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Dark Heart Duet #1
Dark Heart
I thought he was the white knight. Looking back, it makes sense. I was young and needed saving. Luca was my strength. He could take on anything—the world, for me. They say first love cuts the deepest. Ours became a blade that bled me out. It turns out I didn’t know a villain when he held my heart in his hands. Now it’s darker—more like his.
Elise was my whole world—until my world burned, and I destroyed her with me. Some betrayals, you can’t undo, no matter how much you wish you could. I can’t help who I am now, and why would I want to? I run this city. No one’s going to take me down—not even the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. I heard they’ve got a file eight inches thick on Don Galante. But dodging bullets is my business. They play dirty, but there’s no one dirtier than me.
The DA learns the hard way who’s in charge; he’s out. It should be time for celebration. There’s just one problem: his heir. Or should I say heiress? Elise O’Hara wears a crown of lies, a gown of red, and a fat diamond on her left hand. Now it’s me and her. Or her and me. Only one of us will be left standing when the story’s over.
This is how you write a tragedy.
Elise was my whole world—until my world burned, and I destroyed her with me. Some betrayals, you can’t undo, no matter how much you wish you could. I can’t help who I am now, and why would I want to? I run this city. No one’s going to take me down—not even the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. I heard they’ve got a file eight inches thick on Don Galante. But dodging bullets is my business. They play dirty, but there’s no one dirtier than me.
The DA learns the hard way who’s in charge; he’s out. It should be time for celebration. There’s just one problem: his heir. Or should I say heiress? Elise O’Hara wears a crown of lies, a gown of red, and a fat diamond on her left hand. Now it’s me and her. Or her and me. Only one of us will be left standing when the story’s over.
This is how you write a tragedy.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2020
706 people are currently reading
4297 people want to read
About the author
Ella James
75 books5,830 followersElla James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
September 30, 2020
I don't know how I feel about this book.
Usually, when I read a book, I am able to form my opinion about it while reading it, but with this book, I am a bit confused. I feel that I will only be able to have a definite viewpoint and be able to find where I stand on this after reading the whole trilogy, and since the second and third books are yet to come out, I'll have to wait.
I didn't dislike it in any way but I'm hesitant to give it 4 stars. I liked the characters, the plot, and the narration, this book seems to be foreshadowing what will come in the next books and laying the groundwork for them. So, I think it will only be fair if I give my final thoughts after reading the complete trilogy.
As for right now, I can only say that I enjoyed reading this book and actually want to read the whole series (since I lose interest in series very easily which seems to be an indication that I liked this book enough).
Usually, when I read a book, I am able to form my opinion about it while reading it, but with this book, I am a bit confused. I feel that I will only be able to have a definite viewpoint and be able to find where I stand on this after reading the whole trilogy, and since the second and third books are yet to come out, I'll have to wait.
I didn't dislike it in any way but I'm hesitant to give it 4 stars. I liked the characters, the plot, and the narration, this book seems to be foreshadowing what will come in the next books and laying the groundwork for them. So, I think it will only be fair if I give my final thoughts after reading the complete trilogy.
As for right now, I can only say that I enjoyed reading this book and actually want to read the whole series (since I lose interest in series very easily which seems to be an indication that I liked this book enough).
September 21, 2020
A dark mafia romance with pulse pounding drama and edge of your seat suspense that will take you to your limit. I loved every heart stopping moment!
Their love was innocent. His choices were made out of necessity. Her heart would never understand anything but her love for him. A pure heart turns dark when harsh reality collides with forbidden love.
Luca was used to saving everyone. He was a protector to his very core. He loved hard. He’d sacrifice it all to protect the one’s he loves. Sometimes being forced to make difficult choices, but he did what needed to be done.
Elise comes from privilege but her life isn’t easy. Elise is goodness and optimism. She sees the best in people and loves with all her heart. However, family issues are weighing her down. Luca becomes the light in her dark.
Together they find their own haven. Their safe place to land, when the world becomes too much for them to face. They have a plan for the future, a fresh start. They just have to graduate and get to college, then leave all the past behind.
So many obstacles are in their path. Life will come crashing down.
The story is told with such authenticity and raw emotion that I was completely immersed in their world. I felt the highs and suffered the heartache right alongside them. You will be feeling all the emotions.
A beautifully written tale of forbidden love with some many complex layers. You’ll experience angst, loss and revenge. A choice will be made in an instant that changes everything. This is only their beginning. I cannot wait to witness the rest of the journey.
Their love was innocent. His choices were made out of necessity. Her heart would never understand anything but her love for him. A pure heart turns dark when harsh reality collides with forbidden love.
Luca was used to saving everyone. He was a protector to his very core. He loved hard. He’d sacrifice it all to protect the one’s he loves. Sometimes being forced to make difficult choices, but he did what needed to be done.
Elise comes from privilege but her life isn’t easy. Elise is goodness and optimism. She sees the best in people and loves with all her heart. However, family issues are weighing her down. Luca becomes the light in her dark.
Together they find their own haven. Their safe place to land, when the world becomes too much for them to face. They have a plan for the future, a fresh start. They just have to graduate and get to college, then leave all the past behind.
So many obstacles are in their path. Life will come crashing down.
The story is told with such authenticity and raw emotion that I was completely immersed in their world. I felt the highs and suffered the heartache right alongside them. You will be feeling all the emotions.
A beautifully written tale of forbidden love with some many complex layers. You’ll experience angst, loss and revenge. A choice will be made in an instant that changes everything. This is only their beginning. I cannot wait to witness the rest of the journey.
November 26, 2021
Gah!! I need book 2 NOW
It has been a few years since I read Ella James. Not because I don’t love her; I just lost my reading mojo for many years because... well, life happens...but I digress.
Luca and Elise. Wow. What a beautiful, sweet, passionate love story... we know that there’s no HEA... duh, there’s a book 2 for a reason.
Luca and Elise met at a party. Except, they didn’t know who they were and weren’t exactly supposed to meet. She was looking for something, searching through stuff away from the party and he follows her. He enters the room she is in, and then, they almost get caught. But what amazed me (I shouldn’t say amazed since this is Ella James we are talking about) was how real, how visceral their connection was from that very first moment they made eye contact (swoon with Luca’s icy blue eyes).
Time passes and we see both at them at school. Here, Luca is once again following Elise. One day he happens to go into the restroom when he hears her voice, kind of saving her and then decides to pretend to be her boyfriend. What follows is one of the most sincerest, sweetest connections I’ve read in a long time.
Luca is sweet. Man, I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall. He’s thoughtful, SMART, selfless, loyal and just simply swoon-worthy to the max. We all need a young Luca in our lives. Elise connects with him, like there’s nothing that either of them could’ve done to prevent it from happening. However, when her father finds out that she was with him at a party, he grounds her, making it harder for them to see each other because of who he is and what Luca does. But, never fear, Luca finds a way to see her and further strengthens their bond.
Luca’s life is filled with a lot of obstacles, a sad home life and some shady transactions. Elise’s sister is very sick, to the point that her parents almost ignore the reality of it all. But, these two try their best to be there for each other through it all.
When I tell you I cried... ugh, man, I had to step away from the book for a little while. The books ends on a cliffhanger and book 2 starts off 15 years after book 1 apparently. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what happens to them and how they connect once again. What an amazing book. I highly recommend it.
⚠️safety squad⚠️ (based on my vague memory)
-Dark stuff happens (it’s mafia ish)
-the H kisses OW to get the h to leave him
-loss of a sibling
-the h is a v
It has been a few years since I read Ella James. Not because I don’t love her; I just lost my reading mojo for many years because... well, life happens...but I digress.
Luca and Elise. Wow. What a beautiful, sweet, passionate love story... we know that there’s no HEA... duh, there’s a book 2 for a reason.
Luca and Elise met at a party. Except, they didn’t know who they were and weren’t exactly supposed to meet. She was looking for something, searching through stuff away from the party and he follows her. He enters the room she is in, and then, they almost get caught. But what amazed me (I shouldn’t say amazed since this is Ella James we are talking about) was how real, how visceral their connection was from that very first moment they made eye contact (swoon with Luca’s icy blue eyes).
Time passes and we see both at them at school. Here, Luca is once again following Elise. One day he happens to go into the restroom when he hears her voice, kind of saving her and then decides to pretend to be her boyfriend. What follows is one of the most sincerest, sweetest connections I’ve read in a long time.
Luca is sweet. Man, I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall. He’s thoughtful, SMART, selfless, loyal and just simply swoon-worthy to the max. We all need a young Luca in our lives. Elise connects with him, like there’s nothing that either of them could’ve done to prevent it from happening. However, when her father finds out that she was with him at a party, he grounds her, making it harder for them to see each other because of who he is and what Luca does. But, never fear, Luca finds a way to see her and further strengthens their bond.
Luca’s life is filled with a lot of obstacles, a sad home life and some shady transactions. Elise’s sister is very sick, to the point that her parents almost ignore the reality of it all. But, these two try their best to be there for each other through it all.
When I tell you I cried... ugh, man, I had to step away from the book for a little while. The books ends on a cliffhanger and book 2 starts off 15 years after book 1 apparently. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what happens to them and how they connect once again. What an amazing book. I highly recommend it.
⚠️safety squad⚠️ (based on my vague memory)
-Dark stuff happens (it’s mafia ish)
-the H kisses OW to get the h to leave him
-loss of a sibling
-the h is a v
September 28, 2020
I am in the minority.
First off...I think this was probably the prequel and not Part/Volume 1.
Its not even remotely dark. Its a sugary-candy-sweet tale.
It is Vague and overall a fluff romance story of High school kids.
The Mafia connection again is too vague.
Neither Luca nor Elise are directly from mafia families but have some ties.
The first 75-85% is all about their romance.
The last part is the stale twist.
I don't know if I am gonna read the second part.
First off...I think this was probably the prequel and not Part/Volume 1.
Its not even remotely dark. Its a sugary-candy-sweet tale.
It is Vague and overall a fluff romance story of High school kids.
The Mafia connection again is too vague.
Neither Luca nor Elise are directly from mafia families but have some ties.
The first 75-85% is all about their romance.
The last part is the stale twist.
I don't know if I am gonna read the second part.
November 22, 2020
Elise +Luca 🎶
September 22, 2020
Ella James has a dark heart for sure. Otherwise she couldn't have tortured me emotionally like this. Dark Heart Volume 1 is the tragically beautiful beginning of an epic love story. And my heart is aching. It was sweet, it was dreamy, it was angsty, it was heartbreaking and it was everything brilliant I can think of.
Luca Galante and Elise O' Hara meet in the secret opulent hallways of a grand mansion during a party for the first time. And later they find out that they are students of the same school Manhattan Magnets. Only their life couldn't be any more different! Elise belongs to royal part of Manhattan's society and Luca's life is clouded by poverty, family responsibilities, pain and fear. His life is controlled by mafia and violence.They have this connection that's beyond everything mundane. But is it enough?
Ella James' storytelling is something absolutely phenomenal and it's unlike any author I have read. This was the case in Dark Heart Volume 1. She built up the characters and their backgrounds with utmost care and impossibly fine details. So that I felt I was completely submerged in the story. It's like creating an ambience through words. Luca is an intense and raw character. He evolved through the story with mesmerising effect. He is a nice guy with so much love and goodness. He is also this twisted guy who endures violence, who suffers from guilt and regret, who wants to escape his dark tainted existence and who will have no chance to beat the monsters chasing him. Elise is through and through beautiful. She has this deep seater innocence and kindness that soothes you. But she also has this silent and fierce determination to protect the one she loves. She has a blazing fire of loving Luca passionately and unconditionally. She has so much pain inside but she is not weak.
The author built up their chemistry moment by moment, touch by touch and kiss by kiss. There was an instant electrifying connection but then the love grew so slowly. And I loved reading about it. It was so intoxicatingly happy for me. It's the kind of love that makes me dizzy and swoon. But the author subtly kept it edgy and angsty so that I could never be sure of this happiness. The storyline is a fascinating mix of drama, tension, secrets, accidents and twists. They are a world apart even if their hearts are one. And the obstacles are larger than life. And then the author pulled the rug. And I am broken. An emotional chaos. How do I deal with this gaping hole in my heart and wait for the next book? I seriously don't know! I just know I need a cure for this heartbreak!
Dark Heart Volume 1 by Ella James was captivating and addictive from first page. It was a mindblowing collage of angst, sweetness and suspense. Be ready to get your heart shattered but trust me, it will be a breathtaking experience.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Luca Galante and Elise O' Hara meet in the secret opulent hallways of a grand mansion during a party for the first time. And later they find out that they are students of the same school Manhattan Magnets. Only their life couldn't be any more different! Elise belongs to royal part of Manhattan's society and Luca's life is clouded by poverty, family responsibilities, pain and fear. His life is controlled by mafia and violence.They have this connection that's beyond everything mundane. But is it enough?
Ella James' storytelling is something absolutely phenomenal and it's unlike any author I have read. This was the case in Dark Heart Volume 1. She built up the characters and their backgrounds with utmost care and impossibly fine details. So that I felt I was completely submerged in the story. It's like creating an ambience through words. Luca is an intense and raw character. He evolved through the story with mesmerising effect. He is a nice guy with so much love and goodness. He is also this twisted guy who endures violence, who suffers from guilt and regret, who wants to escape his dark tainted existence and who will have no chance to beat the monsters chasing him. Elise is through and through beautiful. She has this deep seater innocence and kindness that soothes you. But she also has this silent and fierce determination to protect the one she loves. She has a blazing fire of loving Luca passionately and unconditionally. She has so much pain inside but she is not weak.
The author built up their chemistry moment by moment, touch by touch and kiss by kiss. There was an instant electrifying connection but then the love grew so slowly. And I loved reading about it. It was so intoxicatingly happy for me. It's the kind of love that makes me dizzy and swoon. But the author subtly kept it edgy and angsty so that I could never be sure of this happiness. The storyline is a fascinating mix of drama, tension, secrets, accidents and twists. They are a world apart even if their hearts are one. And the obstacles are larger than life. And then the author pulled the rug. And I am broken. An emotional chaos. How do I deal with this gaping hole in my heart and wait for the next book? I seriously don't know! I just know I need a cure for this heartbreak!
Dark Heart Volume 1 by Ella James was captivating and addictive from first page. It was a mindblowing collage of angst, sweetness and suspense. Be ready to get your heart shattered but trust me, it will be a breathtaking experience.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
December 28, 2020
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*
OMG 😱 this story totally slay me! Loving, gut wrenching, heart pounding every emotion once’s again Ella James puts into her stories. I had to take breathers the anticipation of something so good going bad in a change of a sentence and BOOM 💥 Ella strikes!!!
And now She is torturing us to have to wait to read book 2 🤦🏻♀️. I hate when her books come to an end it’s like an instant hang over and a loss at the same time. I extremely love how she brought my home town to life and made us feel what Luca was seeing and feeling through his pain and eyes. Elise doesn’t come off as this weakness either as she seems more dominant with Luca though he paints her as angel. Though this felt like a YA book I know it’s anticipation for book 2 into the future and has me yearning to read it. Loved it!❤️
OMG 😱 this story totally slay me! Loving, gut wrenching, heart pounding every emotion once’s again Ella James puts into her stories. I had to take breathers the anticipation of something so good going bad in a change of a sentence and BOOM 💥 Ella strikes!!!
And now She is torturing us to have to wait to read book 2 🤦🏻♀️. I hate when her books come to an end it’s like an instant hang over and a loss at the same time. I extremely love how she brought my home town to life and made us feel what Luca was seeing and feeling through his pain and eyes. Elise doesn’t come off as this weakness either as she seems more dominant with Luca though he paints her as angel. Though this felt like a YA book I know it’s anticipation for book 2 into the future and has me yearning to read it. Loved it!❤️
November 21, 2023
This duology is a great starting point for those interested in mafia romances. It's not too dark, and the focus is on the romance aspect.
September 26, 2020
Dark Heart Volume One by Ella James, is Book one in the Dark Heart Duet!
“Every story is a story about death. But perhaps if we are lucky, our story about death is also a story about love”.
- Helen Humphreys, The Lost Garden.
When I first signed up for this book, I knew that this one was going to be a doozy. Being a lover of Mafia, I am going to admit I had high expectations, usually mafia books are dark, violent, and like in your face. This author gave us a lighter and sweeter side into the mafia world.
Thinking about it later on, this book is something I sort of haven’t read in this way and I quite enjoyed it! This book has potential to be a masterpiece of brilliance and I feel as though the author is building us up to something a bit more darker.
I guarantee you, once you start. You won’t be able to put this book down. This book will be read within hours, it’s so easy to get absorbed into this story.
The first half of the book, I absolutely loved, getting to get a feel of the characters, watch their relationship journey but in the background you were hearing and seeing some of the mafia stuff but it wasn’t until you actually hit over half way when things took a dramatic turn and that’s when shit went down.
Both these characters are polar opposites, very different but they just fit. When they are together they are like two souls connecting, it’s actually quite beautiful and makes my heart sing. Together they have a lot to face and need to rely on each other to get through those hardships but sometimes that isn’t always the way.
Luca is used to saving everyone and putting everyone else before himself. When he loves, he loves hard and you can see that from the moment that he laid eyes on Elise, that he was done for. His heart was owned. She has it captured in her hands. Luca story is raw, real and in a way, it can relate to a lot of peoples home life. He is such a sweet, amazing and sexy man who will do anything to protect those he loves and I mean anything.
Elise life isn’t easy, she’s got family issues on family issues, she’s very fortunate in life and comes from a privileged family. Elise is a good girl who try’s to see good in everybody. When she’s with him, she feels alive.
Insert a major plot twists , you’re left reeling from the information you’ve been told. Decisions are made and in the end, could it be the end before they have really even started?
I can’t wait to see where this author leads us with this duet! This author has created a beautiful, forbidden love story that centres around loss and pain. This is just the beginning to their love story and I can’t wait to witness what’s next.
“Every story is a story about death. But perhaps if we are lucky, our story about death is also a story about love”.
- Helen Humphreys, The Lost Garden.
When I first signed up for this book, I knew that this one was going to be a doozy. Being a lover of Mafia, I am going to admit I had high expectations, usually mafia books are dark, violent, and like in your face. This author gave us a lighter and sweeter side into the mafia world.
Thinking about it later on, this book is something I sort of haven’t read in this way and I quite enjoyed it! This book has potential to be a masterpiece of brilliance and I feel as though the author is building us up to something a bit more darker.
I guarantee you, once you start. You won’t be able to put this book down. This book will be read within hours, it’s so easy to get absorbed into this story.
The first half of the book, I absolutely loved, getting to get a feel of the characters, watch their relationship journey but in the background you were hearing and seeing some of the mafia stuff but it wasn’t until you actually hit over half way when things took a dramatic turn and that’s when shit went down.
Both these characters are polar opposites, very different but they just fit. When they are together they are like two souls connecting, it’s actually quite beautiful and makes my heart sing. Together they have a lot to face and need to rely on each other to get through those hardships but sometimes that isn’t always the way.
Luca is used to saving everyone and putting everyone else before himself. When he loves, he loves hard and you can see that from the moment that he laid eyes on Elise, that he was done for. His heart was owned. She has it captured in her hands. Luca story is raw, real and in a way, it can relate to a lot of peoples home life. He is such a sweet, amazing and sexy man who will do anything to protect those he loves and I mean anything.
Elise life isn’t easy, she’s got family issues on family issues, she’s very fortunate in life and comes from a privileged family. Elise is a good girl who try’s to see good in everybody. When she’s with him, she feels alive.
Insert a major plot twists , you’re left reeling from the information you’ve been told. Decisions are made and in the end, could it be the end before they have really even started?
I can’t wait to see where this author leads us with this duet! This author has created a beautiful, forbidden love story that centres around loss and pain. This is just the beginning to their love story and I can’t wait to witness what’s next.
November 24, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
"Dark Heart" is the first book of the "Dark heart Duet" by the author Ella James. Told in dual Perspectives , get ready to meet Luca and Elise!!
Right from the moment I saw the blurb of this one, I knew it was going to be a blast. It had every genre I could love and was an amazing read for me. I am usually inclined towards Dark reads, so this one was a bit mundane for me but enjoyable none the less.
Luca and Elise have a story spun with lies and betrayals that has spanned over many years. Now after years, they find each other at the opposite side of the war. There will only be one winner at the end. And no one knows who it will be. The more they fight, the more they want to surrender to the wild feeling they have always had when it comes to the other one. I loved the storyline of this book and can feel that the author has a lot of surprises for us in the next book!! After that cliffy , I definitely want a lot more!!
A definite recommendation to all the dark Romance lovers out there who would love themes like this Second chance , betrayal and War!!
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November 21, 2020
Fantastic read!
"He makes me feel like...like some part of me is falling open, and I can't even help it. It's a heavy secret feeling - an unfurling."
The first time Luca Galante and Elise O'Hara talk, it's in the most unexpected way and pretty much incognito. However, they'd noticed each other way before then and only connect the dots after Luca comes to Elise's rescue at school. They're from opposite ends of the social spectrum but there's a real connection between them, and their lives are far more entwined than either realise.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Luca and Elise's story. They were sweet, passionate and pretty innocent together, but the burdens they bore, especially Luca, were pure adult. I enjoyed all the background mystery that needs to be unravelled in the concluding part, and I'm so excited for the rest of their story! I adored their devotion to each other and their tumble into a fierce love, and my heart broke at the avalanche of tragedy that struck them both and left the reader on a cliffhanger. Seriously can't wait for the second book, presumably they will be all grown up if the blurb is anything to go by, so I'm really looking forward to some fireworks!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"He makes me feel like...like some part of me is falling open, and I can't even help it. It's a heavy secret feeling - an unfurling."
The first time Luca Galante and Elise O'Hara talk, it's in the most unexpected way and pretty much incognito. However, they'd noticed each other way before then and only connect the dots after Luca comes to Elise's rescue at school. They're from opposite ends of the social spectrum but there's a real connection between them, and their lives are far more entwined than either realise.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Luca and Elise's story. They were sweet, passionate and pretty innocent together, but the burdens they bore, especially Luca, were pure adult. I enjoyed all the background mystery that needs to be unravelled in the concluding part, and I'm so excited for the rest of their story! I adored their devotion to each other and their tumble into a fierce love, and my heart broke at the avalanche of tragedy that struck them both and left the reader on a cliffhanger. Seriously can't wait for the second book, presumably they will be all grown up if the blurb is anything to go by, so I'm really looking forward to some fireworks!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
January 5, 2021
Interesting, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to get into this book I was confused at first. But I loved the last Ella James book so I pushed through and I am glad I did.
Young love stuff is kind of predictable forbidden love and all that but it’s the extra stuff that I liked. Both these characters have some pretty heavy stuff going on at home and there solace is in each other so it’s no wonder they were drawn to each other.
Luca surprised me at just how much he cares.
The U-turn her father has, had me scratching my head but I let it go because I was sure all would be revealed.
That ending hot dang, and the narration was fantastic honestly I loved it. I think Jason Clarke might be fighting for a favorite in my male narrator rankings.
Young love stuff is kind of predictable forbidden love and all that but it’s the extra stuff that I liked. Both these characters have some pretty heavy stuff going on at home and there solace is in each other so it’s no wonder they were drawn to each other.
Luca surprised me at just how much he cares.
The U-turn her father has, had me scratching my head but I let it go because I was sure all would be revealed.
That ending hot dang, and the narration was fantastic honestly I loved it. I think Jason Clarke might be fighting for a favorite in my male narrator rankings.
October 11, 2020
Molto bella la prima parte, verso la fine ha perso un po' di colpi ma per lo meno sappiamo subito come mai Elise e Luca si sono separati – e si rivedranno dopo un decennio nella seconda parte. Loro due sono dolcissimi ♥️
Friggevo a leggere le frasi in italiano, quasi tutte tradotte male, ma un buon inizio per un mafia romance.
Friggevo a leggere le frasi in italiano, quasi tutte tradotte male, ma un buon inizio per un mafia romance.
September 23, 2020
Dark Heart is right.
My goodness, this is a mafia thriller, through and through.
One choice, two hearts: the saga.
Luca and Elise are baby.
Can it be October already? I’m dying for part two.
My goodness, this is a mafia thriller, through and through.
One choice, two hearts: the saga.
Luca and Elise are baby.
Can it be October already? I’m dying for part two.
December 6, 2020
Slightly predictable but intrigued enough to continue the duet
August 21, 2024
Started slow.. but picked up! I couldn't get enough.
Their love was innocent. His choices were made out of necessity. Her heart would never understand anything but her love for him. A pure heart turns dark when harsh reality collides with forbidden love.
Luca was used to saving everyone. He was a protector to his very core. He loved hard. He’d sacrifice it all to protect the one’s he loves. Sometimes, being forced to make difficult choices, he did what needed to be done.
Elise comes from privilege, but her life isn’t easy. Elise is goodness and optimism. She sees the best in people and loves with all her heart. However, family issues are weighing her down. Luca becomes the light in her dark.
Together, they find their own haven. Their safe place to land, when the world becomes too much for them to face. They have a plan for the future, a fresh start. They just have to graduate and get to college, then leave all the past behind.
Online audiobook
Their love was innocent. His choices were made out of necessity. Her heart would never understand anything but her love for him. A pure heart turns dark when harsh reality collides with forbidden love.
Luca was used to saving everyone. He was a protector to his very core. He loved hard. He’d sacrifice it all to protect the one’s he loves. Sometimes, being forced to make difficult choices, he did what needed to be done.
Elise comes from privilege, but her life isn’t easy. Elise is goodness and optimism. She sees the best in people and loves with all her heart. However, family issues are weighing her down. Luca becomes the light in her dark.
Together, they find their own haven. Their safe place to land, when the world becomes too much for them to face. They have a plan for the future, a fresh start. They just have to graduate and get to college, then leave all the past behind.
Online audiobook
November 10, 2020
Five tragic stars! Get ready for a mafia romance that will leave you breathless…
I feel like I’m going to die! Holy Grail. My heart almost stopped. Ella James penned a dark mafia romance that consumed my soul, destroyed my heart and ruined me in the best way possible. The drama, the plot, the complex characters, and the heart stop moments made this book a dangerous and explosive read. Luca and Elise’s story is poetically tragic. This is where tender and innocent hearts turn dark when reality collide with forbidden love. Dark Heart Volume 1 is the beginning of an epic love. It is sweet, dreamy, angsty as hell, consuming and everything. The raw emotions where too intoxicating that at times I felt lost and my soul ached.
Beware, Dark Heart Volume 1 isn’t just another book that you will read. It is so much more! It is an experience that will consume you from the inside to the outside making you like you are living the story beside the characters. Ella James has the ability to make her readers live and breathe the stories of each of her books and this time my friends is not the exception.
This book gave me too many mixed signals and I loved every part of it. At first it was sweet and romantic then it got really angsty and the suspense had me at the edge of my seat until it turned dark and heart-breaking. Like the beginning of a tragedy! While reading I felt I was a prey and this book was the predator ready to tear my heart. I got caught up in the fairy-tale when a dark cloud surrounded everything.
Luca and Elise have different backgrounds. Their life couldn’t be more different however the connection between them is beyond mundane. Elise, the pretended princess belongs to royal part of Manhattan's society. Luca, the broken prince whose life is tarnished in poverty, family responsibilities and pain. He is controlled by mafia and violence.
Luca Galante is a real protector and he loves hard. Living in misery made him take tough decisions without a choice because sometimes tough decisions need to be taken and he knows it. He is an intense and raw character. I loved his evolution during the story. Luca is this twisted guy who suffers from guilt and regret, who wants to escape his tainted existence. His name could sound like a villain’s name but he is a hero at the eyes of Elise. He’d sacrifice it all to protect the people he loves especially his family and the girl he loves.
Elise has a privileged life but another kind of misery surround her and it is weighing her down… She sees the good in people and loves with all her heart. She is very optimist despite her family issues. But she also has this fierce determination to protect the one she loves. Luca will bring hope to her life, a spark of light that will warm her heart and body.
Together, they build their own protective bubble when the world around them is too much to handle. They have a plan for the future, their fresh start far away of the misery. The intimacy, tenderness and the way they would just come alive in each other’s presence is so unique and refreshing. I'm completely captivated by these amazing characters!
Innocent at the beginning and forbidden at the end…
His bruises match her cracks…
Luca and Elise, star crossed lovers submerged in secrets, violence and mafia.
October 9, 2020
Dark Heart is the first book in a two part love story that will hold your interest from start to finish. Both from different walks of life, Luca and Elise forbidden love story was well written and layered. It was angsty, and takes us on an emotional ride with this captivating couple as we experience the love, the loss, the heartache and so much more. This novel is only the beginning of their story and the author did an awesome job giving us the tenderness and intimacy developing between these two. Additionally the mafia element playing out in the background adds suspense to the story and it will all have you completely immersed in this world. The story ends in a cliff hanger that will leave you stunned and I can't wait for the next book to see how it all ends.
September 22, 2020
My heart is racing...I can not believe how much this book got my heart pumping in every way possible. I think my emotions are shot for the day!
I loved every about this... except that I have to wait for more!
Luca is a written flawlessly, and Elise is perfection. I had no idea what to expect out of these characters and storyline, but as their story unfolded, my expectations were exceeded a hundred times over. It is just amazing writing.
I will definitely be back for more. C'mon October!
I loved every about this... except that I have to wait for more!
Luca is a written flawlessly, and Elise is perfection. I had no idea what to expect out of these characters and storyline, but as their story unfolded, my expectations were exceeded a hundred times over. It is just amazing writing.
I will definitely be back for more. C'mon October!
November 21, 2023
I'm a huge fan of anything mafia or gang related romances. This book did not disappoint. Although I do have to say this duology is not even close to being as dark or twisted as Cora Reilly's Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles. The duet does focus more on the romance aspect of things and not so much of the mafia side.
Overall, I highly recommend!
Overall, I highly recommend!
November 6, 2022
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 25, 2022
Sorry, I guess I am simply not in the mood for this 😑
January 10, 2021
Dark Heart is the first book in the Dark Heart Duet and it starts off carefully crafting a history with our 2 main characters, Luca and Elise. They are two teens attending the same school but from very different backgrounds. While Elise comes from the upper crust, Luca is from the more unwealthy side. His family has to work for what they have and some of it comes from a darker place. But Luca and Elise have a connection that knows no bounds and they feel that they must be together. They feel destined. But what can you do when the outside world is moving against you?
Ella James took a darker world and gave us the beginning of it through 2 teenagers lives. It's sweet and feels of everything that first love is about. Those stolen moments. Sneaking out and being together. The firsts. It's filled with all those things and more. But, it's also their senior year and they have just found their way to each other. They are both smart and hoping to continue to be together, but Luca knows that it can't happen. This story has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel to it. Like they could never be together because of their families, but they both only want that. When something major takes place, Mr O'Hara, Elise's dad gives Luca permission to date his daughter and treat her right. But the dark world always pulls you under. And since this is a duet, you know we are left with a an ending that is full of angst and pain. And I simply cannot wait to see what happens next with these destined teens.
Since I got to listen to the audio, I also have to add in that I thought the narrators Carly Robins and Jason Clarke did a great job, although Jason felt a little too mature sounding for a teen Luca (and I LOVE Jason as a narrator, just wish his amazing voice would've hit me as more teen). His voice will definitely suit an older Luca, but it just felt a little too mature for a 17-18 year old. Meanwhile, Carly really got Elise. Both of these narrators will definitely suit the older characters more so, but I enjoyed their performance and can't wait to hear more from them in the next book.
Ella James took a darker world and gave us the beginning of it through 2 teenagers lives. It's sweet and feels of everything that first love is about. Those stolen moments. Sneaking out and being together. The firsts. It's filled with all those things and more. But, it's also their senior year and they have just found their way to each other. They are both smart and hoping to continue to be together, but Luca knows that it can't happen. This story has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel to it. Like they could never be together because of their families, but they both only want that. When something major takes place, Mr O'Hara, Elise's dad gives Luca permission to date his daughter and treat her right. But the dark world always pulls you under. And since this is a duet, you know we are left with a an ending that is full of angst and pain. And I simply cannot wait to see what happens next with these destined teens.
Since I got to listen to the audio, I also have to add in that I thought the narrators Carly Robins and Jason Clarke did a great job, although Jason felt a little too mature sounding for a teen Luca (and I LOVE Jason as a narrator, just wish his amazing voice would've hit me as more teen). His voice will definitely suit an older Luca, but it just felt a little too mature for a 17-18 year old. Meanwhile, Carly really got Elise. Both of these narrators will definitely suit the older characters more so, but I enjoyed their performance and can't wait to hear more from them in the next book.
January 15, 2021
Audiobook Review
Ella James is a fairly new to me author. I have only recently discovered her books and I have loved her writing in contemporary romance but wasn’t at all sure what to expect in the dark romance/mafia genre. However, she completely blew me away! I was hooked from the very beginning. The story features two teenagers, Luca Galante and Elise O’Hara. These two are complete opposites but are drawn to one another, and cannot resist the connection and intensity that they feel for one another. I loved every emotion, every thought, every feeling these two shared. I couldn’t get enough of them. Luca’s upbringing tore at my heartstrings. Luca is a sweetheart with a huge heart. He makes sacrifices for those he loves and is swimming in betrayal, deceit and lies and has to make heartbreaking decisions that will have long lasting effects. Elise has grown up the complete opposite to Luca. She comes from a family of privilege but has some secrets underneath as well. She seems to come alive with Luca and the connection they share is one she does not want to let go of. By the end of the book my hearts was in shambles! This story is full of suspense, heartache, forbidden love, family and it left me needing the second book immediately.
I was blown away by the fantastic narration done by Carly Robins and Jason Clarke. These two are incredible story tellers. Together they delivered such a stellar performance. I loved how in sync they are with each other and the way that they tap into every emotion was beautiful.
*I received an advanced listener copy from Piece of Cake Audiobooks in exchange of an honest review.
Ella James is a fairly new to me author. I have only recently discovered her books and I have loved her writing in contemporary romance but wasn’t at all sure what to expect in the dark romance/mafia genre. However, she completely blew me away! I was hooked from the very beginning. The story features two teenagers, Luca Galante and Elise O’Hara. These two are complete opposites but are drawn to one another, and cannot resist the connection and intensity that they feel for one another. I loved every emotion, every thought, every feeling these two shared. I couldn’t get enough of them. Luca’s upbringing tore at my heartstrings. Luca is a sweetheart with a huge heart. He makes sacrifices for those he loves and is swimming in betrayal, deceit and lies and has to make heartbreaking decisions that will have long lasting effects. Elise has grown up the complete opposite to Luca. She comes from a family of privilege but has some secrets underneath as well. She seems to come alive with Luca and the connection they share is one she does not want to let go of. By the end of the book my hearts was in shambles! This story is full of suspense, heartache, forbidden love, family and it left me needing the second book immediately.
I was blown away by the fantastic narration done by Carly Robins and Jason Clarke. These two are incredible story tellers. Together they delivered such a stellar performance. I loved how in sync they are with each other and the way that they tap into every emotion was beautiful.
*I received an advanced listener copy from Piece of Cake Audiobooks in exchange of an honest review.
October 8, 2020
What in the world did I just freaking read?! Aaahhh! I think I have just finished a book that has given me so many mixed signals. I was not expecting that, at all! Like WHAAT!!!!!
Dark Heart was not what I was expecting. At first, it was sweet, then it was romantic, then it got angsty, then it got hella angsty, and then it just dropped an anchor onto my lungs and heart. I mean it ripped them from my body. I can't believe what I just read.
If I don't see part two soon, imma be causing trouble. I mean, my heads spinning. Why, Ella James? WHY!!!!!
Elise, such a naive, beautiful and kind-hearted girl. All I wanted to do was hug her and be her friend. She was sooooo sweet.
As for Luca, GAH! He swooned me off my feet. His little endearments in Italian, his declarations of love in Italian made me a goner and melted me. Like Elisa, all I wanted to do was smoosh him in hugs and kisses and give him a better world to live in. I mean, damn, he had it rough.
This story swallowed me whole. It consumed me. I got caught up in the fairytale and then... Bam! All the bad stuff comes pouring out. I think I spent ten minutes muttering 'what' after I finished it!
How dare it finish like that! I want more! I NEED more! There are too many questions that need answering! TOO MANY!
Read this book! Read it, read it, read it. READ IT!
Rant over.
I rate it all the stelle in the sky! Fantastico!
Dark Heart was not what I was expecting. At first, it was sweet, then it was romantic, then it got angsty, then it got hella angsty, and then it just dropped an anchor onto my lungs and heart. I mean it ripped them from my body. I can't believe what I just read.
If I don't see part two soon, imma be causing trouble. I mean, my heads spinning. Why, Ella James? WHY!!!!!
Elise, such a naive, beautiful and kind-hearted girl. All I wanted to do was hug her and be her friend. She was sooooo sweet.
As for Luca, GAH! He swooned me off my feet. His little endearments in Italian, his declarations of love in Italian made me a goner and melted me. Like Elisa, all I wanted to do was smoosh him in hugs and kisses and give him a better world to live in. I mean, damn, he had it rough.
This story swallowed me whole. It consumed me. I got caught up in the fairytale and then... Bam! All the bad stuff comes pouring out. I think I spent ten minutes muttering 'what' after I finished it!
How dare it finish like that! I want more! I NEED more! There are too many questions that need answering! TOO MANY!
Read this book! Read it, read it, read it. READ IT!
Rant over.
I rate it all the stelle in the sky! Fantastico!
November 8, 2020
2 stars.
The blurb actually looked so fucking interesting and I was kinda excited to start it after reading the blurb. However I really didn’t expect the content of the book to be this. I felt we would be seeing them in 20s or something and their college pasts we would read when they are remembering. But instead this book showed how and why they separated.
Also, you call this a mafia romance? Can someone tell me when did mafia romance turned so cheesy, cringed and without any guns or stuff?
I think I expected A LOT from this book. This book was a very very bad let down read. I was going to dnf at so many points but I read the whole book to know the ending. Chances are like 0.2% that I will even touch the second part of this duet.
This book was wayyyy tooo cringey and cheesy for me. And those sex scenes, I cringed way to hard.
Mafia romance sex scenes are always way too hot but this book’s, I couldn’t stop cringing 😬
I somehow didn’t like this one at all.
The blurb actually looked so fucking interesting and I was kinda excited to start it after reading the blurb. However I really didn’t expect the content of the book to be this. I felt we would be seeing them in 20s or something and their college pasts we would read when they are remembering. But instead this book showed how and why they separated.
Also, you call this a mafia romance? Can someone tell me when did mafia romance turned so cheesy, cringed and without any guns or stuff?
I think I expected A LOT from this book. This book was a very very bad let down read. I was going to dnf at so many points but I read the whole book to know the ending. Chances are like 0.2% that I will even touch the second part of this duet.
This book was wayyyy tooo cringey and cheesy for me. And those sex scenes, I cringed way to hard.
Mafia romance sex scenes are always way too hot but this book’s, I couldn’t stop cringing 😬
I somehow didn’t like this one at all.
January 7, 2021
Flipping heck, my heart went out to both Luca and Elise. Both victims of circumstance, both passionate about the other. Forbidden romance is a firm favourite of mine, add in the mafia links, and I was a happy girl. Luca is the boy paying for his father’s sins, and Elise is the love of his life. Elise was born into an advantaged family, a family that want nothing to do with Luca. Their secret relationship however cannot stay secret forever, not when there are eyes and ears everywhere, as is the case when you have friends in low places. Addictive - definitely, exciting - most certainly. I loved it. This book most definitely lends itself to audio, and Jason Clarke and Carly Robins were perfect as Luca and Elise. Also, don’t forget it’s book 1 of a duet, so yes, it does end rather abruptly, but don’t worry, book 2 is ready and waiting for you, and yes, I’m diving straight in. I cannot wait.
January 3, 2021
I volunteered to listen and review an ALC of this. All opinions are my own. I didn't really know what to expect from this. I've not adored everything I've read from this author but this...I really did enjoy it. It was tense, it was angsty, it was gritty, hella dramatic, and you'll wanna make sure you have book 2 lined up right away. Luca Galante knows who he is. He's the poor boy from Red Hook, but he meets his angel Elise O'Hara at a party and then at school and they have a star-crossed lovers style connection. While they might be young, what they go through is adult and it's heavy. My usual mafia tastes swing a lot darker than this, I have a feeling book 2 will bring it hard and I'm really excited for book 2.
Trigger/CW
Trigger/CW
September 26, 2020
Oh my gosh. Wow. WOW.
See, the thing about Ella James is that everything is just MORE with her. It isn’t just reading a book. It’s MORE than that. It’s an experience. A living, breathing thing. She breathes such life into the characters she creates and it’s like you’re living through their story with them.
And that’s exactly how I felt about Luca and Elise. Their innocent, layered, complex, emotional love is so tangible, you can practically touch it. It’s beautiful. It’s tragic. You fall in love with them just as much and as hard as they do with each other.
This is such a heartbreakingly beautiful beginning of Luca and Elise’s story. My heart is dying for volume two.
See, the thing about Ella James is that everything is just MORE with her. It isn’t just reading a book. It’s MORE than that. It’s an experience. A living, breathing thing. She breathes such life into the characters she creates and it’s like you’re living through their story with them.
And that’s exactly how I felt about Luca and Elise. Their innocent, layered, complex, emotional love is so tangible, you can practically touch it. It’s beautiful. It’s tragic. You fall in love with them just as much and as hard as they do with each other.
This is such a heartbreakingly beautiful beginning of Luca and Elise’s story. My heart is dying for volume two.
November 20, 2020
Luca and Elise's story is a brilliant, dark, high school mafia story with everything you need. They both meet and have a special connection. This book dragged and drowned me until I was done and then I needed way more, the kind of story with suspense, angst, and mystery, a tornado you will see coming and want to jump at it. It will become addictive and definitely will have you on a roller-coaster of emotions with no end. I need the next book like my next breath, it left me with no way of having it was the last breath I was going to take and now I have no idea how to handle it all. Brilliant 5 stars!
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