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The Five Syndicates #3
בסטיאנו רומאנו
אריאנה דה־לוקה
אולי אם הייתי יודעת מה יקרה, לא הייתי לוקחת על עצמי את המשימה. הייתי מפנה גב לעבודה שלי. לחובה שלי. לחיים שלי.
אבל לא עשיתי זאת.
כך התאהבתי בבסטיאנו רומאנו. הבוס החדש שלי. האויב שלי. גבר שכישוריו כרוצח לא נופלים מכישוריו במיטה. בוגד יפהפה ומתוסבך שעוטה חליפות מעצבים יוקרתיות וחיוכים זחוחים מושחתים.
הוא ראש האכיפה של משפחת הפשע רומאנו.
ואני?
אני סוכנת סמויה של האף־בי־איי.
בסטיאנו רומאנו
אולי אם הייתי יודע מי היא, הייתי שומר מרחק. הייתי שומר אמונים למשפחה שלי. לחובה שלי. לחיים שלי.
אבל לא עשיתי זאת.
כך התאהבתי באריאנה דה־לוקה. עובדת שלי. בת של משפחת דה־לוקה. אישה שכישוריה כסוכנת סמויה לא נופלים מכישוריה במיטה. בוגדת יפהפייה ומתוסבכת עם לשון מושחזת. היא בתו של ראש משפחת הפשע דה־לוקה.
ואני?
אני מאצולת משפחת רומאנו.
בסטיאנו רומאנו הוא הספר השלישי בסדרת המאפיה פייב סינדיקט מאת סופרת רבי המכר פרקר ס. הנטינגטון שספריה רעל מתוק ודואט שקרים ערמומיים זכו להצלחה מסחררת בקרב הקוראים.
זהו רומן פשע רומנטי שבו השונאים הופכים לאוהבים והבעירה איטית עד כאב.
אולי אם הייתי יודעת מה יקרה, לא הייתי לוקחת על עצמי את המשימה. הייתי מפנה גב לעבודה שלי. לחובה שלי. לחיים שלי.
אבל לא עשיתי זאת.
כך התאהבתי בבסטיאנו רומאנו. הבוס החדש שלי. האויב שלי. גבר שכישוריו כרוצח לא נופלים מכישוריו במיטה. בוגד יפהפה ומתוסבך שעוטה חליפות מעצבים יוקרתיות וחיוכים זחוחים מושחתים.
הוא ראש האכיפה של משפחת הפשע רומאנו.
ואני?
אני סוכנת סמויה של האף־בי־איי.
בסטיאנו רומאנו
אולי אם הייתי יודע מי היא, הייתי שומר מרחק. הייתי שומר אמונים למשפחה שלי. לחובה שלי. לחיים שלי.
אבל לא עשיתי זאת.
כך התאהבתי באריאנה דה־לוקה. עובדת שלי. בת של משפחת דה־לוקה. אישה שכישוריה כסוכנת סמויה לא נופלים מכישוריה במיטה. בוגדת יפהפייה ומתוסבכת עם לשון מושחזת. היא בתו של ראש משפחת הפשע דה־לוקה.
ואני?
אני מאצולת משפחת רומאנו.
בסטיאנו רומאנו הוא הספר השלישי בסדרת המאפיה פייב סינדיקט מאת סופרת רבי המכר פרקר ס. הנטינגטון שספריה רעל מתוק ודואט שקרים ערמומיים זכו להצלחה מסחררת בקרב הקוראים.
זהו רומן פשע רומנטי שבו השונאים הופכים לאוהבים והבעירה איטית עד כאב.
405 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2019
4904 people are currently reading
4413 people want to read
About the author
Parker S. Huntington
30 books8,074 followersParker S. Huntington is from Southern California. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from UCR and an A.L.M. in Literature from Harvard.
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
July 5, 2019
Bastiano Romano was a hard man to work for and an even harder man to love
Bastiano Romano and Ariana DeLuca had a love-hate relationship from the start! Bastian managed a popular restaurant owned by Asher Black and Ariana was a secret FBI agent or legend and hidden mafia princess on the DeLuca side of the Five Syndicate. These two were total opposites yet Vincent called them "two planets orbiting each other" and strangely enough Vincent Romano had been running Ariana's life behind the scenes some 29 years without her knowing anything about it!
Like Jupiter and Ganymede in Greek Mythology, they were fated --
"Vince used to tell me the story of Jupiter and Ganymede. Ganymede revolves around Jupiter, hooked into its gravity, always near, always circling."
Both flawed characters with secrets times 2 but once all secrets are revealed with Vincent's wisdom, they are truly fated.
Although I hated Vincent's death but his blood oath said a lot about his loyalty and love for Asher Black, Niccolaio Andretti and Bastiano Romano.
Loved this book from beginning till end! The secondary characters (Asher, Lucy, Niccolaio, Minka,Vincent, and Gio ) and the outspoken children, sweet ConTessa aka Tessie Romano and Everett Romano...(kids say the darndest things!!!)
But extortionist, Elsa... Bastiano's ex, well not much at all.
Can't wait till the next book comes out in the Five Syndicate series!
The possibility is endless with this engaging series!
10 "off the chart" stars
Bastiano Romano and Ariana DeLuca had a love-hate relationship from the start! Bastian managed a popular restaurant owned by Asher Black and Ariana was a secret FBI agent or legend and hidden mafia princess on the DeLuca side of the Five Syndicate. These two were total opposites yet Vincent called them "two planets orbiting each other" and strangely enough Vincent Romano had been running Ariana's life behind the scenes some 29 years without her knowing anything about it!
Like Jupiter and Ganymede in Greek Mythology, they were fated --
"Vince used to tell me the story of Jupiter and Ganymede. Ganymede revolves around Jupiter, hooked into its gravity, always near, always circling."
Both flawed characters with secrets times 2 but once all secrets are revealed with Vincent's wisdom, they are truly fated.
Although I hated Vincent's death but his blood oath said a lot about his loyalty and love for Asher Black, Niccolaio Andretti and Bastiano Romano.
Loved this book from beginning till end! The secondary characters (Asher, Lucy, Niccolaio, Minka,Vincent, and Gio ) and the outspoken children, sweet ConTessa aka Tessie Romano and Everett Romano...(kids say the darndest things!!!)
But extortionist, Elsa... Bastiano's ex, well not much at all.
Can't wait till the next book comes out in the Five Syndicate series!
The possibility is endless with this engaging series!
10 "off the chart" stars
July 29, 2019
There’s a HAWT HAWT HAWT new made man in town and his name is Bastian Romano!! Parker S Huntington has really hit her niche with this book. She writes these alpha characters that straddle the line and make you question your reasons how you could still love them in real life.
Bastian is such a mean overbearing bully and a$$hole to everyone outside of his close circle. He’s not even likable the first half of the book unless he’s in a scene with his sister. Slowly you start to see his softer side as he thaws and begins to let Ariana in.
I could feel Ariana’s struggle with her sworn duty to the FBI and her growing connection to Bastiano. How she justified her actions and feelings as she started to discover who she truly is.
This book captivated me from the beginning with the characters and surprising twists I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!! I want more!!
Bastian is such a mean overbearing bully and a$$hole to everyone outside of his close circle. He’s not even likable the first half of the book unless he’s in a scene with his sister. Slowly you start to see his softer side as he thaws and begins to let Ariana in.
I could feel Ariana’s struggle with her sworn duty to the FBI and her growing connection to Bastiano. How she justified her actions and feelings as she started to discover who she truly is.
This book captivated me from the beginning with the characters and surprising twists I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!! I want more!!
January 22, 2019
Six stars! Best book of 2019. This author just gave a master class on story-telling. Each word is perfectly chosen to create a beautiful, emotional, haunting masterpiece. A delicious slow burn with a filthy, damaged, brooding alpha. And Ariana... she is damaged and has even more secrets. Wonderful characters, flawed, unlikeable, but so worthy of love. How can these two ever have a chance? Brilliant read. One click this one immediately.
November 20, 2020
Fast forward reading... stupid plot! The hero is from a Mafia family but he has a problem with his ex because she is blackmailing him for 8 years * why does she not have a bullet in her head? *
Whatever, this book was boring and the plot almost inexistent.
Whatever, this book was boring and the plot almost inexistent.
October 26, 2023
3,5⭐ Добра, но не достатъчно.
И двата образа ми се сториха недоразвити. Сюжета имаше потенциал, но фигурираше само в началото и края на книгата. Всичко по средата беше едно голямо meh. Главните герои бяха преекспонирани, а отношенията им прогресираха на подскоци без видима причинно-следствена връзка. За мафия роман нямаше много мафия в него. Г-ца ФБР агент се държеше по-скоро като панирана 21 годишна девойка, не като специален агент със смъртоносен skill set и експертни умения по дедукция и извличане на информация. Разбирам напълно проблема с кризата на идентичността при агентите под прикритие, но фокусът беше изместен и в полезрението ни като читатели влизаха много малко елементи, изграждащи образа ѝ, за да добие той пълнокръвност. Колкото до Бастиано? Паркър е пресолила малко манджата с него и от alfahole се е получил истински asshole. В повечето случаи ми стоеше като няк'ъв були на детската площадка, не като опасен мафиот.
Доста неща ми липсваха, за да ѝ дам 5⭐ Но неповторимия хумор и остроумие на Хънтингтън бяха налице. И им се насладих пълноценно както винаги. Частта със скърбенето на Винс също имаше доста силно емоционално въздействие. Но предвид факта, че по същото време авторката е скърбяла загубата на собственото си дете и е ползвала книгата за аутлет е напълно разбираемо. И доста съкрушително.
Отчитам като собствена грешка, че започнах поредицата от 3-тата книга. Някои неща от контекста ми се губеха. Бих прочела още от нея. Хем, за да добия по-добра представа за вселената на Петте Синдиката, хем за да прослетя пътя на Хънтингтън като автор по-обстойно 😊
И двата образа ми се сториха недоразвити. Сюжета имаше потенциал, но фигурираше само в началото и края на книгата. Всичко по средата беше едно голямо meh. Главните герои бяха преекспонирани, а отношенията им прогресираха на подскоци без видима причинно-следствена връзка. За мафия роман нямаше много мафия в него. Г-ца ФБР агент се държеше по-скоро като панирана 21 годишна девойка, не като специален агент със смъртоносен skill set и експертни умения по дедукция и извличане на информация. Разбирам напълно проблема с кризата на идентичността при агентите под прикритие, но фокусът беше изместен и в полезрението ни като читатели влизаха много малко елементи, изграждащи образа ѝ, за да добие той пълнокръвност. Колкото до Бастиано? Паркър е пресолила малко манджата с него и от alfahole се е получил истински asshole. В повечето случаи ми стоеше като няк'ъв були на детската площадка, не като опасен мафиот.
Доста неща ми липсваха, за да ѝ дам 5⭐ Но неповторимия хумор и остроумие на Хънтингтън бяха налице. И им се насладих пълноценно както винаги. Частта със скърбенето на Винс също имаше доста силно емоционално въздействие. Но предвид факта, че по същото време авторката е скърбяла загубата на собственото си дете и е ползвала книгата за аутлет е напълно разбираемо. И доста съкрушително.
Отчитам като собствена грешка, че започнах поредицата от 3-тата книга. Някои неща от контекста ми се губеха. Бих прочела още от нея. Хем, за да добия по-добра представа за вселената на Петте Синдиката, хем за да прослетя пътя на Хънтингтън като автор по-обстойно 😊
December 10, 2025
Billionaire gets his heart "broken" by a woman he never really loved, and acts as if he lost all his friends and family at war by treating all innocent people like shit. I kid you not he called lower class people "the help" right in front of his maid who was scrubbing his floor and didn't even feel slightly embarrassed about it. I can't believe this book has the highest rating.
Asher Black will always be best.
Asher Black will always be best.
August 6, 2019
I’ve now read 3 of the 7 books all out of order and I know this has got to be the best of the 7 thus far. And yes, I am learning more about the Andretti brothers but not really drawn into that story just yet....I think the series is still a bit hit an miss...On to the story.
This was angsty and steamy. The push and pull was hot and agonizing between Bastiano and Ariana. Again mafia life is the backdrop but lots of various characters from other books make an appearance. I enjoyed the unfolding of the story between the two and especially the end result.
Bastiano was all alpha and can-not-be-bothered-attitude. I loved him and his assholery ways. Ari was not as tough as I thought she would be to go toe-to-toe with Bastian - even I wanted more fire from her, but she held her own.
I liked this. The series seemed to get better with each book. I may continue to backtrack to get the full background and hope to have a better appreciation for the series. 3.75 stars.
This was angsty and steamy. The push and pull was hot and agonizing between Bastiano and Ariana. Again mafia life is the backdrop but lots of various characters from other books make an appearance. I enjoyed the unfolding of the story between the two and especially the end result.
Bastiano was all alpha and can-not-be-bothered-attitude. I loved him and his assholery ways. Ari was not as tough as I thought she would be to go toe-to-toe with Bastian - even I wanted more fire from her, but she held her own.
I liked this. The series seemed to get better with each book. I may continue to backtrack to get the full background and hope to have a better appreciation for the series. 3.75 stars.
January 28, 2022
4 stars. The first part was pretty slow, I wanted to dnf it many times, but it's good that I didn't, because I absolutely LOVED the second half.
July 17, 2019
5 stars⭐
"Hatred paralyzes life.
Love releases it."
"Hatred paralyzes life.
Love releases it."
January 24, 2019
I went into this without any context and I didn't hate what I read but i just wanted it to be better.
It didn't have the strongest start but it made some choices I appreciated and some I just didn't. Overall, I thought it good but just didn't live up to the full potential.
Positives:
-I felt the way the book began was bad at first but then I realised because I know about that one incident that always affect the MC for the rest of the book and the reader is bashed in the head with it, this avoids all the vague BS authors try and pull forBULLSHIT Narrative tension. This meant the story was allowed to proceed in a normal way like normal people do.
-The chemistry between the main characters was excellent which in a romance book is the most important way. Somethings happens early one that was unpredictable surprised me (something difficult to do).
Decisions made that i was so/so about:
SO about 3/4 of the way through this book the decides, no a better word is forces us to care about a character that has barely been mention prior. I thought it was going to be a small thing BUT NO it kept going and going. THIS WAS SO ANNOYING because the h and this character had a great interaction before this decision. I completely understand this is part of a series. HOWEVER this is a standalone, i should be able to pick up this book without reading any other book and still have a great time.
If this was the only this that happened my mark would have been higher. But then the author decides to have the main character become fixated on this one greek idea. If this even woven in throughout it would have been perfectly acceptable but forcing it halfway through just reeks of bad storytelling. It made me so annoyed because i was on board with this book prior to this point.
I kind of just skimmed the rest of the book. But I have more problems to do with characters like:
-I hate in books when someone is supposed to be fearless and they are at the beginning and this is what makes them interesting. However if the H and h are supposed to fall in love, then he has become nicer and more accessible than the cold heartless man. However, what most authors do is the H becomes this personification of cliches, without any discernible personality as the book progresses. This happens in this book. IF THE ONLY THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR h OR H IS THEIR MEAN OR KIND OR (INSERT SOME OTHER GENERIC PERSONALITY HERE), THEN ITS A BAD CHARACTER.
I just wish this book could have been better. Prior to the turning point it wasn't too bad but after it just becomes a mess.
It didn't have the strongest start but it made some choices I appreciated and some I just didn't. Overall, I thought it good but just didn't live up to the full potential.
Positives:
-I felt the way the book began was bad at first but then I realised because I know about that one incident that always affect the MC for the rest of the book and the reader is bashed in the head with it, this avoids all the vague BS authors try and pull for
-The chemistry between the main characters was excellent which in a romance book is the most important way. Somethings happens early one that was unpredictable surprised me (something difficult to do).
Decisions made that i was so/so about:
SO about 3/4 of the way through this book the decides, no a better word is forces us to care about a character that has barely been mention prior. I thought it was going to be a small thing BUT NO it kept going and going. THIS WAS SO ANNOYING because the h and this character had a great interaction before this decision. I completely understand this is part of a series. HOWEVER this is a standalone, i should be able to pick up this book without reading any other book and still have a great time.
If this was the only this that happened my mark would have been higher. But then the author decides to have the main character become fixated on this one greek idea. If this even woven in throughout it would have been perfectly acceptable but forcing it halfway through just reeks of bad storytelling. It made me so annoyed because i was on board with this book prior to this point.
I kind of just skimmed the rest of the book. But I have more problems to do with characters like:
-I hate in books when someone is supposed to be fearless and they are at the beginning and this is what makes them interesting. However if the H and h are supposed to fall in love, then he has become nicer and more accessible than the cold heartless man. However, what most authors do is the H becomes this personification of cliches, without any discernible personality as the book progresses. This happens in this book. IF THE ONLY THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR h OR H IS THEIR MEAN OR KIND OR (INSERT SOME OTHER GENERIC PERSONALITY HERE), THEN ITS A BAD CHARACTER.
I just wish this book could have been better. Prior to the turning point it wasn't too bad but after it just becomes a mess.
January 30, 2019
Bastiano Romano
By: Parker S. Huntington
4.5 Stars
New to me author Parker S. Huntington sure did make a good solid impression with me. Bastiano Romano is book 4 in the series The Five Syndicates. It’s a standalone that read just as a standalone should even though it’s part of a series.
Ariana De Luca has never truly figured out who she is meant to be in life. Raised by her aunt and obtaining her degree, she now finds herself working as a FBI agent. Always going undercover allows her to never face the real Ariana De Luca. That is… Until she is sent in not using an alias. Will the De Luca name carry her through this new case or will her last name finally cause her to understand who she truly is?
Bastiano Romano has had the silver spoon since the day he was born. Ivy league educated, he found the love of his live at college. Being burned on the day he was to propose to his love, has caused him to build the wall around himself that is not easily penetrated.
When Bastiano hires the sexy bartender, he never realized what was missing from his life.
When Ariana realizes that she has fallen for her new boss, can she actually walk away from her job with the FBI to be with a mafia man?
Totally enjoyed reading this one. I found myself wanting to volunteer to go get the ice…just so that I could be rescued by the boss man! Bastiano not only had piercing eyes…he has other piercing qualities 😉
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By: Parker S. Huntington
4.5 Stars
New to me author Parker S. Huntington sure did make a good solid impression with me. Bastiano Romano is book 4 in the series The Five Syndicates. It’s a standalone that read just as a standalone should even though it’s part of a series.
Ariana De Luca has never truly figured out who she is meant to be in life. Raised by her aunt and obtaining her degree, she now finds herself working as a FBI agent. Always going undercover allows her to never face the real Ariana De Luca. That is… Until she is sent in not using an alias. Will the De Luca name carry her through this new case or will her last name finally cause her to understand who she truly is?
Bastiano Romano has had the silver spoon since the day he was born. Ivy league educated, he found the love of his live at college. Being burned on the day he was to propose to his love, has caused him to build the wall around himself that is not easily penetrated.
When Bastiano hires the sexy bartender, he never realized what was missing from his life.
When Ariana realizes that she has fallen for her new boss, can she actually walk away from her job with the FBI to be with a mafia man?
Totally enjoyed reading this one. I found myself wanting to volunteer to go get the ice…just so that I could be rescued by the boss man! Bastiano not only had piercing eyes…he has other piercing qualities 😉
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July 29, 2020
Want to hear something? I think I’ve read this exact book before. I don’t know if I have or not. There wasn’t a review for it on goodreads before, but I SWEAR I’ve read this plot before.
So, sadly, that realization alone made the story not as enjoyable as it should’ve been. It was new, and it didn’t seem original to me so I was bored with same outcomes and standards. Nothing truly shocked me or amazed me in this book.
No worries! It was a good book! I think the strength in this book was the dynamic between the main characters. Not the development of the characters themselves per say, but the interaction between them. Bastian and Ari played off of each other so well. I gotta give the author props for that.
When this started out, I was majorly bored. But that’s not what brought my rating down, rather the unoriginal plot that seemed done before.
I give this a solid 4.0 star rating.
So, sadly, that realization alone made the story not as enjoyable as it should’ve been. It was new, and it didn’t seem original to me so I was bored with same outcomes and standards. Nothing truly shocked me or amazed me in this book.
No worries! It was a good book! I think the strength in this book was the dynamic between the main characters. Not the development of the characters themselves per say, but the interaction between them. Bastian and Ari played off of each other so well. I gotta give the author props for that.
When this started out, I was majorly bored. But that’s not what brought my rating down, rather the unoriginal plot that seemed done before.
I give this a solid 4.0 star rating.
August 7, 2019
4.5 stars !! From the 1st book (Asher Black) I was waiting for Bastiano's book!! It was really really good!! I was hooked from the first page!! Excellent read!!
September 10, 2024
Although this book was a tiny better than the previous ones, I don't think I can continue with this series.
There's zero mafia action in this series.
Their plots are close to non-existent.
And even though I liked a tiny bit of the main characters here, the amount of fillers and bs in this book, could really give space to real plot.
The whole Vince sacrifice again is also annoying cause the timeline here is longer than in Niccolaio's book.
So, I guess I'm being generous with 3 starts and I'm also done with this series.
There's zero mafia action in this series.
Their plots are close to non-existent.
And even though I liked a tiny bit of the main characters here, the amount of fillers and bs in this book, could really give space to real plot.
The whole Vince sacrifice again is also annoying cause the timeline here is longer than in Niccolaio's book.
So, I guess I'm being generous with 3 starts and I'm also done with this series.
December 20, 2024
I could not get myself to finish it🥲
February 26, 2025
Bastiano Romano je někde mezi Asherem Blackem a Niccolaiem Andrettim. Nebyl špatný jako Asher, ale ani mě nebavil tolik jako Niccolaio. Bohužel z mafie toho opět moc nebylo, spíš nějaké věci na pozadí. Rozhodně tady ale doporučuji mít přečtený druhý díl, jelikož události zde se napojí na ty z dvojky a vytvoří obrázek i z druhé strany. Jedná se o temnější romanci, která ale není zas tak drsná, takže pokud s žánrem začínáte, mohu tuto sérii doporučit.
Bastiano je bastard, který to o sobě moc dobře ví a velmi brzy to má zjistit i Ariana. Typický chlap, který má peníze, moc a navíc pochází z mafiánské rodiny. Na druhé straně máme Arianu De Lucu, která má svá vlastní tajemství a neméně nevinnou rodinu. Oba jsou horkokrevní a ani jeden si nenechá jen tak něco líbit, takže je vám asi jasné, že vztah mezi nimi bude všechno, jenom ne nudný. I když je Bastiano spíš popsaný jako chladný idiot, autorka do příběhu moc hezky zapracovala také jeho jemnou stránku, kdy pro svojí rodinu udělá cokoliv, aby se měla dobře.
Jak už to tak v tomto žánru bývá, knihu provází pořádná dávka napětí a nebezpečí. Děj je svižný a možná se najde i pár předvídatelných situací, ale moc mi to nevadilo. Bavilo mě, jak Ariana dokázala přirozeně vplout do Bastianova života a najít si v něm své místo. Kapitoly se střídají z pohledu obou hlavních postav, což pomáhá dynamice a máme náhled do obou myslí. Navíc mezi nimi funguje skvělá chemie.
V závěru jsem už jen vyhlížela, kdy se celá zápletka vygraduje a překvapilo mě, že velké odhalení si autorka schovala až na opravdový konec. Cesta k tomu ale byla hodně zajímavá, takže mi ani tohle úplně nevadilo.
Není to úplně vrchol na poli mafiánské romantiky, ale čtení jsem si užila a rozhodně mohu tento díl zařadit k těm lepším knihám. V sérii budu pokračovat a těším se na další díly. Doufám, že nám v překladu naservírují i doplňující příběhy některých vedlejších postav.
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spolupráce s Knihy Dobrovský
Bastiano je bastard, který to o sobě moc dobře ví a velmi brzy to má zjistit i Ariana. Typický chlap, který má peníze, moc a navíc pochází z mafiánské rodiny. Na druhé straně máme Arianu De Lucu, která má svá vlastní tajemství a neméně nevinnou rodinu. Oba jsou horkokrevní a ani jeden si nenechá jen tak něco líbit, takže je vám asi jasné, že vztah mezi nimi bude všechno, jenom ne nudný. I když je Bastiano spíš popsaný jako chladný idiot, autorka do příběhu moc hezky zapracovala také jeho jemnou stránku, kdy pro svojí rodinu udělá cokoliv, aby se měla dobře.
Jak už to tak v tomto žánru bývá, knihu provází pořádná dávka napětí a nebezpečí. Děj je svižný a možná se najde i pár předvídatelných situací, ale moc mi to nevadilo. Bavilo mě, jak Ariana dokázala přirozeně vplout do Bastianova života a najít si v něm své místo. Kapitoly se střídají z pohledu obou hlavních postav, což pomáhá dynamice a máme náhled do obou myslí. Navíc mezi nimi funguje skvělá chemie.
V závěru jsem už jen vyhlížela, kdy se celá zápletka vygraduje a překvapilo mě, že velké odhalení si autorka schovala až na opravdový konec. Cesta k tomu ale byla hodně zajímavá, takže mi ani tohle úplně nevadilo.
Není to úplně vrchol na poli mafiánské romantiky, ale čtení jsem si užila a rozhodně mohu tento díl zařadit k těm lepším knihám. V sérii budu pokračovat a těším se na další díly. Doufám, že nám v překladu naservírují i doplňující příběhy některých vedlejších postav.
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spolupráce s Knihy Dobrovský
February 21, 2024
Świetnie się czyta tę serię, świetna kreacja bohaterów, poznawanie ich i wydarzeń z ich życia w miarę trwania fabuły, pogłębianie tej relacji, ukazanie siły przeznaczenia, brak dram na siłę. Może nieco znudził mnie motyw Vinca, ale epilog rozbił mnie na łopatki- szanse wyrównane.
.
.
.
I’d been led into the lion’s den by a wolf.
.
Except it does. You and I aren’t made like everyone else. You like to bite; I like to be bitten.
.
You are Jupiter, and he is Ganymede, revolving around you like you are his planet, and he is your moon.
.
.
.
.
I’d been led into the lion’s den by a wolf.
.
Except it does. You and I aren’t made like everyone else. You like to bite; I like to be bitten.
.
You are Jupiter, and he is Ganymede, revolving around you like you are his planet, and he is your moon.
.
February 8, 2020
4.5 stars
January 22, 2019
Fate: the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. It also happens to be something this book reader believes makes love stories epic.
And boy was this love story epic.
The Story:
Tale as old as time. Two unlikely people meet in an unusual way. They aren’t meant to work. They can’t work. But they do. Somehow, against the odds, they do. Lies, truths, heartache, and bliss fill the pages of this book. A mafia story that goes beyond the cliches and the stereotypes of that genre. It’s just so much… more.
The Relationship:
Bstiano and Ari are one of the few book couples that I found myself smiling in the familiarity of their relationship— the way they’re friendship blossomed into something more, the lust that started with a spark and ended with a fire, every smirk and snarky comment paving the way to their happily ever after.
They stole my heart as I read and their story came to life before my very eyes.
There’s something special in the way Parker S Huntington could create such an authentic and believable couple in such a contrasting setting. Most mafia romances are drastic, dramatic, full of flare. But this relationship reminded me of my own. I could relate to their story as if they were just another couple walking down the street. I love that. It takes someone who knows their art to successfully write in such a way. Clearly, Parker S Huntington has studied and practiced her craft until she came to this point.
The Characters:
BASTIANO ROMANO: Oh, Bastian. You wonderfully terrible jerk, you. Like many of you know, I like my dudes a little on the… well, jerky side (Come on, y’all. You know I gotta keep it G here). He’s alpha in a way that will have your face flushing, broken in a way that will make you want to pick up his pieces and glue them back together (while throwing a certain ex of his off the Empire State Building), and romantic in a way that will have you swooning like one of those chicks in bodice-ripper romances. He’s just enough devil to question your sanity, and just enough angel to remind you that you’re perfectly sane.
Plus he’s hilarious. Like truly, hilarious. The amount of weird looks I got from reading this book around people is a testament to the fact that I laughed out loud… A LOT.
ARIANA DE LUCA: She’s so relatable. So stinking relatable. She’s just a young woman who is trying to figure out who she is in this crazy thing we call life. I mean, it doesn’t help that she’s an undercover agent where “self-discovery” is a little hard to do. But just because she’s trying to find herself, she doesn’t let it stop her from being a total BA heroine. She’ll kick butt and take names without bashing her beautiful eyelashes. She’s sexy and driven and can keep up with her boss turned friend turned lover’s quips. She’s what every good heroine needs to be— especially when she’s standing next to a mega-alpha Hero. She’s not timid or shy or bashful. She looks Bastian in the eye and with a quirk of her eyebrow can bring our bad boy to his knees.
She’s kind of my hero. Like can I be Ariana?
Over-All Reading Experience:
It’s a swoony, mafia slow-burn that will steal your time, mind, and heart. It’s one of those books that you’ll flip to the beginning and say, “Let’s do that again.”
And boy was this love story epic.
The Story:
Tale as old as time. Two unlikely people meet in an unusual way. They aren’t meant to work. They can’t work. But they do. Somehow, against the odds, they do. Lies, truths, heartache, and bliss fill the pages of this book. A mafia story that goes beyond the cliches and the stereotypes of that genre. It’s just so much… more.
The Relationship:
Bstiano and Ari are one of the few book couples that I found myself smiling in the familiarity of their relationship— the way they’re friendship blossomed into something more, the lust that started with a spark and ended with a fire, every smirk and snarky comment paving the way to their happily ever after.
They stole my heart as I read and their story came to life before my very eyes.
There’s something special in the way Parker S Huntington could create such an authentic and believable couple in such a contrasting setting. Most mafia romances are drastic, dramatic, full of flare. But this relationship reminded me of my own. I could relate to their story as if they were just another couple walking down the street. I love that. It takes someone who knows their art to successfully write in such a way. Clearly, Parker S Huntington has studied and practiced her craft until she came to this point.
The Characters:
BASTIANO ROMANO: Oh, Bastian. You wonderfully terrible jerk, you. Like many of you know, I like my dudes a little on the… well, jerky side (Come on, y’all. You know I gotta keep it G here). He’s alpha in a way that will have your face flushing, broken in a way that will make you want to pick up his pieces and glue them back together (while throwing a certain ex of his off the Empire State Building), and romantic in a way that will have you swooning like one of those chicks in bodice-ripper romances. He’s just enough devil to question your sanity, and just enough angel to remind you that you’re perfectly sane.
Plus he’s hilarious. Like truly, hilarious. The amount of weird looks I got from reading this book around people is a testament to the fact that I laughed out loud… A LOT.
ARIANA DE LUCA: She’s so relatable. So stinking relatable. She’s just a young woman who is trying to figure out who she is in this crazy thing we call life. I mean, it doesn’t help that she’s an undercover agent where “self-discovery” is a little hard to do. But just because she’s trying to find herself, she doesn’t let it stop her from being a total BA heroine. She’ll kick butt and take names without bashing her beautiful eyelashes. She’s sexy and driven and can keep up with her boss turned friend turned lover’s quips. She’s what every good heroine needs to be— especially when she’s standing next to a mega-alpha Hero. She’s not timid or shy or bashful. She looks Bastian in the eye and with a quirk of her eyebrow can bring our bad boy to his knees.
She’s kind of my hero. Like can I be Ariana?
Over-All Reading Experience:
It’s a swoony, mafia slow-burn that will steal your time, mind, and heart. It’s one of those books that you’ll flip to the beginning and say, “Let’s do that again.”
January 22, 2019
Again i feel like i've been living under a rock because there are so many amazing authors that just blow my mind with their books and Parker S.Huntington surely is one of them.
This book is just amazing and more because when you think mafia you thnik another super alpha hero but even if Bastiano is a dangerous man ,he is just perfect in so many ways.
Ariana was a lonely woman who lived her live alone and very introvert person but when they meet sparks fly and everything changes between them.I love the slow burn with all the great banter,all the sexy moments that kept me saying and ...and.. and... and i wanted so much for them that i even shouted some times.
A great story teller,that's for sure because the writting is drawing you in from the first page and you just won't want to put down the book,as in every love story with enemies to lover there are many twists and each MC has to overcome their own insecurities ,but the way the author is telling the story it's just amazing.
Overcoming loneliness and family drama,love will always find a way to match two perfect souls.
This book is just amazing and more because when you think mafia you thnik another super alpha hero but even if Bastiano is a dangerous man ,he is just perfect in so many ways.
Ariana was a lonely woman who lived her live alone and very introvert person but when they meet sparks fly and everything changes between them.I love the slow burn with all the great banter,all the sexy moments that kept me saying and ...and.. and... and i wanted so much for them that i even shouted some times.
A great story teller,that's for sure because the writting is drawing you in from the first page and you just won't want to put down the book,as in every love story with enemies to lover there are many twists and each MC has to overcome their own insecurities ,but the way the author is telling the story it's just amazing.
Overcoming loneliness and family drama,love will always find a way to match two perfect souls.
December 5, 2019
This series... Holy Cow
With every book I read by this author I fall deeper down the rabbit hole. I devour her words as if they were essential to me breathing.
This book started slower at first but it is by far my favorite. There are so many things at play that it is staggering how the author ties it all together. There are sacrifices that are made (boy howdy are there ever) in order for fate to play its hand.
The characters were sublime. Watching them discover the themselves and no longer being alone. Priceless. The anticipation was insane and the true steam didn't appear until later than normal for romance books but sweet lawd it was hot. Yet, it was their connection that truly was fate that did me in.
I cannot wait for the next in this series. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2019.
With every book I read by this author I fall deeper down the rabbit hole. I devour her words as if they were essential to me breathing.
This book started slower at first but it is by far my favorite. There are so many things at play that it is staggering how the author ties it all together. There are sacrifices that are made (boy howdy are there ever) in order for fate to play its hand.
The characters were sublime. Watching them discover the themselves and no longer being alone. Priceless. The anticipation was insane and the true steam didn't appear until later than normal for romance books but sweet lawd it was hot. Yet, it was their connection that truly was fate that did me in.
I cannot wait for the next in this series. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2019.
December 25, 2019
Can I give million stars ???? I've met this author not long ago and now I feel obsessed with Her books and characters !!!!! I devoured this book and need more and more of this mafia series !!!!
Bastiano Romano is absolutely must read !!!! And must have just be warned- You will be hot mess after meeting Him.
Highly recomended title !!!!
Bastiano Romano is absolutely must read !!!! And must have just be warned- You will be hot mess after meeting Him.
Highly recomended title !!!!
January 22, 2019
Ok so I'm going to try to write this review without giving away spoilers, so here goes....
READ THIS FREAKING BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!!
So this was my favorite book of this series so far. It is a standalone so you don't HAVE to read the others first. I highly reccomend you do though. All books are amazing and it will give you a better feel for the background characters. There are not enough words for how awesome this. Also be prepared for the dedication in the begin to make you cry. Okay now stop reading reviews and go get this book immediately! Go, go, go!
READ THIS FREAKING BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!!
So this was my favorite book of this series so far. It is a standalone so you don't HAVE to read the others first. I highly reccomend you do though. All books are amazing and it will give you a better feel for the background characters. There are not enough words for how awesome this. Also be prepared for the dedication in the begin to make you cry. Okay now stop reading reviews and go get this book immediately! Go, go, go!
August 7, 2019
Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2019
Top read material!
Fate. Soulmates. God, this book will undoubtedly be on my top reads list for this year. Bastiano is such an jerk, but the best kind. He's strong, strict, and ruthless, but when it comes to those he loves he's passionate and devoted. Ariana was the perfect counterpart for his powerful character. When he pushed, she pushed back. When he bit, she enticed him for more. As an undercover FBI agent, her role is written so perfectly. I love how this author made her equal parts tough, determined, and compassionate.
"A mafia prince. The undercover agent sent to ruin him."
You just know from that description that it's going to rip you into pieces! And it does! The back stories of Bastiano and Ariana were so uniquely written, and this author cleverly threw in plot twists that kept me on my toes throughout. It's spell-binding, intriguing, angsty, and sexy. So. Damn. Sexy.
This book is intriguing right from the start, and kept me hooked to the very end! It's the perfect, yummy story. I don't want to leave this book world!
Fate. Soulmates. God, this book will undoubtedly be on my top reads list for this year. Bastiano is such an jerk, but the best kind. He's strong, strict, and ruthless, but when it comes to those he loves he's passionate and devoted. Ariana was the perfect counterpart for his powerful character. When he pushed, she pushed back. When he bit, she enticed him for more. As an undercover FBI agent, her role is written so perfectly. I love how this author made her equal parts tough, determined, and compassionate.
"A mafia prince. The undercover agent sent to ruin him."
You just know from that description that it's going to rip you into pieces! And it does! The back stories of Bastiano and Ariana were so uniquely written, and this author cleverly threw in plot twists that kept me on my toes throughout. It's spell-binding, intriguing, angsty, and sexy. So. Damn. Sexy.
This book is intriguing right from the start, and kept me hooked to the very end! It's the perfect, yummy story. I don't want to leave this book world!
February 18, 2020
To put it simply: You need Bastian in your life.
He's everything I'd want in a book husband. Yup. BOOK HUSBAND. Inventing the wheel here because Bastian can marry me (if he's not with someone else, like the heroine per se). He's sharp, witty, and a family man. He's basically all the swoons and I'm here for it. He is committed to those he loves and will fight ruthlessly for their safety. I could go on and on, but really, get the book and fall in love with him yourself!
Now, my girl Ariana is another story. Love her and her take-charge attitude. She is an FBI agent who lives life undercover, which has resulted in her not knowing much about who she is. Who is Ariana De Luca? She is fierce, yet fragile at the same time. She enters Bastian's life without apologies and takes up a spot in his heart.
This is a story about two people who are lost in their own ways. They fight their attraction to one another, but more importantly, they fight their romantic connection. Chemistry is great and all, but these two have so much more. You see their growth shine through and that's one of my favorite parts of this story.
This book made me a Parker fan for life. One-click here we come.
He's everything I'd want in a book husband. Yup. BOOK HUSBAND. Inventing the wheel here because Bastian can marry me (if he's not with someone else, like the heroine per se). He's sharp, witty, and a family man. He's basically all the swoons and I'm here for it. He is committed to those he loves and will fight ruthlessly for their safety. I could go on and on, but really, get the book and fall in love with him yourself!
Now, my girl Ariana is another story. Love her and her take-charge attitude. She is an FBI agent who lives life undercover, which has resulted in her not knowing much about who she is. Who is Ariana De Luca? She is fierce, yet fragile at the same time. She enters Bastian's life without apologies and takes up a spot in his heart.
This is a story about two people who are lost in their own ways. They fight their attraction to one another, but more importantly, they fight their romantic connection. Chemistry is great and all, but these two have so much more. You see their growth shine through and that's one of my favorite parts of this story.
This book made me a Parker fan for life. One-click here we come.
September 4, 2019
This is an example of when the emotions are done more in depth. Fairly enjoyed this book. Hopefully more will come. I'd like to continue reading about the syndicate. I'd also like to see it further down when there is more peace. We get a snippet but I'd like to see more.
January 25, 2020
I adored this book!
So many quotable moments. So much emotion. Honestly, it was beautifully written. It wad even the right amount of dirty. I'd definitely reread this book.
So many quotable moments. So much emotion. Honestly, it was beautifully written. It wad even the right amount of dirty. I'd definitely reread this book.
July 31, 2020
Mafia romance!
Bastiano Romano did not disappoint, I loved the banter between Batiano and Ari!
I loved the bonds formed and how connected Vince was to everything!
Bastiano Romano did not disappoint, I loved the banter between Batiano and Ari!
I loved the bonds formed and how connected Vince was to everything!
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