Villain of Secrets

Verona Legacy #3

by L.A. Cotton

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestelling author L A Cotton's angsty college mafia romance series continues with Enzo Marchetti's story...

Nora Abato is the kind of girl people gravitate to.

Sassy. Selfless. Stubborn.

She knows what she wants and she’s determined to get it. And Nora wants her very own mafioso, the bad boy with a tortured soul who will do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Enzo Marchetti is the kind of guy people run from.

Rash. Reckless. Ruined.

As the Marchetti crime family's new enforcer, he’d rather spend his days getting his hands dirty than thinking about the future, or the girl with fire in her eyes and fight in her heart.

When a new enemy threatens the Marchetti empire, Enzo and Nora suddenly find themselves in close confines, and the undeniable connection between them is pushed to its limits. He can’t resist the girl who sees past the darkness in his soul and she can’t give up on the guy who has never been taught how to love.

There’s only one problem.

Enzo isn’t Nora’s fairytale prince, he’s the villain who will destroy her dream of a happily-ever-after.

He'll break her...

If she doesn't break him first.

*Due to mature content that some readers may find distressing, this book is recommended for readers 18+

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, College

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2021

About the author

Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.

L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:

Official Website
www.lacotton.com

Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton

Reviews

[soph 🦇 · Rating 1 out of 5]

1,5 ★

This is me thinking I was going to like this, just because the first chapters were angsty and interesting, knowing damn well this is a second chance romance and I have a complicated relationship with those, but anyway...

I want to divide this book into 3 parts:
The first part(50% of the book):
Nora and Enzo barely talked and interacted, they were both in different places, Nora was constantly crying because Enzo didn’t love her and Enzo was “suffering” for her while fucking every girl that approached him, but hey apparently that’s okay because “they were not her” as if that’s a good excuse, please @ authors stop using this shit, it’s not romantic, it’s literally disgusting.

(me @ Enzo every time he fucked someone thinking about another girl)
also in this part appears this other guy called Luca who’s obviously boring af and our main character starts developing some feelings for him (not as strong as her feelings for Enzo tho) they start to hang out and I think they fuck (not sure tho), but anyway, the first half of this was them with other people but “loving” each other.
the second part (BIG SPOILERS):
so our guy Enzo finds her with Luca gets mad, realizes his feelings blah blah we’ve read this before a hundred times not need to explain, girl gets kidnapped and raped and Enzo obviously thinks it’s better to leave her alone, he’s such a good guy.
Part 3:
honestly, I couldn’t take more shit from this book, but once again I was surprised, so our guy Enzo decided to leave his girlfriend after being raped and tortured because he wanted to save her, idk how he thinks that’s good but okay 🥴, then you’ll think he has a change of heart and decides to come back and beg for forgiveness right? WELL, he doesn’t, she goes to find him and he’s with another girl(he wasn’t going to fuck her tho or that’s what he said 🥴) and she tells him he’s worthy of love and more shit, like the baby you need to love yourself and leave that scum of the earth to die alone.
obviously, this ends up with a happy ending that’s definitely not happy for me, I mean this girl is probably getting cheated or dumped when things get hard because there’s not even a little bit of development or change in his character I’m just 🤢🤢🤢

now more things I didn’t like:
• Ari, her best friend, she’s not bad, but her only personality throughout the whole book is her boyfriend, I mean you both are horny 24/7 we get it.
• Ari's boyfriend I don’t remember his name but he’s also boring
• the plot was too predictable
• the rape was honestly for shock value, it shouldn’t happen and it shouldn’t be there just to be brushed aside in 2 chapters
• when she finds the other girl with Enzo she LITERALLY fights with her and calls her a whore I mean...
• everything :+1:🏽
things that I like:
• I like this author’s writing style so it was easy for me to read this
conclusion: BAD.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 😔🤔⭐️s

I met Enzo and Nora in the two previous parts and while I liked them a lot, in this part I had a hard time connecting with them.
I struggled to finish it, I got bored a few times that I was thinking of dnfing it.

Both of their actions not only frustrated me but also disappointed me and there was so much time they spent apart within their story.

They shared a connection and had chemistry, but they weren’t in a relationship. He was always with other women - and he was always thinking of Nora in these moments 🙄, and Nora knew it and kept having feelings and waiting for him but did not have any respect for herself!
Enzo undoubtedly had been through a lot, but it became repetitive of how much he hated himself and he was not the right guy for Nora.

There was a very bad and violent scene with Nora which was delivered inefficiently and I still don’t know the reason of its existence in the storyline!

All in all, the mafia scenes were good, yet I did not like it.

[Alexandraa XX · Rating 2 out of 5]

I NEVER BEEN SO DISAPPOINTED ON A BOOK EVER ESPECIALLY WHEN I SPENT MY VALUABLE HOURS of reading this shit from the beginning till the end.... I think i would even have to think again and again if i want to read this author’s books again😂😂😂 cause thats how much I don’t like this book ever sorry buts its true and i have my right reasons to be tho....

THIS BOOK IS FRUSTRATING... NOT TOO GOOD OF A BOOK AND THE STORY BETWEEN THESE CHARACTERS IS SO BAD AND LAME AS F*CK....

I know at the beginning that hero and heroine never been a actual relationship but the heroine wants to and even chase the hero. But the hero doesn’t want to and always ALWAYS CONSTANTLY THINK THAT HAVING A GIRL BESIDE HIM MADE HIM WEAK AND NOT HIS STYLE.
He said that the heroine is under his skin all the time but he is soooo toxic to think that when he always always do the bad stuff!!!!!!!


When i read AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK THAT THE HERO IS WITH SOMEONE ELSE AND EVEN ALREADY CAUGHT BY THE HEROINE THAT HE WAS WITH SOMEONE ELSE, it made me doubt the hero so bad. Jeeeezzz i hate this hero so bad, i want to punch him so bad and slowly smack him!!!!



Why????? WHY???????
1. THE HERO omg dont get me started with the damn hero! The hero is a pathetic human being i ever read in my novels time eveerrrr.... HE IS A LOSER, WEAK, STUPID, PATHETIC, SAD, AND Hypocrite person. He is so weak, he let his own demons fight his head and not allowing himself to be better. He just listen to the demons and ALWAYS CONSTANTLY LIKE ALL THE TIME PUSHING OTHER PEOPLE INCLUDING HIS OWN F*CKING FAMILY WHO HAVE BEEN WITH HIM THE ENTIRE TIME. Like all throughout the book, you can read him ALWAYS BLAMING HIMSELF HIS PARENTS HIS MISTAKES AND ALWAYS PUSHING AWAY.... So pathetic.

2. The heroine is so stupid. The heroine doesn’t respect herself and doesn’t love herself that much to always AND ALWAYS ACCEPTS THE HERO WHEN HE IS CONSTANTLY WITH OTHER WOMAN!!!!!!! Even in front of her own stupid eyes!!!!!

3. THE HERO EVEN WHEN HE ALREADY F*CKED THE HEROINE, HE STILL ALWAYS GOES FOR THE OTHER WOMAN!!! He went to strip clubs many times after that and always with other woman and doing it with them. LIKE WTF!!!!!!!

4. THE HERO ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS PUSHING THE HEROINE AWAY!!!!!!!

5. THERE ARE SO MANY TIMES.... MANY TIMES THE HERO ALWAYS BLAMING HIMSELF BUT NEVER DO THE RIGHT THING!!!! HE AWAYS SO STUPID AND WEAK AND IT EXHAUSTING TO SEE!!!!

6. THE MOST DISGUSTING PART IS WHEN THE HEROINE WAS IN TROUBLE AND even have herself into a very extremely bad situation, THE HERO DOUBT HIMSELF AGAIN AND RUN AWAY AGAIN AND PUSH HER AWAY AGAIN AND DRINKING AGAIN AND EVEN HAVE WOMAN PUT THEIR HANDS ON HIM!!!! HE LET THEM!!! HE EVEN SAID NOT TONIGHT TO THE OW WHEN SHE ASK FOR IT!!!

7. THE MOST F*CKED PART IS WHEN THE HERO KNOWS HIS WITH OW ALL THE TIME AND CONSTANTLY LIKE THEM WITH HIM BUT HE SAID HE ALWAYS THINKS ABOUT THE HEROINE. WTF???? WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM? HE EVEN HAVE THE NERVE TO BE MAD TO THE HEROINE WHEN THE HEROINE MENTION OM!!! WHEN HE KNOWS HE IS NOT LOYAL EITHER AND HE IS CONSTANTLY WITH OW ALL THE TIME!!!!! HE SO SICK I CANNOT RELATE!!!

8. THE HEROINE ALWAYS ASK WHERE HE IS WHEN HE NEVER ASK ABOUT HER.

9. NO EPILOGUE of them getting married or anything.

10. When the hero came back or when the hero come to talk to her again, HE ONLY SAID SORRY LIKE ONE TIME AND NEVER MORE. Never begging when he actually is the one who is sooooooo f*cked up and made a lot of mistakes!!!!

Overall this book is the worst book i ever read on this beginning of 2021. We can see other characters is being loyal and happy and in love when this two is a cluster f*ckery f*ck f*cking sh*t show. I HAVE OTHER BOOKS THAT THE HERO IS SO MENTALLY BROKEN AND HAVE WAY WORST THAN THIS HERO IN THIS BOOK BUT NEVER went to ow and never push the heroine too many times like this one. Try read V.F mason books everyone! ITS BETTER.



After all the crazy and broken things i read from this book, do i get a decent epilogue? NOPE. So very disappointed....





🌐🌐🌐➡️↘️⬇️➡️This is my own personal thoughts and opinion about the book so if thats not sit right with you or you feel I’m not being fair blablabla, please know that everybody in this world have their own different things that they like and don’t like. It may not be the same thing with you but thats okay because i am my own person and you cannot control me or tell me what to do. For example; i put ketchup (tomato sauce) on my fried chicken. You think that’s disgusting? For me its not and i’ve been eating it like that for many many years. You tell me to put another sauce and see if i like that better? I already did many many times in years but i still like the way i like it. It’s called differences between me and you and billions people in this world😊 be open minded😙 I respect people’s opinions about my opinions but in the end of the day if i say I don’t like it or i do like it, its up to me and its on me. And in the end of the day i always liked and show my respect to books and people’s opinions on books whenever that book is good or not good in my opinion 😊 Respect people’s opinions guys😙😙 I don’t want to write this down because its not really my thing to do it. To like address something like this when obviously i know the people who’s been reading my reviews many times and all the time, they are smart enough to understand and respect other people’s opinions no matter what their opinions on book or their point of view 😙😙 am i right? 💕 also there are people even though i already write “this book is different because i have my own taste of book” those people still comment my taste is this and that when HELLO… everybody have their own thoughts on books and what they want to read… why i read it then? I read it and give it a review because i have to read a book to give it a review… why not read the description book to understand before I’m going to read it? Hello just in case you haven’t notice, description books can be tricky because they write this amazing things about a book but turns out the story is so toxic. Maybe for me its toxic but not for you? YES HELLO THATS WHY US HUMAN BEING HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES, WHAT I LIKE IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL LIKE IT AND EITHER WAY TOO. why i still write the review then if i just don’t like a book? Because I CAN and i want to, you cannot tell me what to do and not what to do🤪 if you still wants to be negative and be karens about my review on book after all of what i just write, i will never acknowledge you and simply ignore you because its not that hard🙏 I won’t respond to negativity comments🙏🏼🙏🏼 DON’T ASK ME AGAIN ABOUT WHY NOT RESPONDING TO YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS BECAUSE I ALREADY SAY IT HERE AND I WON’T BE EXPLAINING AGAIN BECAUSE WE’RE NOT CHILDREN SO ITS NOT HARD FOR YOU AN ADULT TO UNDERSTAND😌😌 YES MY REVIEW IS LONG BUT YOU READ IT ANYWAY AND ITS FINE ACTUALLY I CAN WRITE AS LONG AS I LIKE😎 YES MY GRAMMAR IS BAD SOMETIMES AND MAYBE ALL THE TIME BUT LUCKILY MANY PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M SAYING🤪 ⬅️↖️↕️⬅️↩️⤴️

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love LA Cotton- her brand of angsty new adult drama is right up my alley, and I’ve loved this series because she’s been able to make the love even more epic and dabble in some darkness. Ari and Nicco’s story is a favorite of mine- and made me fall in love with this world and these characters, including the brooding and volatile Enzo and the feisty, endearing Nora.

I’ve been so thirsty to crack open both of these characters and see what makes them tick- and given the personal trauma that they both experienced as the result of their mafia ties in the conclusion of Ari and Nicco’s duet, I knew there would be more darkness, more emotional turbulence- these two do not have the new love innocence that their friends have. They have scars, deep baggage, and obstacles that are more emotional than circumstantial. I was prepared for a love story that was messy- and this love story is indeed that. Their love story is explosively angsty- these two are just so complicated. This is a compelling and interesting read, but one that I found a bit disappointing to me- though I’m sure many will love it. I hate to say that is not the love story I wanted for them, especially Nora.

The story started off as a solid read for me- a great re-immersion into the dangers of this mafia world and the conflicted, and painful, feelings they both have not only about each other but also about the aftermath of the prior stories. LA does a great job at ratcheting up all that gritty mafia danger, as well as builds some intense emotional tension and anticipation. Because while the danger and drama is ramping up our leads spend a lot of time apart. Not my favorite plot device, but one that does play up the longing. Ultimately, these two spend very little time alone together in the entire book- and most of the times they do are heavily laden with longing, confusion, and sadness- there is just a lot of heartbreak. While this is their story, the mafia action takes center stage early on, setting us up for the ever-dramatic conclusion we expect with this series. And, despite the solid start, it was this couple’s conclusion that I had a hard time swallowing- but even more so, Enzo himself. Though, explaining why will be hard to do without spoiling- I’ll be keeping this vague.

I do love Enzo, I feel for him and his dark and grumpy ways of coping with his identity, albeit misguided, I get why he’s the way he is, and there is some altruism to this hesitancy with Nora. His emotional intelligence isn’t as advanced as his capacity for revenge and violence, so he has some growing to do. His story is about him grappling with what Nicco too had to learn- that love is not a weakness. But his journey is more complex, because Enzo also has to believe he is worthy of Nora’s love...and that their connection is also worthy the danger loving each other puts Nora in. And, sadly for me, he doesn’t ever quite get to “worthy”... for me. He never leaves his anti-hero realm for me- his actions disappoint and frustrate me, even at the end (though I won’t spoil.) And he consistently appropriates Nora's pain, the ways she is wronged. I can forgive a lot with heroes, and I forgive him to an extent, but not fully- in part because he takes her pain and makes it about him. I needed him to grovel, him to make it right- but like always, the burden falls on Nora. But it doesn’t matter whether I forgive him or consider him worthy- it matters what Nora thinks.

And friends, Nora broke my heart- not only because of how sweet and pure her heart is- she loves a man unconditionally that is pretty difficult to love in places- but because of all she goes through to prove what we, and she, and probably even Enzo already knew- she won’t stop loving him. LA puts her through the ringer in this story- and she is so strong, so brave, so steadfast. If LA had created a heroine that I cared for less, perhaps I wouldn’t have been as frustrated with Enzo- but Nora deserves so much for not only what she goes through with Enzo in this story but just what she’s been through already in this family. Personally, I wanted her to get to grapple with that more, to work on her own pain- but she doesn’t get much chance, because Enzo’s supersedes hers, even when she’s hurt the most. She deserves to be fought for- not the to be the one doing the fighting. But that is what makes Nora’s heart so special- she loves hard.

Of course, this story is well written and SO entertaining. Action packed, suspenseful, and the mafia stuff is all twisting and shocking. I can respect the story LA is telling- and that is one thing I love about this series, it shows that love isn’t all sunshine and rainbows- it is hard and grueling, but worth the reward. And don’t worry- there is reward here- the path just wasn’t what I expected. Her characters have unconventional lives, and therefore they have conventional love stories- Niccos and Ari’s is dramatic, Enzo and Nora’s is dark. This is quality storytelling- and props to LA for telling the story she wants to tell. Even though this didn’t quite click for me- I think most fans will enjoy this story and you should definitely pick up and find out for you. And, I’m excited to continue on the series (OMG MATTEO)!

PS- This story does not have a trigger warning, but it should. There are several topics in this story that some may find triggering. Of course, we should expect that- it's a dark mafia, but nonetheless this went places I wasn’t expecting. Just know that this one was a darker reader, to me, than the prior two books.

[Izzie d]

This wasn't for me.
In the previous books the Hero and heroine had hooked up a few times. No promises but still.
Then.
'she found me in bed with some blonde, there’s no coming back from that.” I didn’t even remember what happened that night.'
Early on in this book is a scene of him with another woman.
Then later he and the heroine have sex after she practically throws herself at him.
He's had a tough time but she has zero self respect.

They go their separate ways and again he's wth other women.
'I had vague memories of the blonde being all over me. Loose lips and wandering hands. Despite the ringing in my ears and bass drum in my head, I felt pretty relaxed, so it wasn’t hard to imagine what had happened when we’d eventually got back to my room.'

He says later he didn't have sex with any of the women but did 'other stuff'.
The heroine has another man interested but can't get over the Hero, of course she doesn't have sex with him and he turns out to be the bad guy, sort of.

I was disappointed as I really liked book 1.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our relationship wasn't made for the sunlight. It was nutured in the dark, made strong only by the shadows and secrets that surrounded it. But come morning, they would turn to ash, and everything would go back to how it was before.

5 Gattina stars!

**Trigger warning: rape on-page (not by the Hero), violence and gore, strong language**

Ever since PRINCE OF HEARTS where Enzo and Nora find themselves in a compromising position in a darkened bathroom, I knew their story would be full of angst and dark deeds that would absolutely shred me--and I couldn't fucking wait to read it. But LA Cotton delivered a novel that far surpassed even my expectations and had my angst-loving heart filled to the brim with Nora's optimism and Enzo's hopelessness. These two were so destructive yet perfectly balanced together, and I could not devour their story fast enough.

I'd always known my father would die for the Family. I just hadn't anticipated he would die a traitor.

Enzo Marchetti's soul is black as night and is stained with the blood of his father. Growing up, all he wanted was his father's approval, so when he finds out that his father has betrayed the Dominion--has betrayed him--he finds himself struggling with his identity. He carries the weight of all his past sins on his nonexistent heart, and even though he can't seem to stay away from Nora, he knows there is nothing left of his heart, his soul, to give her.

My heart would forever carry the scars of Enzo, but it was slowly piecing itself back together. Because I was resilient. I was strong. And I would get through this.

Nora Abato is on the outside. She's connected to both the Dominion and the Capizola legacy through her best friend Arianne, but she's not important enough to either organization to know any of their secrets. She's good enough for Enzo to find physical release, but she's not enough for him to stay the night or acknowledge during the day. Even though she's tired of being used by him, she can't help but be there for him whenever he needs her. With every stolen moment in the dark, she loses another piece of her soul to Enzo Marchetti, and soon she will have nothing left to give.

Everyone deserved a chance, a shot at something good. Something pure. Even the darkest of souls.

Enzo and Nora's journey to love was anything but easy. It was dark, intense, and gritty, and I found myself wanting to strangle and avocuddle them both throughout the entire book. However no matter how many times they self-sabotaged their happiness, I could not stop cheering for them and hoping that Enzo would finally choose Nora. Seeing Nicco and Ari in wedded bliss and Matteo's eternal optimism definitely helped ease my emotions as they flipped between angsty despair and acute hopefulness. In the end, I loved every anxiety-inducing word of Enzo and Nora's journey, and I cannot wait for sweet Matteo's story next! ♡

My Enzo, the Marchetti with the darkest soul and softest heart...


*ARC provided by GMB promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[... Lost Bookland... · Rating 5 out of 5]

One exceptional and angsty read that will delight every dark romance reader....
Read my full review here

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s the bad guy. The villain. The bad apple. So why can’t Nora stay away? In darkness... some can see the light.

Villain of Secrets was a real page Turner. It’s recommended that you read the other books in the series. Enzo’s story isn’t for the faint hearted. He comes from a bad family and when the secrets start to come out he’s lost. Nora is the one person who can ground him but Can someone like our villain find love?

I’m really enjoying this series and this book was great. It has some good twists and turns. The chemistry is heated and the story had me hooked.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : yes

Hero : Enzo

Heroine : Nora

Pace of the story : moderate

Angst Rating : 8/10

Heat Rating : 6/10

Triggers Involved : rape (not by the H)

Plot Summary :
Enzo is a Dark character , as dark as the soul that resides within him. He never had an easy life growing up and always wanted his father's opinion. Until one twist messed up his whole life. Now he is not sure of anything or who he is. The only bright light is Nora. The woman he can't stay away from . He knows he can't give her what she deserves but there is no way he is letting her go.

Nora is tired of being used by Enzo. She gives him everything only to be ignored by him and then used again when he desires. It's a vicious cycle which is slowly breaking her heart.


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[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳ Rate:  4,5/ 5 stars

I knew Enzo was gonna be a tough shell to crack and boy was he. This tough guy was so unbelievably broken by what he recently found out and had to do. That one thing made him question everything and drove him to prove himself to the famiglia. Gotta be honest Enzo was such an a**, the way he acted, the things he did, the things he said to Nora ugh. Sometimes I wanted to shake him. He was pretty frustrating most of the time because he was undivided between what he wanted and what he thought he deserved. My heart hurt for him for sure but also for Nora for everything he put her through and everything that she went through in this book, it was a lot more than I had been expecting.

Nora felt so alone. Her heart had been broken while her best friend was gone living her best married life. She felt lonely and then everything with Enzo just kept hurting her over and over. These two really packed an angst filled punch! I both really enjoyed it and was extremely frustrated by it! But it was a suspenseful and very entertaining book at times and the push and pull, the angst, the jealousy... it was chefs kiss!!

And I can’t not mention Ari and Nicco and Matteo!! It was so great to see those two so happy. And gah, I love Matteo and he was such a sweetheart in this book. I’m simply dying for his book, I have been since his little novella but I am even more now after the ending of this book. Omg I need it nowww. I just love these characters. I even want Tristan and Nicco and Matteo’s sisters to get their own books now.

One thing I wish had been better addressed was the cheating that happened in the preview we got of these two at the end of King of Souls. It was briefly mentioned but not talked about at all, like it almost hadn’t happened or simply didn’t matter at all. And well, it did matter and it should have been discussed better.

Villain of Secrets is the third book in the Verona Legacy series and just like the previous duet, it’s an incredible mafia romance filled with angst, tension, suspense, betrayals, secrets and the most amazing characters. If you’ve not started this series yet, what are you waiting for?! Go go go!!

➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US

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[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4,5 "His Gattina!!!" stars***

AVAILABLE NOW!!!!



"Sometimes you had to go through darkness to get to the light."

I love L.A Cotton's books very much and I was anticipated Enzo & Nora's story since i've read the first book in the series... And can I tell you a secret??? I know that many of you will disagree with me, but this couple has become my favorite... Not that I didn't like Nicco and Ari's story, but I love my heroes troubled with a side of darkness and in here, Lianne delivered a complicated but mouth watering story with a very complicated man... And I freakin' loved it!!!

"This isn't a fairytale, Gattina."
"You think I don't know that? You think I don't know that you're not the hero of this story, but the villain?"

Enzo is in a bad place after the events that took place in the ending of "King of souls"... Not that he was pretty sane before!!! He is pretty rough not only around the edges and he is a very difficult and unique character...
He just needs to fight off his demons and to move forward with his life as the enforcer of the Famiglia.
He doesn't need distractions in the form of a very sexy, sassy and fiesty woman, with whom he almost came closer already once!!!

"Nora Abato was under my skin, no matter how much I tried to claw her out."

Nora was ready to live the college life in its fullest, but in the first semester everything changed around her...
Her best friend is no longer available as Ari fell in love with the prince and she is living her own fairytale... And Nora had fallen for the villain...
She is determined to fight for her broody and difficult mafioso, but he is not making it easy on her. Maybe, she might have to harden her heart and let him go, cause she deserves more than he is willing to give...

"Enzo Marchetti was a complicated guy -layered and complex- and I wanted to strip back each layer and uncover the real him. The guy he didn't let anyone else see."

Well, Nora and Enzo's story was complicated... There were feelings that were bounding them together, but especially Enzo was denying to accept them and willingly or not, he was breaking poor Nora's heart over and over again. But don't fool themselves!!!! Enzo had huge demons inside of him to fight off, but still Nora was the one who had taken root inside of him...
And when new enemies are staring to go against them, he has to decide what he is willing to lose or win for his life...
Will be Nora one of the things that he will hold close or the darkness will pull him under???

"Nora believed everyone could be saved, that everyone wanted to be saved. But I wasn't looking for redemption... Because my soul already belonged to hell."

"A part of me hated him, hated the way he'd just written us off before we ever really got started... but the other part, the other part still wanted him, mistakes and all."

I loved this story very much.... I loved how suspenful it was... For me, this book was better than the previous two in every aspect and this couple had electrifying chemistry, even though they gave us a full antsy ride...
I loved my dark prince, Enzo. Yep, he was a very complicated character, but he was worth the fight...
And Nora???? She was a delicious creature in every aspect... I loved her spirit and even though she was losing her faith on Enzo from time to time, she never gave up on him and I loved her for that!!!
These two were so perfect for each other, even though it took them so long to realize it!!!

"My foolish fickle heart still wanted to fix the guy with darkness in his soul and pain in his eyes."

"I didn't know how to love a girl like Nora. Not the way she deserved. I knew how to make her scream, to bring her body pleasure over and over again... but love? What the fuck did a guy like me know about a thing like that?"

Yes, I love this mafia world that Mrs. Cotton had created here and I can not wait for more...
I'm looking forward for Matteo's turn and I knew that this girl would be the one for him since the first moment that i saw her in this book!!!
And I personally want badly to read another one book which will be about Tristan and maybe... Alessia??? What do you think??? Won't it be deliciously intriguing??? I would love to see our three mafiosos to lose their minds over this match!! Won't you????

"Love makes you strong, Enzo. It gives you something worth fighting for."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the ending of Ari and Nicco’s duet, and the hints of Enzo and Nora we had throughout those books, I was so ready to read their story, but it fell short for me, which was disappointing.

Nora and Enzo had this incredible chemistry, but after the events that unfolded at the end of King of Souls, Enzo goes into a downward spiral, pushes Nora away and leaves Verona County. Nora tries to seek comfort with Ari but feels like she’s on the outside of the Marchetti family as Ari starts her married life with Nicco, so she finds friendship with her new neighbour Luca. As the threat level to the Marchetti family grows every day from an unknown enemy, Enzo returns, but will Nora let him back into her life?

Enzo was totally unexpected. I wanted him to be strong, confident, and alpha, but he wasn’t really any of those things. I could completely understand his life was turned upside down after his father’s betrayal and he didn’t know how to handle it, but when he realised his feelings for Nora, I wanted him to fight for her, and he didn’t. He seemed almost cowardly in places, which wasn’t how I pictured him at all, and in certain situations when I know Nicco would’ve gone in guns blazing, he just stood there. Nora was the saving grace really, I loved her strength to go on, and her love for Enzo unfortunately meant she stood for his bullsh*t over and over. But she did because she loved him, and even though she was told time and time again to move on, she didn’t because she had faith he would come back to her. But I tend to agree with Ari, she was too good for him.

Some scenes felt repetitive in places, from Nora’s POV it was her thinking how happy Ari and Nicco were and how she was being left behind, and would never be accepted as a member of their group, and from Enzo’s was how the betrayal had meant he could never be happy. I understand they both felt strongly about those situations, but after the fourth repetition it became quite boring and I found myself scan reading through those scenes. The actual plot itself did hook me, and I did want to know how it ended, but I did unfortunately predict most of it, but it didn't take away from the well built suspense over who the enemy was!

However, I loved seeing Ari and Nicco living their happy life, and also Matteo has me so intrigued because he’s the lovable but alpha mafia man I need in my life. Unfortunately, Enzo and Nora’s story wasn’t what I was expecting, but I will be reading Matteo’s because I need to see how the woman from the cliff-hanger fits into his life! This story wasn’t for me, but I am sure that others will enjoy it!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[mariasbookss_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤★★★
(𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.)
𝑅𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺:⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌, 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒔𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆.

I have been waiting for this book for ever now, and i can't tell you how happy i am that i have finally read it. I have a weak spot for twisted and damaged heroes, the second i read Price of Hearts i fell in love with Enzo Marchetti. He was portrayed as a cold and cruel man, a man who was as dark as night, a man who used women then cast them aside like they were nothing. That was more than enough for me to love him. The reason he is this was is because he grew up with a cold and vicious father, a father who did not show him an ounce of love and compassion, a father who taught him that women were weakness and the only thing they are good at is giving please. He was okay with the way he was until he met Nora Abato, now he wants more.

Nora Abato is a badass woman. The second she saw Enzo she knew he was it for her, but convincing him was not an easy task. She is the kind of person who gives and gives and gives until there was nothing left to give. She's been through the ringer in this book, but she stayed strong and brave until the end. She saw the real Enzo and she was adamant to fight for him, she was determined to love him back to life.

𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆. 𝑬𝒏𝒛𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒈𝒖𝒚— 𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙— 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒖𝒚 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆.

This story was not rainbows and sunshine, it was dark and twisted. Enzo was a complex character from the beginning, I'm not gonna lie but there were times i just wanted to knock some sense into him. He was so lost and confused, he could not let Nora fully in and admit he loved her because deep down he believed himself worthless of love. Nora was so pure, she fought hard for Enzo even when he kept pushing her away. This is a story that shows us that love is not weakness. True love makes you strong and gives you something to fight for.

𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕, 𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔.

I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read Matteo's book.

[PeaceOfGod]

🅾Where do I start about what went wrong here?



⏹The Zero is a man-whore .

#Can't believe he works for mob cause he is-
1️⃣Self-doubting.
2️⃣Plays blame game all the time.
3️⃣Thinks with his pee-pee.
4️⃣Constantly pushing away people who are for him , INCLUDING the h.
Fast decision making.
5️⃣What's lower than alpha , beta , gamma? He is that.🙂
6️⃣In his POV , he talks shit about the h a LOT. It was disgusting.
7️⃣The H does NOT help h whenever she needs it.

✅Alright he's broken or whatever, but I just ......... could NOT see even a SINGLE good quality in him.



🙄The h is strong-

1️⃣Excuse me whaaaaaaaaaaaat!? She is SO not.
2️⃣She is a pining girl. (Props for NOT being a virgin. Otherwise I wud have killed her myself.)
3️⃣Zero self-respect.
4️⃣Constantly let's H push her.
5️⃣Follows Hero with puppy eyes, while he dips his pee-pee in blondes.
6️⃣H says that Nora is sassy and goes after what she wants . Yeah looser , like chase stupid people like you? No thanks.


🤢Safety-

🅾 ON-PAGE RAPE OF h which is SO DANG detailed and brutal , that I had to exit the kindle and IMMEDIATELY delete the book. Like....... the man raping her is describing the tightness of her pu**y..........all while the H stands helplessly and watches.
😵He is with several OW before and after having sex with Nora.
😕Yes, there is ONE OW scene before anything happens b/w H and h. BUT the h has still been harboring feelings for him for a LONG ass time , and he KNOWS it.
😑He is a man-whore, and after being with the h , he is with SEVERAL OW, and does all kind of other stuff EXCEPT having sex with them. Yes, THEM.
❌h just kisses OM in the mid of the book.

[Sabrina Fornero · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stelle e 1/2

‘Una fitta d’ira le apparve negli occhi mentre sollevò il mento in segno di sfida. Nonostante la mano avvolta intorno alla gola, Nora non aveva paura. Forse era eccitata, ma mai spaventata. Se avessi avuto la capacità di amare qualcuno, sarebbe stata Nora.’

Enzo e Nora 💙si ritorna a Verona County e i Marchetti dominano la scena ma Enzo è in un momento buio della sua vita. Ha lasciato Nora, non la merita ma il destino e una minaccia li farà tornare insieme. La storia è avvincente ma l’autrice poteva impegnarsi di più nel tirar fuori le emozioni, Enzo è spesso freddo e Nora troppo comprensiva. Ci sono poi situazioni drammatiche che l’autrice non ha ben delineato.

💋a breve la mia recensione sul blog New Adult e dintorni💋

[Michela · Rating 4 out of 5]

You won't be able to put down this book until you finished it!

This book is about Nora and Enzo; lately, Enzo has had a rough time, since a recent discovery turned his world upside down... He pushed Nora and his family away and is leaving for a while. Will he finally come back to Nora and let her be there for him? However, life has other plans and Enzo being stubborn isn't her only problem!

Oh my my! There is no way how to describe this book. Once you start reading you won't be able to stop, so clear your schedule and enjoy! Another thing to keep in mind before reading this book is that it includes very violent content. But other than that happy reading!

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

[A Book Obsessed Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, THIS BOOK! it gets all the stars from me. I loved Nora and Enzo throughout Nicco and Ari's duet (Prince of Hearts and King of Souls) and the teaser into their story at the end of King of Souls fed my angsty soul, I have been craving this book ever since. Let me tell you I devoured this book from start to finish, legit could not put it down.

The Fallout from Enzo killing his father is the main drive of the story throughout the novel, it's what influences Enzo's behaviour and the events on the Mafia side of things too. The twists and turns I did not see coming, they came from the main plot that carries through the entire series and into the next book too. However what made this book special is the romance between Enzo and Nora. A villain so so broken and his guiding light to redemption.

The push and pull between them lit the pages on fire! Enzo so stoic and self destructive at times, Nora strong even when she was breaking. I really enjoyed her range of emotions over feeling like an outsider and being left behind when it came to the Mafia lifestyle, I was so drawn to this part of her character and it upped my empathy for what she was going through. My heart went on a rollercoaster of a journey throughout, wondering if they were ever going to work it out.

When the shocker twist came I have to give the Author serious props for taking the story where it went. It was dark and will be a trigger for some BUT it was exactly what Enzo and Nora's story is, it's darkness, it's blurred lines, it's nightmares come to life but they can get through it. The aftermath gutted me, and the emotionality was handled and written beautifully. I really can't put into words how much I loved this book, it is hands down one I will recommend for any lovers of dark angst ridden romance. The book ends with a lead into Matteo's story coming later in the year and I am looking forward reading that too.

[Dali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Villain of Secrets is book #3 of the Verona Legacy series by L.A. Cotton. It is a stand alone story told from both points of view and ends with a happy ending for the couple. Genres: New Adult Tropes: College Mafia Romance. Maturity content: sex | violence | rape

Because of her BFF status with Mrs. Arianne Marchetti, Nora Abato has already been through a scary ordeal once, but she’s not deterred by it. On the contrary she’s more determined than ever to be there for the Marchetti’s enforcer, Enzo Marchetti. Even when he’s decided that he’s not worthy of love much less good enough for the lovely Nora.

When an outside force threatens Enzo and his loved ones, it’s obvious he’ll have to protect Nora with his life. Even when it means been close to her and testing all his control. Who will win the battle of the wills?

While I’ve enjoyed the first two books in the Verona Legacy series with Ari and Nico’s story, I found it challenging to like Enzo and his treatment of Nora. And though I was pleased that they were able to overcome all the obstacles that they had to face, their time together in the story felt too short.

By the numbers quick review:
World building: 💌💌💌
Character development: 👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 3.4

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3cNTCc4

★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Give Me Books PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★

Stalk me on FaceBook ★ Instagram ★ More reviews

[Bookish Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the first two books in this series, but Villain of Secrets can be read as a stand alone and you will not feel lost. Although it’s been said reading the series in order heightens the experience.

In this book we are told the story of angsty, sexy Mr. Mafioso Enzo and his beautiful, sweet all forgiving Nora. We are taken all around the world with the emotions and what Nora goes through to get her HEA like others in the series have gotten. Enzo isn’t making it easy for her but you can’t help the one you love and so when you want it bad enough, you fight for it.

LA Cotton is great at what she does and that's writing NA angsty romance. VoS piqued my interest enough to want to return and start the series from book 1.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

"We all need darkness to shine. And you make me light up like no one else ever has."

This is a hard review to write. I hate leaving a negative review! But... I have to stay honest and true to what I think and feel. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I didn't.

Although I admit I did feel a little bored while reading, my main problem was struggling to connect with the characters. I loved Nora in the first two books, and while I wasn't sold on Enzo yet, I was hoping I would come to love him. Instead, I just felt really frustrated with both of them. Enzo made everything about him. He wanted Nora when he wanted her and then would cruelly push her away. Nora thought about him all the time and gave him whatever he wanted. Now I get that when you are in love that it can consume you and it doesn’t always make sense. However, I just couldn’t see what she saw in him and I got frustrated with her constantly pining for him, instead of worrying about herself. These two might have won me over in time (once their relationship became less rocky and toxic), but it just didn't happen in this book.

One thing I wasn't thrilled with in the first book, was the lack of trigger warning. Once again, a similar scene hit me out of nowhere. Although I like a warning, the problem I had wasn't with the scene itself. It was the fact that Nora's experience didn't carry the weight for her that I think it would for most people. She was more worried about her relationship with Enzo, than coming to terms with what had happened to her. I think when events like this take place in a book, the author has an opportunity to explore the aftermath and journey toward healing. I wished that was present in the first two and I wish that it was present in this book. Like I said, this event wouldn't keep me from reading a book, but I like when it's handled well and truthfully.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Book Maniac Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 "Gattina" Stars ⭐️
After meeting Enzo and Nora in Prince of Hearts and King of Souls, I couldn't wait for their own book! L.A. Cotton reached all my expectations with this fantastic novel. Villain of Secrets was suspenseful, with a lot of sexual tension and so much feels! Seriously, this couple owned me completely!

Enzo! That tortured hero! I loved him even more knowing all his inner thoughts and the reasons he is so closed off and cold at times. I wanted to squeeze him in a big hug from the sheer sadness oozing from him. I felt his hurt and conflict about the big event that happened with his father in the prior novel. The way he doesn't feel enough for Nora, pushing him to act like he doesn't care for her when it's the complete opposite! I can't pass over how phenomenal Nora was too! That girl is something so fierce! So sees under Enzo's hot and cold behavior and maybe that's the reason she's always going back to him despite his faults. She trusts in him and wants to help him heal. She's such a genuine and bold heroine, full of strength!

The shared scened between this electric pair were dripping with an amalgam of passion, heartache and devotion! I adored them so much! The plot of this novel was so gripping, beyond all the romance! I was hooked on everything happening in this mafia world. An omnipresent atmosphere of violence and threats planning over the gang of friends kept me invested all read long.

Villain of Secrets had me addicted by Nora and Enzo's tumultuous romantic journey! I couldn't have asked for a better denouement to their breathtakingly poignant love story! It was nice to witness the whole crew and I'm now ready for Matteo's book more than ever with that sudden ending!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **

[kitxia · Rating 5 out of 5]

*arc kindly provided for an honest review!

I don't know if I can put into words how much I love Enzo and Nora's story, it's just amazing.

Enzo was someone who intrigued me since the first book, he was always angry, he was chaos and I liked that about him, I liked it a lot, in this book we can explore more about his life, and the fucked up way his dad used to be with him, we can also see how this man is dealing with the things he did in the past book, related to his dad and Nora, we read about him making mistakes and fuck this up but we also read about how he is trying his best and I love it and in a way, I'm kind of proud of him.
And then we have our heroine Nora, I love her, I love her so much and I think she's one of the best female characters I've ever read, I like that she's so strong, independent and fierce, even though she's been through A LOT, she's always trying her best and I admire that so much.
L. A. Cotton never disappoints me, this book is really good and I enjoyed it so much. Her writing style is mesmerising, it's always the same with her books, once you start reading you can't stop.

This book made me cry and laugh and it broke me at some point but reading Enzo and Nora's love story has been one of the best rollercoasters of emotions I've ever been in.

[Weronika - Little Steamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

„I see you. I’ve always seen you.”


What a deliciously angsty ride! I was looking forward to read Enzo's story and L.A. Cotton outdid herself with this book! It's a real rollercoaster of emotions, keeping you at the edge of the seat with tension. More than once I wanted to throw my Kindle out of the window from the frustration I was feeling, and then to bawl like a baby from all the feels. Villain of Secrets hooked me from the start, making me unable to put it down even for a second. Nora and Enzo's story has it all- heartbreak, drama, passion and longing. It's a real page-turner!


Now, I'm gonna be completely transparent- I loathed Enzo for the majority of this story. I saw him as a complete douche, who didn’t care about other people's feelings. Sometimes he acted cruelly, disappointing me and making me want to smack him in the head. But then I saw him as a broken man who felt unworthy, and his vulnerability brought me to my knees. And although on the one hand I would like his groveling to be longer and more significant, on the other I am glad that L.A. remained true to his character.

Now, Nora... She's definitely special. Strong and sassy, but knowing her place. She’s understanding and caring, even in situations when someone else in her shoes would be offended and hurt. I loved her courage and her selflessness. And while she’s forgiving and understands the dynamics of the world she lives in, she is by no means a pushover.

The chemistry between these two is undeniable. But while the attraction isn’t an issue, aknowledging their true feelings definitely is. The push and pull is intense. The threats lurking in the background only added to the angst-factor in their romance. Enzo and Nora’s road to happy ending is turbulent and emotionally charged, but so worth it! They are explosive together!


I loved this installment in the Verona Legacy series. L.A. Cotton sure knows how to create a steamy romance with an emotional punch and lots of angst. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on Matteo’s book!

[Catreena · Rating 4 out of 5]

VILLAIN OF SECRETS
Verona Legacy #3
L.A.Cotton

Releases 10th Feb


Enzo & Nora                   Leap of faith
POV:Dual

#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance #mafia #veronalegacyseries #secrets #gripping #darkmafia #lies #darkmafiaromance

After the events, turmoil and deceit that was uncovered in Ari and Nicco's books. It's Nora and Enzo's turn.
Enzo (Lorenzo Marchetti) is the Marchetti Crime Family's Enforcer. Growing up without a Mother, only his Aunts as female influences, his father wasn't a good role model. Enzo's close to his cousins Nicco and Matteo. Loyal to the family, would do anything to protect them. He has pent up frustrations, do to his upbringing and recent events doesn't help. Has a violent, dark side. Tends to use his fists, drink and have one-nighters to release the tension. But is drawn to Nora Abato, his cousin's wife's best friend. She's all light, carefree, loyal. But nothing can become of them, as Enzo was told by his father that love and women make you weak. He's not it for her. She deserves a good man. Not him and his dark soul.

We know that Nora and Enzo have had their moments in previous books.
Nora believes in love. Everyone loves her. Wanting her own happily-ever-after. She wants what Ari and Nicco have. Even after current events she's worthy of someone, maybe that someone is Enzo? She can't help feeling this way about him. Knowing that he's incapable of the emotions that come with it. He's breaking her heart piece by piece. She really needs to move on from him.
She trys, with the new guy that's moved into her building.
Can she move on?

But when there's a threat to the Family they all have to come together. Can they survive being in close quarters? Everyone knows there's something between them. Can they admit that to each other? Will they give each other a chance?
Will there be anymore surprises coming their way?
Will tgey all come out the otherside unscathed?

Loved this, such a great, emotional, fast paced read.
Can't wait for Matteo's book.

*Arc received by in exchange for an honest review*

[Behind Closed Doors Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 3.5 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5

Unputdownable!

Villain of Secrets is the third book in the Verona Legacy series and can be read as a standalone mafia romance. Even though this is true, I recommend reading the series in order. I believe that it will give you a better foundation for understanding and appreciating the storyline. However, just know that this is only a suggestion.

Villain of Secrets tells Enzo and Nora's story, and I’ve been looking forward to reading it for a while now! Enzo is dealing with many demons, and he’s become a loose cannon. The only one that seems to be able to ground him is Nora, but he’s reluctant to bring her into his world. It’s a good thing that Nora is such a strong woman and absolutely perfect for him. Oh, and their chemistry is so blazing hot!

L.A. Cotton has become one of my favorite go-to authors, and I began this third book with high expectations. And let me tell you, and I was not disappointed! The storyline was so captivating, but it was the characters that really pulled me in. L.A. Cotton has a way of developing such engaging and complex characters that cause you to become completely engrossed.

I can easily say that Villain of Secrets is definitely one of my favorite books in 2021!

Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy

[The MasqueReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED Enzo & Nora!
My favorite of this series so far!

Enzo was this sexy devil and fiercely loyal to the core! Deep down he wanted something he felt he didn't deserve and just wasn't in the cards for him. Nora...I was so torn on her a few times because I love strong determined female characters and even though Nora seemed as though she didn't fit this at some points...ultimately if you look deeper she really did. It take more strength than most women possess to stand in front of the person you love and hold on tight; taking every emotional block they thrown your way while they struggle through their own personal demons! Sometimes walking away might seem like the stronger thing to do but if exactly what you want is right in front of you...why wouldn't you fight tooth and nail to hold onto it. Especially when you realize that you just might be the salvation that person needs to get through their own version of hell.
Villain definitely hit the mafia marks I needed it to: blood, sex, corruption and danger!
I loved the view we got into their world and the other characters! I can't wait for Matteo's book...and dare I say I hope Tristan gets his own book and that his heroine is someone we've already met!! *wink wink!

[Evie_Book_Revs *Evie Book Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists, Turns, and...Tantalizing!💞

Finally, Enzo & Nora!...After building tensions reach a dangerous point in the Marchetti family, Ari’s bestie and Nicco’s cousin have no other choice than to face one another. Can Nora warm the Villain’s frozen heart?💙

Enzo is the dangerous, brooding bad boy you won’t soon forget! The twists. The turns. The intense, dark, lustful push-and-pull between Enzo Marchetti and Nora Abato will take you on an fiery ride like no other! And Nora’s onslaught of sass, strength, and confidence will slay you! 🔥

Heart and soul is what emanates throughout the story of Enzo and Nora’s choice to fling or string to be together! 🔱

The Verona Legacy series continues to be a page-turner all while delivering great world-building characters, that is all-consuming. Villain of Secrets is, undoubtedly, one of the BEST Mafia-College romances of 2021!! ⚔️

**⚠️ Triggers: There are some elements to the story that can be distressing, including violent encounters.**

Memorable Quotes:
“We’re human, we all have imperfections and flaws.”

“Sometimes you had to go through the darkness to get to the light...”

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily, and look forward future novels by the author. 🖤

[Julie Workman|Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo has always intrigued me, the brooding angry faced man with dark soulless eyes, I always wondered why he was the way he was..We see bits of him in prince of hearts and king of souls but in the villian of secrets its all him, and I absolutely loved it!

If I could give it more stars I would 🌟

Nora always came across as strong in the face of anything, the girl who helped hold her best friend arianne together when she needed it the most, this time we get to see just how strong she can be. I absolutely love her, shes a strong willed, determined little firecracker.

This book brought every emotion out of me, from tears to rage and everything inbetween, I couldn't put it down, once I was immersed into his world it completely consumed me.

The more I read from L.A Cotton, the more I love her words.

I can not wait for more from these broody men.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was gonna love this book but I didn’t realize just how much. Enzo and his bad broody ways won me over. I knew that no matter what he would end up being the anti-villian just waiting for the right woman to melt his cold dark heart. Nora was that amazing woman and I was so happy. She deserved her HEA after all. But the things she has to deal with to get there? The things they both had to deal with? That broke me. These two have a minefield to go through.

I have been waiting for this book to come out and now I am sad that I have to wait for Matteo's book. I have some Dominion questions but hopefully they'll get answered eventually. And that Easter egg! I didn't catch it right away. But dang!! I already miss Enzo, Nora and the rest of the gang!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*