From Top 20 bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes a steamy, slow-burn love story with forbidden romance and enemies-to-lovers banter.…and so the cruel prince fell in love with the liar.I love my boss.I love a man some call a monster.I love a man more accustomed to cruelty than kindness.But we both have our duties.We both have our laws.We both have our worlds.Two worlds never meant to … laws.
We both have our worlds.
Two worlds never meant to touch.
Two destinies meant to fail.
Two people never meant to fall in love.
A mafia prince.
And the undercover agent sent to ruin him.
Bastiano Romano is a 110,000-word standalone novel in The Five Syndicates mafia romance series.
more
A Review of Bastiano Romano by Parker S. Huntington
Bastiano and Ari – 5 Stars
Bastiano is head of the Romano’s, one of the five syndicates from other books in this series. I truly loved his character and Ari’s. The chemistry between them was H.O.T. What I appreciate is the fact that what we already knew about Basiano from previous books, carried through to this one and he wasn’t a completely different character. Just make sure you hold onto your seats, because there are twists and turns that will keep you turning those pages quicker and quicker. Definitely well worth taking the time to read.
**********
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
This is far more than a mafia set romance. Both main characters have complex lives and have been hurt with no real idea on how to heal themselves, so they throw themselves in to what they know – work! They initially want the same thing but in different ways, as they get to know each other they realize they have a chemistry, a connection that neither ever thought possible. The author has written this in such a way that I felt emotionally drained at times and yet I still had a need to continue to read this book. This is one of the best, if not the best, mafia romances I have ever read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s a HAWT HAWT HAWT new made man in town and his name is Bastian Romano!! Parker S Huntington has really hit her niche with this book. She writes these alpha characters that straddle the line and make you question your reasons how you could still love them in real life.
Bastian is such a mean overbearing bully and a$$hole to everyone outside of his close circle. He’s not even likable the first half of the book unless he’s in a scene with his sister. Slowly you start to see his softer side as he thaws and begins to let Ariana in.
I could feel Ariana’s struggle with her sworn duty to the FBI and her growing connection to Bastiano. How she justified her actions and feelings as she started to discover who she truly is.
This book captivated me from the beginning with the characters and surprising twists I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!! I want more!!
4.5 Stars
New to me author Parker S. Huntington sure did make a good solid impression with me. Bastiano Romano is book 4 in the series The Five Syndicates. It’s a standalone that read just as a standalone should even though it’s part of a series.
Ariana De Luca has never truly figured out who she is meant to be in life. Raised by her aunt and obtaining her degree, she now finds herself working as a FBI agent. Always going undercover allows her to never face the real Ariana De Luca. That is… Until she is sent in not using an alias. Will the De Luca name carry her through this new case or will her last name finally cause her to understand who she truly is?
Bastiano Romano has had the silver spoon since the day he was born. Ivy league educated, he found the love of his live at college. Being burned on the day he was to propose to his love, has caused him to build the wall around himself that is not easily penetrated.
When Bastiano hires the sexy bartender, he never realized what was missing from his life.
When Ariana realizes that she has fallen for her new boss, can she actually walk away from her job with the FBI to be with a mafia man?
Totally enjoyed reading this one. I found myself wanting to volunteer to go get the ice…just so that I could be rescued by the boss man! Bastiano not only had piercing eyes…he has other piercing qualities
#BookBistroBlogApproved
A dark and emotional mafia bad boy romance
Ariana, an FBI Legend agent, goes undercover to investigate Bastiano, the heir to the Romano mafia family, as a bartender at the restaurant he manages. As the story progresses secrets become convoluted, lies destroy and loss may bring them together. Parker S. Huntington has given the reader a dark and emotional mafia bad boy romance with Bastiano Romano, the fourth book in her Five Syndicates series. There is a large amount of darkness and a fair amount of humor to be found. This book can be read as a stand-alone, however, the reader will understand a lot of the references if they read Asher Black, Niccolaio Andretti and Ranieri Andretti as well due to the overlapping timeline and events of each book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of the book from the author via Booksprout. I had the opportunity to review or not.
He is a mafia prince. She is the undercover cop sent to destroy him. As she infiltrates this man and his life she comes to some realizations. Will they be able to keep their feelings at bay or will their emotions for one another lead them down a dangerous road? Remarkable story that is sure to set you on fire!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a long awaited story for me and Parker S. Huntington did not disappoint. There is a event that this story leads to that has been told as the POV of the other characters in their books but to hear from Bastiano how it affected his life and those around him was by far the most poignant. Ariana is forced to go undercover in a Romano bar but this legend uses her own name which is also the last name of another Mafia family, De Luca. Ariana and Bastiano’s lives become slowly entwined in ways neither of them thought was possible. There are twists and turns throughout this book and we find out that what seems to be coincidence is in reality fate. If you are a reader who has never had to pleasure to read any of Parker’s previous books, you can read this as a standalone story but I encourage you to put her one your favorite author list and start reading the remaining books in this Mafia series. You won’t be disappointed and you will always know that whenever you see her name on a book you will be getting a fantastic and well written story.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
This is an amazing addition to the series where opposite attracts, enemies to lovers.
Ariana DeLuca works for the FBI and was assigned to the Romano case as an undercover agent. Her work constantly place her in different undercover positions where she was becoming confused and lonely with no friends or family. Ariana assignment to infiltrate the syndicate allowed her to feel and see the true meaning of love and trust but also she met an arrogant, rude and insufferable Bastion. A man who truly pushed her world off its axle.
Bastiano Romano refuses to participate in the family business even with his Ivy League schooling yet he was continuously caught in the middle of the family problems. He is brooding, resentful and had trust issues especially with women” Bastian feelings was in constant turmoil whenever Ariana was around as he saw how close she had gotten to his family. She had became a thorn in his side as the confrontation between the two was intense and he was holding on by the thread.
Can the two opposing opponents find love? Will Ariana assignment be successful? This is definitely a must read!
******I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review******
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was the first book I read by the author but certainly won’t bee the last. The character development and plot of the story keeps your attention while the edgy dark feel of the mafia world collides with the sex appeal of Hero to keep you turning the page. This book was good from beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
BASTIANO ROMANO….(sigh)….
I had been wanting to re-read Asher’s, Niccolaio’s and Rainieri’s books, AGAIN, before I read Bastian’s book, and (1) I enjoyed them as much this time as I did the previous times I read them, and (2) I just have to say, this author gets better with every book…
I LOVE Bastiano Romano, the book and the character, and his relationship with Ariana is just plain hot!!! The timeline for BASTIANO ROMANO, runs concurrent with the other books, especially NICCOLAIO ANDRETTI….
This series should not be missed, and it should be read in order!!!
The amazing storyline was well written and the characters were so strongly written that I was totally enthralled as I turned each and every page! As each page was turned I felt like each character jumped from the pages and pulled me right into their story as it flawlessly unfolded!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The mafia romance genre is a favorite of mine and Parker has done One Heck of a Job raising it to the TOP! This book had my emotions reeling. I had to put this book down more than once to put myself back together! Intense story, fantastic characters, wonderful words. If you love this genre this is a MUST READ and MUST READ AGAIN!
The writing of this book is absolutely top notch! From the start, the author pulls the reader into the story and moves briskly along with hardly a pause. It’s a world few of us understand fully, but this series is an eye-opener to that world. And surprisingly, you’ll find that despite the tough exteriors, there something worthwhile in each of these characters.
Bastiano Romano was all set to propose to Elsa, engagement ring and everything, regardless of the trouble he knew he would get from his father. Elsa wasn’t royal, nor was she mafia – but by the time his father found out, the deed would be done. He headed to the Empire State Building and Lewis greeted him, trying to tell him something. But Bastiano fired off questions to him about the chef being there, everything set up and running smooth, so Lewis could not give him his important information. So as he stepped out of the elevator, his father and Elsa stood before him! His father reminded him of duty and left. Elsa stood there with guilt all over her face. He told Lewis to tell the Senator he would attend his function after all, and he sat down to eat his dinner, waiting for Elsa to explain whatever betrayal had occurred. He snatched a crumbled paper from her hand and saw the check for $5 million signed by his father. Then he threw the $16 million engagement ring he had bought her over the side of the Empire State Building.
Ariana’s life is anything but simple. Her identity has always been hidden – but she is a DeLuca, which no one knows about except one person in the FBI. She has the strength to stand up to Bastiano and it gets his attention. She won’t back down – she’s just what he needs. Will the two connect? Will she help him get over the betrayal that tore him up? Or will she run to keep herself safe?
Amazing book, amazing writing. You won’t forget this one for a long time. Be sure to get a copy and be as amazed as everyone else who has read this book. The whole series is incredible, and this one holds a piece of the author as well. Outstanding job!
This book was incredible but I didn’t expect anything less from Parker! The mafia side of this wasn’t like most mafia romances I’ve read before.
Ariana had a messy past, she was broken in a way, and she life of loneliness, she was such a strong lead character, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the way the author played her out to be, and Bastiano was just your typical alpha a-hole. There was so much more to him than that. He was lost in a way, damage and broken as well, he was strong, but had his demons, he was dominant and in my eyes, he was perfect, even though he was a bad man. I couldn’t help but want him to succeed and I cheered them both on so hard!
This author never fails to amaze me with the ability to form words and create an amazing, dark, angsty, slowburn plot, this book is exactly the reason I love this kind of romance. If sucks you in from the beginning and never lets go!
5 stars!
This dark emotional mafia romance was wonderfully written and compelling. Full of deep dark sinister intrigue and violence, but romantic and full of heart.
This author is fast becoming one of my favorites and I found myself excited to see another book from this excellent series.
If you like this genre, you will not be disappointed as her writing transports you into Dalia and Bastiano’s world.
Fast paced, excellent writing, easy to follow yet complex plot, and a romance that is gritty, raw, and full of passion.
I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I cant say how much I enjoy this authors books, and this one doesnt disappoint, but please start with book one “Asher Black” and work your way through the series. Although they are stand alone books, its well worth reading them in order.
Not many books go on my “to read again list” but all from this aurthor have.
I also very rarely give 5 stars. so its a thumbs up from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
To love and be loved is a difficult feat. You have to be able to give it freely and accept it all the same. We are all different therefore love is different for us all. Regardless love is love and once you find it you grasp it with all your might and never, I repeat NEVER let it go!
Ariana “Ari” De Luca is an FBI agent. She prides herself on doing a good job. She is a legend and has to learn a new identity regularly. It’s nothing new but she’s slightly thrown off when her newest assignment she is told she is going undercover as herself. She’s instantly worried because she doesn’t really know who she is and she doesn’t have a legend to hide behind and tell her exactly how to act and react to different situations.
Bastiano “Bastian” Romano is mafia royalty and knows he is suppose to take over the family business and marry another mafia royal, but that’s the last thing he wants. He wants nothing to do with the family business and has no desire to marry royal either. He’s not sure what he wants out of life but he is certain it isn’t the family business. He is running Archer’s restaraunt and bar “L’Oscurità” which has 3 Michelin stars and he is content, not exactly happy but content nonetheless.
When Bastian and Ari meet its intense and nerve-wracking. She knows how important it is to make a good impression but she can’t help the feelings of defiance she gets as soon as her eyes lock with Bastian’s. She knows the entire encounter is a power play yet she can’t seem to back down even though she knows she should.
Gah. This book, so freaking good. I read it in one sitting then immediately started reading it all over again. That’s right within a day I had read this book twice and I have no regrets. AT. ALL. This was my first book by Parker and I have already bought the others and I can’t wait to dive into them and see what I’ve been missing all this time. You could feel her pain through her characters and that gutted me. It was so raw and real, my heart bled for her and my eyes wept for her. It was brutal. It was perfect. Gah it was EVERYTHING!
I’ve had a soft spot for mafia romances since I first discovered them but this one takes the cake.
I loved this book. It had everything I wanted, hot hero, a kick butt heroine and major load of chemistry. Bastion maybe a jerk at times but you had to love how intense he is with the people he loves. I loved Ari too. I’m totally fan girling over her. This books is my favorite out of the series.
Parker has mastered the written word in this installment of the Five Syndicates Series and has managed to put the reader smack dab in the middle of emotional turmoil – you feel all the hate, all the love and all the deceit and grief as it slowly builds up to a great precipice and then drops you down that you don’t know which way is up, only to build up again.
Bastiano & Ari’s story is one of dark depths of love and hate, push and pull, blurred lines between duty and responsibility and most of all – of family loyalty. He’s hardened from life and what’s been thrown at him, she’s lived so many different lives, and she has no idea who she is. There are so many emotional layers, it’s like an onion – it can be sweet and satisfying or bitter and tear-filled.
I think I have reviewers block… kinda like writers block… but a little different, hungover for sure, from this book. I feel so much at once about this story, that I truly have no idea where to begin.
I honestly don’t know why the mafia romance genre hasn’t stood up and taken more notice of this author, her storytelling is amazing! She has a unique, rich and satisfying writing style that is an absolute pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book, this series, this author! ARC received, with option to review – I opted to review honestly. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did! 5 out of 5 stars.
I have been following Parker S. Huntington The Five Syndicates series and each book keep getting better and better. Asher Black has long been “my favorite” but I can now say that Bastiano has taken over that title. This is without a doubt going in my top reads for this year. The story grabbed me from the start and held me captive until the very end. It was an engrossing, addictive and downright riveting page-turner that evoked a range of emotions from me throughout the story starting with the foreword was so totally unique.
Bastiano Romano was everything you could want in mafia romance and then some. He was broody, insensitive and an arrogant jerk. Yet this Alpha was also hilarious, hot and sexy, and you will soon fall head over heels in love with him. Ariana DeLuca the FBI agent with all the hidden secrets was strong, sassy and she met Bastiano head on. These two had a chemistry that was scorching the pages of this book. It was that intense and although a slow burn romance at first, their steamy scenes took the intensity to another level. Although complex, these characters were well-developed and in no time would have you invested in their story. The extended characters all added to this story and provided support and balance to the main characters. Put together they all made the story all that more enjoyable.
The plot was more than just romance. We are given a story that was so well written, that at times it will have you on the edge of your seat. I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it. Bastiano Romano was a phenomenal read, worthy of more that 5 stars and I would highly recommend it to all romance lovers.