A review by deena_
Luca Vitiello by Cora Reilly

2.0

I can't believe I'm having a last minute change of mind. Luca's perspective had way more potential than Aria's. This easily could have been the main book, and I'd be content not having to read it from Aria's point of view. Her character was as frustrating as ever; her immaturity was so evident that it was painful to read. She couldn't take hold of a thing properly without cowering or stumbling headfirst into confusion, for which mostly her parents are to blame, who threw their daughter in the lion's den like a scapegoat to have their way with things they wanted. Though this side of the story doesn't click into place any better, it's the more bearable version. For a change, it was nice to see Luca equally conflicted with his feelings despite having them well handled. He struggled to hold his unbothered facade in place when his wife was concerned. It was entertaining to learn what he thought of Aria and her family. The storyline remained the same except for some additional scenes and moments from Luca's past that molded him into the heartless leader the underworld fears him to be. Still, it didn't feel like a boring repeat. I liked those little glimpses of his childhood, it just shows he's not beyond caring for someone other than himself. It's surprising how a change of view can piece together something entirely fresh.