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The DiMarco Empire #1
The Sicilian's Betrayal
NEW COVER SAME GREAT STORYWill there be a second chance at love for Liz and Rico? Feel the heat and tension in this secret heir to the billionaire story. A chance encounter brings Elizabeth Ferguson face to face with the man she despises. She never wanted to see the handsome Sicilian billionaire again. Years before, Ricardo DiMarco, took her innocence, used her, and tossed her out of his Fifth Avenue Penthouse and his life. Now, Liz must keep her secret from the man she once loved with all of her heart. Ricardo can never know that she kept the child he did not want. Hot blooded, Ricardo DiMarco, is the wealthy CEO of DiMarco Enterprises. He has it all, money, power, prestige-all but Liz that is. Ricardo never stopped lusting for the flame-haired beauty who left him to marry another man. When he discovers Liz working in a jewelry store and single-his thirst for revenge has no bounds. Ricardo plans a tantalizing revenge-to have Liz at his mercy for as long as he wants. Getting her fired and seducing her with his expert touch is only the beginning. He won't let Liz slip through his fingers this time. NEW COVER SAME GREAT STORY
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2020
199 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Redding
17 books8 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author writes hot and spicy contemporary romance always with a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 5, 2024
Suck suck suck
Cheating bastard and I seriously hated him. He had mistresses after he threw her out and went to go habe sex with his current mistress but came home instead when he couldn't perform but then accused his wife of being unfaithful based on pictures with a birthmark that she didn't even have. Sucky book and I am sorry I downloaded it and read it. What a pig he was and he didn't deserve the heroine or his child. I truly hate hate hate these type of nomances. This is definitely not a romance. At all and the hero was a zero. Hated him so much. Why do I read this crap?? Omg I need to wash my eyes with hydrogen peroxide and forget I ever read this. No more of this author ever! Aagh!
Cheating bastard and I seriously hated him. He had mistresses after he threw her out and went to go habe sex with his current mistress but came home instead when he couldn't perform but then accused his wife of being unfaithful based on pictures with a birthmark that she didn't even have. Sucky book and I am sorry I downloaded it and read it. What a pig he was and he didn't deserve the heroine or his child. I truly hate hate hate these type of nomances. This is definitely not a romance. At all and the hero was a zero. Hated him so much. Why do I read this crap?? Omg I need to wash my eyes with hydrogen peroxide and forget I ever read this. No more of this author ever! Aagh!
November 7, 2023
So bad it's painful
It's painful to read the atrocious and telegraphic writing.
Its painful to read the most ridiculous attempt at a decent plot, where everything is all over the place and nothing is resolved. Like a pre-teen wanted to recreate a serious book and grabbed some clichés without knowing how to make them work.
It's painful to read about the most flat characters ever.
So painful that I started skimming to the dialogs after 50%. And this is the only way I could finish this book.
He calls her a liar and a dirty slut and in the same page they are in bed. Several times. They do not communicate and the whole villain thing was unfinished.
The smut was terrible. Telegraphic.
It's was bad.
It's painful to read the atrocious and telegraphic writing.
Its painful to read the most ridiculous attempt at a decent plot, where everything is all over the place and nothing is resolved. Like a pre-teen wanted to recreate a serious book and grabbed some clichés without knowing how to make them work.
It's painful to read about the most flat characters ever.
So painful that I started skimming to the dialogs after 50%. And this is the only way I could finish this book.
He calls her a liar and a dirty slut and in the same page they are in bed. Several times. They do not communicate and the whole villain thing was unfinished.
The smut was terrible. Telegraphic.
It's was bad.
January 3, 2024
BBS, Lack of Communication, badly written
I cannot put into words how truly bad this book was.
The dialogue was stilted and unconvincing. The characters were childish and didn't communicate just to further the drama. The climax was lackluster and the ending was abrupt.
Just an all round waste of time.
I cannot put into words how truly bad this book was.
The dialogue was stilted and unconvincing. The characters were childish and didn't communicate just to further the drama. The climax was lackluster and the ending was abrupt.
Just an all round waste of time.
December 23, 2023
I have always found it interesting that the H 'loves' the h but rapidly believes just about anything and everything that she is accused of committing. It is arrogance? Immaturity?
May 3, 2024
Ok.
The MC's had been in love four years prior and he wanted to marry her. Something happened, a family member's betrayal, and they end up breaking up.
She's a sales rep at a jewelry store. The H walks in with a stunning
woman and the h assumes he's engaged. They both don't
acknowledge the other and continue the interaction as if they
were strangers. The H then leaves, asks for a background check on
her, and plans on getting revenge while making her his mistress and getting her fired from her job.
"She was no longer the naive 23 year old he'd met five years ago
after her parents had died." "They’d dated for several months after
returning from the cruise."
"How the father of her baby didn't want her or the baby and how
she had no place to go."
Her son is 3.5 years old. The H believes he caught her in bed with
another man and that's why he's upset with her.
We find out what instigated the drama closer to the end of the book. Of course, the details could have been figured out sooner with proper communication.
My main gripe was there were toooooo many love scenes. I actually finished this story in record time because I skimmed over these scenes. There were only so many "Oh Rico" I could tolerate. Overall, the story was good enough to read once. Won't continue on with the series.
The MC's had been in love four years prior and he wanted to marry her. Something happened, a family member's betrayal, and they end up breaking up.
She's a sales rep at a jewelry store. The H walks in with a stunning
woman and the h assumes he's engaged. They both don't
acknowledge the other and continue the interaction as if they
were strangers. The H then leaves, asks for a background check on
her, and plans on getting revenge while making her his mistress and getting her fired from her job.
"She was no longer the naive 23 year old he'd met five years ago
after her parents had died." "They’d dated for several months after
returning from the cruise."
"How the father of her baby didn't want her or the baby and how
she had no place to go."
Her son is 3.5 years old. The H believes he caught her in bed with
another man and that's why he's upset with her.
We find out what instigated the drama closer to the end of the book. Of course, the details could have been figured out sooner with proper communication.
My main gripe was there were toooooo many love scenes. I actually finished this story in record time because I skimmed over these scenes. There were only so many "Oh Rico" I could tolerate. Overall, the story was good enough to read once. Won't continue on with the series.
June 18, 2022
This is about the relationship between Rico (the billionaire) and Liz (a working-class woman). It covers a five-year span in which they met fell in love, then they broke up under the most horrible of circumstances. Four year later he runs into her again and finds out about Tony. Rico forces Liz to marry him and moves them permanently to Italy. I did not understand the animosity Rico had against Liz and from Liz's perspective I felt she was truly treated terribly by Rico. After a turbulent few weeks, the truth finally came out and both realized they truly loved each other. Rico had a lot of groveling to do and he did. Very good story I liked it very much.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Wonderful characters
Read
September 7, 2024If I could I’d give negative stars. Doormat FMC the MMC was fucking others while separated. Took her 5 minutes looking at pictures of the cheating to prove it’s not her. He is like sorry she is like it’s ok jumps in his lap. He had a mistress he never tried to talk to her or ask her any questions Instead he tossed her aside. Gets her fired after finding her again plots revenge. Stupid book. She is of course is not with anyone only being with him while he fucked around. Horrible! Story did not flow either. It was choppy and I never thought he loved her it felt more about his pride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2023
Harliquin presents meet 2023
This book reminded me so much of the harliquin present series until you got to the steamy parts. I actually read straight through and enjoyed the story once Liz got a bit of a backbone. It didn't last long, of course. Rico was a massive jerk, but alas, we could understand why once the truth came out. Lack of communication is usually the cause of all the hurt and anger both characters go through, but heck, it sure does make for a good read.
This book reminded me so much of the harliquin present series until you got to the steamy parts. I actually read straight through and enjoyed the story once Liz got a bit of a backbone. It didn't last long, of course. Rico was a massive jerk, but alas, we could understand why once the truth came out. Lack of communication is usually the cause of all the hurt and anger both characters go through, but heck, it sure does make for a good read.
December 18, 2023
This book reminded me of a Harlequin Presents novel.
Liz gets a chance to confront her ex-lover after over three years, but will love smooth out her angry edges? Will learning the real truth behind their separation force the two to forgive and forget?
This second chance/secret baby trope romance was a good read, though a lack of communication was all that the drama/conflict boiled down to. This is a good read to lose yourself in for a couple hours.
Liz gets a chance to confront her ex-lover after over three years, but will love smooth out her angry edges? Will learning the real truth behind their separation force the two to forgive and forget?
This second chance/secret baby trope romance was a good read, though a lack of communication was all that the drama/conflict boiled down to. This is a good read to lose yourself in for a couple hours.
November 29, 2023
The Sicilian Betrayal
This was all about second chances. They both had been set up by someone close. Both thinking that the other had been the one to break things up. When years later he sees her again he finds out that he still has a deep need to have her again. But until the truth comes out they both have to overcome the hurt of betrayal.
This was all about second chances. They both had been set up by someone close. Both thinking that the other had been the one to break things up. When years later he sees her again he finds out that he still has a deep need to have her again. But until the truth comes out they both have to overcome the hurt of betrayal.
October 11, 2024
Another book of railroading
This book is nothing but him forcing himself on her then hurting her she forgives him like he's done nothing it's just sex sex sex with him railroading her into another country doing everything he wants he doesn't change at all glad I didn't pay for this
This book is nothing but him forcing himself on her then hurting her she forgives him like he's done nothing it's just sex sex sex with him railroading her into another country doing everything he wants he doesn't change at all glad I didn't pay for this
June 8, 2022
Great Series
I love a strong man, and an even stronger woman. In spite of every obstacle love will always prevail. His anger made him cruel, but his love made him a strong man. Great book.
I love a strong man, and an even stronger woman. In spite of every obstacle love will always prevail. His anger made him cruel, but his love made him a strong man. Great book.
June 21, 2022
I loved Rico’s and Liz’s love story. It’s very emotional and the chemistry is hot! So much misunderstanding and deception. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking for more. *this was a complimentary copy via StoryOrigin and this is my honest review*
October 20, 2023
This was a book I downloaded from Amazon during the "free days."
It was a quick read, once you skipped over all the sex - and there was a lot of it!!! While there was a decent storyline, everything seemed rushed and underdeveloped. If you are looking for a quick beach read, this would be it!
It was a quick read, once you skipped over all the sex - and there was a lot of it!!! While there was a decent storyline, everything seemed rushed and underdeveloped. If you are looking for a quick beach read, this would be it!
December 28, 2023
Love reawakened
Full of heartbreaking angst, misunderstanding, miscommunication and yet a love so strong that it was never lost only frozen in ice waiting for truth and trust to melt it!
Full of heartbreaking angst, misunderstanding, miscommunication and yet a love so strong that it was never lost only frozen in ice waiting for truth and trust to melt it!
July 18, 2024
Captivating reading.
A beautiful love story. Everything included. Love, betrayal, heartache and redemption. Every emotion could be felt by the reader. Great book and a great ending.
A beautiful love story. Everything included. Love, betrayal, heartache and redemption. Every emotion could be felt by the reader. Great book and a great ending.
September 8, 2024
The sicillians betrayal
I can't believe I'm saying this, but there was too much heat and not enough substance in this one. I ending up skimming a lot and it's a shame because the underlying story was good, it just wasn't the focus.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but there was too much heat and not enough substance in this one. I ending up skimming a lot and it's a shame because the underlying story was good, it just wasn't the focus.
September 12, 2024
Too much sex scenes.
I enjoyed the last 20% of this book, the rest was only about sex, which I considered unnecessary. Would have like to read more conversation between the main characters.
I enjoyed the last 20% of this book, the rest was only about sex, which I considered unnecessary. Would have like to read more conversation between the main characters.
June 10, 2025
DNF 44%
Que es lo que acabo de leer, no puedo seguir
La falta de comunicación que tiene estos dos, el la trata de mentirosa y slut y en la misma página se están besando, y a los 2 cap se casan!!!!
Amo el trope de mafia pero esto está horriblemente ejecutado
Que es lo que acabo de leer, no puedo seguir
La falta de comunicación que tiene estos dos, el la trata de mentirosa y slut y en la misma página se están besando, y a los 2 cap se casan!!!!
Amo el trope de mafia pero esto está horriblemente ejecutado
September 1, 2020
Great romance that will stay with you. Take the journey with Liz and Ricardo. A solid romance read but also heartwarming and descriptive.
January 6, 2024
It's not bad. If you want something simple, but there is not a whole lot of build to it. There wasn't a strong relationship even after they figured out stuff.
January 12, 2024
not for me!
He was such a horrible person to her, I couldn’t finish the book, even after he knew he was wrong.
He was such a horrible person to her, I couldn’t finish the book, even after he knew he was wrong.
January 18, 2024
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book it was a romance that hit all the emotions.
It felt like a twisted fairytale a little bit.
I enjoyed reading this book it was a romance that hit all the emotions.
It felt like a twisted fairytale a little bit.
April 8, 2024
Brilliant
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it
April 8, 2024
Bad writing - bad plot and character development. Did this book even have an editor?
August 19, 2024
Filled with so many sex scenes and they were pretty much all the same. I would prefer to enjoy a good story rather than read about sex.
May 30, 2025
Awesome
Awesome book, I couldn't put it down. Well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it.
Awesome book, I couldn't put it down. Well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it.
November 6, 2024
i think one star is too good rate for this “book”. it was complete fucking shit and i will never understand why it is published. i don’t even have a words to describe how much i hate it. one of the worst books in my life 💖
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews