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Revenge (Blood and Honor #1)

by Dana Delamar (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 119 ratings · 27 reviews

A woman on the run. A damaged Mafia don. A rival bent on revenge…

Kate Andretti is married to the Mob—but doesn’t know it. When her husband uproots them to Italy, Kate leaves everything she knows behind. Alone in a foreign land, she finds herself locked in a battle for her life against a husband and a family who will “silence” her if she will not do as they wish. When her...more

Paperback, 302 pages

Published January 1st 2012 by Dana Delamar

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Oct 28, 2012 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4, kindle, to-review

Revenge by Dana Delamar

4 Stars

After an argument with Vincent, her husband, turns violent, Kate realises she has no choice but to leave him. Unbeknownst to her Vincent is a part of the Mafia and walking away from him is not going to be that easy. She turns to her boss, Enrico, for help. What Kate also doesn’t know is that he is connected to the mob too, but on the opposite side of the fence to her husband. The war between the two families, that has been smouldering for years, flares up and she is...more

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Jan 31, 2012 Shh I'm reading! rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received an e-book copy to review from the author, and was excited because I love a good romantic suspense/thriller. An American far from home and running from the Mafia? A forbidden and dangerous love? Sign me up! Alas, my initial joy was not sustainable. NOTE: Spoilers ahead.

Technically, this is an extremely well-written book. No noticeable grammar issues, which has been an annoying trend I’ve notice in both paper and electronic books. The book also jumps right into action (first words: As...more I received an e-book copy to review from the author, and was excited because I love a good romantic suspense/thriller. An American far from home and running from the Mafia? A forbidden and dangerous love? Sign me up! Alas, my initial joy was not sustainable. NOTE: Spoilers ahead.

Technically, this is an extremely well-written book. No noticeable grammar issues, which has been an annoying trend I’ve notice in both paper and electronic books. The book also jumps right into action (first words: As his assassins set the trap…) and it doesn’t stop. I have mixed emotions about this. The tone was too serious; I like my romantic suspense with a hint of levity. I love brooding heroes as much as the next person, but I like my brooding with a side of lightheartedness from a secondary character. This may be hard to pull off when feuding families have managed to kill or terrorize each other for decades, but a girl can dream!

What really irritated me was Kate, the heroine (and as I type she’s bothering me more and more). Part of my irritation may lie in the fact that Kate is the only female character (except for the women mentioned but never physically present), so everything she does or that involves her is heightened. At first, Kate starts off as an independent, strong woman who won’t tolerate her husband’s abuse and lies about his Mafia ties. She’s leaving (huzzah!). She absolutely will not accept lies or the Mafia, not from her husband and she certainly won’t bring a baby into that situation. She promptly turns around that night and falls into bed with Enrico with absolutely no protection to speak of. AND AFTER HE ASKED. TWICE!! I’m sure you can guess what happens next. And she swears up and down that she will not tolerate lies or the Mafia, but forgives Enrico’s. She thinks she’s practical, but in my mind she got dangerously close to TSTL. She just didn’t make sense. Suffice it to say, I didn’t like her and as time went on I didn’t want her relationship with Enrico to work. And when the relationship starts out with the heroine being on the run from her husband, it’s important for the audience to want the relationship to work. There were other issues that really bothered my inner feminist, but I won’t rehash all of those issues here.

While I wouldn’t read this story again, I think the author shows promise. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how she develops as a writer and I’m curious about the remaining books in the series (especially Antonio’s).
(less)

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Apr 10, 2012 Lady Raven RAVE! rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica-suspense, suspense-romance, series-romance, mob-mafia-romance, davia-reviews-for-rnj

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com

4.5 stars

BRIEF SUMMARY
Kate is married to Vince Andretti who unknown to Kate is part of the mob. When Vince moves them to Italy, Kate's world as she knows it comes to a screeching halt. Vince becomes this monster under the direction of his cold hearted uncle Carlo and soon Kate is fighting for her life. To try and save herself, Kate accepts help from the enemy, Enrico Lucchesi and the Andretti/Lucchesi war is on. Enrico never wanted to be in the mafia but has had...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 08, 2012 Staci AKA Patches rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: loved

This was a New Author to me. I am soooooo glad I gave MS. Delamar a chance.

She is AN AWESOME AUTHOR!! Can I give more then 5 Stars? Can I say how much I enjoyed this book. Can I tell everyone , even if not your normal genre, PLEASE GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.

This Book is about the Italian Mafia. Most books glaze over what they think Mafia is about, this book was so right on, and making the characters true to life. I Loved them and Hated them at same time. I was torn wanting Happy...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Stephanie by: Dana Delamar

Shelves: hot-hot-hot, have

**DISCLAIMER** Dana sent me a free copy to review; I'm so glad she did. :-)

I gave this 5 stars, since I could not give it 4 1/2; it's a book I know I'll read again.

I'm not usually the kind of person who will seek out a book that talks about the Mafia - I'm not a fan of 'stuff in boxes', etc, however, in this case, I'm very glad I took the chance and read it. The amount of research that Dana did was impressive. The way she captured the language, the way that the Mafiso works in that area, the 'c...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, crime, mystery

4.5 Stars!!! - I will explain at the every end why I didn't give it 5.

Wow. First let me tell you that I was very impressed with Dana's writing. As a self-published author this book was EXTREMELY well-written. She must have had one hell of an Editor. Also this particular book had to have required mountains of research. She went to great depths to explain a completely "fictional" story of the Italian Mafia and it was exquisite.

I really appreciated the introduction of the main characters in the b...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Julie(Reading By The Beach) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arr

If you are intrigued with Mafia aspects and the inner workings or gritty, dark stories than this is a book for you! Revenge is a fictional take on Mafia life in Italy that will have you questioning the line between reality and fiction, that is how well written this book is!

Well-developed characters help carry the story, they are perfected in their own way from sweet, endearing Antonio, rugged Ruggero, untrusting, jaded Kate, emotional Enrico and the purely evil Carlo. The relationships that are...more If you are intrigued with Mafia aspects and the inner workings or gritty, dark stories than this is a book for you! Revenge is a fictional take on Mafia life in Italy that will have you questioning the line between reality and fiction, that is how well written this book is!

Well-developed characters help carry the story, they are perfected in their own way from sweet, endearing Antonio, rugged Ruggero, untrusting, jaded Kate, emotional Enrico and the purely evil Carlo. The relationships that are created and shattered all hold a significant part for the story and I'm guessing, for the future stories of Blood and Honor. Kate and Enrico were both agreeable characters that each have their own personal struggles that send them(and the reader) on a roller coaster. You ultimately are able to sympathize with each of them, making you eager for a happy ending.

The imagery is well laid out, to the point where the reader will feel immersed in the bellisimo Italia and the culture surrounding the Mafia. There is corruption, violence, blood and gore, death, hard decisions and the expected romance. In other words, this story has grit that will either have the readers cringing or increasing their reading speed. I was drawn into the story from the absolute beginning, unable to put the book down. The dialogue was simple perfection, where you could hear the Italian accents dripping from each character(save Kate). Dana Delamar expertly weaves in Italian words that flow flawlessly, giving the story an authentic Italian feel. Bestowed with many point-of-views throughout the story we are able to fully soak up the Mafia aspect as we get an inside look at both sides of the bigger 'family'. Yet, the story still carries a hint of mystery. Dana Delamar has obviously done a tone of research regarding the Italian Mafia, successfully turning it into a fictional story that will grab your attention, rendering you useless until you are satisfied at the end.

Blood and Honor will be a four book series, each taking a closer look at different characters involved in the Lucchesi Family. I found Revenge to be the perfect introductory story to the ones that will follow, allowing us to become attached to the future main characters and understanding their roles.(less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Liz Cabrejos rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW! Dana Delamar, what a wonderful
Journey you took me on. This is one of those books you can't put down, you want it to never end, yet you need to know what happens next. I love when you're able to get the perspectives of both main characters, and the author did an amazing job at making sure you knew & "felt" both sides of this story. Don Lucchesi, Enrico, absolutely loved his character. This man is full of honor, strength, kindness, love. He is torn by the oath he took to be the Capo of th...more

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Jul 18, 2012 A.R. Von rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first in a series of four by Dana Delamar and sounds to me like it's going to be a very strong entertaining series! This is my first time reading (instead of watching) anything pertaining to mafia. I honestly did not know what to expect and am very glad I did not put the book aside. This is one sensual, very well written (I felt as if I was in the book myself many times), action packed read. So many secrets unfold, unexpected twists and turns that have you holding your breath for the...more This is the first in a series of four by Dana Delamar and sounds to me like it's going to be a very strong entertaining series! This is my first time reading (instead of watching) anything pertaining to mafia. I honestly did not know what to expect and am very glad I did not put the book aside. This is one sensual, very well written (I felt as if I was in the book myself many times), action packed read. So many secrets unfold, unexpected twists and turns that have you holding your breath for the outcome and will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for what comes next (I know that's what I as doing).

Kate is an American woman whom is married to the mob (but is oblivious to the fact). That's until one day her husband (Vincent) shows his true colors and physically harms her. Lost, confused and in pain she tries to think of ways to get out of the marriage and FAR away from him. She's a very strong woman and has a very sharp mind. But thinking of a way to survive this ordeal has proven difficult. That is until she caves and talks about it to Enrico Lucchesi. Someone she thinks of as a friend, fellow worker in the orphanage and nothing else.

Enrico is a kind, caring, family loving (and handsome) man. He has his hands in many things. He helps the community in ways beyond the imagination. And he does it all with his whole heart. One day while visiting the orphanage he's a part of. He's approached by Kate who is a worker in the orphanage and he has desired for some time. He finds out what has happened to her with much coaxing and offers his complete protection. She reluctantly agrees (after another run in with Vincent) and all goes haywire from there.

I loved everything about this book. Except for all of the doubt Kate had in Enrico love for her. I understand she VERY recently got out of a dangerous marriage. But when a man puts himself in front of a bullet for you and proves (not with just words) how much he loves you. You don't still question if he'd give his life for you. Otherwise I loved her character and the strength she held onto. If half stars were allowed I would have given it 4 & 1/2. It's a very entertaining read!

Ciao :) (less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Jodi Ashland rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sensual intimacy… blood revenge… suspenseful. In Revenge, Dana Delmar fully immersed me in the mafia world and Italian culture. She had me hooked in the first few pages when Kate, an American from New Jersey, realizes her husband’s in the Italian Mafia and then tries to kill her. The suspense keeps mounting as she turns to Enrico for help, invoking a blood feud with the Andretti family. Kate and Enrico’s love affair is sizzling hot and sensual, the blood revenge is brutal. I had to keep turning...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Janna Shay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Revenge is a fast-paced, gritty fictional depiction of Mafia life which will grab your attention from beginning to end. This story of corruption and power mixed with romance and steamy sex scenes will have you turning the pages to see what will happen next.

Dana Delamar delivers a well-written, action-packed novel filled with plenty of twists and turns. She delves into the dark world of Mafia life where deception, treachery, revenge, and violence are the norm rather than the exception. Enrico and...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Kayla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Here is to a WHOOPING 5 Stars. If I had to describe this book in about 4 words it would be action-packed, sexy, romantic, and adrenaline rushing. I had someone point out that this reminded them of a movie and after reading this I can now say this would make a kick butt movie! There were times when I was fanning myself, sitting on the edge of my seat, and so mad I had to put it down. The steamy scenes were oh so delicious!

This book is all about Enrico Luccshesi, doesn't that name just sound sexy...more Here is to a WHOOPING 5 Stars. If I had to describe this book in about 4 words it would be action-packed, sexy, romantic, and adrenaline rushing. I had someone point out that this reminded them of a movie and after reading this I can now say this would make a kick butt movie! There were times when I was fanning myself, sitting on the edge of my seat, and so mad I had to put it down. The steamy scenes were oh so delicious!

This book is all about Enrico Luccshesi, doesn't that name just sound sexy? He is the head of the Lucchesi Mob, and there are many different mob groups. Well, there is a bloody war going on between the Andretti's and the Lucchesi's that stemmed from when Enrico was way younger. I will not tell you the problems that there were because you definitely want to discover them for yourself. Then you throw Kate into the mix, she is a kick butt, independent, strong woman... and she doesn't take crap from no one. Not even Carlo Andretti's (head of the Andretti Mob) nephew Vince. When Vince hits Kate, she knew she had to get away and that's when Enrico and Kate wind up crossing paths!

Now for my feelings on this book. I was a little confused with the vocabulary, about who was who, and who was related to whom? But, let me tell you if you read the vocabulary list in the front of the book it will all start to make sense and then you will be in for the ride of your life. Thank you so so much Dana for asking me to review this! This exceeded my expectations, Revenge was absolutely fabulous. I have never read a book like this before so I didn't know if I would like it BUT I DID, I SO DID! And knowing this is only the 1st book??? WHAT NOW? The ending really killed me, what a cliffhanger. I would have never expected that and now will have to be tortured waiting on Book 2.

I would recommend this to anyone who is a lover of romance, steamy love scenes (AND I'M TALKING JALAPENO HOT!), and action! This is an awesome book and I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of this series. Be on the lookout for Dana guys, I know I will.(less)

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Feb 03, 2013 Lady Magic rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, guilty-pleasures

I forget where I initially saw this book mentioned, but the plot sounded interesting, and since it was available cheaply on my Kindle I decided to give it a try. For a self-published debut novel, this book is surprisingly well done. While it would still fall into my “guilty pleasures” category, it is fairly well written and the intricate plot moves along quickly; while the writing is descriptive, it doesn’t lag unnecessarily as in some other novels. The story itself is heartrending yet satisfyin...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Holley Trent rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Holy smokes, the storytelling. I didn't know how I'd feel about the organized crime backdrop in a romance title, but it actually worked well. Mob boss Enrico, though he had his faults, was a compelling character I wanted too root for (even if I felt guilty about it).

Fascinating world-building. Well-paced action, lots of twists and turns.

So many of the characters had tough decisions to make, and not just Kate and Rico. I'm intrigued and want to see what gets shaken up in the next installment.

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Feb 10, 2012 Kristine Cayne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Revenge by Dana Delamar was a great, suspenseful read. This book is definitely on the gritty, sexy, dark side. The heroine, Kate, is one tough cookie caught in a world of underhanded deals, crime, and murder. Enrico, the hero, is a man torn between what he wants and what he's been forced to become. Can he and Kate find real love when he represents everything she's trying to get away from?

Thank you, Dana. I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 09, 2012 Lin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have read this book in 3 days. This book has been well research and interesting facts about Italians and of course "mafia".I found it very interesting book but for some reason I could not connect with Kate as I would have liked to.I could not put my finger on the why.

Good job on Dana's first book and I will read the other books in the series .I am looking forward to Antonia's story.

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Mar 26, 2012 Ronnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book for free through Goodreads First reads.
If you are into the hard-nosed, fast-paced, in-your-face, dirty, gritty, sexy, exotic, erotic, dark-side, honor among thieves, follow the code, inner workings of the Italian Mafia, then this is the book for you!! Well researched and written, Revenge will grab hold of you and not let go!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Aug 05, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Revenge is the first book by Dana Delamar that I have read and it will certainly not be the last. Dana has given us well developed characters and an exciting plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end and the chemistry between Enrico and Kate is electrifying making Revenge a definite must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Mar 29, 2012 T rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is incredibly well written, to the point I had to remind myself it's a fictional one. The details, dialogue, information on Italians and the mafia, the plot, just everything flowed together well. The story wasn't continuously outrageous and over the top like I expected it to be but it still managed to keep me on my toes with anticipation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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Aug 20, 2012 Delilah Marvelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mafia stories don't get better than this. Well executed, gritty and real, I ripped through this while holding my breath. I can't wait to read Part 2! My only gripe was with Kate. Oh, Kate, Kate, Kate. There were so many times I wanted to shake her so she'd be able to stand more nose to nose to the men around her. She had moments of it, yes, but inside, she really wasn't made up of the stuff to have made me believe she could survive everything she was going through. That said, the way she is writ...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Allyson rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! I was absolutely caught up in this book! I loved it! It was thrilling, romantic, and absolutely a must read! I was lucky enough to win this book through a blog hop and I can't wait to read the next book in the series! I look forward to reading more by her!

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Oct 17, 2012 Nicki805 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-books

Good book!! Although Kate got on my nerves more often than she didn't I still wanted her to get an HEA. Enrico was a little more sensitive than most anti-heroes but it still made a good read!

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Nov 08, 2012 Cyndi Hackett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-love-with-the-mob

This was a great story with a lot of twist and turns. Katie mad me a little angry sometimes with her doubts about Enrico. But I have to say it still was a great story.

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Dec 28, 2012 InD'Tale Magazine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-holiday-issue, genre-suspense-thriller, rating-3-5-star

3.5 Stars

The double holiday issue of InD'Tale Magazine has Tonya Smalley's review.

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Feb 22, 2013 Angarad rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very interesting book that makes you dive into the Italian's mafia world.
This is a story about live, honor, sacrifice and family.

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May 02, 2012 Nile Princess rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: sample-only

I couldn't even make it through the sample. Ugh

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Aug 20, 2012 Karla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

That was freaking insane!!! Took to long to post my review. Well worth the read!!!

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May 22, 2013 Cindy marked it as to-read

May 22, 2013 RedIza marked it as to-read

May 20, 2013 Meghan rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About Dana Delamar

Dana Delamar is the author of the "Blood and Honor" romantic suspense series, which is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. An avid traveler who loves to learn about different peoples and cultures, Dana often sets her books in exotic locales. She grew up in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, and today makes Seattle her home. She's an omnivorous reader with overflowing bookshelves and a passiona...more

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