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The Minaldi Legacy #1-2
The Minaldi Legacy
“I’m a monster, Eva. There’s no saving a monster. But I love that you want to try.”
Luca Minaldi is rich, powerful and mesmerizing. He’s also a reclusive enigma. He lives in Malta, a fairy-tale place filled with sunshine and sea, beauty and secrets. And Luca’s darkest of secrets is the best-kept of them all.
Eva Talbot moves to Malta to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. When she meets Luca, there is a very real and instant attraction that she has never felt before. But even still, she senses the darkness that lives within him.
Eva is hired to care for Luca’s mother, a woman who suffers from dementia. It is Luca, however, that Eva will eventually risk everything to save… as the legacy that plagues him continues.
As the darkness swirls ever more tightly around her, Eva realizes that no matter how hard she tries, she might not be able to save Luca without losing herself.
Eva and Luca are thrust into a world where their love is tested and darkness reigns. Amid chaos and treachery, love and hate, Luca and Eva learn one important thing.
Love is dangerous.
But it also might be the one thing that can save them all.
********
The Minaldi Legacy consists of two parts: part one, Of Blood and Bone and part two, Of Darkness and Demons. This is a Dark Romantic Thriller and it contains adult themes and content.
Luca Minaldi is rich, powerful and mesmerizing. He’s also a reclusive enigma. He lives in Malta, a fairy-tale place filled with sunshine and sea, beauty and secrets. And Luca’s darkest of secrets is the best-kept of them all.
Eva Talbot moves to Malta to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. When she meets Luca, there is a very real and instant attraction that she has never felt before. But even still, she senses the darkness that lives within him.
Eva is hired to care for Luca’s mother, a woman who suffers from dementia. It is Luca, however, that Eva will eventually risk everything to save… as the legacy that plagues him continues.
As the darkness swirls ever more tightly around her, Eva realizes that no matter how hard she tries, she might not be able to save Luca without losing herself.
Eva and Luca are thrust into a world where their love is tested and darkness reigns. Amid chaos and treachery, love and hate, Luca and Eva learn one important thing.
Love is dangerous.
But it also might be the one thing that can save them all.
********
The Minaldi Legacy consists of two parts: part one, Of Blood and Bone and part two, Of Darkness and Demons. This is a Dark Romantic Thriller and it contains adult themes and content.
Unknown Binding
First published February 5, 2014
2 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Cole
44 books4,545 followersCourtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who loves to eat your emotions for breakfast.
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 3, 2014
*ARC is provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2014
Read this and other reviews at Madison Says.
I’d not read the first portion of this book, Of Blood and Bone, when it was previously released, and I honestly had no idea what the book was about before I started it, which is rather unlike me. I don’t think I even read the synopsis fully. I knew it was going to be darker, and I knew it was by Courtney Cole–-that alone sold me.
I had pretty high expectations going into the story, and overall, I’d say they were met. What I dug most about The Minaldi Legacy? It’s different. The entire trope isn’t what you’re reading now. Yes, it’s a dark romance, which there’s plenty of out there, but I’ve not read anything like this recently. It was dark, it was psychological, in a way, but it also had thriller aspects. I’ll admit, reading late at night, all alone, had me flying through the pages quickly, holding my breath, kinda freaked out.
Dr. Evangeline (Eva) Talbot is new to Malta. She’s travelled there to stay for the summer in order to finish her dissertation. Upon arriving, she meets the reclusive and wealthy, Luca Minaldi. After he hires her to assist in the care of his ailing mother, Eva learns there’s a reason Luca hides away in Chessarae, his family’s estate. While they’re both wildly attracted to one another, Luca continually pushes Eva away–stating it’s for her own good.
Eva has this unending optimism, and this is definitely the case when it comes to Luca, and her love for him. She will not give up on him. No matter what. Luca, on the other hand, is completely tortured, and rightfully so. He’s has a past unlike any others, and he can’t seem to think he deserves to move forward.
The chemistry between Luca and Eva is hot. Very hot. Even as Luca tries to keep Eva away, they cannot deny their attraction–their love is a driving force behind this story. As for the supporting cast, as usual, Cole does a great job of developing them and including them in the story. They were just as important as Eva and Luca, and I felt a connection right away. No one felt thrown in or without purpose.
There was a lot of suspense and mystery in this book. There were a couple times where I swore I saw something coming, and if it did, it was much darker than I anticipated, or it wasn’t that at all. I love being surprised when reading, so I welcomed my shock each and every time. And like I said, this is a darker romance–not necessarily between Eva and Luca, because their dark is different, but just overall, with some of the story arcs, be prepared for something darker, more intense.
If I had to say something that I didn’t quite love, it would have to be some repetition. A couple times I felt like things were slowing down, and it’d almost feel redundant, and this was mostly in the first half of the story. But that’s a minor detail, I realize. I’m just a stickler for keeping things fresh and if I feel like I’m reading the same thing too many times, it can slow down how quickly I get into the story.
I seriously applaud Cole for creating something unlike what I’ve read as of late. This story kept me on my toes, but had the romance aspect that many want, even in something dark. I definitely recommend The Minaldi Legacy if you’re looking for something different, especially if you’re wanting something full of drama and suspense.
I’d not read the first portion of this book, Of Blood and Bone, when it was previously released, and I honestly had no idea what the book was about before I started it, which is rather unlike me. I don’t think I even read the synopsis fully. I knew it was going to be darker, and I knew it was by Courtney Cole–-that alone sold me.
I had pretty high expectations going into the story, and overall, I’d say they were met. What I dug most about The Minaldi Legacy? It’s different. The entire trope isn’t what you’re reading now. Yes, it’s a dark romance, which there’s plenty of out there, but I’ve not read anything like this recently. It was dark, it was psychological, in a way, but it also had thriller aspects. I’ll admit, reading late at night, all alone, had me flying through the pages quickly, holding my breath, kinda freaked out.
Dr. Evangeline (Eva) Talbot is new to Malta. She’s travelled there to stay for the summer in order to finish her dissertation. Upon arriving, she meets the reclusive and wealthy, Luca Minaldi. After he hires her to assist in the care of his ailing mother, Eva learns there’s a reason Luca hides away in Chessarae, his family’s estate. While they’re both wildly attracted to one another, Luca continually pushes Eva away–stating it’s for her own good.
I belong in shadows. I have known that since I was small and as long as I am awake, I feel comfortable.
Eva has this unending optimism, and this is definitely the case when it comes to Luca, and her love for him. She will not give up on him. No matter what. Luca, on the other hand, is completely tortured, and rightfully so. He’s has a past unlike any others, and he can’t seem to think he deserves to move forward.
“You’re not a monster,” I argue softly. “You’re a man, Luca. A man like any other, you’re made of blood and bone. You’re not a monster. You have a good heart. I can see it in your eyes…
The chemistry between Luca and Eva is hot. Very hot. Even as Luca tries to keep Eva away, they cannot deny their attraction–their love is a driving force behind this story. As for the supporting cast, as usual, Cole does a great job of developing them and including them in the story. They were just as important as Eva and Luca, and I felt a connection right away. No one felt thrown in or without purpose.
There was a lot of suspense and mystery in this book. There were a couple times where I swore I saw something coming, and if it did, it was much darker than I anticipated, or it wasn’t that at all. I love being surprised when reading, so I welcomed my shock each and every time. And like I said, this is a darker romance–not necessarily between Eva and Luca, because their dark is different, but just overall, with some of the story arcs, be prepared for something darker, more intense.
If I had to say something that I didn’t quite love, it would have to be some repetition. A couple times I felt like things were slowing down, and it’d almost feel redundant, and this was mostly in the first half of the story. But that’s a minor detail, I realize. I’m just a stickler for keeping things fresh and if I feel like I’m reading the same thing too many times, it can slow down how quickly I get into the story.
I seriously applaud Cole for creating something unlike what I’ve read as of late. This story kept me on my toes, but had the romance aspect that many want, even in something dark. I definitely recommend The Minaldi Legacy if you’re looking for something different, especially if you’re wanting something full of drama and suspense.
July 31, 2014
This story was incredible. After having read so many books that it is easy to predict the main synopsis and crisis, it is refreshing to read a story that truly envelops you in a world of intrigue and passion and leaves your head spinning with surprises and mysteries that you were not expecting. The Mindali Legacy is a beautiful yet tragic story that evokes an emotional response that can't be ignored. Dr. Evangelina Talbot is an incredible strong female character, a woman who delves deep into the mysteries and darkness with a light that brings hope to the chaos and confusion. Luca Mindali is a dark and mysterious man, one who brings a whole new level to foreboding and intriguing. When you combine these two characters in the beautiful location of Malta with a backstory of hundreds of years filled with suspense and tragedy, you will be drawn in with no hope of return. So naturally, combine two such alluring and complicated characters, with the backdrop of beautiful Malta, and you have an incredible story to enjoy!
Eva and Luca's story is one full of passion and heartache. I loved the way that Eva carried the candle of hope for Luca, even when he was sure that it could not be meant for someone like him.Their chemistry leaps off the page at you, but even more so, their deep connection creates a bond that cannot be denied. As the story unfolds, you see more and more of the mystery that is Luca Mindali. Luca's past broke my heart and his tortured life was one sad experience after another. The pain he endured as a child and the neglect because of his "curse" was full of turmoil that the reader is able to feel. As I read Of Blood and Bone (The Mindali Legacy Part 1) there was always a sense of curiosity that filled me. I consistently wondered as to what Luca's condition was. Like Eva, it always seemed like the answers were just out of reach and the supposedly glaring truth seemed skewed. I went from everything to a psychological issue to a supernatural connection. Yet I could not have guessed what his condition could be possibly be, adding the the beautiful mystery that this story creates. The "curse" and family mystery took me by complete surprise and I think is one of the reasons that I was so happy with this story.
At the end of part one I thought that everything would have been resolved but alas, things are not what they seemed. When Of Darkness and Demons (The Mindali Legacy Part 2) began I had no idea what to expect and was again taken into the deep recesses of the Chessarae manor to the uncover even more Mindali secrets full of surprise that kept me guessing till the very end. Luca and Eva fight for each other and have to learn that despite the chaos and undercurrent of fear, they are stronger together. Their love and deep connection is what will help them endure the betrayals and uncertainties that cannot help but attack their life. I don't want to talk to much more and give anything away but this is a must read and you will not be disappointed! The characters are fantastic. The setting and location are beautiful. The world Courtney has created is tangled, intriguing and snares you from the first chapter. Don't miss out.
Eva and Luca's story is one full of passion and heartache. I loved the way that Eva carried the candle of hope for Luca, even when he was sure that it could not be meant for someone like him.Their chemistry leaps off the page at you, but even more so, their deep connection creates a bond that cannot be denied. As the story unfolds, you see more and more of the mystery that is Luca Mindali. Luca's past broke my heart and his tortured life was one sad experience after another. The pain he endured as a child and the neglect because of his "curse" was full of turmoil that the reader is able to feel. As I read Of Blood and Bone (The Mindali Legacy Part 1) there was always a sense of curiosity that filled me. I consistently wondered as to what Luca's condition was. Like Eva, it always seemed like the answers were just out of reach and the supposedly glaring truth seemed skewed. I went from everything to a psychological issue to a supernatural connection. Yet I could not have guessed what his condition could be possibly be, adding the the beautiful mystery that this story creates. The "curse" and family mystery took me by complete surprise and I think is one of the reasons that I was so happy with this story.
At the end of part one I thought that everything would have been resolved but alas, things are not what they seemed. When Of Darkness and Demons (The Mindali Legacy Part 2) began I had no idea what to expect and was again taken into the deep recesses of the Chessarae manor to the uncover even more Mindali secrets full of surprise that kept me guessing till the very end. Luca and Eva fight for each other and have to learn that despite the chaos and undercurrent of fear, they are stronger together. Their love and deep connection is what will help them endure the betrayals and uncertainties that cannot help but attack their life. I don't want to talk to much more and give anything away but this is a must read and you will not be disappointed! The characters are fantastic. The setting and location are beautiful. The world Courtney has created is tangled, intriguing and snares you from the first chapter. Don't miss out.
February 12, 2014
**ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.**
I really wanted to like this book. When I got the ARC and read the blurb I thought it sounded promising. But, as I was reading it.. I started to lose my interest.
This is a story of a girl, Evangeline, who's gone to Malta to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. As soon as she gets there, she meets this incredibly mysterious guy, Luca Minaldi. The attraction between them is pretty obvious, but still.. he manages to keep his distance, but even so, she can't keep herself away from him that long, and neither can he. But there's something in his mind and life that's consuming him, that's keeping him from living. So Eva's decided to do something, anything to help him.
Like I said, I really, really wanted to like this book. At first, I had all these theories of what could be happening with Luca, he was so mysterious, yet always the gentleman. He truly cared for Eva, that's why he tried his best to keep himself away from her. He was a monster, as he put it. But because he felt so drawn to her, he always found himself going back to her, one way or another. When the mystery of what was really happening, about what Luca really was, was still unsolved... the book was pretty interesting. But then everything just... changed. The explanation was thrown at the reader and it was so weird because.. the way everything was developing was so predictable and kind of unnecessary. One moment, all is completely unknown to everyone, Eva can't seem to find out what's really going on, Luca's desperate by this darkness that keeps consuming him, and then.. one test reveals EVERYTHING. But one of the things that really bothered me was how it was all revealed to Luca. I had a huge WTF moment.
The thing is... sometimes, some explanations are not given or revealed in the right way. In this case, well.. Luca finds out because he found some drugs he thought were Adrien's. And Adrien freaked out. I mean, Luca wasn't even suspecting ANYTHING, and the guy (Adriend) had to tie him (Luca) to a chair and beat him. I mean, if Luca had found something really incriminating and figured out what Adrien was really doing... Ok, then, confront him and let the best man win. But no. I don't know, it was all so unrealistic. I didn't buy it.
Then.. Ahm, yeah, what really, reeeeaally bothered me was this: how can you find out your boyfriend had blackouts and during those blackouts he raped some girls? That's not ok. And then, not only did you find out about that, but you KNOW his brother just covered it all up. So, even though Luca wasn't really conscious about what he was doing... It's not ok. Maybe you don't rat him out but.. I don't know, I don't find it very smart or sensible or anything to be with a guy who did those kinds of things. Maybe you get him help, yeah.. but I don't know.. It's a complete no-no for me.
I don't know, the entire thing was just too much for me. It was really weird. I didn't feel comfortable reading it, that's why I couldn't finish it.
I really wanted to like this book. When I got the ARC and read the blurb I thought it sounded promising. But, as I was reading it.. I started to lose my interest.
This is a story of a girl, Evangeline, who's gone to Malta to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. As soon as she gets there, she meets this incredibly mysterious guy, Luca Minaldi. The attraction between them is pretty obvious, but still.. he manages to keep his distance, but even so, she can't keep herself away from him that long, and neither can he. But there's something in his mind and life that's consuming him, that's keeping him from living. So Eva's decided to do something, anything to help him.
Like I said, I really, really wanted to like this book. At first, I had all these theories of what could be happening with Luca, he was so mysterious, yet always the gentleman. He truly cared for Eva, that's why he tried his best to keep himself away from her. He was a monster, as he put it. But because he felt so drawn to her, he always found himself going back to her, one way or another. When the mystery of what was really happening, about what Luca really was, was still unsolved... the book was pretty interesting. But then everything just... changed. The explanation was thrown at the reader and it was so weird because.. the way everything was developing was so predictable and kind of unnecessary. One moment, all is completely unknown to everyone, Eva can't seem to find out what's really going on, Luca's desperate by this darkness that keeps consuming him, and then.. one test reveals EVERYTHING. But one of the things that really bothered me was how it was all revealed to Luca. I had a huge WTF moment.
The thing is... sometimes, some explanations are not given or revealed in the right way. In this case, well.. Luca finds out because he found some drugs he thought were Adrien's. And Adrien freaked out. I mean, Luca wasn't even suspecting ANYTHING, and the guy (Adriend) had to tie him (Luca) to a chair and beat him. I mean, if Luca had found something really incriminating and figured out what Adrien was really doing... Ok, then, confront him and let the best man win. But no. I don't know, it was all so unrealistic. I didn't buy it.
Then.. Ahm, yeah, what really, reeeeaally bothered me was this: how can you find out your boyfriend had blackouts and during those blackouts he raped some girls? That's not ok. And then, not only did you find out about that, but you KNOW his brother just covered it all up. So, even though Luca wasn't really conscious about what he was doing... It's not ok. Maybe you don't rat him out but.. I don't know, I don't find it very smart or sensible or anything to be with a guy who did those kinds of things. Maybe you get him help, yeah.. but I don't know.. It's a complete no-no for me.
I don't know, the entire thing was just too much for me. It was really weird. I didn't feel comfortable reading it, that's why I couldn't finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2014
First impression:
I absolutely love this new cover. I think it's very fitting for the story. The girl looks like how I picture Eva in my mind too.
The story:
I originally read the first part of the book back in October 2012. I absolutely loved it and it was, at the time, my favorite book of Cole's. Going into reading this, I had only planned on reading the second half, but I opened the first page and immediately got consumed again by this gorgeous story and ended up reading part one AGAIN. What should you know about the story? Well, the plot is mysterious as are the characters. It's a dark story and a bit of a thriller. I remember the first time I read it, I think I had ten different possible theories going in my head.
Eva is a psychiatrist who comes to Malta to study and care for Luca's mother. She and Luca have a undeniable connection, but Luca keeps Eva at a distance. Eva can't seem to figure out what makes Luca so intriguing, but as she searches for answers, she soon realizes that this fact finding mission may be a bit dangerous. She discovers dark secrets buried deep, but she's determined to help Luca, no matter what the cost is.
That's about all I'll tell you about the actual story. There are quite a few plot twists, so I don't want to ruin all the surprises. Let the story carry you and you won't be disappointed.
The characters:
My favorite thing about Eva is the way she loves Luca. I like her, but I think what sold me was her determination to help Luca. She never gave up, even when he pushed her away.
Luca is complex. He's battled demons his whole life. He's feared that he will suffer the same fate as many Minaldi men before him. And there is a darkness that surrounds him, but once Eva comes into his life, he begins to feel a hopeful. I loved the mystery of Luca. I also love his dominating presence.
Eva and Luca, together, were great. They have intense chemistry, which created some pretty fantastic steamy moments between them. I couldn't get enough of them together.
What didn't work for me:
There wasn't really anything that stands out as an issue for me. I will say that I feel the first part is stronger. However, the second half delivers all the answers I needed. So...it's hard to find anything really wrong.
Overall:
I loved it. I don't read many suspense, thriller, romances, but Cole gave me something intriguing and definitely sexy. I didn't realize how much I had missed Luca until I started reading it. If you're in the mood for something a it dark, gritty and mysterious, check this out!
Quote:
~I enjoy the vibration of the sound against my lips, the heat of her breath against mine. Everything is visceral now, an explosion of sensations and my vision blurs. She is soft and I am hard and I rage against her, taking her over and over until her eyes glaze and her screaming stops. Her heart is pounding against my chest and her body is so very fragile. So I break it.
I absolutely love this new cover. I think it's very fitting for the story. The girl looks like how I picture Eva in my mind too.
The story:
I originally read the first part of the book back in October 2012. I absolutely loved it and it was, at the time, my favorite book of Cole's. Going into reading this, I had only planned on reading the second half, but I opened the first page and immediately got consumed again by this gorgeous story and ended up reading part one AGAIN. What should you know about the story? Well, the plot is mysterious as are the characters. It's a dark story and a bit of a thriller. I remember the first time I read it, I think I had ten different possible theories going in my head.
Eva is a psychiatrist who comes to Malta to study and care for Luca's mother. She and Luca have a undeniable connection, but Luca keeps Eva at a distance. Eva can't seem to figure out what makes Luca so intriguing, but as she searches for answers, she soon realizes that this fact finding mission may be a bit dangerous. She discovers dark secrets buried deep, but she's determined to help Luca, no matter what the cost is.
That's about all I'll tell you about the actual story. There are quite a few plot twists, so I don't want to ruin all the surprises. Let the story carry you and you won't be disappointed.
The characters:
My favorite thing about Eva is the way she loves Luca. I like her, but I think what sold me was her determination to help Luca. She never gave up, even when he pushed her away.
Luca is complex. He's battled demons his whole life. He's feared that he will suffer the same fate as many Minaldi men before him. And there is a darkness that surrounds him, but once Eva comes into his life, he begins to feel a hopeful. I loved the mystery of Luca. I also love his dominating presence.
Eva and Luca, together, were great. They have intense chemistry, which created some pretty fantastic steamy moments between them. I couldn't get enough of them together.
What didn't work for me:
There wasn't really anything that stands out as an issue for me. I will say that I feel the first part is stronger. However, the second half delivers all the answers I needed. So...it's hard to find anything really wrong.
Overall:
I loved it. I don't read many suspense, thriller, romances, but Cole gave me something intriguing and definitely sexy. I didn't realize how much I had missed Luca until I started reading it. If you're in the mood for something a it dark, gritty and mysterious, check this out!
Quote:
~I enjoy the vibration of the sound against my lips, the heat of her breath against mine. Everything is visceral now, an explosion of sensations and my vision blurs. She is soft and I am hard and I rage against her, taking her over and over until her eyes glaze and her screaming stops. Her heart is pounding against my chest and her body is so very fragile. So I break it.
November 28, 2014
5 stars - Dark, suspenseful and sexy, this story needs to be next on your list.
First Impression...
I love Courtney Cole books so I jumped at the chance to read this one. I've been reading too much straight romance and lots of NA lately, so I needed this change. I love the cover and was very excited to get to this one.
The Characters...
Luca intrigues me from the start. He clearly sees himself as a monster and there are terrible things happening in the night so it's easy to think it's him. Courtney never takes the easy way though. I fell for Luca so quickly. Though I had to have a little comfort from a pal, I read on and love this man.
Eva is interesting. She's confident in her abilities and strong. Her willingness to help Luca's mother and her determination to help Luca himself had me loving her. I enjoyed going on the journey with her to figure out the puzzle that was this story.
The Story...
Dark and thrilling, this one takes a twisting path as the story of the Minaldi legacy is told. Luca and Eva are very much drawn to each other with intense chemistry and a whole lot of intrigue. Though we are in both of their heads, it is not clear at all what the beast is or how this one will play out. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to figure it out. My mind was made up on what I thought was going on and though I got some pieces right, there were some surprises.
The Writing...
I love Courtney's writing. She unfolds a story in such a way that I am busy flipping pages and excited to see what will happen next. The balance between description and action is perfect. I can see the story and feel it too. This may be my favorite of hers so far.
Could I Put it Down...
Didn't have to so I didn't.
In The End...
I completely enjoyed this one. Needing a slightly different genre, I devoured it. Anyone who has read Cole will want to pick this one up but if you haven't had the pleasure and love the suspenseful romance with some dark twists then this one needs to be next on your list.
First Impression...
I love Courtney Cole books so I jumped at the chance to read this one. I've been reading too much straight romance and lots of NA lately, so I needed this change. I love the cover and was very excited to get to this one.
The Characters...
Luca intrigues me from the start. He clearly sees himself as a monster and there are terrible things happening in the night so it's easy to think it's him. Courtney never takes the easy way though. I fell for Luca so quickly. Though I had to have a little comfort from a pal, I read on and love this man.
Eva is interesting. She's confident in her abilities and strong. Her willingness to help Luca's mother and her determination to help Luca himself had me loving her. I enjoyed going on the journey with her to figure out the puzzle that was this story.
The Story...
Dark and thrilling, this one takes a twisting path as the story of the Minaldi legacy is told. Luca and Eva are very much drawn to each other with intense chemistry and a whole lot of intrigue. Though we are in both of their heads, it is not clear at all what the beast is or how this one will play out. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to figure it out. My mind was made up on what I thought was going on and though I got some pieces right, there were some surprises.
The Writing...
I love Courtney's writing. She unfolds a story in such a way that I am busy flipping pages and excited to see what will happen next. The balance between description and action is perfect. I can see the story and feel it too. This may be my favorite of hers so far.
Could I Put it Down...
Didn't have to so I didn't.
In The End...
I completely enjoyed this one. Needing a slightly different genre, I devoured it. Anyone who has read Cole will want to pick this one up but if you haven't had the pleasure and love the suspenseful romance with some dark twists then this one needs to be next on your list.
August 3, 2016
I haven't been this excited about a book in a long time. Don't get me wrong, I have read plenty of books that I LOVED, and a few that have given me serious book hangovers, but it's been a while since one just full body, heart and soul, grabbed me and wouldn't let go!!
The Minaldi Legacy is dark and gritty, and real and heart-wrenching. I was not only kept guessing throughout the entire book, I kept looking back and could find little details that show how intricately woven the story was. In the first half, there was more than once that with the information given, I couldn't figure out how it could end happily. People I was convinced were to be blamed, weren't, but then they were, but not on their own or really at all. People that I never even thought about blaming, were as guilty as sin. My highlights and notes are kinda funny to look at because I was all over the board on this one. My brain never could have come up with a story this complex and kinda awesomely twisted. One thing I did come away with though, ALWAYS OWN A DOG!!
I will admit that once I was through the first half, I couldn't see how you could have a whole other half to read. I thought the story ended good there, and would just be long and drawn out if it continued. I even had to make myself start the second half because I quite liked it how it was. I should have never doubted the author. What started out as a really good book turned into an amazing, complex thriller romance!!
If you are looking for a dark, brooding, VERY hot man, a level headed, strong willed, anti-wilting woman, look no further!! The only thing that could make The Minaldi Legacy any better would be if the author included a cloned version of Luca with every purchase.
The Minaldi Legacy is dark and gritty, and real and heart-wrenching. I was not only kept guessing throughout the entire book, I kept looking back and could find little details that show how intricately woven the story was. In the first half, there was more than once that with the information given, I couldn't figure out how it could end happily. People I was convinced were to be blamed, weren't, but then they were, but not on their own or really at all. People that I never even thought about blaming, were as guilty as sin. My highlights and notes are kinda funny to look at because I was all over the board on this one. My brain never could have come up with a story this complex and kinda awesomely twisted. One thing I did come away with though, ALWAYS OWN A DOG!!
I will admit that once I was through the first half, I couldn't see how you could have a whole other half to read. I thought the story ended good there, and would just be long and drawn out if it continued. I even had to make myself start the second half because I quite liked it how it was. I should have never doubted the author. What started out as a really good book turned into an amazing, complex thriller romance!!
If you are looking for a dark, brooding, VERY hot man, a level headed, strong willed, anti-wilting woman, look no further!! The only thing that could make The Minaldi Legacy any better would be if the author included a cloned version of Luca with every purchase.
February 11, 2014
This is a book you definitely want to read! I read this book in installments. The first book was read all the way back in October 2012. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book just trying to figure out what the hell was happening, I just couldn't understand! But when we learned the truth about the lies, deceit and betrayal, OMG! was that out of nowhere!
Now, we finally have the second installment and I was not disappointed. Ms. Cole still kept us on the edge of our seats waiting for the conclusion to the story. Where we thought we were shocked at the ending of the first book, it's nothing to the betrayal in the second book!! I was absolutely floored with that revelation!!
In the end, Luca and Eva finally have their HEA but it's not without a lot of heartache!
Bravo Ms Cole and thank you for such a wonderful series!!!
I'm giving this book 5 stars and will definitely be recommending it to the readers!!!
Now, we finally have the second installment and I was not disappointed. Ms. Cole still kept us on the edge of our seats waiting for the conclusion to the story. Where we thought we were shocked at the ending of the first book, it's nothing to the betrayal in the second book!! I was absolutely floored with that revelation!!
In the end, Luca and Eva finally have their HEA but it's not without a lot of heartache!
Bravo Ms Cole and thank you for such a wonderful series!!!
I'm giving this book 5 stars and will definitely be recommending it to the readers!!!
February 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
First, I love Courtney Cole!
With that being said, this was not one of my favorites. I am terrible with suspense/thriller books! They get under my skin and I have to physically restrain myself from skipping to the end to see what happens.
The Minaldi Legacy was definitely one of those books. I thought for the first part of book one that there was a paranormal aspect to it, which I would've loved, but sadly that wasn't the case. I was intrigued while reading it, but couldn't believe it once things had unfolded. There was a darkness to this book and the first book had a truly heartbreaking moment and I grieved for Eva.
Overall, it was an intriguing read that had variety of emotional components.. steam, grief, love, and longing. If you like suspense you'll like this one.
First, I love Courtney Cole!
With that being said, this was not one of my favorites. I am terrible with suspense/thriller books! They get under my skin and I have to physically restrain myself from skipping to the end to see what happens.
The Minaldi Legacy was definitely one of those books. I thought for the first part of book one that there was a paranormal aspect to it, which I would've loved, but sadly that wasn't the case. I was intrigued while reading it, but couldn't believe it once things had unfolded. There was a darkness to this book and the first book had a truly heartbreaking moment and I grieved for Eva.
Overall, it was an intriguing read that had variety of emotional components.. steam, grief, love, and longing. If you like suspense you'll like this one.
February 20, 2014
3.5 stars! I read this first book in September 2012 and this book is the first book and 2nd book combined. I only read the second half and this is what that review relates to. The first half I had already given 4 stars too. It was a great conclusion to the story, lots of plot twists that I never saw coming. It didn't keep me as gripped as the first book but I loved the way that it ended. A unusual and interesting plot and a great read none the less.
March 30, 2018
Not at all up to the standard of the author's other works. This features a weak female lead and a bland love interest. While I'm sure this was supposed to be a romance, what the main character had happen to her and then "overlooked" in the name of love was awful. . The plot quickly devolves into pages and pages and pages and the heroine moping around. There's no fight to her, no attempt to solve anything on her own. And the ending... Overall highly unbelievable and such a disappointment.
February 14, 2014
**A 3.5 Review as posted on KindleObsessed blog**
Flabbergasted is not a word I use often when describing books. Besides being (what I would consider) a fairly ridiculous word to begin with, I feel as though it fails to pin-point a specific emotion. What IS flabbergasted exactly? Is being flabbergasted a good thing? A bad thing? Can you scream “I am flabbergasted!” into a crowded room and people know instantly that you are sad? Happy? Confused? I’ll answer that for you…no! Why? Because this one simple words means everything and nothing all at once. So imagine my difficulty when (after finishing Courtney Cole’s “The Minaldi Legacy”) the only word that seemed to pop into my head was this one.
Flabbergasted.
Truth be told…I had ZERO idea what to expect when I agreed to review this book. I’m no stranger to Ms. Cole’s work (so the overall quality of this novel wasn’t a surprise) but what I just read, and what I’ve read of hers in the past… NIGHT and DAY!
For starters, I thought this book was going to sit cleanly in ONE specific genre. I was SO certain that I remember vividly making the statement to my husband: “Oh geez…really? Ugh! Predictability 101!” Which of course made me feel like a grade A bitch when (at the end of the first part) it was so far from what I had thought (and the genre that I had assumed) that I made a mental note to apologize to Ms. Cole for not giving her the benefit of the doubt. So here goes…
Dear Ms. Cole,
I was an idiot. Please forgive me.
I won’t tell you which genre this book sits in. I won’t tell you what I thought it was (because half of the fun was realizing how wrong I was) but I WILL tell you that it’ll have your head spinning. Romance aside, this book is a maze. There are so many brilliantly plotted out twists and turns that even seasoned mystery readers (you know who you are) will fail to pin-point ALL of the climaxes and players. (Hell, I missed a MAJOR one. Or two. *sigh*) In that retrospect “The Minaldi Legacy” was perfectly executed.
But what about the romance? The characters? The overall feel to the book?
Well, let’s start with the romance. It was gushy, yet tortured, and (like all dark romances should be) all consuming. In the prologue you are offered up a small glimpse of who the characters are. Eva is trouble, and desperate, and very obviously able to ignore relationship red flags. She is not weak, but she is not strong either. She is a woman in love…with a man…who is apparently a depraved killer. Luca IS that depraved killer, but we aren’t privy to his dark side yet only the guilt riddled one. The interesting thing? Neither character starts off this way. Instead they are strong. Independent. Bull headed. It’s their devotion to each-other (and by devotion I mean love) that eventually morphs them into the couple you see in the first few pages. Is that a bad thing? No. But it does make for some very compelling character growth.
This is not just another love story though (as I explained above.) It is a vine of interwoven mysteries, secrets, and lies. And all of these traits require additional characters. Two brothers, a few maids, an assistant, a deranged mother, a cafe owner and a guard dog. To be exact. Each very well developed and interracial, both to Eva and Luca’s relationship AND the secrets that move like smoke through their story.
As for the story…I enjoyed it. There were (of course) a few things that rattled my bones (for example Cole’s overuse of the phrase “I tell him that.” Which incidentally disappears in the second part.) And YES, I think it drug on for probably 50 pages more than it needed too. But in the end, I was stunned, happy, and pleased with what I had just spent a day and a half devouring.
So what does this mean for YOU…the reader?
Well, it means that this is a solid book. Don’t be afraid to spend a little dough on it.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Flabbergasted is not a word I use often when describing books. Besides being (what I would consider) a fairly ridiculous word to begin with, I feel as though it fails to pin-point a specific emotion. What IS flabbergasted exactly? Is being flabbergasted a good thing? A bad thing? Can you scream “I am flabbergasted!” into a crowded room and people know instantly that you are sad? Happy? Confused? I’ll answer that for you…no! Why? Because this one simple words means everything and nothing all at once. So imagine my difficulty when (after finishing Courtney Cole’s “The Minaldi Legacy”) the only word that seemed to pop into my head was this one.
Flabbergasted.
Truth be told…I had ZERO idea what to expect when I agreed to review this book. I’m no stranger to Ms. Cole’s work (so the overall quality of this novel wasn’t a surprise) but what I just read, and what I’ve read of hers in the past… NIGHT and DAY!
For starters, I thought this book was going to sit cleanly in ONE specific genre. I was SO certain that I remember vividly making the statement to my husband: “Oh geez…really? Ugh! Predictability 101!” Which of course made me feel like a grade A bitch when (at the end of the first part) it was so far from what I had thought (and the genre that I had assumed) that I made a mental note to apologize to Ms. Cole for not giving her the benefit of the doubt. So here goes…
Dear Ms. Cole,
I was an idiot. Please forgive me.
I won’t tell you which genre this book sits in. I won’t tell you what I thought it was (because half of the fun was realizing how wrong I was) but I WILL tell you that it’ll have your head spinning. Romance aside, this book is a maze. There are so many brilliantly plotted out twists and turns that even seasoned mystery readers (you know who you are) will fail to pin-point ALL of the climaxes and players. (Hell, I missed a MAJOR one. Or two. *sigh*) In that retrospect “The Minaldi Legacy” was perfectly executed.
But what about the romance? The characters? The overall feel to the book?
Well, let’s start with the romance. It was gushy, yet tortured, and (like all dark romances should be) all consuming. In the prologue you are offered up a small glimpse of who the characters are. Eva is trouble, and desperate, and very obviously able to ignore relationship red flags. She is not weak, but she is not strong either. She is a woman in love…with a man…who is apparently a depraved killer. Luca IS that depraved killer, but we aren’t privy to his dark side yet only the guilt riddled one. The interesting thing? Neither character starts off this way. Instead they are strong. Independent. Bull headed. It’s their devotion to each-other (and by devotion I mean love) that eventually morphs them into the couple you see in the first few pages. Is that a bad thing? No. But it does make for some very compelling character growth.
This is not just another love story though (as I explained above.) It is a vine of interwoven mysteries, secrets, and lies. And all of these traits require additional characters. Two brothers, a few maids, an assistant, a deranged mother, a cafe owner and a guard dog. To be exact. Each very well developed and interracial, both to Eva and Luca’s relationship AND the secrets that move like smoke through their story.
As for the story…I enjoyed it. There were (of course) a few things that rattled my bones (for example Cole’s overuse of the phrase “I tell him that.” Which incidentally disappears in the second part.) And YES, I think it drug on for probably 50 pages more than it needed too. But in the end, I was stunned, happy, and pleased with what I had just spent a day and a half devouring.
So what does this mean for YOU…the reader?
Well, it means that this is a solid book. Don’t be afraid to spend a little dough on it.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” - Mahatma Gandhi
February 14, 2014
Initial Thoughts: Wow! What a story. The book was really fascinating and kept me pulled in with all the secrets and mystery and wanting to find out everything and to see if there would be a happy ending (I really like those). Both parts were written very well. I was a little hesitant at first to read because the characters were older than what I usually read (29 and 32) but in the end that didn't matter - the story was great.
The Characters: Now for a quick rundown, Eva and Luca are obviously the main characters. Eva came to Malta so she could write her dissertation and become a psychiatrist. Luca has always lived in Malta and has a very dark secret about his family. There are other characters like Adrian who is Luca's friend and has grown up with him his whole life. Marianna, this sweet lady, who has this lovely restaurant with food that sounds, was a favorite character of mine!
The Story: As I said, Eva comes to Malta and since she's really good at ready people, she knows that there is something about Luca when she meets him. Then she comes across him quite a lot which is really unusual for Luca because he doesn't come out of his house too much. The more Eva meets Luca the more she wants to find out. Plus while all this is going on, dead girls are showing up. Oh, forgot to mention, this book is more dark thriller and mystery than paranormal. It took the whole first part to find that out because everything was woven so well you really didn't know what was truly happening with Luca! Eventually Luca tells Eva about what he thinks is a "curse" his family has had for generations, and Eva tries the solve it thinking it's not really a curse.
At the end of Part I, they solved the problem...well they think they did which is how it ends. When I had finished Part I, I immediately started the next part because I had to know what happened next! I think I have to say that Part II was my favorite though. Both parts were great but this part was, as I said, my favorite. I liked it because now that I understood more about what was happening, the thriller part really kicked in. The were even more secrets and lies and deception going on that at the end I was about to throw my phone because I seriously did not see the end coming at all! It was really well crafted the plot!
The Romance: Obviously it's between Eva and Luca. In the start of the book, there's some attraction and connection between the two and it only grows from there. It's hard for Luca though because he thinks he's a monster and he doesn't want to get close to anyone, especially Eva because he doesn't want to hurt her. Eventually they get past that. Plus I just think that Eva and Luca are great together and especially for each other! Now for the ending and epilogue - I loved them! I really did, I love how the book ended and then the epilogue came and that was wonderful. It really tied everything in and brought the story to a wonderful close.
End Thoughts: This book was really well done. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to have read it. If you like thrillers and mystery this is a great read, though I think anyone could read it if they wanted too! 4.5/5 stars for The Minaldi Legacy!
The Characters: Now for a quick rundown, Eva and Luca are obviously the main characters. Eva came to Malta so she could write her dissertation and become a psychiatrist. Luca has always lived in Malta and has a very dark secret about his family. There are other characters like Adrian who is Luca's friend and has grown up with him his whole life. Marianna, this sweet lady, who has this lovely restaurant with food that sounds, was a favorite character of mine!
The Story: As I said, Eva comes to Malta and since she's really good at ready people, she knows that there is something about Luca when she meets him. Then she comes across him quite a lot which is really unusual for Luca because he doesn't come out of his house too much. The more Eva meets Luca the more she wants to find out. Plus while all this is going on, dead girls are showing up. Oh, forgot to mention, this book is more dark thriller and mystery than paranormal. It took the whole first part to find that out because everything was woven so well you really didn't know what was truly happening with Luca! Eventually Luca tells Eva about what he thinks is a "curse" his family has had for generations, and Eva tries the solve it thinking it's not really a curse.
At the end of Part I, they solved the problem...well they think they did which is how it ends. When I had finished Part I, I immediately started the next part because I had to know what happened next! I think I have to say that Part II was my favorite though. Both parts were great but this part was, as I said, my favorite. I liked it because now that I understood more about what was happening, the thriller part really kicked in. The were even more secrets and lies and deception going on that at the end I was about to throw my phone because I seriously did not see the end coming at all! It was really well crafted the plot!
The Romance: Obviously it's between Eva and Luca. In the start of the book, there's some attraction and connection between the two and it only grows from there. It's hard for Luca though because he thinks he's a monster and he doesn't want to get close to anyone, especially Eva because he doesn't want to hurt her. Eventually they get past that. Plus I just think that Eva and Luca are great together and especially for each other! Now for the ending and epilogue - I loved them! I really did, I love how the book ended and then the epilogue came and that was wonderful. It really tied everything in and brought the story to a wonderful close.
End Thoughts: This book was really well done. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to have read it. If you like thrillers and mystery this is a great read, though I think anyone could read it if they wanted too! 4.5/5 stars for The Minaldi Legacy!
February 22, 2014
Dark and gritty with an ominous shroud over each scene and every character, The Minaldi Legacy by Courtney Cole is a truly riveting dark romantic tale filled with intrigue and a mysterious and malevolent dark secret that has been handed down through the generations. Eva comes to Malta to finish her studies as a psychiatrist, while escaping from her own demons of the past. She meets the darkly handsome Luca Minaldi who seems warm and caring one moment and distant and cold the next. There is an undeniable connection, but the stronger that connection becomes, the harder Luca tries to push Eva away. Luca is one of a long line of Minaldi men who have been cursed to blackouts while committing heinous crimes they cannot truly remembering committing. Their only trusted confidants have been their manservants, who have admirably served the Minaldi men for generations. Eva, determined to help save Luca from this curse travels down a deadly road to discovery that may take Luca from her anyway.
Courtney Cole has painted a bleak world where the only light is the love between Luca and Eva, two very well-developed characters who both seek to save the other, but in very different ways. Luca knows being with him will put her in the same danger past Minaldi women have been in and he selflessly pushes her away. Eva, love Luca enough to risk both his wrath and her life, if necessary to find a way to free him from the family nightmare. Ms. Cole complimented these two with a cast of characters that each play a significant role, while never firmly establishing whether they were good or evil until the exact moment it would have the greatest impact! Brilliant!
If you are a fan of excellent writing, intriguing plots and some shocking twists, you have to take a look at The Minaldi Legacy, a tale that will haunt the recesses of your mind for quite some time!
I received this copy from the author as part of the Minaldi Legacy Tour.
Publication Date: February 5, 2014
Publisher: Lakehouse Press, Inc.
ISBN-10: 0615960391
ISBN-13: 978-0615960395
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Number of Pages: 480
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Courtney Cole has painted a bleak world where the only light is the love between Luca and Eva, two very well-developed characters who both seek to save the other, but in very different ways. Luca knows being with him will put her in the same danger past Minaldi women have been in and he selflessly pushes her away. Eva, love Luca enough to risk both his wrath and her life, if necessary to find a way to free him from the family nightmare. Ms. Cole complimented these two with a cast of characters that each play a significant role, while never firmly establishing whether they were good or evil until the exact moment it would have the greatest impact! Brilliant!
If you are a fan of excellent writing, intriguing plots and some shocking twists, you have to take a look at The Minaldi Legacy, a tale that will haunt the recesses of your mind for quite some time!
I received this copy from the author as part of the Minaldi Legacy Tour.
Publication Date: February 5, 2014
Publisher: Lakehouse Press, Inc.
ISBN-10: 0615960391
ISBN-13: 978-0615960395
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Number of Pages: 480
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
February 5, 2014
I was a little apprehensive when I started THE MINALDI LEGACY. Just knowing it was a dark romantic read had me a little nervous. I usually do not do well with those type reads. But I got to admit that it wasn't anything like I thought it would be. Yeah, there were some scenes that made me feel a little awkward, but nothing too serious. I really enjoyed the story and the incredible suspense that radiated from between the pages.
The whole first half you are not entirely sure if this is going to be a paranormal read or not. It is crazy intense not knowing and trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with Luca. Which leads me to him. I adored him, I hurt for him, and I wanted to protect him...throughout the whole read. He was in desperate need of some help and Eva was just the right girl for the job. She had this desperate and urgent need to be around him and mend him. There was such an amazing connection between the two from the moment Luca charges into her cottage and defends her against a non-venomous spider. He is my kind of hero!
***
Her soul is so beautiful and I know that I will break it. Against every lingering shred of my will, I know that I will break it. I sigh raggedly in the dark room.
She’s beautiful and gentle and God would never give me someone like her and allow it to work. He wouldn’t.
Yet still I clutch her.
She is soft beneath my fingers and I know that I should let go. That I should get up from this bed and
never come back.
But I can’t.
The selfish part of me can’t do it.
***
The story is so very frightening and beautiful all in one. Yes, there is more fright than beauty, but it is the beauty that makes it all worth it. Luca has a lot of issues to work through and it will be quite the battle as he does. But everything worth having is worth fighting for, that is for sure.
In the end, I am truly happy I was asked by Cole to review this book. It was a great read and I love one that challenges me to seek the answer of the mystery. I love finding out in the end if I guessed right. And although, I was semi right in my guessing, I was happy that Cole outsmarted me and revealed something more. Great story...5 thrilling stars!
The whole first half you are not entirely sure if this is going to be a paranormal read or not. It is crazy intense not knowing and trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with Luca. Which leads me to him. I adored him, I hurt for him, and I wanted to protect him...throughout the whole read. He was in desperate need of some help and Eva was just the right girl for the job. She had this desperate and urgent need to be around him and mend him. There was such an amazing connection between the two from the moment Luca charges into her cottage and defends her against a non-venomous spider. He is my kind of hero!
***
Her soul is so beautiful and I know that I will break it. Against every lingering shred of my will, I know that I will break it. I sigh raggedly in the dark room.
She’s beautiful and gentle and God would never give me someone like her and allow it to work. He wouldn’t.
Yet still I clutch her.
She is soft beneath my fingers and I know that I should let go. That I should get up from this bed and
never come back.
But I can’t.
The selfish part of me can’t do it.
***
The story is so very frightening and beautiful all in one. Yes, there is more fright than beauty, but it is the beauty that makes it all worth it. Luca has a lot of issues to work through and it will be quite the battle as he does. But everything worth having is worth fighting for, that is for sure.
In the end, I am truly happy I was asked by Cole to review this book. It was a great read and I love one that challenges me to seek the answer of the mystery. I love finding out in the end if I guessed right. And although, I was semi right in my guessing, I was happy that Cole outsmarted me and revealed something more. Great story...5 thrilling stars!
August 10, 2016
The Minaldi Legacy, by Courtney Cole, consists of two parts - Of Blood and Bone and Of Darkness and Demons - and is a thrilling read full of excitement and intrigue. Ms. Cole delivers an eerie, haunting and dark story that will keep you guessing until the very end!
Dr. Evangeline Talbot has come to Malta for the summer to complete her doctoral dissertation. After arriving she meets the dark, enigmatic and reclusive Luca Minaldi and is immediately drawn to and captivated by him. When several young girls are murdered in the area, Eva is scared for her safety. So she accepts a job offer from Luca to help care for his mother, who suffers from dementia. Staying at Chessare, the Minaldi estate, Eva soon realizes that all is not as it seems. There are secrets and strange occurrences surrounding Luca that cause him to hide away at the estate. Once she learns the truth, she is more determined than ever to help him but Luca refuses, and does everything he can to push her away.
For me this story was just delicious, every word written on the page enticed me to read more. The attraction and chemistry between Eva and Luca was red hot, and I loved their interactions. Luca was adamant about keeping his distance from Eva to protect her; Eva was unwavering in her love, support and dedication of Luca. The devotion, commitment and love that these characters shared for each other was simply stunning, opening my heart wide to let them in. The mystery/suspense element was both fascinating and thrilling. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, and then I would find out that I was completely wrong. The story was filled with conspiracy, betrayal and madness - and it kept me on the edge of my seat until all was revealed!
The Minaldi Legacy is a fabulous and unique story that kept me spellbound. Its dark and mysterious storyline is both distinctive and intense. Ms. Cole does an outstanding job of balancing a fantastic love story with a thrilling suspense full of twists and turns. The Minaldi Legacy was refreshing and original and a read that I definitely recommend!
ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review
Dr. Evangeline Talbot has come to Malta for the summer to complete her doctoral dissertation. After arriving she meets the dark, enigmatic and reclusive Luca Minaldi and is immediately drawn to and captivated by him. When several young girls are murdered in the area, Eva is scared for her safety. So she accepts a job offer from Luca to help care for his mother, who suffers from dementia. Staying at Chessare, the Minaldi estate, Eva soon realizes that all is not as it seems. There are secrets and strange occurrences surrounding Luca that cause him to hide away at the estate. Once she learns the truth, she is more determined than ever to help him but Luca refuses, and does everything he can to push her away.
For me this story was just delicious, every word written on the page enticed me to read more. The attraction and chemistry between Eva and Luca was red hot, and I loved their interactions. Luca was adamant about keeping his distance from Eva to protect her; Eva was unwavering in her love, support and dedication of Luca. The devotion, commitment and love that these characters shared for each other was simply stunning, opening my heart wide to let them in. The mystery/suspense element was both fascinating and thrilling. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, and then I would find out that I was completely wrong. The story was filled with conspiracy, betrayal and madness - and it kept me on the edge of my seat until all was revealed!
The Minaldi Legacy is a fabulous and unique story that kept me spellbound. Its dark and mysterious storyline is both distinctive and intense. Ms. Cole does an outstanding job of balancing a fantastic love story with a thrilling suspense full of twists and turns. The Minaldi Legacy was refreshing and original and a read that I definitely recommend!
ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review
February 19, 2014
Where oh where do I start. I LOVE COURTNEY COLE!!! Anything this woman writes is phenomenal. Ok….onto the book.
I have been waiting ever so patiently for this book since I first read Of Blood and Bone. Just to clarify – Of Blood and Bone is in this book. The Minaldi Legacy is Of Blood and Bone & Of Darkness and Demons together.
Luca Minaldi is a very sexy and dark man. His presence is commanding and it’s very difficult to not be drawn to him. Eva is there to take care of his mom but she also wants to help heal Luca when she realizes that he too needs help
However, Eva finds herself drawn to him for more than just professional reasons. Luca is a very private man so it’s hard for Eva to get close to him in a personal way. But she is finally able to get beyond his walls. But in doing so, she puts herself at a greater risk unknowingly.
Eva also becomes close to Luca’s long time friend and chauffer, Adrian. He knows everything about Luca and the history of the Minaldi family. But in the end, it’s always those you think you can trust most, are those that you need to be careful with.
I so badly want to say exactly what happens throughout this book but that would ruin it for everyone. There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn’t read fast enough! The writing is absolutely amazing. Courtney has a way with her words that just keeps you sucked into the story.
“It was rose petals,” she tells me. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I was clearing your rooms and I saw rose petals on the floor, blowing down the hall. I followed them, and they led me here. But when I ran back to call for help, they were gone.”
Superb job once again Courtney!! I cannot wait to see what you come out with next. But peeps – go buy this book!! It is so worth every damn penny!!
***VISIT WWW.LOVENBOOKS.COM FORE MORE REVIEWS***
I have been waiting ever so patiently for this book since I first read Of Blood and Bone. Just to clarify – Of Blood and Bone is in this book. The Minaldi Legacy is Of Blood and Bone & Of Darkness and Demons together.
Luca Minaldi is a very sexy and dark man. His presence is commanding and it’s very difficult to not be drawn to him. Eva is there to take care of his mom but she also wants to help heal Luca when she realizes that he too needs help
However, Eva finds herself drawn to him for more than just professional reasons. Luca is a very private man so it’s hard for Eva to get close to him in a personal way. But she is finally able to get beyond his walls. But in doing so, she puts herself at a greater risk unknowingly.
Eva also becomes close to Luca’s long time friend and chauffer, Adrian. He knows everything about Luca and the history of the Minaldi family. But in the end, it’s always those you think you can trust most, are those that you need to be careful with.
I so badly want to say exactly what happens throughout this book but that would ruin it for everyone. There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn’t read fast enough! The writing is absolutely amazing. Courtney has a way with her words that just keeps you sucked into the story.
“It was rose petals,” she tells me. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I was clearing your rooms and I saw rose petals on the floor, blowing down the hall. I followed them, and they led me here. But when I ran back to call for help, they were gone.”
Superb job once again Courtney!! I cannot wait to see what you come out with next. But peeps – go buy this book!! It is so worth every damn penny!!
***VISIT WWW.LOVENBOOKS.COM FORE MORE REVIEWS***
March 18, 2014
“I’m a monster, Eva. There’s no saving a monster. But I love that you want to try.”
This one line sums up both books (part one, Of Blood and Bone and part two, Of Darkness and Demons) that make up the Minaldi Legacy. The love story between Eva and Luca is haunting, hypnotic and absolutely impossible to stop reading. The killer about the Minaldi Legacy is from the get go, you don't have any answers and as time moves along in the story, you are even more dumbfounded as to what is really going on with Luca. Luca Minaldi is extremely good looking, rich, and powerful. His family's shipping empire has given him plenty of money and fame as well as a fortified estate called Chessarae on the island of Malta. The people from the island gossip about the fact that he seems to be a recluse and with no explanation why. Luca has dark secrets that he isn't willing to share until he meets Eva.
Eva Talbot is working on her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. She visited Malta as a child and always wanted to come back. When she arrives on the island, her and Luca share a comical moment with a large spider and there is immediate attraction. She senses something is closed off about him but can't put her finger on it.
Luca eventually hires her to take care of his mother who is suffering from dementia or so it seems. Eva moves into Chessarae to help but there is also a string full of murders that are unexplained on the island and Luca's family home seems safe. Or is it?
Without giving too much away, I have to say that I didn't see the ending for Book 1 coming. It was a fantastic twist and I applaud Ms. Cole for the twist. Through all of darkness in this book, Eva and Luca hang on to each other. Their relationship is tested over and over again and it was heartbreaking to read. Unlike a slew of books I have been reading, I had no idea where this story was going and where it would end up…it was absolutely refreshing.
This one line sums up both books (part one, Of Blood and Bone and part two, Of Darkness and Demons) that make up the Minaldi Legacy. The love story between Eva and Luca is haunting, hypnotic and absolutely impossible to stop reading. The killer about the Minaldi Legacy is from the get go, you don't have any answers and as time moves along in the story, you are even more dumbfounded as to what is really going on with Luca. Luca Minaldi is extremely good looking, rich, and powerful. His family's shipping empire has given him plenty of money and fame as well as a fortified estate called Chessarae on the island of Malta. The people from the island gossip about the fact that he seems to be a recluse and with no explanation why. Luca has dark secrets that he isn't willing to share until he meets Eva.
Eva Talbot is working on her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. She visited Malta as a child and always wanted to come back. When she arrives on the island, her and Luca share a comical moment with a large spider and there is immediate attraction. She senses something is closed off about him but can't put her finger on it.
Luca eventually hires her to take care of his mother who is suffering from dementia or so it seems. Eva moves into Chessarae to help but there is also a string full of murders that are unexplained on the island and Luca's family home seems safe. Or is it?
Without giving too much away, I have to say that I didn't see the ending for Book 1 coming. It was a fantastic twist and I applaud Ms. Cole for the twist. Through all of darkness in this book, Eva and Luca hang on to each other. Their relationship is tested over and over again and it was heartbreaking to read. Unlike a slew of books I have been reading, I had no idea where this story was going and where it would end up…it was absolutely refreshing.
February 3, 2014
4.5/5 stars
I was very eager to read The Minaldi Legacy. I mean, it's Courtney Cole of course!!
So, going in to this, I really had no idea what to expect. What kind of story would I be reading??
Well, The Minaldi Legacy was definitely not what I expected. It was so much more.
I was immediately brought in to this dark romance in the first few pages. My thoughts were everywhere. What is going to happen?? I even considered that this would be a paranormal read. In the end, it was not, but The Minaldi Legacy is filled with suspense and mystery; that it keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
With a well-developed cast, Courtney Cole built a unique intriguing story that literally captivates you. I was holding my breath, dying to find out answers to the mysteries laid before me. Brilliantly written, I couldn't wait til the end to discover the shocking secrets of this amazing novel.
Now, there were moments when I felt kind of UGH about it...Evangeline, our heroine, started out as a strong smart character, but after meeting the mysterious Luca and ultimately falling in love with him; I believe she lost who she was. It was a dark romance of course, so it is definitely different compared to many of the mainstream books out there right now.
BUT...Overall that was a minor thing to me and the suspense of the storyline captured me completely. As I mentioned the romance between Eva and Luca, it really was a lovely affair. There were some moments that gripped my heart and then there were the moments that made me scream. It was such a tug-of-war relationship...*sighs*
Nevertheless, every element in The Minaldi Legacy comes together to create a fantastic story.
Be ready for a whirlwind of emotions in this stunning heart-stopping thriller.
A definitely MUST READ!!
I was very eager to read The Minaldi Legacy. I mean, it's Courtney Cole of course!!
So, going in to this, I really had no idea what to expect. What kind of story would I be reading??
Well, The Minaldi Legacy was definitely not what I expected. It was so much more.
I was immediately brought in to this dark romance in the first few pages. My thoughts were everywhere. What is going to happen?? I even considered that this would be a paranormal read. In the end, it was not, but The Minaldi Legacy is filled with suspense and mystery; that it keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
With a well-developed cast, Courtney Cole built a unique intriguing story that literally captivates you. I was holding my breath, dying to find out answers to the mysteries laid before me. Brilliantly written, I couldn't wait til the end to discover the shocking secrets of this amazing novel.
Now, there were moments when I felt kind of UGH about it...Evangeline, our heroine, started out as a strong smart character, but after meeting the mysterious Luca and ultimately falling in love with him; I believe she lost who she was. It was a dark romance of course, so it is definitely different compared to many of the mainstream books out there right now.
BUT...Overall that was a minor thing to me and the suspense of the storyline captured me completely. As I mentioned the romance between Eva and Luca, it really was a lovely affair. There were some moments that gripped my heart and then there were the moments that made me scream. It was such a tug-of-war relationship...*sighs*
Nevertheless, every element in The Minaldi Legacy comes together to create a fantastic story.
Be ready for a whirlwind of emotions in this stunning heart-stopping thriller.
A definitely MUST READ!!
February 9, 2014
3.5 Stars in my Sky!
Before I read The Minaldi Legacy (and even at times whilst reading) I was expecting the story to take a supernatural twist. The cover even seems to suggest something paranormal is on the horizon, but the book Courtney Cole has written is more contemporary thriller than supernatural (this will make sense when you read it).
American Psychiatrist Eva travels to Malta to carry out research for her dissertation. Pretty soon after arriving she meets the dashing, broody and mysterious Luca Minaldi. Luca is a shipping heir with a dark secret, but Eva finds herself inexplicably drawn to him.
For the most part I really liked Luca and felt really bad for everything he goes through. Because Eva is a doctor I was expecting a strong, feisty character and don't get me wrong at the beginning she is, but after things take a turn with Luca she became slightly hormonal and kinda needy. This being said Eva suffers a lot and I can understand her position at times, but she came across younger than she is and I found myself confused about her age but I did like her.
The Minaldi Legacy also comes in two parts but I read it as one volume and didn't have to wait for part two. The plot covers some pretty traumatic issues and as I mentioned earlier I kept expecting things to take a paranormal turn. The thriller/mystery element was interesting and helped pull the story together; I didn't guess one particular twist.
There are some upsetting moments so be prepared, but there are also some great sexy scenes. I enjoyed their romance and Luca could be really romantic at times. I liked the story even if I was a little frustrated with Eva at times.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Also reviewed on my blog Zili in the Sky
February 23, 2014
This book was such an amazing mix of dark emotions and sinister thoughts. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that this was a paranormal romance. It had all the mystery and thrilling suspense that comes with discovering what type of monster you’re about to meet; but, there was a different type of monster lurking in the shadows of this story, one that was very real. Either way, I would have loved it, though.
Cole’s writing drew me in and I was caught up in the intrigue and passion that grew stronger as this story developed. I was on the edge of my seat every time “the beast” appeared, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Cole threw curveball after curveball. It was so exciting to always be one step behind the plotline. It kept me guessing and kept me enthralled from start to finish.
It was interesting that this book was made up of two parts, and it made me wonder why it was done this way. But I do believe it added a sense of drama to an already dramatic story, and it really amplified that final scene in Of Blood and Bones.
I didn’t feel an intense connection with any of the characters, and there wasn’t the usual overflow of tears that come with reading one of Courtney Cole’s books, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t feel anything for the characters. Both Luca and Eva went through one devastating event after another, never really knowing if they’d come out okay in the end. It tore at me heart that Luca was trapped behind his curse and couldn’t give all of himself to Eva for fear of hurting her, but I did have hope that they’d find their happy ending. It wouldn’t be easy, and boy does Cole love torturing her characters (quite literally), but I still had hope, and they had a love that could make it through anything.
This was an extremely entertaining and exciting read.
Cole’s writing drew me in and I was caught up in the intrigue and passion that grew stronger as this story developed. I was on the edge of my seat every time “the beast” appeared, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Cole threw curveball after curveball. It was so exciting to always be one step behind the plotline. It kept me guessing and kept me enthralled from start to finish.
It was interesting that this book was made up of two parts, and it made me wonder why it was done this way. But I do believe it added a sense of drama to an already dramatic story, and it really amplified that final scene in Of Blood and Bones.
I didn’t feel an intense connection with any of the characters, and there wasn’t the usual overflow of tears that come with reading one of Courtney Cole’s books, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t feel anything for the characters. Both Luca and Eva went through one devastating event after another, never really knowing if they’d come out okay in the end. It tore at me heart that Luca was trapped behind his curse and couldn’t give all of himself to Eva for fear of hurting her, but I did have hope that they’d find their happy ending. It wouldn’t be easy, and boy does Cole love torturing her characters (quite literally), but I still had hope, and they had a love that could make it through anything.
This was an extremely entertaining and exciting read.
October 21, 2014
I had first read, Of Blood and bone in April. I read it in just three days. I would have read it in one, but I had to work! I absolutely loved it! This book takes a hold of you and does not let go. you will not be able to put it down. It is so beautifully written and is a unique love story. It's mysterious and dark yet so captivating and romantic. It takes place in Malta, which makes for an amazing setting. Luca Manaldi is the perfect man, handsome, rich & kind. But he is convinced that he is a monster and devastatingly broken. He swears he is cursed. Evangeline is smart, beautiful and emotionally broken herself. They both struggle to stay away from each other, but the chemistry between them in undeniable. You can feel their longing for each other and you can't help but fall in love right along with them. They refuse to give up on each other and are determined to break the curse that plagues Luca. Just when they think that maybe, they can have a normal life together and the darkness is behind them.... The second half of the book begins... In Darkness and Demons you heart will break for Luca and Evangeline. What should be the happiest time of their lives turns out to be the worst. There are twists and turns plus the ultimate betrayal. I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat. It's an absolute must read. BRAVO Courtney Cole!!! For making such a memorable and unique story!
February 16, 2014
I first read Of Blood and Bone back in October 2012. I loved the story then. I was hoping there would be more to answer my lingering questions. Now, we have The Minaldi Legacy, that includes the first part before continuing their story. I thought about just starting with part 2. I'm glad I read it from the beginning.
Luca Minaldi is a mysterious man, an enigma. He's rich and lives at Chessarae, on the island of Maltese, with servants and a home hundreds of years old.
Dr. Eva (Evangeline) Talbot comes to Malta for the summer to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. Once they meet, there is electricity between them.
Adrian Leopoldo is Luca's assistant, life long friend. His family has been servants for the Minaldi family for generations.
Luca asks Eva to help his mother, Melina, in a crisis at his home. Eva discovers there are many shadows and secrets at Chessarare and the Minaldi family.
Courtney Cole has written a suspenseful, thriller with plenty of romance and sexiness. The characters are mysterious with intriguing plots with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. Eva's strong will and desire to help Luca is proof of her love for him.
This is not "your normal" romance book. I enjoyed that it is different. I for one have been anxious for the story to come to a conclusion. Happy Reader!
Luca Minaldi is a mysterious man, an enigma. He's rich and lives at Chessarae, on the island of Maltese, with servants and a home hundreds of years old.
Dr. Eva (Evangeline) Talbot comes to Malta for the summer to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. Once they meet, there is electricity between them.
Adrian Leopoldo is Luca's assistant, life long friend. His family has been servants for the Minaldi family for generations.
Luca asks Eva to help his mother, Melina, in a crisis at his home. Eva discovers there are many shadows and secrets at Chessarare and the Minaldi family.
Courtney Cole has written a suspenseful, thriller with plenty of romance and sexiness. The characters are mysterious with intriguing plots with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. Eva's strong will and desire to help Luca is proof of her love for him.
This is not "your normal" romance book. I enjoyed that it is different. I for one have been anxious for the story to come to a conclusion. Happy Reader!
February 24, 2014
3.5 star review
Www.herjuicyreads.com
There were so many times while reading this where I felt like I was reading a true, traditional romance novel. It was nice to mix this flowery remix, with suspense.
I really enjoyed the suspense, and mystery behind everything that was happening with Luca. When I thought I had figured things out, or had a good grasp at where the story was going I was floored! Courtney Cole kept me on my toes, and had me guessing the whole way. I really thought it was going in a paranormal/supernatural way, but was surprised all the same.
The only complaints I have is that I felt myself struggling at times with the story. I felt it would slow way down, and was a tad repetitive. Eva also felt quite immature considering her age. These are very minute complaints, overall.
The attraction was palpable between Luca, and Eva. They yearned for another, and Luca tried to push her away in the beginning. I loved the internal struggle he portrayed. Their love carried the story in so many ways, and kept me interested. If you enjoy a good mystery with your romance, then this is a great read for you.
Www.herjuicyreads.com
There were so many times while reading this where I felt like I was reading a true, traditional romance novel. It was nice to mix this flowery remix, with suspense.
I really enjoyed the suspense, and mystery behind everything that was happening with Luca. When I thought I had figured things out, or had a good grasp at where the story was going I was floored! Courtney Cole kept me on my toes, and had me guessing the whole way. I really thought it was going in a paranormal/supernatural way, but was surprised all the same.
The only complaints I have is that I felt myself struggling at times with the story. I felt it would slow way down, and was a tad repetitive. Eva also felt quite immature considering her age. These are very minute complaints, overall.
The attraction was palpable between Luca, and Eva. They yearned for another, and Luca tried to push her away in the beginning. I loved the internal struggle he portrayed. Their love carried the story in so many ways, and kept me interested. If you enjoy a good mystery with your romance, then this is a great read for you.
February 14, 2014
First, I want to say that the cover is Simply.Stunning. And that I really didn't like the name Luca at all but once I got to know him...it fit. Perfectly. So, this is the story of Luca Minaldi and the family curse that haunts him and of Evangeline (Eva) who will stop at nothing to save him. The beginning of this book was very powerful and I couldn't put it down - Luca had a presence that seemed to come off the page and the whole time I was feeling this was going into the paranormal and then to find out....it wasn't. Kind of disappointed me and when I found out what the curse was, well, I didn't really like it because it didn't seem plausible that it could have been going on for generations. Believing the unbelievable is just so much easier when it's paranormal. That was when the story kind of lost it's mojo for me. It was at the end, when the bombshell was dropped, that my heart started pumping again and I couldn't read it fast enough. Totally caught me on that one. So, I forgave the paranormal...or lack thereof...and really enjoyed the whole story. Loved Luca & Eva together and now I really want to visit Malta someday :)
February 15, 2015
Finished part one, but the book slump of 2014 is in full swing. This was okay but not great. There is a dark mystery surrounding the hero Luca and something sinister going on on the island. Who is, of course super-crazy rich and very brooding (but as you find out later he has a good reason). That part of the story makes you want to read on. I also enjoyed the description of Malta mostly because it made me want to take an immediate vacation there and never come back to the snowy northeast. I feel like I could give an extra star just for the setting.
The ending was also kind of great, like the end of a really good thriller movie. So kudos to Ms. Cole for that.
Part II was a DNF, because after we figured out the GREAT MYSTERY I just didn't care anymore. Other reviewers said that the plot picks back up in the second part, but I felt sort of satisfied with the HEA I was given in part I and I didn't want to screw that up so I quit while I was ahead.
The ending was also kind of great, like the end of a really good thriller movie. So kudos to Ms. Cole for that.
Part II was a DNF, because after we figured out the GREAT MYSTERY I just didn't care anymore. Other reviewers said that the plot picks back up in the second part, but I felt sort of satisfied with the HEA I was given in part I and I didn't want to screw that up so I quit while I was ahead.
February 15, 2016
I purchased book one when it first came out. I just purchased this book that has both book 1 and book 2. I must say that I am a little upset because I waited a long time for book 2 to come out, only to go online to find out that I have to purchase book one again in order to read book 2 . I'm sure I will love it just as much and since it's been years since I read the first one I'll get to refresh my memory. But I'm not happy and having to purchase the book a second time. Im not sure why the author did it this way but I would have liked to purchase the second book when it came out a long time ago. that's the whole purpose of Goodreads so we can have reminders of what are books are going to be coming out. So I'm not sure why book 2 that doesn't even have a cover has not been deleted yet so people are not confused by this.
August 27, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Whoa! That was the first though I had upon finishing this book. I went into this book expecting one thing and got something else entirely. It reads like a Paranormal Romance. It had edges of horror with the whole Jekyll and Hyde thing Luca had going on. Plus, there is a psychological aspect to it as well. I was in literary heaven through much of this book. The Minaldi Legacy is dark, and beautiful, and deliciously intoxicating! The ARC of The Minaldi Legacy by Courtney Cole was kindly provided to me by Ink Slinger PR for review. The opinions are my own.
February 10, 2014
This type of story is a bit of a departure for me...sure, there is a romance element (and a wonderfully beautiful one, at that) but it's the mysterious thriller element that is not my "usual". With that said, I really liked this. I think the fact that this was different is what was so refreshing to me and it's what kept me engaged the whole time.
February 27, 2014
ok the beginning was very familiar to me.. but I think it's because I must have read a sneak peek at the end of another book I read. I was getting worried that I was reading something that I had read before or something ripped off from another author.
I liked the over all story line but I had it quickly figured out and Eva made me mad sometimes that she didn't see it...
I liked the over all story line but I had it quickly figured out and Eva made me mad sometimes that she didn't see it...
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