The Sicilian Bastard

Picone Crime Family #4

by Selena Michaels

She was lost and alone in the world. He was her white knight in tarnished armor. Together, they’ll create a powerful alliance.

Araceli Doe, a stripper in Las Vegas, has no memories of her past life. She's fine with the day-to-day monotony, until Luciano Picone walks into her club and her entire life is thrown into a tailspin.

As their passion grows, Araceli's memories start to come back, and what she sees isn't pretty. Luciano isn't the only monster she's fighting. Can she face her demons, or will she succumb?

Publisher's Note: This is a dark mafia romance containing graphic scenes that could be triggers and power exchange.

Genres: Dark

Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

Reviews

[Y.D. Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it.

This is what Selena Michaels was made for.

The taste we were given into this world started like a manual transmission in first gear. With each book, the car shifted higher into the next gear.

The Sicilian bastard is when Selena Micheals opened up the vehicle and took us on a car chase with no hint of braking until the very end, making us want to yell in celebration and close our eyes at the same time.

I found the world she built also blossomed in THIS book. It blossomed and opened up like a damn Hollywood movie you want to watch with your girlfriends with popcorn, booze and barely any clothes on as we watch this love dynamic go through its many up and downs.

The couple was everything. When you hear "the struggle is real", they were talking about this couple right here.
__________________________
"Babe, no one is killing you. I won't let them. I'm going to protect you."
"Like you protected me in Philly? Tell me something, Luciano, who's going to protect me from you?"
__________________________

This is what dark romance is made of. This couple right here. Maybe I'm biased because I like them unhinged?

And when he tore his heart open for her? Lawwwd my hand was at my chest people. I read a lot. I don't empathize a lot with stories. There are VERY FEW that hit me like that.

Was their love pretty? hell to the no. Was their coming together pretty? hell to the no and I liked it like that because there could be no other way between these two.

“These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume. The sweetest honey
Is loathsome in his own deliciousness
And in the taste confounds the appetite.
Therefore love moderately; long love doth so;
Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.”

-Shakespeare

...but unlike Romeo and Juliet, Luci and Araceli's love only exploded harder and higher.. ending in a love that only continues to grow instead of die.

5 fantastic stars for the ride Miss Selena Michaels took me on. For the implosion of my heart during Luci's confession and raw vulnerability. For gifting me another book husband (I have very few).

I rank this book dark verging dark dark on my darkness scale.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read about this author and even though it’s book four you do not have to read the previous stories to understand this one. The author has well-developed characters and an intriguing and suspenseful storyline. I know this was a dark back but it just felt like there was violence just for the sake of violence in some parts. Araceli is a Vegas stripper who gets shot and loses her memory. Luciano is gorgeous, dominant, damaged and violent. Luciano takes Araceli captive and holds her as a toy but everyone in his family is not amicable to him holding her captive because she is sassy and feisty. She is in danger but will Luciano be able to save her in time?

[Tabatha Reed · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book so I think my disappointment here might be disproportionately biased against it. I had seen this mentioned as a recommendation several times in one of my dark romance groups. It sounded promising so I was excited.

It started out pretty good but alas it didn’t hold up. This is pretty dark. Not the darkest thing I’ve ever read but it’s definitely not messing around. This isn’t for the faint of heart.

I found myself quickly and consistently frustrated at the angst in this book. Nearly all romances are angsty in some way, I like a good low angst read sometimes but they are never as satisfying as one with at least a bit of angst. However, not all angst is created equal. There is a certain type of angst that I loathe with all my being. I’ve long thought it one of reasons I favor dark romance. Up until I read this book, I had never encountered *this brand* of angst in a dark romance.

It’s the never ending back and forth, the push and pull that circles around and round aimlessly. One page he’s obsessed and never letting her go, he’ll kill and die to keep her and protect her. The next page she’s nothing to him, a whore for him to use until he gets bored or she breaks. Maybe he’ll kill her. Wouldn’t be the first time he’s killed a sex slave he kidnapped. Wait, no she’s his everything. The air he breathes, the heart in his chest, she’s his to keep and have forever. I’ll never hurt her again. Oh wait she pissed me off - I’ll break her jaw. Oh god, how I hurt this precious angel. Ad infinitum.

I was beyond frustrated with it by the end. You know what really sunk this for me beyond redemption? This big tough manchild threatened to kill his brother for wanting him to get rid of her and went off to sulk about it. Then big tough manchild chases her off like an obedient little boy.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t last. Gotta have that HEA, he runs back to get her and she lays down like a doormat for him for the millionth time in the book. She’s mouthy and willing to throw hands at anyone and everyone but she is an absolute doormat for Luciano. There is literally no line he can cross that she won’t pat him on the head and tell him it’s okay I came really hard.

Truly I love doormat heroines. I know I wouldn’t be so aggravated with her if he hadn’t given me freaking whiplash with his back and forth angsty crap through most of the book. Then killer collapsed like a house of cards and gave her up because his brother told him too. A real antihero would have flayed him alive for even suggesting it. After all that gross angsty crap in my beloved genre he lost my respect by not fighting for his woman when it mattered especially after she never wavered for him.

Ugh.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Sicilian Bastard” is the 4th book in the ‘Picone Crime Family’ series by Selena Michaels. It’s written in such a way that you can understand the connections between characters in the story even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series. If you have read those stories that came before this one, you’re find the lead characters in them make appearances as secondary characters in this book.

This story is an extremely dark romance. Luciano is a violent, sadistic man whose own family members are sometimes horrified by him. When he sees Araceli working as a stripper in a club, he finds her so appealing that he literally carries her away to indulge his desires. She only remembers the past year of her life, and although it hasn’t been easy, she’s been managing to survive. Her brutal encounter with Luciano puts her on a path where her memories start to resurface, and those memories are the stuff of nightmares. There is actually an interesting plot underpinning this story. It deals with the roles of the brothers in this mafia family, and Luciano’s own insecurities because he is a bastard half-brother.

Technically speaking, I thought this book was written well. My issue was that I thought the ‘dark’ aspects crossed the line into being too extreme. For example, Luciano is so cruelly sadistic he methodically and intentionally breaks her jaw … no wonder his own family members don’t know what to do about him. Araceli has memories that pile horror on top of horror. Her life was so bad that she is able to cope with Luciano and even defend him! I’m perfectly fine with dark and twisted in a book, but eventually it becomes too much. Child abuse, incest, pedophilia, rape … all in addition to extremely intense D/s … there came a point at which it just was excessive. Some of it seemed like it was there for shock value and not for the purpose of furthering the story. I have enjoyed other books by this author, and I think it’s good when a writer pushes you outside your comfort zone as a reader. Just be prepared that this story is a lot to handle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF for me.....way to dark and twisted with a "H" that is at the end of the sadistic scale

The Sicilian Bastard is the fourth book in the Picone Crime Family series and is the story of Araceli Doe and Luciano Picone. Araceli is working as a stripper in a club in Las Vegas. She has no memories other than the past year of her life after she woke up in a hospital bed. She had been shot in the head and left for dead but she is a survivor. The last year has been hard but she is doing the best she can, even when there is always a feeling of dread and something lurking out there. The one good thing in her life has been Ruby. She is a woman who has looked out for Araceli, getting her work and having her life with her. Luciano is the half-brother/bastard son to the Picone family. He is dark, has many demons, sadistic, abusive and more than a little twisted. When Luciano sees Araceli on the stage for the first time he knows he has to have her. He literally picks her up and carries her away, with her fighting him all the way. Luciano decides he wants to have Araceli as his pet/toy and goes about doing that. Along the way with Luciano's sadistic ways he hurts Araceli incredibly, and it is very methodical. She ends up starting to get her memories back and they are bad, twisted and sick.

Be warned as this is a dark, twisted and disturbing story. It ended up as a DNF for me as Luciano is just to twisted and Araceli is so sweet that he does not deserve to have her in his life in any way. I do enjoy dark but this story was just too much for me. BTW - I have read and enjoyed the previous books in this series so it is not the writing just the story-line and one particular character.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own and I know that other readers will love this book. It was just not for me which was disappointing.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Selena’s books and her broken but redeemable characters. Her books are high levels of steam, dark romance, mafia families, and suspense. Her stories are not an instant HEA but enjoy the journey it takes to get to an ending that fits the characters and the story.

Luciano is the bastard of the Picone family. The result of his mother’s affair and a truth he’s never been able to escape from. So he embraces it. Becomes the man who will do anything for the family that treats him as an outsider. When he sees Araceli for the first time, we see how much of a monster he can really be. He will make her his new toy, but will he find more with his “fiore”?

Araceli doesn’t know who she was before a year ago. She woke up after surviving a gunshot to the head and could only remember her first name. Now she works as a stripper with her best friend Ruby. One night the Picone family is in her club, and Luciano takes her to be his. This scene is pretty steamy and intense. These two match crazy levels pretty well! Will Araceli ever be able to forgive the way they started and be open to more with a “monster”?

This book follows this couple as they try move beyond his kidnapped toy to what resembles a relationship. His family and her past are working against them and it’s a long journey for these two. There are things that Luciano does that definitely earn him the title of “bastard” but you can’t help but fall in love with his character at the same time. He’s had a lifetime of rejection and what he really wants is for someone to choose him for once. I loved their story and you will too!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the book, Araceli is running for her life. She is shot and left for dead, receiving a non-fatal head wound. But when she wakes up all she can remember is her first name…
One year later she is working as a stripper in a Vegas club owned by the Picone family. When some of them visit for a party, their illegitimate brother takes one look at the beautiful young woman and steals her away, literally. When she wakes up she’s in a new city miles from home.
Luciano’s tastes are quite specific and not for the faint hearted. The stripper bewitched him and he knew he had to make her his new toy…something that didn’t end well last time round. He’s known as the monster of the family. Belittled, beaten and picked on by every member of his family, all because of his mother’s indiscretion, he has had a difficult life that has shaped him into the killer he is today. But there is something about Araceli that entrances him, something that changes both of their lives forever…But who exactly is she?
An entertaining dark read that keeps you on your toes. A feisty heroine that fights back, (but enjoys it), and a troubled alpha that deep down just wants to be wanted, to feel loved, to be cared for. Between the two of them they have so much in common that they compliment each other.
Not the most normal way of meeting and beginning a relationship but definitely unforgettable. Superb.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luciano is the bastard son of the Picone Family. He's the enforcer. Oh, and he's more than a little bit crazy. When he spots Araceli dancing in a Las Vegas club, he peels her off the pole and carries her off, kidnapping her. She has no memory of her life before waking up in the hospital a year ago after being shot. What she doesn't know will hurt her, and maybe the Picone family in Philadelphia in the process. When she starts to remember, it will take everything Luciano has to rescue her, but which one of them will be the one who gets saved?
Luciano and Araceli were made for each other. We've gotten glimpses of Luciano's crazy in the first three books in the series, but here he is on full display. Somehow he is endearing though. This is my favorite book in the series, and they're all pretty fabulous, so that is saying something. It is the fourth in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It is better read as part of the series, however. There is a trigger warning on this book, so be aware. It is as dark and delicious as a mafia romance can get!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary]

I thought Book 1, The Sicilian's Obsession was great but this series just keeps getting better even though need to go back and read Books 2 and 3. So, that being said, you CAN read this book if you haven't read any of the others and still understand and enjoy the story. Araceli wakes up with amnesia and while she remembers her first name, that is all she can remember so the hospital tags on the last name of Doe which sounds like a perfect stripper name which is the profession she ends up choosing to do. Luciano sees her in the club and decides she is the perfect girl for him and kidnaps her that first night. Little do either of them know that their "relationship" takes them deeper into the darkness as her past comes back to reek havoc on her and the Picone family. The idea of an HEA seemed very remote as the story progressed but the ending was fitting for this riveting story. Now, I need to get my hands on Books 2 and 3!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stats23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book VERY hard to read. The two lovers (?) have both had unbelievably abusive upbringings, one being the bastard son of a mafia Don and family outcast the other being the unwanted daughter of a Mexican Cartel chieftain. Araceli is recovering from a gunshot wound to her head, causing amnesia, working as a stripper in Vegas when she is kidnapped by a head-over-heels-in-lust Luciano. What follows is some of the most violent sexual shenanigans I have ever read. Certainly not sensual, and certainly not romantic in any way shape or form. I had to put the book down frequently, to gather my senses or just to take a sanity break. I forced myself to keep reading, expecting them to find their senses and/or inner goodness but it just never seemed to happen. He is a sadist and she is a masochist, and there is no deviation. If this is your thing, you will likely enjoy this book as there is a decent sub plot of inter-mafia family conflict. For me, it was just too violent. 3 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sicilian Bastard is the fourth book in Selena Michaels’ Picone Crime family series. In this installment readers get to know Luciano Picone, the illegitimate child of the Matriarch of the Picone Crime family, and Araceli. Luciano was raised differently from the other Picone siblings. He was always on the outskirts of the family like a second-class citizen. His was a harsh life resulting in the development of a ruthless and almost psychotic enforcer. Araceli suffers from amnesia. She has flashbacks of her past. She ends up working as an exotic dancer for the Picone club wherein destiny brings Luciano and she together. He steals her away. Their romance is intense and rough. However, her past soon reappears threatening to snatch her away from him. Will Luciano keep her safe? Can he vanquish the demons that plague her? You must read this book to discover what unfolds.

Ms. Michaels captivated my attention from the beginning of this story. I enjoy her diverse and appealing lead characters. Luciano and Araceli are two wounded souls who seek comfort and solace in each other’s arms. Additionally, I appreciate how she uses her supporting characters who have their own books to help carry this romantic suspense along. Her skill in crafting dialog, both conversational and internal, is outstanding. Her descriptive scenes are vivid and enthralling the reader’s attention. Well done, Ms. Michaels!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Araceli survives being shot but has lost her memory, she only feels a sense of danger and need to keep hidden, to the outside world she died that night. now a year on with the help of her friend Ruby she becomes a dancer at a strip club. one night the Picone family come in and thats where her world gets thrown for another loop. Luciano cant keep his eyes of her, and what he wants he gets by taking her to become his toy, but not everyone in his family is happy about it, shes a spitfire and full of surprises least alone her sassy nature to defend him! but he breaks her by letting her go, only shes in more danger out there than she ever was with Luciano. can he save her in time? this is well written full of twisted dark desires! suspense, hot scenes that take you to another level and more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Navss (read.yourbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Please check Trigger Warnings before reading.

It's dark, dirty, sexy and though it might sound weird but it's funny..not the laugh out loud funny but definitely the "*rolls your eyes in laughter* funny." (Using the word 'weirdos' in chapter 33 definitely cracked me up😂)

EXTREMELY DARK PASTS that will make you want to cry but the aura of the book will keep you straight faced with tears in your eyes that aren't falling.

Luciano's change in behaviour and the way he kept fucking up was great to watch. Many might think that our FMC, Araceli forgave him many times quite easily BUT hey, we can't judge because the she has suffered more than anyone and again it's fiction and everything was making sense.

[John Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was written well it was fantastic to read and "O" the characters were incredible. Araceli works as a stripper in Las Vegas, she does not remember who she is. Luciano is gorgeous, sexy, dominant, loyal, damaged, dangerous and violent. He hold Araceli captive, the more time they sp!end togetherthe more her memory is coming back. She is starting to realise how dangerous he is and understands, she is like him in many ways. The chemistry between them was intense, sizzling hotness, pleasures and more. This book was so worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charity Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sicilian Bastard by Selena Michaels was An Array of Broken Characters Set Among Trigger Heavy Dysfunction!

The story began with Araceli running for her life, and melded into her finding her perfect mate in Luciano (Luci) Picone, the Deviant H, and Enforcer for the Picone Family.

Both of the lead characters were equally strong, and yet emotionally, damaged.

Their relationship was definitely different, but it worked for them.

I would classify their relationship as a tangled mess of antics that had me laughing out loud on a number of occasions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the series, with every book better, and more dismal, than the one before. This one is violent and gritty, and by far, the best of the series. I spent half the book hating Luciano, just for being himself - dark and dangerous, cruel and controlling. Araceli is the best heroine. Having lost her memory, and her past along with it, she's strong, fighting Luciano every chance she gets. Until she doesn't. There's a very fine line between love and hate, and they use that line as a jump rope. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sicialian Bastard: Luciano is a pretty dark and messed up guy. He has always been on the outside looking in. Except with Araceli. Her past, once it comes out, is absolutely horrific. Their rough edges line up so they fit together. They hurt each other badly, but then both try to fix things. She makes him more of a man, less of a monster. I like how her presence in his life forces family issues to finally be dealt with. I hope there is more coming because I need some more on Rose and Nick.

[Anya Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sicilian Bastard by Selena Michaels throat punches you from the very beginning with Luciano & Araceli's Story. This is no light, classic romance story. It has graphic violence, dark, rough sex and horrific triggers. With that being said, it is also a story of how two broken souls find each other and love each other in their own brutal way. The Sicilian Bastard is a roller coaster of emotions & action that was amazing to read. 😊🌴🌺 I received an ARC from Booksprout for my honest review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really unusual book

This book was twisted and extremely twisted. If you have triggers, don't read this. But, if you are twisted yourself, you will really enjoy it. Even though there were a lot of cringe worthy scenes, I really enjoyed figuring out the horrible events that made the characters act the way they did. It was very interesting.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read.

This had me going from the start. Luciano is so totally irresistible and it's so easy to believe he's real. The story is fast paced and well written with Araceli in the end being perfect for Luciano

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dark and explosive, Araceli had no recollection of who she was but she managed with the help of Ruby the girl she lived with and worked with until the night Luciano picone kidnapped her. A real rollercoaster of emotions here, as the past tries to shape the future, fantastic read for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tia Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild

This was wild—and the sex extra hot. Being a dark romance, this read is not for the faint of heart. But if you like your heroes bad, and your heroines bad-assy, you’ll love this story. It’s a crazy ride.

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic instalment in the series. Great characters, well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eva Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with lots of mystery and action plus what could be some triggers for some. this is a standalone with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[W.A. Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every single star.... this book was DARK, it was HOT, and it was soooo TWISTED. There's a few scenes where she WENT THERE. My Reader side loves what she wrote and my Author side is very impressed.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

looooove

I was skeptical, I almost didn’t finish, but holy … I’m glad I did, those two are perfect for each other and this book is amazing! I love them and I love the writing and will totally give the other books by this author a chance!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Luciano & Araceli's book. It was an intriguing & exciting read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Marilyn Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book

This was an interesting but different story It was fascinating and different. Great plot and great characters. Really great author.

[A.B. Shepherd]

DNF: 13%

S&M ruined it for me.