This stand-alone novel may be read without reading the Infidelity series.
From New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a stand-alone novel based from her beloved Infidelity series. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, this new epic romantic thriller will delve into a world where family takes on new meaning and even the inhabitants are suspicious of the next chapter.
Rating: 4 Stars
Told in the first person
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this
book for review from InkSlinger PR and the author. I was not
compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am posting this in
accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part
255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising".
“The making of a man”Standing at what I believe is the precipice of my life, I, Oren Demetri, was too young to understand that it wasn’t and too old to imagine that it couldn’t be.
The already hefty accumulation of my successes and failures, bravery and fears, and rewards and suffering, had brought me to this point. It was hard to contemplate the things I’d done, and yet, in reality I’d only begun to learn the possibilities.
I suppose that’s how it was for me at twenty-nine years of age on the brink of all I’d ever wanted without fully realizing the price I would pay. Yet in that moment, I knew there would be no cost too great or sacrifice I wouldn’t make. I had no idea how far-reaching that moment of self-discovery would be; because as the congregation’s murmurs quieted, bleeding into silence and allowing the thump of my heart to be the only sound I heard, I was a man filled with love and adoration, emotions in stark contrast to those I needed in the world I’d built or the one I was about to enter.
Angelina Costello was my dream and now my reality. I’d worked diligently to move beyond the actuality of being a dockworker’s son to becoming a self-made, successful entrepreneur, all in an effort to earn the right to call her my own. I’d overcome servitude to others, collecting their paychecks and lowly praises, to being the one who signed the paychecks and offered the accolades when they were rightfully earned.
The world was my oyster and walking toward me on the arm of her uncle was my pearl. I’d found her amongst the empty shells life had offered. There was no need to pry open another possibility. Angelina was all I wanted. Yet my path was uncharted. There was more for me to earn, lose, and willingly give.
The top of that list was respect.
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My Thoughts:
The author includes a disclaimer that readers should pay attention
to.
Oren Demetri has a wife who wants him to change – for the
better. Angelina just wants to be able to
spend time as a family. What they don’t
have is a normal family. I agree that
this could be considered a standalone but if you haven’t read the Infidelity series you actually may want
to start with this one and then go back and start at the beginning. Don’t’ expect this to be a conventional love
story.
The story is told from Oren’s perspective and at times I wanted to
know what Angelina was thinking. But in
not having that I start thinking what would I be feeling if I were in her
shoes. Then as the story continues I see
why this was done. One thing that I was
impressed with was that the author didn’t try to romanticize the mafia
lifestyle. This is more toward the harsh
realities or what we at least perceive as their reality. It also shows how hard it is to have a family
in that type of environment. And that
was one reason I wanted to know what Angelina was feeling – it had to be harder
on the women than the men.
There is passage of time in this story but it moves smoothly due
to the author’s great writing style. You
should have no trouble picturing everything that she has created. But you have to wonder if Oren actually ever
listened to what his wife was telling him – this is one thing that I don’t get
a sense of. Don’t expect this to be a
truly happy story – all our lives have ups and downs. Oren’s story seems to be getting us ready for
something else. One thing is certain,
however, this book has earned its title.
Angelina Costello was the only woman to ever take my breath away. I couldn’t not speak to her. “I haven’t seen you since NYU.”
“I’ve been living overseas, studying history and architecture in Italy.”
“Italy! Molto bene. And now you’re back?” I asked.
“I am.”
“To stay?”
“I believe so.”
“Perhaps we could see one another,” I proposed, all the while hoping that she would say yes and saying a prayer that she would say no.
Her lips curved upward. “I see you now.”
“Si, and I would like to see more.”
With a glint to her gaze, she said, “I never forgot you. I thought at one time...” Her head tilted innocently as her lip momentarily hid behind her teeth. “Are you sure you aren’t still scared of me?”
“Angelina, I’m quite certain that I’m terrified of you.”
Her smile grew. “Bene. Then let me give you my number.”
Copyright owned by Romig Works LLC
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.
In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.
In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.
Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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