Tracie Podger currently lives in Kent, UK with her husband and a rather obnoxious cat called George. She’s a Padi Scuba Diving Instructor with a passion for writing. Tracie has been fortunate to have dived some of the wonderful oceans of the world where she can indulge in another hobby, underwater photography. She likes getting up close and personal with sharks.
I always thought it strange to hear laughter at a wake. I wanted people to mourn, to cry, to feel the rage inside that I did and to scream and shout. I wanted the sun to stop shining, for the birds to stop singing.
I shook my head. I had no need for a good woman, it was the bad ones I had recently discovered – they were the ones I liked at that point in my life.
At my heart, I am a simple farmer’s son who loved so desperately and lost.
My Review:
Rocco is a melancholy and almost ethereal read, while interspersed with those steamy bits that Tracie Podger does so very well. I became an instant fan of hers with Fallen Angel Part 1. The Rocco novella fills in some missing pieces of the story for me, although it also further intrigues me about Evelyn. I have somehow missed out on some of the other novellas, but I always enjoy reading Ms. Podger’s work. Her plot and character development are intense and engrossing, and her writing style is highly descriptive, and involving, and tends to stay with me long after I have finished the books. While reading Rocco, I was so entrenched I could almost smell the coffee and taste the wine, and I swear I heard the Godfather music in my head throughout the story. I have become so invested in his story that I hoping Ms. Podger reconnects Rocco and Evelyn down the road to ease his misery... just saying.
What a fantastic novella this is. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's my first read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
This is Roccos story. He's a badass guy although we do see a softer side to him. I absolutely loved him. I gotta read Evelyn's story next. I so loved these two characters.
As this is a novella I don't want to say much about the storyline. I will say the author did a great job of portraying these characters as real. The writing is flawless and I loved the storyline.
I'm so happy I read this story. I've seen teasers of the Fallen Angel Series that piqued my interest. Reading this will have me topping up my Amazon account and 1-clicking b Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author. Loved it.
Tracie scores again with another outstanding addition to her fantastic Fallen Angel Series. Rocco just took my breath away. The writing style is immaculate, as always. The story drew me in and transported me, through Rocco's emotional and turbulent childhood, wrecking me and breaking my heart with his sorrow and anger. From there, the story ties in with Evelyn's novella (I would recommend you read Evelyn before Rocco) in America. Rocco's journey left me gasping for breath, sobbing into my box of tissues and at the end, shouting WTF?!?! I loved this book so much, I adore Tracie's writing and I just want more...now!! I was lucky enough to be kindly gifted a copy of this book to beta read.
For anyone who has read this series, particularly Evelyn's story then you will be familiar with Rocco. He had a powerful impact on Evelyn, he was the love of her life, the only man that she truly loved. This novella explores more into Rocco's background and relationship with Evelyn. We learn how he ended up in America working for Evelyn's dad and how he had to hide his love for her for fear of what could happen to him and the implication to his family.
Having known Rocco's fate at the end of Evelyn's story I still found myself drawn into their relationship and story.
There is a major twist that had me jump out of my seat in surprise and shout OMG!!!!!
So where do we go from here? There is one final book to come in this series and I'm sure the author will tie all of the stories up. I for one can not bear to see the end of this amazing series. It will break my heart!
I was really excited about starting Rocco, after reading Evelyn, to find out what would happen in the story.
I was a little disappointed that it wasn't until to last 25% that you got a different story, as most of the first section was the same story as Evelyn but told from Rocco's POV. This is only my personal opinion as I don't tend to read books which are the same, except for a different POV. However because I love Rocco so much and love Tracie Podger's stories and writing style I kept reading :)
Seeing how Rocco deals with people in trouble made me fall in love with him even more. He is a tough guy with a soft heart *sigh*
I cannot wait to read the next instalment in the fallen angel series. This series is a definite must read!
“I didn’t tell you, but I do love you, Evelyn, and I will tell you that every day and more. I don’t know why I am writing this; I don’t think I'll ever give it to you. I’m just writing my thoughts, preparing for when I see you next. I want it all straight in my head when I ask your father for his blessing to marry you. I picture that day; you will be beautiful and you will be mine. I’ll be the proudest man, watching you walk on your father’s arm to be handed over to me.”
5 mouth dropping stars!! I read this book in less than an hour. I was absolutely sucked in from page one. The writing is so beautiful and descriptive, it made you really feel like you were there. I loved Rocco ,he was a total badass but he had a heart as well. This is the first I’ve ever read from this author and I’m a fan now!
Naples, Italy, the late 60’s – A young man witnesses the abduction of his father and brother.
Rome, Italy, present day – Now a very powerful old man and head of the largest crime organisation in the world, he tells his story.
This is a story of young love, of dreams and hopes for a future not possible.
This is a story of the darkest anger, the deepest love and crushing regret.
This is the story of Rocco
Contemporary Romance for readers over the age of 18
This novella is to accompany the bestselling Fallen Angel Series
Growing up in Naples, Italy; Rocco had a pretty plush life. At least he did until his father and brother were taken from his family by a mafia boss and murdered. Rocco vowed to get revenge for their deaths. Now the man of the house, he looks after his mom and sister and the farm that they owned. One fateful night, he found the man who murdered his brother and father and as he vowed, he got his revenge and killed him. Fearing for his safety his uncle and mom sent him to live in the United States. Upon his arrival he’s told that he’ll be living with Joe, his uncle’s friend and another well known mob boss. But under his roof, Rocco would be completely safe. While under Joe’s care, he starts working for Joe and completely jobs and tasks as a mafia man. He was fine with all this until Evelyn, Joe’s beautiful daughter starts to make herself present in Rocco’s life. He tries as hard as he can to keep his feeling for her at bay, but of course he can’t. Evelyn and Rocco slowly start to fall in love, but Rocco is unsure how Joe would feel about their relationship so they keep it secret. Everything is going well until a messy hit comes back and bites Rocco in the ass. What will happen for him an Evelyn?? Wow this story was so much fun to read. I love the mafia and mob stories, it’s totally up my alley and this book was no different. I’m a new fan and I know I’ll be reading more of her books in the future!
I was given this book in turn for an honest review!!!
Rocco promised himself he would one day avenge his father. Just how much will Rocco lose in order to protect the people he loves?
Tracie Podger has excelled once again. Rocco’s story is emotional and heart breaking. In this book we learn a lot about Rocco, the man he had become, his childhood, his family and his feelings for Evelyn. Tracie had me in tears with Rocco’s story; she knows how to deliver a story that keeps you guessing, along with a few shocking surprises. Reading from Rocco’s point of view gives a great insight into his and Evelyn’s relationship; he also gives a much better understanding into the man Guiseppi was before Robert met him. I truly love Rocco this man was been given a rough start into adulthood and you will soon discover just how much he sacrificed to protect those he loved. I have been left in shock and need. Shock because Tracie threw a spanner into the works that I never saw coming and need because I need to know what happens in part 4.
If you have read the Fallen Angel series including Evelyn’s story, you are going to absolutely love Rocco’s story. You will not be disappointed!
If you enjoy romances, with suspense, mystery, crime and erotica then you need to check out the Fallen Angel series by Tracie Podger.
**I recommend reading Evelyn before reading Rocco’s story**
Rocco is a novella follow on story within the fallen angel series. Tracie Podger does an amazing job portraying and retelling the story of Roccos childhood and the upheaval he experienced from such a young age.
Emotions run riot right from the beginning in this story, with having to leave everyone he loved and thrown into a live of the Mafia, Rocco had a huge price to pay for protection of his loved ones.
When he falls in love with Joe's daughter, Evelyn, he made the promise to himself that nothing would come to harm her. Will Rocco keep his promise? What would he do to protect the one he loves with all his heart?
I admit I haven't read the rest of the series, but after reading this novella I will be going to read the whole series!
The writing is amazing! I connected with characters straight away, from the very first page I was hooked!
What Rocco witnessed before he left was devastating and pulled at my heartstrings. The events that followed that with Evelyn had me smiling for a bit but then the end my heart broke! It literally hurt.
This is a story of Family loyalty and love, giving up your true love for the safety of your family. Well done Tracie. I look forward to reading more of your work.
In many ways this is a heartbreaking read, Rocco only a young boy trying to help and protect his family ends up in a life the complete opposite of legally running a farm. His life apart from a very brief patch was tormented and controlled by others, his family and his love lost. I felt sad for him and felt the life he led after this was set in stone with these events. This is Rocco's earlier life story, we have the rest of it in the Fallen Angel main series but this is well worth reading.
Don’t want to say to much don’t want to leave spoiler but I can’t wait to read #4 now If you have not read Fallen Angel don’t put it off it’s a great series
I've been wanting to read this novella for a while and now I have, OMG Tracie Podger can certainly spin a story of olden.
Rocco is a young man who's never done anything wrong before being introduced to the Mafia due to what happened to his father and brother. Now roll on 50 odd years and Rocco is ready to tell his story about the hardships and how he became the head of a crime family that has clout. Also tells the story of a love lost due to family feuds.
I loved Rocco and what he stood for. FAMILY isn't just blood but everyone who is willing to stand by you.
I am a huge Tracie Podger fan and I love the Fallen Angel series :) When I read Evelyn, I loved her heartbreaking story so I was really happy when I found out that Tracie will also write Rocco's story. Even though, I knew the ending, the book was still a page turner. I enjoyed every single second of reading it. It had heartbreak, danger and of course the tragic love story. Pretty much everything a great story needs. The characters were very well developed as always and the writing was simply superb.
Rocco encountered tragedy from an early age and had to become the man of the family much earlier than he was supposed to. And that's a big part of what made him the man Evelyn met and fell in love with. Rocco is strong and righteous. He was ready to give his life so he can get revenge on the man who destroyed his family. And that's what leads him to Evelyn. She is the one who changes the game for him. She manages to break the walls around his heart and becomes the most important person in his life.
Rocco and Evelyn's story is tragic and heartbreaking. It is pretty much a modern day Romeo and Juliet type of story, so be ready to cry your eyes out. I would recommend though, to first read the other books in the series or at least Evelyn as that would give you a much better understanding of the main characters.
In a few words, I really loved this short accompanying novella to the Fallen Angel series. The story was so intriguing and heartbreaking, that even though I knew how it will end I still couldn't put it down. I had tears in my eyes most of the time and I have to say that in my opinion Evelyn and Rocco's story is one of the most tragic stories I've ever read. So if you haven't read any of Tracie Podger's previous books, I think you should definitely reconsider and pick one up right now :) Me personally, I can't wait until the next installment in the series comes out. I really do miss Robert :)
This review was originally posted at Living In Our Own Story Book Blog. I received an ARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy by this wonderful author, THANK YOU Tracie!!
I was very interested to see this book out and about, since I've just finished "Evelyn" as well, and she's one of my favorite characters in the Fallen Angels series actually!! So after having read that book, I was interested in getting in Rocco's mind.
While the book didn't pull me in like the others did, I still loved seeing Rocco's POV on everything. How things with Evelyn progressed was especially exciting to see. When reading Evelyn, you aren't really sure how Rocco feels about her, so it's amazing to see that he was actually in the same position. Sadly, it was only a novella, so not long enough LOL PLUS: the ending....oh my, now the ending I LOVED! I won't spoil it, but it's great, because it gives Tracie sooooo many possibilities that I hope that she will take up in the Fallen Angels novels again *glares at Tracie threateningly*
As for the book itself, Tracie is GREAT at writing stuff that makes it easy to get into and keeps your interest. Before I knew it, I had started the book and finished it....and wanted more. Even if this book might just have been a good book for me, Tracie always makes me want to read more of her stories and get into the world of the Fallen Angels again!! Pretty please?? Release something new for me soon again? I know I've just gotten Rocco, but what about Robert and Brooke? Evelyn? Travis? I want them all again! More of them! Pretty please??
Oh well, while I try to convince Tracie of releasing books sooner, I'll be thinking about them!!
I was lucky enough to be given a review copy of this book by the Author in return for an honest review. This review is exactly that!
Rocco is a novella, part of the Fallen Angel series of books, and Rocco compliments the other novella, Evelyn.
I would definitely say read Evelyn first before reading Rocco, as it is about both of them, in Evelyn she tells her story, and in Rocco he is telling his. Both are connected but reading them in order is going to make your enjoyment much better.
Ok onto the book, I am a big fan of the Author, I read the first book in her Fallen Angel series, and promptly bought each and every other one of them available at that time. Evelyn came a little later as a novella and it is terrific, she is one of the "relevant" characters in each of the Fallen Angel books, she nurtured the main characters, protected and advised them, but mostly she loved them. It was only natural that she got to tell her amazing story. It was during her story we hear about Rocco, and their relationship, how they met, and what happened.
Well now Rocco is telling us his side of the story, but with twists, things from his perspective, his life before he met Evelyn, during his time with Evelyn, he has many interesting things to say, and I felt I could totally understand why Evelyn fell for him. He loved Evelyn, truly loved her, but of course Evelyn was such an awesome woman with a wealth of love to give, it was understandable why he fell for her too.
Once again the Author delivers with such finesse, her books are truly fabulous. I hope you take the time to read the other books in the Fallen Angel series because each and everyone are awesome.
Rocco ties in with Evelyn another novella in the fallen series I highly suggest you read Evelyn first.Evelyn is told from her pov and Rocco from his.When you read Evelyn you will become familiar with Rocco a force to be reckoned with!!!He became the only love of Evelyn this book charters his early years,how he ended up working for Evelyns father and of course the passion blowing consuming love he found with Evelyn.This is not just a re telling of Evelyn from Roccos point of view its got so much more to it and one heck of a twist ….did not see that coming at all!!! He is a strong man,protective of those he loves and cares for,passionate and sexy…but he has a bad side just don’t let yourself get on it!!Hes formidable,commanding has a silent strength and you can see why Evelyn falls head over heels for him,but there love isn’t without problems trying to resist Evelyn Roccos resolve is tested time and time again he watches as she grows into a beautiful young woman,he knows he shouldn’t go there but he cant resist her much longer.But what will her father say?Even though I know what happens having read Evelyn I still found their love story captivating and true,it pulls you in keeps you transfixed on every page till the very end!!! Im a huge fan of Tracies having read all her books to date she never disappoints I love her passion it shows in her words almost making you feel youre in Roccos world and I cant wait to see what she has in store for us next!!
My Review This book is an essential MUST READ for all fans of the 'Fallen Angel' series, it's no secret that i have been a fan of Tracie's work since she captivated my heart with the tale of Robert and Brooke's tempestuous relationship but she really has exceeded even my expectations with this latest instalment! For anyone that's familiar with Evelyn's story then you will already have heard of the enigmatic Rocco. He was the love of her life, the man that taught her how to breath, who taught her heart how to beat, he taught her how to love. What can i say about this Novella...it's exceptionally written of course, all of Tracie's book are! it captivates you, takes you back in time and lets you look into the soul of someone, who i sense, will have an important part to play in the final instalment of this thrilling series! I love the way Tracie takes everything that you assume to knowwww about a character...and twists it, she takes hold of your brain, and your heart, and twists and turns until you cant help but see everything entirely differently! She shows the reader precisely as much as she wants to...this lady is the queen of misdirection! she layers character traits and plot twists until you're left begging to know more and right now...this reviewer is willing to beg!! Tracie please! more! 5 stars and i wish i could give you more!
I was totally hooked from page 1 of this book, having read Evelyn I was very happy to find out we were going to get to read Rocco's side of the story. Evelyn loved Rocco since she first set eyes on him when he arrived in America from Italy to live with her family under the wings of her father. Rocco has had a horrible time and the death of his father changed the boy forever and moulded him into the man he became. This story is about vengence, loyalty, family life, love, it will draw you in and keep you gripped from the start. Evelyn was a warm loving person, nobody could fail to love her. Rocco was a strong man, with deep family loyalties who ended up part of the Mafia, something he swore back in Italy to avoid.
This will make your heart beat faster, your blood race, you gasp at times, it will make you feel you are there living the life of Rocco as the Author has such a way to pull you in that deep you feel you are there!
Having read this I would comment that it is wise to read Evelyn first so that you get to feel the true depth of their love.
I am in love with this series. As a reader who always wants to know MORE about the characters, Tracie Podger's character novellas are a brilliant addition to the Fallen Angels Series.
We first met Rocco during Evelyn's story. A troubled young man forced to leave his village in Italy to live in America with Joe and family. We learn of his whole hearted dedication to his family, fiercely protecting those closest to him during a time of crisis. But his choices in protection do not come lightly or easily to this complicated but lovable man.
While Rocco isn't a pivotal character to Robert & Brooke's story, he is the other half of Evelyn. Her story is essential to Robert's and ultimately Brooke's life. I fell in love with Rocco through Evelyn's eyes and my heart continued to break for this couple as we saw that same love radiating from Rocco.
Rocco, a love story and journey into the past that is not to be missed.
This was my first book by Tracie Podger and I was so lucky to get the opportunity of reviewing it :) And how I feel lucky because this book was heart stopping good.
From very early in this book I was wow'ed by how well it was written and I fell in love with Rocco at once because he is such a good hearted man though his life gets tainted by one revengeful act made as a young man and though that act captures him in a world of crime. It is amazing to read how he sees the world and how he loves Evelyn so much he is willing to give up on all his own dreams to make sure she stays safe.. With that said this book also broke my heart and the only thing keeping it from breaking completely is the promise of the story going further in a new installation of this series <3
I was honoured to receive an ARC of this new novella and I am so grateful I did!
This novella blew my mind!
Rocco’s story is one of tragedy and pain but also love.
He is a wonderful character. Forced into a different life by circumstance, he is loyal to his family and those he loves! But don’t get on the wrong side of him.
When Rocco meets Evelyn, the daughter of a family friend, he knows he will love her forever. But she is young and innocent…he feels she deserves better.
Tracie Podger is a master storyteller and this novella is one of my new favourites! She is a queen of the cliffhanger which had me thinking…what have I just read?!!!!
I give this novella FIVE STARS…only because I can’t give it more!
Tracie has done it again!! Another fantastic book, another great character. In this book we follow Rocco, we have hear a little bit about him from the Fallen Angel books from Evelyn. We see what live was like growing up in the late 60's Italy. It was great to be inside his head and learn more about him. He is a very interesting character. I was not expecting the ending at all, huge shock to the system. I can't wait for Fallen Angel Part 4. I love these characters and the world and lifestyle they are in. This is a short review because there isn't a lot I can say without ruining for people that haven't read the book.
I love Tracie's Fallen Angel series and the 'outtake' novellas are a great way to learn more about the characters and what they're thinking. Evelyn is a great character in the series and as great as it was to read about her falling in love with Rocco, reading his point of view made the end of her story all the more heart breaking for both of them.
When I finished Rocco, I was ready to shake Tracie and shout "NOOOO, you can't leave their story like that. I need more". I definitely feel like the end of their story hasn't been told.
Overall a great addition to the series - let the shaking commence.
I got to know Rocco in Evelyn's story but to see it from his point of view was amazing. We learn about his childhood and the events that brought him to live with Evelyn's family. We get to see the love story that unfolded between him and Evelyn. He was torn for his love for her and the safety of his family. They hide their love for each other from those they love, which was hard for them both. I knew how it ended from Evelyn's story but there was a slight twist in Rocco's which left me stunned and awe struck. I loved it. Rocco is a man of integrity and will do anything he needs to do to keep those he loves safe.
This story is full of emotion and detail. It is the of this authors work that i have read but i will be looking into reading more. It is great to read how a character became the man whose power becomes absolute. The story is really intense but that is a good thing you feel the passion and despair so much more. The settings are very detailed and add to the story. Going to go check out Evelyn and her story as well as the Fallen Angel series asap.
I've become a fan of this series. Rocco has been an enigma throughout the books I've read in this series so far. It's nice to know more of his story, in his own words. Sadly his life is not a happy one on many fronts but he does find true love. I love the interplay between Ms. Podger's characters and her sex scenes sizzle. The bonds of family, loyalty, and love play strongly in this series and I can't wait to keep reading more in the series