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Beautiful Monsters #1
Crescendo
You don't become the fiancé of one of the most powerful crime lords in the city without understanding exactly how gritty and depraved the world truly is... and how to thrive in the inferno.
After five years spent under his controlling thumb, Daniela knows her position with a man like Vincent Stacatto is precarious, but as long as she plays by the rules of his "game", she's safe...
Until she's taken by the devil.
Kidnapped by a rival boss, Daniela becomes a pawn between two powerful forces, and just another casualty in a bloody game of chess. But to get to the top, and stay at the top, you have to fight dirty and hold nothing back, because the most dangerous piece on the board isn't the King.
Contains Mature subject matter not suitable for those under 18.
After five years spent under his controlling thumb, Daniela knows her position with a man like Vincent Stacatto is precarious, but as long as she plays by the rules of his "game", she's safe...
Until she's taken by the devil.
Kidnapped by a rival boss, Daniela becomes a pawn between two powerful forces, and just another casualty in a bloody game of chess. But to get to the top, and stay at the top, you have to fight dirty and hold nothing back, because the most dangerous piece on the board isn't the King.
Contains Mature subject matter not suitable for those under 18.
542 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2017
591 people are currently reading
1712 people want to read
About the author
Lana Sky
61 books1,326 followersI am a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark, paranormal and contemporary romance. My stories aren't always typical, but contain a little something for everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
May 21, 2017
5 kitty stars
Jesus. Motherfucking. Christ.
Let me go find my heart, it's here somewhere, because I certainly can feel it hammering into my ribs, but I can also feel it's desperate attempts to flee.
Fuck.
I need to think about this, because what the fucking hell did I just read!!!!!
Jesus. Motherfucking. Christ.
Let me go find my heart, it's here somewhere, because I certainly can feel it hammering into my ribs, but I can also feel it's desperate attempts to flee.
Fuck.
I need to think about this, because what the fucking hell did I just read!!!!!
May 26, 2017
I need the next one now!!
June 7, 2017
~~~ 5 "Lucifer" stars~~~
I'd like to thank my buddy Isabella and her awesome review that made me one-click this book.
Isabella's review
This is not a romance novel. If you expect to find "I love yous" and H evolving into a mushy mushy white knight, this book is not for you. If you can't stand H calling h names, also not for you. The intimate scenes invole drawing blood, biting, choking, scratching, bruising and abusing. The book contains lots of triggers.
I can't put this book under the love triangle shelf. The heroine was a captive for 5 years by the crime boss and she hates him. When she's kidnapped by his rival, the H becomes one of her new captors. And she hates him too. There's no insta anything in this book, except for insta violence.
No cheating between MCs.
I'm not sure what to say about the main charachers. Layers upon layers and they are perfect for each other.
Let's start with our heroine Danny/Daniela/Lynn/Stacatto's whore/bitch.
When I start reading this book, I thought she was so weak. You know those doormat heroines we all hate. When I convinced myself this will be another one of those books with abused damsel in distress...Bam! Danny has many faces and you never know which one will show to the surface.
Dante/Kitten/Kitty/Lucifer/Devil is something between a man and an animal. The rabid one. I was always on edge, biting my nails, wondering "What will he do?" The suspense was killing me.
"When I kill her, I'll make it slow. I'll grind my fingers into her windpipe and feel her vocal chords strain. Maybe I'll fuck her when I do it, wrapping my hands around her throat right when she begins to come. I'll cut off that high-pitched whine mid-song. I'll choke her out before she can say my name."
The book is very dark, gritty, uncensored, raw and uncompromising. Violent and bloody. For true dark fiction lovers. Great twists and suspense. Loved the writing style and will definitely read more by this author.
I'd like to thank my buddy Isabella and her awesome review that made me one-click this book.
Isabella's review
This is not a romance novel. If you expect to find "I love yous" and H evolving into a mushy mushy white knight, this book is not for you. If you can't stand H calling h names, also not for you. The intimate scenes invole drawing blood, biting, choking, scratching, bruising and abusing. The book contains lots of triggers.
I can't put this book under the love triangle shelf. The heroine was a captive for 5 years by the crime boss and she hates him. When she's kidnapped by his rival, the H becomes one of her new captors. And she hates him too. There's no insta anything in this book, except for insta violence.
No cheating between MCs.
I'm not sure what to say about the main charachers. Layers upon layers and they are perfect for each other.
Let's start with our heroine Danny/Daniela/Lynn/Stacatto's whore/bitch.
When I start reading this book, I thought she was so weak. You know those doormat heroines we all hate. When I convinced myself this will be another one of those books with abused damsel in distress...Bam! Danny has many faces and you never know which one will show to the surface.
Dante/Kitten/Kitty/Lucifer/Devil is something between a man and an animal. The rabid one. I was always on edge, biting my nails, wondering "What will he do?" The suspense was killing me.
"When I kill her, I'll make it slow. I'll grind my fingers into her windpipe and feel her vocal chords strain. Maybe I'll fuck her when I do it, wrapping my hands around her throat right when she begins to come. I'll cut off that high-pitched whine mid-song. I'll choke her out before she can say my name."
The book is very dark, gritty, uncensored, raw and uncompromising. Violent and bloody. For true dark fiction lovers. Great twists and suspense. Loved the writing style and will definitely read more by this author.
December 26, 2018
Dark.
Fucked up.
Very messy.
Action packed.
Complicated and complex.
And the only thing that was actually working against it all, was the number of pages. *sigh*
Fucked up.
Very messy.
Action packed.
Complicated and complex.
And the only thing that was actually working against it all, was the number of pages. *sigh*
September 10, 2022
I will give credit where credit is due. This book promises you dark and it gives it to you. Even when I kind of wished it would take it back. But it's like someone telling you they're bringing you a cheeseburger and they bring you a still frozen patty with Cheeze Whiz on it. Technically, yes, they delivered. But was it good?
First - there is no reason on Earth or Mars or any other planet for this book to be over 600 pages.
Second - just FYI, the sex gets SUPER violent - see the spoiler tag if you'd like. And please do not use blood as anal lubricant. Just don't.
There were some moments I liked. When Daniela, who has been controlled and abused for years to the point of emotional numbness, takes some joy in being able to eat crappy breakfast cereal, simply because she can choose it. Or when Dante finally gets into his traumatic backstory and explains his scars.
Moments like these were just too infrequent and bogged down by the rest of the book.
And finally, I think Crescendo might actually be guilty of metaphor abuse.
These are just a handful of examples, not even all of them - and that's only from the first 20% of the book!
The writing is just...it's a lot.
Just like that, the angels become monsters. Shadows feed on their corpses, corrupting their broken wings while the ashen ground they stand on streaks their skin, betraying the evidence of sweat.
Bitch. It's a cage fight, not an episode of Supernatural.
Is this the worst book I've ever read? No. Not at all. It's not even the worst mafia romance I've read.
But I don't know if I could call it good either.
First - there is no reason on Earth or Mars or any other planet for this book to be over 600 pages.
Second - just FYI, the sex gets SUPER violent - see the spoiler tag if you'd like. And please do not use blood as anal lubricant. Just don't.
There were some moments I liked. When Daniela, who has been controlled and abused for years to the point of emotional numbness, takes some joy in being able to eat crappy breakfast cereal, simply because she can choose it. Or when Dante finally gets into his traumatic backstory and explains his scars.
Moments like these were just too infrequent and bogged down by the rest of the book.
And finally, I think Crescendo might actually be guilty of metaphor abuse.
Little do they know that, when you put one rabid dog down, two more are already ready to take its place.
A rabid dog can live for a week on nothing but scraps. It knows which kennels to scratch at. Which favors to call in. Who to intimidate when it needs a bone to nibble.
My little puppy’s grown up into a mad dog of his own, and I can’t fucking wait to rub his goddamn nose into the mess he’s created.
The puppy’s grown into a lion, but he still has enough fucking sense to show respect to another predator.
Dogs can sniff out other dogs, after all, and even the average mongrel knows when to submit to a bigger, more brutal beast.
The puppy and the kitty cut their teeth on the same bones back in the day, honing their shared lust for blood.
A mad dog has to fight for his share of the junkyard, after all.
These are just a handful of examples, not even all of them - and that's only from the first 20% of the book!
The writing is just...it's a lot.
Just like that, the angels become monsters. Shadows feed on their corpses, corrupting their broken wings while the ashen ground they stand on streaks their skin, betraying the evidence of sweat.
Bitch. It's a cage fight, not an episode of Supernatural.
Is this the worst book I've ever read? No. Not at all. It's not even the worst mafia romance I've read.
But I don't know if I could call it good either.
September 22, 2017
I should get a medal for finishing this novel and I damn sure won't be reading book 2.
It is SUPER hard to rate this novel because I actually liked the first half which is about the size of the usual stories in this genre. There was NOTHING special about this novel to warrant it needing this many pages.
With that being said, I liked Dante and Daniela well enough; until they started repeating everything they said a chapter over, then having crazy bloody psycho sex, only to do it all again; and to make matters worse, it wasn't even the good psycho sex; which is what you would expect from a man fresh out of the pen after serving 5 years out of a 20 years sentence. There was no passion and 3/4 of the time I had no clue why they were stabbing each other! I also believe the title of this novel should be changed to Lucifer because the name was probably used more than all the pronouns combined.
Now don't get me wrong, this novel has loads of potential because the story line, though not an original, had its original elements. Enough to have spun quite the tale! An obsessed childhood friend who knows how to mind fuck you ten ways to Sunday and a disturbed street rat/cage fighter who can literally black out and beat you to death without remembering a thing. As I said, potential. However, this story needed an editor to cut through all the repetition and forced poetic declarations to give us a real, raw and gritty dark underground novel.
It started out dark and promising but ended winded and uninspiring. By the end, I had zero passion or emotional pull. I just wanted it to be over and if I sludge through 500+ pages, I wasn't abandoning it then.
They might be forming a crime fighting ring. I don't know. I don't care enough to follow up. Reading this book felt like a punishment and personally, I have had enough.
With proper editing and sequencing, this could have been the start to a new kick ass series. Instead, it's a lengthy, boring ass tale of what I still don't know, because after 638 pages, it is still an unfinished story with just one chapter of their life really being closed. I prefer my men bad not badly described. Dante is better without Daniela and I would have rather enjoy a reunion of the brothers.
It is SUPER hard to rate this novel because I actually liked the first half which is about the size of the usual stories in this genre. There was NOTHING special about this novel to warrant it needing this many pages.
With that being said, I liked Dante and Daniela well enough; until they started repeating everything they said a chapter over, then having crazy bloody psycho sex, only to do it all again; and to make matters worse, it wasn't even the good psycho sex; which is what you would expect from a man fresh out of the pen after serving 5 years out of a 20 years sentence. There was no passion and 3/4 of the time I had no clue why they were stabbing each other! I also believe the title of this novel should be changed to Lucifer because the name was probably used more than all the pronouns combined.
Now don't get me wrong, this novel has loads of potential because the story line, though not an original, had its original elements. Enough to have spun quite the tale! An obsessed childhood friend who knows how to mind fuck you ten ways to Sunday and a disturbed street rat/cage fighter who can literally black out and beat you to death without remembering a thing. As I said, potential. However, this story needed an editor to cut through all the repetition and forced poetic declarations to give us a real, raw and gritty dark underground novel.
It started out dark and promising but ended winded and uninspiring. By the end, I had zero passion or emotional pull. I just wanted it to be over and if I sludge through 500+ pages, I wasn't abandoning it then.
They might be forming a crime fighting ring. I don't know. I don't care enough to follow up. Reading this book felt like a punishment and personally, I have had enough.
With proper editing and sequencing, this could have been the start to a new kick ass series. Instead, it's a lengthy, boring ass tale of what I still don't know, because after 638 pages, it is still an unfinished story with just one chapter of their life really being closed. I prefer my men bad not badly described. Dante is better without Daniela and I would have rather enjoy a reunion of the brothers.
December 13, 2018
4,5. Gostei, apesar de acha-lo longo demais, valeu a leitura.
November 29, 2018
This is a complicated review, because the story is dark, full of triggers (rape, physical and psychological abuse, child abuse and pedophilia).
I love the evolution of the MCS!
Their relation is not normal nor a tradition love story! She calls him devil or Lucifer and in turn he call her whore (in their thoughts), but they found in each other flaws their one understanding.
Daniela or “Lynn” starts by being a abuse girl by a self imposed “boyfriend” that demands only perfection, punishing her in the most horrific ways! With all that happens she transforms her fear in the need of revenge and makes her stronger.
Dante, walks out of jail after 5 years, he’s a broken soul because of everything that happen in his childhood. He has a problem in anger management. He admires Danny because of her strength and everything she been through without snapping.
The story has a nice pace with action! warning: the sex scenes are a little gore!
One thing that I like is that she is Brazilian, because the girls in all Mafia stories are always Italian, Irish or Russian!
I love the evolution of the MCS!
Their relation is not normal nor a tradition love story! She calls him devil or Lucifer and in turn he call her whore (in their thoughts), but they found in each other flaws their one understanding.
Daniela or “Lynn” starts by being a abuse girl by a self imposed “boyfriend” that demands only perfection, punishing her in the most horrific ways! With all that happens she transforms her fear in the need of revenge and makes her stronger.
Dante, walks out of jail after 5 years, he’s a broken soul because of everything that happen in his childhood. He has a problem in anger management. He admires Danny because of her strength and everything she been through without snapping.
The story has a nice pace with action! warning: the sex scenes are a little gore!
One thing that I like is that she is Brazilian, because the girls in all Mafia stories are always Italian, Irish or Russian!
May 18, 2017
A very dark novel with lots of similar themes that might not be suited with everybody. Crescendo holds nothing back with how realistically violent the situations the main MCs are placed in. That was one thing I adored about this book: the author didn't try to alleviate the actions of the characters or "redeem" them by suddenly doing a 360 on their motives.
I'd have to admit the relationship between Danny and Dante did scare me, in a way that was unrelentingly intense that left you with mixed feelings about the true extent of their reasoning. It was psychological, and it made you think. The characters were neither just good or bad, but with questionable decisions that made you wonder if you should really be rooting for them in the end.
The writing, however, would be the best part about the novel. I rarely see authors capture the full essence of depth and dimension than what I've seen in Crescendo. Especially with Danny and her development, including the choices she made in the end. Lana Sky paints a true tragedy that makes you consider what human nature can eventually succumb to, when placed in such unthinkable situations.
I'd have to admit the relationship between Danny and Dante did scare me, in a way that was unrelentingly intense that left you with mixed feelings about the true extent of their reasoning. It was psychological, and it made you think. The characters were neither just good or bad, but with questionable decisions that made you wonder if you should really be rooting for them in the end.
The writing, however, would be the best part about the novel. I rarely see authors capture the full essence of depth and dimension than what I've seen in Crescendo. Especially with Danny and her development, including the choices she made in the end. Lana Sky paints a true tragedy that makes you consider what human nature can eventually succumb to, when placed in such unthinkable situations.
May 25, 2017
This book.
This freaking book was so good it is crazy. I have never read anything by this author but that changes today. Honestly this has to be one of the best mafia dark romances I have read yet.
So far this is the best book I have read this year, totally blew me away.
This author deserves more recognition because some shit I have read lately has been very underwhelming.
Great book!!!
This freaking book was so good it is crazy. I have never read anything by this author but that changes today. Honestly this has to be one of the best mafia dark romances I have read yet.
So far this is the best book I have read this year, totally blew me away.
This author deserves more recognition because some shit I have read lately has been very underwhelming.
Great book!!!
September 28, 2017
First time read from author Lana Sky. It was a great concept for a book. Kidnapping, Mobs, anti-hero, a tortured hero, a beaten down heroine who claws her way back up. Then there was a lot of killing, abuse, and sexual violence, triggers for some people, But I really could not put the book down. It really had me saying WTF and turning the page to see what the hell happened.
Dante (hero) gets out of prison, returns to his old mob buddy's in the hopes of reconnecting with his younger brother. He gets caught up in a kidnapping scheme when one of his mob friends sister is killed by the enemy. So they kidnap the bad guys woman. He stared to grate on my nerves after awhile with the near constant thinking bad about the heroine. When he came to his pov i was rolling my eyes half the time.
Danny/Lynn/Daniela (heroine) - is an abused woman. She is a virgin so its not sexual. Shes hit, beat, cut, and made to watch her Fiance rape women. For 5 years this was her life. Until she is kidnapped. She just wants to die, she doesn't care what these men do too her as long as its her end. I really liked her. I like how she gains her strength as the time goes on.
The sex was pretty hot and pretty intense. (Biting, clawing, cutting - of which they both loved btw)
This really was not the traditional romance that i usually read. This was a lust/hate/obsession kind of "romance". By the end I gather the Dante did love her and did not want to let her go but it is never said. His actions is what i picked up on, because you can not go by what Dante was thinking when it turned to his POV (i hate her, i am going to kill her, i have to wash myself of her, etc etc.) or you would assume he hates her the whole book. And personally that's one of the reasons i didn't give it more stars. I understand the first half of the book, I mean Daniela's fiance killed/raped/and video taped the killing of Dantes friends sister. A girl Dante knew, yes i know he was disgusted by Daniela in the beginning because he was upset about the sister and he was willing and ready to kill her - But by the middle of the book i believe Dante kinda already gathered that Daniela hated her fiance and she was abused and willing to help take down her fiance. Personally for me it started too become repetitive and annoying. Dante and Daniela had no communication about the way they felt about each other at all. Even at the end where it could of been said.
It did kinda end on a "unresolved". There is a second book so maybe there they will become an official couple and tell each other how they feel. Hopefully.
Dante (hero) gets out of prison, returns to his old mob buddy's in the hopes of reconnecting with his younger brother. He gets caught up in a kidnapping scheme when one of his mob friends sister is killed by the enemy. So they kidnap the bad guys woman. He stared to grate on my nerves after awhile with the near constant thinking bad about the heroine. When he came to his pov i was rolling my eyes half the time.
Danny/Lynn/Daniela (heroine) - is an abused woman. She is a virgin so its not sexual. Shes hit, beat, cut, and made to watch her Fiance rape women. For 5 years this was her life. Until she is kidnapped. She just wants to die, she doesn't care what these men do too her as long as its her end. I really liked her. I like how she gains her strength as the time goes on.
The sex was pretty hot and pretty intense. (Biting, clawing, cutting - of which they both loved btw)
This really was not the traditional romance that i usually read. This was a lust/hate/obsession kind of "romance". By the end I gather the Dante did love her and did not want to let her go but it is never said. His actions is what i picked up on, because you can not go by what Dante was thinking when it turned to his POV (i hate her, i am going to kill her, i have to wash myself of her, etc etc.) or you would assume he hates her the whole book. And personally that's one of the reasons i didn't give it more stars. I understand the first half of the book, I mean Daniela's fiance killed/raped/and video taped the killing of Dantes friends sister. A girl Dante knew, yes i know he was disgusted by Daniela in the beginning because he was upset about the sister and he was willing and ready to kill her - But by the middle of the book i believe Dante kinda already gathered that Daniela hated her fiance and she was abused and willing to help take down her fiance. Personally for me it started too become repetitive and annoying. Dante and Daniela had no communication about the way they felt about each other at all. Even at the end where it could of been said.
It did kinda end on a "unresolved". There is a second book so maybe there they will become an official couple and tell each other how they feel. Hopefully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
Have you ever known a person for most of your life,that you liked as a kid and hated as an adult? Under the thumb of Vinny,Danny is desperate to find a way out,any way out...He's grown into the kind of monster that slowly breaks her down. When she's kidnapped,she finds another monster,one of a very different kind. One that brings her back to life.....Dante doesn't know what to do with this girl,but he finds it harder and harder to let her go....This was a dark and gritty read that haunts your mind....and apparently there's a second part coming
August 15, 2017
Crescendo is one of those reads where I was unsure, for quite some time, what rating I was going to give the book. There were times where I was thinking four stars, times where I was thinking three stars, and quite a lot of time where I was somewhere in-between. In the end, it won me over enough for me to give a four star rating despite the moments where I was considering otherwise.
Crescendo will not be for everyone, I’ll say that in advance. It’s a mob read, something that not everyone will enjoy. I have ups and downs with this genre, but I’m always willing to try another read in the genre. It’s also a very dark read – there are a lot of dark topics touched throughout this story – which will also contribute to how people feel about this book. It will either be loved or hated; it’s just one of those books.
Whilst the book dealt with the dark issues really well, I found the speed at which the book progressed ebbed and flowed. There were times when I felt as though it wasn’t moving much at all, as though it was getting stuck rehashing the same kinds of details, but when it was moving forward it was moving well.
I think, for me, it was a case of the book being overly long for this kind of story. It was a great read, I cannot deny that, yet it felt overly long. It felt as though it could have been split into multiple individual shorter stories, each telling a different segment of the tale. I think it’s because I’ve grown so accustomed to shorter stories in this genre, making this one feel even longer than it actually was. I think, were it a case of this one being split into shorter stories, it wouldn’t have felt as though it was dragging on at certain points. That’s just me, though, and I know many will not feel that way.
As I said, however, it was a great read. It was thoroughly addictive, each element of the story dragging you in deeper. If you love dark tales, this one is wonderful. There are so many different elements dealt with in this book. Each time you think a new dark element cannot be added, something more is added. New twists are constantly introduced, keeping you on edge throughout.
Moreover, you’re left super interested to see what will come next in the series. More darkness is promised, more of the twisted characters. You’re so pulled into this one that the promise of what is to come will leave you crazy excited to pick up the next book. I feel as though it is going to take a very different path, and I’m super excited to see how everything plays out.
Overall, this had highs and lows but it won me over in the end.
Crescendo will not be for everyone, I’ll say that in advance. It’s a mob read, something that not everyone will enjoy. I have ups and downs with this genre, but I’m always willing to try another read in the genre. It’s also a very dark read – there are a lot of dark topics touched throughout this story – which will also contribute to how people feel about this book. It will either be loved or hated; it’s just one of those books.
Whilst the book dealt with the dark issues really well, I found the speed at which the book progressed ebbed and flowed. There were times when I felt as though it wasn’t moving much at all, as though it was getting stuck rehashing the same kinds of details, but when it was moving forward it was moving well.
I think, for me, it was a case of the book being overly long for this kind of story. It was a great read, I cannot deny that, yet it felt overly long. It felt as though it could have been split into multiple individual shorter stories, each telling a different segment of the tale. I think it’s because I’ve grown so accustomed to shorter stories in this genre, making this one feel even longer than it actually was. I think, were it a case of this one being split into shorter stories, it wouldn’t have felt as though it was dragging on at certain points. That’s just me, though, and I know many will not feel that way.
As I said, however, it was a great read. It was thoroughly addictive, each element of the story dragging you in deeper. If you love dark tales, this one is wonderful. There are so many different elements dealt with in this book. Each time you think a new dark element cannot be added, something more is added. New twists are constantly introduced, keeping you on edge throughout.
Moreover, you’re left super interested to see what will come next in the series. More darkness is promised, more of the twisted characters. You’re so pulled into this one that the promise of what is to come will leave you crazy excited to pick up the next book. I feel as though it is going to take a very different path, and I’m super excited to see how everything plays out.
Overall, this had highs and lows but it won me over in the end.
May 21, 2017
Oh, boy.
If I had to describe Crescendo in three words, they would be “dark”, “dark” and “dark”.
This novel is most definitely not for those readers who are faint of heart.
Brace yourselves, people! We are diving in deep into a dark, cold pond and I’m afraid we might’ve forgotten our diving gear.
Toxic relationships are not something I enjoy reading and yet, I find myself turning the pages of a novel full of violent and twisted characters, two of which are bound together with a most dangerous connection, a connection that’s unhealthy to say the least.
And yet, it somehow make sense.
Daniela and Dante… I’m not even sure how to describe how messed up they are on their own and together. They are like two warped pieces that fit with each other to form a macabre puzzle. It’s been a while since I’ve read a novel – or a short story, or a novella, for that matter – in which I both wanted and didn’t want to see the characters together at the end. It would be difficult to explain why that is without giving you spoilers, so I’m going to leave it at that.
As for the world they are in: it’s so refreshing – in a messed up kind of way – to see a mafia novel where the violence isn’t glossed over. Sure, mafia and crime novels in general have some extend of violence in them, but man, there isn’t a chapter in Crescendo that goes without it, giving us all the gory details, from the physical effects to the psychological ones.
This novel is one tense, tiring, thrilling journey, where no one’s safe and everything can and will go.
I'd recommend Crescendo to anyone who is not afraid to take a stroll in a darkened alley and to those who’d prefer to stay in the safety of their homes, getting their thrills while curled up with a book in their hands.
My rating: 4.5
If I had to describe Crescendo in three words, they would be “dark”, “dark” and “dark”.
This novel is most definitely not for those readers who are faint of heart.
Brace yourselves, people! We are diving in deep into a dark, cold pond and I’m afraid we might’ve forgotten our diving gear.
Toxic relationships are not something I enjoy reading and yet, I find myself turning the pages of a novel full of violent and twisted characters, two of which are bound together with a most dangerous connection, a connection that’s unhealthy to say the least.
And yet, it somehow make sense.
Daniela and Dante… I’m not even sure how to describe how messed up they are on their own and together. They are like two warped pieces that fit with each other to form a macabre puzzle. It’s been a while since I’ve read a novel – or a short story, or a novella, for that matter – in which I both wanted and didn’t want to see the characters together at the end. It would be difficult to explain why that is without giving you spoilers, so I’m going to leave it at that.
As for the world they are in: it’s so refreshing – in a messed up kind of way – to see a mafia novel where the violence isn’t glossed over. Sure, mafia and crime novels in general have some extend of violence in them, but man, there isn’t a chapter in Crescendo that goes without it, giving us all the gory details, from the physical effects to the psychological ones.
This novel is one tense, tiring, thrilling journey, where no one’s safe and everything can and will go.
I'd recommend Crescendo to anyone who is not afraid to take a stroll in a darkened alley and to those who’d prefer to stay in the safety of their homes, getting their thrills while curled up with a book in their hands.
My rating: 4.5
June 20, 2017
3.5 stars!
If you are looking for some non-romance hardcore fucking with an animalistic hero and strong shell of a heroine with some voilence in the name of revenge then you are in the right place!
You won't find i love yous here👻 You won't find getting to know each other heart full talks either.
what you will find is each and every character trying to use one another to take their revenge and ease their hunger.
what you will find is how wrong you are to consider this book romance one ever 👀
Okay whatever i promised you above will be there in this book but that does'nt mean i have to like it .
I do love a good dark book but dude! romance is a must 😅 i mean yeah this book had heart to heart scene, some hot screeching scenes but till the end hero and heroine claim to be indrefferent to each other. they till the last page had doubts and misconception about each other but then again i guess for all that lovey dovey stuff there will be a second book 👻🐒
But after considering all that i still can't forget that in the beginning like 30-40% i was still dragging myself to get to the real stuff :/ and then comes the end which really did'nt push me enough to read the second book as a must.
So overall this book is a experience you can have it or not but i won't make any promises of a 5 starer. It's all upon your taste 😋 it can either be a hit or miss :)
If you are looking for some non-romance hardcore fucking with an animalistic hero and strong shell of a heroine with some voilence in the name of revenge then you are in the right place!
You won't find i love yous here👻 You won't find getting to know each other heart full talks either.
what you will find is each and every character trying to use one another to take their revenge and ease their hunger.
what you will find is how wrong you are to consider this book romance one ever 👀
Okay whatever i promised you above will be there in this book but that does'nt mean i have to like it .
I do love a good dark book but dude! romance is a must 😅 i mean yeah this book had heart to heart scene, some hot screeching scenes but till the end hero and heroine claim to be indrefferent to each other. they till the last page had doubts and misconception about each other but then again i guess for all that lovey dovey stuff there will be a second book 👻🐒
But after considering all that i still can't forget that in the beginning like 30-40% i was still dragging myself to get to the real stuff :/ and then comes the end which really did'nt push me enough to read the second book as a must.
So overall this book is a experience you can have it or not but i won't make any promises of a 5 starer. It's all upon your taste 😋 it can either be a hit or miss :)
Want to read
January 3, 2019💝 FREE on iBooks today (12/7/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Daniela Manzano has spent the last five years learning how to please a powerful mob boss. But after a rival kidnaps her, she becomes a pawn in the dark games of two dangerous men.
___
You don't become the fiancé of one of the most powerful mafia bosses in the city without understanding exactly how gritty and depraved the world truly is... and how to thrive in the inferno.
After five years spent under his controlling thumb, Daniela knows her position with a man like Vincent Stacatto is precarious, but as long as she plays by the rules of his "game", she's safe...
Until she's taken captive by the devil.
Kidnapped by a rival crime lord, Daniela becomes a pawn between two powerful forces, and just another casualty in a bloody game of chess. But to get to the top, and stay at the top, you have to fight dirty and hold nothing back, because the most dangerous piece on the board isn't the King.
It's the queen.
Blurb:
Daniela Manzano has spent the last five years learning how to please a powerful mob boss. But after a rival kidnaps her, she becomes a pawn in the dark games of two dangerous men.
___
You don't become the fiancé of one of the most powerful mafia bosses in the city without understanding exactly how gritty and depraved the world truly is... and how to thrive in the inferno.
After five years spent under his controlling thumb, Daniela knows her position with a man like Vincent Stacatto is precarious, but as long as she plays by the rules of his "game", she's safe...
Until she's taken captive by the devil.
Kidnapped by a rival crime lord, Daniela becomes a pawn between two powerful forces, and just another casualty in a bloody game of chess. But to get to the top, and stay at the top, you have to fight dirty and hold nothing back, because the most dangerous piece on the board isn't the King.
It's the queen.
Want to read
February 22, 2021
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
You don't become the fiancé of one of the most powerful crime lords in the city without understanding exactly how gritty and depraved the world truly is... and how to thrive in the inferno.
After five years spent under his controlling thumb, Daniela knows her position with a man like Vincent Stacatto is precarious, but as long as she plays by the rules of his "game", she's safe...
Until she's taken by the devil.
Kidnapped by a rival boss, Daniela becomes a pawn between two powerful forces, and just another casualty in a bloody game of chess. But to get to the top, and stay at the top, you have to fight dirty and hold nothing back, because the most dangerous piece on the board isn't the King.
Merged review:
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
You don't become the fiancé of one of the most powerful crime lords in the city without understanding exactly how gritty and depraved the world truly is... and how to thrive in the inferno.
After five years spent under his controlling thumb, Daniela knows her position with a man like Vincent Stacatto is precarious, but as long as she plays by the rules of his "game", she's safe...
Until she's taken by the devil.
Kidnapped by a rival boss, Daniela becomes a pawn between two powerful forces, and just another casualty in a bloody game of chess. But to get to the top, and stay at the top, you have to fight dirty and hold nothing back, because the most dangerous piece on the board isn't the King.
June 2, 2019
Rating: 2.5
This is the reason why I try to give Indie/ Dark romances a chance. Usually I leave heavily disgusted, and slightly traumatized.
This time I was actually surprised.
Because once in an incredibly long while I’ll pass over a decent one.
The story starts off like many other “mob” story with the distressed heroine, aloof hero and the bad guys at their tail.
I think what truly separates this from other “Dark Romances” is the characterization.
The heroine is a bitter woman who does not fall into an easy insta-love with the hero. Physically and mentally she is a completely broken woman. It’s actually completely disheartening reading her thoughts. Yet, her resolve to survive is so strong.
The hero is a distant, unique character. A product of abuse yet still able to NOT BLAME HIS ACTIONS ON HIS PAST (wow what a concept). He’s not the cool “mob” boss that everyone loves. He’s the ruthless, savage “Kitty” who likes to stay at the sidelines.
I should put a trigger warning because there are some seriously disturbing scenes here. Some questionable actions on the hero’s part.
Some filler chapters. Some confusing story sequencing.
Some crazy bloody S&M sex scenes that I may or may not have skimmed and skipped.
There is also a slight lack of originality in terms of the plot and setting but hey, most mob stories recycle the same stuff, so it’s not a dealbreaker.
The characters are definitely worth reading this for, I believe.
It’s solid.
This is the reason why I try to give Indie/ Dark romances a chance. Usually I leave heavily disgusted, and slightly traumatized.
This time I was actually surprised.
Because once in an incredibly long while I’ll pass over a decent one.
The story starts off like many other “mob” story with the distressed heroine, aloof hero and the bad guys at their tail.
I think what truly separates this from other “Dark Romances” is the characterization.
The heroine is a bitter woman who does not fall into an easy insta-love with the hero. Physically and mentally she is a completely broken woman. It’s actually completely disheartening reading her thoughts. Yet, her resolve to survive is so strong.
The hero is a distant, unique character. A product of abuse yet still able to NOT BLAME HIS ACTIONS ON HIS PAST (wow what a concept). He’s not the cool “mob” boss that everyone loves. He’s the ruthless, savage “Kitty” who likes to stay at the sidelines.
I should put a trigger warning because there are some seriously disturbing scenes here. Some questionable actions on the hero’s part.
Some filler chapters. Some confusing story sequencing.
Some crazy bloody S&M sex scenes that I may or may not have skimmed and skipped.
There is also a slight lack of originality in terms of the plot and setting but hey, most mob stories recycle the same stuff, so it’s not a dealbreaker.
The characters are definitely worth reading this for, I believe.
It’s solid.
May 31, 2018
5 Dark Stars...I loved this book, Dante and Danny/Lynn/Daniela were very much the complex characters and they never changed, their background made them who they are with walls built so high around them its almost impossible to get close , but you do see the cracks...this will be a great love someday...maybe in book 2? I recommend this book for Mafia/Dark readers, the sex is rough, bloody and intense..the violence is bloody scary...I loved this book:))
UPDATE 2018
These two people are broken and stay broken..I re read because I thought there was a second one, but it's not out, but yea, could be an amazing love one day maybe when they rule the underworld:))
UPDATE 2018
These two people are broken and stay broken..I re read because I thought there was a second one, but it's not out, but yea, could be an amazing love one day maybe when they rule the underworld:))
Want to read
June 8, 2017
Want to read
July 23, 2017Read this book back when it was on Wattpad and it was SOOO GOOD. Mafia and dark romance lovers out there; READ THIS! Though I don't remember it being so long back then (638 pages) so that probably means the published version has some added scenes. Which I'M EXCITED ABOUT! I'll definitely reread this one at some point and read the other books in the series (which weren't yet written back then).
December 14, 2017
When I say that this shit was a DARK romance....Lord! I loved every sick minute of it!
December 20, 2019
4.5
I read this back when it was on Wattpad and I loved it. And then I saw that it was on Kindle Unlimited a while ago and decided to read it again.
This is definitely a twisted read. It is full of murder, torture, rape, sex, sex trafficking, drugs, violence, and other dark things.
Beautifully written to lull your heart into a dark place full of dancing shadows, this is a romance story that messes you up.
Full rtc
I read this back when it was on Wattpad and I loved it. And then I saw that it was on Kindle Unlimited a while ago and decided to read it again.
This is definitely a twisted read. It is full of murder, torture, rape, sex, sex trafficking, drugs, violence, and other dark things.
Beautifully written to lull your heart into a dark place full of dancing shadows, this is a romance story that messes you up.
Full rtc
March 25, 2021
We read this books as part of my Dark reads book club.
June 2, 2017
EH, MA! Turn the lights on, will ya? This some dark shit!
Holy black abyss.
I’ve read dark and erotic before, but this is on a whole NEW level. If you where disturbed by 50 Shades, then heed my warning when I say AVOID AVOID AVOID. I use 50 Shades a reference, but trust me this is NOTHING like 50 Shades. When I say dark, I mean this book eats light for a pre-lunch snack.
”Oh, hey look! There’s a wee bit of sunshine!” and then the book devours the sunshine faster than the light can travel.
All of the sweet mushy shit that could have been with this book has been replaced with death, abuse, rape and the word Bitch (Which I am assuming at this point is a term of endearment). I swear to you, no one has names, well except Lucifer – which isn’t even his real name – and Vinny. The females though? They all carry a nickname of Whore and Bitch. Pretty much goes like this:
”Yo, bitch get me a sandwhich.”
”Bend over, bitch.”
”Vinny’s whore, I need a shot of whiskey.”
Now, that doesn’t bother me. I mean, actually, it got ridiculous after a while. They could have avoided calling all the females bitches and whores, if they simply asked their names. But whateves.
Before reading this book I skimmed through the reviews, one reviewer said that she wasn’t happy because the MC never found her back bone. In a lot of ways, that is accurate, but in other ways, I think she did. She allowed things to happen to her repeatedly, however, when everything you ever loved was stripped from you and you were beat down to nothing but a shell of a person, what else can you do?
The main dude of the book, Sebastian, aka Lucifer, is a man of mystery, rage, hate and brutality. His sight turns the color of blood, he’s a cutter, an abuser, a sadistic asshat. He is a man who has never been loved and has never been in love. He will rip your heart out and smear it all over his face. But he is also a man who has fallen in love with the broken bird, a man who doesn’t know how to show it or react to it.
This book is Mafia on roids. People getting raped, fingers and ear lobes go missing, a slap here a throat punch there.
READ WITH CAUTION.
Holy black abyss.
I’ve read dark and erotic before, but this is on a whole NEW level. If you where disturbed by 50 Shades, then heed my warning when I say AVOID AVOID AVOID. I use 50 Shades a reference, but trust me this is NOTHING like 50 Shades. When I say dark, I mean this book eats light for a pre-lunch snack.
”Oh, hey look! There’s a wee bit of sunshine!” and then the book devours the sunshine faster than the light can travel.
All of the sweet mushy shit that could have been with this book has been replaced with death, abuse, rape and the word Bitch (Which I am assuming at this point is a term of endearment). I swear to you, no one has names, well except Lucifer – which isn’t even his real name – and Vinny. The females though? They all carry a nickname of Whore and Bitch. Pretty much goes like this:
”Yo, bitch get me a sandwhich.”
”Bend over, bitch.”
”Vinny’s whore, I need a shot of whiskey.”
Now, that doesn’t bother me. I mean, actually, it got ridiculous after a while. They could have avoided calling all the females bitches and whores, if they simply asked their names. But whateves.
Before reading this book I skimmed through the reviews, one reviewer said that she wasn’t happy because the MC never found her back bone. In a lot of ways, that is accurate, but in other ways, I think she did. She allowed things to happen to her repeatedly, however, when everything you ever loved was stripped from you and you were beat down to nothing but a shell of a person, what else can you do?
The main dude of the book, Sebastian, aka Lucifer, is a man of mystery, rage, hate and brutality. His sight turns the color of blood, he’s a cutter, an abuser, a sadistic asshat. He is a man who has never been loved and has never been in love. He will rip your heart out and smear it all over his face. But he is also a man who has fallen in love with the broken bird, a man who doesn’t know how to show it or react to it.
This book is Mafia on roids. People getting raped, fingers and ear lobes go missing, a slap here a throat punch there.
READ WITH CAUTION.
December 13, 2018
I’m at 66% and can’t wait to finish this torment... almost all the reviewers are like “this is dark, dark, dark!” But I just don’t get so many things!, like damn why would this guys (Dante and co) that apparently are way below the level of Vinny be the antagonists in that weird “war”? I know Arno’s sister it’s supposed to be it but it just seem so incoherent to me like they are supposed to be these Mafiosos or whatever but to me it was implied they were like minor criminals or whatever is that they are called in that hierarchy (English is not my first language).
Ugh maybe I’m just stupid.
Anyway I just don’t get the connection of the “darkness” of the MCs and this eternal war, all the bloody fucks and stuff were just redundant and unnecessary to me. Story too slow and repetitive. Had me rolling my eyes way early with all this forced dark trauma or whatever.
Just not for me and not because I was scandalized or whatever, it’s just a really tedious read. Have to take breaks because i just couldn’t stand the same thing over and over again.
Maybe I’ll update this ten years from now when I get to finish this.
Ugh maybe I’m just stupid.
Anyway I just don’t get the connection of the “darkness” of the MCs and this eternal war, all the bloody fucks and stuff were just redundant and unnecessary to me. Story too slow and repetitive. Had me rolling my eyes way early with all this forced dark trauma or whatever.
Just not for me and not because I was scandalized or whatever, it’s just a really tedious read. Have to take breaks because i just couldn’t stand the same thing over and over again.
Maybe I’ll update this ten years from now when I get to finish this.
July 6, 2021
I don’t love most mafia romance and this falls into a category that just doesn’t mesh me with me well. That is not to say I hated it, 2 stars isn’t a hate rating after all. I did enjoy parts of it but man, that was DARK and it was dark in a way that made me feel really hopeless about the characters’ futures, together or individually. There was no escaping the crime, the hate, the anger. I don’t think it was possible for those characters in their circumstances to escape the world they were either brought up in the outskirts of from a young age or forced to live in. But it made me feel a lot of pity and despair on their behalves. It wasn’t a good head space.
At the end of the day whenever I read mafia romance I always end up with the same thought: “you hurt them so they’ll take revenge and hurt you, sooner or later; and on and on it goes, the circle of violence never breaking”.
At the end of the day whenever I read mafia romance I always end up with the same thought: “you hurt them so they’ll take revenge and hurt you, sooner or later; and on and on it goes, the circle of violence never breaking”.
October 18, 2017
Well if you are looking for a twisted, messed up, crazy, violent with a little bit of love pushed in there somewhere then this is the book for you. I couldn't stop reading it even though at times I wanted to stop. I just couldn't get the since that the two main characters truly had any real feelings towards each other but some how the author made it happen. You finally understand the way they show their feelings. Now this book kinda ends in a cliffhanger by kinda I mean you could leave it how this one ends if you wanted to but it seems there will be another book. Happy reading!
June 28, 2017
I'm not really sure what I just read, but it was good...in a really bizarre kind of way.
All I can say is that Daniela and Dante have one very screwed up relationship...
All I can say is that Daniela and Dante have one very screwed up relationship...
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