Luce Eterna: Part 1: Book 5, The Luminara Series

by S.J. Molloy

Available to preorder now from Amazon.

The wait is finally over. After five years, The Luminara Series is back!
Luce Eterna is the penultimate conclusion in Lucca and Lexi's journey.
This book is a full-length novel consistent with the others in the series.
These books must be read consecutively to appreciate the storyline.

Other books in the series -
Book 1 - Lussuria
Book 2 - L'amore
Book 3 - Lucca's Lust
Book 4 - Luminoso

Synopsis -

Luce Eterna: Part 1
Book 5 of The Luminara Series

Lucca and Lexi are back to stop and start your heart.

This is the ultimate love story. The most tragic love story.

In a heart-stopping and explosive two-part conclusion, Lucca and Lexi face every parent’s worst nightmare.


Lexi and Lucca are adjusting to parenthood with premature-born twins after their traumatic birth. With their son requiring a prolonged hospital stay, their pain is far from over.
On the day of little Luciano’s chest x-ray, Lucca and Lexi believe they’ll be able to take the vulnerable twin home from hospital to start family life. Instead, they face excruciating agony and heart-wrenching despair.
The worst trauma any parent should discover.
Chaos erupts. An investigation begins. Lucca and Lexi fall apart.

***

Navigating through this new Hell, Lexi’s protective and maternal instincts are fierce. She will stop at nothing to ensure her babies are safe and unharmed. No longer passive, Lexi takes the reins, proving her courage, strength, and determination.
Lucca, ordinarily proactive and protective, losses control and his mind. Their horrific fate stirs up haunting memories, triggering his PTSD and abandonment issues. While Lexi manages the investigation, campaign, and Osurac industries, all while nursing one of their newborn twins, Lucca collapses in a downward spiral. He bypasses the stages of grief and plants himself straight into acceptance. He believes the other stages are wasting time. Meanwhile, Lexi roots herself in stage one - denial. Mother’s intuition.


Conflict of emotions, their moral dilemma and relationship complexities make Lexi question everything she thought she knew and felt. It tests them to their limits.
Lexi’s never felt as betrayed and abandoned. Lucca’s never felt as helpless and lost.
Lexi knows what she needs to do. Even if it breaks them.
In a final twist of fate, discovering a shocking and crucial secret is Lexi’s undoing but also her reawakening.

***

Is love enough to guide Lucca and Lexi through the toughest challenge they’ll ever experience?

Will she ever be able to trust again?

Will Lucca save himself from ruin?

Can they find their Luce Eterna - eternal light during their darkest time?


You think you’ve read it all… you haven’t.

***

*** This book is of adult content. It contains powerful language, sexual references, violence, and sensitive topics ***

493 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2021

About the author

SJ Molloy, British Author of ‘The Luminara Series’ was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She currently resides in Scotland with her husband, two daughters, and loving gun dog who is utterly spoiled. Along with writing and publishing romance fiction, SJ is completing her MLitt Creative Writing, Crime Writing and Forensic Investigation postgrad at Dundee University, Scotland.

SJ loves well-developed, multi-layered stories with moral complexities in various genre's. SJ will be splitting her time between writing and publishing crime fiction; namely: Tartan Noir, Mystery Suspense, and Psychological Thrillers along with various genre's of romance fiction, script writing, blog posts, and freelance creative writing.

When she's not writing, reading, studying, enjoying family time or walking her dog, SJ loves all things practical and creative. Dancing, music, cooking, travelling, good food and wine are her favourite past times along with laughter, lots and lots of laughter.

Reviews

[Leeanne Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****NO SPOILERS*****

The wait is finally over, book 5 will not disappoint. I have loved this story from the very beginning and have loved the main characters in turn. This is by far the most frustrating read out of all the books, a few times I had to close my kindle and just take a breather and think of how they were feeling. Lexi in particular had me feeling frustrated through out most of the book but then again I was also on the emotional roller coaster right along with her. I felt so sorry for Lucca my heart was breaking for him. He couldn’t do right for doing wrong. I can’t wait for book 6, I can’t wait to see where she takes us all with tying up all the loose ends. I’m praying for a HEA if anyone deserves it it’s these two! If you haven’t read this series then please do, you won’t be disappointed.

Well done SJ x

[Kelly Kemmerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Good!!! Tragically rewarding to finally see the end of the Luminara Series, but noooo, not another cliffy. I was rocked to my core with the devastation that Lexi and Lucca face in this book. There aren't words to express the despair they had to endure. As a couple, Lexi and Lucca must find the courage, strength, and fortitude to keep going for the sake of their little ones and to build as a family. Be prepared to rush through a few boxes of tissues with this edition as I could not stop the waterworks.
Waiting on the edge of my seat for Book 6 and Part 2!

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long awaited book 5 is finally and what a rollercoaster of emotions it will take you on. Its heartwrenching from beginning to end. My feelings were all over the place as Lucca and Lexi deal with the aftermath of their twins traumatic birth to then have to deal with every parents worse nightmare all the while trying to keep their light alive. My heart literally broke for Lucca he just couldn't do anything right and at times Lexi made me so made I just had to put down my kindle and walk away but for Lexi all her protection instincts were playing out and she was dealing with it all the only way she knew. Whether Lucca and Lexi's relationship survives remains to be seen I have everything crossed at book 6 will finally give them their HEA.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunned and numb are the emotions coursing through me at the moment after reading SJs book. This book has been a long time coming and I’m so glad she wrote it. It keeps you wanting more in the lives of Lexi and Lucca. And I’m so looking forward to reading the final instalment coming soon. What a turbulent start to the twins life. If you want drama in a book you have it in spades in this one. Lexi comes into her own for sure. Where she gets her strength demonstrates her fight to be an awesome and determined mother. Lucca finds past history repeating itself. Can he rise above that and be the caring supportive doting man we all love. Written from both perspectives you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long awaited book 5 is here. Lucca and Lexi have had their fair share of ups and downs along the way. They really can't have anymore heartache...can they?
This book shows a role reversal. Lexi becomes the strong dominant character and Lucca becomes a shell of the former character we've become accustomed to. In fact, my heart breaks for Lucca in this book. Lexi annoys me several times in the book and I could have shook sense into her. On one hand I can see why she might feel betrayed and let down by Lucca's behaviour, but on the other hand, I just wanted her to cut Lucca some slack. They're both going through an unthinkable thing (i won't give it away) and they've got to band together to overcome it.
I really do hope the next book brings a happy ending...somehow. It's just hard to see that right now.
This isn't a standalone book. You definitely must read the previous four books first. I read the first four books a few years ago and I feel like I could have had a refresher course, because I had forgot a lot of the names. It took me a few chapters to settle back in.
All in all, if you like a series that's long, full of twists and turns, suspense, and romance then this is a series for you.
Roll on part two...please don't let it be too long away.

[Debbie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!! I lost count of how many times my jaw dropped in shock reading Luce eterna book five part one. I was so used to seeing Lucca as this strong handsome man who was a force to be reckoned with and seeing him fall apart at the seams had me turning pages as quickly as I could to see what happens next. It was a shock and a thrill seeing Lexi as the stronger one in the relationship. I definitely didn’t expect that but as a mother I related to her and could emotionally feel the knots in my stomach right along with the characters.

If you have been following along from the very beginning, you know of the trials and tribulations that both Lucca and Lexi have dealt with and I was really rooting for their happy ever after. I am hoping that in book five part two we will get to see that.

P.s I don’t know if it only applies to me but just in case keep a box of tissue close to you as you read this book!!

[Rebecca Brophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Must Read

I have followed Luca and Lexi story from the beginning and this book is by far the one that has made me feel like I am on this journey with them.
Once again SJ Molloy has outdone herself with her exceptional and skilled writing .
Lexi has grown so much through all 4 books but this book shows that Lexi has become the light and Lucca is now spiralling into darkness! Her strength and protectiveness that she shows to her babies is what any mother would do.
I don’t want to give any spoilers but this is certainly one of my top reads of the year.
I cannot wait for the final conclusion of this fabulous story.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is only for those over 18 due to the adult nature of the content and themes which some may find triggering.

Lexi and Lucca are back in another installment of the Luminara series and it is still them against the world, but this time, they have the twins to think of, after their mothers abduction and brutal beating which started the premature labour, four weeks later and they are improving, although both Lexi and Lucca are exhausted they are still a team and still looking after their two miracle babies. This little girl is finally out of the hospital and allowed home, however, their little boy is still in the SCBU unit, although that is a huge downgrade in levels from the incubariot he has been in since birth. They have been able to have family and friends to visit, as well as trying to look after each other, but between Lucca being hands on with most things, Lexi is still trying to get into a routine with breastfeeding, expressing and all the other things that babies need, especially when premature.

As they are allowed to take their little girl out of the hospital, they decide to stay in a hotel across the way so that they can be close to their little boy. They regularly go to see him and are overjoyed with their little miracle bundles. However, they are still reeling from the events and the consequences associated with them, the fact they still need the security detail, the fact that two pasts combined to create a horrific present, the loss of close friends and the seemingly endless media scrutiny surrounding it all. However much they are trying, Lexi is in denial and Lucca is struggling to keep his head above water as well, but they have support all around them and this is something that they will come to rely on sooner rather than later.

On the day that their little boy has his final xray before getting the all clear to come home, they are preparing the baby bag, stroller and necessities while planning the tasks for the day ahead depending on whether the results are positive or negative, while all the time praying that they can take him home, so they check the post and find that an old acquaintance has sent them something which is undesirable, but they brush it off as purely being bitchy. However, when they get to the unit there have been some unplanned and unforeseen changes in staffing and when they ask who is with their child, they find out that it isn’t his normal nurse, but it is another two whom they have known and trust, so Lexi is encouraged by Lucca to take a nap while they are waiting for his return and she is happily asleep in her carrier. Lexi is suddenly awoken in a panic by the sound of Lucca’s voice shouting, her daughter missing out of her carrier and realises that she is leaking all over her shirt, wondering what is happening, she approaches the voices, however, she is horrified to find that the nurses who were meant to be with their son aren’t and that their son is actually missing!

As Lucca crumbles to the ground screaming, wailing and breaking, Lexi is screaming while trying to find her son, but when she sees the state that Lucca is in and that his PTSD and past experiences are coming back with full force to haunt him, she takes control of the situation and starts to deal with the police, security and everything else around her. As he is breaking, she is being reformed into a master multitasker and all the while juggling motherhood, but will Lexi be able to keep all the plates in the air, or will she crumble and break as her emotions cascade around her? Will Lucca be able to come out of his downward spiral and help Lexi to find their son, or will he let his demons get the better of him while he gives up the ghost? This is another rollercoaster ride of emotion as you are hauled along on their journey with them and experience every twist and turn at the same time.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 part one in The Luminara Series. And this  book is just as gripping and emotional ride from start to end. I do really recommend reading these books in order so you get a full understanding of the characters and their pasts.

In this story we are back with Lucca and Lexi. We also now have 2 babies. After Lexi was kidnapped and went through a traumatic birth the  babies are here and thriving. However the couple need to adjust to being parents and all the exhaustion and complications that involves. While learning to be the best parents possible they also have their issues from the past to deal with.

In this book we see a role reverse with Lexi being the strong one, which most people do when they become a mummy and Lucca is the one struggling with his new life and his past.

Can Lexi and Lucca work through these new obstacles? Will every parents nightmare destroy they both? How can they keep their relationship alive when they are struggling day to day?
This books is a great insight to what most new parents think and feel with regards to caring for their little ones and the impact it had on their lives.

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!... I don’t really know what to say about Luce Eterna Part One. My brain is totally scrambled and my emotions are all over the place. I’ll need some time to recover from this book. SJ Molloy was new to me until I discovered this series and now I can’t give her enough praise for this amazing series. This has definitely been the most powerful, emotional book of the series so far.
This book is so different from the first 4 books in that the tables have totally turned for Lucca and Lexi. Lexi has struggled with major anxiety due to a horrifying childhood and Lucca has totally been her rock, the person who grounded her. Now Lexi has recently given birth prematurely to twins and is excited to start a life as a family when their world is turned upside down. Surprisingly Lexi is the strong one who takes charge while Lucca totally falls apart. My emotions were all over the place. One minute I felt heart sorry for Lucca, then in a blink I wanted to kick his butt and tell him to get a grip. On the other hand sometimes I loved Lexi and other times I wanted her to calm down and just give Lucca a hug. I didn’t know which side I was on. It changed from page to page.
This is a deep and dark book, like the previous books in the series. I recommend that you have some tissues handy as this book is heartbreaking. I really can’t wait to read the climax of this amazing story.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Luce Eterna: Part 1 (The Luminara Series Book 5) by SJ Molloy

Holy Cow what a wild intense ride! Luce Eterna : Part 1 is the fifth book in The Luminara Series by SJ Molloy. This is a wonderfully written story that will have you turning the pages all while on the edge of your seat grasping the Kindle. This literally took my breath away in a few spots and had me tearing up. So have a kleenex close by as you might need them. Lucca and Lexi are back once again to take us on a wild ride. This is the ultimate love story the most tragic love story. Can these two make it through together? I’m not going to give anything away. This is a absolute must read. I highly recommend reading this series in order as it will give you a better understanding of what has been going on. This is my favorite series I will definitely be re-reading several times. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the 5th book in the series of Lucca & Lexi and it shredded me! The heartbreak in this book is unlike anything they have
experienced before and there are many difficult situations to try to overcome! While Lucca falls apart after being strong for them for so long, Lexi with everything she has been through somehow finds the ability to be strong for the children and Lucca...I can’t wait to read the 6th book and see if their light together perseveres after all they have faced as new parents and a couple!! I highly recommend this series and will read anything she writes!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… What to say for sure is hard for me with this review. SJ Molloy is new to me as an author. I was slightly warned this was a dark read with all the dark and twisted things that normally don’t bother me but actually tend to draw me into reads. You see, I like to escape and find things that pull me out of the darkness that can be my own life sometimes. I want it to hurt more than my own. Well Ms. Molloy, you have surely outdone yourself with this novel and this series. I like it. I don’t know what that says about me but I really, really like it and I want more. I am invested in these characters and I will be going back for more to see where they began and how we ended up here. I do slightly wish I had done so before diving in here but that was my own mistake. I won’t divulge what happens in this book. That would be a travesty at best but I will say if you want dark romance, erotica written with taste and done in a way you want to enjoy and feel as if you slipped away for a bit, this is the book for you, maybe even the series. I will say don’t pick it up if you are sensitive and have easy triggers. Just don’t.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get the final book in this love story. We have gone through so much with these two so many twists and turns and drama and this book brings so much more. I will warn that you better have some kleenex handy, my emotions were all over the place.

Lexi and Luca face so many difficult things as parents, things that will test their strength, love and courage. I will admit that Lexi had me frustrated on so many levels, I felt bad for Luca quite a bit. I really don’t want to say much more because I don't want to give anything away. Be prepared for another cliffhanger that will leave you wanting the next book now. I have come to really enjoy this author's books, she does a great job with her writing. I will warn that there are some things that may cause triggers for some. 1-click and get started on this series today.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so full of emotion. Page Turner with ups, downs and definitely a few tears from me.
The love between Lucca and Lexi....undeniable. The strength that SJ Molloy puts into Lexi's characters is just amazing. Lexi no doubt is a survivor and a very strong woman. Lucca...oh Lucca, my heart!!! This series is just fantastic and this book is just as amazing as the other books!! Its one heck of a roller coaster ride, so hold on and have some tissues ready too. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Ashley Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luce Eterna: Part 1 is very different from the lust and sex-filled earlier books of The Luminara Series. Life has left Lucca and Lexi’s life together in upheaval. Lexi was abducted a second time while being very pregnant with their twins. Though the first few days were watching and waiting to make sure the twins’ lungs were able to function, being a Mamma is something that Lexi was made for. She is fiercely protective of their daughter, Alessia, and their son, Luciano.

Waiting for the day when Luciano would be able to come home has been gruelly for both Lucca and Lexi. Then the unspeakable happens, and they have another abduction to worry about. Lucca and Lexi have to pull together to fight a battle once again. Will the strain bring them together or force them apart? And what part will secrets held play a part in their future?

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Luce Eterna: Part 1: Book 5, The Luminara Series by SJ Molloy is dark and erotic but is quite the emotional rollercoaster ride. Heart officially broken! Sobbing is a given so stock up on those tissues. SJ once again puts these characters through dark, raw and tumultuous times that would break even the strongest of people. With even more twists and secrets, angst, and turmoil I was engrossed and enthralled. SJ’s writing style turns her stories into page turners and become addictive.

[Katie Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luce Eterna: Part 1: Book 5, The Luminara Series by SJ Molloy. Wow ok so I’m not even sure where to begin this review like I’m at a complete loss. What words can possibly do this story justice? Amazing? Incredible? Freaking out of this world good? All those will have to do. Lexi and Lucca have a huge chunk of my heart and I’ll be honest I don’t think I want it back. These two have taken readers on quite a journey and it’s been down right emotional. But I love every minute of it. Even though I’ll be honest this book just about broke me but I’m still anxiously awaiting the final installment. You definitely need to read this series in order and it’s not for everyone as it does have some difficult situations but I want to praise the authors efforts on handling those situations well and giving us characters we love and love to hate sometimes. I’m so excited for the next one but also sad as it’s the end I believe but I’ll be reading this series over and over. Five of the biggest stars I can find.

[Heidi Schoolman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in The Luminara Series. This is a Dark Erotica novel and is 543 pages. This story follows Lucca and Lexi. Lucca and Lexi had twins, born premature, and Luciano needed to stay at the hospital. On the day of Luciano’s homecoming, the worst trauma any parent could face happens. Lexi steps up as her maternal instincts kick in but Lucca heads into a downward spiral dredging up memories that kicks his PTSD into overdrive. Can they endure this, or will it break them?

[Ember Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, it really makes me happy to have not found this series until recent. I don’t know if I could have waited five years for it. Lucca and Lexi didn’t miss a beat. I’ll be here impatiently waiting for book 6.

[Hayley West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally the wait it over and it was well worth the wait.
Loved this series from the beginning, and this book doesn’t disappoint. I brilliant, powerful story line.
S J is a amazing author/writer, I absolutely loved it, can’t wait to read part two.
It’s not just a good read it’s a fab read, a real page turner.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited for this book for so long and it was certainly worth the wait.

Not sure what I expected to happen in this book but I definitely wasn't expecting the change in Lucca. He always had a dark unstable side and vulnerability and the way SJ Molloy showed this was just brilliant. I also loved how Lexi was portrayed throughout the book.

A brilliant book with a very powerful and emotive story line, I do however have lot's of unanswered questioned and am now desperate for part 2!

[Averie Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally the wait is over. Lucca and Lexi are back. In this Heartache, Heart Stopping, Jaw Dropping and Emotional fifth installment of their Lust Love and Light. They take you on an Emotional journey into parenthood with all that comes with it. Then BAM out of no where the unexpected happens.

Their journey will test their Faith in God and each other. It's all hands on deck for the every Caruso and Robertson Family member. Every friend and associate they have, to help Lucca and Lexi get though this new Drama. Promises are made and promises are broken.

Can they find their way back to the Light or will this be the end of their Love. I don't want to give anything away. But it's a rollercoaster of Emotions. A true rip your Heart Out and Ugly Cry kind of read. But it's worth every tear you cry.

[Purple-pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have patiently waited for this book. I knew I would love it. Yet I knew it would break me.
I was a living  emoji on a loop.while reading it. I cried, I swore. Yet I tried to  hope. Hope that the strong and brave Lexi could find a way forward for her family.
Lucca the put together and in control man.
Spiralling into darkness. I have hated reading his once strong character fall apart. Then to find out he had another bombshell. Oh that side swiped me. Lucca please, you need to find the light.
Lexi and Lucca will always be special to me. I need the next book. They need and do truly deserve their HEA. Can they find it? Or have they reached the point of no return? F file L for  Luce Eterna ( eternal light) as long as there's light.
F file  H for Hope. With light comes hope.

[Ellery Maillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that I’ve been fully invested in since the very beginning, and this book is no different. There was absolutely a plot twist that took the storyline in a completely different direction and in a sense full circle. Despite it being absolutely heartbreaking, I have really enjoyed the character development and witnessing Lexi’s strength as a new Mother. I can’t wait to see their story through. Just a warning... you may be angry in the beginning, but stick it through, my emotions were a bit all over. And absolutely start at the beginning of the series! I’ve read hundreds of books and this series will always hold a special place in my heart and my kindle ;)
(I received an ARC in exchange for my review)

[Sammi Sweetsz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Always S.J Never Disappoints! This Highly Anticipated Beginning to The End of Lucca & Lexi's Journey was worth The Wait. Through all the up & downs of their journey This is by far the most gut wrenching trial yet. Can not wait for the final book which will be epic I Have No Doubts

[Dena Akbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a really good book and It is really interesting.

[Sonia McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve patiently been waiting for this book and it was definitely worth the wait!! I’ve went through every emotion possible and can’t wait for part 2!! Well done SJ Molloy!

[Deidre Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Heartbreaking. Tragic.
Lucca and Lexi - so much in love. How could this happen to them? This book took me on such an emotional ride and I absolutely LOVED IT!❤ ❤
So beautifully written!
Luce Eterna Part 2 of this beautiful love story can't come too soon!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[Jovette Bossé · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I love Lucca and Lexi soo much!This story his so heartbraking and so sad! So much grieve!But i absolutly loved it! Caleb and Jacob made me cry😭!Can't wait for their HEA,they just belong together! Can't wait for part 2,please make it soon!😍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🥰