How much is too much?Five years—that was the deal. Renzo Zulla gave up five years of his life to repay a debt to an organization that only wanted to break him before they could make him. Their way, their rules. He doesn’t move without their okay, even if his latest job puts him right in front of her. But the five years are almost up, and he knows exactly where he’s going first.Love doesn’t follow … first.
Love doesn’t follow rules …
Heartbroken and alone—that’s how she survives. Lucia Marcello is alive, but a part of her still feels dead without him. She’s spent far too much time running away from her past and the pain she constantly holds tight because it’s easier than hating the people who caused it. But life has a way of bringing you back when your heart never will.
Love doesn’t fade …
But time means nothing, and forever might be only an illusion for them. Because where fate doesn’t step in, reality does. If hate is a game you play with your heart, and contempt is the game you play with your mind … where does that leave love?
Vendettas don’t care about love.
It’s in God’s hands now.
Note: Contempt is the final book in a three-book Trilogy following the same couple.
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The perfect ending for this couple who had to go through hell to have each other.
I need to see Lucia and Ren come back together afther the pain of their separation and
and their love, their always crazy, out of control love, was even better, even more passionate.
The ending had my heart in my freaking throat.
Loved their ending. Loved this book
Probably the most meaningful quote (and summary of the entire book)…“Hate and contempt are not the same, dolcezza. Hate is in your heart. The other, in your mind. Sometimes, they might feel like they are the same, but they aren’t. You cannot hate the things you love…”
Bethany-Kris still surprises me and I have no idea why! I should have learned by now- all the feels, epic hearrbreak, oh and serious bad@ssery! And yet, I thought this would be a sleepy curveball after Harbor. I thought after the tidalwave of epic proportion that was Harbor would make this feel like a splash in the kiddie pool. Yeah, that’s a big fat mother fluffing NO. Contempt rings loud and clear through these pages. The anger, disgust, and contempt feel like a sludge coating the reader, Lucia, and all those in either radius.
The book oozes emotions. It claws at your heart, your mind, and you emotions leaving you a bloody, but happy pulp…eventually.
You may feel Contempt but you no longer hate. And in the end, you have neither in your heart, mind, or emotions.
For those celebrating this occasion…Cin Cin!
Contempt —was full of growth and healing. Oh! Lucian managed to redeem himself despite that he was part of the problem.
But, it’s always humbling to watch anyone pause and reflect, and admit they got it wrong. And even go to far lengths to rectify if, even if means they get no credit.
Time and distance might have separated our dear Lucia and Renzo, but it had no bearing on what they felt for each other.
It took time, but despite obstacles that came their way, they continued their ride or die, and rose above so beautifully.
Renzo’s loyalty and sacrificial love….made his the perfect book boyfriend
And Lucia, the way she rides for her loved ones is a breath of fresh air amongst romantic heroines.
*4.5 stars*
Emotional ending to a dark, complicated, mafia series…
Ren and Lucia’s story included all the drama and emotion it could possibly hold! The author didn’t shy away from the dark elements that she is known for but as always they were balanced by family and love that made it all worthwhile…
Emotional highs and lows, devotion, loyalty – everything was found in this story, and this series… Ren stayed true to his character, always ready with sarcastic rebellion but also to step up and protect his family. His sacrifices weren’t in vain though and the well-being of those he loved, and the self-worth he now felt, were worth all the pain… Lucia was still angry, unbelievably so, but life and love tempered the edges. Faced with hard truths, she had to either forgive or live without those she loved. Nothing was easy for these two and the twist and turns that fed into their happily ever after proved it…
A great ending to the series, I’m hoping that there will still be more from the Marcellos.
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
Amazing! This author knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats, while stealing their heart and soul.
Frustrated with the hand he was dealt. If anyone understood what it was like to think life was unfair, Renzo probably won the award for it. Renzo and Lucia took them to hell and back. It took 5 years for the reality that true love never fails. I loved this couple fighting spirit for what they wanted in life.
This series is definitely one to read_the story of overcoming struggles in life with an emotional ending.
***** voluntarily received an advance copy of this book.*****
This wasn’t my favorite book by this author, though I still enjoyed it. I just didn’t feel a connection with Lucia. I wanted more from her. I felt that she was selfish and immature. However, Renzo is a different story. I loved him in this book. He was strong and proved once again that he will do ANYTHING for his family and the people he loved.
Overall this was an ok read for me. I loved Renzo and Lucian but was really disappointed in Lucia, as well as Ren’s sister Rose. I loved the story line and thought it was a perfect ending to Ren and Lucia’s story. I just wish I could have connected more with some of the characters.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with Ren and Lucia. As rough as Contempt was in the beginning, it was necessary to understand their story. Each book focused on certain people and while I thought Diego was my favorite, Contempt reminded me why I fell in love with Lucian from the very beginning.
This author writes a scene with such precision and depth. Her words pull so much emotion from me. I don’t realize I’m crying until I feel the tears or laughing until I hear myself. Contempt is the perfect conclusion to another amazing couple.
What a way to end this series!
Be warned, no spoilers here!! This is book 3 and the awaited conclusion of Renzo and Lucia’s journey!
The story is well-written, and with a twist plot you don’t see coming. Great book, and very original with fantastic characters and incredible twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
All in all, I really enjoyed how everyting turned up for this deserving couple. Their love went through hell, but not even that or their 5 year separation was enough to pull them apart. I love the way their journey went from book 1 until book 3, making them real people with mistakes, immature decisions and getting stronger. Although, it was hard to connect with Lucia at the beginning, there was something that kept me turning the pages and invested in this amazing trilogy.
I really recommend that you give it a try, but remember, you need to start from book 1!!
Okay where is the FIVE BILLION STARS this book deserves! OMG I just don’t know where to start because this is one of those series that captures you right from the first page and has you reading late into the night until you finish reading it because you need to know what is going to happen to Renzo and Lucia and let me tell you this is one hell of a story.
There are so many twists and turns and so many ups and downs that I just did not think Renzo and Lucia where going to make it past the first book but they held fast and did what they had to do and the deal Renzo made was unbelievable because I did not think for one moment he would keep to his promise but he did and that makes him the man.
Fast forward five years later and Lucia comes home from Cali to NY to be with her family when they have an emergency. She is strong enough to let her father be himself but she stands strong and puts things on ice for her family. Then she sees Renzo and all hell breaks lose in her heart because she wants him and she wants him now but it is not the five years yet and she can stay strong and wait.
As this book unfolds I was ohing and ahing and sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I was like a kid in the candy store and I wanted my candy right then and there but this story unfolds slowly and I loved every minute of it and so will you. So go on and one click this trilogy and enjoy Renzo and Lucia!
A terrific conclusion to a spectacular Marcello mafia romance. This is a love story for the ages with characters in Renzo and Lucia whose hearts are so connected that five years apart does nothing to lessen their feelings for each other. But both have changed and suffered from their time apart. We find out what happened to Renzo when he disappeared into the clutches of the League. He reappears more breathtaking in his maturity, added skills and his unwavering commitment to Lucia. He is a magnificent hero and swoon worthy to the max. Love him! Lucia is so lost without her love for her family and the loss of Renzo but she’s a Marcello and no shrinking violet. Her strength is compelling and even though she’s a little broken you can’t keep a Marcello down. The build to Ren and Lucia reunion was a killer and the anticipation had me flipping the pages. Their chemistry is off the charts and their love is dreamy. But all is not well in the Marcello empire and a new foe appears that puts our lovers and the Marcello family in direr danger. The finale was exciting, full of danger and a little heartbreaking. Besides the fantastic couple of Renzo and Lucia, the author reminds us just how magnificent Lucian is and what he will do for his family. The League was interesting and I could see a series about those badasses. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Renzo gave up five years of his life for the repayment of a debt. Now he’s back and going for Lucia. Lucia is heartbroken without him. She still loves Renzo. Will fate keep them apart? Vendettas will be settled. A stunning conclusion to the trilogy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Five-years—that was the deal. Renzo Zulla gave up five years of his life to repay a dept to an organization that only wanted to break him before they could make him. Their way, their rules. He doesn’t move without their okay, even if his latest job puts him right in front of her. But the five years are almost up, and he knows exactly where he’s going first. Love doesn’t follow rules….Heartbroken and alone-that’s how she survives. Lucia Marcello is alive but a part of her still feels dead without him. She’s spent far to much time running away from her past and the pain she constantly holds tight because it’s easier than hating the people who caused it. But life has a way of bringing you back when your heart never will. Love doesnt fade…But time means nothing, and forever might be only an illusion for them. Because where fate doesn’t step in, reality does. If hate is a game you play with your heart, and contempt is a gave you play with your mind–where doest that leave love? Vendettas don’t care about love. It’s in God’s hands now.
Contempt is the final book in the Renzo+Lucia series. You need to read the first two books or this one is going to make no sense to you. This is the last book in the series and I expected it to rip my heart out and hand it back to me on a platter. However, I made it and my heart is still beating. These two have been through more than two people should have to go through. However, through it all one thing has stood the test of time and that is their love for each other. Even being separated for five years and they are still standing though barely. The five years have been filled with heartache and pain and Lucia is barely surviving. She is struggling and is having a really hard time getting past the way her family betrayed her. It is about an impossible task and I don’t think that I would have it in me to try to even understand much less forget. Renzo has been paying his debt and it has been a dept that has cut him off from everything and everyone he holds dear. This book is not easy and will break your heart but never fear it will all be ok.
The stunning conclusion to Bethany-Kris’ star-crossed romance is finally here. The last book in Renzo + Lucia’s trilogy was something that I have been waiting for quite some time now. And as with any BK romance, it far exceeded my expectations once again.
Romance readers like me have a knack of shipping characters so hard that you read the books over again just to relive the story all over again. And in this case, I did that three times. For all three books! That’s how much I love Rezo + Lucia.
The story jumps five years after Renzo and Lucia were separated. Seeing how much they’ve changed yet still clings on to their long-lost love was one of the most heart-wrenching things that I have read. There was a deep void in Lucia’s privileged life that even living far from home couldn’t dissuade the resentment on the things that happened in her life. As for Ren, all he has ever done was to live long enough to survive the harsh world of The League.
But then fate intervened (or was it someone else?) and they met again. The intense connection was still there even after all these years. Both of them have matured in the half-decade that they’ve been apart. The passion, the love, and the heartache all came back when they saw each other again. Their tormented love left Lucia barely surviving but meeting Ren again was like a ray of sunshine after five years of solitude.
I loved how these two have come to terms with the circumstances that tore them apart. But at the same time, they also learned how to love each other all over again.
And can I just add that the epic plot twists of this book were off the charts! I loved how Bethany-Kris’ world comes back in full circle. Giving subtle nods on characters that we’ve grown to love in her other books and also hinting about the stories of characters that we’d love to read about in the future. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to read more about the characters from Bethany-Kris’ organized crime world!
It’s been 5 long, lonely years since Renzo and Lucia were together. She’s still so angry at her family, it’s part of why she’s lived in California. But the time has come for her to come home when an emergency arises.
Renzo’s 5 years is almost up with The League. He’s this close to being out, to being able to contact his love, Lucia, again. Surely he can wait til this one last job is up before he sees her again? He’s spent the past 5 years training, hating, filled with anger, filled with CONTEMPT. But he’s never forgotten Lucia, will never forget her, the only woman he’s ever loved.
Sigh…I cannot express how much I love Contempt!! This whole trilogy, actually. Renzo and Lucia’s love, although a young love, is so solid, so epic that they and their story feel like they’ve loved each other forever. Their journey back to each other is crazy intense, filled with all the things you’d expect from a Mafia love. It’s gritty and raw, but it’s so damn beautiful that I admit to shedding a few tears throughout, and especially at the end, during the epilogue of Renzo and Lucia’s story. Bethany-Kris has surely solidified my love of her Mafia romances with this final installment of the Renzo + Lucia trilogy. I will never forget these two young lovers and their beautiful, painful story of love, Mafia style.
This book was everything. The last book in the Renzo -Lucia trilogy and it was epically perfect. You definitely need to read the previous two books but I promise that this trilogy is one not to miss.
Lucia’s family is a big part of her and although she is so angry with her father, she loves him and it’s that love that brings her back to NY after living in California for the last 5 years. She can table her anger while dealing with a family emergency. Renzo and his association with The League is fascinating. He’s every bit of a rebel still but he is so much more now. But five long years have passed with no contact for Renzo and Lucia. Each lonely, each hurting, each living their lives but most of all, each NEVER FORGETTING. Their past mistakes lead to this 5 year separation but it was only temporary. The 5 years are almost up and Renzo’s latest job has lead him back to Lucia. But he must wait for the full 5 years to contact her but when she’s so close, can he really wait?
It’s hard to say more because spoiling the way this story unfolded would be criminal. It was full of feels for both Renzo and Lucia. My heart continually expanded and contracted throughout the entire read. My emotions bleed for each and every character and the storyline touched my heart in every way possible. It combined Ren and Lucia, his family and her family and created the most perfect ending to this trilogy.
I know I didn’t say much about the plot but I promise this love story that spans 5 years is amazing. This author brings her A game to each and every book she writes. The passion, the love, the heartache and the mafia connection make for 5 stars each and every time.
A beautiful and spell-binding conclusion to Lucia and Ren’s story. I laughed, I cried, I wish I could read it for the first time again. The last half the the book was a little cruel. My poor Renzo. It’s a heart breaking HEA.
**ARC REVIEW**
Book 3, continues the saga for Lucia & Renzo who have been apart for quite some time now.
Lucia continues living her life in L.A. not knowing the outcome of Renzo. With her heart broken she has learn to avoid feelings and stay numb.
Renzo has been broken and re-build time and again. He has learn to accept the cards he has been dealt and is counting the days until he can see Lucia & his family again.
Renzo has one final job before his contract is up. Will this job keep him away from Lucia and his family for good or will he be able to be with the love of his life again….
Can’t believe this is the final book for Lucia & Renzo. I feel like there’s still so much missing, like there’s more to come… I could only Wish!
Contempt was the perfect ending to Renzo + Lucia’s love story. They were kept apart for nearly 5 years. Renzo was in Nevada with The League being groomed and controlled so that he could pay back a debt. He had very little contact with Rose and Diego.
Lucia was going to school in California. After graduation she was able to score an internship through her aunt Kim. She hadn’t been back home in years and avoided her parents as much as possible until a visit from John with unexpected news takes her back home.
Renzo ends up in New York for a job and Lucia with her family. Renzo + Lucia reconnecting. Lucia repaired her relationship with her father. A vendetta against the Marcellos and thanks to Renzo they survived.
There was NEVER a dull moment in Contempt. One of the MANY reasons BK is my go to for mafia books.
CONTEMPT (Renzo + Lucia Book 3)
By Bethany-Kris
5
Release Date March 4
The final book in the Renzo + Lucia trilogy was perfection! Contempt may just be Bethany-Kris’ best work to date!
When two souls harbor the type of love that Renzo + Lucia feel for each other there is no time or distance that can put an end to it.
“I don’t know how to love anyone else but you. Not the way that I love you, anyway.”
The struggle that both characters endured made them so much strong, physically and mentally.
“Her love for him was the most important thing…”
“…kept her going…kept her alive”
Their time apart didn’t extinguish the flames they held for each other. Parting as a boy and girl but reconnecting as man and woman.
“A boy with a leather jacket. A girl with a trust fund.”
You can see the growth, the maturity. How their actions have consequences.
“Hindsight was always twenty-twenty.”
Gah, their love is what dreams are made of. It was indestructible. I highly recommend this book and series!
“He loved this crazy woman.
Loved her messy.
Loved her crazy.
Loved her best.”
Lucia continued to find ways to stay away from her family and not go home, she saw them and felt angry again, and the memories in New York reminded her of Renzo, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Nearly five years on and the pain of losing him was still there.
Renzo knew he’s time was nearly up with the League and the one thing on his mind was Lucia, he didn’t know if she’d moved on or done with him, but he knew she hadn’t left his mind. The problem the League gave him a job and it was in California, where Lucia was. The League let him break rules but never the one about contact with Lucia, it was one he knew he couldn’t break.
Things start to show for both Lucia and Renzo, Renzo realises that his mark may have more than a passing interest in Lucia, and he wonders how her father is involved in The League. One thing he knows that hasn’t changed is his feeling for Lucia or their chemistry and he knows he has to tell her the truth.
Lucia can’t believe was Renzo tells her, what he’s been through, she’s never stopped loving him or doubting him throughout her hurt.
As things start to make more sense to Renzo, he knows the danger is worse, he only goal is to keep Lucia safe, even if that means losing her.