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Pericolo #1
Femme Fatale
Book one in The Pericolo Series.
They call me the Femme Fatale.
But only because they don’t know me.
My job - seduce men only to deliver their death sentence.
I work for my father’s business. I’m his secret weapon. I’m the one that gets away with murder.
For years, I’ve given in to my father’s demands, lived the life of a mob princess, fell into this merciless realm where he presents me with a man and one goal – to kill.
When it’s to keep the Abbiati name from ruins, I’ll run with the wolves and protect it fiercely.
However, when he brings a new name to the table, I know my newest mission could well be the one that breaks me - don’t feel, don’t deviate, kill Zane Maverick.
It should be simple, but how am I supposed to choose between the man who raised me to be this seemingly heartless and strong female and the man I could only ever love to death?
***Warning: 18+, due to scenes of graphic murder, sex and a high use of swearing***
They call me the Femme Fatale.
But only because they don’t know me.
My job - seduce men only to deliver their death sentence.
I work for my father’s business. I’m his secret weapon. I’m the one that gets away with murder.
For years, I’ve given in to my father’s demands, lived the life of a mob princess, fell into this merciless realm where he presents me with a man and one goal – to kill.
When it’s to keep the Abbiati name from ruins, I’ll run with the wolves and protect it fiercely.
However, when he brings a new name to the table, I know my newest mission could well be the one that breaks me - don’t feel, don’t deviate, kill Zane Maverick.
It should be simple, but how am I supposed to choose between the man who raised me to be this seemingly heartless and strong female and the man I could only ever love to death?
***Warning: 18+, due to scenes of graphic murder, sex and a high use of swearing***
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
About the author
Kirsty-Anne Still
24 books216 followersKirsty-Anne Still is the writer of angsty and dark (and sometimes both) romance. She got lost in writing during her last years of school and eventually got pulled into the publishing industry during university, forfeiting her idea of being a teacher for writing, and eventually designing.
Kirsty is an author and book cover designer from England who will probably make one too many sarcastic comments in her life, preaches positive affirmations a lot, and believes it’s a bad day rather than a bad life.
Book Kirsty’s written to date:
-Heroine Hearts
-Sweet Venom
The Pericolo Series:
-Femme Fatale (#1)
-Maverick (#1.5)
-Femme Fatale Reloaded (#2)
-Femme Fatale Loved (#3)
-Femme Fatale Finale (#4)
-Trigger (Standalone)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 12, 2014
Seriously!! This book started out with a bang but seemed to go downhill from there. The synopsis caught my interest and I was looking forward to reading it. The story was very slow moving and there wasn't enough going on to keep me interested. The worst part was how Amelia's thoughts kept going back and forth about whether or not she was going to kill Zane, who is the love of her life. I'm sure there are others who really enjoyed this book but there wasn't enough suspense for me.
November 13, 2014
SAM'S REVIEW - 5 Stars
5 * OH MY FREAKING HELL * I CAN'T EVEN..........* GIMME BOOK TWO RIGHT THIS SECOND * ONE OF MY FAVORITE MAFIA BOOKS EVER* WOW WOW WOW* STARS
I am trying to find the words.... seven times I have tried to write this review and I keep changing it! So here goes:
THIS FREAKING BOOK ABSOLUTELY ROCKED MY GOD DAMN WORLD! BUT IF I DON'T GET BOOK TWO SOON, I WILL CUT A BITCH!!!!!
The second I finished this book, I had to write to the author. My reaction to the very last words included me launching my kindle across the room, shouting loudly, and then half hour of pacing back and forth in my kitchen. I LOVE cliffhangers, yep! It is true. That feeling of shouting VERY LOUD when you know there is no more pages.....YEP! LOVE IT! There is something about the emotions of a cliffhanger that show me just how good the book was!
This book is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, it was so intense, raw and left me on edge from start to finish!
The Abbiati family, lies, betrayal, murder, love, deceit, power and loyalty mix those traits up with suspense, angst, passion, dark and gritty, you sure are going to be in for one hell of a ride. Kirsty-Anne Still has given me everything I want out of a mafia book. A KICKASS lead female, Amelia Abbiati, the secret weapon, the girl who is supposed to do anything Daddy tells her, the very close family unit, the horror, the deaths and the cover-ups. The Femme Fatale is the person Amelia has become, the most treasured possession in her family..... Until......Zane Maverick, the detective who Amelia is deeply in love with. You want a modern day Romeo and Juliet story......BABY, YOU NEED TO PICK UP THIS BOOK!
I am not going to give away any big spoilers, because this book DESERVES each and every one of you to pick it up, feel the different emotions that pass through you and then feel as deeply as I do about this book.
There are some scenes that made me want to punch throat people through my kindle, there are some scenes that brought me close to tears, some of the scenes made me beg for the situations to end and some made me fist pump with a 'HELL YEAH'!!!!
This is a 5 GIGANTIC STAR read for me! I need the second book like my last breath, I need to know the outcome.....KIRSTY-ANNE STILL, A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO YOU on this masterpiece! Now get to writing lady......I CAN'T HOLD ON MUCH LONGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FIDAH'S REVIEW - 4.5 Stars
Femme Fatale is the first book in the Pericolo series. Amelia is the only daughter of the cold and heartless Salvatore Abbiati. Her task is to seduce men before killing them. She has always been numb to her killings but her latest mission could very well be the one to break her.
Kirsty-Anne Still’s writing was engaging from the beginning to end. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be hooked to the story as quickly as I did. It wasn’t just the storyline or plot, the emotions and the characters, they each played a part and everything was really gritting. I can’t tell you the amount of times my eyes watered as I read this book in public. I could barely hold the tears back.
One of my favorite aspect to the book were the relationships, and I’m not just saying the romance. I really love how family plays an important role in the story as well. I enjoyed seeing how protective the older siblings get over the younger ones. You could tell how much they loved and cared for each other.
Other than that, the characters were all so complex and different. It was really interesting as I tried to get a hold on their personalities. Surprisingly, I didn’t hate any characters. Yes, including the characters that were seen as cruel and evil. I loved seeing the depth to each character. The characters were developed and written really well.
Romance. It’s probably something most readers are looking forward to reading. I mean, I’m a sucker for romance as I’ve said in my past reviews. The love interest in this novel is Zane Maverick. Judging from the synopsis, I expected a sort of instant love situation. That was not how it turned out to be which I’m really glad about. Although the romance did progress fairly quick. However, it didn’t quite bother me because I could tell how great the two characters were for each other.
This was almost a 5 star read for me. My only complain is the situation at the end. I don’t dislike the situation at the end, but I don’t like it either. I wish I could talk about it, but I’ll end up spoiling you so I will avoid that.
Overall, this was a really great book. I was very much invested in the story and characters. I need to read the sequel.
5 * OH MY FREAKING HELL * I CAN'T EVEN..........* GIMME BOOK TWO RIGHT THIS SECOND * ONE OF MY FAVORITE MAFIA BOOKS EVER* WOW WOW WOW* STARS
I am trying to find the words.... seven times I have tried to write this review and I keep changing it! So here goes:
THIS FREAKING BOOK ABSOLUTELY ROCKED MY GOD DAMN WORLD! BUT IF I DON'T GET BOOK TWO SOON, I WILL CUT A BITCH!!!!!
The second I finished this book, I had to write to the author. My reaction to the very last words included me launching my kindle across the room, shouting loudly, and then half hour of pacing back and forth in my kitchen. I LOVE cliffhangers, yep! It is true. That feeling of shouting VERY LOUD when you know there is no more pages.....YEP! LOVE IT! There is something about the emotions of a cliffhanger that show me just how good the book was!
This book is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, it was so intense, raw and left me on edge from start to finish!
The Abbiati family, lies, betrayal, murder, love, deceit, power and loyalty mix those traits up with suspense, angst, passion, dark and gritty, you sure are going to be in for one hell of a ride. Kirsty-Anne Still has given me everything I want out of a mafia book. A KICKASS lead female, Amelia Abbiati, the secret weapon, the girl who is supposed to do anything Daddy tells her, the very close family unit, the horror, the deaths and the cover-ups. The Femme Fatale is the person Amelia has become, the most treasured possession in her family..... Until......Zane Maverick, the detective who Amelia is deeply in love with. You want a modern day Romeo and Juliet story......BABY, YOU NEED TO PICK UP THIS BOOK!
I am not going to give away any big spoilers, because this book DESERVES each and every one of you to pick it up, feel the different emotions that pass through you and then feel as deeply as I do about this book.
There are some scenes that made me want to punch throat people through my kindle, there are some scenes that brought me close to tears, some of the scenes made me beg for the situations to end and some made me fist pump with a 'HELL YEAH'!!!!
This is a 5 GIGANTIC STAR read for me! I need the second book like my last breath, I need to know the outcome.....KIRSTY-ANNE STILL, A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO YOU on this masterpiece! Now get to writing lady......I CAN'T HOLD ON MUCH LONGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FIDAH'S REVIEW - 4.5 Stars
Femme Fatale is the first book in the Pericolo series. Amelia is the only daughter of the cold and heartless Salvatore Abbiati. Her task is to seduce men before killing them. She has always been numb to her killings but her latest mission could very well be the one to break her.
Kirsty-Anne Still’s writing was engaging from the beginning to end. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be hooked to the story as quickly as I did. It wasn’t just the storyline or plot, the emotions and the characters, they each played a part and everything was really gritting. I can’t tell you the amount of times my eyes watered as I read this book in public. I could barely hold the tears back.
One of my favorite aspect to the book were the relationships, and I’m not just saying the romance. I really love how family plays an important role in the story as well. I enjoyed seeing how protective the older siblings get over the younger ones. You could tell how much they loved and cared for each other.
Other than that, the characters were all so complex and different. It was really interesting as I tried to get a hold on their personalities. Surprisingly, I didn’t hate any characters. Yes, including the characters that were seen as cruel and evil. I loved seeing the depth to each character. The characters were developed and written really well.
Romance. It’s probably something most readers are looking forward to reading. I mean, I’m a sucker for romance as I’ve said in my past reviews. The love interest in this novel is Zane Maverick. Judging from the synopsis, I expected a sort of instant love situation. That was not how it turned out to be which I’m really glad about. Although the romance did progress fairly quick. However, it didn’t quite bother me because I could tell how great the two characters were for each other.
This was almost a 5 star read for me. My only complain is the situation at the end. I don’t dislike the situation at the end, but I don’t like it either. I wish I could talk about it, but I’ll end up spoiling you so I will avoid that.
Overall, this was a really great book. I was very much invested in the story and characters. I need to read the sequel.
November 14, 2014
Amelia Abbiati. The devil with the angelic face. The heartbreaker. The killer. The Femme Fatale.
Amelia was worthy of that title. She was ruthless when necessary and compassionate where required, which is very often in this book. Often times I found myself getting frustrated with where her mind was at and the decisions she made. I can understand being confused by such a difficult decision—to kill the love of her life, or not—but I think she went a tad overboard.
Her relationship with her father never seemed worthy of hesitation. That being said, I’m not sure why it took her so long to decide what she was going to do. Especially when she had options to release herself from her father’s hold.
Love of your life or the man who made you into a cold-blooded killer and trapped you into a life of murder and torment….
Kirsty-Anne Still had such a great idea with Femme Fatale, and while I enjoyed it, I felt it didn’t live up to it’s full potential.
Riddled with countless grammar errors, I found it hard to stay connected to the story. There were moments where the sentence didn’t fit and I lost the thrall I had with the characters. I’m hoping this was all edited in the final version, but perhaps readers won’t mind too much. I’m personally unable to stay hooked to a story if the editing is not up to par.
I waited a while after reading to write up my review, because I was left with mixed feelings. When Kirsty allowed me to read the first eleven chapters or so of this book, I was pretty excited for more. I was intrigued by Amelia and her dilemma.
As per usual, Kirsty-Anne Still always comes up with quite original stories and complicated characters. The first book in the Viper Room series was what made me a fan. However, Femme Fatale was missing something—an effortless flow? In-depth characters?—that didn’t give me the same feeling as her previous series.
It lacked momentum and suspense in many sections of the book. Parts dragged on more than I would’ve liked, but nevertheless it was somewhat interesting to read. There was a lot of inner dialogue that some readers may love, but due to the nature of her thoughts, I simply ended up wanting to shake some sense into her.
On the plus side, this novel is quite bloody and violent which I throughly enjoyed. Femme Fatale is certainly not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a mobster book filled with murder, you may want to check this one out. While I may not have grasped what the author was going for, many other readers seem to blown away by this first book in Kirsty-Anne Still’s Pericolo Series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2014
A femme fatale (/ˌfæm fəˈtɑːl/ or /ˌfɛm fəˈtɑːl/; French: [fam fatal]) is a stock character of a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations.
I knew nothing about this book before I started it, other than the title. The title alone was what had me wanting to pick it up and read it, because of the definition of the words "femme fatale." It had me intrigued to know more about this story. More about this woman who seduces and destroys men with her prowess.
This book had me so torn. I absolutely loved the concept. Mafia princess who literally gets away with murder whenever needed to help protect her family. She's skilled in the art of seduction, so they never see her coming. But then she's faced with her next target. The man she was once - and still is - hopelessly in love with. The plot still fills me with me excitement.
But I didn't feel that it was executed as well as it could have been. There was quite a lot that needed some adjustments. Needed tidying up. Stuff that is probably easily overlooked by an author who has gone over the manuscript countless times, but should have been glaringly obvious to any beta readers or editors. Some of the characters had such split personalities that I'm surprised I don't have whiplash. They were cocky and arrogant one minute, and whiney and desperate the next.
Also, Amelia's dad was unlike any Italian man (never mind mafia boss) that I've ever read about. Italian's are known for their intense family bond, and how protective they are over their children - especially their daughters. But Salvator was not like that at all. He repeatedly threatened Amelia with death and even selling her! It was crazy.
BUT (yes, another but), I still think the storyline is great, never mind how messy it was in parts, and I did note how it strengthened towards the end. It was well written, and I think given some work, and more detailed editing, it could be a truly fantastic read. And after that ending? I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
I knew nothing about this book before I started it, other than the title. The title alone was what had me wanting to pick it up and read it, because of the definition of the words "femme fatale." It had me intrigued to know more about this story. More about this woman who seduces and destroys men with her prowess.
This book had me so torn. I absolutely loved the concept. Mafia princess who literally gets away with murder whenever needed to help protect her family. She's skilled in the art of seduction, so they never see her coming. But then she's faced with her next target. The man she was once - and still is - hopelessly in love with. The plot still fills me with me excitement.
But I didn't feel that it was executed as well as it could have been. There was quite a lot that needed some adjustments. Needed tidying up. Stuff that is probably easily overlooked by an author who has gone over the manuscript countless times, but should have been glaringly obvious to any beta readers or editors. Some of the characters had such split personalities that I'm surprised I don't have whiplash. They were cocky and arrogant one minute, and whiney and desperate the next.
Also, Amelia's dad was unlike any Italian man (never mind mafia boss) that I've ever read about. Italian's are known for their intense family bond, and how protective they are over their children - especially their daughters. But Salvator was not like that at all. He repeatedly threatened Amelia with death and even selling her! It was crazy.
BUT (yes, another but), I still think the storyline is great, never mind how messy it was in parts, and I did note how it strengthened towards the end. It was well written, and I think given some work, and more detailed editing, it could be a truly fantastic read. And after that ending? I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
February 9, 2015
FEMME FATALE
( The PERICOLO Series#1)
Bravo Kirsty Anna Still !
If your looking for a good Mafia read, look no further.
The Abbiati's are Mafia Royalty.
Amelia Abbiati is her fathers "Salvatore Abbiati " (Dio Del Sangue) secret weapon. She is the FEMME FATALE. She is a born and bred killer.
Her motto is don't feel, don't deviate, just kill.
In order to keep her place in the family she must do what Father orders. Even if that means to kill the man that broke your heart, but still is completely in love with "Zane Maverick". She knows either way will be her undoing.
****Excerpt****
“And you should know one important thing here before you even think of trying to pawn me off or dispose of me. I love him with all my heart – that I know for sure now – but for you, I will kill him. I will do that because I fear you, Papà. I don’t worship you or admire you. I fear you and that’s all on you.” I exhale and feel it vibrate with my fury before filling my lungs again. “So, be happy knowing I will never love you. And don’t think that I remain loyally by your side because I want to be.”
The sexy Detective Zane Maverick has always loved Amelia. He regrets ever leaving her, but her family has always stood in their way. Her desire for her fathers constant approve drove a wedge between them. Now he has her back and he doesn't plan on letting her go.
So the big question is can Amelia kill the love of her life?
I absolutely loved this book. It will definitely keep you guessing...
You do not want to miss out on FEMME FATALE.. Read it !!!
( The PERICOLO Series#1)
Bravo Kirsty Anna Still !
If your looking for a good Mafia read, look no further.
The Abbiati's are Mafia Royalty.
Amelia Abbiati is her fathers "Salvatore Abbiati " (Dio Del Sangue) secret weapon. She is the FEMME FATALE. She is a born and bred killer.
Her motto is don't feel, don't deviate, just kill.
In order to keep her place in the family she must do what Father orders. Even if that means to kill the man that broke your heart, but still is completely in love with "Zane Maverick". She knows either way will be her undoing.
****Excerpt****
“And you should know one important thing here before you even think of trying to pawn me off or dispose of me. I love him with all my heart – that I know for sure now – but for you, I will kill him. I will do that because I fear you, Papà. I don’t worship you or admire you. I fear you and that’s all on you.” I exhale and feel it vibrate with my fury before filling my lungs again. “So, be happy knowing I will never love you. And don’t think that I remain loyally by your side because I want to be.”
The sexy Detective Zane Maverick has always loved Amelia. He regrets ever leaving her, but her family has always stood in their way. Her desire for her fathers constant approve drove a wedge between them. Now he has her back and he doesn't plan on letting her go.
So the big question is can Amelia kill the love of her life?
I absolutely loved this book. It will definitely keep you guessing...
You do not want to miss out on FEMME FATALE.. Read it !!!
August 27, 2016
2.5 Stars
I really wasn't sure what I was getting into when I had said that I would read this book in exchange for an honest review. And this is probably one of the hardest reviews I have ever written.
The book started off with a bang and had me in its clutches immediately. I wanted to see where this was going.
Then, it hits a lull. I almost couldn't finish this book. I found myself skimming pages and hoping to find something to grab onto and bring that "wow" back into book. Sadly, that did not happen til about the last 20%.
This story has great potential, but fell completely flat in the middle, which absolutely kills a book. That's where the meat is, that keeps the reader begging for more. There was way too much inner monologue with main character and she really started to bore the hell out of me. She kept going back and forth with her emotions, which I do get happens, but this was just too much. I really can't pinpoint on thing exactly as to what just made this book hard for me to finish. It was alot of little things that just added up. The other characters were quite annoying and not at all like any Italiam mafia I have read previously. Italians are all about family. And I do get that an author can change their perspective and make the story their own, but this one I just had a hard time grasping.
I have read alot of mafia books and this one unfortunately just does not do it for me. As said, the potential is there. The storyline is awesome, it just failed on the delivery. Some may really enjoy, I however, don't think I will be able to continue the series
I really wasn't sure what I was getting into when I had said that I would read this book in exchange for an honest review. And this is probably one of the hardest reviews I have ever written.
The book started off with a bang and had me in its clutches immediately. I wanted to see where this was going.
Then, it hits a lull. I almost couldn't finish this book. I found myself skimming pages and hoping to find something to grab onto and bring that "wow" back into book. Sadly, that did not happen til about the last 20%.
This story has great potential, but fell completely flat in the middle, which absolutely kills a book. That's where the meat is, that keeps the reader begging for more. There was way too much inner monologue with main character and she really started to bore the hell out of me. She kept going back and forth with her emotions, which I do get happens, but this was just too much. I really can't pinpoint on thing exactly as to what just made this book hard for me to finish. It was alot of little things that just added up. The other characters were quite annoying and not at all like any Italiam mafia I have read previously. Italians are all about family. And I do get that an author can change their perspective and make the story their own, but this one I just had a hard time grasping.
I have read alot of mafia books and this one unfortunately just does not do it for me. As said, the potential is there. The storyline is awesome, it just failed on the delivery. Some may really enjoy, I however, don't think I will be able to continue the series
November 17, 2014
*ARC provide for honest blot tour review* For your next fix--> http://www.pageturningbookjunkie.blog...
3.5 out of 5 Fist Pounding, Passion filled Stars!
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Well what can I say. This one was a doozy. Lots of angst, conflicting emotions, passion, and betrayal. What more can a girl ask for? Oh yeah, a full line up of hot mobster brothers and a forbidden love all set up for quite a storyline. Amelia was a strong, but broken hearted woman. Everyone knows that you don't mess with a woman scorned, which is why her broken heart is what fueled her to become so successful at being the Abbiati family's secret weapon. She was a seductress and a killer, but she was still a woman, and all women have their weakness, no matter how hard they try to keep it hidden. Her's just happen to come in the form of a sexy detective, who consequentially became her next hit. I was hooked in right from the thrilling start.
"Don't feel, don't deviate, just kill--it's my motto. The one that sees me through every kill without so much as a flustered thought, but here I am, a wreck."
Amelia thought she was doing a good job of just getting by with her life, with just a few flickers of her morale heart showing once and again. She buried the guilt of all she does down deep, but it was only a matter of time before it would all come to the surface. It all came barreling down on her when her father gave her the name of her next hit--Zane Maverick. The one man she ever loved...was also the man to leave her with nothing but a cold fragmented heart. As if that turmoil wasn't enough, her father and sadistic brother Giovanni were hell bent on demanding her obedience and loyalty to her family. *Cue dramatic music* There will definitely be nothing but trouble to come with guns a-blazing...who will come out alive?
"Just because I share his blood does not give me an automatic pass to freedom. I am very much a prisoner in this life, but he has me as a secret weapon. I am the empowered, cherished, praised secret weapon."
Despite her initial tough facade...knows she is in huge trouble right from the start, with a capital T, when it comes to Zane Maverick. Old emotions come flooding in , and they do nothing but complicate things even further. How can she possibly actually kill him? If he ever found out what she really is, could he look past it and love her regardless? Even if she ran away, could she really have a chance at a normal life? Will love ever be enough? Will her father actually be so heartless to kill her if she doesn't go though with it? Eat or be eaten...kill or be killed. Life can be so cruel.
"Our love is toxic. It doesn't just involve Zane and me. It involves my entire family, jeopardizes my standing, kills my chances of surfing long enough to see the end of the week. For that reason, it must remain on lockdown, laced with poison and presented as a threat that he could be my own death sentence wrapped in a tidy fucking bow. I have to fear it."
Damn there was enough inner turmoil in there to give you a serious case of whiplash. There was some profound revelations on Amelia's part, but her back and forth really drove me to the very edge of insanity. The storyline was crazy and action packed enough to keep me reading, but there was a bit of repetitiveness that took away from the story for me a little. Also, there were more than a few times that I thought some of the situations that were supposed to be "mob family" related, felt a little implausible, which took away from the authenticity. These were the reasons my rating wasn't as high as I initially was going to rate it. Honestly, the story was good, the characters were strong, so don't be discouraged. The passion and angst that Kirsty-Anne Still is so very good at instilling in her books, is still very much present and fiery as ever. At the end, I was left an edgy, heart broken, hot arse mess. Kirsty-Anne successfully left me shattered and desperate for more with another Kindle-shaking cliff hanger ending! Why Kirsty...shakes fists in the air...why???!!! I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow book junkies out there who love their romance novels filled with angst and some dark betrayal.
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3.5 out of 5 Fist Pounding, Passion filled Stars!
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Well what can I say. This one was a doozy. Lots of angst, conflicting emotions, passion, and betrayal. What more can a girl ask for? Oh yeah, a full line up of hot mobster brothers and a forbidden love all set up for quite a storyline. Amelia was a strong, but broken hearted woman. Everyone knows that you don't mess with a woman scorned, which is why her broken heart is what fueled her to become so successful at being the Abbiati family's secret weapon. She was a seductress and a killer, but she was still a woman, and all women have their weakness, no matter how hard they try to keep it hidden. Her's just happen to come in the form of a sexy detective, who consequentially became her next hit. I was hooked in right from the thrilling start.
"Don't feel, don't deviate, just kill--it's my motto. The one that sees me through every kill without so much as a flustered thought, but here I am, a wreck."
Amelia thought she was doing a good job of just getting by with her life, with just a few flickers of her morale heart showing once and again. She buried the guilt of all she does down deep, but it was only a matter of time before it would all come to the surface. It all came barreling down on her when her father gave her the name of her next hit--Zane Maverick. The one man she ever loved...was also the man to leave her with nothing but a cold fragmented heart. As if that turmoil wasn't enough, her father and sadistic brother Giovanni were hell bent on demanding her obedience and loyalty to her family. *Cue dramatic music* There will definitely be nothing but trouble to come with guns a-blazing...who will come out alive?
"Just because I share his blood does not give me an automatic pass to freedom. I am very much a prisoner in this life, but he has me as a secret weapon. I am the empowered, cherished, praised secret weapon."
Despite her initial tough facade...knows she is in huge trouble right from the start, with a capital T, when it comes to Zane Maverick. Old emotions come flooding in , and they do nothing but complicate things even further. How can she possibly actually kill him? If he ever found out what she really is, could he look past it and love her regardless? Even if she ran away, could she really have a chance at a normal life? Will love ever be enough? Will her father actually be so heartless to kill her if she doesn't go though with it? Eat or be eaten...kill or be killed. Life can be so cruel.
"Our love is toxic. It doesn't just involve Zane and me. It involves my entire family, jeopardizes my standing, kills my chances of surfing long enough to see the end of the week. For that reason, it must remain on lockdown, laced with poison and presented as a threat that he could be my own death sentence wrapped in a tidy fucking bow. I have to fear it."
Damn there was enough inner turmoil in there to give you a serious case of whiplash. There was some profound revelations on Amelia's part, but her back and forth really drove me to the very edge of insanity. The storyline was crazy and action packed enough to keep me reading, but there was a bit of repetitiveness that took away from the story for me a little. Also, there were more than a few times that I thought some of the situations that were supposed to be "mob family" related, felt a little implausible, which took away from the authenticity. These were the reasons my rating wasn't as high as I initially was going to rate it. Honestly, the story was good, the characters were strong, so don't be discouraged. The passion and angst that Kirsty-Anne Still is so very good at instilling in her books, is still very much present and fiery as ever. At the end, I was left an edgy, heart broken, hot arse mess. Kirsty-Anne successfully left me shattered and desperate for more with another Kindle-shaking cliff hanger ending! Why Kirsty...shakes fists in the air...why???!!! I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow book junkies out there who love their romance novels filled with angst and some dark betrayal.
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November 29, 2014
When love crosses family, that is hard enough to sort out but when that family is a mob/mafia and the father truly believes he is God, well things just got a bit more difficult. This is the story of Amelia Abbiati, a young woman who has been trained to be a killer. Her first mistake was not acting shocked or upset when she witnessed her father murder a man in front of her. From that day forward her dad groomed her to take out the people who threaten or go against the Abbiati family.
Of course she has brothers, each with a distinct personality and agenda so this only makes her determined to prove to them she deserves her place in the family. You might wonder if she ever longed to be a normal woman, to find a man and fall in love, well yes she tried that and Zane Maverick, a detective, broke her heart and fueled her fire to kill men even more.
She settled in accepting this was her life, she would do the deed, people would come in and clean up the scene and she would wait for the next file to be given to her showing her who the target was. She was proficient, clean and swift and always left her signature mark on the victim. When her father gave her the next hit she was taken back. Looking at the picture in the file she saw none other than Zane. When she asked her Papa why Zane, she was told only two reasons. Zane broke his bambina’s heart and Zane was trying to take down the family. Now her loyalty will be tested, will she be true to the family or risk it all for the man she still loves.
The rest of the story gives you an abundance of suspense and drama. There are graphic scenes that fed my dark and twisted cravings and plenty of passion and love. Amelia kept me sitting on the edge of my seat as I watched her try to balance the demands of her dad and brothers with the desire she had for a little more time with Zane before she killed him. When others decided she would not be able to carry out this mission and went after Zane, I marveled at how she took care of the problem. I found myself begging her to take Zane and run. Spend a life time in hiding but also being in love, but Amelia doesn’t run from anything or anyone.
My favorite books to read are those with a very twisted plot and dark scenes and characters. The more violence, drama and twisted behaviors the better for me. This author didn’t disappoint me at all. With the scenes that took place in this book I wanted to crawl in her head and see how she came up with this stuff it was so fabulous. I didn’t feel like I was reading a predictable book, or similar to any other pieces of work. Each character had their own traits and personalities and that gave this story an element of excitement.
I will warn you now the cliff hanger is dramatic and I am dying for the next book. This book would have been a four star rating till I found myself at the end. When I will scream out loud because I needed more of this book NOW then you will get a five star from me. I would tell anyone who has a TBR list that involves violence, betrayal, suspense and some of the most twisted thinking ever written, that this book needs to be on the top of that list.
Of course she has brothers, each with a distinct personality and agenda so this only makes her determined to prove to them she deserves her place in the family. You might wonder if she ever longed to be a normal woman, to find a man and fall in love, well yes she tried that and Zane Maverick, a detective, broke her heart and fueled her fire to kill men even more.
She settled in accepting this was her life, she would do the deed, people would come in and clean up the scene and she would wait for the next file to be given to her showing her who the target was. She was proficient, clean and swift and always left her signature mark on the victim. When her father gave her the next hit she was taken back. Looking at the picture in the file she saw none other than Zane. When she asked her Papa why Zane, she was told only two reasons. Zane broke his bambina’s heart and Zane was trying to take down the family. Now her loyalty will be tested, will she be true to the family or risk it all for the man she still loves.
The rest of the story gives you an abundance of suspense and drama. There are graphic scenes that fed my dark and twisted cravings and plenty of passion and love. Amelia kept me sitting on the edge of my seat as I watched her try to balance the demands of her dad and brothers with the desire she had for a little more time with Zane before she killed him. When others decided she would not be able to carry out this mission and went after Zane, I marveled at how she took care of the problem. I found myself begging her to take Zane and run. Spend a life time in hiding but also being in love, but Amelia doesn’t run from anything or anyone.
My favorite books to read are those with a very twisted plot and dark scenes and characters. The more violence, drama and twisted behaviors the better for me. This author didn’t disappoint me at all. With the scenes that took place in this book I wanted to crawl in her head and see how she came up with this stuff it was so fabulous. I didn’t feel like I was reading a predictable book, or similar to any other pieces of work. Each character had their own traits and personalities and that gave this story an element of excitement.
I will warn you now the cliff hanger is dramatic and I am dying for the next book. This book would have been a four star rating till I found myself at the end. When I will scream out loud because I needed more of this book NOW then you will get a five star from me. I would tell anyone who has a TBR list that involves violence, betrayal, suspense and some of the most twisted thinking ever written, that this book needs to be on the top of that list.
November 8, 2014
I have never read a book by Kirsty by the blurb really caught my eye. I loved the sound of the blurb and a very strong women charactor that I desperatly wanted to read it.
Wow I was hooked by the first chapter. The detail, and the writing style in just those first few pages was like I was there. I was drawn straight in and knew instantly in woukd be a 5* read.
This is another one of those books were you can't give to much away, the blurb says all you need to know to get the full experience and not know what is going to happen.
The story itself is Mafia based. If you've never read anything like that, because you've got images in you head of Mafia. Forget all that and read this. You won't be disappointed.
The story is gritty, dark, hot with some smashing sed scenes. It's full of lies, betrayal and murder.
I loved Amelia in the book. She is her dads secret weapon. Know body would suspect her. She trained to kill professional and does her job to perfection. She is completly fearless and always ready to go. Nothing stands in the way if a job, her charm, good looks and all round persona get her everything she needs and her job always done. She reminds me of the ice queen. Nothing will break her....well until her next hit comes along.....Zane Maverick. Her dad gives her the ultimate kill...to kill the love of her life, a New York detective. She thinks she can do it, until she sees him again. Will Zane be the one person she can't kill?
Amelia's character is very bad ass chick, but she is someone you will love and connect with very quickly. She's hard as nsils on the outside as that's his she's been made and because of the world she has come from, but inside you no she is falling apart and is just putting in a front. I loved her whole character and the way the author gave Amelia so many different sides to her personality for us to see. She's not just a hard killer, she has a softer side too.
The whole book was very fast paced, but that could be because I just couldn't read it fast enough.
The characters in the story were brilliantly wrote about. The author got each charactor spot in. I can't think of one thing I would change about them at all.
The book left my complely stumped and reeling. In,over everything about the book. The angst, pain, grit, sorrow and unknown. This is a book that once you start reading you won't be able to stop.
The ending finished with one hell of a cliffhanger. I can't wait until the next book is released, so I can find out what happens next.
Excellent book by a author ive never read before. Defiantly will be looking out for more books from her In the future. 5 *
Kim - Author Groupies
March 31, 2015
Femme Fatale is the first book in the Pericolo series. Amelia is the only daughter of the cold and heartless Salvatore Abbiati. Her task is to seduce men before killing them. She has always been numb to her killings but her latest mission could very well be the one to break her.
Kirsty-Anne Still’s writing was engaging from the beginning to end. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be hooked to the story as quickly as I did. It wasn’t just the storyline or plot, the emotions and the characters, they each played a part and everything was really gritting. I can’t tell you the amount of times my eyes watered as I read this book in public. I could barely hold the tears back.
One of my favorite aspect to the book were the relationships, and I’m not just saying the romance. I really love how family plays an important role in the story as well. I enjoyed seeing how protective the older siblings get over the younger ones. You could tell how much they loved and cared for each other.
Other than that, the characters were all so complex and different. It was really interesting as I tried to get a hold on their personalities. Surprisingly, I didn’t hate any characters. Yes, including the characters that were seen as cruel and evil. I loved seeing the depth to each character. The characters were developed and written really well.
Romance. It’s probably something most readers are looking forward to reading. I mean, I’m a sucker for romance as I’ve said in my past reviews. The love interest in this novel is Zane Maverick. Judging from the synopsis, I expected a sort of instant love situation. That was not how it turned out to be which I’m really glad about. Although the romance did progress fairly quick. However, it didn’t quite bother me because I could tell how great the two characters were for each other.
This was almost a 5 star read for me. My only complain is the situation at the end. I didn’t dislike the situation at the end, but I didn’t like it either. I wish I could talk about it, but I’ll end up spoiling you so I will avoid that.
Overall, this was a really great book. I was very much invested in the story and characters. I need to read the sequel.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Kirsty-Anne Still’s writing was engaging from the beginning to end. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be hooked to the story as quickly as I did. It wasn’t just the storyline or plot, the emotions and the characters, they each played a part and everything was really gritting. I can’t tell you the amount of times my eyes watered as I read this book in public. I could barely hold the tears back.
One of my favorite aspect to the book were the relationships, and I’m not just saying the romance. I really love how family plays an important role in the story as well. I enjoyed seeing how protective the older siblings get over the younger ones. You could tell how much they loved and cared for each other.
Other than that, the characters were all so complex and different. It was really interesting as I tried to get a hold on their personalities. Surprisingly, I didn’t hate any characters. Yes, including the characters that were seen as cruel and evil. I loved seeing the depth to each character. The characters were developed and written really well.
Romance. It’s probably something most readers are looking forward to reading. I mean, I’m a sucker for romance as I’ve said in my past reviews. The love interest in this novel is Zane Maverick. Judging from the synopsis, I expected a sort of instant love situation. That was not how it turned out to be which I’m really glad about. Although the romance did progress fairly quick. However, it didn’t quite bother me because I could tell how great the two characters were for each other.
This was almost a 5 star read for me. My only complain is the situation at the end. I didn’t dislike the situation at the end, but I didn’t like it either. I wish I could talk about it, but I’ll end up spoiling you so I will avoid that.
Overall, this was a really great book. I was very much invested in the story and characters. I need to read the sequel.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
September 6, 2014
I was given this as a beta and it has to be my favourite book that I have beta read so far!!
Where to begin... Let me start by saying that I loved everything about this book. I love the old world mafia family feeling in this book, I love the fact that the Abbiati's are just as dysfunctional as the family next door if not more. Amelia, (girl crushing!!) is daddy's little secret weapon, she is trained, poised, fearless and ready to strike. She is at the center of the family and isn't afraid to use her charms to get things done. Her world starts to unravel as her father, Salvatore, gives her her next hit. Cue Zane Maverick....
This book is full of fast paced action, deathly encounters and hot liasons. Drawn in from the very first page I found myself loving the story and the way it evolved as the pages went turned. The relationships between the characters had me laughing, swooning, cursing and sometimes shouting at the book but it was all worth it because I know if I hadn't felt the emotions along with the characters then I would not have loved the book half as much!!
I have to mention if a little briefly (because ladies you need to meet these brothers for yourself), the Abbiati Brothers, Enzo, Bruno, Giovanni, Carlo and Manuel will have you all drooling and wanting more from them all. Between them you have 5 very hot, very italian book boyfriends (6 if you include Sal *winks*) and they will not disappoint!!
In short this another amazing book from Kirsty and I'm even more in love with her writing now than I was. She is becoming like a chameleon with her writing, you never know quite whats coming next and I love what she has done here. She has the ability to draw you in to her world and keep you there. Entertaining you at every turn and never losing your interest in her or her work.
Femme Fatale is an absolute credit to you and your imagination and everyone should venture into this world, but be warned, hold on tight your in for a ride,
Where to begin... Let me start by saying that I loved everything about this book. I love the old world mafia family feeling in this book, I love the fact that the Abbiati's are just as dysfunctional as the family next door if not more. Amelia, (girl crushing!!) is daddy's little secret weapon, she is trained, poised, fearless and ready to strike. She is at the center of the family and isn't afraid to use her charms to get things done. Her world starts to unravel as her father, Salvatore, gives her her next hit. Cue Zane Maverick....
This book is full of fast paced action, deathly encounters and hot liasons. Drawn in from the very first page I found myself loving the story and the way it evolved as the pages went turned. The relationships between the characters had me laughing, swooning, cursing and sometimes shouting at the book but it was all worth it because I know if I hadn't felt the emotions along with the characters then I would not have loved the book half as much!!
I have to mention if a little briefly (because ladies you need to meet these brothers for yourself), the Abbiati Brothers, Enzo, Bruno, Giovanni, Carlo and Manuel will have you all drooling and wanting more from them all. Between them you have 5 very hot, very italian book boyfriends (6 if you include Sal *winks*) and they will not disappoint!!
In short this another amazing book from Kirsty and I'm even more in love with her writing now than I was. She is becoming like a chameleon with her writing, you never know quite whats coming next and I love what she has done here. She has the ability to draw you in to her world and keep you there. Entertaining you at every turn and never losing your interest in her or her work.
Femme Fatale is an absolute credit to you and your imagination and everyone should venture into this world, but be warned, hold on tight your in for a ride,
November 11, 2014
I am hooked on this series , no clue how many books there will be but I am in it til the end !!
We have this filthy rich Italian Mafia family , Salvatore Abiati and his 6 kids. 5 sons and the 1 daughter , his secret weapon , the deadly weapon , Amelia. She seduces men only to end their lives and leave her mark to stun detectives. For years this has been her job. The only reason her father keeps her around. He is not a loving man yet keeps her safe so he does not lose his edge. With 1 brother off living a "normal" life , 1 too tied up in his fathers misery to be anything but an a$$ , Amelia is left with her 3 brothers to be her lifeline at home. When you first meet Amelia she comes off as a cold hearted bi*** , but moving forward in the story you find she is anything but. She loves and loves with her whole heart. This last job her father wants her to complete may just break her. It may be the death of her. Zane Maverick should be an easy kill after the way he left her. But their story is not that simple and killing him is the last thing Amelia wants to do.
We get a great feel of the relationships of Amelia and her family.You clearly see which brothers mean something to her and by their actions you see how strong their bond can be. Zane and Amelia !! They are electric together and I just loved reading about them. Zane is a freakin hot as sin detective !! Tattoos , dirty talker need I go on !! In the midst of Amelia finding a way to escape this last job we are thrown a handful of twists and turns. I despise Giovanni and their father , damn I wish I could poison them !! The book was exciting and full of suspense and even fear. I feared Salvatore , I always felt like he was waiting in the shadows watching everything ! I was heartbroken at the very end but also excited for Amelia to make a move. Of course I have no clue what actually happened because it ended right then and there with it being a cliffhanger !!
We have this filthy rich Italian Mafia family , Salvatore Abiati and his 6 kids. 5 sons and the 1 daughter , his secret weapon , the deadly weapon , Amelia. She seduces men only to end their lives and leave her mark to stun detectives. For years this has been her job. The only reason her father keeps her around. He is not a loving man yet keeps her safe so he does not lose his edge. With 1 brother off living a "normal" life , 1 too tied up in his fathers misery to be anything but an a$$ , Amelia is left with her 3 brothers to be her lifeline at home. When you first meet Amelia she comes off as a cold hearted bi*** , but moving forward in the story you find she is anything but. She loves and loves with her whole heart. This last job her father wants her to complete may just break her. It may be the death of her. Zane Maverick should be an easy kill after the way he left her. But their story is not that simple and killing him is the last thing Amelia wants to do.
We get a great feel of the relationships of Amelia and her family.You clearly see which brothers mean something to her and by their actions you see how strong their bond can be. Zane and Amelia !! They are electric together and I just loved reading about them. Zane is a freakin hot as sin detective !! Tattoos , dirty talker need I go on !! In the midst of Amelia finding a way to escape this last job we are thrown a handful of twists and turns. I despise Giovanni and their father , damn I wish I could poison them !! The book was exciting and full of suspense and even fear. I feared Salvatore , I always felt like he was waiting in the shadows watching everything ! I was heartbroken at the very end but also excited for Amelia to make a move. Of course I have no clue what actually happened because it ended right then and there with it being a cliffhanger !!
November 27, 2014
***This arc was given in return for an honest review***
4 Stars ****
After reading Femme Fatale...I'm so glad I pushed my self to continue with it. I didn't want to after the first chapter. Now it's not because it isn't good. I wasn't able to pick up a book for about two weeks. Book funks suck!
This story has it all! Love, sex, heartbreak, murder, family issues, oh and let's throw in a dad who is a huge Mob boss. Ya. Crazy shit. Most of the time while I was reading, I was thinking...WTF! This is so not my typical read. At all. But let me tell you people...I didn't want to put it down. It kept me wondering what would happen next. Kirsty-Anne Still you did good. Greatly written. Femme Fatale as a movie would be great. I already know who I choose for Amelia.
Amelia "aka" Daddy's little princess "aka" Killer "aka" Monster. Wow. I connected so much with her. I mean, I don't want to all of a sudden join a group of Italian gangsters and help kill people that cross them. Nah, not my scene. But, Amelia is a strong woman. Stands up for her self. She does have one flaw. Trying to p,ease her father even though she knows he's a piece of crap. He doesn't give a rats ass about his children. If he doesn't get what he wants there will be problems. Ya typical man. Ugh.
Any-who...Amelia loves Zane aka hottie detective. Her douche of a dad wants him dead and wants her to kill him. Ya. Shit hits the fan! Oh and the ending....ugh! Enough said. Give the story a chance. Even though it's not your type of read. It's always good to try new things. Glad I did, happy reading!
4 Stars ****
After reading Femme Fatale...I'm so glad I pushed my self to continue with it. I didn't want to after the first chapter. Now it's not because it isn't good. I wasn't able to pick up a book for about two weeks. Book funks suck!
This story has it all! Love, sex, heartbreak, murder, family issues, oh and let's throw in a dad who is a huge Mob boss. Ya. Crazy shit. Most of the time while I was reading, I was thinking...WTF! This is so not my typical read. At all. But let me tell you people...I didn't want to put it down. It kept me wondering what would happen next. Kirsty-Anne Still you did good. Greatly written. Femme Fatale as a movie would be great. I already know who I choose for Amelia.
Amelia "aka" Daddy's little princess "aka" Killer "aka" Monster. Wow. I connected so much with her. I mean, I don't want to all of a sudden join a group of Italian gangsters and help kill people that cross them. Nah, not my scene. But, Amelia is a strong woman. Stands up for her self. She does have one flaw. Trying to p,ease her father even though she knows he's a piece of crap. He doesn't give a rats ass about his children. If he doesn't get what he wants there will be problems. Ya typical man. Ugh.
Any-who...Amelia loves Zane aka hottie detective. Her douche of a dad wants him dead and wants her to kill him. Ya. Shit hits the fan! Oh and the ending....ugh! Enough said. Give the story a chance. Even though it's not your type of read. It's always good to try new things. Glad I did, happy reading!
November 7, 2014
Well Kirsty, once again you have stunned me. Your writing has just grown and grown from your firt published book until now!
I was fortunate enough to be asked to BETA for this amazing book.
This book is one of the best books I have read, it’s easily in my top 3 of all time.
If you like a dark, gritty yet romantic story with a sprinkle of murder and some seriously HOT sex then this is the book for you!
The way you captured every emotion from Amelia’s life as the Femme Fatale. She starts off as this blasé cold blooded killer, killing to protect her family from threats and people who have betrayed her father’s name.
That is until her father gives her her next hit… Zane Maverick. The one that turned broke her heart, body and soul. The one she loved. The one she still loved.
Zane, *sigh* the rugged tattooed, swoonworthly detective, and Amelia’s next hit.
He has to be killed, he wants to bring down the Abbiatis and who is the perfect person to do it other than the woman scorned by his heartbreak. However nothing ever goes to plan when you are faced to kill the one you love, your first love, the love of your life.
Her father, The Dio de Sangue, doesn’t take kindly to being betrayed. He will do anything to keep his family, his legacy in line. Like a true Mafia God, his name should be enough to put the fear of God in you.
This book will always have a special place in my heart (for personal reasons). So I want to thank you Kirsty for writing this AMAZING story and sharing it with us all. I can’t wait for book two!
Don’t Feel, Don’t Deviate, READ THIS BOOK!!!!
I was fortunate enough to be asked to BETA for this amazing book.
This book is one of the best books I have read, it’s easily in my top 3 of all time.
If you like a dark, gritty yet romantic story with a sprinkle of murder and some seriously HOT sex then this is the book for you!
The way you captured every emotion from Amelia’s life as the Femme Fatale. She starts off as this blasé cold blooded killer, killing to protect her family from threats and people who have betrayed her father’s name.
That is until her father gives her her next hit… Zane Maverick. The one that turned broke her heart, body and soul. The one she loved. The one she still loved.
Zane, *sigh* the rugged tattooed, swoonworthly detective, and Amelia’s next hit.
He has to be killed, he wants to bring down the Abbiatis and who is the perfect person to do it other than the woman scorned by his heartbreak. However nothing ever goes to plan when you are faced to kill the one you love, your first love, the love of your life.
Her father, The Dio de Sangue, doesn’t take kindly to being betrayed. He will do anything to keep his family, his legacy in line. Like a true Mafia God, his name should be enough to put the fear of God in you.
This book will always have a special place in my heart (for personal reasons). So I want to thank you Kirsty for writing this AMAZING story and sharing it with us all. I can’t wait for book two!
Don’t Feel, Don’t Deviate, READ THIS BOOK!!!!
March 17, 2015
Femme Fatale (Pericolo #1)
by Kirsty-Anne Still
Groomed by her father, Amelia is the ultimate hit woman she lures unsuspecting men back to a hotel room thinking she is going to have sex with them but she poisons them and watches them die.
Amelia love Zane and he left her heart broken now her father tells her that Zane is next on the hit list and she must kill him. Torn between her loyalty towards her family & father and her love for Zane she feels stuck on what she should do.
This is certainly an interesting read that will capture your attention right from the very first page until the very end. It is full of action and has just the right amount of angst that will keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next. The Cliff-hanger of an ending almost did me in, I can honestly say I wanted to hunt down Kirsty-Anne Still and slap her real good!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book, It is different from a lot of the other books out there just now. A little on the dark side and with graphic murder scenes and a few sex scenes too. I do have to say I totally adore Zane and have the hots for him in a big way. Ameilia's character is also really enjoyable. The other character that stand out for me was Bruno but I also loved to hate her father and Giovanni and I hope something bad happens to them!!
A well written and thought out story that has stayed with me after I have finished reading it and can't wait to get my teeth sunk into the next instalment of this exciting series.
~Jane~
by Kirsty-Anne Still
Groomed by her father, Amelia is the ultimate hit woman she lures unsuspecting men back to a hotel room thinking she is going to have sex with them but she poisons them and watches them die.
Amelia love Zane and he left her heart broken now her father tells her that Zane is next on the hit list and she must kill him. Torn between her loyalty towards her family & father and her love for Zane she feels stuck on what she should do.
This is certainly an interesting read that will capture your attention right from the very first page until the very end. It is full of action and has just the right amount of angst that will keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next. The Cliff-hanger of an ending almost did me in, I can honestly say I wanted to hunt down Kirsty-Anne Still and slap her real good!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book, It is different from a lot of the other books out there just now. A little on the dark side and with graphic murder scenes and a few sex scenes too. I do have to say I totally adore Zane and have the hots for him in a big way. Ameilia's character is also really enjoyable. The other character that stand out for me was Bruno but I also loved to hate her father and Giovanni and I hope something bad happens to them!!
A well written and thought out story that has stayed with me after I have finished reading it and can't wait to get my teeth sunk into the next instalment of this exciting series.
~Jane~
October 30, 2014
I was provided an ARC from the author for a honest review.
Kirsty does it again with another addicting book. I can't fathom what goes on in her head, especially after this book. It was dark and gritty, but also hot, steamy and sexy.
"Don't feel. Don't deviate. Just kill." This is the motto of Salvatore Abbiati secret weapon, Amelia Abbiati, his daughter. It seems to be a hard thing to do when it concerns a certain Zane Maverick. Amelia must kill him, but how can she kill the man she still loves? The love Zane haves for Amelia is true and strong and you can feel it when he says it.
When you have a lot of characters you can sometimes find the same traits in a few characters. You don't have that here, each brother have a different personality. Every character was different and unique in their own way, I love it. Salvatore is cold and manipulating. Giovanni is sinister and is my least favorite character of the all. I love Amelia, she was by far my favorite along with Enzo. I can't get enough of the characters and can't wait to see them again.
This was my first mafia book and I wasn't disappointed at all. The storyline was perfect and page turning saga addicting. It was something you can picture on the television screen so easily. It had murder, sez, lies and betrayal; what's not to love about it. This is how I exactly picture a mafia book. Kirsty is an amazing author and if you haven't read her other works, you're really missing out.
Kirsty does it again with another addicting book. I can't fathom what goes on in her head, especially after this book. It was dark and gritty, but also hot, steamy and sexy.
"Don't feel. Don't deviate. Just kill." This is the motto of Salvatore Abbiati secret weapon, Amelia Abbiati, his daughter. It seems to be a hard thing to do when it concerns a certain Zane Maverick. Amelia must kill him, but how can she kill the man she still loves? The love Zane haves for Amelia is true and strong and you can feel it when he says it.
When you have a lot of characters you can sometimes find the same traits in a few characters. You don't have that here, each brother have a different personality. Every character was different and unique in their own way, I love it. Salvatore is cold and manipulating. Giovanni is sinister and is my least favorite character of the all. I love Amelia, she was by far my favorite along with Enzo. I can't get enough of the characters and can't wait to see them again.
This was my first mafia book and I wasn't disappointed at all. The storyline was perfect and page turning saga addicting. It was something you can picture on the television screen so easily. It had murder, sez, lies and betrayal; what's not to love about it. This is how I exactly picture a mafia book. Kirsty is an amazing author and if you haven't read her other works, you're really missing out.
April 19, 2015
This story shows the impact an upbringing can have on a person.
Amelia has been raised by a very powerful domineering father, all her siblings have. Her father Salvatore Abbiati is head a very powerful Italian Mafia. He has raised his children to kill without mercy all in the name of family. Amelia us the deadliest of them all, she is known as Femme Fatale because she lures men to their death with her wiles, she has no feelings.
Zane Maverick a detective, is the only man to ever have stolen the heart of Amelia and she stole his, but he forced himself to leave her because of her family.. Something he never got over, now he sees her again and vows to make up for all the hurt he inflicted on them both. He doesn't realize that Amelia is on a mission, it shouldn't be hard at all, after all he created her. Will she finish her mission, or be swept up in it.
We are taken through a whirlwind of murder and mayhem, the dynamics of this family are all encompassing.
I am very curious to find out what happens when Amelia confronts her father for the truth and what the results of this reunion will be.
I really liked this story, although I thought it was dragged out a bit much. It was good non-the-less and I couldn't stop reading it. Really grabs your attention and keeps surprising you throughout the story.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia has been raised by a very powerful domineering father, all her siblings have. Her father Salvatore Abbiati is head a very powerful Italian Mafia. He has raised his children to kill without mercy all in the name of family. Amelia us the deadliest of them all, she is known as Femme Fatale because she lures men to their death with her wiles, she has no feelings.
Zane Maverick a detective, is the only man to ever have stolen the heart of Amelia and she stole his, but he forced himself to leave her because of her family.. Something he never got over, now he sees her again and vows to make up for all the hurt he inflicted on them both. He doesn't realize that Amelia is on a mission, it shouldn't be hard at all, after all he created her. Will she finish her mission, or be swept up in it.
We are taken through a whirlwind of murder and mayhem, the dynamics of this family are all encompassing.
I am very curious to find out what happens when Amelia confronts her father for the truth and what the results of this reunion will be.
I really liked this story, although I thought it was dragged out a bit much. It was good non-the-less and I couldn't stop reading it. Really grabs your attention and keeps surprising you throughout the story.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2015
Wow! Femme Fatale had me hooked from the very beginning and I was sucked right in to the world of the Italian mob and the family that are its royalty, The Abbiati's.
Femme Fatale is unlike anything else I have read and introduces us to Salvatore Abiatti and his children, Enzo, Bruno, Carlo, Giovanni, Amelia and Manuel. Amelia Abbiati is a strong willed woman who knows how to stand her ground with the overbearing men in her family, She is the only daughter and the Abbiati's secret weapon, She uses her looks and personality to lure men to their death for wronging her family.
Only her next hit that her father issues is the one and only man that she has loved, But is the very same man that walked away from her just over a year ago.
Amelia is caught up in the emotion and dilemma of how she can go through with the hit to keep her father happy and still be part of the family and how she will go on living after killing the only man who has ever had her heart.
Kirsty-Anne Still has blown me away with her writing and how she kept me thoroughly engrossed from the first page to the very last, Yes we have a cliffhanger ending but Femme Fatale is a definite must read for those who are looking for something different but gripping to read.
Bring on Femme Fatale Reloaded!!
Femme Fatale is unlike anything else I have read and introduces us to Salvatore Abiatti and his children, Enzo, Bruno, Carlo, Giovanni, Amelia and Manuel. Amelia Abbiati is a strong willed woman who knows how to stand her ground with the overbearing men in her family, She is the only daughter and the Abbiati's secret weapon, She uses her looks and personality to lure men to their death for wronging her family.
Only her next hit that her father issues is the one and only man that she has loved, But is the very same man that walked away from her just over a year ago.
Amelia is caught up in the emotion and dilemma of how she can go through with the hit to keep her father happy and still be part of the family and how she will go on living after killing the only man who has ever had her heart.
Kirsty-Anne Still has blown me away with her writing and how she kept me thoroughly engrossed from the first page to the very last, Yes we have a cliffhanger ending but Femme Fatale is a definite must read for those who are looking for something different but gripping to read.
Bring on Femme Fatale Reloaded!!
January 27, 2015
This is a really great book and grabbed my attention from the beginning. Amelia is a Mafia princess who kills any guy that her dad The Mafia Boss tells her too. She feels trapped but never disappoints or is disloyal to her family until her dad gives her the hit of Zane - her ex lover who broke her heart.,
I really enjoyed reading about her relationship with her older brother Enzo and how protective he is of her and then there's the evil brother Gio who is out to get her.
When Amelia meets up with Zane the Sparks and feelings are still intense as before and will she decide to betray her father and let herself be free and
Love again.
This book has a cliffhanger and I recommend it and can't wait to read book two!'
I really enjoyed reading about her relationship with her older brother Enzo and how protective he is of her and then there's the evil brother Gio who is out to get her.
When Amelia meets up with Zane the Sparks and feelings are still intense as before and will she decide to betray her father and let herself be free and
Love again.
This book has a cliffhanger and I recommend it and can't wait to read book two!'
April 16, 2015
“People think they know me, but no one knows what Amelia Abbiati will do in the name of love. It is now that I’m at my most dangerous.” One of the many quotes I came to love.
I enjoyed reading this book. I haven’t read many mafia style books so it was a treat to read this one. It has quite the family dynamic going on and the way the author wrote made me feel for Amelia. She’s torn between family and the man she loves.
This book is written in first person POV (Amelia). It does end on quite the cliffhanger, but don’t fear! Book #2 is already out! I definitely look forward to finding out what happens next.
I initially received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review; however, I enjoyed the book and ended up buying it along with the next one in the series.
I enjoyed reading this book. I haven’t read many mafia style books so it was a treat to read this one. It has quite the family dynamic going on and the way the author wrote made me feel for Amelia. She’s torn between family and the man she loves.
This book is written in first person POV (Amelia). It does end on quite the cliffhanger, but don’t fear! Book #2 is already out! I definitely look forward to finding out what happens next.
I initially received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review; however, I enjoyed the book and ended up buying it along with the next one in the series.
Read
September 21, 2015DNF @ page 87
Mi dispiace tanto, ma mi aspettavo tutt'altro.
Pur essendo molto intrigata dalla famiglia Abbiati e dalla loro crudeltà, non sono rimasta colpita dalla protagonista e unica figlia femmina. Mi ero fatta un'idea del tutto diversa del suo personaggio, invece mi sono ritrovata davanti una donna bisognosa di amare ed essere amata, e non una vera assassina.
Ringrazio Raquel, che mi ha proposto di scambiarlo con Drowning Instinct ♥
Mi dispiace tanto, ma mi aspettavo tutt'altro.
Pur essendo molto intrigata dalla famiglia Abbiati e dalla loro crudeltà, non sono rimasta colpita dalla protagonista e unica figlia femmina. Mi ero fatta un'idea del tutto diversa del suo personaggio, invece mi sono ritrovata davanti una donna bisognosa di amare ed essere amata, e non una vera assassina.
Ringrazio Raquel, che mi ha proposto di scambiarlo con Drowning Instinct ♥
November 9, 2014
Oh wow. That was the first ever Mafia book I've read and it was amazing! I loved the plot of this book. Everything from love, betrayal and everything in between had this book permanently attached to my hand. It was exhilarating and heart stopping all at the same time.
And that Expert for Femme Fatale Reloaded? OMG I CANT WAIT. Did that actually happen?
And that Expert for Femme Fatale Reloaded? OMG I CANT WAIT. Did that actually happen?
Read
February 7, 2022Sample, and I’m done. The blurb sounded like my cup’o, but that cover is just horrible. Her teeth are just so wrong. Anyway, I’ll just leave myself this note so that I don’t read this author again.
It hardly keeps him on tenterhooks for the fun we’re about to have.
Two points for use of tenterhooks.
Otherwise, this writing is as tense as a whore strolling into a revival tent. The phrasing, tone, wording choices, structure… it’s all clipped. It feels like a lot of random thoughts strung together with cheap tape and horrible comma usage. The dialogue isn’t natural. It doesn’t flow at all.
The author barely gives you the basics of what’s happened in the past, but she writes these long emo scenes in the here and now like the reader is supposed to just follow along. Sorry, but no development means I really just DGAF.
And, love… Where? Who?
I barely made it to the end of the sample. It may be a great story… idk? I just can’t imagine myself suffering through four books with this pace, lack of development, and stiff writing.
It hardly keeps him on tenterhooks for the fun we’re about to have.
Two points for use of tenterhooks.
Otherwise, this writing is as tense as a whore strolling into a revival tent. The phrasing, tone, wording choices, structure… it’s all clipped. It feels like a lot of random thoughts strung together with cheap tape and horrible comma usage. The dialogue isn’t natural. It doesn’t flow at all.
The author barely gives you the basics of what’s happened in the past, but she writes these long emo scenes in the here and now like the reader is supposed to just follow along. Sorry, but no development means I really just DGAF.
And, love… Where? Who?
I barely made it to the end of the sample. It may be a great story… idk? I just can’t imagine myself suffering through four books with this pace, lack of development, and stiff writing.
November 15, 2014
Femme Fatale...sounds so intriguing doesn't it? I thought so too. After reading the synopsis, I dug into this book ready for one hell of story, and what I got was bits and pieces of a hell of a story. It was really hard for me to rate this book because I really liked the idea of this story. I really liked the characters, I liked the writing style, and I LOOOOOOVED the ending.
The story starts off with Amelia, the femme fatale herself, doing what she does best–killing. It takes off with such a bang that you just know it's going to be an awesome book. She does her job dutifully and goes home to her mobster family where her father controls her life. She does her few jobs, you learn about her cold disposition, and you get a good feel for how things go in the family. You just really feel like you know these characters. Then her daddy tells her she has another job and it's her ex-boyfriend, love of her life, Zane the Detective. You think holy hell, this is really gonna get good. This story can only get more awesome from here! She's a killer from a family of killers, he's a cop, shit's gonna hit the fan.....nuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. That's not what happens at all. From here the plot starts to head downhill a bit and there are even times I wonder if I am reading the final edited version because there are so many mistakes, missing words, and things like this:
"When I glance at the screen of my iPhone, I notice I have three missed calls from my father compared to eight from Zane."
But on the next page it says this,
""Hello?" he answers, his voice confused. I never gave him my number back and my number shows up as unknown most of the time."
This made me go hmmmmmmm what? How is he calling her if she didn't give him her number? And how is he confused to who it is if he already called her 8 times?? Yaaaaaa, there are a couple of other moments like this, but luckily only a few altogether. This is what causes me to hope, for the author's sake, that I got an unedited version and this is not the version for sale.
The story continues on with Amelia telling her father that she was up for this job and that no one else was going to do it but her. Now she knew she still loved Zane, and she knew that there was no way she would be able to kill him. She is using this as a stalling method. That's all fine and dandy, but when daddy runs a mob family, and you are his #1 killing machine, he will not stand for stalling. When he tells you to do something, you do it or you swim with the fishes, see?
But her dad allows her time to come to terms with things for some odd reason, doing the job in her own way, her own time, and this begins her acting defiantly. She begins to talk back, becomes disrespectful, and she does what she wants. Her father attempts to put her in her place at one point, which is pretty fucking scary if you ask me, and she seems to straighten up a bit, but once again begins acting out. Now she knows her father means business, and no matter what he does it's all games. So knowing this, she goes thru this period where she doesn't think he's going to do anything?! Are you kidding me?! There is quite a bit that is drug out through the story that just keeps Amelia stalling from killing Zane. There is no way the head of a mob family would leave a cop alive for that long just so his daughter could have a little bit of love in her life, especially when said cop has been looking into the background of the mob family. And another thing, there is never any interaction with the cops. NONE. There is brief talk of past questioning and raids, but no actual cop action.
Zane is a cop, right? Yes, we've covered this. He never really questions Amelia,though. He tells her he assumed she was the Femme Fatale the whole time and just turned his head because he loved her. Denial, it's not just a river in Egypt. So he knows, HE KNOWS, there are toooooooons of cases with her calling card all over them. He still loves her and is able to look past it if she changes. So they start working towards this relationship that Amelia knows will never last because she's stuck in a daydream in her head not trying to do anything to save him! So, what, she just thinks if she stalls enough her dad will forget?! No freaking way! And with her psychotic brother hanging on her dad's coat tails she will never have her happy ending. When Zane freaks out later in the book about all of the killings attributed to her, it made me freeze. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. He said he knew! That it didn't matter to him. I understand the ones he didn't know about, but he knew about almost all of them.
The ending....WOW! Loved it! This story closed up with a bang. Too bad it wasn't a bang from start to finish, cause it could've been. This story should've been a 10 star book, but somewhere along the way the plot flittered and the characters kind of went meh before it picked back up again. Taking that into consideration, along with all the mistakes in this book (that drove me nuts because it was written so well), I was left rating it 3 stars. I know with how this one ended that book two has a lot to tell. I look forward to seeing where this series is headed.
The story starts off with Amelia, the femme fatale herself, doing what she does best–killing. It takes off with such a bang that you just know it's going to be an awesome book. She does her job dutifully and goes home to her mobster family where her father controls her life. She does her few jobs, you learn about her cold disposition, and you get a good feel for how things go in the family. You just really feel like you know these characters. Then her daddy tells her she has another job and it's her ex-boyfriend, love of her life, Zane the Detective. You think holy hell, this is really gonna get good. This story can only get more awesome from here! She's a killer from a family of killers, he's a cop, shit's gonna hit the fan.....nuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. That's not what happens at all. From here the plot starts to head downhill a bit and there are even times I wonder if I am reading the final edited version because there are so many mistakes, missing words, and things like this:
"When I glance at the screen of my iPhone, I notice I have three missed calls from my father compared to eight from Zane."
But on the next page it says this,
""Hello?" he answers, his voice confused. I never gave him my number back and my number shows up as unknown most of the time."
This made me go hmmmmmmm what? How is he calling her if she didn't give him her number? And how is he confused to who it is if he already called her 8 times?? Yaaaaaa, there are a couple of other moments like this, but luckily only a few altogether. This is what causes me to hope, for the author's sake, that I got an unedited version and this is not the version for sale.
The story continues on with Amelia telling her father that she was up for this job and that no one else was going to do it but her. Now she knew she still loved Zane, and she knew that there was no way she would be able to kill him. She is using this as a stalling method. That's all fine and dandy, but when daddy runs a mob family, and you are his #1 killing machine, he will not stand for stalling. When he tells you to do something, you do it or you swim with the fishes, see?
But her dad allows her time to come to terms with things for some odd reason, doing the job in her own way, her own time, and this begins her acting defiantly. She begins to talk back, becomes disrespectful, and she does what she wants. Her father attempts to put her in her place at one point, which is pretty fucking scary if you ask me, and she seems to straighten up a bit, but once again begins acting out. Now she knows her father means business, and no matter what he does it's all games. So knowing this, she goes thru this period where she doesn't think he's going to do anything?! Are you kidding me?! There is quite a bit that is drug out through the story that just keeps Amelia stalling from killing Zane. There is no way the head of a mob family would leave a cop alive for that long just so his daughter could have a little bit of love in her life, especially when said cop has been looking into the background of the mob family. And another thing, there is never any interaction with the cops. NONE. There is brief talk of past questioning and raids, but no actual cop action.
Zane is a cop, right? Yes, we've covered this. He never really questions Amelia,though. He tells her he assumed she was the Femme Fatale the whole time and just turned his head because he loved her. Denial, it's not just a river in Egypt. So he knows, HE KNOWS, there are toooooooons of cases with her calling card all over them. He still loves her and is able to look past it if she changes. So they start working towards this relationship that Amelia knows will never last because she's stuck in a daydream in her head not trying to do anything to save him! So, what, she just thinks if she stalls enough her dad will forget?! No freaking way! And with her psychotic brother hanging on her dad's coat tails she will never have her happy ending. When Zane freaks out later in the book about all of the killings attributed to her, it made me freeze. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. He said he knew! That it didn't matter to him. I understand the ones he didn't know about, but he knew about almost all of them.
The ending....WOW! Loved it! This story closed up with a bang. Too bad it wasn't a bang from start to finish, cause it could've been. This story should've been a 10 star book, but somewhere along the way the plot flittered and the characters kind of went meh before it picked back up again. Taking that into consideration, along with all the mistakes in this book (that drove me nuts because it was written so well), I was left rating it 3 stars. I know with how this one ended that book two has a lot to tell. I look forward to seeing where this series is headed.
October 9, 2014
5 HUGE Stars|Amazon (99Pennies)|Goodreads
Favorite Quote: "I am not made for fairy tale ending in this life. Happily ever afters' do not exist for the Abbiati's."
Every time Kirsty puts out a new novel I think that I cannot possible enjoy it more than the last one. I am happily proven wrong each and every time.
Femme Fatale is the type of novel that makes you hope for one ending, while have you simultaneously have you grasping for another. You don't really know what you want to happen, other than you want it to be a happy ending.
Amelia Abbiati is the golden child in her family. She is the prized goose. The family's femme fatale. She kills, and she is good at it. But with ever kill, she looses a little of what makes her Amelia, and gains a little more of what makes her an assassin.
Amelia is a very complex character. I spent half of the novel hoping she would do now thing, while I knew she would inevitably make a different decision. Both sides of her are battling with each other and it is starting to show on the surface. She has one last goal to end the battle raging inside her and to complete her place inside the family. Kill the only man she has ever loved.
"Maybe I am an Abbiati after all. Maybe this will solidify my spot in the family. Maybe Zane won't have to die. Maybe I'm a dreamer."
Zane. He is the man the broke Amelia, and the man who will inevitably save her from herself. I hope. She takes the job to kill him, and with that decision everything changes. The moment she sees him again, you know things are about to get messy.
This novel was a roller coaster. There are so many moving pieces and characters that I was aching to learn more about. The Abbiati Brothers are a group that I could read about for hours. With the little that you learn about them in this novel, you are hooked. Each of them has their battle looming in FF and things are about to get worse.
Kirtsy weaves this world around you. By the end of the novel you find yourself in love with an assassin and orating for the murder of a father. It is a world that grabs you with its riveting plot line and exceptional developed characters. I could not put this book down. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves an NA with suspense, murder, love and lots of twists and turns.
Synopsis:
Book one of two in The Pericolo Series.
They call me the Femme Fatale.
But only because they don’t know me.
My job - seduce men only to deliver their death sentence.
I work for my father’s business. I’m his secret weapon. I’m the one that gets away with murder.
For years, I’ve given in to my father’s demands, lived the life of a mob princess, fell into this merciless realm where he presents me with a man and one goal – to kill.
When it’s to keep the Abbiati name from ruins, I’ll run with the wolves and protect it fiercely.
However, when he brings a new name to the table, I know my newest mission could well be the one that breaks me - don’t feel, don’t deviate, kill Zane Maverick.
It should be simple, but how am I supposed to choose between the man who raised me to be this seemingly heartless and strong female and the man I could only ever love to death?
December 5, 2014
I do not think I have read another book like this, it is that unique in it's storyline! Femme Fatale by Kirsty-Anne Still is simply beyond impressive, firstly it actually has length to it!! Too many books currently seem to only have a limited number of pages but in Femme Fatale's case the reverse is true, this book packs plenty for your cash, not only making it worth every single cent/penny but every page is packed full of quality content, another thing sadly lacking in some departments. I work hard reviewing novels to bring you the best reads on the current market here on Fantasy & Romance Reviews, nothing less that 4 star is put forward for your consideration and if it were possible to put more than 5 stars on a review for a book then this is definitely one of them!
A huge fan of The Viper Room Series, I was drawn in by the Synopsis for this novel and I am really glad that I chose to read it - want a book that is going to floor you? Then this is the book for you because you have no idea from chapter to chapter what is going to happen, there are no giveaways or tell tale clues, this is a huge "wham" each and every time something happens filling you with pure adrenaline, it almost makes you giddy!
So Femme Fatale.....; We are following the story of Amelia, the daughter of the notorious Italian criminal crime boss who has been brought up to know her place within the family business. She has always been coached and preened in order to become a weapon, a weapon that men underestimate because of her sex they have made her into a highly dangerous and high functioning Femme Fatale. It is her job to seduce and then kill certain targets that her father wants to have executed for their sins again the "family". But not all is well at home, her mother died at her father's own hand when she was little but he gave her no mercy believing she was weak since that terrible night Amelia and her brothers have all been effected in different ways, making some see the light and striving to "get out" of the family business or turn as dark as night within their souls. Just over a year ago Amelia's heart was broken by Zane, a man who she truly loved but didn't know exactly what it was Amelia did for her father's business, he is also a cop to her father's dismay. But after breaking her heart, Amelia really threw herself into the family business with gusto trying to heal but in order to prove her loyalty to her family and prove she is ready to move on she must take on one final job...... Kill Zane........
Whirlwind after whirlwind, up after up and spiral after spiral, Femme Fatale by Kirsty Anne Still is a full bodied, rich and steamy novel. Action packed and emotional as hell - you will cry, you will get pi**ed off and angry at certain characters and you will fall in love! This is a definate must read, a cracking start to the series one that I am going to be hot on the trail of each and every time a new book comes out!
A 5***** Star Review <3
A huge fan of The Viper Room Series, I was drawn in by the Synopsis for this novel and I am really glad that I chose to read it - want a book that is going to floor you? Then this is the book for you because you have no idea from chapter to chapter what is going to happen, there are no giveaways or tell tale clues, this is a huge "wham" each and every time something happens filling you with pure adrenaline, it almost makes you giddy!
So Femme Fatale.....; We are following the story of Amelia, the daughter of the notorious Italian criminal crime boss who has been brought up to know her place within the family business. She has always been coached and preened in order to become a weapon, a weapon that men underestimate because of her sex they have made her into a highly dangerous and high functioning Femme Fatale. It is her job to seduce and then kill certain targets that her father wants to have executed for their sins again the "family". But not all is well at home, her mother died at her father's own hand when she was little but he gave her no mercy believing she was weak since that terrible night Amelia and her brothers have all been effected in different ways, making some see the light and striving to "get out" of the family business or turn as dark as night within their souls. Just over a year ago Amelia's heart was broken by Zane, a man who she truly loved but didn't know exactly what it was Amelia did for her father's business, he is also a cop to her father's dismay. But after breaking her heart, Amelia really threw herself into the family business with gusto trying to heal but in order to prove her loyalty to her family and prove she is ready to move on she must take on one final job...... Kill Zane........
Whirlwind after whirlwind, up after up and spiral after spiral, Femme Fatale by Kirsty Anne Still is a full bodied, rich and steamy novel. Action packed and emotional as hell - you will cry, you will get pi**ed off and angry at certain characters and you will fall in love! This is a definate must read, a cracking start to the series one that I am going to be hot on the trail of each and every time a new book comes out!
A 5***** Star Review <3
April 18, 2015
When I read a snippet of this storylineI knew I had to get my hands on the ARC. I was so excited when I saw I was chosen to read.
The idea of a Femme Fatale is so intriguing to me. We all have a hollywood-ish type of love affair with the idea of an Italian Don and the family he runs. Who doesn't love the Godfather saga or Goodfellas?
Amelia Abbiati, the Femme Fatale.
"Don't feel. Don't deviate. Just kill"
She is the only daughter of Salvatore Abbiati "God of Blood". Enzo, Bruno, Giovanni & Manuel are her brothers.
*****EXCERPT*****
"I know you've just finished a kill. Amelia, but the next one needs immediate briefing." "Okay," I tell him, and he grabs me gently by my biceps and pulls me close to kiss my forehead. "Come with me," he instructs lightly and we head down to my father;s office. I forget all about Giovanni and decide to unclip my hair, shaking it out. I find myself suddenly ready to take a long soak in a bath and relieve some tension. I just need to get my next man's name and work out the best way to get into his life. Then I can just give up today and start anew tomorrow.
We enter the room this is darkened with deep red paint, dark oak flooring, and unforgiving furniture that just adds to the foreboding, We're barely in the room for more than two seconds before my father begins to tell me who I'm required to get rid of next. "Zane Maverick," he says and I can see from the look in his eyes that he knew exactly how I would react.
"Zane Maverick?" I ask and curse myself for my voice traveling out so F***ing feebly. I'm Italian royalty. I'm meant to be untouchable, unattainable, and undefeatable. Except, hearing the name of the man I still continue to strive to forget, I know I fear a name far more than my own-Zane Maverick.
"What has he done?" I ask.
"He broke you heart so fiercely even you didn't come to me at first." "He's been digging into our family, and I don't like a threat. They're a nuisance to me. If anyone can get them good as gone, it's you." "Plus, you have leverage."
Okay, this book hooked me in from the beginning scene where Amelia is working a man that has cheated her father. Then you get to this part of the story and realize how far her father will use her to benefit himself.
Amelia struggles with family obligations and the thought of having to kill Zane. Worst yet, if she doesn't do it, her father will allow Giovanni to make Zane suffer for his crimes.
There is so much that happens. If you love to read about family tribulations, this will feed that need. Along with family secrets, sibling hatred, sibling dominance over the others. And one Italian Princess that comes to a realization a little to late…….She is willing to leave her family for the man she loves.
I can't encourage enough everyone to read this book.
I am going to beg & plead to get my hands onto the next installment. And I have added all her books to my TBR!!!!!!
The idea of a Femme Fatale is so intriguing to me. We all have a hollywood-ish type of love affair with the idea of an Italian Don and the family he runs. Who doesn't love the Godfather saga or Goodfellas?
Amelia Abbiati, the Femme Fatale.
"Don't feel. Don't deviate. Just kill"
She is the only daughter of Salvatore Abbiati "God of Blood". Enzo, Bruno, Giovanni & Manuel are her brothers.
*****EXCERPT*****
"I know you've just finished a kill. Amelia, but the next one needs immediate briefing." "Okay," I tell him, and he grabs me gently by my biceps and pulls me close to kiss my forehead. "Come with me," he instructs lightly and we head down to my father;s office. I forget all about Giovanni and decide to unclip my hair, shaking it out. I find myself suddenly ready to take a long soak in a bath and relieve some tension. I just need to get my next man's name and work out the best way to get into his life. Then I can just give up today and start anew tomorrow.
We enter the room this is darkened with deep red paint, dark oak flooring, and unforgiving furniture that just adds to the foreboding, We're barely in the room for more than two seconds before my father begins to tell me who I'm required to get rid of next. "Zane Maverick," he says and I can see from the look in his eyes that he knew exactly how I would react.
"Zane Maverick?" I ask and curse myself for my voice traveling out so F***ing feebly. I'm Italian royalty. I'm meant to be untouchable, unattainable, and undefeatable. Except, hearing the name of the man I still continue to strive to forget, I know I fear a name far more than my own-Zane Maverick.
"What has he done?" I ask.
"He broke you heart so fiercely even you didn't come to me at first." "He's been digging into our family, and I don't like a threat. They're a nuisance to me. If anyone can get them good as gone, it's you." "Plus, you have leverage."
Okay, this book hooked me in from the beginning scene where Amelia is working a man that has cheated her father. Then you get to this part of the story and realize how far her father will use her to benefit himself.
Amelia struggles with family obligations and the thought of having to kill Zane. Worst yet, if she doesn't do it, her father will allow Giovanni to make Zane suffer for his crimes.
There is so much that happens. If you love to read about family tribulations, this will feed that need. Along with family secrets, sibling hatred, sibling dominance over the others. And one Italian Princess that comes to a realization a little to late…….She is willing to leave her family for the man she loves.
I can't encourage enough everyone to read this book.
I am going to beg & plead to get my hands onto the next installment. And I have added all her books to my TBR!!!!!!
April 19, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book by TOJ PS in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: ☆☆☆ /3 Stars.
Well, basically this book is a mystery/thriller, about the case of the Femme Fatale, a.k.a. Amelia, our heroine. She is a girl who's trained to kill people in the most vicious ways, leaving no evidence behind. She's very good at it. She's quite proud of it, and never complains. That is until her former lover - and the one who broke her heart - is the next on her list.
So, this wasn't what you could call a light-hearted read. It was undoubtly fun, interesting and captivating. Down below, I'm going to neutrally state what I feel good and bad about this book. I mean no offence at all. I'm just posting my opinion.
The GOOD:
- DESCRIPTION: Damn! That author is good at descriptions. No, she's amazing at it. How every tiny reaction is recorded and every scenery is descripted was really high quality. I loved it.
- EDITING: For an indie author, it's not likely to see such a flawlessly-written book. The editors aren't usually so good, or if they are, it's possible that a few things might slip. I think Femmw Fatale was a high-quality book, compared to many e-books out these days.
- SUPPORTING CHARACTERS: Sometimes - I mean a LOT of times - people just screw up with the story, by adding more useless characters just to lighten up the mood. There would be too many names that are so similar and so easily forgotten. It's just frustrating. And what's even worse would be when the author introduces them all in the first chapter. On the other hand, this book had AMAZING minor characters. They played their roles very efficently.
- OPENING PARAGRAPH: Well, who wouldn't just like that opening line?!
Now, let's hop on to . . .
The BAD:
- LENGTH: Seriously, though. This book was so long it was just frustrating. It definitely didn't have to be that long, it wasn't necessary. Some scenes could have been cjt off and it won't even affect the ongoing plot. That was unfortunately a turn down for me.
- STORY: The plot of this story was amazing. It was such a unique idea with such a captivating name. It was only sad how the author didn't portray all the way to the end. She kind of slid off the road, and headed into some other direction. She could have possibly just stuck to the main idea.
- BACKSTORY: That isn't really a flaw. It's just a matter of personal opinion, but I wish to have seen more of Amelia's past, the life she led in the past. It was only mentioned briefly in some chapters, but there was no full show of it.
- ONE-DIMENSIONAL: Some of the characters' reactions to certain events were just unrealistic and immature. Also, there was no motivation stated behind every character's actions. Some of them were just bad for the sake of being bad. But there's still a second book, so we might just know then.
- THE ENDING: Enough said!
My rating: ☆☆☆ /3 Stars.
Well, basically this book is a mystery/thriller, about the case of the Femme Fatale, a.k.a. Amelia, our heroine. She is a girl who's trained to kill people in the most vicious ways, leaving no evidence behind. She's very good at it. She's quite proud of it, and never complains. That is until her former lover - and the one who broke her heart - is the next on her list.
So, this wasn't what you could call a light-hearted read. It was undoubtly fun, interesting and captivating. Down below, I'm going to neutrally state what I feel good and bad about this book. I mean no offence at all. I'm just posting my opinion.
The GOOD:
- DESCRIPTION: Damn! That author is good at descriptions. No, she's amazing at it. How every tiny reaction is recorded and every scenery is descripted was really high quality. I loved it.
- EDITING: For an indie author, it's not likely to see such a flawlessly-written book. The editors aren't usually so good, or if they are, it's possible that a few things might slip. I think Femmw Fatale was a high-quality book, compared to many e-books out these days.
- SUPPORTING CHARACTERS: Sometimes - I mean a LOT of times - people just screw up with the story, by adding more useless characters just to lighten up the mood. There would be too many names that are so similar and so easily forgotten. It's just frustrating. And what's even worse would be when the author introduces them all in the first chapter. On the other hand, this book had AMAZING minor characters. They played their roles very efficently.
- OPENING PARAGRAPH: Well, who wouldn't just like that opening line?!
Now, let's hop on to . . .
The BAD:
- LENGTH: Seriously, though. This book was so long it was just frustrating. It definitely didn't have to be that long, it wasn't necessary. Some scenes could have been cjt off and it won't even affect the ongoing plot. That was unfortunately a turn down for me.
- STORY: The plot of this story was amazing. It was such a unique idea with such a captivating name. It was only sad how the author didn't portray all the way to the end. She kind of slid off the road, and headed into some other direction. She could have possibly just stuck to the main idea.
- BACKSTORY: That isn't really a flaw. It's just a matter of personal opinion, but I wish to have seen more of Amelia's past, the life she led in the past. It was only mentioned briefly in some chapters, but there was no full show of it.
- ONE-DIMENSIONAL: Some of the characters' reactions to certain events were just unrealistic and immature. Also, there was no motivation stated behind every character's actions. Some of them were just bad for the sake of being bad. But there's still a second book, so we might just know then.
- THE ENDING: Enough said!
November 8, 2014
Femme Fatale: Pericolo by Kirsty-Anne Still - Reviewed by Klaire Sutherland
Despite having both Viper Room books this is my first time reading Kirsty's work so I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get, but I knew it would be good. The word Mafia always lures me to a book, but seldom do I find myself thoroughly captivated. I normally find Mafia books are a good dirty read where you can revel a little in fantastical lifestyle without having to think so much. I love the thrill of reading this way at times. But this....this is something so much more! There is no beauty within the pages of this book besides the way in which it was written. It draws you in from the very start, hooks you, invades your mind and keeps you hanging on right to the very end. And what an end it is....I was still clinging, and I am seriously wanting the next book like now!!
The Abbiatti family are Mafia and Amelia is the Princess, she doesn't live like one. Far from it, we read of a ruthless killer who lives in utter fear of her father, Salvatore, who does his deeds in order to scoop up the morsels of his love (if you can call it that) and acceptance at her feet. He has moulded her into something that he can use without a bat of his eyelids. A puppet to his strings if you like. She seeks comfort from her brothers, Enzo, Bruno and Carlo, who protect her as well as they can from their father and her other brother Gio. Gio is nothing short of brutal and has no love for Amelia, he wants Salvatore's place at the head of the family. There is a younger brother who is protected by all three also. But it is her heart that she has lost, having given leave to "live" for a while she fell in love with Zane Maverick (not keen on the name but I can overlook it) who in the end could not handle how she lived for her family. He walked away, despite his feelings for her. His being a detective and snooping has now brought him back into Amelia's sights, this is the story we go on to read. And that's as much as I want to divulge as to the storyline :)
This is a heavy read, in terms of content and writing style. It so very much suits the book, there's a complexity to this story but it's written in such a way that it is easy to follow, if that makes sense. There are some shocking twists woven into this tale of life, love and family. Swathed in darkness and terror, you feel Amelia's emotions right along beside her. It's gritty and there are some heinous scenes played out so if you don't like graphic or explicit then this book is most certainly not for you. I like it...no, love it and this book was no exception. This read will stay with me a while for sure and tops my Mafia list :) Congratulations, 5 big fat shiny stars from me!!
Despite having both Viper Room books this is my first time reading Kirsty's work so I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get, but I knew it would be good. The word Mafia always lures me to a book, but seldom do I find myself thoroughly captivated. I normally find Mafia books are a good dirty read where you can revel a little in fantastical lifestyle without having to think so much. I love the thrill of reading this way at times. But this....this is something so much more! There is no beauty within the pages of this book besides the way in which it was written. It draws you in from the very start, hooks you, invades your mind and keeps you hanging on right to the very end. And what an end it is....I was still clinging, and I am seriously wanting the next book like now!!
The Abbiatti family are Mafia and Amelia is the Princess, she doesn't live like one. Far from it, we read of a ruthless killer who lives in utter fear of her father, Salvatore, who does his deeds in order to scoop up the morsels of his love (if you can call it that) and acceptance at her feet. He has moulded her into something that he can use without a bat of his eyelids. A puppet to his strings if you like. She seeks comfort from her brothers, Enzo, Bruno and Carlo, who protect her as well as they can from their father and her other brother Gio. Gio is nothing short of brutal and has no love for Amelia, he wants Salvatore's place at the head of the family. There is a younger brother who is protected by all three also. But it is her heart that she has lost, having given leave to "live" for a while she fell in love with Zane Maverick (not keen on the name but I can overlook it) who in the end could not handle how she lived for her family. He walked away, despite his feelings for her. His being a detective and snooping has now brought him back into Amelia's sights, this is the story we go on to read. And that's as much as I want to divulge as to the storyline :)
This is a heavy read, in terms of content and writing style. It so very much suits the book, there's a complexity to this story but it's written in such a way that it is easy to follow, if that makes sense. There are some shocking twists woven into this tale of life, love and family. Swathed in darkness and terror, you feel Amelia's emotions right along beside her. It's gritty and there are some heinous scenes played out so if you don't like graphic or explicit then this book is most certainly not for you. I like it...no, love it and this book was no exception. This read will stay with me a while for sure and tops my Mafia list :) Congratulations, 5 big fat shiny stars from me!!
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