The prequel is setting the scene/ characters for the next three books in the series. The storyline set in New York sets the scene for the first novel in the series, Urgent Vows. The Jiliani and De Luca (The Genovese) families attempt to strengthen their hold on the city with a marriage arranged between Severu, the Don, and Madonna Carlotta, the daughter of his consigliere, Francesco Jiliani. The marriage ceremony doesn’t go to plan and is left on a cliffhanger, will Carlotta step into her sister’s shoes and marry Sev? setting the scene for book 1.
The second storyline is based in Las Vegas. Giulia De Luca and Raffaele Mancini, the underboss of the Cosa Nostra territories. His father, Patrizio is the boss. The marriage was an alliance between the two families but slowly Giulia has fallen in love with her family. They have one son but unbeknownst to Raf she has been using contraception to prevent another pregnancy. He and his father send her to see a fertility specialist without consulting her and everything explodes from there. Being left on her own during their honeymoon, his father’s interference. All the past resentments bubble to the surface. Finally Raf realises he need to work on his marriage as he cannot let her go.
The writing style, genre and storyline are a step away from her more popular Mills & Boon Modern novels. The storylines and language are more graphic, explicit and sexual. As the novels focus upon members of the mafia violence/ torture is not skimmed over but has its place in the story. I would have preferred two separate short stories within the prequel rather than the chapters jumping from one storyline set in NYC to another in Vegas. The prequel can get slightly confusing and disjointed with the different characters and storylines, even though they are interlinked and set the scene for the next 3 books in the series.
I purchased this novel myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own.
Have read this one loved it too
ReplyDelete