Title: Man of Honor: A Royal Organized Crime Romance: Prologue
Author(s): Bella Di Corte
Series: The Fausti Family, #1
Also in this series: Queen of Thorns: A Royal Organized Crime Romance
Published by Self-published on September 13, 2020
Pages: 389
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Format: eBook
Purchase: Amazon
Rating:
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If you knew love could kill you, would you still fall?
The moment Brando Piero Fausti appeared in the snow-filled night, he made the blood hum in my veins. With a body worthy of a statue in Italy, he tethered my life to his with an irrevocable bond. He was the most dangerous man I had ever felt. A savage beast lurked just beneath his surface, ready to battle for what he loved the most—me.
Little did I know that he would lure me into a gilded cage with his beautiful words and searing touch. Little did he know, I’d always fight to follow the true alignment of my stars.
Man of Honor is the beginning of an eight-part Royal Organized Crime Romance saga.
** Previously released as The Beautiful Years I **
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Man of Honor by Bella Di Corte is the first book of eight books in the Fausti Family series. This book sets the pace for the rest of the series. It gives the reader insight into the beginnings of Brando Fausti’s relationship with Scarlett, the ballerina who captured his heart.
Scarlett lived a sheltered life with her focus on ballet, while Brando has known only pain and loss. They came from different worlds, but fate brought them together. This story chronicles their journey, one forged from tragedy. Readers witness the obstacles they faced, ones created by their own hands and outside forces. The tragic event which hit close to home for Scarlett led to her losing her passion for ballet, but her connection to Brando is the one thing that keeps her going.
Although described as an organized crime romance there were no mafia business occurring in this story. However, readers are given hints regarding Brando’s familial ties to the mafia. The story focuses on their earlier years with Scarlett a high school senior and Brando being of college age.
I had high hopes for this for this story, but it turned out to be an average read for me. I did enjoy the author’s writing style, which was poetic and compelling. My issue lay within my failing to connect with the characters. I knew by the words written a connection existed and they were slowly falling for each other. Unfortunately, it did not resonate with me. I do believe that being forced to wade through tons of detailed information led to my disconnect with the characters. I ended up skipping through pages of the book so has to avoid the mountain of details. Despite this the story did have some memorable moments, which has me eager to discover what next is in store for Brando and Scarlett.
Overall, I found Man of Honor to be solid start to the Fausti series that has me keen to explore more of this world Bella De Corte has created.
My Favourite Quotes
“He was the kind of fine that made good Catholic girls feel guilt by just staring for too long.”
“The beat of my heart is yours,” he whispered. “You breathe, I breathe.” Then he placed a kiss on my chin, my lips again, each of my cheeks, the edge of my nose, my temples, over my eyes, and then on my forehead.
“Love is a lie, Scarlett.” The tone of his voice felt like satin against my skin, but I got the feeling having to share these words felt like barbs to him. “The word. It’s a lie—it doesn’t come close to what I feel for you. What do you say when ‘love’ just isn’t enough?” “Always?” I whispered. He kissed my forehead. “Always, always, always.”
“If I were a writer, a poet, I’d immortalize her in words. If I were a painter, I’d recreate her in canvas. I am none of these things.” I waved a dismissive hand. “You are the master of this shop; I am depending on you to immortalize her in a music box. I want her forever. She’s mine.”
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In Man of Honor, Bella Di Corte delivered a beautifully written story of young love forged in the midst of tragedy. #romance #rerelease Click To Tweet
About Bella Di Corte
Bella Di Corte writes criminal romance that will steal your heart. She brings to life stories of men who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the women who force them to feel. She’s known for her rich world building and strong characters. She’s also an International Bestselling Author. Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, family, and four dogs. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook recipes that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to fill out this form if you’d like to reach out. She’s also on Facebook & Instagram (where she attempts to show off the previously mentioned photos). Bella was born and raised in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.
To learn more about Bella & her books, visit here!
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Kindle Unlimited
ooh intriguing thanks Nadene
You are welcome, Debbie. Hope all is well with you.
I appreciate your honest reviews. I feels like I’ve read this book before, many times.
You are welcome.
I am sorry the romance didn’t resonate with you.
Yeah, one of those things. Hope it gets better in the second book.
Interesting (and kind of weird!) that there weren’t any actual mafia, crime boss moments. Glad this wasn’t completely horrible though!
Yes, I found it strange too. I will see what happens in book 2.
Yes, I found it strange too. I will see what happens in book 2.
Should you continue with the series, I hope the rest is better!
This sounds pretty good but it is hard to totally love a book when you can’t connect with the characters. I do like the ballet aspect of the story.
Yeah, sometimes a book reads well, but something keeps you from engaging with it. I love that she’s a ballerina.
Should you continue with the series, I hope the rest is better!
This sounds pretty good but it is hard to totally love a book when you can’t connect with the characters. I do like the ballet aspect of the story.