Reviews

The Beautiful Years I by Annie Rose Welch

rihoward's review

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4.0

4.2 stars

There is something compelling anout the way that this author crafts a sentence. It tugs at my heartstrings and makes me feel. I'm backtracking after having read books by this author under her pen name where these characters make an appearance. This series feels different from those two books. I am going that as this series goes in that it catches the fire that those books did. Especially, since this is the foundation book. It felt more young adult than anything. That being said the connection between Brando and Scarlet is what every person, when they are little, dreams about. It's that dual&flame kidney connection. I hope it continues at a more adult pace.

djacknurse's review

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3.0

This could have been an epic book....but it's not! I actually have no desire to continue the series. The book is stretched out into infinity with all the description coupled with characters thoughts. I enjoyed the love story part between Brando and Scarlett. There is all this mystery/questions about what happened to Elliott, who Brando really is and what he does for a living. He has all these guys watching out for Scarlett all the time. There were some editing mistakes but nothing so bad as to ruin the story. It is definitely more YA genre. I loved Maggie Beautiful the best as a supporting character. I actually very much disliked Violet, the best friend. I hated the way she talked to Scarlett and that she played the 2 brothers! You don't actually know what's going on with any of the characters. You get bits and pieces designed to make you salivate for the next book. I ended up skimming so much, I was glad it was offered through KU.

neelz's review

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5.0

My verdict: 4.5

This book was stunning.

I am pretty excited for this series. Brando and Scarlett have something that feels real to a reader, their story isn’t rushed.

I adore a book with a dark possessive hero and Brando definitely ticks the boxes. Personally I hate a wimpy heroine, you know the ones who mellow in their sorrow and loss and that’s the only layer of personality they have, in terms of Scarlett, yes she’s had her share of loss but that’s not the only thing that defines her, she is so much more.

This particular book in the series has not yet got to the mafia part, so take that in mind if that’s what you are looking for.

Also this book is part of a series, so be prepared to be left wondering “what happens next” at the end.

becsa's review

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4.0

This was a long book and had some really interesting twists that will set the groundwork for the following books.

I liked Brando and how protective he was over Scarlett. I hated how guilty he felt over the accident even when he wasn’t there and how the Sheriff blamed him. I liked how he discussed everything with Scarlett’s parents before “courting” her but agreed to certain things that they wanted her to continue.

Scarlett was living someone else’s dream and she faced resentment from her sister and mother because of it which was sad. She lost her passion to dance but was being forced to do it again by her mom whereas she really just wanted to teach.

There was so much chemistry between Scarlett and Brando and the two had a certain level of trust between them yet Brando was walking a fine line as he knew he needed Scarlett to continue dancing and also he didn’t want Scarlett tainted by the “bad” in his genes.

The stuff with Violet and Mitch and Mick was almost strange considering kids were involved but nothing seemed to be resolved between them in this book so I assume more is coming.

I was mad at Brando near the end which pushed Scarlett towards Travis and Ace and the very end was heartbreaking.

pioneer's review

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5.0

This is like nothing I’ve ever read.

This is a beautiful story.

This was so unexpected. I did not expect this coming into reading this.

It’s crazy how one moment in life can alter your whole existence.

Brando was incredibly unique. He went from quiet and chill to rage and aggression. And I loved it. It was like he had two personas. He was also incredibly sweet, which was surprising, and that made me swoon six ways from Sunday.

God, I need a Brando.

“You don’t look hard enough. The closer you get, the brighter my darkness becomes.” – Brando Fausti

nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review

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emotional slow-paced

3.5


Man of Honor by Bella Di Corte is the first book of eight books in the Fausti Family series. This book sets the pace for the rest of the series. It gives the reader insight into the beginnings of Brando Fausti’s relationship with Scarlett, the ballerina who captured his heart.

Scarlett lived a sheltered life with her focus on ballet, while Brando has known only pain and loss. They came from different worlds, but fate brought them together. This story chronicles their journey, one forged from tragedy. Readers witness the obstacles they faced, ones created by their own hands and outside forces. The tragic event which hit close to home for Scarlett led to her losing her passion for ballet, but her connection to Brando is the one thing that keeps her going.

Although described as an organized crime romance there were no mafia business occurring in this story. However, readers are given hints regarding Brando’s familial ties to the mafia. The story focuses on their earlier years with Scarlett a high school senior and Brando being of college age.

I had high hopes for this for this story, but it turned out to be an average read for me. I did enjoy the author’s writing style, which was poetic and compelling. My issue lay within my failing to connect with the characters. I knew by the words written a connection existed and they were slowly falling for each other. Unfortunately, it did not resonate with me. I do believe that being forced to wade through tons of detailed information led to my disconnect with the characters. I ended up skipping through pages of the book so has to avoid the mountain of details. Despite this the story did have some memorable moments, which has me eager to discover what next is in store for Brando and Scarlett.

Overall, I found Man of Honor to be solid start to the Fausti series that has me keen to explore more of this world Bella De Corte has created.

Re-Released  as Man of Honor by Bella Di Corte
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