Inferno

Blood for Blood #2

by Catherine Doyle

Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather in the second installment of Catherine Doyle's Blood for Blood series.

Sophie's life has been turned upside-down, and she's determined to set things right. But Nic, the Falcone brother who represents everything she's trying to forget, won't give up on their love - and it's Luca's knife she clutches for comfort. Soon another mafia clan spoils the fragile peace - and with her heart drawn in one direction and her blood in another, Sophie's in deeper than ever.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Crime, Young Adult Contemporary, Young Adult Romance

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2016

About the author

Catherine Doyle grew up in the West of Ireland. She holds a first-class BA in Psychology and a first-class MA in Publishing. She is the author of the Young Adult Blood for Blood trilogy (Vendetta, Inferno and Mafiosa), which is often described as Romeo and Juliet meets the Godfather. It was inspired by her love of modern cinema. Her debut Middle Grade novel, The Storm Keeper's Island (Bloomsbury, 2018), is an adventure story about family, bravery and self-discovery. It is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, and is inspired by her ancestors' real life daring sea rescues.

​Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL THE FEELS.
I have 5 half-moons in each palm to prove it.



inferno (noun)
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfəːnəʊ/
1. A large fire that is dangerously out of control
2. (usually Inferno) Hell; with reference to Dante's Divine Comedy
3. Luca is haaawt as hell

Ok, let’s do this.

For those of you who haven’t read Vendetta, I must clarify a few things: Although I thought Vendetta was a pretty solid start to this series, I had issues with the first book (predictable plot, insta-love, lack of character depth, …). All of those issues were crushed to dust by Inferno. In short, if you’re looking for a light, entertaining read along the lines of The Godfather meets Romeo and Juliet, then read the damn book. And then, read Inferno. And then, we fangirl.

For those of you who have read Vendetta and plan to continue with the series: This review will be as spoiler-free as possible but I will share quotes, so if you’re a reader who has a strict I-do-not-want-to-know-anything-that-happens-beforehand policy, then you might want to stop reading at this point.


Here’s what you can expect from Inferno:

❥ More character depth and development (in the aftermath of the events in Vendetta, post-traumatic stress disorder is a relevant topic as well)
❥ More female friendship moments (Millie FTW)
❥ More background on the Cosa Nostra (and when I say 'more', I mean that there had barely been any information in Vendetta, but I feel like Doyle is slowly introducing more aspects of the mafia itself besides all the character drama)
❥ More bravery (stupidity?) from Sophie (I was unsure whether I liked her in Vendetta, but I’m pretty much sold on her character now)
❥ More hot-headed impulsiveness from Nic (I think the 180 Doyle pulled with his character was a bit extreme, but I can see how the foundation for his development had been laid in Vendetta and I also know that Doyle is trying to prove a point by the example of Nic)
❥ More action and fast-paced scenes (club shootings, car pursuits, fires – need I say more?)
❥ More and crazier plot twists (How did I not see that coming?)
❥ More Italian cussing, and you all know how I love me some of that (while the language is not at its most accurate, I'm glad that "Vaffanculo" is correctly spelled and used, and when the insult is directed at Dom, I'm a very, very happy girl)
❥ More Luca.
❥ More Luca.
❥ More Luca.
❥ More Luca.
❥ More Luca.
❥ More Luca.
❥ More Luca.
❥ More–

**Announcement by sterile female voice**: Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, we are experiencing an overdose of oestrogen. We apologize for the inconvenience.

My expectations for Inferno had been stratospherically high, and it delivered on all possible levels. It’s not like I could put this book aside to study for my impending exams, or to eat (thanks Mum, for tearing me to the dinner table), or to sleep. It’s been a long time since a book last left me in an emotional turmoil like this one. As I mentioned, I’m supposed to study for finals but every time I sit down and study, Luca messes with my neurons in a counterproductive way. Hitherto thought of as unnecessary, I might set up a can-i-please-meet-you-in-real-life shelf because of Luca. Good Lord, Catherine Doyle, what have you done to me.

This was a 5-star read for me on an emotional level, yet the book is not without flaws. I thought one or two events were a bit unbelievable, which I cannot spell out without spoiling. In addition, Doyle keeps depicting Sicilian mafiosi as some kind of olive-skinned supermodels. All I can say is: No. (If you want to see some real mafiosi, stop watching Hollywood movies and google actual members like Luciano Liggio, Salvatore Riina, or Bernardo Provenzano) ((And if you're interested, check out the work of Giovanni Falcone who lost his life in the battle against the Cosa Nostra. But I digress)). And then, of course, the use of Italian is at times still far from authentic (check out my friend Giulia's review of Vendetta, as she picks apart the linguistic flaws in a most hilarious way). So what happened, you ask? Why am I still awarding this book 5 stars? Now, see, Luca strolled down the streets, took one look at those pestilent little flaws with his searing blue eyes, and they went up in flames *poof* (and besides, if you're looking for the perfect book, you better give up reading, which I would strongly advise against).

Am I biased you ask? Yes. I mean, have you met Luca? I do think, however, that a book which 1) sticks with me for long after I had read it (and makes me hunt the author's tumblr page for clues about the third instalment) and 2) clearly made progress compared to its predecessor, is more than deserving of 5 stars.

And now, for some sneak peeks (Rache, these are for you, my friend).

Luca followed us. "I don’t know how many times I have to say it to you before you get it through your skull!" he pressed. "He’s not good for you, Sophie!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Millie jumped in front of me. I halted, and behind me Luca skidded to a stop. "Is there some kind of… jealousy going on here?"
Luca rolled his eyes. "Per l’amor di Dio. Don’t be ridiculous."

*raises hand to Millie for a high five*

Can we all just agree that he’s a beautiful, fascinating human being? Yes? Yes.

He ducked through the fence and got lost in the grass. It brushed against his knees as he walked through it, bending low and scouring the ground. Clad completely in black, and with a switchblade sticking out of his back pocket, Luca ran his fingers along the grass.
He was completely and utterly out of his natural environment. And it didn’t bother him at all.

Oh, Gianluca, tesoro del mio cuore.



If the middle sections of the book had put me through an emotional tempest, the last few chapters were a maelstrom, a rollercoaster, an inferno. I was torn between sadness, a murderous rage and warm fuzzy feelings.



And now, let the agonizing wait for Mafiosa begin.

Btw, Sicily rules, ok? Ok.








PREVIEW:

Luca.


The blood-red shade of the cover suits Inferno immensely well, and it sounds like it's gonna be dangerous. Bring it on. Accelerating heartbeat heavy breathing excited squealing I'm calm.

FIRST CHAPTER IS ONLINE Y'ALL.
http://www.chickenhousebooks.com/wp-c...

"…and it's Luca's knife she clutches for comfort." YASSS.

Check out Catherine Doyle's upcoming short stories (Millie's POV was released yesterday). Of course, she had to save Luca's for last – oh, the humanity!

[Catherine Doyle]

The first of four bonus POV short stories, including a giveaway, is now up over yonder (and it's Millie's one!): http://www.maximumpop.co.uk/blood-for...

The other three will be available on the following days:

Monday 14 December – The Girl on the Street (POV: Valentino Falcone) published on http://www.catherinedoylebooks.com + exclusive book giveaway with Queen of Contemporary

Monday 21 December -The Girl in the Dark (POV: Nic Falcone) published on http://www.catherinedoylebooks.com + exclusive book giveaway with Dark Dictator

Thursday 7 January – Dinner at Gracewell’s (POV: Luca Falcone) published on http://www.catherinedoylebooks.com + exclusive book giveaway with Dark Readers

That is all, friends.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post Reading: Do I really have to write a review? I have this detailed review in mind but I forgot and got lazy orz

I'm at loss for words so I'll keep this short. My expectations were really high for this book and Catherine Doyle not only met it but exceeded it. It was better than I ever hope for. Sophie, my heart really goes for her after what happened. She really changed so much in this book and at the end...*cries*

And Luca. Oh, Luca. There's so much Luca in here that I kept smiling all the time whenever he's there. In the cemetery. The bus stop. And that flower moment. That freaking donut moment. And of course, The Look (I love love this chap. It's THE Chapter, okay! *flails wildly*). Fangirling aside, we finally got to know more about Luca in here and I'm saying it now, I am liking what I'm seeing (reading?). But what I really loved about Luca was towards the end and how he just understood Sophie. They're just so good together, okay!

I can't wait for the third book (a year of waiting is torture)! I'm excited to what Sophie will do and how she's going to grow up more. I'm rooting for you to be the Mafia Queen, Soph!

My review is weird but the main point is: I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Pre-reading: Luca. Luca. The Underboss. Luca. Luca. Nuff said.

[Lauren James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I'm going to have to start a petition for this book to be made into a Netflix Original series. It's the best, best, best YA romance-slash-Mafia action film that you could ever HOPE FOR.

Honestly, I finished this about fifteen minutes ago and my heart is still racing. SUCH BAD-ASSERY. Sophie totally comes into her own in this book, and I swear to god she's going to end up being the Mafia Queen, and I'm going to be cheering her on the entire journey.

The pressure builds and builds and every time I think the big 'finale' has happened, nope, another one comes along. There is showdown after showdown and I was stressed out and thrilled by everything. IT WAS SO GOOD. SO GOOD.

The relationships between Sophie & Nic and Sophie & Luca develop slowly and naturally over the course of the book, and I'm sure hearts will be broken and lives will be made by the time the book has ended. That doughnut scene....

I was very happy, but as a huge Valentino fan I just want MORE, MORE, MORE of him, all the time, please. GET ON IT, DOYLE.

In summary: THIS BOOK IS A WILD RIDE. I need the next one, which tragically isn't out until 2017. CAN I WAIT THAT LONG? No. Definitely not.

[Maggie ☘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I guess no one can be painted with just one brush. There is light and shade in all of us, pain and hardship, and some of us rise from it while others are darkened by it.”

Can I say I just LOVE Luca? He genuinely became one of my favourite fictional characters and I might or might not have a slight obsession with him.

Wow. Inferno was so so much better than its predecessor Vendetta. I overall enjoyed the first book, but I had also lots of problams with it. This book wiped all of the problems away and became such an amazing read. It made my emotions all over the place, I can't believe how much I've come to love this series and care about the characters. The stakes are higher, the secrets and lies bloodier and dirtier, the betrayals more heartbreaking, there's so much danger, tension, love, heartbreak and passion woven into this story.




Sophie's character changed so much, has been through so much since the first book and I unexpectedly connected with her in this sequel. She has undertook such an amazing character development, lost much of her naivety due all that happened, her humor became sassier, her dialogues with Mil, her best friend and Luca became more fun and full of life. She definitely changed for the better as a character, but I think there are other changes yet ahead of her and maybe some morally questionable decisions in the upcoming last book.


“He wasn’t smiling. I supposed it was obvious then. Glaringly obvious, if you knew where to look – Luca had abstained from the role handed down to him by his father, the role they all wanted him to undertake. He had given it away, but not entirely. He was still the underboss. Conflicted, dreaming, but ultimately trapped. What was there to smile about?”





My favourite relationship in this book was of course the one between her and Luca. I loved every one of their interactions, they were full of humor and deep emotion. I think they started to feel something for each other even in the first book but without them actually knowing it, now their relationship became so much more and I really can't wait for the last book to see where it would lead, because I have honestly no idea with this series.

But there are also other very important relationships and messages in Inferno. I was actually very surprised about just how much important they were for the heroine and the whole story. Because the first book was in my opinion entirely too much focuse on the doomed romace (Bleh, Nic..) and not enough on other relationships. Well, it all definitely changed in this one.





“Mil, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” She turned out of Cedar Hill and we started heading towards the open road.
“And please be honest.”
“I am a pillar of integrity.”
“Are you or are you not reading a Dr Phil book right now?”
“That man is a saint, Sophie Gracewell. A damn saint.”
A laugh bubbled out of me. “The things you do for me.”
“Tell me about it,” she sighed.”


There's the amazing, fun, supportive and unwaveringly loyal relationship between Sophie and her best friend, Millie. While I liked Mil in the first book already, her character and the friendship truly started to shine in this one. Lots of Ya books only include female friendships as something of secondary nature, something of a lesser importance to the romance storyline, but in Inferno every one of the relationships is important in a different ways on its own. Their friendship not only brings the much needed comic relief from all the grief and hardship, but it was also something very important for the heroine. Mille helped her through so much in this story, she was always there for her especially in Spohie's darkest moments. Such an amazing, loyal female friendship is surely something rare in this genre. Loved them to pieces!




“I left her nursing her tea, staring at something far beyond the kitchen window. Another life, maybe. One before my father, before me, when she was a budding designer in a city far away, with high hopes and big dreams. Not this small town, this stifled life, these blood-red memories pressing down on us.”


Other very important relationship was the one of a family. The one between Sophie and her mother. This relationship was the one that overall emotionally affected me the most I think. Family was always a huge part of Sophie's life, both in good and bad ways. But now the realness of it broke my heart. It was evident how very important they were to each other, how dependant they were on each other, and I, in a weird sense, loved that it was not only about rainbow and sunshine, there was so much hardship in there too. It was just such a real portrayal of a family dynamics, a family which has been torn apart so much already, but they were still fighting, still trying to protect each other and still loving each other despite (and maybe because) of everything that's happened. Nothing I say about the relationship, the complex love of Sophie and her mother will be good enough. You just have to read it.

This broke my fucking heart!




“We were both just a couple of liars with blood on our hands and agendas more important than our trust in one another.”


And then there is Nic. Well, I never liked this guy. I always thought there was something off about him, about his sweet talks when he was trying to convince Sophie of something, about his lies and omissions, about the constant excuses, and about their relationship overall.


“There was nothing but truth between us – the cold, hard truth, and those three little words that suddenly felt so huge. I had wanted to hear that for as long as I could remember. I had wanted someone to look at me the way he was looking at me just then. But now that I had it … it felt hollow. It felt wrong. And I knew, deep in my gut, that I wasn’t in love with him. I never had been. I’d been infatuated with the idea of love, and at a time when I had so little of it in my life, he had waltzed right through my defences and become that idea. I didn’t know what or who he really was beneath that.”


This book perfectly describes that and so much more that it has become another complex relationship on its own, alas not a healthy one. I however love how Sophie finally realized the truth about her attraction to Nic and the way their relationship was bad and unhealthy for her, the way she started to see that maybe she didn't know Nic at all.


“And you’re kind of like a snowflake.’
Oh, Jesus Christ.
He masked his fleeting surprise with a quirked eyebrow. ‘Excuse me?’
‘Nothing,’ I said quickly. ‘I didn’t say anything.’
‘No, no,’ he said, rounding on me so his face was too close, his eyes too searing, his smile too irritating. ‘I’m a snowflake, am I?”



And lastly the best - Sophie x Luca! Oh people, this guy.. I just adorehimsomuch. There was a lot more revealed about his character than I could've hope for. It shows his guilt, his regrets and the way he's underneath the controlled mask. At first glance he's the kind of bad boy with dark past (well, present in this case) and way too much attitude, but underneath all that, he's tortured, loyal, supportive, kind, with brighter soul than anyone could have guessed.
The chemistry between them was amazing, it was the kind of slow burning relationship everyone has to just ship and love. (And btw I don't consider this case to be a love-triangle. Yes, there were two romances, but the heroine loves only one of them. There was no annoying jumping from one guy to the other).
Sparks flew and... Did I mention how hot he is?... Salivates. Swoons. Yes, I'm eloquent like that when it comes to this guy, it's getting on my nerves, (not) really.


“He dipped his chin to his chest and stared at his hands, and I saw in him the boy I had seen in Valentino’s portrait a long time ago. The person he really was – someone at odds with his life and trapped by a family much bigger than his dreams and desires. Grief surrounded him, and the only thing to do was keep on killing until the tallies were even. But that was the thing: they never would be.”





Catherine Doyle can describe emotions like very little authors I've encountered. I think that she really understands psychological issues and human nature, it's all woven into this story. At the beginning, Sophie's psychlogical state isn't at the best place after the events of the last book, she suffers PTSD and depressions. I think that the portrayal of this illness is perfectly described in this book, as well as other psychological changes of Sophie and also her mother. How they cope with things, how they are trying to live again and overcome (or in some cases suppress) all the terrible things and truths. This book was such a rollercoaster for me, the storyline gripped me from the start and didn't let go and now I feel like I can't wait for the last book which sadly wouldn't be out till January 2017.


Doyle's overall writing style and humor also changed for better in this book. Her characters that might've been a bit one dimensional in Vendetta became all very complex now, all the relationships were more real and complicated, the revelations which were some pretty apparent in the first book, were now shocking and heartbreaking. I'm usuall not a big weeper when it comes to fiction, and yet this one made me cry so hard. It's one of the most emotionally affecting books I've read in a while.


“He started laughing, and the carefree melody of it swept me up until I was laughing too, and it was absurd because our families were being threatened and murdered and there we were squished together in a hundred-degree heat outside a maximum security prison, and we used to hate each other and now we were laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.”





Now, after finishing Inferno, I would without hesitation recommend for you to read this series, but remember the first book just skimes the surface of things (when it comes to the characters, romance or the plot), it's all in this one. Very captivating, pretty dark but also fun read, with amazing romance, complex relationships and personalities, shocking plot filled with tension and danger.
This sequel improved in so many ways since Vendetta and I'm very excited to know how it will all end in Mafiosa, but since this series is so unpredictable, I have honestly no idea.

“One right doesn’t remedy a thousand wrongs.”

P.S. Fan-arts taken from Catherine Doyle's tumblr page.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fidelitate Coniuncti.

What a spectacular book! To be honest, I wasn't expecting much for this one after reading the previous book, Vendetta but Catherine Doyle didn't disappoint me at all. *happy dancing*

In the beginning, Sophie struggled to embrace all those truths she had found out (Jack, the Falcones, and even their vendetta, the Marino family) and she realized that she could never get out of this mayhem. She couldn't pretend to be a normal 17-year-old girl having a happy vacation and hanging out with her best friend, Millie, like they used to be. Her life was forever changed in that her uncle, Jack, had got into serious trouble that he didn't even know the risk himself.

I was tired of being swayed this way and that by people with corrupt morals and pretty words. I was tired of hearing people out, of giving the benefit of the doubt only to have it thrown back in my face.

Simply put, she was devastated but at the same time, she became more mature, and I really loved her as a character. What impressed me most was the fact that she'd come such a long way to be shaped into the Sophie she is now.

I guess no one can be painted with just one brush. There is light and shade in all of us, pain and hardship, and some of us rise from it while others are darkened by it.

As for the romance, Sophie's relationship with Nic Falcone went from bad to worse in this book.

We were both just a couple of liars with blood on our hands and agendas more important than our trust in one another.

It's more obvious to see that they didn't and probably never loved each other this entire time.

"That's the wrong answer."
"What's the right answer?"
"The fact that you don't know says it all."

Nic was all about family glory and pride; he cared about his position and profession as an assassin in the Mafia circle more than his love, as he claimed it.

Every second seemed to pull him further away from the boy I had thought he was, and I was starting to wonder if I had tricked myself--if the feeling of needing someone, of wanting someone to want me in a world where everyone had turned their back on me, had masked the truth of everything.

In the first book, I would never put Sophie and Nic's brother, Luca, in the same sentence; I mean, he showed extreme hatred the first time he saw her and also warned her to stay away from Nic many times and blah blah blah. However, his attitude towards Sophie had a 180-degree change since the start of the book, or maybe the last part of Vendetta. Moreover, his behavior betrayed his typical icy look and softened whenever Sophie was around. *squee!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

"You're like ... a rare artefact. And it would be a shame if you got broken."

Hopefully, my suspicion about their sparks of love is right! *Please let it be!*

"I cared that the Marino standing in front of my entire family with a red target on her forehead was the only Marino in the history of the world that I have ever and will ever care about."

Aside from the romance, the author added more in-depth ideas in Inferno compared to Vendetta. Catherine captured the psychological moment in human beings perfectly and she depicted our deepest desire, fear, and the most primal reactions when dealing with tough decisions really well. Unlike the simple yet shallow descriptions in the previous book, this time, she managed to bring a Mafia story to a whole new level and somehow successfully resonated with the readers.

"He will always place himself where the threat is greatest. And that's how I know he's outside that door right now."

She used short stories and pieces of memory from Sophie and other characters to explain the logistic of human behavior along with our mind; therefore, she also brought life and colors into those characters. Thanks to her new writing technique, I was able to feel connected and experience the remaining journey with Sophie.

At about 70% of the story, there was an incredibly unexpected twist which gave the initial plot a sharp turn and I freaking LOVE it. More secrets were revealed and once again, Sophie had to cope with the consequences completely alone. And this time, guess what? I'm confident that she'll get through them like a badass rebel. Besides, she's too hard to kill. *death glare with evil grin*

If I had learnt anything these past few weeks, it was to expect the unexpected. And trust no one.

Undoubtedly, I was extremely surprised by how much the story had improved and I'm 200% sure Blood for Blood is definitely a worth-reading-trilogy for everyone. To sum up, there are just too many unpredictable things could happen in the next installment! I seriously can't wait to find out how far will my beloved "Luphie" go and what'll happen between the Mafia enemies. *counting down to Jan. 5th, 2017 already......*

[mith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night, I couldn't really post more than those two lines. Not that I had a whole review up my sleeve, but I did want to clear things up.
To be honest, I don't entirely remember much of what happened in the ending of Vendetta. What I do remember--from the entire book, not just the ending--is that I didn't like it all that much: there was ista-love, and a potential love triangle (though, honestly, I think the readers saw more into it than the author dished out--but more on that a bit later). But the beginning of Inferno, you're given some insight back to that event/ending, what Sophie did, what happened to her and the Falcone family, and her uncle, Jack.
What I really want to talk about, first, is that term: love-triangle. Do I think there's one? No, not really. Do I think other people will find it to be so? Yeah, probably. But, is it kind of clean cut on who Sophie will end up with--implying she ends up with anyone at all? Well, yeah.
*Maybe spoilers ahead*
See the thing is, I never saw a love triangle. In the first book, it was pretty clear that there was one guy. Later on, I didn't see "sparks" or any other romantic notions with the other player. And it wasn't really clear (to me) that something might happen with the other player. My guess? Us readers just preferred the other guy. We just wanted the other guy to be the love interest--and, trust me, if you read these books (especially THIS ONE, you would see why. Plenty of people saw it in Vendetta and I'm happily jumping on that boat) Anyway, in Inferno, however, I feel like Doyle cut a line through that. I was proud of Sophie to be able to shut down Nic, time and time again. I think she romanticised him a bit, still kind of had feelings for him, but even she realises both those things. She doesn't like him, she doesn't trust him, and she never will. It's Nic who keeps the thing going, but in reality? It's evident what's between them.
And this isn't to say Sophie immediately jumps on the other guy--nothing like that, AT ALL. This isn't one girl sharing two fucking brothers, don't you dare think that. The romance here happens gradually and it's a surprise to both of them even though not to the readers. (And, I should warn you, it's SUPER cute). There's nothing for sure in the end, but, friends, my ship has sailed.
Now, for Sophie as a character. Does she still make stupid mistakes? Well, yes she does. And does it matter to me? No, because I think she grew as a character. I like to think Sophie isn't as naive anymore. She's lost a lot, from the first book to the end of this one. She's not all soft nor does she make up excuses for what she sees. This is a traumatised girl, but someone who tries to get out from all that pain and terror. I have no doubt she'll become more dangerous in the third book. I have a feeling that her morals might enter the grey area for her. Or, so I hope.
I think this had higher stakes than Vendetta. I only remember the ending being dangerous and the whole holy-fuck ordeal. It happens continually throughout Inferno. That, and a lot of surprises, betrayals, and lies. Gotta love those, man.
And finally. Can I just say I love Millie? Everyone deserves a best friend like her. She's sarcastic, funny, dedicated, and she stays by Sophie's side THE ENTIRE TIME. She helps her, guides her, motivates her. And she knows everything that's going on. She's not left in the dark and I'm so thankful that a friend like Millie is there for Sophie.
(And be thankful I didn't mention Luca AT ALL because oh boy, this review would be a fangirl's raving. Just know he is one of the loves of my life)
All that being said, I think those who didn't *love* the first book should give Inferno a try. I know it's not out--physically--in the US, but it's 6.99 on iTunes, and 9.99 on Google Play, and there's always paperbacks on book depository! (As far as I know, it releases near the end of 2016 here in the states--but who would wait that long?) Anyway, give this one a try. I thought it was evident that Doyle had become a better writer and she develops her characters and complicates the plot a lot more. I was wary--albeit a bit excited, too--to start this, because I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but it definitely surpassed it.
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I dont know any of you will realise how happy I was when I found out this is on Google Books and iBooks.
I am in LOVE with Luca and the story. Amazing.
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I AM SO SAD IT'S NOT OUT IN THE US AND I WANT TO READ IT SO BAD.
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LUCA FEELS TOO MUCH. VALENTINO SAYS THAT LUCA FEELS TOO MUCH.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IMPLIES???
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ONE. MORE. MONTH.
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COVER COVER COVER COVER
OMG.

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I'm worried about a love triangle but I am wanting more Luca.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still get surprised by these novels. I’m so glad I gave this series a chance, because I wasn’t expecting all the awesomeness!

“I guess no one can be painted with just one brush. There is light and shade in all of us, pain and hardship, and some of us rise from it while others are darkened by it.”

I’m glad this was darker than the first one, that’s what it needs if it’s going to be advertised as The Godfather meets Romeo and Juliet. Bloodbaths, lies, betrayal, and the Mafia mesh. All woven into a brilliant story. I couldn’t stop reading yet I didn’t want it to end!

“Do you ever take a holiday? Like, do any of you just wake up and think ‘Today feels like a pyjama day.’? or is it always, ‘Today is a good day for murdering and stalking.’?”

This lady is such a fantastic writer. The dialogue is remarkable; you’ll never get bored with it and the exceptional characters.
I love how relationships were built— or demolished —: at a slow pace and naturally.
The characters grow more and more on me every single page. Even the ones I want to strangle sometimes. Each of them has special attributes and stories that make them disturbingly interesting.
Sophie grows as a character, she still makes mistakes—like we all do—but she finally understands what mess she’s into now. I can’t wait to see how stronger she will become in the next book.
Millie, Dom and even Gino are the little spark of humor when there’s darkness all around.
Valentino is still as captivating as before.
Nic is a difficult character to understand, and even though I kind of do, I can’t say I like him. He pissed me off so many times.
I fear to mention this name in my review, because I won’t be able to stop talking about him, but I have to… Luca.
*sing with Goofy Goober rhythm*

Oh, I love Luca, yeah!
You love Luca, yeah!
We love Luca, yeah!
Luca, Luca, Luca, Luca, YEAH!

“I must be irresistible. You can’t stay away from me for more than twenty-four hours.”

How is it possible to love him so damn much. That smugly idiot. I can’t explain it, seriously. If you think you can’t love him more, read this, and think again. It’s inevitable.
THAT DONUT SCENE, THE VIOLETS, THAT CHAPTER. I melted a little on the inside.
Did you notice he doesn’t call her Gracewell anymore? He uses her name. I’m reading too much into this. I seriously post-it’ed every single conversation between Luca and Sophie.

“One right doesn’t remedy a thousand wrongs.’

‘You should write a book of quotes.”

Catherine sure knows how to develop her characters. Even the plot is more complex, and the out-coming is extraordinary.

I didn’t see some things coming! I was complaining how everything was so obvious and predictable, as usual, when boom, plot twist. And then boom, another one. It is an understanding to say the angst and uneasiness were real.

This sequel is better than its precedent. Throughout the whole book there are lots of holy-fucks, shits and sldhajdsads. Anticipate the feels. Expectations blown away.
If you read the first book and didn’t love it, give this one a chance.
If you did love the first one, prepare. That’s the only advice I can give you. Oh, and await for the chapter called The Look, be ready.


PS. I don’t know if I should feel sad because this book isn’t too popular, but at the same time I’m happy because it’s like our tiny little bubble (◕‿◕✿)

_____________________

Right after finishing it:

I regret reading this now. I need the third one.
Dammit.

_____________________

Pre-read

I THOUGHT THIS WAS OUT ALREADY. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT. NOOOOooooOoooo

I need Luca pls

[Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by my positive rating, it only means that I can't come to terms with giving a low rating to Luca. Luca, who is life and absolutely fabulous, 'kay? But please keep in mind that this 3 stars rating is nothing more than the average between the 2 stars this mess of a book deserves as a whole and the 5 stars every scene involving Luca earned. Yes he's that good.

I want to save him from that book. That boy deserves better, okay?

Would I go as far as saying that the series is worth it thanks to him? I WOULD, but my brain might be malfunctioning right now, so, you know, don't trust me for one second. Also, I skimmed a lot? XD

Now if you would excuse me, I'm gonna read allllll the short stories in Luca's POV <3

PS. For PROS & CONS, you can refer to my review of the first book, Vendetta . Most of them are the same here, with the very important exception that Nic does get what he deserves (did I say that I despised him very much? Yeah?) and that Luca is way more present (and interesting).

[Beatrice Masaluñga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I literally forgot to write my full review of this book because I'm busy by the time I finished it (New Year's Eve). Early of 2017, I've read Vendetta which I've liked but not obsessed with it unlike the mafia books I've enjoyed. Honestly speaking, I'm hesitant on continuing this trilogy and it took me a while to convince myself on giving it a second chance. I'm glad I did because this sequel stepped up to its game. It's more action-packed, thrilling and plot driven. The revelations were impressive. I'll try my best to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible.

Inferno continues from the ending of the previous book. Sophie's uncle Jack Gracewell was nowhere to be found and The Falcones are hunting him. Later on, they figured out Jack sought protection from the Falcone family's rival, The Marinos. These two crime families are currently on truce but after the events from the previous book, the war between them resurfaced and Sophie Gracewell became the pawn in this game. She must choose where her loyalty lies before it's too late.

What a ride. Props to Catherine Doyle for just making Vendetta a warm-up! This sequel has a better plot and more mafia aspect to it. We get to know how the rivalry between The Falcones and The Marinos began and new characters were introduced. Like Elena Falcone and Donata Marino, these two Mafia Queens have the scratch and claws and both are intimidating. I want to see these two have a showdown in the final book. 😎😈

Sophie Gracewell has more character development. She's less naive, more mature and braver. There are times I find her reckless but I like she owned up to the consequences of her actions.

What I really love about this: Luca Falcone takes the spotlight. YES!! I love love love love love the Falcone underboss shines in this book. Fantastic character development and can we just talk about how sweet this guy is?! This book was blessed with a lot of scenes with Luca. I SWOON OVER LUCA FALCONE 😍❤️ #TeamLucaAlltheWay

The reason why I didn't give it 5 stars: Nic Falcone. This punk irritated the crap out of me. He lets down Sophie several times and he's gonna say "I love you" ? How disappointing. He broke all his promises and if I were Sophie, I won't trust him anymore.

Last book for 2017. 💗 Happy New Year everyone!

Full review posted.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cow, Holy Cow… I couldn’t put this book down!!!

Once again Catherine Doyle spun me for an amazing ride in this second book of her Blood for Blood series. I absolutely loved it. My expectations were really high for this book and Catherine Doyle not only met it but exceeded it. It was better than I could have ever hope for. Brilliant Catherine just Brilliant. I take my hat off…if I were wearing one.

Seriously this is an ACTUAL story. With an actual plot and action and romance and intrigue and twists and, and, and…so much. I appreciated the slow movement of the story the fact that it was 416 pages and not 300 or less because there is more story to tell and more of it that I didn’t have to put down and wait.

The character development of each of the characters was FANTASTIC. The relationships between Sophie & Nic and Sophie & Luca develop slowly and naturally over the course of the book which I like. I get to see the REAL characters of all three and their relationships together. Then you really get to see behind the lives and faces of every character, what they are really like and their stories it was all just amazingly well done.

Sophie still as silly as ever…

Nic, still has blah as ever…

Luca, still sighing over him. With the dark hair and blue eyes…HE was the ONE character that made me want to press on in Book 1, Vendetta, I found him to be FASCINATING and how the author wove him in. With book two we see so much of him you can’t wait to see what he’ll do next. He is a WONDERFUL “bad-ass” character who isn’t good but who isn’t bad. He’s brooding, quiet, aloof, the hero. Deep down he is a swoon worthy character who just was born in the wrong family…*sigh* Luca….

The romance was perfect. You think there is going to be a love-triangle but really there isn’t. There is “insta-love” in book one which made me almost put it down. In this one there is real nice slow moving romance that keeps you wanting more. I appreciated the realness of it, the sweet tender moments of friendship that slowly moves to something more.

Overall I LOVED this book…duh.

Sexual Content: moderate (some kissing)
Language: heavy (a few F words and a few other explicit language)
Violence: heavy (it’s 2 mafias after each other)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

[Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

bloody...brilliant...

5 "bloody fuckin brilliant" stars

Sophie „chose“ to stay out of it all…she acknowledged the „rules“ but she wanted to stay away any way she could even though she knew that was impossible. She already became a liability.

The game was omerta and the objective was not to get killed for snitching.

Enter the new players… The Marino's .
The mortal enemies of the Falcones. The long extended fueds, murders and grudges between the two mafia families expand their interests into Sophie.
And she only wants to keep her head above the water.

The line between right and wrong was a dark, blurry gap, and I had fallen down inside it.

Her uncle sided with the Marino's. And they want her.

Why?

Cause she is a decoy for The Falcones, she is their weak spot…

or is she?

The pressure on Sophie is high, not only is she aware that she can't win, and she can't escape them either, she's also fighting the surficing feelings for Luca that she can't define, and subsiding notion of those same feelings she had for Nic, as well.

She has no means, no connections and no power to fight them, so she seeks refuge/protection for her and her mother with The Falcones, not knowing that she will have to grasp the devastating aftermath of the secrets that were kept from her by her own family…

and the shocking revelation hits Sophie hard in the core of her existence turning her into a pawn for both sides of the mafia families…

I was stuck between two bloodthirsty crime families, and over the course of one day I had made enemies of them both.

That revelation will set the course of events that will unravel more secrets, hidden agendas that in the end bring pain and… death.


Absolutely fantastic sequel, it's a cliffy, i had to make it as vague as possible cause of the spoilery facts that could have slipped up from me in any moment…LOL
There's action, there's anticipation and intense follow up of the story , freaking awesome writing, exciting, overwhelming, intense, suspensful, emotionally gripping and you find yourself totally immersed into it all that you just can't stop reading…

Moving on to the 3rd and final sequel.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, I've had this on my shelves since January gathering dust, and never got around to reading it. When I moved home after finishing my final year at university, I decided to pick it up, and so wish I had months earlier.

Taking place just after the events of Vendetta, Inferno picks up with Sophie struggling to come to terms with her injuries, and her involvement with the seedy underbelly of Chicago's gang landscape. Understandably, she's suffering from PTSD, and nothing can calm her down, except from Luca's penknife that she clings to. The plot started right from the get go, and there was never any let up in the action. Now that Sophie knows about her family's involvement and connection to the Falcone family, she finds herself discovering more about herself, and growing so much.

I love Sophie - just love her. All throughout the book, and this series, she has grown more and more as a character. Yes, she's struggled, and she's suffered, but she doesn't let that define her. She's the best protagonist you could ask for, and I seriously can't wait to see what becomes of her in book 3, Mafiosa.

The romantic aspect was swoony. I had liked Nic in book 1, but had always been intrigued by Luca, and he definitely won out as the best choice for Sophie in Inferno. Every moment they spent together, I had a huge smile on my face, and even when it got all angsty, I was still somewhat happy, because they were together.

The ending of the book killed me, like, I need Mafiosa tomorrow, if not yesterday. Like I said, the plot was there from the get go, and even at the end, it was getting more and more exciting. I don't know how Doyle does it, but I was hooked from the start, and didn't see all the twists and turns coming. I'm under no illusion that the plot line in Mafiosa will exceed everything we've seen before.

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUCKING FUCK ME, THIS BOOK, FUCK

RTC.

[Zemira Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally, no one cares about Sophie and Nic. We want more Luca.

Luca, baby! I have a message for you!



*after reading*

One of the biggest surprised of 2015 has to be Vendetta by Catherine Doyle. It came out of nowhere and made me love thrillers even more. Mobsters? Check. Hot brothers? Check! Girl power? Check! Doughnut scene? Check!!!

Who knew Luca could be even a bigger hotter in this book? I'm practically melting. Broodiness of Mr.Darcy + badassery of Jason Statham= Luca

Sophie is still stupid as ever. She charges head first into danger without any regards for her own ass. Other than that, I really like her. Her friendship with Millie was one of the things I loved in the book.

For a couple of moments I prayed Doyle wouldn't go there just because this is a YA novel but she did and I'm glad not everyone got away unharmed. Well, I'm not happy for the murder part but you know, stepping out into the unknown. Who the hell knows what will happen in the next one.

Can it be 2017 already?!

[kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I have the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book but these few definitely come to mind. Brilliant, heart wrenching, romantic, thrilling, dark, gripping, gorgeous and utterly fantastic (just to name a few). I think that what makes this series so special are the characters. The character development was incredible, it was brilliant to watch them all unfold as individuals but also their relationships with each other. I warmed to so many of these characters and felt so inclined to love them. I especially adored Luca, Millie and Sophie. I loved getting to know Luca's character more in this book (I think I may be slightly in love with him). I knew I liked him after reading Vendetta but I found myself warming to him even more from the first moment we met him in Inferno. He was gorgeous, witty, funny, loyal and yet it was heartbreaking to witness him not being able to fully show those parts of himself. He had a depth to him which was so great and the different battles he found himself fighting were portrayed brilliantly. I think Millie is possibly one of my favourite "minor/best friend" characters I've read about. She was incredibly loyal to Sophie but also smart about what was and wasn't realistic. She made me laugh on numerous occasions and is honestly the kind of person I would want as a best friend. There were so many times she reminded me slightly of myself so I felt I could relate to her (*cue the puffling quote*).
Sophie was an awesome protagonist. She wasn't totally naive and didn't let her emotions utterly cloud her vision when it came to reality. Yet, at the same time, she was simply human and therefore couldn't disregard her emotions entirely. She was down to earth and once again I found myself relating to her personality hugely (she makes almost as many Disney references as I do, which automatically makes me love her). I loved her relationship with both her mother and Millie. Each character in this book had so much to them which made each and everyone of them so intriguing to read about.
The romance in this book was gorgeous. I especially enjoyed the fact that the whole story didn't entirely revolve around it. The rest of the world wasn't forgotten which I really appreciated as it didn't take away from the pure thrill of the story unfolding around them. Yet, my heart melted at every hint of romance through out the book. It was done so well (The bouquet of violets?!? My heart hurt in the best possible way.) The story line for this book was everything I had hoped for and more. It was gripping, thrilling, exhilarating, romantic, heartbreaking and I didn't never wanted it to stop. There were a few plot twists in which I really didn't expect (which very rarely happens to me so I appreciated them hugely!!) Overall, I adored Inferno. I didn't want it to end and yet I found it impossible to put down. The fact that I have to wait another year to see what happens next is almost painful. I just want everyone to read this book!! I highly recommend.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

'Vendetta' surprised me and so when I started reading 'Inferno' my expectations were high and it was good, really good. It's full of secrets and lies, twists, turns and surprises and so so much more, it's a fabulous read.
As if she doesn't have enough trouble with the Falcones another family makes itself know, the Marino's the sworn enemy of the Falcones and Sophie is right in the middle but why?
What's so special about Sophie, where does she fit in and again why won't anyone tell her what's going on?
Millie is still the best friend a girl could ask for and although she's still attracted to Nic Sophie finds herself drawn to Luca (yes, yes, yes) I can't say much more because I don't want to spoil anything but if you liked 'Vendetta' then you'll love this.
There's no going back after this Sophie's life is irrevocably changed but who will be left standing at the end.

[Eri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saying this book was one of my highly anticipated reads of 2016 is an understatement, to say the least. After the way Vendetta ended I was frantic to read this book as soon as it came out and while I had some fears that my self-founded hype would be deflated, this book wins most of the awards for me. Addictive, dangerous, and romantic, this is one series that earns a spot on my favorites shelf.

As this book is pitched, Romeo and Juliet meets the Godfather is a perfectly apt description of this series. What this book does with the Godfather aspect is, I'm sure quite easy to imagine, from mafia blood to guns and violence. What I quite appreciated about this book was that while it does promise a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance, it does more than that. It takes the initial premise and knocks it upon its head, offering a more realistic look at first love and the difference between falling for an ideal rather than a real person. As Doyle has mentioned before in an interview or something along those lines, she sought to disprove that universal first love and true love entanglement that is oh-so-popular in young adult literature and I, for one think it was rather refreshing. There's a distinct thread of the intense and desperate love that consumed Sophie in the previous book, but in this book, she's seeing more clearly and I respected that realistic outlook.



Speaking of Sophie, she was one of the reasons I wasn't in love with Vendetta , with her puppy love clouding her judgement. There was a damsel-in-distress quality to her that overshadowed her personality and I think the wake-up call in this book provided a better backdrop for her characterization. She's loyal and stubborn, a girl who's made mistakes but still tries to do her damn best. Anyone would be terrified by what she had to go through in the first book, and seeing her face the circumstances with courage and style, something I cannot fault her for.

I knew what I had to do. I had made my choice. The path was dark, but there was no going back.

And then there's Luca Falcone, my utter favorite character in this series. He's a bit of an enigma in the first book, but you see a better picture of who he is through this book, and hands down one of my favorite fictional boys ever. In the previous book he was the foil to Nic's rather rash and dramatic nature, but in Inferno, he really shines. He's brilliantly characterized and written, and out of everyone, he is the one character I had loved from the start, despite his lethal ways. It was enlightening to delve past his cool surface and see how much responsibility and upholding the family business really took a toll on him.

Conflicted, dreaming, but ultimately trapped.

For the other characters, there's some key players introduced, and others who may or may not die in this book. It is a book about mafia families, so you can't quite expect everything to be sugary sweet, but some twists made me clutch my heart in despair and angst. Millie, Sophie's dear best friend, is a welcome face among the dark and sinister characters, with a unfailingly loyal heart and bright spirit that never failed to make me smile. People, this is how you write a best friend and loyal companion, take notes. There's Nic, the other Falcone, who does play a significant role, possibly as much as Luca, but I dislike him for many reasons, so he's delegated to one of the other characters. We see him as his annoying and infuriating self in Inferno, but the charming mask he had on in the first book has definitely slipped.

Romance is one of the key components in this book, and I for one would not have it any other way. As I mentioned above, Doyle does a terrific job with dealing with the aftermath once first love (or puppy love I would say) hits reality, and the romantic interactions in this book were well-developed compared to the ones in Vendetta which garners high praise from me. The fun banter from the last book continues here as well, and the kiss scenes are rather glorious .

He grimaced. "But I like my pedestal. I can see everything from up here." "I bet the view's even nicer from your ivory tower." "It is," he said, solemnly. "I'd invite you up some time, but it's only for really intelligent people who have a great sense of humour."

As for the plot, for the most part I was impressed. There's a certain breathless speed in some scenes while the pace is slowed for others, and I felt overall, that it was well conveyed and when the twists dropped, I was speechless. I almost died reading this book with its heartless treatment of my feelings only to combat them with scenes that made me want to hug this book to my chest. I fear mentioning anything more than vague would make me spill the whole story, and it would be such a catastrophe, but all I can say is this was a sequel well-worth the time and angst I felt while waiting on and finally reading it. I cannot wait to read the sequel and be reunited with my beloved characters and the intense yet captivating world they live in.



You can read more of my reviews on my blog.

[Tara ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

*taps broken mic* Hey, uh, hey - yes, I'm talking to you - uh, y'all have been SLEEPING on this series!!!

What do you get when you mix a dash of likeable characters, a dollop of gangster-mafia action, a spoonful of epic slow-burn hate-to-love romance, and a healthy deconstruction of harmful YA insta-love tropes? That's right, you get Inferno by Catherine Doyle.

I'm honestly confounded as to why this series isn't more popular. Y'all always talk about how much you love gangster stories? This series has you covered. Y'all adore the hate-to-love trope? It's here in spades. Y'all hate insta-love with a burning passion? This series contains a smart subversion of that exact phenomenon.

My main issue with the first book in this series, Vendetta was the insta-love between our main character Sophie and Nic Falcone, the guy she meets and is instantly attracted to, who brings her into the world of the American-Italian mafia on the streets of suburban Chicago. Little did I know, not everything was as it seems. This book fully explores the dangers of that instant attraction - thinking you love a person who you don't really know at all - as well as compassionately understanding why teenagers might fall prey to this in the first place. Sophie's slow realisation that Nic isn't right for her - that attraction doesn't equal understanding - is quite central to this book, and I loved the exploration of it. I see what Catherine Doyle was doing now, and I applaud it.

In the midst of all this deconstruction of harmful stereotypes, we get a lovely parallel storyline in this book - we get to watch Sophie truly fall in love, with somebody who actually knows and understands her. I loved Luca Falcone in Book 1 of the series, and watching him and Sophie grow closer after what they went through in the events of the first book together was truly a pleasure. Their relationship in Book 1 was antagonistic to say the least (Luca was trying to protect both his family and Sophie herself by trying to scare her away), but over the course of this book they steadily form a lovely friendship that turns into something more.

Luca battling with his feelings for Sophie over his loyalty to his family and his brother Nic was heartbreaking to see. The Falcone brothers honestly don't deserve him. He's their constant protector, while simultaneously being the one with the most doubts about their lifestyle, the one who hates their mafia ties the most. It's clear he sees another path with Sophie, a way out of the gang life with her, and I found myself wishing they could just hop in a car together and drive away and leave all the others behind.

Also, the scene where he picked flowers for her honestly had me giggling giddily. Man knows how to woo a girl.

There are more developments in the main story - namely, the introduction of a blood feud between the Falcones and another mafia family, the Marinos. Sophie and the brothers find themselves embroiled in the heightening tensions of a gang war, and it has all the exciting action that I love from mob stories. Seriously, if you love anything involving pulse-pumping action and bloody street fights, you've got to pick up this series.

The ending was heartbreaking though, so be warned - all this mafia action is bound to cost some lives. Catherine Doyle ain't afraid to kill off characters.

I'll leave you with a quote that perfectly encapsulates the relationship between Luca and Sophie:

“Maybe you’re not so bad after all."
He leant across the seat, jabbing his finger in the air. "If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it. I have a reputation to uphold, you know.”

*snorts and swoons in Italian*

[Masuma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Luca. All day. Every day.
This release date is a bullet to my side :(

-

UPDATE: READ

Oh lord. My brain is still processing this.

THOS KISSES. DAMN.
THOSE EYES.
HIS WORDS.

VIOLETS ARE NOT MY FAVOURITE FLOWER.

[Casey Ann Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I received this book today and have finished it in a matter of hours. I'm not sure what to do with myself. I'm a bloody wreck!!! Amazing!

When I first read Vendetta (first book in the blood for blood saga) I was blown away, and when I finished I of course NEEDED the sequel so bad. I fell in love with the Falcone brothers (Luca especially) and was missing them terribly.

This book takes off from where Vendetta ended and it has been non stop action since. My favourite thing about this novel is the way Cat Doyle writes the dialogue between her characters! It's so real! The women should write movie scripts for a living.

I found myself feeling every single emotion in the English dictionary. Badass mafia mobs in a blood war with shocking revelations. Sophie is trying to stay alive while not realising she's slowly falling for someone she really shouldn't fall for.... Her families enemy.

Sophie is one of my all time favourite heroines. This girl has the world against her but she takes it in her stride. She's badass, loyal and isn't afraid to kick ass if needed. And now Luca... Oh Luca... The Italian with eyes that are the colour of the bluest ocean. Not your average YA male lead. It isn't love a first sight, it isn't "I'm wrong for you", it isn't I'm gonna leave for half the book then come back. This man is there and ready and boy does he make a great male lead!

It literally felt like I was watching a movie! From the gore and tense moments to the hottest kissing scenes I've ever read. This book is everything you would want in an awesome YA romance, crime, action packed thriller. There is so much more I could say but all I'll say is get your hands on Vendetta by @cat_doyle0 and when January comes get your hands on this spectacular sequel!

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

✰ 5 stars ✰

‘I’m bound by blood, Mom.’ My voice fell deathly quiet. ‘There is no way out.’



O-M-G, Catherine Doyle did not waste a second to take us right back into the Inferno in the second book of her Blood for Blood trilogy! I was riveted! I was hooked! I was at the edge of my seat with the fast-paced plot that she kept us engaged with! It was reading like a television mini-series! Every chapter an episode, every character a player in this high-staked dangerous mafia feud between the Falcones and the Marinos that Sophie found herself, somehow, 'the key to each families undoing - the answer to her uncle's freedom.'

"The line between right and wrong was a dark, blurry gap, and I had fallen down inside it."

I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this! Along with Sophie, there was never a moment's peace, constantly on the move as she tries to pick up the pieces after what took place in the last book. A week before senior year begins and she's on the spiral whirlwind of uncovering more secretive truths and hidden lies and deep betrayals that somehow tied her own family history into theirs, as well! 😍

There was such a vast improvement in the writing - Ms.Doyle shined this time around! She spun such a creative yarn with such a steady build up of action that was so well-paced, it never felt like a scene was unnecessary or out of place! The supporting cast was so much more fleshed out - I loved how well-explained their backstories were that laid the roots of their rivalry all the more believable when the plot twist happened! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

And did I lose it when it when it happened! You bet I did! It may be the oldest trick in the book, but like Sophie, who's just about had enough with all the chaos and pandemonium her life has been since she ever expressed the slightest of interest in the brothers that moved next door, I was shell-shocked! Literally stunned! And everything just toppled over each other, one after the other - like a house of cards waiting to fall!

"I was part of something bigger, a player in a world that lived and breathed passion and danger, and it was wrong, and scary, but it was more than just existing, and now that I had experienced it, it was hard to shut off. It was hard to leave it behind."

I admit, at times, Sophie's self-righteousness views on everything gets a bit too much - but, as the plot thickens and more twists take place, I do feel that her anger at all the secrecy is truly justified. Her whole life has been a lie and she didn't even have time to process it, before she's thrown into an even bigger inferno. One that wrecks her to the core, one that shatters all her previous decisions, one that channels so much grief and anguish that was so genuinely palpable and realistically portrayed.

"...and I realized we were both broken, he and I. We were a couple of fractured lines, running parallel to one another, stuck in families that wouldn’t ever truly let us go. And I was sorry for hurting him."

Ms.Doyle didn't shy in her detail to emotions here - they were visceral and tangible and so very real. 🥺🥺 My heart really went out for her in this part - she really went through hell at every moment; honestly, what made her survive through every heart-breaking and nail-biting ordeal were two characters that definitely stole my heart.

Sophie's best friend, Millie - I cannot express in words how much I loved her! This story is not only about familial bonds, but the heart of friendship! She is the epitome of a best friend, loyal to a fault, caring, supportive, kind, so very considerate, not afraid to jump into the line of fire alongside Sophie. 🥰🥰 She was ready to face the fires for Sophie - and Sophie needed someone like her by her side, to bring light and humor and comfort, when she would always need it the most.

"Did he know how well I knew his face now? It was burnt into my brain from that night. I knew the length and thickness of his lashes. I knew the ones near the corner of his eye were pale, while the rest were jet black. I knew the line of his cheekbone, and where it curved above his jaw. I knew too much."



LUCA! LUCA, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! YOU GREW ON ME SO MUCH THIS PART! Luca, underboss that you are, you are just perfect and deserve so much better than the hell your family is putting you through! He's so much more than just the image of a bad boy - under that veneer is someone who just wants to get out of this life! His relationship with Sophie progressed so naturally, so seamlessly - THAT DONUT SCENE! THAT GRAVEYARD MOMENT! 💕💕💕 Every time they shared a scene together - defending her, after the club raid, caring for her! His affection and concern for Sophie is genuine and pure, they're two people who just don't want to be a part of this, but have no choice but to be!

‘It’s OK.’ I waved my hand around in the air. ‘I got your flowers.’

Luca’s face screwed up. ‘What? I didn’t send you flowers.’

‘Oh, that’s right,’ I deadpanned him. ‘You didn’t send me anything.’

‘Ah,’ he said. ‘I see what you did there. Maybe I’ll reconsider.’

Their banter was so spot-on - his cocky, smug attitude to her perfectly timed quips! But, at the heart of it all, their romance is a beautiful slow-burn romance! One that progressed so naturally, so convincingly, so full of danger and tenderness, playfulness and undercurrents of desire, that I couldn't think straight when their kiss finally happened! 🥹🥹🥹🥹

‘Why are you looking at me like that?’

‘Like what?’

His gaze was so penetrating it was like he was trying to pick apart the threads

‘You’re just … you’re staring at me,’ I said in a voice much quieter than I meant it to be.

‘Maybe I am looking at you,’ he whispered. ‘Maybe I always have been.’



I may not have read enough NA Mafia books, but as far as YA novels go, this is a TRUE GEM - highly entertaining and so much more than just Romeo & Juliet meets The Godfather! I hope the sequel lives up to expectations; past experiences have shown that the 2nd part of trilogies do fare better than their conclusion. So rarely do the conclusions culminate on a satisfying high note - I hope that whatever awaits Sophie will make this finale one of those rare ones. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Simge · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
İlk kitaba göre o kadar iyiydi ki..Karakter gelişimi olsun,hiç dinmeyen bir aksiyonun içine sürüklenişimiz olsun...Ahhhh...Sophie’nin fare surat Nic’e tekmeyi basıp Luca’yı tercih etmesine assssla üzülmüyorum çünkü Nic bunu hak ediyor.Duyuyor musun Nic sen ve abilerin+amcan+annen bir zavallısınız😒 Sophie umarım biraz güçlenir de Lucacığımı bu zavallı aileden çekip çıkarır.Gerçi düşününce kendi ailesi de onlar kadar berbat🙄 Neyse umarım serinin sonunda beraber kaçıp mutlu olurlar.O zaman 3.kitaba uçayım ben...

[Fre06 Begum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75* I enjoyed this one even more than the first! Millie is the greatest friend anyone can have and such a support for heroine.
Gianluca oh Gianluca such a hottie, I hope we get to see more of him in next book.

[Willow Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my stinkin WORD!!! I'm literally screaming internally right now. Why was this so good?!?!! And the ending?!?!! Eeeeeeeeee!!!

Okay, okay, I'm calm now. Sorry. Deep breaths. So. This book was deliciously entertaining. Does that make sense? I do not know. But it was, because I loved every second. (Okay, not every second, because some certain people were starting to get on my nerves, but other than then, I loved every second.)

And now, for the brothers! (Who each get their own paragraph this time. Very fancy.)

Valentino. Oh Valentino. I loved you so much in the first book. What happened? I mean, I guess the heart is still there, but some of your meanness started to show through, it got past your mask, and I wasn't really a fan. Sorry.

Gino, you're still a weirdo and minor character who's available to be killed off. And that ponytail has got to go.

Dom, I'm sorry, but I can't remember your full name. It might be Domingo? Or something like that anyways. But anywho, why do they keep mentioning his hair gel? I'm starting to feel bad for the guy, I mean, maybe he just doesn't like hair falling into his eyes. But literally everyone around him comments on how much hair gel he's using, so much so that it's honestly making me feel kinda bad for the guy. I don't like him, but I don't hate him. I don't know, I'm still kinda indifferent. So we've got some room for growth in book 3.

Alright, so I've got some thoughts on you Nicoli. I literally loved you the best in the first book, but now? I don't even really like you. And I honestly don't know why I liked you in the first book anyways. Maybe it was like Sophie said. You're just too vengeful Nic, and that's the truth. Like, you can calm down a little on the revenge there. Just let people live their lives.

And now, we have saved the best for last. Luca, or Gianluca, as his mother calls him. He is just wonderful. Literally perfect. Eeeeeee!! I LITERALLY LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!! LUCA!!! Okay, sorry, I'm calm again. I'm calm!! AAAAAAAHHH!! Okay! Okay. Okayyy. So. Yeah, I really liked him. I never disliked him in the first book, and I started to like him more as the book went on, but then in THIS BOOK. Well. He was just uh-may-zing.

There were also some SERIOUS plot twists going on here. Her mom died?? Did NOT see that coming. And she's a Marino??? Again, did not see that coming, at all.

The first half of this book was read in the living room in a comfy chair while the rest of my family was watching a movie. And we just love when a hilarious part in the book happens to coincide with a sad death scene in the movie and your entire family looks at you strangely for laughing hilariously during it and you have to explain that you were not, in fact, watching the movie, but were reading a book and that you're sorry for laughing and you're not a psychopath and that you'll try to hold it in in the future. Anyways...

The second half of this book was read in bed with all the lights out (yay for ebooks!). My reaction to anything happening that I love or hate or anything is apparently just internal combustion, because I was like just having some seizures and freaking out with my hand literally clamped over my mouth to keep in the laughter or screeches or squeals or whatever other noises might be coming out of there. Anyways...

So as you can see, this was not a very calming reading experience, but it sure was an entertaining one!

All I can say is, I will OBVIOUSLY be starting book 3 right now.

[Wanderlust_Wanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca happened, that's why.

Can't resist myself as I devoured Inferno in just a day. My love for Luca grew exponentially to say the least. Honourable and trustworthy, kind- that is who he really is, behind all these chaos and blood feud and never-ending revenge between the Falcones and Marinos. His relationship with Sophie is genuine and he never stopped caring for her or doubting her the slightest despite everything that happened, unlike Nic's illusion of his so-called love with Sophie that is filled with lies and faked promises. So done with Nic, never really like him in Vendetta in the first place. And Millie is just the best supportive friend you can ever have and I love that she always have Sophie's back.

The ending got me feeling like Yesssss and *happy dance and swoon* as Sophie made the right stand and it also screamed more chances for Luca and Sophie's relationship to blossom which I am ALL FOR IT. 2017...Gosh book 3 can't come soon enough!!!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Vendetta and I love love love Inferno. It’s this wonderful mix of thrills and romance and snappy dialogue and hot love interests. There are big mafia-related explosive bits and small, quiet romantic bits and, taken together, it’s perfection. Inferno offers excellent character and relationship development; I loved Sophie’s growth in this book and was so pleased that she was learning from her experiences and everything she had seen in Vendetta and not plodding along starry eyed with love and stupid. Also, readers will be happy that Inferno gives us a lot more of Luca. Something Nic definitely is not happy about….!

[Kaffeewriting · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOCH MEHR GEHEIMNISSE UND ÜBERRASCHENDE WENDUNGEN - HAT DEN ERSTEN BAND ÜBERTROFFEN!
Nach dem ersten Band wusste ich sofort, dass ich mit dem nächsten Teil weitermachen muss, ich war einfach komplett von der Geschichte gefesselt und habe auf noch so viel mehr Action und Spannung gehofft!

SCHREIBSTIL
Ich liebe den Schreibstil, genauso wie im ersten Band ist er einfach wieder total klasse und ich lese diese Geschichte unglaublich gerne, weil sie flüssig, emotional und so authentisch geschrieben wurde. Jedes geschriebene Wort konnte mich mitreißen und fühlen lassen, zudem hat sie unheimlich gut Spannung aufgebaut, ich konnte einfach an keinem Punkt der Geschichte aufhören zu lesen und war komplett gefesselt.

Das gesamte Buch ist aus Sophies Perspektive geschrieben und ich habe es geliebt, durch den klasse Schreibstil kann man Sophie total verstehen und sich in sie hineinversetzen, aber auch von den anderen Charakteren bekommt man einen guten Überblick und fühlt mit ihnen mit.
Ich liebe die Zitate, die bei den Anfängen der Teile vorhanden sind sehr, weil sie unglaublich passend zur jeweiligen Handlung sind.

CHARAKTERE
Das Buch setzt von dort an, wo der erste Band geendet hat, demnach liegt Sophie nun im Krankenhaus und das Geschehene ist nicht einfach so an ihr vorbeigerauscht, sie ist anders, traumatisiert und hegt düsterere Gedanken denn je und das zurecht. Ihre Schmerzen waren wirklich real und ich war so traurig deshalb. All das Vergangene und die Wahrheit verändert sie, macht sie kampflustiger. Sie ist so unglaublich stark. Man hat ihre Zerrissenheit zu allem förmlich gespürt. Ich finde sie so unglaublich authentisch und konnte all ihre Handlungen und Gedanken nachvollziehen, ich habe sie einfach geliebt! Sie ist schlau, mutig und selbstbewusst, ihre Welt zerbricht immer wieder aufs Neue und doch steht sie wieder auf und ist gerissener als je zuvor. Wie schon gesagt, war sie am Anfang des Buches schon vollkommen traumatisiert, aber am Ende war sie nur noch von all der Dunkelheit umgeben und diese Entwicklung war so herzzerreißend mitzuerleben..

Von Luca schwärme ich schon von Anfang an, er ist meiner Meinung nach einfach nur interessant und anders, anders als seine Familie. Jedes Mal, wenn Luca im Buch vorkam hat mein Herz wirklich schneller geschlagen und ich kann nur sagen, er hat mich vollends von sich überzeugt! In ihm steckt noch so viel mehr und es gab solch unendlich süßen Momente mit ihm, ich konnte nicht mehr aufhören zu grinsen.
Ich habe die Gespräche und Interaktionen von Sophie und Luca einfach nur geliebt, das war ein himmelweiter Unterschied zu Nic und ihr!

Nic ist am Anfang immer wieder bei Sophie und sorgt sich auch um sie, was ich rührend fand, aber nach und nach wurde er mir wieder unsympathischer. Von Anfang an hat man gemerkt, dass sie füreinander noch Gefühle haben und es eine Anziehung gibt, aber auch die Distanziertheit wurde größer und größer. Nic wurde mir immer mehr suspekter und das negative Gefühl, dass ich ihm gegenüber am Anfang des ersten Bandes hatte, war auch wieder zurück! Auch Sophie erkennt, dass Nic nicht der Junge ist, den sie kennengelernt zu haben scheint und in den sie sich verliebt hat.

Millie ist und bleibt die einzig wahre Freundin - noch nie, wie ich finde, war zuvor eine Freundschaft so unglaublich authentisch und wundervoll. Millie ist ein Goldschatz und ich kann nur das wiederholen, was schon im Buch absolut passend genannt wurde: Sie ist für Sophie das Licht in dieser ganzen Dunkelheit.

ZITATE
❝Man bemerkt gar nicht, wie viele Schatten es auf der Welt gibt, bis man Angst vor ihnen hat. ❞ - S.39

❝Ich schätze wir haben wohl jeder unsere zwei Seiten. Wir alle haben Licht und Schatten in uns, Schmerz und Leid, und einige von uns kommen darüber hinweg, während andere dadurch nur noch finstere werden.❞ S. 113-114

❝»Du solltest nicht hier mit mir in der Dunkelheit sein.«
»Ich glaube, der ganze Sinn, eine gute Freundin zu sein, liegt darin, in der Dunkelheit zu sein. Ich werde dein Licht sein, bis du es selbst wieder sein kannst. Wie klingt das?« ❞ - S. 423

❝»Wird es irgendwann leichter?«
»Ich weiß es nicht. Sie behaupten zwar immer, dass es besser wird, aber ich glaube, der Schmerz wird nicht erträglich, weil er leiser oder schwächer wird, sondern nur, weil man sich daran gewöhnt, dass er da ist. Das Leben geht weiter und du gehst mit.«❞ - S. 443

COVER
Auf dem Cover ist wieder ein Paar zusehen, dass sich küsst und ich weiß nicht, ob das gewollt ist, aber auf diesem Cover sieht der Junge genauso aus, wie Lucas Aussehen beschrieben wird und das finde ich so passend, weil sich Sophie und Luca in diesem Band nochmal mehr annähern. Ich finde das Cover unglaublich toll und passend zur Geschichte!

FAZIT
Diese Reihe hat es mir angetan und zwar sowas von!
All diese Emotionen und Geheimnisse, es ist einfach total genial, wie sehr ich mitgefiebert habe und von jeder einzelnen Zeile nur so gefesselt war. Ich habe mich zudem auch noch so einiges Mal amüsieren müssen, war geschockt, musste sogar ein, zwei Mal etwas Weinen und konnte bei den unglaublich süßen Momenten nur übers ganze Gesicht grinsen! Zudem geht es hier nicht nur um Liebe, sondern auch um wahre Freundschaft. Die Freundschaft zwischen Millie und Sophie wird hier unglaublich groß geschrieben und bedeutet so viel, einfach wundervoll.

Anfangs war es wieder etwas ruhiger, was die Handlung angeht, und trotzdem konnte ich durch meine Neugierde und dem wahnsinnig guten Schreibstil einfach nicht aufhören zu lesen, zum Ende wurde es dann so explosiv und die ganze Situation hat sich zugespitzt, zudem gab es eine Handlung nach der anderen, die mich schockieren konnte und den großen Wendepunkt hier habe ich so auch nicht vorhergesehen.
Ich dachte, dass im ersten Band schon so einige Geheimnisse aufgedeckt worden sind, aber die, die hier nochmal enthüllt wurden, hatten es echt drauf. Man lernt nochmal mehr die richtigen Gesichter aller Beteiligten kennen. Ich dachte Anfangs nur, wow, Sophie ist total zwischen die Fronten geraten und hätte niemals auch nur gedacht, wie tief sie da eigentlich wirklich drinsteckt!

Hier ist einfach eine gute Mischung aus allem vorhanden und dazu ist alles nochmal mehr intensiver als im ersten Band - es gibt ganz viel Spannung, Action, Verrat, Romantik und Emotionen!

Definitiv ein ganz großes Highlight, es hat den ersten Band meiner Meinung nach nochmal übertrumpft.

[Sibel Gandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 🌟
Bu kitabı okuyan Chicago polis departmanı bir köşede ağlıyordur her halde 🤔
Minnak mafyacıkların yaşı bu kadar küçük olmasa, polislik olaylar karikatür gibi işlenmese, bir de Sophie bu kadar salak olmasa güzel kitap aslında 😆😆

[Rafeeah Hasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

LUCA. I want LUCA. PLEASE TELL ME SOPHIE IS GOING TO COME TO HER SENSES AND CHOOSE LUCA :')