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kcbuckman's review
5.0
I really feel like I’m starting to become a Giana Darling wh*re at this point. I haven’t read anything by her that I haven’t fell in love with. OBSESSED.
This was part 2 of the Anti-Heroes in Love Duet. I still feel like my view is different because I didn’t read The Evolution of Sin Trilogy. I didn’t have any previous feelings about Elena or whether I thought she should get a HEA or sent off and never heard about her character again. I think that made me a bit more open to her and her story here. I love her & Dante! A lot of ups & downs to get their HEA, but it was beyond worth it in my opinion.
This was part 2 of the Anti-Heroes in Love Duet. I still feel like my view is different because I didn’t read The Evolution of Sin Trilogy. I didn’t have any previous feelings about Elena or whether I thought she should get a HEA or sent off and never heard about her character again. I think that made me a bit more open to her and her story here. I love her & Dante! A lot of ups & downs to get their HEA, but it was beyond worth it in my opinion.
jaylaisreading's review
5.0
Firstly, I should preface this by saying that this duet was truly an experience & it’s the most fun I’ve had reading in a while!
maegancassia's review
3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/ 5
Here’s the thing, loved the first book, it was so good and I loved it. The second book just made me mad. Maybe it’s the control freak, independent person in me but it made me so mad. So she finds out she was second choice to here sister AGAIN and still went back to him. It was the fact that she told him all about Christopher and Daniel and how they both chose her sister as their first choice and how that made her believe for years that she wasn’t worth it and he didn’t tell her about how he was in love with her sister. Nice alright. Then he then after that makes the decision for her that she is going to be Donna while he turns himself in. Ok, so she left her life as a lawyer, a job she worked extremely hard for. Is a felon by association and took you back after she felt betrayed by you. Now you are making decisions for her. Maybe you liked the book and I liked it as well there were just aspects that made me a tad bit heated. Mind you I am a very independent person and hate being told what to do. I hate not being in control of a situation or not having a say in something that involves me. So this is what ticked me off. It’s so bad I won’t let anyone help me unload the dishwasher, I have to do it myself. So these two things made me frustrated.
Other than that, the book was pretty good. It definitely felt more realistic than other mafia books. I think that the epilogue was perfect for Elena and Dante. After everything they went through it felt right. I like how Elena embraced her new life and grew into a different, more Confident person.
Here’s the thing, loved the first book, it was so good and I loved it. The second book just made me mad. Maybe it’s the control freak, independent person in me but it made me so mad. So she finds out she was second choice to here sister AGAIN and still went back to him. It was the fact that she told him all about Christopher and Daniel and how they both chose her sister as their first choice and how that made her believe for years that she wasn’t worth it and he didn’t tell her about how he was in love with her sister. Nice alright. Then he then after that makes the decision for her that she is going to be Donna while he turns himself in. Ok, so she left her life as a lawyer, a job she worked extremely hard for. Is a felon by association and took you back after she felt betrayed by you. Now you are making decisions for her. Maybe you liked the book and I liked it as well there were just aspects that made me a tad bit heated. Mind you I am a very independent person and hate being told what to do. I hate not being in control of a situation or not having a say in something that involves me. So this is what ticked me off. It’s so bad I won’t let anyone help me unload the dishwasher, I have to do it myself. So these two things made me frustrated.
Other than that, the book was pretty good. It definitely felt more realistic than other mafia books. I think that the epilogue was perfect for Elena and Dante. After everything they went through it felt right. I like how Elena embraced her new life and grew into a different, more Confident person.
beth_farrar's review
3.0
Ugggggghhhhhh so let down by the second instalment in this duet.
Loved the relationship between Dante and Elena. But this book was a victim of horrific pacing. It needed to be two different books because there was no amount of finagling that could wrap this series up in 400(?) pages.
Everything felt rushed and nothing delved into deeply (like it was so wonderfully done in the first book), which made the ending feel kind of cheap and not worth it.
Still enjoyed the first 50% though!
Loved the relationship between Dante and Elena. But this book was a victim of horrific pacing. It needed to be two different books because there was no amount of finagling that could wrap this series up in 400(?) pages.
Everything felt rushed and nothing delved into deeply (like it was so wonderfully done in the first book), which made the ending feel kind of cheap and not worth it.
Still enjoyed the first 50% though!
amandawright's review
5.0
This was the perfect conclusion to Dante and Elena's beautiful love story! I know Elena isn't everyone's favorite, but I love her so much. She is such a strong woman who has been through so much in her life and has sacrificed so much of herself for others that it was wonderful seeing her finally become true to herself and make decisions that were right for her.
I think that's a very empowering message that a lot of women need to hear. From the surface it can be perceived that she gave up everything for a man, but I actually see it a little differently. She actually freed herself of societal expectations and social pressure that she put on herself to be the perfect, well-spoken, put together lawyer. She no longer needs to hide behind that mask she created and can finally embrace her vulnerability to live and love in the way she has always wanted.
I especially loved seeing the relationship between Dante and Elena develop, so that she is able to trust him fully because he supports her completely. They are a beautiful couple and it was bittersweet reading the conclusion to their story. If you haven't already, go and read this duet right now!
I think that's a very empowering message that a lot of women need to hear. From the surface it can be perceived that she gave up everything for a man, but I actually see it a little differently. She actually freed herself of societal expectations and social pressure that she put on herself to be the perfect, well-spoken, put together lawyer. She no longer needs to hide behind that mask she created and can finally embrace her vulnerability to live and love in the way she has always wanted.
I especially loved seeing the relationship between Dante and Elena develop, so that she is able to trust him fully because he supports her completely. They are a beautiful couple and it was bittersweet reading the conclusion to their story. If you haven't already, go and read this duet right now!
bartlettkj's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
chimreaders's review against another edition
dnf @ 18%
i might come back to this…but not any time soon. the first book in this duet was good and i liked the plot and how it was rolling out. for this book, idk i just don’t like that they’re in italy living their life like i rather it be something different. idk
i might come back to this…but not any time soon. the first book in this duet was good and i liked the plot and how it was rolling out. for this book, idk i just don’t like that they’re in italy living their life like i rather it be something different. idk
megreads99's review against another edition
5.0
When Villains Rise: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Giana Darling (Anti-Heroes In Love Duet #2)
“Sono con te, anche quando non lo sono.”
A tantalizing, gripping romance dipped in lust, suspense, and passion, made even more beautiful via phenomenal writing penned by an author who somehow, against all odds, outdoes herself over and over again.
Elena Lombardi skyrocketed herself into my exclusive list of favorite heroines in When Heroes Fall. Her strength, her tenacity, and the sheer depth of her character is developed so beautifully. An ice queen with the warmest, biggest heart—one who was willing to shatter her carefully constructed universe for the man she loves. The way she opens up in this book is absolutely beautiful. She’s unapologetic in the way she loves Dante, and she would do anything for him. Absolutely anything.
Dante Salvatore is such a uniquely crafted character, one who rules with an iron grip but loves with the softest caress. He’s patient, understanding, and incredibly perceptive. While most may see a terrifying capo, he’s unbelievably intelligent and his devotion to Elena is mind blowing.
When the thread of their story unravels, it reveals a plot that is intricately developed and beautifully written. Giana’s talent is on its brightest display in this piece, putting two villains in love against the world with themselves and the ones they love the most by their side. The relationships in this book are absolutely beautiful, not just between the two main characters but with everyone else as well. The found family that Elena finds in Dante and his crew is no doubt one of the best parts of this book.
With this book, Giana cemented her place as one of the best authors I’ve ever read in my entire life. Her effortless talent that bursts at the seams, the musical notes she produces with a pen, and the absolutely addicting characters she creates make this book so very hard to put down.
To an eternal love between a capo and his lottatore.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.
#Elena Lombardi #DanteSalvatore #WhenHeroesFall #WhenVillainsRise #AntiHeroesInLove #GianaDarling
Giana Darling (Anti-Heroes In Love Duet #2)
“Sono con te, anche quando non lo sono.”
A tantalizing, gripping romance dipped in lust, suspense, and passion, made even more beautiful via phenomenal writing penned by an author who somehow, against all odds, outdoes herself over and over again.
Elena Lombardi skyrocketed herself into my exclusive list of favorite heroines in When Heroes Fall. Her strength, her tenacity, and the sheer depth of her character is developed so beautifully. An ice queen with the warmest, biggest heart—one who was willing to shatter her carefully constructed universe for the man she loves. The way she opens up in this book is absolutely beautiful. She’s unapologetic in the way she loves Dante, and she would do anything for him. Absolutely anything.
Dante Salvatore is such a uniquely crafted character, one who rules with an iron grip but loves with the softest caress. He’s patient, understanding, and incredibly perceptive. While most may see a terrifying capo, he’s unbelievably intelligent and his devotion to Elena is mind blowing.
When the thread of their story unravels, it reveals a plot that is intricately developed and beautifully written. Giana’s talent is on its brightest display in this piece, putting two villains in love against the world with themselves and the ones they love the most by their side. The relationships in this book are absolutely beautiful, not just between the two main characters but with everyone else as well. The found family that Elena finds in Dante and his crew is no doubt one of the best parts of this book.
With this book, Giana cemented her place as one of the best authors I’ve ever read in my entire life. Her effortless talent that bursts at the seams, the musical notes she produces with a pen, and the absolutely addicting characters she creates make this book so very hard to put down.
To an eternal love between a capo and his lottatore.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.
#Elena Lombardi #DanteSalvatore #WhenHeroesFall #WhenVillainsRise #AntiHeroesInLove #GianaDarling