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The Five Syndicates #4
Damiano De Luca
“If ever I am gifted the opportunity to betray you, I’ll take it. If life hands me the chance to destroy you, I will. Today. Tomorrow. Ten years from now. I will always seek revenge. And you will never stop looking over your shoulder.”
Ten years ago, I crushed Damiano De Luca’s heart,
vowing false promises I never delivered.
The revenge? Didn’t happened.
The destruction? As if I could.
Betrayal? Not. A. Chance.
We were 18 when I left, taking my secrets with me.
Now at 28, there’s no trace of the jaded mafia prince with the protective streak.
He’s crueler. Colder. More calculated than ever.
And he’s glaring at me from a funeral pew,
looking at me and my wedding ring like we should be the ones buried six feet under.
The war is back on, but I’m not that teenaged girl anymore.
This time, there will be blood.
And it won’t be mine.
Ten years ago, I crushed Damiano De Luca’s heart,
vowing false promises I never delivered.
The revenge? Didn’t happened.
The destruction? As if I could.
Betrayal? Not. A. Chance.
We were 18 when I left, taking my secrets with me.
Now at 28, there’s no trace of the jaded mafia prince with the protective streak.
He’s crueler. Colder. More calculated than ever.
And he’s glaring at me from a funeral pew,
looking at me and my wedding ring like we should be the ones buried six feet under.
The war is back on, but I’m not that teenaged girl anymore.
This time, there will be blood.
And it won’t be mine.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2019
4712 people are currently reading
3674 people want to read
About the author
Parker S. Huntington
31 books8,108 followersParker S. Huntington is from Southern California. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from UCR and an A.L.M. in Literature from Harvard.
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
July 30, 2019
With a trio of off the charts steam, heart clenching angst, and mafia goodness, Parker absolutely knocks it out of the park with Damiano De Luca. A five star forever favorite.
August 6, 2019
Things aren't what they seemed in Damiano and Renata's second chance story or the Five Syndicates... Unification is nearer than we ever thought...
If you didn't get the gist of the Five Syndicate from the other book in this series, well reading "Damiano De Luca: A Second Chance Mafia Romance" made everything crystal clear in Damiano and Renata's engaging second chance tale!
Told ten years later (with vivid flashbacks)
after Renata Vitali aka Knight aka Princess left Devil's Ridge, Texas and Damiano De Luca, this engrossing story picks up with school teacher, Renata attending the funeral of Vincent Romano in the place of her mother, Margot Vitali! With Damiano De Luca, now boss of the De Luca family as his dethroned father is in a senior home set up by The Benefactor and of course his once hidden son, Damiano!
Throughout this suspenseful story, miscommunications discovered, alliances concealed, while secrets revealed causing past pains to bring Renata and Damiano back together proving that their love was never lost
even though one was used as a pawn for ten long years! I was amazing to see how Ariana (former FBI agent) and Damiano came together as brother and sisters!
FYI... After reading this epic story, I really need to learn how to play chess!
5 +++ masterful, mind-blowing stars!
If you didn't get the gist of the Five Syndicate from the other book in this series, well reading "Damiano De Luca: A Second Chance Mafia Romance" made everything crystal clear in Damiano and Renata's engaging second chance tale!
Told ten years later (with vivid flashbacks)
after Renata Vitali aka Knight aka Princess left Devil's Ridge, Texas and Damiano De Luca, this engrossing story picks up with school teacher, Renata attending the funeral of Vincent Romano in the place of her mother, Margot Vitali! With Damiano De Luca, now boss of the De Luca family as his dethroned father is in a senior home set up by The Benefactor and of course his once hidden son, Damiano!
Throughout this suspenseful story, miscommunications discovered, alliances concealed, while secrets revealed causing past pains to bring Renata and Damiano back together proving that their love was never lost
even though one was used as a pawn for ten long years! I was amazing to see how Ariana (former FBI agent) and Damiano came together as brother and sisters!
FYI... After reading this epic story, I really need to learn how to play chess!
5 +++ masterful, mind-blowing stars!
August 26, 2019
What a bore!
August 28, 2019
I was totally bummed after I read this, I know that I am so in the minority but I am ok with that. So I first read the prequel Renata so that I knew what to expect and I wasn't excited about that I was bored to be completely honest and I do try to be in my reviews, and I dislike giving bad reviews but it is what it is. Anyhoo so I read the prequel which after reading the reviews many said I should to familiarize myself with but then as I was reading this book the flashbacks were unnecessary if reading it. And they drove me up the wall, plus I am sorry but I found this book boring and I tried to get into but I did read it til the end and this well the prequel was the first I have read from this author and I do not forsee me reading another of her books..If you really want some good mafia books then read Cora Reilly's she is my all time favorite with mafia books.. I was so disappointed after reading so many good reviews and so excited and longing to read it..huh I want my time back I have so many others I could have and should have read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2019
Im pretty sure I should have read this series in order given so many intriguing characters that popped up. I couldn’t help after reading the blurb about Renata to jump right in and skip the 3 books in between. Which leads me to want to read #4 next and whirl my way back.
I enjoyed this super slooowww burn.
I geniunely like Knight and Day but it really took a long time to get there. The majority of this story took place in the 3 day funeral. What I did t like was the duplication of scenes from the novella, then it jumps weeks and even months. I wished I now did t read the novella because I skimmed a great deal of this book.
Getting into the heads of our MC was a sweet journey. Damian was the opposite of mafioso. Reserved, patient, idealistic. He was the damsel to her Knight. He loved whole heartedly. But when we finally got him riled up, the beast was released and it was delicious. Damian was all man. I loved it and him. Renata was a mystery. I liked her bite and tenacity. She was determined to not be part of the world but when she was thrusted into it, she was fierce. Good connection between the two. I genuinely liked them. But was bored. I needed more action. What I realize is that mafia is just the backdrop of this series. Not a lot of really dark mafia life happening - it really was about the angsty romance. It was okay....3 stars
Side note: The author is really into current pop culture. And we got a reference to Tijan!
I enjoyed this super slooowww burn.
I geniunely like Knight and Day but it really took a long time to get there. The majority of this story took place in the 3 day funeral. What I did t like was the duplication of scenes from the novella, then it jumps weeks and even months. I wished I now did t read the novella because I skimmed a great deal of this book.
Getting into the heads of our MC was a sweet journey. Damian was the opposite of mafioso. Reserved, patient, idealistic. He was the damsel to her Knight. He loved whole heartedly. But when we finally got him riled up, the beast was released and it was delicious. Damian was all man. I loved it and him. Renata was a mystery. I liked her bite and tenacity. She was determined to not be part of the world but when she was thrusted into it, she was fierce. Good connection between the two. I genuinely liked them. But was bored. I needed more action. What I realize is that mafia is just the backdrop of this series. Not a lot of really dark mafia life happening - it really was about the angsty romance. It was okay....3 stars
Side note: The author is really into current pop culture. And we got a reference to Tijan!
July 30, 2019
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Mafia, second chance Romance. I loved this one, once I got use to the writing style. Great epilogue.
August 14, 2019
Man...*cracks knuckles & neck* I Haven’t written a Review like this in Ages..
Let’s get started..
I will start with how much hype this book got, I Saw it Everywhere. When I saw this Book was Live I wanted to 1-Click this book So bad, but something told me to just wait, a few days later I saw an ARC was Available and I Jumped on it immediately, thinking I was so lucky(!).
I Find it Ironic the Repetitive word & Clearly ‘Meaningful’ word is Deception.
I would like to say that the Synopsis is Extremely Misleadingly, and I’m disgusted. So Therefore I feel like I was Deceived.
This is ones of those books that you judge based on the Cover & Synopsis, the cover looked scrumptious yet what was inside was so far...dry and bland
I kinda got the impression..like this Book was supposed to feel...strong & dramatic...it just felt cheesy.
Overall feeling of the Book: SnoozeFest, and it was like a slow tennis matching that just felt like it took hours. Drawn out & Annoyingly Simple. Felt like I was reading Teen Fiction.
Well because of this book I will be adding a new category in my rating list or maybe just for this book, we’ll see.
Book Concept Rating: 1.5/5, When your closing the book you shouldn’t be left feeling like...wow...the big deal was over something so..ridiculously petty?!
I went into this book thinking this was going to be Amazing, due to the reviews and synopsis, but it didn’t at all live up to my expectations.
HEA(?): Yup..............Congraaaats...
Dark(?): Absolutely Not & What as Shame.
Heat: 2/5
Romance: Pish Posh. I’m Just Gonna Roll My Eyes & Skip This If You Don’t Mind.
Drama: -No Rating- Oh There’s Drama but I’m not gonna rate it, just another eye roll.
Suspense: Sure...3/5, some I didn’t see coming... due to the fact that I thought it was gonna be Deeper not so Simplistic.
I was actually liking the feel of the Role Reversal between them, but even that seems to lackluster. I just never felt a spark between them, clearly it’s written there but..you as the reader should FEEL a/the connection between them, and for me it just was lifeless.
Ren’s BETRAYAL & Secret?! - Oh Come on it’s Pathetic.
That Wedding Ring...Unbelievable.
Domiano’s Crueler?! - What a load of Crock.
When I Read a Book the Character I (Personally) Need to Like more is the Female Character, that’s the one I need to ‘Click’ with, Honestly I just couldn’t like her at any point and I seriously tried, she is such a weak character.
Damiano was a pretty decent character, but even he felt like a side character. Like he wasn’t that important enough and I feel bad for the poor guy that he’s gotta be saddled with Ren.
I weirdly felt like Maman was a Bigger character that overshadowed the two Main Characters, and the whole Chess & Checkmate etc. terminology was just not as meaningful to me when it was so obvious throughout the book.
That ‘Checkmate’ Moment should’ve been impactful,and should’ve left you ‘wowed’ cause you DIDN’T see it coming, but I saw it coming from a mile away.
All the Quotes before a chapter and mentioned through the book, just didn’t feel Impactful either, they just felt like wasted spaced.
I Guess they both were supposed to be strong powerful characters, but I just found them pitifully weak.
The Heat is Short, Minorly Descriptive, and Fast.
Therefore bland to me.
Also is had ‘Hours Later/Next Day’ feel to it also.
I Received this ARC from BookSprout.
I Give This Book a 2/5 Star Rating.
Would I recommend: -Leaving Blank-
Would Read More from this Author? Flat No.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let’s get started..
I will start with how much hype this book got, I Saw it Everywhere. When I saw this Book was Live I wanted to 1-Click this book So bad, but something told me to just wait, a few days later I saw an ARC was Available and I Jumped on it immediately, thinking I was so lucky(!).
I Find it Ironic the Repetitive word & Clearly ‘Meaningful’ word is Deception.
I would like to say that the Synopsis is Extremely Misleadingly, and I’m disgusted. So Therefore I feel like I was Deceived.
This is ones of those books that you judge based on the Cover & Synopsis, the cover looked scrumptious yet what was inside was so far...dry and bland
I kinda got the impression..like this Book was supposed to feel...strong & dramatic...it just felt cheesy.
Overall feeling of the Book: SnoozeFest, and it was like a slow tennis matching that just felt like it took hours. Drawn out & Annoyingly Simple. Felt like I was reading Teen Fiction.
Well because of this book I will be adding a new category in my rating list or maybe just for this book, we’ll see.
Book Concept Rating: 1.5/5, When your closing the book you shouldn’t be left feeling like...wow...the big deal was over something so..ridiculously petty?!
I went into this book thinking this was going to be Amazing, due to the reviews and synopsis, but it didn’t at all live up to my expectations.
HEA(?): Yup..............Congraaaats...
Dark(?): Absolutely Not & What as Shame.
Heat: 2/5
Romance: Pish Posh. I’m Just Gonna Roll My Eyes & Skip This If You Don’t Mind.
Drama: -No Rating- Oh There’s Drama but I’m not gonna rate it, just another eye roll.
Suspense: Sure...3/5, some I didn’t see coming... due to the fact that I thought it was gonna be Deeper not so Simplistic.
I was actually liking the feel of the Role Reversal between them, but even that seems to lackluster. I just never felt a spark between them, clearly it’s written there but..you as the reader should FEEL a/the connection between them, and for me it just was lifeless.
Ren’s BETRAYAL & Secret?! - Oh Come on it’s Pathetic.
That Wedding Ring...Unbelievable.
Domiano’s Crueler?! - What a load of Crock.
When I Read a Book the Character I (Personally) Need to Like more is the Female Character, that’s the one I need to ‘Click’ with, Honestly I just couldn’t like her at any point and I seriously tried, she is such a weak character.
Damiano was a pretty decent character, but even he felt like a side character. Like he wasn’t that important enough and I feel bad for the poor guy that he’s gotta be saddled with Ren.
I weirdly felt like Maman was a Bigger character that overshadowed the two Main Characters, and the whole Chess & Checkmate etc. terminology was just not as meaningful to me when it was so obvious throughout the book.
That ‘Checkmate’ Moment should’ve been impactful,and should’ve left you ‘wowed’ cause you DIDN’T see it coming, but I saw it coming from a mile away.
All the Quotes before a chapter and mentioned through the book, just didn’t feel Impactful either, they just felt like wasted spaced.
I Guess they both were supposed to be strong powerful characters, but I just found them pitifully weak.
The Heat is Short, Minorly Descriptive, and Fast.
Therefore bland to me.
Also is had ‘Hours Later/Next Day’ feel to it also.
I Received this ARC from BookSprout.
I Give This Book a 2/5 Star Rating.
Would I recommend: -Leaving Blank-
Would Read More from this Author? Flat No.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2023
Edit: 03/05/23
4.5 ☆
Changing rating cause I can't stop thinking about them for reason unbeknownst to me 😭
14/04/23
4 ☆
RTC
Only I would always end up reading series in an opposite and descending order.
4.5 ☆
Changing rating cause I can't stop thinking about them for reason unbeknownst to me 😭
14/04/23
4 ☆
RTC
Only I would always end up reading series in an opposite and descending order.
October 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this one! Even tough to be honest I didn't really get the feeling of enemies to lovers like the blurb suggested. That doesn't take away that I enjoyed it very much!
I wanted a bit more closure with Renata and her mother, I saw that twist coming from a mile away. That's saying a lot as I'm otherwise a clueless person.
I'm thankful that I came across these books, because I really enjoyed these!
I wanted a bit more closure with Renata and her mother, I saw that twist coming from a mile away. That's saying a lot as I'm otherwise a clueless person.
I'm thankful that I came across these books, because I really enjoyed these!
November 11, 2024
girl, please tell me what the point of this book was especially since I’ve read the novella before and half the book was just copy pasted chapters from that fucking novella???? the story was so disappointing i’m actually so pissed off this book was such a waste of time. I literally do not recommend it. The other books in the series were so good too and I thought this would be even better especially because Adriana was such a good character but damn this shit was so bad. I’m actually so pissed.
August 4, 2019
Not awful
This book wasn’t awful, I’ll start with that. There were a lot of scenes or portions in the book that could’ve been built up a little more, but were pretty anticlimactic. I didn’t hate the constant flashbacks but some of these flashbacks were pretty dumb and didn’t feel like it had a point. I would’ve liked to have some of those flashbacks reflect exactly how Renata was badass and upheld her family name, but was just disappointing. There were also passages I didn’t really understand, or felt like I missed the point. Or I felt like the point was made but when you reached it you were like, meh. My disappointment stems from the heroine having this super badass, up on the food chain, prestigious family and while I realize she didn’t want to be a part of that life I wish she’d act tougher or have some kind of skill. I dare the reader to take a shot of whatever liquor they possess when they read about how many times she “unintentionally leaned close to him” you’d be drunk within the first few chapters. Some of these phrases just kept repeating... please author find a new way to rephrase. That with the addition that some of the reasons her and the hero kept losing/running away from each other were stupid (also anticlimactic). I mean you find out her mom has more mafia ties and is pulling many more strings and Renata had no idea, then instead of taking her word for it and seeing the sincerity he just blows her off and dumps her... he’s been asking in the very beginning she leap, and she does, and then she ends up falling and he’s not catching her... idk this book had so many scenes that if written better it would’ve A) made more sense and B) had a better audience response. Glad it was free.
This book wasn’t awful, I’ll start with that. There were a lot of scenes or portions in the book that could’ve been built up a little more, but were pretty anticlimactic. I didn’t hate the constant flashbacks but some of these flashbacks were pretty dumb and didn’t feel like it had a point. I would’ve liked to have some of those flashbacks reflect exactly how Renata was badass and upheld her family name, but was just disappointing. There were also passages I didn’t really understand, or felt like I missed the point. Or I felt like the point was made but when you reached it you were like, meh. My disappointment stems from the heroine having this super badass, up on the food chain, prestigious family and while I realize she didn’t want to be a part of that life I wish she’d act tougher or have some kind of skill. I dare the reader to take a shot of whatever liquor they possess when they read about how many times she “unintentionally leaned close to him” you’d be drunk within the first few chapters. Some of these phrases just kept repeating... please author find a new way to rephrase. That with the addition that some of the reasons her and the hero kept losing/running away from each other were stupid (also anticlimactic). I mean you find out her mom has more mafia ties and is pulling many more strings and Renata had no idea, then instead of taking her word for it and seeing the sincerity he just blows her off and dumps her... he’s been asking in the very beginning she leap, and she does, and then she ends up falling and he’s not catching her... idk this book had so many scenes that if written better it would’ve A) made more sense and B) had a better audience response. Glad it was free.
September 10, 2019
I am one of those bloggers who love exposing myself to new authors. I want to experience the different dynamic of love written by other authors. I want to challenge myself to new genres. I absolutely adore introducing myself to new authors. I love falling in love with more characters and possibly claim all the book boyfriends. Hahaha. I am a greedy whore. My exposure to new authors led me to Parker S. Huntington and Damiano De Luca. Wow, what a book. Damiano De Luca brings emotion with highly charged mafia read you want a bite of. Absolutely addicting. Utterly capturing. Where the hell have I been? How am I read Parker S. Huntington for the first time? Holy Smokes, I am so blown away.
Damano De Luca is heart fluttering mafia romance with an engaging storyline. I am new to Parker Huntington but she managed to attract my attention with Damiano De Luca. Heart Clenching. Damiano De Luca is a second chance mafia romance with pulse hitting and angsty feelings from beginning to the end. Damiano De Luca will touch with all the feels. Damano De Luca will ignite you with drool worthy and sexy read. The writing so magnificent, The characters so incredible. Damiano De Luca will ignite your heart.
I was introduced to Renata and Damian in Renata Virali. I was so fascinated by their push and pull chemistry. These two brought out steam, emotion and passion that truly lit flames to my kindle. I was worried by my kindle malfunctioning with all the heat. Renata is strong, tenacious and brash. Damian is calculating, intelligent and alpha to the core. These two created flames every single page. They absolutely sizzled.
Damiano De Luca introduced me to Parker S. Huntington. I want to read all her books now!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Damano De Luca is heart fluttering mafia romance with an engaging storyline. I am new to Parker Huntington but she managed to attract my attention with Damiano De Luca. Heart Clenching. Damiano De Luca is a second chance mafia romance with pulse hitting and angsty feelings from beginning to the end. Damiano De Luca will touch with all the feels. Damano De Luca will ignite you with drool worthy and sexy read. The writing so magnificent, The characters so incredible. Damiano De Luca will ignite your heart.
I was introduced to Renata and Damian in Renata Virali. I was so fascinated by their push and pull chemistry. These two brought out steam, emotion and passion that truly lit flames to my kindle. I was worried by my kindle malfunctioning with all the heat. Renata is strong, tenacious and brash. Damian is calculating, intelligent and alpha to the core. These two created flames every single page. They absolutely sizzled.
Damiano De Luca introduced me to Parker S. Huntington. I want to read all her books now!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2019
That moment you read a book from a new to you author and you just cannot EVEN begin to understand why you NEVER read her before?! THIS STORY!! It. Has. It. ALL!!! MY GOD. WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL OF PARKER'S LIFE? How am I just reading her now?! I read the prequel novella RENATA VITALI and instantly became addicted to her writing style and story telling! I FELL HARD for Damiano immediately and was completely obsessed with this second chance romance!
The twists and turns, the sexy moments, the emotional moments and the banter! I. COULD. NOT. GET. ENOUGH. I loved Ren and Damiano SO MUCH! These two are FIRE! I never wanted this story to end.
I will definitely be spending time with the rest of the Syndicate SOON!
---
Damiano De Luca: a curse with no cure.
Before he ruled the De Luca family,
before he became the man everyone feared,
before he scoured an empire in search of me,
he chose me to ruin.
I was innocent.
An untainted princess.
The heiress to the Vitali mafia throne.
And I was in the wrong place at the wrong time when I met the wrong boy.
My name is Renata Vitali...
And this is not a love story.
. . .
DAMIANO DE LUCA IS LIVE! https://amzn.to/2ylutjy
RENATA VITALI --> https://amzn.to/2SGZkAA
#BullyRomance #YAVibes #MafiaRomance
The twists and turns, the sexy moments, the emotional moments and the banter! I. COULD. NOT. GET. ENOUGH. I loved Ren and Damiano SO MUCH! These two are FIRE! I never wanted this story to end.
I will definitely be spending time with the rest of the Syndicate SOON!
---
Damiano De Luca: a curse with no cure.
Before he ruled the De Luca family,
before he became the man everyone feared,
before he scoured an empire in search of me,
he chose me to ruin.
I was innocent.
An untainted princess.
The heiress to the Vitali mafia throne.
And I was in the wrong place at the wrong time when I met the wrong boy.
My name is Renata Vitali...
And this is not a love story.
. . .
DAMIANO DE LUCA IS LIVE! https://amzn.to/2ylutjy
RENATA VITALI --> https://amzn.to/2SGZkAA
#BullyRomance #YAVibes #MafiaRomance
January 25, 2019
So far everyone of the books in this series has definitely been a 5 Star read and this is no exception 😁 Loved it, great characters, storyline and having a lovely ending but leaving you reading to read about the next family, can’t wait 😁
Read
March 16, 2024Nieco zbyt ckliwie, ale ciągle super
Niestety mój zastój nie pozwala mi jej ocenić fair
Niestety mój zastój nie pozwala mi jej ocenić fair
July 21, 2020
This book was such a disappointment. The prequel left me wanting answers, and this book did the worst job at giving them to me. I don't even understand the need for a prequel, the way half the chapters in this book were literally copied and pasted from the earlier book.
Renata has to be one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever read. She had this constant back and forth reflecting her emotional immaturity, she was beyond pretentious, she had a holier than thou attitude yet was entirely self-serving... I mean I just could not with her.
Her mother, who had been an overarching plot point in the prequel, is suddenly this main player in this book, and because of how implausible that all felt it seemed like the author kept shoving that fact in our faces. The whole plot with Vincent, her mother, and the Benefactor was so anti climactic and underwhelming if you're able to analyze context clues. Yet at the same time, it was entirely frustrating, because as I mentioned, her mother is mentioned in passing in the prequel.
Which brings me to the miscommunication that led to their separation in the first place... It could not have been a more stupid reason and yet the author complicated it for no reason. Because the ending of the prequel rushed through, we see these characters have sex and declare their love, only for Renata to instigate a petty argument to leave. It seemingly comes out of nowhere, but it is because she feared his father would hurt him. Yet that felt entirely unclear!!! The inability of Renata to just address in her internal monologue that she left as a way to protect him when she initially departed made her reason for leaving confusing. And then, years later, she's somehow the one who is holding herself at a distance and acting like she was somehow scorned. I mean the audacity.
And that's what ruined Damian. He was such a strong and promising character in the prequel. He had all the makings of a great hero. And then this book entirely tarnished him. Renata made him weak, and him constantly pulling while she was pushing, chasing while she was running, got old by the midway point and just made him look like a total doormat. By the time they finally got together and admitted their feelings for one another we were told more than shown their reconciliation, and the chemistry just was not there for me. It's really such a pity that, once again, the ending was rushed through and this big reveal of the Benefactor came and I just could not bring myself to care.
I am clutching to the hope that the overarching drama in this mafia world will be further explained if the author decides to write books for the Camerino and Rossi families...
Renata has to be one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever read. She had this constant back and forth reflecting her emotional immaturity, she was beyond pretentious, she had a holier than thou attitude yet was entirely self-serving... I mean I just could not with her.
Her mother, who had been an overarching plot point in the prequel, is suddenly this main player in this book, and because of how implausible that all felt it seemed like the author kept shoving that fact in our faces. The whole plot with Vincent, her mother, and the Benefactor was so anti climactic and underwhelming if you're able to analyze context clues. Yet at the same time, it was entirely frustrating, because as I mentioned, her mother is mentioned in passing in the prequel.
Which brings me to the miscommunication that led to their separation in the first place... It could not have been a more stupid reason and yet the author complicated it for no reason. Because the ending of the prequel rushed through, we see these characters have sex and declare their love, only for Renata to instigate a petty argument to leave. It seemingly comes out of nowhere, but it is because she feared his father would hurt him. Yet that felt entirely unclear!!! The inability of Renata to just address in her internal monologue that she left as a way to protect him when she initially departed made her reason for leaving confusing. And then, years later, she's somehow the one who is holding herself at a distance and acting like she was somehow scorned. I mean the audacity.
And that's what ruined Damian. He was such a strong and promising character in the prequel. He had all the makings of a great hero. And then this book entirely tarnished him. Renata made him weak, and him constantly pulling while she was pushing, chasing while she was running, got old by the midway point and just made him look like a total doormat. By the time they finally got together and admitted their feelings for one another we were told more than shown their reconciliation, and the chemistry just was not there for me. It's really such a pity that, once again, the ending was rushed through and this big reveal of the Benefactor came and I just could not bring myself to care.
I am clutching to the hope that the overarching drama in this mafia world will be further explained if the author decides to write books for the Camerino and Rossi families...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
wow okay... first of all, what a freaking snoozefest!!!!!!!! i am very disappointed, very upset, and very tired. i read the prequel and actually fell deep for damiano (not renata because of her actual dumb choices in the end) and honestly i walked into this novel with high hopes. this was not the second chance romance i was expecting. nope. i was so excited and ready for this because i hoped renata’s redemption arc would something substantial and i just loved damiano as a capo of his syndicate. he had it all, until he really didn’t. i clearly read a different book than those who rated this book highly because what in fresh f5ck. damiano by far had to be my most favourite guy out of asher, niccolaio, ranieri, and bastiano. but renata as his love interest made him into a plain doormat. i have no words. i seriously don’t. the writing in this was lazy and i found the “flashback” scenes even LAZIER SINCE THEY WERE EXACT REPEATS FROM THE PREQUEL BOOK like what exactly WAS THE REASON FOR THE PREQUEL THEN??? i literally have a headache pls. the way i am so disappointed right now?? like damiano had so much potential but renata made this immature and childish and pointless and this story over all lacked in every element. the plot ITSELF was bipolar/whiplash drama BECAUSE OF RENATA NOT BEING ABLE TO MAKE UP HER MIND and being a freaking child. like grow up lady !!!!! get help !!!! i feel like i sincerely wasted my time reading this because it went from “okay this is... alright i suppose” to downright “what in the fresh f5ck is happening???” the way everything just really happened in the last 50 pages giving me no time to really process it is so upsetting because my mind isn’t even reeling now, i’m just straight up like okay whatever and my mind is set on forgetting this story. not to mention renata’s redemptions arc IS NONEXISTENT !!!!!!! there was no point to this story. literally. overall yikes because i’m actually laughing about what i just read. for renata’s mom having such a big role in this story, she sure as hell wasn’t mentioned in depth a whole lot in the prequel which left me so CONFUSED WHILE I READ THIS.
jesus, what a let down.
jesus, what a let down.
August 21, 2019
ONE MOTHER-LOVING EXPERIENCE!!!
OMG! Holy jalapeno's! I'm not sure I have the words to describe the feelings running rampant and the intense reactions for this rocking block buster. Not to worry, I'll find some. Buckle up baby, you're in for the long haul. You won't be separating from this bad boy till the last word. You get all the drama, intrigue, mystery and suspense rolled into one slow burn explosive experience. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions forward in this thrilling storyline and gripping plot. Wrangling the trials and tribulations along with some electrifying twists keep you on a razors edge navigating the sharp corners and sleek lines. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions into play front and center. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that really pull this baby together smoothly. Phenomenal job Parker, thanks for sharing it.
OMG! Holy jalapeno's! I'm not sure I have the words to describe the feelings running rampant and the intense reactions for this rocking block buster. Not to worry, I'll find some. Buckle up baby, you're in for the long haul. You won't be separating from this bad boy till the last word. You get all the drama, intrigue, mystery and suspense rolled into one slow burn explosive experience. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions forward in this thrilling storyline and gripping plot. Wrangling the trials and tribulations along with some electrifying twists keep you on a razors edge navigating the sharp corners and sleek lines. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions into play front and center. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that really pull this baby together smoothly. Phenomenal job Parker, thanks for sharing it.
October 2, 2021
3.5
I have been itching to get my hands on this book and I expected so much more. I had a hard time connecting with Renata. She tried to exude power and it fell flat for me. I loved Damiano and I connected with him and loved how he overcame his situation. I didn't like how it seemed he was always chasing after Ren it got old really quick. I knew who The Benefactor was so I was underwhelmed with that revelation. I did enjoy the quotes throughout the book. I will try another book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have been itching to get my hands on this book and I expected so much more. I had a hard time connecting with Renata. She tried to exude power and it fell flat for me. I loved Damiano and I connected with him and loved how he overcame his situation. I didn't like how it seemed he was always chasing after Ren it got old really quick. I knew who The Benefactor was so I was underwhelmed with that revelation. I did enjoy the quotes throughout the book. I will try another book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2019
One of my favs this year!!
March 28, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Full review to come
Full review to come
August 27, 2023
Book: Damiano De Luca
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Parker s. Huntington
Narrator: Zachary Webber and Desiree Ketchum
Genre: Mafia, Romance
Main Characters: Renata and Damiano
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I always say to myself never read the good reviews when I start a book. That way if I love it, I can call it a win and if I hate it then I didnt shatter my expectations. This book had some dismal reviews. So I went in thinking I would hate it.
“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.”
Nope not even a little bit. I think being a literacy major, I always find myself getting lost in Parker s. Hunting books with all the references and quotes from old and new books or people. Being transported to another book while reading a book is a great thing.
My hand gripped his shirt and turned him until he looked at me. “I’ve always wanted you, Damian. Even when I ran from you, my heart stayed with you, and you were always mine. I want a world where you’ll always be mine. I’m not stopping. I’m not hopping. I’m not even leaping. I already dove, and I don’t want you to catch me. I want you to fall with me.”
I also love the way Parker s. Hunting writes. You get built up into this world where things start to look peachy, then she shatters it leaving you broken and raw, then builds it all back up into a happy ending.
“What do you want from me?” “I want you to realize how much I love you.” “I do.” How the hell could I not when I loved him so much, I knew that words would never adequately explain how I felt. I refused to believe he didn’t feel the same way. He was the right guy with the wrong timing, and I knew deep down that he deserved a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and more, until we worked. But I, fearless Renata Vitali, was too chicken to take the leap.
Now I love dark romance, I love feeling like the man will kill me or love me. This however is just mainly romance but its the type you don’t mind. There is no soft and Cheesy moments, More like the love one has but never allows to feel. Damiano is so madly in love with Renata, and she is just as obsessed with him, but there lives and family will continue to get in the way. I loved the way Damiano fought for her, and there way he showed it. He is the right amount of dark and light.
Highly Recommend!
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Parker s. Huntington
Narrator: Zachary Webber and Desiree Ketchum
Genre: Mafia, Romance
Main Characters: Renata and Damiano
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I always say to myself never read the good reviews when I start a book. That way if I love it, I can call it a win and if I hate it then I didnt shatter my expectations. This book had some dismal reviews. So I went in thinking I would hate it.
“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.”
Nope not even a little bit. I think being a literacy major, I always find myself getting lost in Parker s. Hunting books with all the references and quotes from old and new books or people. Being transported to another book while reading a book is a great thing.
My hand gripped his shirt and turned him until he looked at me. “I’ve always wanted you, Damian. Even when I ran from you, my heart stayed with you, and you were always mine. I want a world where you’ll always be mine. I’m not stopping. I’m not hopping. I’m not even leaping. I already dove, and I don’t want you to catch me. I want you to fall with me.”
I also love the way Parker s. Hunting writes. You get built up into this world where things start to look peachy, then she shatters it leaving you broken and raw, then builds it all back up into a happy ending.
“What do you want from me?” “I want you to realize how much I love you.” “I do.” How the hell could I not when I loved him so much, I knew that words would never adequately explain how I felt. I refused to believe he didn’t feel the same way. He was the right guy with the wrong timing, and I knew deep down that he deserved a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and more, until we worked. But I, fearless Renata Vitali, was too chicken to take the leap.
Now I love dark romance, I love feeling like the man will kill me or love me. This however is just mainly romance but its the type you don’t mind. There is no soft and Cheesy moments, More like the love one has but never allows to feel. Damiano is so madly in love with Renata, and she is just as obsessed with him, but there lives and family will continue to get in the way. I loved the way Damiano fought for her, and there way he showed it. He is the right amount of dark and light.
Highly Recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
While I don’t think this is the best book in the series, Damiano and Renata are sure as fuck my favourite couple. This second chance romance was a DELIGHT. The writing fell off at times, but everything else?? I honestly I could not catch my breath 🦋🦋🦋
I love that Ren wears the pants in this relationship. I love that Damiano is SOFT as HELL & so fucking sweet & just not at all what I was expecting. Their shared childhood and love for reading. Their intellectual arguments. The chemistry. The fact that Damiano was the ‘damsel’ and Ren was the knight AHHHHH. And when she proposed?? I really hope Parker writes more stories like this bc this dynamic?? I’m so in love.
Soft boy simping over a badass girl >>>
Every time.
I love that Ren wears the pants in this relationship. I love that Damiano is SOFT as HELL & so fucking sweet & just not at all what I was expecting. Their shared childhood and love for reading. Their intellectual arguments. The chemistry. The fact that Damiano was the ‘damsel’ and Ren was the knight AHHHHH. And when she proposed?? I really hope Parker writes more stories like this bc this dynamic?? I’m so in love.
Soft boy simping over a badass girl >>>
Every time.
November 23, 2020
Man, I really flubbed the read order 😬 this is the fourth in the series .... I’ve not read any of the others. It was a Kindle ad and what can I say, I like the cover 🤷🏻♀️
Standard mafia romance story. I love those stories 😁
ANYWAY - I guess I’ll go back to the first in the series eventually and see what the deal is with all these other characters that are mentioned and I have no effimg clue who they are lol
Standard mafia romance story. I love those stories 😁
ANYWAY - I guess I’ll go back to the first in the series eventually and see what the deal is with all these other characters that are mentioned and I have no effimg clue who they are lol
December 17, 2024
Full series review to come
March 8, 2025
3.5 💫💫💫
July 11, 2025
nothing happened??
December 1, 2024
I truly loved this whole series. Renata and Damiano’s story is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, all the lies that harbor in their families are constantly pulling them apart. A great story! A bit sad this series came to an end.
October 18, 2022
False bravery is not my thing..
July 28, 2019
LOVED this
So engrossing, this tension-filled book will make you lose sleep because it’s impossible to put down. The writing here is fantastic, drawing you into this second chance love story and leaving you wanting more. Though it can definitely be read as a standalone, reading the prequel (Renata Vitali) will give you a much richer reading experience - there are little breadcrumbs along the way that someone who has read the prequel will pick up on but others may not. Besides, to fully appreciate the depth of Renata and Damian’s feelings for each other, you need to know their history.
The story follows Renata, a mafia princess who met and fell for Damian when she was a teen. They’ve always had a push/pull relationship where they understand each other in a way that no one else does, but they also challenge each other. Ten years ago, Renata left Damian in an attempt to keep him safe, but neither one has truly gotten over the other. When they are brought together by a funeral, they are forced to confront their feelings and discover where the last 10 years have taken their lives. There are plenty of unresolved feelings here - he wants and loves her despite the fact that she left him, and she never wanted to leave him in the first place. Needless to say, they have a lot to work out if they have any chance of a future together. Add in the complications of the mafia and meddling families (plus the ring on her finger), and it’s a very complex situation.
I absolutely loved Renata Vitali (the prequel, not the person - though I loved her too). To say that I had high hopes for this book would be an understatement, and it did not disappoint. The depth of emotion between these two makes it a gripping read from the start. It’s a slow burn that combusts into a downright filthy read, done in a way that enhances the story rather than detracting from it. For a syndicate leader, Damian is truly a loveable and caring man, always making sure he has Renata’s best interests at heart, just as she does him. I never would’ve expected to like a mafia romance this much, but the book doesn’t dwell on some of the darker aspects of that lifestyle, which makes it easier to enjoy the romance. Can’t wait to read more from this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So engrossing, this tension-filled book will make you lose sleep because it’s impossible to put down. The writing here is fantastic, drawing you into this second chance love story and leaving you wanting more. Though it can definitely be read as a standalone, reading the prequel (Renata Vitali) will give you a much richer reading experience - there are little breadcrumbs along the way that someone who has read the prequel will pick up on but others may not. Besides, to fully appreciate the depth of Renata and Damian’s feelings for each other, you need to know their history.
The story follows Renata, a mafia princess who met and fell for Damian when she was a teen. They’ve always had a push/pull relationship where they understand each other in a way that no one else does, but they also challenge each other. Ten years ago, Renata left Damian in an attempt to keep him safe, but neither one has truly gotten over the other. When they are brought together by a funeral, they are forced to confront their feelings and discover where the last 10 years have taken their lives. There are plenty of unresolved feelings here - he wants and loves her despite the fact that she left him, and she never wanted to leave him in the first place. Needless to say, they have a lot to work out if they have any chance of a future together. Add in the complications of the mafia and meddling families (plus the ring on her finger), and it’s a very complex situation.
I absolutely loved Renata Vitali (the prequel, not the person - though I loved her too). To say that I had high hopes for this book would be an understatement, and it did not disappoint. The depth of emotion between these two makes it a gripping read from the start. It’s a slow burn that combusts into a downright filthy read, done in a way that enhances the story rather than detracting from it. For a syndicate leader, Damian is truly a loveable and caring man, always making sure he has Renata’s best interests at heart, just as she does him. I never would’ve expected to like a mafia romance this much, but the book doesn’t dwell on some of the darker aspects of that lifestyle, which makes it easier to enjoy the romance. Can’t wait to read more from this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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