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Renzo + Lucia #1
Privilege
They didn’t come from the same world …
Born rich to a family of mafia royalty, Lucia Marcello was already destined to succeed. She wanted for absolutely nothing, until she met him.
Born poor to parents who never cared, Renzo Zulla was already destined to fail. He has struggled for absolutely everything, but she’ll prove to be his biggest fight yet.
She’s high society from the upscale suburbs.
He’s a drug dealer from New York’s slums.
They just weren’t meant to be … until they were.
What would it take to change a life—an entire perspective? All the things you thought you knew and wanted?
For them, it took thirty-six days.
And the privilege of meeting each other.
They shouldn’t be.
They don’t fit.
Love doesn’t care.
Note: Privilege is book one in a three-book trilogy following the same couple.
Born rich to a family of mafia royalty, Lucia Marcello was already destined to succeed. She wanted for absolutely nothing, until she met him.
Born poor to parents who never cared, Renzo Zulla was already destined to fail. He has struggled for absolutely everything, but she’ll prove to be his biggest fight yet.
She’s high society from the upscale suburbs.
He’s a drug dealer from New York’s slums.
They just weren’t meant to be … until they were.
What would it take to change a life—an entire perspective? All the things you thought you knew and wanted?
For them, it took thirty-six days.
And the privilege of meeting each other.
They shouldn’t be.
They don’t fit.
Love doesn’t care.
Note: Privilege is book one in a three-book trilogy following the same couple.
226 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2019
About the author
Bethany-Kris
104 books4,221 followersThe author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
August 8, 2020
★4.5★
Privilege is the first book in the Renzo and Lucia trilogy. A contemporary mafia romance with action, suspense, passion, and romance, Bethany-Kris has crafted another unforgettable gem of goodness! Lucia Marcello, a mafia princess, has been groomed for greatness. Her parents have done everything they can to ensure that she achieves greatness in her life. Renzo Zulla, the son of a drug addict, has been fighting for his survival his entire life. Caring for his two younger siblings, Renzo will do whatever it takes to provide for them. When Lucia and Renzo meet an instant connection is forged. Although they are completely wrong for each other, when they come together nothing has felt so right. When everyone is trying to keep them apart, Renzo and Lucia must fight to find their way together.
ღ ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review! ღ
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"Breathing was so much harder without her."
Privilege is the first book in the Renzo and Lucia trilogy. A contemporary mafia romance with action, suspense, passion, and romance, Bethany-Kris has crafted another unforgettable gem of goodness! Lucia Marcello, a mafia princess, has been groomed for greatness. Her parents have done everything they can to ensure that she achieves greatness in her life. Renzo Zulla, the son of a drug addict, has been fighting for his survival his entire life. Caring for his two younger siblings, Renzo will do whatever it takes to provide for them. When Lucia and Renzo meet an instant connection is forged. Although they are completely wrong for each other, when they come together nothing has felt so right. When everyone is trying to keep them apart, Renzo and Lucia must fight to find their way together.
"Trouble's name is Lucia. And he loved her to fucking death."Told in multiple POV, Privilege is a perfect forbidden romance with smoking hot steam. The action is off the chart as Lucia's mafia family is less than pleased to see their privileged princess running around town with a low life thug. The pacing of the read is off the charts due to the intensity between the characters. As the continuous push and pull between family loyalty and love continue to weigh down on Renzo and Lucia, love, life, and death is on the line.
"Stroking those flames that had already been blazing out of control inside her body as his lips worked roughly against hers. Vicious and harsh, his kiss left her gasping."Overall, Privilege is an absolute must-read for mafia romance fans. Ms. Kris continues to amaze me with her complex plots and well-developed characters. I have become a complete Bethany-Kris addict and I cannot wait for more Renzo and Lucia!
ღ ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review! ღ
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 15, 2019
Loved this story - I’m onto the next book.
Read
January 7, 2019Now live!
Amazon | http://geni.us/Privilege
iTunes | https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
Barnes & Noble | https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/priv...
Cover revealed!
Designed by London Miller.
Blurb revealed!
***
They didn’t come from the same world …
Born rich to a family of mafia royalty, Lucia Marcello was already destined to succeed. She wanted for absolutely nothing, until she met him.
Born poor to parents who never cared, Renzo Zulla was already destined to fail. He has struggled for absolutely everything, but she’ll prove to be his biggest fight yet.
She’s high society from the upscale suburbs.
He’s a drug dealer from New York’s slums.
They just weren’t meant to be … until they were.
What would it take to change a life—an entire perspective? All the things you thought you knew and wanted?
For them, it took thirty-six days.
And the privilege of meeting each other.
They shouldn’t be.
They don’t fit.
Love doesn’t care.
Note: Privilege is book one in a three-book trilogy following the same couple.
Amazon | http://geni.us/Privilege
iTunes | https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
Barnes & Noble | https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/priv...
Cover revealed!
Designed by London Miller.
Blurb revealed!
***
They didn’t come from the same world …
Born rich to a family of mafia royalty, Lucia Marcello was already destined to succeed. She wanted for absolutely nothing, until she met him.
Born poor to parents who never cared, Renzo Zulla was already destined to fail. He has struggled for absolutely everything, but she’ll prove to be his biggest fight yet.
She’s high society from the upscale suburbs.
He’s a drug dealer from New York’s slums.
They just weren’t meant to be … until they were.
What would it take to change a life—an entire perspective? All the things you thought you knew and wanted?
For them, it took thirty-six days.
And the privilege of meeting each other.
They shouldn’t be.
They don’t fit.
Love doesn’t care.
Note: Privilege is book one in a three-book trilogy following the same couple.
July 28, 2019
I loved this book. The prologue was amazing (so amazing I’ve included it at the end) and set the tone for the rest of the book.
And it didn’t disappoint.
This is a kind of Romeo and Juliet romance. Lucia is the perfect daughter. She’s loved and given everything she’s wants or needs. Yet while she’s spoilt in someways she’s a beautiful kind person. A person who seeks to find the best in everyone.
Renzo has been dealt a bad hand. Born to a drug addict he’s struggled from birth. Now he lives and works only to care for his two siblings. He has his sister Rose in a private school. Diego is only four and his life revolves him. From childcare to food Diego is his main concern. Everyday is a struggle. Yet every morning Renzo gets up and does it all again.
It’s impossible not to love Renzo. My heart went out to him.
The attraction between these two is instant. But certainly in this case the path to true love doesn’t run smooth.
I’m moving straight onto the next book now. But I have to say I’m really hoping Lucian somehow redeems himself. Because I’m not happy with him at the moment.
Prologue.
Lucia Marcello
The baby hadn’t been planned or expected, not when her oldest sibling had over a decade of years on her, and her parents had believed undoubtedly that they would not have any more children after their last daughter.
But here she was.
And God knew she was loved.
Maybe she hadn’t been planned, but she had been most wanted.
Born in the early morning inside a private suite, the baby girl was wrapped in the softest muslin wrap after being warmed, and washed of any remnants of the birth. Tucked away in a Labor and Delivery Ward of a hospital where there was a doctor for every few patients, and three nurses to every laboring woman, her parents made calls to people who were probably still sleeping, and had their own children to care for.
Aunts, uncles, grandparents …
Despite sleeping, those people would still come.
They would come to welcome a new principessa to the Marcello family. They would come to congratulate her parents.
They would bring her oldest brother, and two older sisters to say hello for the first time. They would bring gifts, and beautiful things to say thank you for being ours. They would all hear her name.
Lucia.
And they would love her simply because she was alive. They would love her because she was born a Marcello.
Born rich, to a family that was both adored and feared, her parents would make sure she wanted for nothing.
That was the privilege of Lucia Marcello.
Simply because she had been born.
Renzo Zulla
The baby hadn’t been planned or expected, not when his mother was barely past her sixteenth birthday and hadn’t slept on a mattress with a sheet since before she found out she was pregnant.
But here he was.
And God knew he wasn’t wanted.
Maybe he hadn’t been planned or wanted, but his mother couldn’t find it in herself to give him up, either.
Born on a warm evening in an Emergency Room triage bed because his mother had waited too long to go to the hospital, and the Labor and Delivery Ward was full, the baby boy laid wrapped in scratchy cotton. His mother explained tiredly for the third time that she didn’t have an insurance card. With a smear of ruddy blood still staining the floor of a hospital where the hallways were currently full of the sick, and the nurses were overworked, one thought to ask his mother if there was someone she might like to call.
Grandparents, other family … the father, perhaps?
Those people would never come.
They wouldn’t come to welcome a new baby they hadn’t even known the teenager was pregnant with.
They wouldn’t come to congratulate his mother. They wouldn’t come to help, or to show his mother how to love him or keep him alive. They wouldn’t bring gifts, or any beautiful things. They wouldn’t hear his name at all.
Renzo.
Given the name his father hated when his mother told the man the ones she was considering for him in a dank alley months ago. Given a name that would already make his absent father hate him.
Born poor, to a mother who’d only stopped sucking on a pipe long enough to birth a healthy child she refused to give up, and without a home to keep him warm.
That was the misfortune of Renzo Zulla.
Simply because he had been born.
January 4, 2019
5 “Oil and Water” Stars
What a start to a trilogy. A story of young love that has a sort of Romeo and Juliet vibe. She, 18, from the wealthy, privileged mafia life and he, 20, from the wrong side of the tracks, a lowly foot soldier. Two people that should have never met yet did and formed a deep and bidding connection. Young love is intense, passionate, and addictive. It goes against the rules when opposites attract. And at times, it creates casualties for both.
I absolutely could not stop reading when I started this love story. It was a story that grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. I didn’t expect to love Renzo like I did. His life is so incredibly difficult yet he rises to the occasion. His family responsibilities are what he lives for. He does what he does for their sakes and is completely committed to his sister and his little brother. And while no one really knows the real Ren, Lucia is able to see through the masquerade of his life. Lucia, from the well connected and wealthy Marcello family, is the good girl, the girl who followed rules, who never gives her parents a worry and who has her life all planned. But when fate intervenes and she met a sexy, handsome bad boy, her heart and her life will never be the same. But she goes against her family when she is warned to stay about from Renzo and going against the Family comes with consequences. And Lucia Marcello will learn just how ruthless her father, Lucien, can be.
This author writes with uncontrolled passion. You can feel the love and the intensity of each character. I am completely obsessed with how Renzo and Lucia will overcome the obstacles set before them. Her family and his family commitments are all mixed to create a perfect storm. The cliffhanger at the end of the story brings much trepidation but it will also bring fireworks when the next story will begins. I can’t wait for more Renzo and Lucia!!!
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
What a start to a trilogy. A story of young love that has a sort of Romeo and Juliet vibe. She, 18, from the wealthy, privileged mafia life and he, 20, from the wrong side of the tracks, a lowly foot soldier. Two people that should have never met yet did and formed a deep and bidding connection. Young love is intense, passionate, and addictive. It goes against the rules when opposites attract. And at times, it creates casualties for both.
I absolutely could not stop reading when I started this love story. It was a story that grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. I didn’t expect to love Renzo like I did. His life is so incredibly difficult yet he rises to the occasion. His family responsibilities are what he lives for. He does what he does for their sakes and is completely committed to his sister and his little brother. And while no one really knows the real Ren, Lucia is able to see through the masquerade of his life. Lucia, from the well connected and wealthy Marcello family, is the good girl, the girl who followed rules, who never gives her parents a worry and who has her life all planned. But when fate intervenes and she met a sexy, handsome bad boy, her heart and her life will never be the same. But she goes against her family when she is warned to stay about from Renzo and going against the Family comes with consequences. And Lucia Marcello will learn just how ruthless her father, Lucien, can be.
This author writes with uncontrolled passion. You can feel the love and the intensity of each character. I am completely obsessed with how Renzo and Lucia will overcome the obstacles set before them. Her family and his family commitments are all mixed to create a perfect storm. The cliffhanger at the end of the story brings much trepidation but it will also bring fireworks when the next story will begins. I can’t wait for more Renzo and Lucia!!!
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2019
5 Fantastic stars and the first book on my 2019 favourites shelf. It's been a long time since I read a book that had me sick with nerves, my gut in knots and anxious knowing that axe was going to fall. And fall it did!
One of the things that Bethany-Kris does that gets me every. Single. Time is how her characters love each other. I fall in love with how they love each other, it's breathtaking.
Now I need Lucian to redeem himself because he really pissed me off whilst I was reading this, although in hindsight and looking at his situation as a parent, I guess he dealt with it the only way he knew how. Still, he needs to put things right.
Nervously moving on to book 2.
One of the things that Bethany-Kris does that gets me every. Single. Time is how her characters love each other. I fall in love with how they love each other, it's breathtaking.
Now I need Lucian to redeem himself because he really pissed me off whilst I was reading this, although in hindsight and looking at his situation as a parent, I guess he dealt with it the only way he knew how. Still, he needs to put things right.
Nervously moving on to book 2.
March 13, 2021
Privilege es un libro diferente a las otras novelas que he leido de Bethany Kris, tiene un aire mas juvenil y romantico, no todo gira en torno a la Cosa Nostra ( aunque tambien tiene un poco de peso en la trama ), y la verdad es que me gusto el cambio.
Lucia y Renzo son una pareja formidable. Su historia de amor pese a ser un poco precipitada, es tan bonita y linda que me mantuvo absorta durante toda la lectura.
Es cierto que tiene algunos detalles predecibles que ya he encontrado en otros romances juveniles, no obstante, Bethany tiene una forma unica de engancharte con su pluma y los personajes que salen de su imaginacion.
Lucia me sorprendio muy gratamente, ya en la trilogia de John tuve la sensacion de que iba a ser un personaje muy llamativo, y realmente lo fue, es madura y coherente, ademas me gusto que no se diera por vencida con lo que queria, sino que seguia luchando por lo que ella consideraba correcto.
Y de Renzo, de el me conquisto su amor inquebrantable hacia sus hermanos, sinceramente, es uno de los protagonistas masculinos mas inolvidable de la autora, tal vez, porque tiene una motivacion diferente a la de los otros personajes masculinos que ha creado la escritora, y eso hace que cale mas en ti.
Por el rumbo que llevaba la trama me imaginaba que el desenlace iba a ser similar la que tuvo, lo que no imagine fue que no iba a poder aguantar ni un solo dia antes de empezar a leer el segundo tomo.
Resumiendo, un primer tomo que te engancha y te obliga a leer de golpe toda la trilogia, justo como hice yo xDD.
3.5 Estrellas!
August 24, 2022
Let's start off by saying I am really loving this series and the more books I read from this author, the more I fall in love with her works.
Wow ! We love romance reads like this one. The forbidden romance theme where everyone connected to you tries to keep you apart, we have a mafia princess and a boy from the hood who is a dealer who works the streets pedaling drugs just to keep food on the table. How more apart could their worlds be?
For both Lucia and Renzo, is and was instant attraction from their onset of meeting one another. Common sense played havoc with Renzo's emotions to stay far and wide away from Lucia, but, his heart says something different entirely. For this couple it is all about what the heart wants what it wants is Lucia and vice versa but, there are going to be tons of obstacles going forward and a major one of those is who her family is.
In this story I saw from the onset of the story exactly why Lucia was drawn to Renzo, and she saw beneath his circumstances and got to know the man within, and in her mind he was no different from the men of her family other than geography and wealth.
I will say as much as I loved this story, Lucia did piss me off a little bit as I thought she should have been a little more understanding when it came to her families concern for her considering her life did a total 180 after taking up with Renzo.
I got a little bit sick and tired of her constantly throwing out that she was 18 now and an adult she could do what she wants but, acted at first anything but.
For me, I think that throughout this entire story Lucia forgot who exactly who she really was (meaning a mafia princess) and what that truly meant and that she would never be a commoner not matter how she might want have wished it. Her entire family members were an extremely dangerous bunch a crime family to boot but, and that enemies come with that kind of prestige in the underworld that her family ruled. Lucia never once considered those tiny little details going forward or about her own safety. Never once did her father or brother forget, and there laid one of the biggest obstacles and problems going forward with Lucia's new-found freedom. She had a family who loved her and gave her every advantage yet time and time again acted selfishly yet , she was also giving and kind and truly felt the pain and sadness for the plight of others that were less fortunate than herself.
Renzo we found to be sexy, caring, loving, determined, some huge brass balls, bad*ss in his own right, creative, intelligent, a planner, down right dangerous if crossed, sneaky and sly, possessive, protective of all those he loved but, what we loved about him most of all the self sacrifices he made on a daily basis for his family while all the time doing a job he hated but, did it to provide for his family.
I have to say that this was a story that kept you glued to the pages the entire time because Renzo kept surprising us at every turn at how far and the lengths he was willing to go to keep Lucia in his life and his family safe.
"Cheeky little devil!"
We loved the drama and the plot, as well as getting to know a new cast of amazing character's for us to love as well as fall in love with. Lucian was another favorite of mine.....
Renzo was my favorite character, hands down." I loved him from the onset of the story!" and I have to say that I was a little bit in love with him myself. We loved everything about him, the good and the bad and the ugly.
We loved Renzo's relationship with his brother and sister as also Lucia and how protective he was of them, possessive of them and loved them well. Because of all of these things, this is just some of a few reasons that made Lucia fall in love with him and fall hard.
We can't wait for the next installment to come out, and we highly recommend checking out this author, mafia books because everything I have read so far we have absolutely loved, and they have been awesome reads.
We are loving these mafia romance books more and more.
Wow ! We love romance reads like this one. The forbidden romance theme where everyone connected to you tries to keep you apart, we have a mafia princess and a boy from the hood who is a dealer who works the streets pedaling drugs just to keep food on the table. How more apart could their worlds be?
For both Lucia and Renzo, is and was instant attraction from their onset of meeting one another. Common sense played havoc with Renzo's emotions to stay far and wide away from Lucia, but, his heart says something different entirely. For this couple it is all about what the heart wants what it wants is Lucia and vice versa but, there are going to be tons of obstacles going forward and a major one of those is who her family is.
In this story I saw from the onset of the story exactly why Lucia was drawn to Renzo, and she saw beneath his circumstances and got to know the man within, and in her mind he was no different from the men of her family other than geography and wealth.
I will say as much as I loved this story, Lucia did piss me off a little bit as I thought she should have been a little more understanding when it came to her families concern for her considering her life did a total 180 after taking up with Renzo.
I got a little bit sick and tired of her constantly throwing out that she was 18 now and an adult she could do what she wants but, acted at first anything but.
For me, I think that throughout this entire story Lucia forgot who exactly who she really was (meaning a mafia princess) and what that truly meant and that she would never be a commoner not matter how she might want have wished it. Her entire family members were an extremely dangerous bunch a crime family to boot but, and that enemies come with that kind of prestige in the underworld that her family ruled. Lucia never once considered those tiny little details going forward or about her own safety. Never once did her father or brother forget, and there laid one of the biggest obstacles and problems going forward with Lucia's new-found freedom. She had a family who loved her and gave her every advantage yet time and time again acted selfishly yet , she was also giving and kind and truly felt the pain and sadness for the plight of others that were less fortunate than herself.
Renzo we found to be sexy, caring, loving, determined, some huge brass balls, bad*ss in his own right, creative, intelligent, a planner, down right dangerous if crossed, sneaky and sly, possessive, protective of all those he loved but, what we loved about him most of all the self sacrifices he made on a daily basis for his family while all the time doing a job he hated but, did it to provide for his family.
I have to say that this was a story that kept you glued to the pages the entire time because Renzo kept surprising us at every turn at how far and the lengths he was willing to go to keep Lucia in his life and his family safe.
"Cheeky little devil!"
We loved the drama and the plot, as well as getting to know a new cast of amazing character's for us to love as well as fall in love with. Lucian was another favorite of mine.....
Renzo was my favorite character, hands down." I loved him from the onset of the story!" and I have to say that I was a little bit in love with him myself. We loved everything about him, the good and the bad and the ugly.
We loved Renzo's relationship with his brother and sister as also Lucia and how protective he was of them, possessive of them and loved them well. Because of all of these things, this is just some of a few reasons that made Lucia fall in love with him and fall hard.
We can't wait for the next installment to come out, and we highly recommend checking out this author, mafia books because everything I have read so far we have absolutely loved, and they have been awesome reads.
We are loving these mafia romance books more and more.
Want to read
July 24, 2020🎁 FREE on iBooks today (7/24/2020)! 🎁
December 20, 2018
My heart. Let's start with that. My heart was in my throat most of this book, whether from me being on the verge of tears from the romance or from me wanting to hold Renzo and tell him life wouldn't always be this hard... I hope.
I loved Lucia. She was discovering who she truly was throughout the story, even if other people had a problem with who she was becoming. She stood firm for the things she believed in and wanted. What I liked most about her was that she didn't judge anyone or their circumstances, instead she was compassionate, all at the same time knowing she could never truly understand their pain and suffering because that's not what she'd been through or where she'd come from.
Renzo, Lord if I could have just grabbed him up and gave him a big hug. That man needed it. His life was struggle and hardship without any breaks, until he met Lucia and she became a source of peace for him. I related to him so much, in the armor that he felt he had to wear to survive and the people he had depending on him that he couldn't, in any way, let down.
The romance, my goodness, the romance. It was everything. It made both of them see who they really were and what they could be. It gave them new perspectives on life and the people around them. It scorched the pages and left me anxiously waiting for the next time they found their way back to each other, because no matter who did or said what, they were going to be together.
I cannot wait for the next book and to see what comes next for Renzo and Lucia.
I loved Lucia. She was discovering who she truly was throughout the story, even if other people had a problem with who she was becoming. She stood firm for the things she believed in and wanted. What I liked most about her was that she didn't judge anyone or their circumstances, instead she was compassionate, all at the same time knowing she could never truly understand their pain and suffering because that's not what she'd been through or where she'd come from.
Renzo, Lord if I could have just grabbed him up and gave him a big hug. That man needed it. His life was struggle and hardship without any breaks, until he met Lucia and she became a source of peace for him. I related to him so much, in the armor that he felt he had to wear to survive and the people he had depending on him that he couldn't, in any way, let down.
The romance, my goodness, the romance. It was everything. It made both of them see who they really were and what they could be. It gave them new perspectives on life and the people around them. It scorched the pages and left me anxiously waiting for the next time they found their way back to each other, because no matter who did or said what, they were going to be together.
I cannot wait for the next book and to see what comes next for Renzo and Lucia.
January 16, 2019
WOW. Literally the best way to describe it. The emotions I have for Ren & Lucia, I have no idea where to begin.... different than what we’re used to for those that have read BK’s series’ of books. Just wow.
We’re used to the mafia man with money and coming from an “equally” as powerful family but this isn’t the case. It doesn’t take away from the man Renzo is though, that I promise you. Your heart ACHES for him. The stuff he’s had to go through- SURVIVE through-you root for him even more. He’s incredible in his own right, the love he has for his siblings and making sure they’re taken care makes his so admirable- you fall for him even more- no wonder Lucia had her eyes set on him! And Lucia. What a sweet soul. You can see glimpses of Jordyn and especially Lucian throughout the book. It was a nice nostalgia.
The storyline was drama filled, captivating, and oh so enticing. I’m the type of reader that tries to guess what’s going to happen next, and I just couldn’t pin point it which I was pleasantly surprised. I kept anticipating certain moments that overlapped into the other character’s books but it never came and it became something else entirely that was so wonderfully done and added to their love story. Per usual BK, never fails to sweep us off our feet. The ending was a sweet one and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these two!
We’re used to the mafia man with money and coming from an “equally” as powerful family but this isn’t the case. It doesn’t take away from the man Renzo is though, that I promise you. Your heart ACHES for him. The stuff he’s had to go through- SURVIVE through-you root for him even more. He’s incredible in his own right, the love he has for his siblings and making sure they’re taken care makes his so admirable- you fall for him even more- no wonder Lucia had her eyes set on him! And Lucia. What a sweet soul. You can see glimpses of Jordyn and especially Lucian throughout the book. It was a nice nostalgia.
The storyline was drama filled, captivating, and oh so enticing. I’m the type of reader that tries to guess what’s going to happen next, and I just couldn’t pin point it which I was pleasantly surprised. I kept anticipating certain moments that overlapped into the other character’s books but it never came and it became something else entirely that was so wonderfully done and added to their love story. Per usual BK, never fails to sweep us off our feet. The ending was a sweet one and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these two!
January 8, 2019
Privilege is another Bethany Kris winner where we now hear the story of Lucia Marcello and Renzo Zulla. This story was deeply romantic but also filled to the brim with drama and an angst-filled intensity that could be felt off the pages. It is sort of a Romeo and Juliet/Opposite attract story and I for one could not get enough!
When Lucia and Renzo meet there is a chemistry that cannot be denied. It was sexy and intense and I was addicted from the beginning. It was so great being back in the Marcello fold seeing the characters I love, including Lucian, Andino and John. I loved the connection that Lucia and Renzo had and their need to be with one another. It was deeply romantic and yet the hurdles they were put through was intense. I seriously can't wait for more! 4 stars! ~Ratula
When Lucia and Renzo meet there is a chemistry that cannot be denied. It was sexy and intense and I was addicted from the beginning. It was so great being back in the Marcello fold seeing the characters I love, including Lucian, Andino and John. I loved the connection that Lucia and Renzo had and their need to be with one another. It was deeply romantic and yet the hurdles they were put through was intense. I seriously can't wait for more! 4 stars! ~Ratula
February 27, 2019
The princess and the pauper. Most would describe Renzo and Lucia in just that way. Well not to their face but still….
I’ve been waiting for Lucia’s story and Bethany-Kris did not disappoint. Renzo is not mafia royalty but he is perfect for Lucia! Their young love is edgy, intense, and one of anguish. The depth of their relationship, Bethany-Kris’ specialty, is written beautifully. The characters’ chemistry, loyalty to the family, and intense scenes make it worth a second, third, and fourth read.
4 stars!
I’ve been waiting for Lucia’s story and Bethany-Kris did not disappoint. Renzo is not mafia royalty but he is perfect for Lucia! Their young love is edgy, intense, and one of anguish. The depth of their relationship, Bethany-Kris’ specialty, is written beautifully. The characters’ chemistry, loyalty to the family, and intense scenes make it worth a second, third, and fourth read.
4 stars!
March 3, 2019
4.5 amazing stars!! Another exceptional read from Bethany Kris!!
January 11, 2019
When opposites attract…
Rich, poor, smart, struggling. Love doesn’t look at the exterior but what’s in the heart and Lucia and Renzo clicked from the start! Both young, both with complicated family, their connection is physical, then emotional and then… Well, that’s the problem, isn’t it? This is the Mafia and there is hierarchy and formality to most everything. You are born into a role and you dare not cross it or deal with the consequences. But what if the reward outweighs the risk? This is the first in a new trilogy by an author who does mafia oh so well. Ren’s family and his situation makes my heart cry and ache – wanting to reach out and rescue them myself! Ren just soldiers on though, doing what he has to to keep his family healthy and together. Lucia is the spoiled youngest child but she is not short on empathy even if she’s never felt what Ren has. Together, they are an incredible force. If they are able to…
Controversy and lots of angst means this series is going to be a nail-biter and I don’t know if my nails can take it! Or if I can wait for the next instalment…
January 19, 2019
"Money could give a person a lot of things, but it couldn’t magically turn them into a human being or tune them into the reality of the world around them."
You know I am a true advocate for Bethany-Kris. Her books are like a smooth and elegant wine to me. Rich and full of that sinful and delightful flavour that consumes me from beginning to end. I am addicted to it. I revere in it. I bath in the velvety and explosive pages that absolutely capture me deeply. Every book she writes is absolutely stellar. You just caught in her web of magnificently written stories that hold all kinds of delicious and epic moments. Every book is dripping with perfect and high charged drama and action. Reading a Bethany-Kris, you are always in the treat for an amazing ride with thrills and sexiness.
Privilege is the tantalizing first book in the Renzo + Lucia trilogy. With Bethany-Kris’s striking and beautiful storytelling, Privilege tells a gorgeous story full of emotions and angst that touch a piece of your heart. A contemporary romance set in the world of Marcellos with a passion induced and intense edge. My oh my, I fell in love with Privilege. The book grabbed every single part of my soul. The story cut me open and honestly, crushed me. Stunning. Amazing. Crazy. Eye Catching. Privilege is a brilliant story of young love with anguish, intense love and steam to give you a ride of your life. Buckle up, it is going to get really bumpy. Bethany-Kris simply awes me. Her writing truly takes you on a mafia journey you want to sink your toes in. She blows up my world and I am left a mess, holding my heart in my hands.
They say, opposites attract. Well, Lucia, born with wealth and all the privilege of mafia principessa and Renzo, a man with a poor background are opposites who truly set my world on fire. Their intense chemistry. Their fierce love that held so much power. I am truly a fan of Renzo and Lucia. Lucia is someone who had been sheltered all her life and she wanted to be ake her own decisions. She is strong yet with a kind and open personality I admired. My heart hurt for Renzo. I am used to reading about rich mafia made men but Renzo truly moved me. His upbringing. His tenacity. His love for his siblings. He is the alpha male I truly loved.
Gosh, I need book 2. Bethany-Kris wrote an amazing introduction to a magnificent trilogy I can’t wait to read more. Bring it on!!!!!!
ARC provided by an author in exchange for an honest review.
You know I am a true advocate for Bethany-Kris. Her books are like a smooth and elegant wine to me. Rich and full of that sinful and delightful flavour that consumes me from beginning to end. I am addicted to it. I revere in it. I bath in the velvety and explosive pages that absolutely capture me deeply. Every book she writes is absolutely stellar. You just caught in her web of magnificently written stories that hold all kinds of delicious and epic moments. Every book is dripping with perfect and high charged drama and action. Reading a Bethany-Kris, you are always in the treat for an amazing ride with thrills and sexiness.
Privilege is the tantalizing first book in the Renzo + Lucia trilogy. With Bethany-Kris’s striking and beautiful storytelling, Privilege tells a gorgeous story full of emotions and angst that touch a piece of your heart. A contemporary romance set in the world of Marcellos with a passion induced and intense edge. My oh my, I fell in love with Privilege. The book grabbed every single part of my soul. The story cut me open and honestly, crushed me. Stunning. Amazing. Crazy. Eye Catching. Privilege is a brilliant story of young love with anguish, intense love and steam to give you a ride of your life. Buckle up, it is going to get really bumpy. Bethany-Kris simply awes me. Her writing truly takes you on a mafia journey you want to sink your toes in. She blows up my world and I am left a mess, holding my heart in my hands.
They say, opposites attract. Well, Lucia, born with wealth and all the privilege of mafia principessa and Renzo, a man with a poor background are opposites who truly set my world on fire. Their intense chemistry. Their fierce love that held so much power. I am truly a fan of Renzo and Lucia. Lucia is someone who had been sheltered all her life and she wanted to be ake her own decisions. She is strong yet with a kind and open personality I admired. My heart hurt for Renzo. I am used to reading about rich mafia made men but Renzo truly moved me. His upbringing. His tenacity. His love for his siblings. He is the alpha male I truly loved.
Gosh, I need book 2. Bethany-Kris wrote an amazing introduction to a magnificent trilogy I can’t wait to read more. Bring it on!!!!!!
ARC provided by an author in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2021
Privilege es el primer libro de la historia de Lucia Marcello y Renzo Zulla. Realmente estaba muy intrigada por su relación y más cuando leí algunas cosas que pasaron con ella mientras leía
Loyalty
, el primer libro de John Marcello, el hermano mayor de Lucía, y Siena Calabrese.
Uno de mis problemas con este libro es que sucede todo muy lento, incluso cuando todo transcurre en 36 días. Ellos se conocen cuando Lucia acompaña a John a hacer una entrega a quien resulta ser Renzo. Si bien no conversan ni nada, se puede ver como ambos inmediatamente se sienten intrigados por el otro, casi como si fuese un instalove (por así decirlo.
Lucia, en general, me gustó. Empezó a ver la realidad más allá de sus privilegios de venir de una familia rica. Todavia le falta mucho que aprender sobre todo y todos. Sin embargo, hay cosas que no terminaron de gustarme: ella decía que no le iba a dar más bola a Renzo pero al segundo que aparece ya está yendo con él; o como egoístamente piensa solo en ella cuando se pregunta porqué Renzo no la llama.
En cuanto a Renzo, si bien también me gustó siento que de un capítulo a otro fue otro personaje. Al principio estaba todo en modo "Lucia es una niña rica mimada priviligiada y bla bla bla", y al siguiente estaba tratándola como a una princesa e invitándola a salir. Fue un cambio abrupto del cual en ningún momento recibí una señal de que siquiera iba a intentar algún movimiento con Lucia.
Y, ¿ese final? ¿Renzo entrando en pánico llevándose a Diego a la mierda por una amenaza vacia de su madre? ¿Y Lucia yendo con él? No hay un maldito sentido ahí. Además, Lucia ni siquiera pensó en la consecuencias al irse. Le importa los hermanos de él, pero ella nomás quiere estar con Ren.
"Sin embargo, todo lo que Lucía podía pensar era que la única diferencia entre lo que Renzo hacía para sobrevivir y lo que su familia hacía para ganar dinero era el hecho de que se vestían mejor que él."
Tampoco entiendo porque Bethany convirtió a la primera generación de los Marcellos en los antagonistas de sus hijos. Dante se hizo detestar en los libros de Catherine y Cross y en los de Andino y Haven, en ambos al final recapacita y deja de intentar controlarlos; Gio no fue un tanto antagonista pero más que apoyar silenciosamente a todos y decirles que le den tiempo a Dante y Lucian no hizo nada, excepto ir detrás de cualquiera de ellos cuando se lo pedían; y Lucian se escondió detrás del pretexto de que los está "protegiendo" y no hace más que herir a todos sus hijos en el intento (y estoy segura, después de leer a Liliana, John y empezando con Lucia,que hará lo mismo con Cella), y fue un completo hipócrita juzgando a un joven que vende drogas cuando él se gana la vida haciendo lo mismo y mucha más cosas que en su mayoría so ilegales.
Lucian no solo fue un hipócrita, sino que no dudó en arruinar a Renzo y su entorno, quitándole un espacio seguro a su hermanito menor para que él ya no se acerque al refugio donde trabaja Lucia y mantenerlo alejado. También amenazó con ir tras de Rose, haciendo que Renzo tuviera que recurrir a sus ahorros para asegurarle un lugar a su hermana en la escuela y que no hubiese manera de sacarla de allí. No solo eso, sino que también escarbó en los propios miedos de Renzo usándolos en su contra al decir que su propia madre lo arruinaria.
Y yo no sé que es peor: que tu padre sea un hipocrita que a toda costa quiere que te alejes de un chico, juzgándolo de como se gana la vida; o que tu madre sea una estatua que no dice ni hace nada ante las acciones de su marido. O sea, Jordyn se quedó en silencio viendo como Lucian estaba siendo totalmente injusto con Lucia respecto a Renzo y solo hablo hacia el final del libro para que le deje ser a su hija, pero podría haber hecho una pequeña diferencia si hubiese intervenido desde un principio.
Lo bueno es que este libro tiene personajes que son un ser de luz como Diego Zulla. Ese niño es un amor, super inocente y devoto a su hermano mayor Renzo y adora con locura a su hermana mayor Rose. Es lo más puro que hay y espero que siga así.
En fin, buen libro pero hasta ahí. Espero que mejore. Ahora sigue leer que sucede después de que Renzo huye con Diego y Lucia, hasta que John la encuentra.
Uno de mis problemas con este libro es que sucede todo muy lento, incluso cuando todo transcurre en 36 días. Ellos se conocen cuando Lucia acompaña a John a hacer una entrega a quien resulta ser Renzo. Si bien no conversan ni nada, se puede ver como ambos inmediatamente se sienten intrigados por el otro, casi como si fuese un instalove (por así decirlo.
Lucia, en general, me gustó. Empezó a ver la realidad más allá de sus privilegios de venir de una familia rica. Todavia le falta mucho que aprender sobre todo y todos. Sin embargo, hay cosas que no terminaron de gustarme: ella decía que no le iba a dar más bola a Renzo pero al segundo que aparece ya está yendo con él; o como egoístamente piensa solo en ella cuando se pregunta porqué Renzo no la llama.
En cuanto a Renzo, si bien también me gustó siento que de un capítulo a otro fue otro personaje. Al principio estaba todo en modo "Lucia es una niña rica mimada priviligiada y bla bla bla", y al siguiente estaba tratándola como a una princesa e invitándola a salir. Fue un cambio abrupto del cual en ningún momento recibí una señal de que siquiera iba a intentar algún movimiento con Lucia.
Y, ¿ese final? ¿Renzo entrando en pánico llevándose a Diego a la mierda por una amenaza vacia de su madre? ¿Y Lucia yendo con él? No hay un maldito sentido ahí. Además, Lucia ni siquiera pensó en la consecuencias al irse. Le importa los hermanos de él, pero ella nomás quiere estar con Ren.
"Sin embargo, todo lo que Lucía podía pensar era que la única diferencia entre lo que Renzo hacía para sobrevivir y lo que su familia hacía para ganar dinero era el hecho de que se vestían mejor que él."
Tampoco entiendo porque Bethany convirtió a la primera generación de los Marcellos en los antagonistas de sus hijos. Dante se hizo detestar en los libros de Catherine y Cross y en los de Andino y Haven, en ambos al final recapacita y deja de intentar controlarlos; Gio no fue un tanto antagonista pero más que apoyar silenciosamente a todos y decirles que le den tiempo a Dante y Lucian no hizo nada, excepto ir detrás de cualquiera de ellos cuando se lo pedían; y Lucian se escondió detrás del pretexto de que los está "protegiendo" y no hace más que herir a todos sus hijos en el intento (y estoy segura, después de leer a Liliana, John y empezando con Lucia,que hará lo mismo con Cella), y fue un completo hipócrita juzgando a un joven que vende drogas cuando él se gana la vida haciendo lo mismo y mucha más cosas que en su mayoría so ilegales.
Lucian no solo fue un hipócrita, sino que no dudó en arruinar a Renzo y su entorno, quitándole un espacio seguro a su hermanito menor para que él ya no se acerque al refugio donde trabaja Lucia y mantenerlo alejado. También amenazó con ir tras de Rose, haciendo que Renzo tuviera que recurrir a sus ahorros para asegurarle un lugar a su hermana en la escuela y que no hubiese manera de sacarla de allí. No solo eso, sino que también escarbó en los propios miedos de Renzo usándolos en su contra al decir que su propia madre lo arruinaria.
Y yo no sé que es peor: que tu padre sea un hipocrita que a toda costa quiere que te alejes de un chico, juzgándolo de como se gana la vida; o que tu madre sea una estatua que no dice ni hace nada ante las acciones de su marido. O sea, Jordyn se quedó en silencio viendo como Lucian estaba siendo totalmente injusto con Lucia respecto a Renzo y solo hablo hacia el final del libro para que le deje ser a su hija, pero podría haber hecho una pequeña diferencia si hubiese intervenido desde un principio.
Lo bueno es que este libro tiene personajes que son un ser de luz como Diego Zulla. Ese niño es un amor, super inocente y devoto a su hermano mayor Renzo y adora con locura a su hermana mayor Rose. Es lo más puro que hay y espero que siga así.
En fin, buen libro pero hasta ahí. Espero que mejore. Ahora sigue leer que sucede después de que Renzo huye con Diego y Lucia, hasta que John la encuentra.
February 4, 2019
➳ Raj
When it comes to mafia books Bethany-Kris is one of my go to authors. Her storytelling and vibrant characters always seem to captivate and charm their way into my life, and create a happy bubble of escapism.
When Lucia and Renzo first appeared in John’s book Loyalty I was completely smitten by their characters. Their connection and attraction from when they first laid eyes on each other was deeply felt within the pages, and continued throughout in their book Privilege.
Raised in mafia royalty Lucia Marcello lived a life of privilege and was surrounded by loving parents. Renzo Zulla on the other hand was born deprived of basic needs and missing his mother’s love. Having to grow up fast and do without led him down a path of survival and responsibility. Divided by different upbringings and riches should have kept Lucia and Renzo from crossing paths, but when Lucia begins to fight against the restraints of her family she becomes a contradiction in their eyes, and a lifeline to Renzo, the man she couldn’t forget meeting that dark night.
From the get go I was pulled into the story and I never felt so in love with Bethany-Kris’s characters as I did with Lucia, Renzo and his adorable little brother Diego. My heart literally melted every time Ren and Diego shared scenes. Lucia and Renzo’s love story contains angst, a feeling of against all odds, opposites attracts and is packed with heartache, drama, hardship, compassion and love. This Romeo and Juliet will ride or die to stay together despite families conspiring to keep them apart. Privilege set this trilogy off with a bang and I can't wait to delve back into Lucia and Renzo’s world when Harbor releases!
There were some editing issues with missing words/incorrect words used etc. but it didn’t detract too much from the story for me to rate this lower than five stars.
When it comes to mafia books Bethany-Kris is one of my go to authors. Her storytelling and vibrant characters always seem to captivate and charm their way into my life, and create a happy bubble of escapism.
When Lucia and Renzo first appeared in John’s book Loyalty I was completely smitten by their characters. Their connection and attraction from when they first laid eyes on each other was deeply felt within the pages, and continued throughout in their book Privilege.
Raised in mafia royalty Lucia Marcello lived a life of privilege and was surrounded by loving parents. Renzo Zulla on the other hand was born deprived of basic needs and missing his mother’s love. Having to grow up fast and do without led him down a path of survival and responsibility. Divided by different upbringings and riches should have kept Lucia and Renzo from crossing paths, but when Lucia begins to fight against the restraints of her family she becomes a contradiction in their eyes, and a lifeline to Renzo, the man she couldn’t forget meeting that dark night.
From the get go I was pulled into the story and I never felt so in love with Bethany-Kris’s characters as I did with Lucia, Renzo and his adorable little brother Diego. My heart literally melted every time Ren and Diego shared scenes. Lucia and Renzo’s love story contains angst, a feeling of against all odds, opposites attracts and is packed with heartache, drama, hardship, compassion and love. This Romeo and Juliet will ride or die to stay together despite families conspiring to keep them apart. Privilege set this trilogy off with a bang and I can't wait to delve back into Lucia and Renzo’s world when Harbor releases!
There were some editing issues with missing words/incorrect words used etc. but it didn’t detract too much from the story for me to rate this lower than five stars.
January 7, 2019
Lucia Marcello was born into privilege and there is nothing that she has to want for. Yet her life has also been controlled with a family that is involved in the drug trade and she is guarded carefully.
Renzo Zulla was born to a drug addict and he is on the street selling drugs and distributing to try and provide a better life for his sister Rose and his little brother Diego, whom he raises.
Lucia first meets Renzo while doing deliveries with her older brother John and there is something about him that draws her in but it isn’t until she begins volunteering at a shelter where she officially meets both Diego and Renzo.
Lucia’s family wants her to have nothing to do with Renzo but how far will Lucia go for love?
This is such a great beginning and I loved it from start to finish!
I thought Lucia was a great character as she was born into privilege, but she wanted more out of her own life and wanted to give back as much as she could. She had personality and although at times her “princess” attitude came out I liked that she wanted to follow her own path and needed to make her own mistakes.
I loved Renzo and how hard he worked to keep Rose and Diego away from the life he was dealt. I hated his mom, Carmen, and she didn’t deserve any of her kids. I did hate that Renzo was forced to do what he did but he had such good intentions that I really wanted him to succeed.
I loved the chemistry between Renzo and Lucia and although there were obvious differences between how they grew up they both had such good intentions towards the other and true love.
I was so mad at Lucian Marcello, Lucia’s dad, when he began to interfere with Renzo to prove how powerful he was. I was hoping he would have went about things a different way and I was definitely worried about how far he was willing to go. I was a little mad at Lucia’s mom, Jordyn, for never saying anything but she did when it counted at the end.
The end of the book was super interesting and I can’t wait for the next book to see where things go and see if they can make it! - By Rebecca
Renzo Zulla was born to a drug addict and he is on the street selling drugs and distributing to try and provide a better life for his sister Rose and his little brother Diego, whom he raises.
Lucia first meets Renzo while doing deliveries with her older brother John and there is something about him that draws her in but it isn’t until she begins volunteering at a shelter where she officially meets both Diego and Renzo.
Lucia’s family wants her to have nothing to do with Renzo but how far will Lucia go for love?
This is such a great beginning and I loved it from start to finish!
I thought Lucia was a great character as she was born into privilege, but she wanted more out of her own life and wanted to give back as much as she could. She had personality and although at times her “princess” attitude came out I liked that she wanted to follow her own path and needed to make her own mistakes.
I loved Renzo and how hard he worked to keep Rose and Diego away from the life he was dealt. I hated his mom, Carmen, and she didn’t deserve any of her kids. I did hate that Renzo was forced to do what he did but he had such good intentions that I really wanted him to succeed.
I loved the chemistry between Renzo and Lucia and although there were obvious differences between how they grew up they both had such good intentions towards the other and true love.
I was so mad at Lucian Marcello, Lucia’s dad, when he began to interfere with Renzo to prove how powerful he was. I was hoping he would have went about things a different way and I was definitely worried about how far he was willing to go. I was a little mad at Lucia’s mom, Jordyn, for never saying anything but she did when it counted at the end.
The end of the book was super interesting and I can’t wait for the next book to see where things go and see if they can make it! - By Rebecca
January 7, 2019
The endearing, poetic, tear jerker, polar opposite description of how Lucia and Renzo separately entered this world set the stage perfectly for this main couple’s relationship angst filled romantic tale. It was by far the best scripted portion of this entire book. It brought tears to my eyes, my fellow mafia romance book loving friends.
Lucia may have lived the perfect, pampered, overly protected, sheltered life between two doting parents and siblings who smothered her with kindness and good intentions, but she longed for a real life connection to the rest of the world. She had it all, folks, but wanted the one thing she felt was missing. Freedom to live, love, and make her own way in this world. Now she was on the cusp of turning the worldly old age of 18, she seemed certain she was ready to tackle life and her biggest obstacle of living it, her loving but controlling mafioso father, Lucian.
My fangirling love for Lucian goes way back to book 1 of The Filthy Marcellos series, which featured his HEA. It’s been a privilege to know him up close and personal, and I honestly can’t find it in myself to criticize him. With the way Lucia was acting all the sudden, I couldn’t blame him for being concerned and trying to intervene like any caring, alpha protective, mafia daddy bear would. It’s simply in his nature to do so. He simply couldn’t help himself, and I wouldn't have him any other way.
Renzo was the epitome of a resilient, hard luck life hero, who still managed to keep a soft heart despite the never ending duties and responsibilities he juggled caring for his toddler brother and younger sister. Age wise, he wasn’t much older than Lucia, but trial and tribulations wise, he was an ancient, old man. Deadbeat parents, who he’d be better off never having known, didn’t help this poor guy's troubles either.
Not surprisingly, living on different sides of the tracks, linked only by a distant connection to the mafioso world, there are those who decide to get in the way of their budding romance.
As much as I wanted Renzo to find much deserved peace and happiness, I questioned some of the decisions he made near the end. Maybe it was the stealing cars that just felt wrong. I wasn’t expecting to feel like he was dragging Lucia down with him. I had hoped her high hierachy mob connections and influence would be a catalyst for Ren to catapult towards the top of the mob and win the favor and respect of the Marcellos clan right off the bat. Sure, that is likely coming in a major way in a future book, but I wasn’t overly wild about where these two found themselves at the cliffhanger ending. Mainly because I wasn’t quite sure if Lucia would have been part of the plan if she hadn’t spoken up like she did.
Time will tell when Harbor, the next sequel, reveals if this main couple’s ship finally comes in and they find calm waters in their tumultuous relationship, where family truly is everything.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Privilege, Series: Renzo +Lucia (Book 1), Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 278, cliffhanger, must read books in order, good, hard luck life drug dealing hero, sweet/pampered but wanting to connect to the real world heroine, very steamy scenes, forbidden love, no OM/OW drama, no love triangle, no cheating. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
Lucia may have lived the perfect, pampered, overly protected, sheltered life between two doting parents and siblings who smothered her with kindness and good intentions, but she longed for a real life connection to the rest of the world. She had it all, folks, but wanted the one thing she felt was missing. Freedom to live, love, and make her own way in this world. Now she was on the cusp of turning the worldly old age of 18, she seemed certain she was ready to tackle life and her biggest obstacle of living it, her loving but controlling mafioso father, Lucian.
My fangirling love for Lucian goes way back to book 1 of The Filthy Marcellos series, which featured his HEA. It’s been a privilege to know him up close and personal, and I honestly can’t find it in myself to criticize him. With the way Lucia was acting all the sudden, I couldn’t blame him for being concerned and trying to intervene like any caring, alpha protective, mafia daddy bear would. It’s simply in his nature to do so. He simply couldn’t help himself, and I wouldn't have him any other way.
Renzo was the epitome of a resilient, hard luck life hero, who still managed to keep a soft heart despite the never ending duties and responsibilities he juggled caring for his toddler brother and younger sister. Age wise, he wasn’t much older than Lucia, but trial and tribulations wise, he was an ancient, old man. Deadbeat parents, who he’d be better off never having known, didn’t help this poor guy's troubles either.
Not surprisingly, living on different sides of the tracks, linked only by a distant connection to the mafioso world, there are those who decide to get in the way of their budding romance.
As much as I wanted Renzo to find much deserved peace and happiness, I questioned some of the decisions he made near the end. Maybe it was the stealing cars that just felt wrong. I wasn’t expecting to feel like he was dragging Lucia down with him. I had hoped her high hierachy mob connections and influence would be a catalyst for Ren to catapult towards the top of the mob and win the favor and respect of the Marcellos clan right off the bat. Sure, that is likely coming in a major way in a future book, but I wasn’t overly wild about where these two found themselves at the cliffhanger ending. Mainly because I wasn’t quite sure if Lucia would have been part of the plan if she hadn’t spoken up like she did.
Time will tell when Harbor, the next sequel, reveals if this main couple’s ship finally comes in and they find calm waters in their tumultuous relationship, where family truly is everything.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Privilege, Series: Renzo +Lucia (Book 1), Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 278, cliffhanger, must read books in order, good, hard luck life drug dealing hero, sweet/pampered but wanting to connect to the real world heroine, very steamy scenes, forbidden love, no OM/OW drama, no love triangle, no cheating. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
December 27, 2018
She was a Marcello Princess. One of a few-the youngest, and most spoiled. Maybe that was because she was her parents baby, or even for the simple fact, she was the last Principessa della mafia of her generation.
I have been a long time fan of Bethany-Kris, and I have to say Privilege has become my new all-time favorite of hers. Lucia being the Principessa of the Marcello family, trying to make a name for herself. And a young man just trying to live day by day sacrificing everything for his younger siblings. One comes from money and wealth while the other has nothing.
Renzo Dulla was so ruthless and cunning! He is the perfect alpha male, that ruined me for all other men. Prepare for your hearts to explode!
Water & Oil
Lucia is the youngest daughter and most spoiled of Lucian's children. Being the baby of the family, she is sheltered. Born of both wealth and privilege, she sees the good in everyone.
Renzo comes from the wrong side of the tracks.
Drug beat mom and a non-existing father figure in his life, he has to sacrifice everything for his younger siblings. He has no time for love, until a blonde spitfire of a princess waltzes into his life and causes nothing but chaos. Utter chaos.
This was a love story that was doomed from the start, but that didn't stop either Lucia and Renzo.
No matter what the costs, Lucia will follow her lover to the ends of the earth. Because without Renzo.... she is nothing.
"You go, I go," Lucia echoed, shuddering when his hips flexed upward. "That's how it's going to be."
Until the day one of them died.
I have been a long time fan of Bethany-Kris, and I have to say Privilege has become my new all-time favorite of hers. Lucia being the Principessa of the Marcello family, trying to make a name for herself. And a young man just trying to live day by day sacrificing everything for his younger siblings. One comes from money and wealth while the other has nothing.
Renzo Dulla was so ruthless and cunning! He is the perfect alpha male, that ruined me for all other men. Prepare for your hearts to explode!
Water & Oil
Lucia is the youngest daughter and most spoiled of Lucian's children. Being the baby of the family, she is sheltered. Born of both wealth and privilege, she sees the good in everyone.
Renzo comes from the wrong side of the tracks.
Drug beat mom and a non-existing father figure in his life, he has to sacrifice everything for his younger siblings. He has no time for love, until a blonde spitfire of a princess waltzes into his life and causes nothing but chaos. Utter chaos.
This was a love story that was doomed from the start, but that didn't stop either Lucia and Renzo.
No matter what the costs, Lucia will follow her lover to the ends of the earth. Because without Renzo.... she is nothing.
"You go, I go," Lucia echoed, shuddering when his hips flexed upward. "That's how it's going to be."
Until the day one of them died.
January 7, 2019
Where do I start with this review...... OMG WTF did I just read is my first thought because HOLY HELL I have read a lot of books that are mafia and forbidden love and the struggles the couple goes through but this story is about a young couple who struggles with reality of coming from two different worlds.
Renzo and Lucia's story is one full of suspense, different worlds colliding, and true love. I just loved this couple because they both come from different worlds where Renzo comes from poverty and does what he has to do to provide for his family and Lucia comes from wealth and a mafia princes at that. Lucia wants for nothing and does as she is told where as Renzo comes from the wild side and does what is necessary to take care of his family.
Then they meet and their worlds collide and they both know it is going to be hard to be together but it is worth the fight. Lucia's father is a ruthless bastard that will do anything to keep these two away from each other but Renzo is determined to do whatever is necessary to stay with Lucia.
This is a trilogy about Renzo and Lucia and this first book sets the stage for whats to come and I will tell you this couple is in for the ride of their lives because money trumps everything and when Lucia's father finds out about Renzo and how he is from the wrong side of the tracks he is determined to keep his daughter away from him at any cost. This is a MUST read Trilogy and I can't wait for book two because I need to know what is going to happen to these two.
Renzo and Lucia's story is one full of suspense, different worlds colliding, and true love. I just loved this couple because they both come from different worlds where Renzo comes from poverty and does what he has to do to provide for his family and Lucia comes from wealth and a mafia princes at that. Lucia wants for nothing and does as she is told where as Renzo comes from the wild side and does what is necessary to take care of his family.
Then they meet and their worlds collide and they both know it is going to be hard to be together but it is worth the fight. Lucia's father is a ruthless bastard that will do anything to keep these two away from each other but Renzo is determined to do whatever is necessary to stay with Lucia.
This is a trilogy about Renzo and Lucia and this first book sets the stage for whats to come and I will tell you this couple is in for the ride of their lives because money trumps everything and when Lucia's father finds out about Renzo and how he is from the wrong side of the tracks he is determined to keep his daughter away from him at any cost. This is a MUST read Trilogy and I can't wait for book two because I need to know what is going to happen to these two.
March 5, 2019
5 Stars
Anything that involves the Marcello’s and I’m ALL over it. Lucia proved she is just like her Father strong, stubborn and determined to get what she wants.
I love BK’s characters they love like nothing else and Lucia and Renzo are no exception. They are determined to be together and nothing is getting in their way…….not even Lucian and boy did he try. I love Lucian but he tested me in this book, I get why being a parent and all but man I wanted to slap him and he’s got some making up to do!
So now its straight on to book 2 ♥
Anything that involves the Marcello’s and I’m ALL over it. Lucia proved she is just like her Father strong, stubborn and determined to get what she wants.
I love BK’s characters they love like nothing else and Lucia and Renzo are no exception. They are determined to be together and nothing is getting in their way…….not even Lucian and boy did he try. I love Lucian but he tested me in this book, I get why being a parent and all but man I wanted to slap him and he’s got some making up to do!
So now its straight on to book 2 ♥
August 7, 2020
It shouldn't work...the mafia princess and the street rat and yet- it does. Privilege is very real and very obvious in their lives. Hers and his lack of.
What Renzo doesn't have he makes up for in his very real feelings. Lucia would rather do without...
She doesn't need $5000 shoes. She doesn't need a new car. She doesn't WANT for anything...until she meets Renzo.
Life just got more complicated for them both but one thing they can't do without- each other.
What Renzo doesn't have he makes up for in his very real feelings. Lucia would rather do without...
She doesn't need $5000 shoes. She doesn't need a new car. She doesn't WANT for anything...until she meets Renzo.
Life just got more complicated for them both but one thing they can't do without- each other.
January 10, 2019
4.5 Stars
I really liked this story, I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next! There is suspense, action, a young hero that leaves nothing to be desired, and a young love between two completely different world people. It's a story that leaves you wanting more.
The story of Renzo and Lucia is romantic, full of drama anguish and as it is a Mafia book could not fail to lack the suspense and action. With an air of Romeo and Juliet since these two come from opposite worlds I saw myself quickly immersed in the history of these two and cheering for them, after all they may even be from opposite worlds but it was impossible not to be enchanted and to see that they belong together.
Privilege is just the beginning of the story of these two, a book full of events, with a pure and young love story that reminds me of the discovery of first love and left me wanting to know what the author reserves for them in the next books.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
I really liked this story, I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next! There is suspense, action, a young hero that leaves nothing to be desired, and a young love between two completely different world people. It's a story that leaves you wanting more.
The story of Renzo and Lucia is romantic, full of drama anguish and as it is a Mafia book could not fail to lack the suspense and action. With an air of Romeo and Juliet since these two come from opposite worlds I saw myself quickly immersed in the history of these two and cheering for them, after all they may even be from opposite worlds but it was impossible not to be enchanted and to see that they belong together.
Privilege is just the beginning of the story of these two, a book full of events, with a pure and young love story that reminds me of the discovery of first love and left me wanting to know what the author reserves for them in the next books.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
Want to read
March 15, 201903/15/19 - I am always leery about stories with rich girls, but I would give this a try.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1448463806i/5557851._CR0,13,200,200_.jpg)
February 12, 2019
February 2019 -- 4 Stars
December 31, 2018
THIS BOOK. This book is just amazing. Purely amazing. From the start, BK had me turning every single page wanting and needing more. Needing know know how Renzo and Lucia’s relationship will play out.
Renzo and Lucia grew up in completely different ways. One had everything, one had nothing. One didn’t need to work and one had to work just to be something. I loved the dynamic between the two. The chemistry these two have is just beautiful.
The things BK makes you feel while reading is crazy. One page you will be laughing and loving it and one page you will be sobbing. All I can say is she has done it again. And this is just book 1!!
Renzo and Lucia grew up in completely different ways. One had everything, one had nothing. One didn’t need to work and one had to work just to be something. I loved the dynamic between the two. The chemistry these two have is just beautiful.
The things BK makes you feel while reading is crazy. One page you will be laughing and loving it and one page you will be sobbing. All I can say is she has done it again. And this is just book 1!!
April 30, 2020
A different take from one of my favorites and I absolutely loved it.
Meet Lucia: Beloved baby of the mafia family.
Meet Renzo: oldest sibling taking care of his family as a foot soldier to said mafia family.
Who would stand in their way? Apparently everyone, and guess what? Neither one of these two are good at listening.
Ready for my next fix to see what happens with this ride or die duo.
Meet Lucia: Beloved baby of the mafia family.
Meet Renzo: oldest sibling taking care of his family as a foot soldier to said mafia family.
Who would stand in their way? Apparently everyone, and guess what? Neither one of these two are good at listening.
Ready for my next fix to see what happens with this ride or die duo.
January 7, 2019
5 'Ride or Die 'STARS
Lucia looks forward to her 18th birthday and all the freedom that comes with it.
College.
Escaping the loving grasps of la familia.
One day, a successful career.
Not that Lucia ever has to work a day in her life.
Lucia may have born with a silver spoon in her mouth and force-fed privilege, but she was never blinded by life's advantages.
She is a stunning young woman, but more than that Lucia is a kind empathetic soul. Its no surprise Lucia lands a job at the local shelter.
At the shelter Lucia witnesses life when every minute is a struggle.
When your next meal is not guaranteed.
When a safe place to rest your head is a privilege, not a right.
A life without hope and dreams
Simply waiting for the worst case scenario
For life to knock you down and take the sliver of hope that you had left.
Lucia sees the light in people, even those that cannot see the light themselves.
People like Renzo.
The sexy, foul mouthed Renzo is resilient AF. He is all the things your parents warned you about. Tell Ren he can't, he won't, and he will prove a hundred different ways how he will overcome.
Society would label Renzo the scum of the earth, a no-good-drug dealer, unredeemable, and worthless.
There is more to Renzo than his worst decision.
Renzo was born into dysfunction—a deadbeat father, addicted mother too consumed with their own shit to worry about the children they brought into the world.
The two people that were supposed to love Renzo unconditionally failed him. Instead of a childhood, Renzo was forced to carry the weight of adult issues and cope with the consequences.
Renzo's life is absolute chaos, which Ren did not choose—the only choice is to fight for something or die and become another statistic.
Renzo sacrificed every bit of himself to provide for his siblings, becoming the family's only hope of something different. Renzo would not flinch at the tough choices.
Conscience. Pride. Fuck all that—if being the bad guy meant his siblings had a chance at something better, so be it.
Carrying their futures on his shoulders was all that mattered.
Even if that meant giving up his own.
Renzo runs into Lucia on the streets. They share a lingering stare.
She doesn't belong there. But that's not why Renzo sees her.
In a dark crowded room Renzo would only see Lucia.
They cross paths for a second time at the shelter of all places.
Lucia never once thought she was better.
She was also judged by the family she was born into.
Labeled as another stuck up, spoon-fed princess.
Lucia is drawn to Renzo's light.
Renzo isn't interested in being anyone's charity case.
He is uncomfortable and all too familiar with vulnerability and pity bullshit—because in Renzo's self-hating mind, that's all Lucia could possibly see when she looks at him, right?
Lucia seeks to understand Ren, not to fix or judge him for his life.
There are glaring differences between their worlds.
One of privilege, the other of adversity.
Passion and the willingness to understand bridges the gap between the young lovers.
All Lucia ever saw was Renzo. A young man with love in his heart bigger than life's misfortunes.
Lucian Marcello sees Renzo for all he isn't. Only trouble for his daughter.
Lucia calls bullshit on her father's hypocrisy.
She will fight for Renzo—the man she knows in her bones.
Stubborn Lucian Marcello will exploit Renzo's every weakness.
He will scratch at every wound Renzo has to keep him away from Lucia.
Renzo was born at the bottom. Lucian can knock Renzo down over and over, Marcello or not, nothing will keep Renzo from coming back for her
Nothing will ever keep them apart.
Lucia looks forward to her 18th birthday and all the freedom that comes with it.
College.
Escaping the loving grasps of la familia.
One day, a successful career.
Not that Lucia ever has to work a day in her life.
Lucia may have born with a silver spoon in her mouth and force-fed privilege, but she was never blinded by life's advantages.
She is a stunning young woman, but more than that Lucia is a kind empathetic soul. Its no surprise Lucia lands a job at the local shelter.
At the shelter Lucia witnesses life when every minute is a struggle.
When your next meal is not guaranteed.
When a safe place to rest your head is a privilege, not a right.
A life without hope and dreams
Simply waiting for the worst case scenario
For life to knock you down and take the sliver of hope that you had left.
Lucia sees the light in people, even those that cannot see the light themselves.
People like Renzo.
The sexy, foul mouthed Renzo is resilient AF. He is all the things your parents warned you about. Tell Ren he can't, he won't, and he will prove a hundred different ways how he will overcome.
Society would label Renzo the scum of the earth, a no-good-drug dealer, unredeemable, and worthless.
There is more to Renzo than his worst decision.
Renzo was born into dysfunction—a deadbeat father, addicted mother too consumed with their own shit to worry about the children they brought into the world.
The two people that were supposed to love Renzo unconditionally failed him. Instead of a childhood, Renzo was forced to carry the weight of adult issues and cope with the consequences.
Renzo's life is absolute chaos, which Ren did not choose—the only choice is to fight for something or die and become another statistic.
Renzo sacrificed every bit of himself to provide for his siblings, becoming the family's only hope of something different. Renzo would not flinch at the tough choices.
Conscience. Pride. Fuck all that—if being the bad guy meant his siblings had a chance at something better, so be it.
Carrying their futures on his shoulders was all that mattered.
Even if that meant giving up his own.
Renzo runs into Lucia on the streets. They share a lingering stare.
She doesn't belong there. But that's not why Renzo sees her.
In a dark crowded room Renzo would only see Lucia.
They cross paths for a second time at the shelter of all places.
Lucia never once thought she was better.
She was also judged by the family she was born into.
Labeled as another stuck up, spoon-fed princess.
Lucia is drawn to Renzo's light.
Renzo isn't interested in being anyone's charity case.
He is uncomfortable and all too familiar with vulnerability and pity bullshit—because in Renzo's self-hating mind, that's all Lucia could possibly see when she looks at him, right?
Lucia seeks to understand Ren, not to fix or judge him for his life.
There are glaring differences between their worlds.
One of privilege, the other of adversity.
Passion and the willingness to understand bridges the gap between the young lovers.
All Lucia ever saw was Renzo. A young man with love in his heart bigger than life's misfortunes.
Lucian Marcello sees Renzo for all he isn't. Only trouble for his daughter.
Lucia calls bullshit on her father's hypocrisy.
She will fight for Renzo—the man she knows in her bones.
Stubborn Lucian Marcello will exploit Renzo's every weakness.
He will scratch at every wound Renzo has to keep him away from Lucia.
Renzo was born at the bottom. Lucian can knock Renzo down over and over, Marcello or not, nothing will keep Renzo from coming back for her
Nothing will ever keep them apart.
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