Chicago has never been more fun, or dangerous … behind a desk, August Rivera hopes a trip to the windy city for an assignment will make the magazine finally give her a spread. But getting to see her best friend, well, that’s just a bonus.
And then she sees him from across a club.
With a gang causing trouble for the Outfit, and a Capo’s crew in shambles, Beni has a million other things to focus on except the beautiful New Yorker who keeps finding her way into his bed. The thing is, when he’s with August, everything is better—easier.
Falling in love while handling family drama and mafia affairs is anything but simple … and in this business? It only takes a single mistake to lose it all.
That lesson can’t be taught, and it always comes too late.
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NOTE: Beni is a standalone novel within The Guzzi Legacy series. It can be read as such.
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The Guzzis have always lived good and as the babies of the family, Beni and Bene got away with a lot. However, when they push their father a bit too far, he decides that the best thing to do is send them away to Chicago so that they can learn some hard lessons and maybe come back with some appreciation and maturity. Things ain’t so bad with The Outfit. It’s not like they’re not among family. And the twins always have each other, so what could really go wrong? Well, when August enters the picture and it quickly becomes obvious how serious Beni is about her, things between the brothers will never be the same.
Everyone knows how much I love anything BK puts out. She could re-write the phone book and I’d be one-clicking that bad boy. However… this wasn’t one of my favorite reads. While I adored Beni, I didn’t love how he treated Bene. His blossoming relationship with August shouldn’t have affected his relationship with his twin. Family always comes first for these people. I also didn’t have a grand love for August. Out of all the heroines I’ve been introduced to in this world so far, Cam was my least favorite… now August has her beat. I felt absolutely no connection to this girl, which sucked because it’s not often I get to read about a woman of color. Everything between her and Beni lacked dimension. I didn’t feel their chemistry. This is unheard of. I feel bad even typing this. But it is sadly the truth. This story didn’t have the same je ne sais quoi as all the rest. I was missing the intense passion that usually makes me freak out in excitement. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the story because I definitely did. Every minute I get to spend in this world is a sweet delight. It’s only I have so many other BK stories to compare this to and so many other characters I’ve already fallen in love with and I expected to add these two to the list.
I’m really looking forward to the legacy novels to come. Bene is next and I can’t wait to see how this author chooses to blow my mind!
This was another great read for us in this ongoing family Saga.
I loved Beni right from the very beginning of the story he was sexy, and I found that he dabbled in mischief more than a time or two but, he was also one of those bad boys that played hard until one fateful night his father has had enough and ships his twins off to mentor under another families’ organization.
Beni and Bene were the complete opposite of their other brothers Corrado and Chris who were also twins. Beni and Bene were inseparable but, things are changing fast, and they are both struggling to find their own identities and being apart from one another, and I have to say one twin was fairing better than the other. You could not help but be affected emotionally personally by their struggles.
August was the kind of character that you fall in love with instantly as she is fiercely independent and smart and sexy and sassy and driven as well and these bad boy mafia types don’t scare her one bit.
Overall I found the story to be sexy and engaging and had a great cast of characters that were also engaging and funny and that Camilia is downright hilarious and such a firecracker but, most of all I love that these mafia men fall in love with these women who are s fiercely strong and independent as well as beautiful and their match in every way. One thing I love most about these authors’ stories is the way she writes her stories in a way that it always makes you feel like your part of them or their right along with its characters and “We just love that!”. We are so loving reading about this Guzzi family and their head matriarch Gian and Cara are some of our favorite characters in this ongoing mafia series.
When Benito (Beni) and Benedetto (Bene) are sent to Chicago to straighten up their ways, Beni figures it’ll be same Outfit, different city. He never accounted for meeting August, though. The woman who’d change everything…especially for his and Bene’s relationship.
From their very first meeting, August drives Beni crazy, in all the ways, especially in bed. Their chemistry is beyond hot! But it’s not be smooth sailing for Beni and August. For one, Beni is trying to figure out his new life in a new city. His relationship with August has changed his relationship with his twin, and frankly, neither (especially Bene) is dealing with that change very well. August, for her part, is wavering. Does she stay in the windy city or go back to New York? She never expected to meet a gorgeous Italian twin and fall in love with him, that’s for sure…
I was honestly not expecting to fall in love with Beni quite so hard. In the other Guzzi stories, I didn’t take a ton of notice of him other than to think he was a young party boy. Here, though, he shows off exactly who he is, who is as he’s falling in love, who he is apart from his identity as his brother’s twin. And who Beni is is fabulous. He’s smart and clever, he’s alpha in his own way and August has brought him to his knees. He and August together are perfect. And now I am impatiently awaiting Bene. I can’t wait to read his story and see the special someone whom he gives his heart to.
*4.5 stars*
A beautiful blend of love and heat…
The buildup between Beni and August was perfect as friends of friends struck sparks from their first meeting. Things escalated quickly with real life problems and challenges hit right away. But, that either works for or against a relationship and nothing was going to stand in their way…
Beni knew when to push and pull and to be romantic at just the right moment. August was a great character too. Strong, smart and full of sass, her love of family matched his while they both navigated the inevitable obstacles Oh, and did I mention the heart-melting heat? It was all-encompassing as their feelings deepened and their desire right along with it…
There was no unnecessary drama here because their lives had more than enough! This roller coaster ride had a shocking peak which brought everyone’s emotions to the surface and reminded them all what was important… Be prepared for the grit, because this author once again doesn’t pull any punches, but also know the hits to the heart are in equal (or more) measure…
So much left undone in this family I get can’t enough. I’m worried about Bene and really hope he finds his way next!
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
If you want to read a strong female lead who knows herself and has fun doing it then this is the book for you. August is the kind of person you aspire to be in your 20’s. Throw in the hot, sexy, brooding male Beni Guzzi and you have the recipe for a damn good story. These two melt everything in their path.
Yet another masterpiece from the queen… Amazing,stunning story
Benito “Beni” Guzzi is just trying to find his place in the world. He’ll show us that at times it can be quite frustrating. August Rivera is ready for her life to change. I liked that the author built their stories separately first before putting them in each other’s space. And once they are the pages will light up from the heat that’s created.
August has a great friend named Camilla – Cam. She’s the one that asks the questions so that August will give us the answers. Beni is a little more complicated. That’s not surprising when you look to see who his family is and what their business is about. His family can be a little complicated but our author makes it so that it will hold our attention but not take it away from the couple we are getting to know.
I enjoyed the pace of the story. The author took her time in building our couple’s relationship as well as the world around them. For me that’s a good thing because I have no choice but to slow down, actually take the time to relax, and just concentrate on the words that I see so that I can picture their world in my mind. The author makes it all seem so easy.
We know that it must take a lot of time and energy to develop a story that others will like. What’s written for our enjoyment is a great way to see how creative the person is. I’m envious because it’s something I could never do. Sometimes it’s like the book is the pole, the pages are the bait, and the main characters are the hook which I guess means we’re the fish. With this author I don’t mind either – she can bait me any time.
What I wouldn’t recommend is to start this series here. In order to get to know the Guzzi family it would be best to start at the beginning – you only have three books in order to catch up. And the nice thing is that our author isn’t done with this family yet. Bene is there to build my anticipation.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Another Incredible Book–5+Stars
Beni and Bene, WOW I loved them both. They are the other good-looking Guzzi Twins, (sons of a Mob Boss) they feel each other’s pain, their attitude, and their behavior, all identical. They are so in tune to each other, a change is needed. Love is on the horizon for one of the twins along with danger. I love this author, her writing is outstanding. Once I started reading, there was no stopping until I finished, even though I hated to see it end! I have read every book she has written. And they are all phenomenal!
Beni and his twin brother Bene are sent to live in Chicago under the direction of their uncle because of their wild behavior. The twins are used to having each other until Beni meets August. August is beautiful, vivacious and trying to figure out her life. These two have instant attraction and end up in bed. Bene isn’t doing as well without his twin brother being by his side. I am interested to see how his story ends up. A good mafia read.
The Guzzi men have taken my reading list by storm this year! The whole series by Bethany-Kris is just a gift that keeps on giving. And Beni is another masterpiece that I adored.
I loved the conflict between the twins and how they forged their own path in the life of organized crime. I loved how Beni was just the right kind of wild that will take you in a whirlwind romance and just sweep you off your feet. August is one extremely lucky girl and she’s as besotted as he was.
It was so fun to see how she kept him on his toes. I loved her strong and independent woman vibes. It’s something that I really look for in a heroine. And August totally fits the bill! She’s smart, driven, beautiful and she knows it. Most especially, she knows her worth. I especially loved the story about how she navigated through her career. It was something that made me love her character even more.
The twin’s dynamics (Beni and Bene) were explored in this book. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds in the next one.
What is it about those Guzzi men that get my juices flowing? The sexy self assurance and bossy hotness just like Papa Gian? Or the sweetness and fierce caring like Ma Cara? Must be both in the case of one half of the wild and reckless youngest twins in the all grown up and on his own, Beni. I didn’t know how this set of twins, Beni and Bene, would fair with maturity. Well, Beni figured it out with the help of a new town, new boss and new women as he’s on his own. And what a women in August. She’s terrific and just the right kind of strong women to handle this Guzzi mafia man. These two start out hot and don’t let up. Such a sizzling couple with a steamy chemistry. She’s not used to the lifestyle but she’s wonderful when danger finds Beni and things get real in this brutal world of the Chicago Outfit. The first of the story focused on the separation of the twins and the steamy romance between Beni and August. The mafia side of the story with the mystery and intrigue was always in the background until it took front and center and the Guzzis rally around Beni in his time of need. It was a little anticlimactic. That family is something else and it’s always good to get a glimpse of entire family especially those hunky brothers. The ending left Bene in a bad place so I’m anxious for his story. As usual with this author this is another fantastic story in this outstanding series with each Guzzi man different and their uniquely beautiful women. Just fabulous! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
I am not sure how this author continues to amaze me with each new book. Her worlds are huge and so multidimensional, but yet there is so much detail in each new book that nothing ever feels repeated or formulaic. August & Beni are a beautiful couple to read. Their story was steamy and sweet and full of emotions. I also absolutely loved reading about the relation between Beni & his twin Bene. I am so ready to read about more Guzzi men!
This is the 4th book in this amazing series, and is Beni and Augusts’ story. Beni and Beni are identical twins, and when they cross a line their dad sends them to their uncle in Chicago hoping that when they learn some of life’s hard lessons, and they will mature and appreciate what they have. When August comes into Beni’s life, the dynamics between the twins changes, and I must admit my heart went out to Bene, and I just wanted to hug him. This is a well written story which had drama, action, and love, which all had me hooked and intrigued, and I am looking forward to reading Bene’s story next.
They were the babies in the family. At 21, living in the midst of mobsters, Beni and Bene (twins) had already seen and heard about things that would make anyone’s hair stand on end. But they were in rebellion, so they were sent to Chicago, along with Uncle Thomas, to teach them a lesson.
However, the relationship of the twins ends up shaken when August appears on the scene.
She was the right person to put Beni on the line, however, it interfered with the symbiotic relationship between the twins, and when you deal with the mafia a lot of bad and dangerous things can happen.
Do you wanna know what happens?
Read more of this chapter in the life of the Guzzo family.
3,5 stars
If you are looking for a v-e-r-y steamy, “graphic” smexy read with a side order of mafia served up featuring a set of identical minded twin brothers who suddenly find themselves at odds with one another, Beni may be a book for you. I must say when I was first introduced to Beni and his twin, Bene, they certainly came off as still having a lot of growing up to do. Immature and entitled came to mind. I was even a little embarrassed for them for being too much alike and their impetuous, live like there’s no tomorrow antics. No wonder their daddy don felt it was time for these two grown men to start acting like responsible adults. I’m still scratching my head why he didn’t ship them off separately to begin with. Meaning how did he expect things to improve when he left things mostly the same? Beni seemed to get with the program of accepting things needed to change more than Bene. August, the heroine, was the catalyst that brought Beni to his senses.
Speaking of which, August is portrayed as sweet but wishy-washy/hand wringing. I didn’t overly connect with how she seemed to overthink the career choice she needed to make. It left Beni dangling on a string, all while the decision she was set to make was pretty obvious. He handled it like a trooper though, so I give him credit for that.
Bene, who we really don’t get inside his head until the next book, left me wondering what was really up with that tall, dark, handsome, brooding guy. I’m hoping something of more substance was happening in the yet to be be revealed sidelines than him just being selfish, shortsighted, and temper tantrum temperamental. Yeah, I’m looking forward to some explain’ from that fella, folks.
With that in mind, as someone who has a fraternal twin, I’m not easily swayed into believing there is some sort of unseen paranormal connection between any type of twins. I inwardly roll my eyes then just go with it, whenever it is incorporated into a story line. What can I say? It’s always an “I really don’t think so” moment for me.
As a huge fan of this author, I am no stranger to her book characters and the spin-off sequels. I’m always delighted to be reunited, even if just temporarily, with any of them. There are a couple here…August’s best friend, Cam, for one and her husband. She also includes something else she is known for…very lengthy, numerous, graphic smex scenes. I know I mentioned that before, but it bears repeating, folks. Honestly, I often skim over them to get back to more of the romantic emotional aspect of the main couple.
This book feels familiar. It fits a pattern, so to speak, and the plot is not overly complex. I certainly am looking forward to finding out what makes Bene tick behind his outbursts and noncommittal replies into what’s really eating at him.
Marcus is the oldest brother and the one I truly can’t wait to learn more about. He seems to be the model eldest mafia bro who Bene and Beni should be emulating. Already entrenched in the family business, he’s taking charge and command of his own life. Can’t wait for a leading lady to show him what he’s been missing though.
Title: Beni, Series: The Guzzi Legacy (Book 4), Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 354, stand-alone but part of a series, identical twin mafia hero, sweet, wishy-washy/hand wringing heroine, VERY detailed, graphic smex, lots of smex, some mafia based business subplot. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed a free advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
3.5 Stars
I drew a deep breath the moment I read the names of the youngest Guzzi twins, Beni and Bene. How on earth was I going to separate them in my mind? One vowel difference between them was doing my head in right from the start. What a stroke of brilliance to illustrate that on paper they were just as easy to think of as one rather than as individuals.
Beni and Bene were out of control. Acting out, ready to throw their weight around at the slightest slur to the Guzzi family name. They were immature, which landed them in my bad books right from the start LOL. I am the first to embrace a character who doesn’t come up smelling of roses in their day to day life but they were just two out of control privileged boys.
Fed up with their blatant disregard for their actions, their brother Marcus decided that they needed to spend time in Chicago and experience life without their father and brother to clean up their messes. This idea of uprooting to Chicago didn’t impress Beni or Bene. Beni had no idea that their extradition would be the best thing that ever happened to him.
After catching each other’s attention in a club, Beni found himself intrigued with August Rivera. August however was not looking for anything more than a fling. Their meeting was the moment where Beni displayed the Guzzi traits I expected of him. He went all out to convince her to think more of him. The trouble was August knew enough about his family business to know that he came with all the trappings of a life far from the one she had planned for herself.
Both Beni and August were at a crossroads in their lives for different reasons. She had some tough decisions to consider besides what might be between her and Beni. After a while, her indecisiveness frustrated me and tested poor Beni. Then there were the work dramas. Beni was on the outside in Chicago despite his strong connections. He walked into an unsettled crew and his job was to suss out why, and his solution left me unsettled. Choices for Beni were a matter of life and death but for August it was about taking a risk for gain way down the track. Though that didn’t stop them from road testing their compatibility which left you with no doubt that they had great chemistry.
What I enjoyed most was the multiple plot facets within Beni’s story. The twin factor added barriers to both his approach to work and his love life. Family was an important factor in their lives and living in separate cities played on Beni and August’s mind. I adored the welcome to the family scenes and the cameo appearances from the Guzzi’s. August’s friendship with her childhood friend Cam opened up the story to some fun meddling, all dished out with good intentions.
While the suspense didn’t kick in until halfway into the book, the angsty-hot romance made up for what I was craving. Fortunately, all it took to warm to Beni was for me to see him through August’s eyes. My perseverance in the early part of the book was rewarded with a fast-paced, emotion-packed story. Bene’s book is next and I am beyond curious to discover who will be the one to put a smile on his face
I have a thing for watching these made-men becoming fathers and growing up. Beni and Bene are the babies that push everyone’s limits in the family but since they’re the babies they find themselves not getting in as much trouble as other Guzzi children might have. Until they take it a bit too far. Beni and Bene are sent to Chicago to learn life lessons and to hopefully mature and go learn some respect and appreciation. Sometimes it just takes a good woman, THE woman, to change a man’s life. Beni’s and August’s eyes meet across the club and it’s all over. They are hooked from that first look!!
I wasn’t too fond of the way Beni acted with his brother after meeting August. He just didn’t keep that close relationship that they had and I felt a shift. While I liked both Beni and August, they fell a bit flatter than most of Kris’s couples. However, I am aware that not everyone can be Cross and Catherine. They just didn’t reach that seem level of love that I often feel in reading her books. Saying that, I do love the man that Beni developed into. The Chicago change was definitely a good move for the Guzzi babes!
Bethany-Kris does it again… and again… and again! I recommend this author time and time again when someone is looking for a mafia and/or organized crime books. Obviously I don’t know the mafia or anyone in the mafia but she builds these stories up to just what I’d think is accurate and she takes it deeper, further. They are always better than I could have imagined. The families are all about their loved ones, their children, and this deep bonding that seems to go hand in hand with a Kris book. They are always family-centered.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Beni Guzzi and his twin brother (Bene) was considered the mischievous duet without a filter for exploring their horizon and repeated troublemakers for the Guzzi organization. They were in need of a wake-up/grow up call and sent away to be mentored by their uncle in the Chicago mafia organization. The true test began with the tight connection between the close knit infinite wild boys acceptance of their individuality and brotherhood.
August Rivera determination for further advancement with her job resulted in her trip to Chicago where she encountered Beni. Their connection was sealed immediately as she tries to separate business from pleasure.
A well written story! I read and loved the first three books in the series and was looking forward to reading this one. I am curious about Bene’s separation actions that close knit twins seems to spiral into.
****I voluntarily received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review****
I will admit to an addiction to Bethany’s Mafia stories. Beni is another great story that was so easy to read.
Beni like other mafia men is a contradiction. To those he loves you will have his unflinchingly loyalty and protection, to his enemies he is ruthless. August and Beni have intense chemistry they were explosive together. I enjoyed watching Beni’s character growth how he has to learn who he is without his twin. Family dramas trouble with rivals and love this book had it all.
4.5 “Ma chérie … sei bella, sempre.”Stars
The Guzzi Men keep taking my heart. Beni and Bene are identical twins and the babies of the family. They are wild but they are just 21 years olds. Their last stunt has them shipped off to Chicago for a year. They will work for their Uncle Tommas of the Chicago Outfit where they must learn to shape up or else.
Beni meets August and is immediately taken. She is beautiful, driven, smart and keeps Beni on his toes. As it’s always been Beni and Bene, meeting August has given Beni a different purpose in life. And for identical twins who were inseparable, Bene isn’t coping with not being with Beni 24/7. Learning to navigate your life, falling in in love, working for another family, and learning how to be independent of your twin are all issues that Beni must face. August too has her issues. Stay in NY or move to Chicago, leave her job for a new one, and life dating someone in the mafia. But each know that the other is something special and worth the time to figure out.
I will say that I enjoyed Beni and August’s story. It was rather sweet and of course very sexy. There were some OMG moments and I have to say I loved them fierce.I’m looking forward to Bene’s story. He’ not handling being his own man when all he’s ever known was being a twin.