| Title | : | Malavita (Blood and Honor, #0.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published June 4, 2013 |
ENRICO LUCCHESI
Carlo Andretti murdered my mother and my brothers. He left my father a hollow shell of a man. And for these sins, Carlo Andretti must die.
I can’t believe my ears when my father tells me that I must marry Carlo’s daughter. That it’s the only way to save our family.
I will never love the daughter of my enemy. I will never make peace between our families. I will never be the dutiful Mafia prince my father wants.
But I will destroy the Andrettis, and I will avenge my family. No matter who I hurt, even the girl who looks at me with love in her eyes. She doesn’t know me, and she doesn’t know my past or what I’m planning. If she did, she wouldn’t look at me that way. She’d hate me, the way I hate her father. And truly, that would be for the best.
I can never love Antonella Andretti.
I can only destroy her.
ANTONELLA ANDRETTI
I can hardly remember the time before I loved Enrico Lucchesi. Just like I can hardly remember the time before our families were at war. A war I helped cause. A war I’m determined to end.
Our marriage will bring peace. It might even bring us happiness.
If only Enrico can forget who I am. If only he never learns my role in what happened. If only he can forgive me.
But some sins are unforgivable.
Malavita (Blood and Honor, #0.5) Reviews
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FREE on Amazon US today (12/7/2015)
Prequel to series. Series is complete.
BLURB:
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace. Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"—and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance—and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance—achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar—would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her—and what her father's actual plans are—will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
http://www.amazon.com/Malavita-Mafia-...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... -
If I hadn't seen this book promoted on a Facebook page by a friend and then saw that it was a freebie, I would never have picked it up. A mafia story with romance? Not me.
But I'm happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It's a well-written page turner. Now, I'll have to buy the rest in the series. :-) -
This tale of vengeance tinged with romantic suspense surprised me with its intensity. Dana Delamar presents a story of a man driven by grief to embrace a life he tried to avoid, and a young woman who must overcome her fears if she is to achieve a peace that seems destined to elude their warring families. A novel of love and the burdens of honor set in a reality of ruthless violence, Malavita masterfully depicts characters challenged with tracing a path obscured by passions, pain and rage. At its end, the reader wonders what lies ahead.
The author used words to paint her story as brush strokes from an artist. Brava, signora. -
4.5 Stars
Malavita is the prequel to the ‘Blood and Honor’ Series and Follows Enrico’s early life from the death of his mother and brothers, to his marriage to Antonella Andretti. It was interesting to have the background to this story in such detail. We were told certain things in Revenge (book 1) and Retribution (book 2) but we were only given the out line information that we needed to understand those books. We now get to taste Enrico’s pain first hand and can fully understand his need for revenge, and his hatred for the Andretti’s. The day his family were killed, his life changed forever, he was forced to join the family business, which he never wanted, and his union with Antonella was decided for him.
Personally I would have liked to have seen more of Enrico’s time with Veronica; Nico’s Mother. It would have been nice to actually see how they were with each other, if they were truly in love etc. I felt sorry for him having to leave his son but had no emotion where Veronica was concerned because I didn’t manage to connect with her or feel for her in any way. Meeting Enrico as a young man allowed me to see him as a more rounded character. My image of him in ‘Revenge’ when Kate went to him for help was totally different to the one I have of him now and it has made me want to re-read the other books with this new, somehow tougher Enrico in my head.
I just love Dana’s writing, the plot is very well thought out, fast paced and full of action, and as I’ve said before with her work, every word is relevant. The story has everything, romance, revenge, ‘blood’, ‘honor’, suspense, action, you name it this book covers it. Dana Delamar is definitely an author to watch.
Copy Supplied for review -
"Malavita" is the prequel to the "Blood and Honor" series, which is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. I wrote this book after several readers told me they wanted to know more about events prior to "Revenge." In "Malavita," you'll learn how the burning hatred between the Lucchesis and the Andrettis got started and how that feud derailed the lives of the generation to follow.
Here's the description:
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace. Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart? -
Loved it! (full review to come)
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This review may contain spoilers!
This is the second book I've read by Dana Delamar and I am thrilled to have found her and her incredibly awesome stories. After reading Revenge, I had to know about Rico and Toni's past. Rico is such an intense character in Revenge. With such passion and with so much love for his dead wife, I couldn't wait to read about how they came together.
I loved their story. I loved reading about Toni and Rico's slowly forming love and affection for each other despite their feuding families. Toni was such a likeable character. I loved that she never seemed torn by her family's business, only torn over her own contributions to specific tragedies. I found her believable considering the atmosphere for which she was raised. I also found her to be in complete contrast to Kate, the heroine in Revenge. While Kate was often shocked and upset over the actions and events of the other characters, I found Toni's complete acceptance of the `business' a refreshing change. I'm so glad I read Revenge first, it might have made it difficult for me to accept Toni's death and it definitely would have made it difficult to accept Kate if I would have read Malavita first.
Rico and Toni's feelings for the `business' were also a contrast. Where Toni seemed all accepting, interested, and even contributed to her father's business, Rico never wanted and never intended to live that lifestyle. This all flowed well with the information I already had of their relationship from Revenge. Dana's portrayal of both characters really enhanced the story for me. If Rico had been a merciless killer, and Toni a soft-heart and easily shocked `girl', I don't think I would have enjoyed this story half as much.
On that note, I loved getting a glimpse into Rico before he was capo. Learning about his son and reading firsthand how much he loved Nico and missed him. I didn't get much of that in Revenge so this was really eye opening for me. I knew from Revenge that Rico had never intended to be capo or even participate in his family's dealings, but reading his struggles in Malavita gave me a new found respect for him and his motives in both books.
Dana's ability to draw a reader into a story and hold their attention is top notch. Her scene setting and descriptions make it difficult to put her books down. It was a perfect page turner, plotted wonderfully. I finished the book satisfied with their store and ready to move on to Retribution.
Toni and Rico are today's Romeo and Juliet, only better! Dana's masterfully crafted characters will live and breathe long after you've finished reading Malavita.
You don't have to be a fan of Mafia stories to enjoy this book, you just have to love a great story. Either way, you won't be disappointed in this topnotch, 5+ star read! -
I was excited to dig my teeth into Malavita. It’s romantic suspense, right up my alley. I’m always a bit nervous when I first start a new book. I’m often let down by mediocre writing right off the bat, so it was pleasantly surprising when I dug into Malavita. Dana Delamar has obviously learned her craft well. Her writing is crisp and descriptive without being overly dramatic.
Her main characters, Rico and Toni, were well-developed, though their dialogue felt a bit stiff at times, and, to me, didn't ring true to their ages—they felt much older—but they were likable and I cheered their romance on. I will say, being that Rico was more or less trapped into an arranged marriage with Toni, and his first impression of her was not all that flattering, that it seemed a bit unrealistic that Rico would fall in love as quickly as he did, especially given his history and those he left behind in London, but he’s young, so I went with it. I just would've preferred it to develop a bit more over time. Toni had always had thing for the dashing Rico, so her infatuation was entirely believable.
Malavita is much more romance than suspense. The affair between Rico and Toni is set within the background of two warring Italian organized crime families. Personally, I would have loved to see this part of the story more up front rather than running in the background. It would have benefited from being more developed. I think the details of the feud were the one part of the plot I had a bit of an issue with. There just wasn't enough detail there for me to feel truly vested, and it was resolved way too easily and quickly, but, from what I understand, it all comes back in later books in the series. My hope is that the author further develops and explains all the history and bad blood lurking there.
All in all, I really enjoyed Malavita. These days, with free time so scarce, it’s a major miracle if I finish any book, so it speaks volumes that Malavita kept my interest so intently. Delmar’s writing is wonderful, easy to read and follow, and she’s gifted with the ability to set a beautiful scene without over doing it. Some books that start off strong often weaken, but Malavita never did. And though I prefer suspense over romance, it was the romance that kept me riveted and turning the pages. I wanted to see Rico and Toni through to the end, because I loved them and wanted them to finally be happy. I look forward to seeing where else Delamar takes these characters, their families, and their bloody family feud. -
In this prequel to the Blood and Honor series we are introduced to the Lucchesi family and the Andretti’s family. Both are part of Calabrian Mafia in Italy. Both families have been a war with each other for many years and that is the backdrop of all of the books in this series.
Enrico Lucchesi was a young boy when Carlo Andretti had his mother and two brothers gunned down. Enrico always knew what his father was and that his brothers were being primed to take his father place one day as head of the family. Even though he loved his family he wanted no part of the Mafia life. But all of that changed when blood was drawn.
Carlo’s daughter Antonella has proposed a truce to the family. She is hoping that a marriage between her and Enrico will stop the bloodshed and the feud. At first Enrico is very resentful of this and doesn’t know how he could marry this plain woman who has a monster for a father. But as he gets to know her he sees her warrior spirit and also that she is a very beautiful woman on the inside.
Even though Enrico didn’t want violence that came with being part of the Calabrian Mafia his need for vengeance to avenge his mother and brothers has him crossing that line.
We get an early glimps of Enrico before he has to become capo dei capi,(Godfather) and see his internal struggle to not get drug into a life he never wanted but yet a life he cannot escape. -
I'm a fast reader, and I happened to finish reading this book in a few hours which means that it wasn't easy to put down.
Still, it didn't give all that it could offer.
The main characters, male and female, are teenagers; Italian teenagers, and no offense to my Italian friends but all of young characters in this book sound at least ten years older than what normal Italian young community presents in real life! Enrico is eighteen and he has a fourteen month-old son, means he should have fathered the baby when he was sixteen and half? I know that traditional Italians start their families quite soon but it doesn't make them mature. Enrico is eighteen when he cries for his lost family but he's twenty eight or forty when he thinks of women. Toni on the other hand is sixteen, and her father already sees her as a future capa. She, like Rico, has a mature mind, thinking like a grownup rather than a girl. I think they were more believable if both of them were at least five years older.
The other flaw in the story is Veronica that we know very little about. We could have some flashbacks of her and Rico to know her better because I'm sure that we are going to see more of her in the next book.
The mafia story is intriguing, though. I always compare mafia with vampires in the fiction world. They're as dangerous and interesting, and we can never have enough with them!
I'm looking forward to reading the sequels and see how the revenge plan is going to work out! -
From the very first page I was sucked into a world of revenge, family bonds, blood shed, romance and I was hooked!
Enrico Lucchesi is a sexy young man who's life as he knows it is turned upside down! His father has ties to the Italian Mafia and he never wanted any part of it. Everything changes when his loving Mother and two Brothers are murdered in cold blood! He knows someday he will need to avenge their murders.
There is a contract in place and Enrico is being forced to marry the Daughter of the mafia kings (Carlo Andretti) Antonella. She is very nervous about the entire arrangement, she has never had many friends and is shy. Enrico tries to get to know her. All he sees is that she is the Daughter of the Man who murdered his family. His Father is very heart broken, however because of the contract he cannot retaliate or more blood will be shed.
Enrico and Antonella spend time together and they start falling in love. They both have dark secrets that they will not reveal. Their attraction is smokin hot and I couldn't help but fall for Enrico! Will they marry? Will Enrico finally seek revenge? Will these two families ever break bread?
I loved all of the Italian language language here and there that Dana added too.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in the series! -
Antonella or "Toni" is trying to make the wrongs done to Enrico's family right and of course she's always loved him from afar and wants to protect him. Enrico "Rico" is my favorite although he had to make some tough decisions before going back to Italy I felt for him, he needed to avenge his siblings and mother and protect his father but along with Toni they are only told half truths. The first meeting I felt bad for Toni with her nose. A lot going on in this story the families hatred to the other, Rico and Toni getting to know each other and realize their are feelings there. I liked the intrigue and mystery of the story, not knowing what was going to happen next. It was a little slow in spots but it built more intrigue as well. Toni's father I wanted to slap no honor there, no soul. A lot of action and some memorable moments. I enjoyed the story . 4 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogpot.com
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When asked by Dana if I'd be interested in reading in exchange for an honest review...well, lets just say there was not a second of hesitation. I've enjoyed every book of Dana's, so I had no doubt she wouldn't disappoint. Let me just say, once i got started with Malavita, I could not, would not put it down. The storyline is captivating from the beginning. I'm so happy she gave us this prequel, it gave me so much insight into Enrico and Antonella who he always spoke of with so much love in the other book. Not only do you have a fantastic love story, but the mob is involved...I felt dirty(in a good way) just reading it. Written expertly. Exciting, fun, action, suspense, love, honor, loyalty....just fantastic!!
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In 1982 Enrico Lucchesi’s mother and two brothers are murdered by an order from Carlo Andretti. A couple of years later Enrico has returned to Italy from England to fulfill a marriage contract. In order to end the feud between the Lucchesi’s and the Andretti’s he must marry Antonella (Toni) Andretti.
The book kept me reading and turning each page to find out what happens next. Fast paced with action, suspense and romance. With secrets, lies, betrayals, murder and family feuds. A great author who kept me wanting for more between the two families. Can’t wait to read the other books in this series that’s sure to be as great as this book was. -
I don't think I've read a Mafia book since The Godfather! What a great book choice to jump back into the Family!!!! I started this Prequel to the Blood and Honor series, because it was highly recommended by a favorite author, Romantic suspense is my #1 favorite genre and it sounded intriguing! Was one of my Really better decisions! I knew, with the Glossary of Italian Terms at the start, I was being invited to join the Family! Captivating plot, compelling characters and such a gripping love story between Enrico and Toni, made this a Keeper series for me! Immediately started Revenge, as I could not wait to see what happens next!!!! Thank you Dana for this incredible story!
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Wow!! A book with a real plot. This book was really good. I even loved the fact that the heroine had a Jacked Up Nose!! She was not beautiful but because of her personality, so on and so forth, She turned out to be beautiful.
Now, here is the sad part. there is only one sex scene in this story, and it is not a full scene. A few nipple rubbing, a couple of pokes, and that was it. Didn't even enjoy that part, but the stinking wonderful story more than made up for it.
I was choked up at the end, and almost cried. My heart is broken for the very special thing the H had to give up. I couldn't have done it!!
I highly rec this book, it is really good. -
I got this book as a present and boy am I glad I did. I really enjoyed it. I was hocked from page one and had a real hard time putting it down. If only the day had more hours. I loved the characters, action and romance and Dana Delamar gave me a peek into the inner workings of the Mafia family. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I highly recommend this book, it was a very entertaining read.
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I won this book as a goodreads contest giveaway. The book was slow to begin with, but that was also because it was setting up the scenes and the characters. The plot wasn't too interesting. Have the 'mob', and characters that go into the mob, but it wasn't real interesting to me.
Good writing and it was set up for a series so hopefully reading the next few books in the series will be great. Towards the end of the book it started to pick up and ended very well. -
I can not get enough of a good Mafia story. I think those Italian boys are so cute in leather. Ahem. Sorry, off-topic. Malavita is tragic love story with blood and bullets. Really, what more could anyone want? Oh, it’s set in Italy. And it is so good. The characters are brilliant Mafia. The dialogue perfect. The only problem was it ended.
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Very PG, but with that said it is an awesome storyline and get's you hook. It is very realistic, you will fall bad for these charters. And it will leave you having to read the next one. The other 3 books are for adults only.
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Heart-thumping suspense blended with sweet romance in a great start to a mafia series. If you enjoy romantic suspense with emphasis on suspense this is for you.
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I LOVED this book and really look forward to the rest of the series! So suspenseful and emotional.
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Good read. Remained me of the godfather in many respects. On to next book in the series
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Enrico (Rico) and Antonella (Toni) are amazing characters. They put their hearts out to be damaged. Rico honest to a fault, Toni means what she says. They really do complement each other in this arranged marriage. They both suffered because of it and had to sacrifice much in order to keep the peace between their fathers former friends now enemies. I feel that what Rico had to do to accept this marriage was far more painful than Toni and it would haunt him forever. His secret if found out would be a death sentence on a person he loves, but Toni knows and understands. She accepts it and he is grateful. They decide to only look to the future and not look back. But Toni keeps repeating a secret that she had a direct hand in the murder of his family. For now she will keep that secret to herself. The only person to threaten exposing it was her twin brother Dario.
I look forward to the next book. I need to find out what will happen. Excellent read. I highly recommend it.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters -
Good Book
I loved this background story, it was sad during some parts, but also exciting to see this glimpse into the past. Thanks for writing this book, and for continuing this book series, I will always read them!
