the series. I thought the ambience of the storyline was captivating and intriguing. The characters have grown over the course of the story and they are even more engaging in this story. I totally enjoyed this story.
August 2, 2020
This was another great addition to the series and this may be my favorite book of the series so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2020
This is the fifth book in the series. And what a wonderful conclusion. Wow. I just loved this series. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
September 29, 2020
Great finally book
I didn't think they'd make it out all alive
I didn't think they'd make it out all alive
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
Great series
Great last book to close this series of brothers and their fearless wives who hold the family together by their strengths.
Great last book to close this series of brothers and their fearless wives who hold the family together by their strengths.
September 20, 2022
Wow great book
June 4, 2023
Sandro in his cruelest maddest form.
Oh why do I love it?!
Amazing end for an amazing series!
Oh why do I love it?!
Amazing end for an amazing series!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews