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theeclecticreview's review
5.0
I am a big fan of Bella Di Corte’s Gangsters of New York series so when she asked me to review the Fausti Family series, I jumped at the chance. I look forward to finding out about the characters first introduced to me in the previous series.
Brando Piero Fausti’s story is different from the typical organized crime family saga. He was not born with opulence and power, he was born as an illegitimate son of Luca Fausti, the famous racecar driver. He lives on “the other side of the tracks” in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with an eccentric mother who was ostracized by her own family. He’s also in love with a girl he’d known his entire life but didn’t know him. When she lost her brother and his best friend that fateful night, their whole world changed.
Being a dancer was what she was made for and he’d sacrifice his life for the honor of hers. So he made an arrangement with her parents. “After her first performance as a principal dancer, I come back into her life. At that point, she’ll be established in that world.”
However, it didn’t go as Brando planned. Scarlett Rose Poésy fell in love with a handsome and dangerous man of honor to the point where she didn’t want to dance. She wanted to be with him. Always. But his word is as good as his blood.
What a wonderful story of sacrifices and honor written in Ms. Bella Di Corte’s poetic prose. Brando is a good man who only wants the best for the woman he loves. I love his quirk of eating suckers. It is an endearing trait for someone so intense. Scarlett is a lovely woman inside and out who is forced into making a choice for her own self-preservation. Let’s not forget the important supporting characters of Violet, Scarlett’s best friend and who is in a love triangle with two brothers. Also, I am intrigued by Brando’s quirky and unconventional mother, Maggie Beautiful. She brings a whole other element to Brando’s life as a Fausti.
I recommend this lovely story for those who believe in soulmates. Who believe in sacrifice. Who believe in honor. I look forward to reading more in this series since this one, unfortunately, ends in a cliffhanger.
Thank you to Ms. Di Corte for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Brando Piero Fausti’s story is different from the typical organized crime family saga. He was not born with opulence and power, he was born as an illegitimate son of Luca Fausti, the famous racecar driver. He lives on “the other side of the tracks” in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with an eccentric mother who was ostracized by her own family. He’s also in love with a girl he’d known his entire life but didn’t know him. When she lost her brother and his best friend that fateful night, their whole world changed.
Being a dancer was what she was made for and he’d sacrifice his life for the honor of hers. So he made an arrangement with her parents. “After her first performance as a principal dancer, I come back into her life. At that point, she’ll be established in that world.”
However, it didn’t go as Brando planned. Scarlett Rose Poésy fell in love with a handsome and dangerous man of honor to the point where she didn’t want to dance. She wanted to be with him. Always. But his word is as good as his blood.
What a wonderful story of sacrifices and honor written in Ms. Bella Di Corte’s poetic prose. Brando is a good man who only wants the best for the woman he loves. I love his quirk of eating suckers. It is an endearing trait for someone so intense. Scarlett is a lovely woman inside and out who is forced into making a choice for her own self-preservation. Let’s not forget the important supporting characters of Violet, Scarlett’s best friend and who is in a love triangle with two brothers. Also, I am intrigued by Brando’s quirky and unconventional mother, Maggie Beautiful. She brings a whole other element to Brando’s life as a Fausti.
I recommend this lovely story for those who believe in soulmates. Who believe in sacrifice. Who believe in honor. I look forward to reading more in this series since this one, unfortunately, ends in a cliffhanger.
Thank you to Ms. Di Corte for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
naardsx's review
4.0
I wish I was smart enough or articulate enough, to be able to review this story, but I'm pretty certain that even if I was, I still wouldn't have the words to best describe Brando and Scarlett's beginning. Therefore I'll keep my review short and simple.
Despite having read Bella Di Corte before, I have never read any romance like Man of Honor. What I would typically not enjoy in books I read, I found gave this story more depth. It's unique, poetic and all consuming and although it took me a while to get through, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Two huge factors as to why I enjoyed this book was— the main characters and the storytelling. Because of the storytelling I fell hard for Brando and Scarlett's love, and as heartwarming as their moments were, there was plenty of heartache in there too. Definitely going to read book 2.
I have little to no complaints about it, but I'll mention them to explain why it's not a 5 star rating for me.
• There is very little dialog, most of the book is recounting interactions and situations through the characters monolog; rather than giving us the dialog and/or playing the scenes and conversations out as they go.
• There was more than one occasion where I was confused as to who was speaking when and to whom. This could easily be a me problem but... yeah.
Despite having read Bella Di Corte before, I have never read any romance like Man of Honor. What I would typically not enjoy in books I read, I found gave this story more depth. It's unique, poetic and all consuming and although it took me a while to get through, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Two huge factors as to why I enjoyed this book was— the main characters and the storytelling. Because of the storytelling I fell hard for Brando and Scarlett's love, and as heartwarming as their moments were, there was plenty of heartache in there too. Definitely going to read book 2.
I have little to no complaints about it, but I'll mention them to explain why it's not a 5 star rating for me.
• There is very little dialog, most of the book is recounting interactions and situations through the characters monolog; rather than giving us the dialog and/or playing the scenes and conversations out as they go.
• There was more than one occasion where I was confused as to who was speaking when and to whom. This could easily be a me problem but... yeah.
gypsygirlfl's review
5.0
A Sad Beginning
This is the beginning of a live story that I can tell will rip my heart out a few times before it’s over.
I felt so incredibly sorry for both Brando and Scarlette. I won’t give away any spoilers but this book lays out a lot of important information.
This is the beginning of a live story that I can tell will rip my heart out a few times before it’s over.
I felt so incredibly sorry for both Brando and Scarlette. I won’t give away any spoilers but this book lays out a lot of important information.
witchy_book_babe's review
3.0
As a fan of Bella Di Corte, I must say this one was a miss. I genuinely felt quite lost with how this story unfolded. I felt that I was constantly missing pieces of the story, which was a little frustrating because I really, really wanted to love this book. I also was quite sad after waiting so long in the book for the spice scene to finally take place; to only be robbed of the experience and was not thrilled over missing out on the details. I also do not like love triangles, which took place in this book (not between the MC’s).
I am absolutely going to finish the series. I understand that not every installment in a series is going to a fantastic read. So, although this one has a rocky and confusing start. I have faith in Bella’s writing and am eager to see how she transforms this story over the next several books.
I am absolutely going to finish the series. I understand that not every installment in a series is going to a fantastic read. So, although this one has a rocky and confusing start. I have faith in Bella’s writing and am eager to see how she transforms this story over the next several books.
jasellis's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
pattyfgd's review
5.0
Man of Honor
The Fausti Family, Book 1
By: Bella Di Corte
Narrated by: Verla Bond, Antonio Amato
What a start to this 8 book series! I am hooked already! Mafia, best friend's sister, destiny, romance, Bella DiCorte gives it all to us in this first book. Brando Fausti is Elliott's best friend. He always knew his sister Scarlett, but never paid much attention to her. Until a night when she had left her ballet rehearsal. That snowy night would change both their lives forever. But it never veered Brando's attention away from the prima ballerina. This story is packed with a push pull between Brando and Scarlett as well as us getting to know a little background of both families. It's chock full of tragedy, angst, slow burn romance and a few twists and turns we just don't see coming. Ending with our couple apart, but with Brando always watching, we are set up for our next installment. I cannot wait to hear what will happen next with these two!
Verla Bond and Antonio Amato are our storytellers, and these two are perfectly cast for these characters. Bond gives us Scarlett, the naïve teen and lets us grow several years with her. We can hear her changes as she matures, bringing out her frustrations and emotions. Brando has a lot to him, and Amato pulls out not only the stoic, strong man, but the mushy emotional man too. He keeps Brando at arm's length with his voice, and I can't wait to hear Scarlett melt his heart. These two complement each other and made the listen very enjoyable.
The Fausti Family, Book 1
By: Bella Di Corte
Narrated by: Verla Bond, Antonio Amato
What a start to this 8 book series! I am hooked already! Mafia, best friend's sister, destiny, romance, Bella DiCorte gives it all to us in this first book. Brando Fausti is Elliott's best friend. He always knew his sister Scarlett, but never paid much attention to her. Until a night when she had left her ballet rehearsal. That snowy night would change both their lives forever. But it never veered Brando's attention away from the prima ballerina. This story is packed with a push pull between Brando and Scarlett as well as us getting to know a little background of both families. It's chock full of tragedy, angst, slow burn romance and a few twists and turns we just don't see coming. Ending with our couple apart, but with Brando always watching, we are set up for our next installment. I cannot wait to hear what will happen next with these two!
Verla Bond and Antonio Amato are our storytellers, and these two are perfectly cast for these characters. Bond gives us Scarlett, the naïve teen and lets us grow several years with her. We can hear her changes as she matures, bringing out her frustrations and emotions. Brando has a lot to him, and Amato pulls out not only the stoic, strong man, but the mushy emotional man too. He keeps Brando at arm's length with his voice, and I can't wait to hear Scarlett melt his heart. These two complement each other and made the listen very enjoyable.
jwolfe426's review
5.0
Scarlett knew her brother was in trouble and begged him not to leave her. Brando knew his heart was tied to Scarlett’s the moment he saw her that same night in the snow. Although Brando kept his distance until Scarlett was old enough, their lives were forever linked and their hearts forever bound. Scarlett struggles with balancing the career she is destined to have and finding some sort of teenage normalcy. Brando struggles with keeping his word and simply giving Scarlett the life she wants with him.
I highly recommend this book. I lost sleep reading this. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. However, be prepared to get sucked into not only this book, but the entire Fausti Family saga.
I highly recommend this book. I lost sleep reading this. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. However, be prepared to get sucked into not only this book, but the entire Fausti Family saga.
loverofromance's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Man of Honor was a story that completely blew me out of the water and I honestly doubt I will be able to articulate myself properly on how much I loved this book here or how much it deeply touched me. This is a book I have been trying to pick up all year and quite frankly I am glad I waited for the right time so that I could be in the proper headspace for this one. This author writes with a certain writing style that is vastly different from most authors and can take some getting used to. I really admired the way that she was able to layer this story. Man of Honor is just the beginning of this epic romance between Brando and Scarlett. Its a story that is slowly build over the years and I love seeing a couple grow over years that span the series. And Man of Honor was brilliantly mastered and one of the best written beginnings of a mafia romance I have ever read.
First Line
The ballerina twirled on one foot like a girl inside of a beautiful msuic box.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brando Fausti
-Stoic and Intense
-Alpha Male
-Protective yet Possessive
The Heroine: Scarlett
-Ballerina Dancer
-Kind
-Psychic Talents
Summary
When Brando sees Scarlett dancing when she is just fifteen, he is entranced. They meet on a snow filled night when Scarlett tried to protect her brother when a secret psycic ability rushed out to protect him. But she runs into one of her brother's best friends, Brando who is just a little older than she is. In that moment, they both fell hard for each other. But Brando knew it was not the time for them. Now its been 3 years, and Scarlett is still recovering from the death of her brother, and is now 18 years old. Brando is determined to have his chance with Scarlett even knowing she has the world at her feet with her dancing talent. As Scarlett and Brando explore what a relationship could mean for them both, there are also sacrifices that they will need to make if they want to have a future together...
What I Loved
Man of Honor was a story that touched me so deeply. Its a story that blew me away and kept me up all night thinking about. Its been 24 hours since I read it and I am still humbled by this story and that talent of this author. I can't even express what this author has done for me or what this story delivered for me. From the very beginning, you see their intense bond that is created immediately. The talent of this author to absolutely pull you into this story with her lyrical talent of showcasing this beautiful love story was brilliant and magnetic. Bella Di Corte has a writing style that is unlike any other author you have read. And if you like audiobooks, the narration sounds very good as well. But this is not a series or a book to rush into, this is a book that you want to take your time with. This won't be a quick read, but its a story that will be worth the journey, every single step of the way.
This story of Brando and Scarlett was so touching and poignant. One of my favorite aspects of this story was the atmosphere of the setting that is written. Its obvious that this author does her research, because with each setting, its so vividly portrayed, that you can literally feel that setting shine upon your face. Its so well written in that regard. Now the romance is very slow. Its a slow burn but a slow burn that you need to take your tiime with at a steady pace so that you can gain the full impact of. The relationship that they build together is so intimate. And the bedroom scenes were my favorite. I know some readers have struggled with the spice in this book. This book doesn't have spice per say. But its fade to black and honestly the BEST fade to black that I ever have had the opportunity to read. Its so sensual and the dialogue between these two keeps you captivated within these intimate moments between them.
The story between these two is rough in the third act at times, and might put some readers off but I think its important to keep in mind that there is a reason that they are going through what they are going through. That this is them building their foundation but that they will be tested and their connected will be pushed in ways that will challenge their inner strength and wills.
What I Struggled With
I will be honest, I didn't really struggle with anything. But the ending was a bit sad and does end with a cliffhanger. And some of the actions here in the third act did put me off a bit to keep it from a full five star.
Overall View
Man of Honor is a story of poetic like love, writing that will deliver deep heart, sensual intimacy and a couple that will make you believe in the power of love....
Favorite Quote(s)
“My heart has been yours, consciously, since that night out in the snow. Given or not.” I spread my hands. “Yours. Tonight, I give you all of me.”
Brando was older than me in so many ways. But in the eyes of the world, we were both still young. Still, our love seemed older than the two of us together and it demanded that we learn. There was no true escape for either of us.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Dancer/Ballerina, Protective Alpha Male
Themes: Slow Burn, Fade To Black, Heart/Feels/Touching, Tear Jerker, Lyrical Writing
Tropes: Instant Love Connection, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Endless Love
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, please read these in order.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Man of Honor was a story that completely blew me out of the water and I honestly doubt I will be able to articulate myself properly on how much I loved this book here or how much it deeply touched me. This is a book I have been trying to pick up all year and quite frankly I am glad I waited for the right time so that I could be in the proper headspace for this one. This author writes with a certain writing style that is vastly different from most authors and can take some getting used to. I really admired the way that she was able to layer this story. Man of Honor is just the beginning of this epic romance between Brando and Scarlett. Its a story that is slowly build over the years and I love seeing a couple grow over years that span the series. And Man of Honor was brilliantly mastered and one of the best written beginnings of a mafia romance I have ever read.
First Line
The ballerina twirled on one foot like a girl inside of a beautiful msuic box.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brando Fausti
-Stoic and Intense
-Alpha Male
-Protective yet Possessive
The Heroine: Scarlett
-Ballerina Dancer
-Kind
-Psychic Talents
Summary
When Brando sees Scarlett dancing when she is just fifteen, he is entranced. They meet on a snow filled night when Scarlett tried to protect her brother when a secret psycic ability rushed out to protect him. But she runs into one of her brother's best friends, Brando who is just a little older than she is. In that moment, they both fell hard for each other. But Brando knew it was not the time for them. Now its been 3 years, and Scarlett is still recovering from the death of her brother, and is now 18 years old. Brando is determined to have his chance with Scarlett even knowing she has the world at her feet with her dancing talent. As Scarlett and Brando explore what a relationship could mean for them both, there are also sacrifices that they will need to make if they want to have a future together...
What I Loved
Man of Honor was a story that touched me so deeply. Its a story that blew me away and kept me up all night thinking about. Its been 24 hours since I read it and I am still humbled by this story and that talent of this author. I can't even express what this author has done for me or what this story delivered for me. From the very beginning, you see their intense bond that is created immediately. The talent of this author to absolutely pull you into this story with her lyrical talent of showcasing this beautiful love story was brilliant and magnetic. Bella Di Corte has a writing style that is unlike any other author you have read. And if you like audiobooks, the narration sounds very good as well. But this is not a series or a book to rush into, this is a book that you want to take your time with. This won't be a quick read, but its a story that will be worth the journey, every single step of the way.
This story of Brando and Scarlett was so touching and poignant. One of my favorite aspects of this story was the atmosphere of the setting that is written. Its obvious that this author does her research, because with each setting, its so vividly portrayed, that you can literally feel that setting shine upon your face. Its so well written in that regard. Now the romance is very slow. Its a slow burn but a slow burn that you need to take your tiime with at a steady pace so that you can gain the full impact of. The relationship that they build together is so intimate. And the bedroom scenes were my favorite. I know some readers have struggled with the spice in this book. This book doesn't have spice per say. But its fade to black and honestly the BEST fade to black that I ever have had the opportunity to read. Its so sensual and the dialogue between these two keeps you captivated within these intimate moments between them.
The story between these two is rough in the third act at times, and might put some readers off but I think its important to keep in mind that there is a reason that they are going through what they are going through. That this is them building their foundation but that they will be tested and their connected will be pushed in ways that will challenge their inner strength and wills.
What I Struggled With
I will be honest, I didn't really struggle with anything. But the ending was a bit sad and does end with a cliffhanger. And some of the actions here in the third act did put me off a bit to keep it from a full five star.
Overall View
Man of Honor is a story of poetic like love, writing that will deliver deep heart, sensual intimacy and a couple that will make you believe in the power of love....
Favorite Quote(s)
“My heart has been yours, consciously, since that night out in the snow. Given or not.” I spread my hands. “Yours. Tonight, I give you all of me.”
Brando was older than me in so many ways. But in the eyes of the world, we were both still young. Still, our love seemed older than the two of us together and it demanded that we learn. There was no true escape for either of us.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Dancer/Ballerina, Protective Alpha Male
Themes: Slow Burn, Fade To Black, Heart/Feels/Touching, Tear Jerker, Lyrical Writing
Tropes: Instant Love Connection, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Endless Love
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, please read these in order.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
anywho2's review
2.0
Maybe its me, but I found the book to be very choppy which made it difficult to read.
genesius's review
4.0
It started out slow but when I got to know the characters better oh boy it was delightful