Name: Queen of Thorns
ISBN: 9798590621125

Bella Di Corte

The moment Scarlett Rose appeared in the window of her parents' dance studio, twirling like a beautiful figurine in a music box, she became mine. Irrevocably. She knew me better than I knew the lines of my own hands, though I had never confessed to her whose blood ran through my veins, the famiglia that I belonged to. My legacy created a savage beast that lurked beneath my skin, ready to battle for family and honor, but he only went to war for one-her. There was one catch, an arrangement she didn't know about. I sent her away so that she could follow her stars. But now, I was back to retrieve what had always belonged to me-my ballerina girl. Book II in an eight-part Royal Organized Crime Romance saga.** Previously released as The Beautiful Years II **

A Royal Organized Crime Romance

Queen of Thorns

This review will contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻

Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️

Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒

Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂

Queen of Thorns is the second book in the "Fausti Family" series and this is book two of our beautiful couple here. This book picks off of the last scene we saw in "Man of Honor" so its been 3 years since Brando and Scarlett have seen each other. Brando was forced to let her go when knowing that their time wasn't when they were 18. That they both had to mature and live life and prove themselves for personal growth but also for the future of what they could be and the potential that they could have. The three years have been hard on both of them. Brando knowing that he is giving Scarlett what she needs to thrive as a professional dancer. But also Brando because he has some things he needs to prove to himself before he can come for Scarlett. I really loved seeing their reunion and what they were able to accomplish as they come together. Their reunion and reconnecting will be packed with ups and down and their love will be tested...

Looking up at the sky, I thought about that night, and not for the first time.

In Queen of Thorns, our story begins with Brando where its been three years since they saw each other and he was forced to let her go so that his Scarlett could shine for the world. We see how he has been working hard to keep himself busy and distracted through it all. But now its time for him to come to her. When he comes to visit with some of her other family, they are forced to face up to the past, the pain that they have both been in, and learning to connect with the people that they are now. Their journey is just beginning though and relearning each other isn't an easy road, and there are dangers happening that are slowly coming into their visions and their relationship will be tested internally as the value of trust and communication will be challenged. But can Danto and Scarlett find their connection and strength to persevere through the struggles?

Queen of Thorns was a story that had me highly entertained. I absolutely was hooked so quickly into the story. Now that I have adjusted to this author's writing style, this time around it definitely went more smoothly and I couldn't put this one down. I loved the way that this author developed this reconnection. Especially the first half of the story was pure magical with some glimpses of some suspense that get thrown into the mix. Their reunion was epic and just right and I will admit that I was laughing all over the place. Scarlett definitely doesn't make it easy for him (shoe-throwing scene anyone? LOL) and I absolutely adored that their connection was stronger than ever. Seeing the loss and what it has done to both of them was so heart-wrenching to witness. But what heals the wounds is seeing them find each other again and learning what it takes to fight for their relationship. They have some internal struggles that they need to work through. And the ending was a mix of feelings. I really adored the hero more than ever, especially in the final act. Brando is quickly working his way to the top of my book-boyfriend's shelf. His devotion to Scarlett and how quick on his feet he is is brilliant and how he helps save her from her mother's manipulations I literally was cheering him on. I really am crossing my fingers that in the next book, we see some justice against the mother because what she does to her daughter should be criminal.

The inner relationship angst in the second half of the story before the wedding. I really didn't understand this portion of the story to be honest. It just felt unnecessary and kinda came out of the blue and was suddenly there and I wish that there had been better build up for it.

I found Queen of Thorns to be a satisfying installment to the cliffhanger that we received in the first book. It's a story that captures the intensity of their bond, a slighter building of their sensual connection, and delivers on the feels from beginning to end!

Her art touched heart and soul, made a lasting impression that seemed to brand bone.

“I love you so much that it fucking breaks me, Scarlett—it rips open my heart and sends my soul straight to yours.”

Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Character Types: Blue Collar Hero, Ballerina Dancer

Themes: Danger elements, Heart/Touching/Feels

Lover of Romance 

This review will contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥.5
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25


First Impressions
Queen of Thorns is the second book in the "Fausti Family" series and this is book two of our beautiful couple here. This book picks off of the last scene we saw in "Man of Honor" so its been 3 years since Brando and Scarlett have seen each other. Brando was forced to let her go when knowing that their time wasn't when they were 18. That they both had to mature and live life and prove themselves for personal growth but also for the future of what they could be and the potential that they could have. The three years have been hard on both of them. Brando knowing that he is giving Scarlett what she needs to thrive as a professional dancer. But also Brando because he has some things he needs to prove to himself before he can come for Scarlett. I really loved seeing their reunion and what they were able to accomplish as they come together. Their reunion and reconnecting will be packed with ups and down and their love will be tested...

First Line
Looking up at the sky, I thought about that night, and not for the first time.

Summary
In Queen of Thorns, our story begins with Brando where its been three years since they saw each other and he was forced to let her go so that his Scarlett could shine for the world. We see how he has been working hard to keep himself busy and distracted through it all. But now its time for him to come to her. When he comes to visit with some of her other family, they are forced to face up to the past, the pain that they have both been in, and learning to connect with the people that they are now. Their journey is just beginning though and relearning each other isn't an easy road, and there are dangers happening that are slowly coming into their visions and their relationship will be tested internally as the value of trust and communication will be challenged. But can Danto and Scarlett find their connection and strength to persevere through the struggles?

What I Loved
Queen of Thorns was a story that had me highly entertained. I absolutely was hooked so quickly into the story. Now that I have adjusted to this author's writing style, this time around it definitely went more smoothly and I couldn't put this one down. I loved the way that this author developed this reconnection. Especially the first half of the story was pure magical with some glimpses of some suspense that get thrown into the mix. Their reunion was epic and just right and I will admit that I was laughing all over the place. Scarlett definitely doesn't make it easy for him (shoe-throwing scene anyone? LOL) and I absolutely adored that their connection was stronger than ever. Seeing the loss and what it has done to both of them was so heart-wrenching to witness. But what heals the wounds is seeing them find each other again and learning what it takes to fight for their relationship. They have some internal struggles that they need to work through. And the ending was a mix of feelings. I really adored the hero more than ever, especially in the final act. Brando is quickly working his way to the top of my book-boyfriend's shelf. His devotion to Scarlett and how quick on his feet he is is brilliant and how he helps save her from her mother's manipulations I literally was cheering him on. I really am crossing my fingers that in the next book, we see some justice against the mother because what she does to her daughter should be criminal.

What I Struggled With
The inner relationship angst in the second half of the story before the wedding. I really didn't understand this portion of the story to be honest. It just felt unnecessary and kinda came out of the blue and was suddenly there and I wish that there had been better build up for it.

Overall View
I found Queen of Thorns to be a satisfying installment to the cliffhanger that we received in the first book. It's a story that captures the intensity of their bond, a slighter building of their sensual connection, and delivers on the feels from beginning to end!

Favorite Quote(s)
Her art touched heart and soul, made a lasting impression that seemed to brand bone.

“I love you so much that it fucking breaks me, Scarlett—it rips open my heart and sends my soul straight to yours.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Blue Collar Hero, Ballerina Dancer
Themes: Danger elements, Heart/Touching/Feels
Tropes: Epic Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Writing's on the Wall by Jackie Evancho
Making Love out of Nothing at All

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you need to read 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.

Totally Addicted to Reading

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Queen of Thorns by Bella Di Corte continues the story of Scarlett and Brando. This is the second book in the Fausti Family series. It picks three and half years after the conclusion of Man of Honor.

Scarlett lives is Paris and is slowly becoming a famous ballerina like her grandmother. Despite her achievement despair wrapped around her like a shroud. Half of her soul was thousands of miles away. Brando Fausti believed his ballerina girl would go places, and he wanted her to be best and share her gift with the world. Hence, when the opportunity came for to perform in Paris, he all on board even it meant losing half of his soul.

The story focused Scarlett’s success in Paris while she struggled with missing Brando. The reader got the chance to see Brando and Scarlett re-unite and watched as they tried to overcome the many obstacles facing their relationship. While apart they the barely lived, they only existed for the moment they would be together again.

I couldn’t wait to see these two re-unite but when they did there were several times, I wished I could knock their heads together. Stubborn pride, insecurities, immaturity and secrets threatened their relationship. The drama, angst and the constant push and pull made me want to scream and shake them.

Brando has yet to tell Scarlett about his family ties. He has distanced himself from his father’s money, legacy, and ties to the mafia so far. However, the Fausti name has proven to be powerful and just the sound of it drives fear into may. Not sure how long he can keep that secret, especially now that she shares the Fausti name.

Secondary characters from the previous book appeared in this installment. Some have shown growth, then there were those who still have not gotten their lives together. The story introduced a new character, who will prove to be a thorn in both Scarlett and Brando’s side.

Once again, no mafia activities took place in this installment. The story focused mainly on the epic romance between the main characters

The story focused mainly on the epic romance between the main characters resulting in it moving at a slow pace. Despite the slowness of the story, I did not find it to be dull. It may not have had the excitement I hoped for, but it was still an entertaining read.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy the author’s writing. She held me captive with her words and I could not get enough.

“Your body will remember, your heart will never forget, and your soul will forever be one with mine.”

Overall, although not quite what I had expected I enjoyed it more than I did the first book. I am looking forward to see what next is in store for Brando and Scarlet.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

Queen of Thorns A Royal Organized Crime Romance

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