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Russo Saga #3
Shame: The Early Years
Rule One: Do not say no to Luciano Salvatore.
Rule Two: See rule one.
Carmen never knew she had boundaries, but when the young prostitute is called to Salvatore, the infamous mob boss, she learns that even a whore can be violated: mind, body, and soul.
Lucas dreamt of a mobster’s life. He wanted the cool suit, the expensive car, and the respect. His dreams take a pounding when he picks up the badly-bruised Carmen from Salvatore’s mansion. He starts visiting the injured woman, and despite the gruesome circumstances, the chemistry between them grows into something neither of them can resist.
Then Salvatore calls for her again.
How do you conquer the monsters under your bed? Especially when you’ve let them crawl up and share it?
This is a prequel to the Russo Saga but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Publisher’s Note: This is a dark Mafia romance which is intended for adults only and may contain triggers for some readers. There are elements of adult language, sensual scenes, power exchange and harsh elements.
Rule Two: See rule one.
Carmen never knew she had boundaries, but when the young prostitute is called to Salvatore, the infamous mob boss, she learns that even a whore can be violated: mind, body, and soul.
Lucas dreamt of a mobster’s life. He wanted the cool suit, the expensive car, and the respect. His dreams take a pounding when he picks up the badly-bruised Carmen from Salvatore’s mansion. He starts visiting the injured woman, and despite the gruesome circumstances, the chemistry between them grows into something neither of them can resist.
Then Salvatore calls for her again.
How do you conquer the monsters under your bed? Especially when you’ve let them crawl up and share it?
This is a prequel to the Russo Saga but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Publisher’s Note: This is a dark Mafia romance which is intended for adults only and may contain triggers for some readers. There are elements of adult language, sensual scenes, power exchange and harsh elements.
- GenresDarkAbuseDark Romance
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2019
119 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Nicolina Martin
30 books911 followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Nicolina Martin is a Swedish born lady who escapes the long, dark winter nights by writing hot contemporary romance/suspense.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 17, 2022
Shame: The Early Years is a story that not only broke my heart,but blew it to smithereens!
To my relief,there wás light at the end of the pitchblack darkness,though….
And i’m left with the knowledge that Nicolina has an unique talent.
She pulls you into that darkness with each and every sentence,each and every depraved act.
And when she’s convinced you there’s no way out of this hell,she gently pushes you back into the light.
Giving you back your breath,and healing your battered heart with an ending that won’t make you forget what happened,but that will make you accept the good that came out of it.
Carmen and Lucas both have a rough life.
Carmen because she left her home filled with dreams of more,only to be crushed by reality,and ending up in a whorehouse owned by the devil called Luciano Salvatore.
Lucas because he left his home filled with dreams of living an exciting life,only to end up on the bottom of Luciano Salvatore’s organization.
They meet when Carmen is summoned by Luciano,and he has to drive her to his home.
During that brief journey,they leave a lasting impression on eachother,and Lucas is left wondering what Salvatore wants from her.
His imagination is nothing like what really happens to her,though….
Carmen is put through hell that night,and is carried out a broken shell of the sweet girl she was.
Once Lucas gets her home,Matron is enraged to see the damage on poor Carmen,and calls for the doctor immediately.
Lucas starts visiting her during her slow recovery,and they grow close as they get to know eachother better.
She desperately hopes Luciano forgets about her after that night,but then he summons her again….
Knowing she can’t go through another night like that again,Lucas plans their escape,but Carmen won’t have it.
Because she knows there’s no way they’ll ever be safe from the devil’s wrath.
And once he knows about her and Lucas,he gets even crueler….
Is there any hope for these two crushed souls,or are they both doomed?
Carmen was só strong,even when she was beaten down and hurt beyond belief.
She remained the sweet girl she was,thinking of others,and finding beauty in little things.
And Lucas….even though it nearly crushed him to see her hurt só bad,he still saw Carmen for the person she was.
He didn’t condemn her,or judge her for ending up where she was and doing what she did,no…he loved the sweet girl with all his heart.
Because he knew all about bad choices,and paying for them…..
Their story crushed me,made me cry,but at the next moment it made me smile because of the love they so obviously had for eachother, in spite of everything.
I hated Luciano with a vengeance for his heinous acts!
But i ám left wondering what made him become that person…..and will i ever find out?
To my relief,there wás light at the end of the pitchblack darkness,though….
And i’m left with the knowledge that Nicolina has an unique talent.
She pulls you into that darkness with each and every sentence,each and every depraved act.
And when she’s convinced you there’s no way out of this hell,she gently pushes you back into the light.
Giving you back your breath,and healing your battered heart with an ending that won’t make you forget what happened,but that will make you accept the good that came out of it.
Carmen and Lucas both have a rough life.
Carmen because she left her home filled with dreams of more,only to be crushed by reality,and ending up in a whorehouse owned by the devil called Luciano Salvatore.
Lucas because he left his home filled with dreams of living an exciting life,only to end up on the bottom of Luciano Salvatore’s organization.
They meet when Carmen is summoned by Luciano,and he has to drive her to his home.
During that brief journey,they leave a lasting impression on eachother,and Lucas is left wondering what Salvatore wants from her.
His imagination is nothing like what really happens to her,though….
Carmen is put through hell that night,and is carried out a broken shell of the sweet girl she was.
Once Lucas gets her home,Matron is enraged to see the damage on poor Carmen,and calls for the doctor immediately.
Lucas starts visiting her during her slow recovery,and they grow close as they get to know eachother better.
She desperately hopes Luciano forgets about her after that night,but then he summons her again….
Knowing she can’t go through another night like that again,Lucas plans their escape,but Carmen won’t have it.
Because she knows there’s no way they’ll ever be safe from the devil’s wrath.
And once he knows about her and Lucas,he gets even crueler….
Is there any hope for these two crushed souls,or are they both doomed?
Carmen was só strong,even when she was beaten down and hurt beyond belief.
She remained the sweet girl she was,thinking of others,and finding beauty in little things.
And Lucas….even though it nearly crushed him to see her hurt só bad,he still saw Carmen for the person she was.
He didn’t condemn her,or judge her for ending up where she was and doing what she did,no…he loved the sweet girl with all his heart.
Because he knew all about bad choices,and paying for them…..
Their story crushed me,made me cry,but at the next moment it made me smile because of the love they so obviously had for eachother, in spite of everything.
I hated Luciano with a vengeance for his heinous acts!
But i ám left wondering what made him become that person…..and will i ever find out?
June 14, 2019
Dangerously Dark and Amazing!
This book was a tremendously dark and twisted roller coaster ride to hell and back. With so many emotional ups and downs from anger, hate, loathing and eventually love. The main characters are already damaged souls and somehow seem to continue to fall into a cycle of destruction and ruin.
Carmen is a very strong female with a lot of strength and fierceness. She never lets any man break her even though they come very close. Lucas comes off as very soft and loving but he also inhibits his own form of fierceness and loyalty. A lot of dangerous situations surround Carmen and Lucas but they come out of the storm stronger than ever.
Fantastic story and writing. There are many characters that you loathe and hate but there also plenty that you route for and fall in love with.
I can’t wait for more of these great characters stories.
Highly recommend.
This book was a tremendously dark and twisted roller coaster ride to hell and back. With so many emotional ups and downs from anger, hate, loathing and eventually love. The main characters are already damaged souls and somehow seem to continue to fall into a cycle of destruction and ruin.
Carmen is a very strong female with a lot of strength and fierceness. She never lets any man break her even though they come very close. Lucas comes off as very soft and loving but he also inhibits his own form of fierceness and loyalty. A lot of dangerous situations surround Carmen and Lucas but they come out of the storm stronger than ever.
Fantastic story and writing. There are many characters that you loathe and hate but there also plenty that you route for and fall in love with.
I can’t wait for more of these great characters stories.
Highly recommend.
June 5, 2019
Carmen had come to the United States with her Uncle, wanting a better life than living on a farm in the mountains of Columbia. When her Uncle was hurt in a work accident and eventually died, Carmen was led to believe she had broke her parents heart and they would never forgive her or want her to return. That left her with little option of making her way and being able to survive. That's how she wound up working the streets until she moved in with Matron and her girls. Unfortunately, they were all owned by Luciano Salvatore and she was soon to learn what the price for that was to be.
Lucas left his parents and their farm in Iowa wanting something more. He was the driver for the organization for two years and he wanted to move up so he could receive the respect and privileges that came with it. When the time came for him to participate and take the next step of being involved, his reaction was not what he or anyone else expected.
If you have trigger issues with caning, humiliation, or rape then be warned. There are some scenes and consequences that are chilling. That being said, I was immediately thrown into this world again within the first chapter and found myself leaning forward and mentally putting myself in a bubble with all that was going on with this story and it's characters. Speaking of which, you'll either love them or love to hate them, but Nicolina Martin will not let her readers sit passively with one of her works. By the end of the book, my stomach and hands had finally stopped shaking and my heart had clamed down. This was a heart breaking, heart warming story that left me wondering what was coming next. Congratulations Nicolina for a five star review. I was given a copy of this ARC and am giving my honest, voluntary review.
Lucas left his parents and their farm in Iowa wanting something more. He was the driver for the organization for two years and he wanted to move up so he could receive the respect and privileges that came with it. When the time came for him to participate and take the next step of being involved, his reaction was not what he or anyone else expected.
If you have trigger issues with caning, humiliation, or rape then be warned. There are some scenes and consequences that are chilling. That being said, I was immediately thrown into this world again within the first chapter and found myself leaning forward and mentally putting myself in a bubble with all that was going on with this story and it's characters. Speaking of which, you'll either love them or love to hate them, but Nicolina Martin will not let her readers sit passively with one of her works. By the end of the book, my stomach and hands had finally stopped shaking and my heart had clamed down. This was a heart breaking, heart warming story that left me wondering what was coming next. Congratulations Nicolina for a five star review. I was given a copy of this ARC and am giving my honest, voluntary review.
June 15, 2019
Wow, what a book, I read it in one sitting as I was totally transfixed by the story of the amazing, feisty Carmen, the cruel, scary but damn sexy Luciano Salvatore and troubled mobster in training but with a heart of gold, Lucas. It was so refreshing to have a strong, powerful heroine who boldly copes with the shit that life throws at her. She’s feisty, clever and with an inner strength which I admired. I shouldn’t like Salvatore, he really doesn’t have any redeeming features - he’s a bully, a sexual sadist of the worst kind but there is something about him. He’s a guilty addictive pleasure that you know you should steer well away from but can’t. Once again it’s well written and I really like the author’s style. I have no hesitation in giving this a well deserved 5 stars but be warned, it’s very dark.
July 18, 2019
Loved Lucas & Carmen's story. This was an intriguing book. Good characters. Love my mafia books. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
June 16, 2019
I love the Russo Saga. I really hate Luciano. I think it's possible to do both. And if I didn't hate him before this book, Carmen's story would've done it. Instead, it just made me really, really hate it. It's not an exaggeration to say that I want him to die in a lake of lava and hellfire.
Carmen is jaded and cynical, which is terrible to see in one so young, but then again, if I had gone through what she had in her life, I would be too. And that's before Luciano got his grimy little mitts on her. After that, she becomes even more cynical. However, I really like her, and I think that she is a really strong character.
Lucas is nice, and I mostly like him. To me, his biggest drawback is the fact that he is young. Young isn't a bad thing, but he still has a lot of growing up to do. He still sees things in the way that young men do, before they've had life around them some. I think most of the problems I had with him would be gone as he got older and as he learned how the world really worked instead of his more idealized view of it.
All in all, this was a great book, and an interesting addition to the Russo series. I like how the story is all about Carmen, really, and how she handles everything.
Carmen is jaded and cynical, which is terrible to see in one so young, but then again, if I had gone through what she had in her life, I would be too. And that's before Luciano got his grimy little mitts on her. After that, she becomes even more cynical. However, I really like her, and I think that she is a really strong character.
Lucas is nice, and I mostly like him. To me, his biggest drawback is the fact that he is young. Young isn't a bad thing, but he still has a lot of growing up to do. He still sees things in the way that young men do, before they've had life around them some. I think most of the problems I had with him would be gone as he got older and as he learned how the world really worked instead of his more idealized view of it.
All in all, this was a great book, and an interesting addition to the Russo series. I like how the story is all about Carmen, really, and how she handles everything.
May 31, 2019
Well once again I feel totally captivated by the 'Russo' saga The early years, I actually feel like I'm living in their world, because the writing is that good.
This book focuses on Carmen and Lucas. Carmen is a complex character, she shows immense strength in how she copes with the utter degradation, humiliation and vileness she's subjected to by Salvatore the head of the Russo's, but she has such low self esteem she honestly believes she doesn't deserve better. Its during this time she meets Lucas, who is a gorgeous man inside and out. I really felt his heartache and then his growing resentment and finally he snaps, I wanted to cry for him. But he does help Carmen in believing she is worth more.
Their journey throughout the book is sad, frustrating and hard to read at times but they dont give up. Thank god.
Overall, I would totally recommend you read this book and I can't wait for the next one, especially Salvatores story, he is definitely one of a kind, but I find him fascinating.
This book focuses on Carmen and Lucas. Carmen is a complex character, she shows immense strength in how she copes with the utter degradation, humiliation and vileness she's subjected to by Salvatore the head of the Russo's, but she has such low self esteem she honestly believes she doesn't deserve better. Its during this time she meets Lucas, who is a gorgeous man inside and out. I really felt his heartache and then his growing resentment and finally he snaps, I wanted to cry for him. But he does help Carmen in believing she is worth more.
Their journey throughout the book is sad, frustrating and hard to read at times but they dont give up. Thank god.
Overall, I would totally recommend you read this book and I can't wait for the next one, especially Salvatores story, he is definitely one of a kind, but I find him fascinating.
July 26, 2019
Carmen didnt feel like she could say no to the head of the Russo mob Salvitore. He liked BSDM, mostly spanking,whipping and thinking all women deserved it and him to get pleasure. pleasure. He liked Carmen, a young prostitute and called for her often. Lucas a driver for the mob who picked her up often fell in love with her. The was trying to get her to run away with him and she wouldnt she knew he would come after them. She tells Lucas she doesnt want him any more, to protect him.
Loved the love that Carmen and Lucas had together that they were both able to see they deserved love. You never knew what was going to happen next in this book. I have discovered I like to read books about the mafia. This is the 3 book in this series I have read they all have been great. I hope their will be more.
Loved the love that Carmen and Lucas had together that they were both able to see they deserved love. You never knew what was going to happen next in this book. I have discovered I like to read books about the mafia. This is the 3 book in this series I have read they all have been great. I hope their will be more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2019
This is the 3rd--and darkest--book in the Russo Saga. I appreciate that the author tried to humanize Luciano Salvatore in this volume, but didn't let him off the hook entirely, or even close to that. He's a legit bad person, and he does horrible things to women. He makes the other anti-heroes in the previous volumes look like "take home to mama" types in comparison.
Definite trigger warnings here, but the author has already given the heads up on that. There's hot edgy sex and then...Salvatore-style.
Carmen is brave and resilient character, and she gets her (albeit slightly dysfunctional, shall we say?) HEA, and with someone whose darkness doesn't touch her.
It's a good read, if a bit of mindbender.
Definite trigger warnings here, but the author has already given the heads up on that. There's hot edgy sex and then...Salvatore-style.
Carmen is brave and resilient character, and she gets her (albeit slightly dysfunctional, shall we say?) HEA, and with someone whose darkness doesn't touch her.
It's a good read, if a bit of mindbender.
June 8, 2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Wow! This really packed a punch! I was not expecting all that went down, but it did. The boss, Luciano Salvatore is a hot mess. He is brutal. This was the story of Lucas (Mafia driver, young, in the life) and Carmen (Runaway, lady of the evening). If you have any triggers, this book will touch on them. Very dark. The sex scenes...BRUTAL. However, the writing was so strong, I wanted to stop, but I could not. This is a very well written mafia series. I will have to go back and read the other installments, especially Luciano Salvatore's story. I can't wait for his tale!
Why Not 5 Stars?
Because of certain events, this is not a book I would think about picking up and reading again.
Wow! This really packed a punch! I was not expecting all that went down, but it did. The boss, Luciano Salvatore is a hot mess. He is brutal. This was the story of Lucas (Mafia driver, young, in the life) and Carmen (Runaway, lady of the evening). If you have any triggers, this book will touch on them. Very dark. The sex scenes...BRUTAL. However, the writing was so strong, I wanted to stop, but I could not. This is a very well written mafia series. I will have to go back and read the other installments, especially Luciano Salvatore's story. I can't wait for his tale!
Why Not 5 Stars?
Because of certain events, this is not a book I would think about picking up and reading again.
July 3, 2019
Carmen is a prostitute doing what she must to survive. She didn’t understand that price until she was owned by Salvatore. Lucas has always wanted something more and the mafia life gave him that. When he meets Carmen, she is badly bruised and he continues to visit her soon sparks are flying, what will happen when Salvatore wants her again? Fast-paced, dark and emotional read. The characters are amazing with lots of depth and the story really draws you in from beginning to end. I am hooked. I love it!
July 1, 2019
This can be read as a standalone.
I went into this blind and I’m so glad I did as the author took me on a fantastic ride.
Lucas and Carmen. Two fantastic characters. Both with broken souls. Neither of them have had an easy start in life and things seem to keep getting worse. Can two broken souls help one another?
This is a hot and gritty read that I pretty much inhaled in one sitting. It was so good. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author soon.
I went into this blind and I’m so glad I did as the author took me on a fantastic ride.
Lucas and Carmen. Two fantastic characters. Both with broken souls. Neither of them have had an easy start in life and things seem to keep getting worse. Can two broken souls help one another?
This is a hot and gritty read that I pretty much inhaled in one sitting. It was so good. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author soon.
May 20, 2020
OMG, this book is not for the faint-hearted, the deep feelings that carry this story insanely well are found at both ends of the spectrum. Tricky topics are relentlessly addressed and sensitively developed and wonderfully solved. A rollercoaster of emotions, knots and butterfly in the stomach, the absolute best and most oppressive up and down of emotions.
Great!
Great!
June 3, 2019
Wow!!! Wow!!! This book has me on an emotional high. I have been on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. I loved Lucas and Carmen story. It was dark and delicious. Great job!!!!
August 21, 2023
This book is a lot darker than the first ones, and it totally induced anger and bad thoughts towards Salvatore. He is a very bad man, ruthless, egotistical, and a tyrant. I really hope he gets his comeuppance very soon.
Carmen is in a terrible position in life, her escape from Colombia is tragic, finding herself alone as a young girl she does the best she can with what she has available. She has caught the sadistic eye of Salvatore and her life will never be the same. Carmen’s only bright spot is Lucas, the man who delivers her to the beast, but even that reprieve does not last long.
This story is haunting with many triggers and some very disturbing moments. Read with care. ❤️🩹
Carmen is in a terrible position in life, her escape from Colombia is tragic, finding herself alone as a young girl she does the best she can with what she has available. She has caught the sadistic eye of Salvatore and her life will never be the same. Carmen’s only bright spot is Lucas, the man who delivers her to the beast, but even that reprieve does not last long.
This story is haunting with many triggers and some very disturbing moments. Read with care. ❤️🩹
January 11, 2024
This is a pretty dark novella. Eg Abuse rape, etc. So be warned. It's a very addictive read though and features Luci, the dreadful man in charge of this mafia family. The woman he abused and the consequences. Well written.
June 2, 2019
I haven't read books one or two in this series, but I think this book can be read as a standalone easily. The story is dark, but not super dark, and I enjoyed it. This is the second book by this author I've read, and it's clear she's getting better as an author. This is more of a psychological drama, and I liked how the story was kept pretty simple and concise. She's ramped up the tension by diving into the characters' heads immediately and not making Carmen or Lucas weak. She focuses on two lovers who are over their head in the mafia.
Martin also doesn't artificially inflate Lucas and Carmen's intellectual aptitudes. They are still very young and she treats them this way. They make honest mistakes and have big dreams. The story is a fast read and zips along with clarity. With that said, I did find that Luciano wasn't a very strong character and pretty one dimensional. This is why I didn't trust the ending. It didn't seem organic to me.
I will continue to read this author because she has huge potential. The difference between her debut and this book is extremely positive. I will support her books moving forward.
*3 1/2 stars*
Martin also doesn't artificially inflate Lucas and Carmen's intellectual aptitudes. They are still very young and she treats them this way. They make honest mistakes and have big dreams. The story is a fast read and zips along with clarity. With that said, I did find that Luciano wasn't a very strong character and pretty one dimensional. This is why I didn't trust the ending. It didn't seem organic to me.
I will continue to read this author because she has huge potential. The difference between her debut and this book is extremely positive. I will support her books moving forward.
*3 1/2 stars*
June 23, 2019
Book: Shame (Russo Saga Book 3)
Author: Nicolina Martin
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I cannot stress enough how fantastic this book is. As most of you know when I was first introduced to the Russo family world I was very unsure and not necessarily a fan. The bad boy element of the story felt a little but too much like a pantomime villain. But the more that I have read and discovered, the more that I love these stories and the family. As plot lines go this has to be one of the best that I have read in a very long time and I am not just talking about books by Nicolina Martin but about all books.
Carmen doesn’t think that her life could get much lower. She lives in a whore house, selling herself to numerous different men each night. But Carmen doesn’t feel shame about her lifestyle as she just accepts that this is the life that she has been dealt. However all of that changes when she is paid an extraordinary amount of money to spend the evening with the main mob boss Luciano Salvatore. At first she thinks this is a great opportunity until she realises that all of the other workers are upset that she has been chosen and are saying their goodbyes. Apparently a night with Salvatore does not always guarantee a safe return home. As she is worried about facing certain doom Carmen gets into the car sent by Salvatore and meets the incredibly sexy, new, young driver Lucas.
Lucas is instantly turned on by the gorgeous, feisty girl he is tasked with driving to party with the Boss and only top level people get that invite. Lucas has been trying to make his way up in the organisation as he is tired of being a low level worker. He knows that it is the dirtiest messes that will get him more money and power and he plans to get as messy as it takes. But his focus changes the night that he collects Carmen from the party and gone is the beautiful feisty girl that he dropped off and she has been replaced by pain, welts, bruises, bleeding and soulless eyes. When Lucas decides to take care of her, something changes between Carmen and Lucas that night and it is the start of a beautiful relationship that is filled with love, healing and reading.
Lucas is such a complex character but he is still lovable. On the surface he wants to move up in the crime family no matter how dangerous that is and why still remains a mystery. But more importantly his desire to love, care for and cherish Carmen is what takes over every day. The way he puts Carmen first and always makes sure she is take care of and feels loved makes him an absolute diamond that you most definitely would not want to lose! You cannot help but love Carmen as a character. She has been through more pain, humiliation and suffering than most people can ever imagine and yet she still manages to not lose her banter and her sassy personality that shows how strong she truly is.
This is a bit of a spoiler so look away now – I particularly want to give a shout out to the birth scene in this book as it was incredibly well written. I loved the way that Mother Nature was allowed to run the show and she was constantly encouraged to listen to her body. But it held a very powerful message to take away and that is that not every mother feels the overwhelming feeling of love towards their baby that they are told they should. Women have been through a lot, particularly in this scenario. She is scared, in pain, bleeding and her senses are all over the place so when she is handed a baby she doesn’t know what to do or how to feel. This for me made the scene incredibly realistic. The decision to keep and embrace baby David was a brave and beautiful decision.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I liked the premise of a bad boy driver falling in love with the broken whore. Everyone deserves a second chance when life is put into perspective and that is what we see in this book. It is the story of two tortured souls with broken pasts who are searching to belong in all the wrong places until they finally meet each other. This is not only a fantastic edition to Nicolina Martin’s series but I would argue it is the best so far. The writing is clever, the characters are realistic and the story is uniquely beautiful. I cannot recommend this book anymore!
Author: Nicolina Martin
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I cannot stress enough how fantastic this book is. As most of you know when I was first introduced to the Russo family world I was very unsure and not necessarily a fan. The bad boy element of the story felt a little but too much like a pantomime villain. But the more that I have read and discovered, the more that I love these stories and the family. As plot lines go this has to be one of the best that I have read in a very long time and I am not just talking about books by Nicolina Martin but about all books.
Carmen doesn’t think that her life could get much lower. She lives in a whore house, selling herself to numerous different men each night. But Carmen doesn’t feel shame about her lifestyle as she just accepts that this is the life that she has been dealt. However all of that changes when she is paid an extraordinary amount of money to spend the evening with the main mob boss Luciano Salvatore. At first she thinks this is a great opportunity until she realises that all of the other workers are upset that she has been chosen and are saying their goodbyes. Apparently a night with Salvatore does not always guarantee a safe return home. As she is worried about facing certain doom Carmen gets into the car sent by Salvatore and meets the incredibly sexy, new, young driver Lucas.
Lucas is instantly turned on by the gorgeous, feisty girl he is tasked with driving to party with the Boss and only top level people get that invite. Lucas has been trying to make his way up in the organisation as he is tired of being a low level worker. He knows that it is the dirtiest messes that will get him more money and power and he plans to get as messy as it takes. But his focus changes the night that he collects Carmen from the party and gone is the beautiful feisty girl that he dropped off and she has been replaced by pain, welts, bruises, bleeding and soulless eyes. When Lucas decides to take care of her, something changes between Carmen and Lucas that night and it is the start of a beautiful relationship that is filled with love, healing and reading.
Lucas is such a complex character but he is still lovable. On the surface he wants to move up in the crime family no matter how dangerous that is and why still remains a mystery. But more importantly his desire to love, care for and cherish Carmen is what takes over every day. The way he puts Carmen first and always makes sure she is take care of and feels loved makes him an absolute diamond that you most definitely would not want to lose! You cannot help but love Carmen as a character. She has been through more pain, humiliation and suffering than most people can ever imagine and yet she still manages to not lose her banter and her sassy personality that shows how strong she truly is.
This is a bit of a spoiler so look away now – I particularly want to give a shout out to the birth scene in this book as it was incredibly well written. I loved the way that Mother Nature was allowed to run the show and she was constantly encouraged to listen to her body. But it held a very powerful message to take away and that is that not every mother feels the overwhelming feeling of love towards their baby that they are told they should. Women have been through a lot, particularly in this scenario. She is scared, in pain, bleeding and her senses are all over the place so when she is handed a baby she doesn’t know what to do or how to feel. This for me made the scene incredibly realistic. The decision to keep and embrace baby David was a brave and beautiful decision.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I liked the premise of a bad boy driver falling in love with the broken whore. Everyone deserves a second chance when life is put into perspective and that is what we see in this book. It is the story of two tortured souls with broken pasts who are searching to belong in all the wrong places until they finally meet each other. This is not only a fantastic edition to Nicolina Martin’s series but I would argue it is the best so far. The writing is clever, the characters are realistic and the story is uniquely beautiful. I cannot recommend this book anymore!
December 6, 2020
The previous books in this series were very good.... however, for me, just not 5 stars; this book definitely is a 5 star read!! Again Nicolina Martin surprised me with how different and unique her stories are from other mafia books!
This book tells Lucas' (a unknown nobody; never saw his name in the previous books) and Carmen's (a whore, owned by Luciano Salvatore) story!
Heed the warnings; it's not a fluffy read! Rape, beatings, abuse, violence and death! A dark, yet captivating *and* heartbreaking story!! I loved every second of it.
Gonna continue with book #4 Redemption: Part One in the Savage Duet right away; Christian's story! It rarely happens that a series can keep me captivated to read more than 1 or 2 books in a row... but I'll probably read all the books in this series one after the other. And thát is saying something!
I was already looking forward to Luciano Salvatore's story but after this book, I can hardly wait. Even considered skipping Christian's duet!
Russo Saga Collection --> https://www.goodreads.com/series/2593...
This book tells Lucas' (a unknown nobody; never saw his name in the previous books) and Carmen's (a whore, owned by Luciano Salvatore) story!
Heed the warnings; it's not a fluffy read! Rape, beatings, abuse, violence and death! A dark, yet captivating *and* heartbreaking story!! I loved every second of it.
Gonna continue with book #4 Redemption: Part One in the Savage Duet right away; Christian's story! It rarely happens that a series can keep me captivated to read more than 1 or 2 books in a row... but I'll probably read all the books in this series one after the other. And thát is saying something!
I was already looking forward to Luciano Salvatore's story but after this book, I can hardly wait. Even considered skipping Christian's duet!
Russo Saga Collection --> https://www.goodreads.com/series/2593...
July 11, 2019
Gitty but amazing at the same time
Shame is the first book that I have read by Nicolina Martin so I was not exactly sure what to expect. But the book description looked interesting to me so I figured I would give it a try. I am really glad that I did. Shame is the third book in the Russo Saga series but I was able to pick up the story pretty easily. Although I will most likely go back and read the first two books also, Heat and Ruin. Shame is a "pre" story to the first two books so I know there will be characters that will cross over into the other books.
This book centers around Carmen, a young prostitute. She has had a hard life already and one night it become even worse. She is brought to the home of Luciano who likes to abuse and inflict pain on women and enjoys "breaking" them. After her ordeal Carmen is not broken but she is bruised and battered. Because she is not broken fully she realizes that Luciano will call for her again and the ordeal will start anew until he has gotten what he most desires by what ever means he decides to use.
Lucas is a young man who is trying to move up the ranks in the organization. He is quick to follow the rules and ensure that everything he is asked to do he does. However, when he has to drive Carmen back and sees her broken and battered body he cannot forget her. He also sees in her eyes that she has not been broken by Luciano and that she has an inner strength.
Can Lucas and Carmen save each other as they embark on a relationship together? Will the fates help these young lovers find their new beginning together or will it all be snatched away?
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Shame is the first book that I have read by Nicolina Martin so I was not exactly sure what to expect. But the book description looked interesting to me so I figured I would give it a try. I am really glad that I did. Shame is the third book in the Russo Saga series but I was able to pick up the story pretty easily. Although I will most likely go back and read the first two books also, Heat and Ruin. Shame is a "pre" story to the first two books so I know there will be characters that will cross over into the other books.
This book centers around Carmen, a young prostitute. She has had a hard life already and one night it become even worse. She is brought to the home of Luciano who likes to abuse and inflict pain on women and enjoys "breaking" them. After her ordeal Carmen is not broken but she is bruised and battered. Because she is not broken fully she realizes that Luciano will call for her again and the ordeal will start anew until he has gotten what he most desires by what ever means he decides to use.
Lucas is a young man who is trying to move up the ranks in the organization. He is quick to follow the rules and ensure that everything he is asked to do he does. However, when he has to drive Carmen back and sees her broken and battered body he cannot forget her. He also sees in her eyes that she has not been broken by Luciano and that she has an inner strength.
Can Lucas and Carmen save each other as they embark on a relationship together? Will the fates help these young lovers find their new beginning together or will it all be snatched away?
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
June 21, 2019
I have just read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down actually. I have become a great fan of Ms Martin, she writes with style and her characters are so remarkably compelling. Carmen Moreno has travelled to America with her uncle who has subsequently died and left her alone and penniless as a 17/18 year old teenager she hasn't many assets aside from her body and being a practical girl, she goes to work on the streets. We first meet her when she has been picked up by a Madam (Matron) and she has been living and working in the brothel for about six months and is now 18 years old. Lucas Payne is a driver for Mob master Luciano Salvatore but he is anxious to move up to become an enforcer. Orphaned at 16 he lived with his grandparents on their Iowa farm for 2 years until he left to return to the city. The story begins with Carmen being summoned to spend the evening in the company of Salvatore and Lucas is the driver. This was a very dark story and some of the characters are so awful you cannot imagine how redemption is possible for them. Salvatore in particular is a cruel sexual sadist who get's off on inflicting pain and humiliation. Nobody is perfectly good or perfectly bad and some, not really deserving of salvation at all. That being said, Ms Martin writes these characters in such a way that you find yourself caring about them, even Salvatore who is totally repellant. Suffice to say this is a fabulously entertaining read, dark and violent but full of love and redemption, with a most unexpected and clever ending. Brilliant I loved it and cannot wait for the next in the series.
August 4, 2019
So did not see that twist!!!
I just entered this series so everyone is a bit of an unknown for me. Despite arriving late I had no trouble following the story line.
I wasn't sure in the beginning if I was going to be able to click with Luca. He seemed a bit soft to be dreaming of playing with the big boys, but his personality was spot on for his role in Carmen's life.
Luciano is just plain psychotic. I would think after clawing his way out of he'll there would be a softer side for those who were also repressed or suffering. Nope! It actually gets his rocks off to stamp out what little spark of hope they may have left in them.
I truly doubt a man that consumed by his hatred could ever be redeemable.
Then we have Carmen our heroine. She straddles the razor's edge between hope and surrender. Her resistance is like a siren's call to Luciano's inner sickness.
This is one twisted tale
I'm not sure about the relationship between Luca and Carmen - it's a beautiful love story but as I came to the final pages I just felt like I missed something.
You ever feel like the HEA is really just an HFN and everything is about to go back arsewards? That is how this feels. Just too easy...
Be prepared - the author holds nothing back - this is a dark tale with a twisted story line.
Don't enter if you have trouble playing in the darkness
I just entered this series so everyone is a bit of an unknown for me. Despite arriving late I had no trouble following the story line.
I wasn't sure in the beginning if I was going to be able to click with Luca. He seemed a bit soft to be dreaming of playing with the big boys, but his personality was spot on for his role in Carmen's life.
Luciano is just plain psychotic. I would think after clawing his way out of he'll there would be a softer side for those who were also repressed or suffering. Nope! It actually gets his rocks off to stamp out what little spark of hope they may have left in them.
I truly doubt a man that consumed by his hatred could ever be redeemable.
Then we have Carmen our heroine. She straddles the razor's edge between hope and surrender. Her resistance is like a siren's call to Luciano's inner sickness.
This is one twisted tale
I'm not sure about the relationship between Luca and Carmen - it's a beautiful love story but as I came to the final pages I just felt like I missed something.
You ever feel like the HEA is really just an HFN and everything is about to go back arsewards? That is how this feels. Just too easy...
Be prepared - the author holds nothing back - this is a dark tale with a twisted story line.
Don't enter if you have trouble playing in the darkness
June 14, 2019
This is the only book I have read from the Russo family series and must say I really enjoyed it. I will probably read the first two books to get familiar with the family. LOL I liked the lady - Carmen. She came Columbia and with a series of unfortunate events ended up as a prostitute for a sadistic mob boss. The mob boss takes a liking to Carmen and she becomes the pet and toy to him and his associates. Carmen catches the eye of Lucas - a mobster in the making. Lucas doesn't see Carmen as a prostitute. They somehow manage to help each other through their pain and torment. Together they surface from all the dark that they have been living under. They find the love that two broken people find when their world is shrouded in darkness. This was the perfect dark and light and in the end was truly beautiful. Looking forward to the mob boss, Salvatore's story.
June 15, 2019
I love Salvatore in spite of him being a dispicable person. Carmen, the prostitute that has been summoned by Luciano learns about the pain and humiliation that gets Salvatore off and it isn't pretty. Lucas is the driver that is tasked with delivering Carmen, then taking her away when her job is finished, and he begins to care for Carmen. I was worried that Carmin might not survive her encounters with Luciano or be destroyed mentally by his twisted sexual and mental treatment. Carmen and Lucas were both too strong to be destroyed but are affected none-the-less. Without giving away anything, I can say I was captured by the sex and degradation of Carmen by Salvatore and the gentle care and affection of Lucas for Carmen. I did not see the final ending coming but was thrilled by it!
I want more of the twisted but unresistable sexual appetite of Mr. Salvatore and those around him.
I want more of the twisted but unresistable sexual appetite of Mr. Salvatore and those around him.
May 2, 2020
This was hard to get through. I expected it to be dark. I expected it to be rough. Most books I read have a happy ending and some sort of character redemption. Not this one. You could call the ending somewhat happy, but there was no redemption at all.
July 3, 2019
Carmen has been having a rough go of it, needing to use her body in order to survive. Just as things begin to look up, her beauty sparks the interest of a mobster with a blackened heart. The savage man that seems to rule over everyone, cannot break Carmen, despite his vicious attempts. The man is pure evil; a true sadist with a need to take what he wants with no regard for anyone. Lucas, wants to play a role in that mob world. Even though he can also be ruthless and tough as nails, his heart isn’t.
The way Nicolina Martin built up the heroine’s strength and courage, had me rooting for her from the first chapter, while rolling my eyes from Salvatore on more than one occasion. The sex is hot, dangerous, even anger-inducing at times, but it’s sexy, in a dark sort of way. There are loving moments too, so don’t let the darkness scare you away, otherwise you’ll miss a really great story.
I recommend this book. This won’t be the last book I read by Ms. Martin.
July 3, 2019
Carmen and Lucas both work for Luciano. Lucas wants to move up in the criminal organization, but he is a complete opposite to Luciano, and this is evident in how they think of and treat Carmen. This is very dark story and there are lots of possible triggers for people due to what Luciano does to Carmen. Carmen and Lucas for a strong bond and want to protect each other. Luciano enjoys inflicting pain on people and wants to break people. There is a lot of violence in this story but there is love and friendship as well. It’s a very well written story and I suggest people start at the beginning with “Heat” if at all possible, with this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2019
i hate to give this book 3 stars but i couldn't agree on a few thing happening in the book.
i hate all she is been trough with Salvatore but... i don't know, i think a part of me kind of felt like she should end up with him...especially having David...
I was all in for Lucas most of the book but then i end up feeling like he didn't fight for her :/
i wanted more of him making everything he could to keep her safe... and the fact that she had David set me completely off :( it was better if there wouldn't be David...or at least been his if she didn't end up with Salvatore..
the story was cool, hurtful but at the same time interesting i just wish that thing were different to make it better...at least for me, i don't know if the others will feel the same
i hate all she is been trough with Salvatore but... i don't know, i think a part of me kind of felt like she should end up with him...especially having David...
I was all in for Lucas most of the book but then i end up feeling like he didn't fight for her :/
i wanted more of him making everything he could to keep her safe... and the fact that she had David set me completely off :( it was better if there wouldn't be David...or at least been his if she didn't end up with Salvatore..
the story was cool, hurtful but at the same time interesting i just wish that thing were different to make it better...at least for me, i don't know if the others will feel the same
April 16, 2020
I have no words. This book is kind of too well written, but I expected that going in. Do no expect an easy read out of this story. This is a very dark and uncomfortable read. The publishers aren’t kidding with the content warning. And the warning might in fact be too tame for where this book actually goes, because I had to skim large parts of the book in order to make it to the end. The type and quantity of sexual violence was too much for me to handle. However, I was fascinated watching the relationships develop. I loved Lucas. My heart broke for Carmen. And I have no idea how the author will manage to redeem the capo by the end of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the box set.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the box set.
June 2, 2019
WOW! I didn't see that coming! What a great ride! Right off the bat we meet Carmen and Lucas, two souls in pain, but not broken. What will it take to break them? There's the Mafia, and we all know that won't be positive, with it's heartwarming leader Luciano. Unfortunately he has not one redeeming quality to his being. And Lucas, a sweet, loving and kind guy, who wants to be bad, but just isn't. And Carmen. Still a child, basically, but living .. barely. Great story by Ms. Martin. I cried and I suffered (the good kind) and am anxiously awaiting the next book! Did I see a possible past relationship between Matron and Luci?
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