From USA Today bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes a steamy, slow-burn love story full of second-chance romance.“If ever I am gifted the opportunity to betray you, I’ll take it. If life hands me the chance to destroy you, I will. Today. Tomorrow. Ten years from now. I will always seek revenge. And you will never stop looking over your shoulder.”Ten years ago, I crushed Damiano De Luca’s … shoulder.”
Ten years ago, I crushed Damiano De Luca’s heart,
vowing false promises I never delivered.
The revenge? Didn’t happen.
The destruction? As if I could.
Betrayal? Not. A. Chance.
We were 18 when I left, taking my secrets with me.
Now at 28, there’s no trace of the jaded mafia prince with the protective streak.
He’s crueler. Colder. More calculated than ever.
And he’s glaring at me from a funeral pew,
looking at me and my wedding ring like we should be the ones buried six feet under.
The war is back on, but I’m not that teenaged girl anymore.
This time, there will be blood.
And it won’t be mine.
Damiano De Luca is a full-length standalone novel in The Five Syndicates mafia romance series.
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ONE MOTHER-LOVING EXPERIENCE!!!
OMG! Holy jalapeno’s! I’m not sure I have the words to describe the feelings running rampant and the intense reactions for this rocking block buster. Not to worry, I’ll find some. Buckle up baby, you’re in for the long haul. You won’t be separating from this bad boy till the last word. You get all the drama, intrigue, mystery and suspense rolled into one slow burn explosive experience. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions forward in this thrilling storyline and gripping plot. Wrangling the trials and tribulations along with some electrifying twists keep you on a razors edge navigating the sharp corners and sleek lines. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions into play front and center. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that really pull this baby together smoothly. Phenomenal job Parker, thanks for sharing it.
This was a good read. There were some parts that dragged here and there but all in all a good read.
I have been itching to get my hands on this book and I expected so much more. I had a hard time connecting with Renata. She tried to exude power and it fell flat for me. I loved Damiano and I connected with him and loved how he overcame his situation. I didn’t like how it seemed he was always chasing after Ren it got old really quick. I knew who The Benefactor was so I was underwhelmed with that revelation. I did enjoy the quotes throughout the book. I will try another book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Damiano and Renata have a complicated past. For ten years they have tried to move on from the relationship they had when they were eighteen, but their hearts refuse to give up. Nothing is easy for them though and something always seems to get in the way of their hea. This book has a lot going on in it but at the end of the day its a book about two soulmates whi need to get out of their own way in order to be together. It took me a little while to get into it but it was a good book with good characters. Some twists and turns along the way keep you guessing and a love story about one of a kind love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb caught my attention but the story and the writing kept me attached to the end. This had suspense, love, betrayal, angst, and every other emotion possible. You can feel everything! Renata and Damian have this undeniable chemistry and it comes through in every word. You will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this authors words, writing style and this second chance romance between two people that had an obvious connection the moment they met as teenagers.
Filled with secrets, lies and deception by the bucket load… It kept me turning the pages to find out everything! However, considering this is mafia, I did feel that Damiano was ‘too nice’ for this life. I totally get why but I think his character lacked the dominant alpha streak I would expect for this genre. So I felt a little let down here. Renata was a tough cookie, but would she front her mafia family? I’m not so sure. I loved Damiano and he was swoon worthy and given his past history with his father I did develop a soft spot for him. I just felt his character was out of context for this genre.
What I did find frustrating the most was that we were heavily encouraged to read Renata first. The author did say it wasn’t necessary but advised, so I did. I always worry I may miss something if I don’t. However, a lot of the chapters in that novella were also in the main book, so I skipped them once I realised it was word for word and nothing new. Had I realised that, I wouldn’t have read Renata and that’s one of the reasons why I’m downgrading a star. The other is that as a contemporary romance, this book ticks the boxes. As an angst filled, hold you captive, can’t eat or sleep type book which was what I was expecting given the blurb etc it missed its mark.
On the whole an enjoyable read for a second chance romance book. As for dark mafia brooding men… it wasn’t.
Man…*cracks knuckles & neck* I Haven’t written a Review like this in Ages..
Let’s get started..
I will start with how much hype this book got, I Saw it Everywhere. When I saw this Book was Live I wanted to 1-Click this book So bad, but something told me to just wait, a few days later I saw an ARC was Available and I Jumped on it immediately, thinking I was so lucky(!).
I Find it Ironic the Repetitive word & Clearly ‘Meaningful’ word is Deception.
I would like to say that the Synopsis is Extremely Misleadingly, and I’m disgusted. So Therefore I feel like I was Deceived.
This is ones of those books that you judge based on the Cover & Synopsis, the cover looked scrumptious yet what was inside was so far…dry and bland
I kinda got the impression..like this Book was supposed to feel…strong & dramatic…it just felt cheesy.
Overall feeling of the Book: SnoozeFest, and it was like a slow tennis matching that just felt like it took hours. Drawn out & Annoyingly Simple. Felt like I was reading Teen Fiction.
Well because of this book I will be adding a new category in my rating list or maybe just for this book, we’ll see.
Book Concept Rating: 1.5/5, When your closing the book you shouldn’t be left feeling like…wow…the big deal was over something so..ridiculously petty?!
I went into this book thinking this was going to be Amazing, due to the reviews and synopsis, but it didn’t at all live up to my expectations.
HEA(?): Yup…………..Congraaaats…
Dark(?): Absolutely Not & What as Shame.
Heat: 2/5
Romance: Pish Posh. I’m Just Gonna Roll My Eyes & Skip This If You Don’t Mind.
Drama: -No Rating- Oh There’s Drama but I’m not gonna rate it, just another eye roll.
Suspense: Sure…3/5, some I didn’t see coming… due to the fact that I thought it was gonna be Deeper not so Simplistic.
I was actually liking the feel of the Role Reversal between them, but even that seems to lackluster. I just never felt a spark between them, clearly it’s written there but..you as the reader should FEEL a/the connection between them, and for me it just was lifeless.
Ren’s BETRAYAL & Secret?! – Oh Come on it’s Pathetic.
That Wedding Ring…Unbelievable.
Domiano’s Crueler?! – What a load of Crock.
When I Read a Book the Character I (Personally) Need to Like more is the Female Character, that’s the one I need to ‘Click’ with, Honestly I just couldn’t like her at any point and I seriously tried, she is such a weak character.
Damiano was a pretty decent character, but even he felt like a side character. Like he wasn’t that important enough and I feel bad for the poor guy that he’s gotta be saddled with Ren.
I weirdly felt like Maman was a Bigger character that overshadowed the two Main Characters, and the whole Chess & Checkmate etc. terminology was just not as meaningful to me when it was so obvious throughout the book.
That ‘Checkmate’ Moment should’ve been impactful,and should’ve left you ‘wowed’ cause you DIDN’T see it coming, but I saw it coming from a mile away.
All the Quotes before a chapter and mentioned through the book, just didn’t feel Impactful either, they just felt like wasted spaced.
I Guess they both were supposed to be strong powerful characters, but I just found them pitifully weak.
The Heat is Short, Minorly Descriptive, and Fast.
Therefore bland to me.
Also is had ‘Hours Later/Next Day’ feel to it also.
I Received this ARC from BookSprout.
I Give This Book a 2/5 Star Rating.
Would I recommend: -Leaving Blank-
Would Read More from this Author? Flat No.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parker S. Huntington is absolutely amazing. This book – this series (Renata Vitali is book one) – quickly became one of my most books read this year. Her characters are so well thought out and relatable; its so easy to find a connection with them. These mafia stories are so different from others that I’ve read; I was glued to my kindle and phone until I ate up every single word.
Damiano De Luca continues Ren and Damian’s story from the prequel (also available and amazing but you dont necessarily need to read it before reading this one..you just should – you wont be disappointed!) I absolutely loved every single word. Renata is such a strong, beautiful heroine. She’s got one heck of a backbone. I love her sass and how smart she is. And Damiano.. WHEW. Boy does he set your kindle on fire. He’s cunning, intelligent and smoldering sexiness all rolled into one. Alpha possessiveness is one of my favorite traits in a hero, and Damian definitely had that in spades. I loved Ren and Damian’s connection. It was a bond that was so strong – it couldnt be broken despite the years spent apart. These are the types of things I SWOON over when reading a great book. When your tummy takes that nose dive? You know you’ve got gold.
I highly recommend this book..this series is a definite must have in your library.
This story picks up ten years later with Renata and Damiano still at odds more than ever. Damiano is now the head of the mafia. Renata still hasn’t gotten her revenge but Damiano will still have her. This was a second chance romance for the couple. Will things work out after all the pain both have been through? A good read.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
This is an action-packed story that also has so much emotion, lots of twists and turns, secrets to be revealed and love to be reclaimed. Renata and Damian need each other as much as they need air, but they are from mafia families and there are rules and alliances and other family members to consider. This is a brilliantly written story and a must read for mafia romance genre fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a real page turner with the storyline that was so well written, a plot that flowed smoothly from page to page and characters that were written with such great detail and depth which made this book well worth the read! I was so engrossed in this story as it continued to unfold between Ren and Damiano that it was difficult to put down to go to bed!
Damiano De Luca
Where have you been Parker S. Huntington? Or better get where have I been? I cannot believe that this is the first book by Parker S. Huntington that I’ve read. Damiano De Luca was soooo good.
Damiano and Renata have history and reunite after years of silence between the two. This second chance mafia romance was so damn sexy that they could have lit the pages on fire with the heat between them.
This book will have you in all the feels. So much comes to light from their past to the present. It is thrilling, exciting and will definitely have you on the edge of your seat wanting more! Take the leap and start this book today! It will be worth your time!
Things aren’t what they seemed in Damiano and Renata’s second chance story or the Five Syndicates… Unification is nearer than we ever thought…
If you didn’t get the gist of the Five Syndicate from the other book in this series, well reading “Damiano De Luca: A Second Chance Mafia Romance” made everything crystal clear in Damiano and Renata’s engaging second chance tale!
Told ten years later (with vivid flashbacks)
after Renata Vitali aka Knight aka Princess left Devil’s Ridge, Texas and Damiano De Luca, this engrossing story picks up with school teacher, Renata attending the funeral of Vincent Romano in the place of her mother, Margot Vitali! With Damiano De Luca, now boss of the De Luca family as his dethroned father is in a senior home set up by The Benefactor and of course his once hidden son, Damiano!
Throughout this suspenseful story, miscommunications discovered, alliances concealed, while secrets revealed causing past pains to bring Renata and Damiano back together proving that their love was never lost even though one was used as a pawn for ten long years! I was amazing to see how Ariana (former FBI agent) and Damiano came together as brother and sisters!
FYI… After reading this epic story, I really need to learn how to play chess!
5 +++ masterful, mind-blowing stars!
“He did for me what drugs and alcohol did for others. Problem was, he was more dangerous than substances. If he wanted to, he could ruin me.”
This is only my second read by Huntington and I just can’t get enough. I’m an addict. I absolutely love the writing style and quotes before each chapter.
“…I don’t want you to catch me. I want you to fall with me.”
I couldn’t wait to dive into this book and it was everything and more than I hoped for. I knew there was a main secret, but I had the secret pegged all wrong. There is deceit, loyalty, regret, loss, love, revenge, secrets, twists, steaminess and so much more throughout this book. I love how it all comes together in the end…nothing like I had expected.
“It’s one thing to be a princess sitting on a throne of glass, but it’s a great deal more to be a princess that shatters glass ceilings while everyone looks the other way. People may overlook you, and maybe you’ve always wanted it that way, but I never did. I always saw you.”
Wow! Another winner from Parker S Huntington. Please be sure to read Renata Vitale first. It’s the prequel and you won’t want to miss starting this at the very beginning. Plan to settle in until you finish this book. You won’t want to put it down. Great characters that are really good together even if they aren’t supposed to be. Nail biting tension, great character interactions and a fast paced story will keep you flipping the pages as you follow Renata and Damiano story. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).
4/5 STARS
Second chance in mafia’s world?
Checked!
So many lies, betrayals, and sacrifices…
Renata and Damiano’s love story is truly beautiful, and I loved their stubbornness, and how a badass mafioso fell in love with a fierce mafia’s princess.
And no matter how many years have passed, they just couldn’t move on and forget their young love.
Adding the mafia complots and gangs to the mix, and you’ll get a great plot with unexpected twists and of course several moments with the main characters/couples of the previews books in the Series.
My favorite part? The epilogue!!!
***ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
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This book was awesome with plenty of LOL moments! It is not as action-packed as the other standalone mafia romances I have read in this series, but it was still well written with plenty going on to keep the reader satisfied. There were a few minor details I remained curious about, like what happened to Damien’s best friend and Ren’s dad, but it was easily overlooked with no problem.
I will say that, although I enjoyed the story from start to finish, my favorite part has to be the epilogue in Damien’s POV. I could not stop cracking up! Whenever I need a good laugh I will mostly likely go back and read his epilogue!
Great read!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book grabs you and don’t let go. Damiano and Ren was a love that was meant to happen. He was his father’s best kept secret and his to abuse. She was his breath of fresh air and then she left him. She is back and he must fight for everything he wants with her. This story is filled with angst, drama and a love that expands time.
Wow! Where to start?? I actually finished this two days ago and really had to process my feelings. Parker has this way with words that, while she’s building the characters and the world they live in, she SUCKS YOU IN!! You feel everything she is writing on the pages. This goes for every single one of her books, but especially for Damiano’s story. His story with Renata is emotionally laden, heartbreaking and beautiful! Parker is in with the best of the best on Mafia Romance writing. Highly recommend! 5 out of 5 stars.
Brilliantly written, plenty of steamy romance, intrigue, and a bit of action. Parker knows how to grab the readers attention and hold it from beginning to end. This is one of those stories that you won’t want to put down once you start reading, and you won’t want the story to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.