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Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy #1
Scandals of the Father
Being attracted to her wasn't wrong… but acting on it would be.
As the patriarch of the powerful and wealthy Cavalieri family, my choices came with consequences for everyone around me.
The roots of my ancestral, billionaire-dollar winery stretch deep into the rich, Italian soil, as does our legacy for ruthlessness and scandal.
It wasn't the fact she was half my age that made her off limits.
Nothing was off limits for me.
A wounded bird, caught in a trap not of her own making, she posed no risk to me.
My obsessive desire to possess her was the real problem.
For both of us.
But now that I've seen her, tasted her lips, I can't let her go.
Whether she likes it or not, she needs my protection.
I'm doing this for her own good, yet, she fights me at every turn.
Refusing the luxury I offer, desperately trying to escape my grasp.
I need to teach her to obey before the dark rumors of my past reach her.
Ruin her.
She cannot find out what I've done, not before I make her mine.
If you love the dark and twisted romantic suspense of Natasha Knight, A. Zavarelli, Charmaine Pauls, and Anna Zaires you will love this series!
Lose yourself in the steamy, enemies to lovers drama of the Cavalieri men.
As the patriarch of the powerful and wealthy Cavalieri family, my choices came with consequences for everyone around me.
The roots of my ancestral, billionaire-dollar winery stretch deep into the rich, Italian soil, as does our legacy for ruthlessness and scandal.
It wasn't the fact she was half my age that made her off limits.
Nothing was off limits for me.
A wounded bird, caught in a trap not of her own making, she posed no risk to me.
My obsessive desire to possess her was the real problem.
For both of us.
But now that I've seen her, tasted her lips, I can't let her go.
Whether she likes it or not, she needs my protection.
I'm doing this for her own good, yet, she fights me at every turn.
Refusing the luxury I offer, desperately trying to escape my grasp.
I need to teach her to obey before the dark rumors of my past reach her.
Ruin her.
She cannot find out what I've done, not before I make her mine.
If you love the dark and twisted romantic suspense of Natasha Knight, A. Zavarelli, Charmaine Pauls, and Anna Zaires you will love this series!
Lose yourself in the steamy, enemies to lovers drama of the Cavalieri men.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2023
About the author
Zoe Blake
96 books2,816 followersZoe Blake is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the romantic suspense saga The Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy inspired by her own heritage as well as her obsession with jewelry, travel, and the salacious gossip of history’s most infamous families.
She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, vacations, and red lipstick.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks
She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, vacations, and red lipstick.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews
May 26, 2023
Working as a server at the eldest Cavalieri son’s wedding, Amara Beneventi, unintentionally caught the attention of the Cavalieri patriarch.
Between her own life experiences and the unflattering rumors about Barone that run rampant, the fiery Amara holds steadfast against the wine magnate’s relentless pursuit … until she doesn’t.
Scandals wasn’t as spicy as much of Zoe’s work and Barone wasn’t as unrepentant as we’ve become accustomed to. That said, the world-building for the Cavalieri series (and glimpses into the Diamanti world) along with the character development and strong foundation for Barone and Amara was so satisfying that I found myself engrossed regardless.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🫠😭🥵🥺😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (20ish), Bulldozer, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Jealous/Possessive, Manipulation, MINE!, Opposites Attract, Single Parent, Small Town, Who Hurt You, Workplace
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Daddy (Mild), Domination, Impact Play (Belt), Punishment, Restraints, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: AssauIt (Not by H), DubCon, VioIençe (Not by H), and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Scandals of the Father is part of the Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Between her own life experiences and the unflattering rumors about Barone that run rampant, the fiery Amara holds steadfast against the wine magnate’s relentless pursuit … until she doesn’t.
Scandals wasn’t as spicy as much of Zoe’s work and Barone wasn’t as unrepentant as we’ve become accustomed to. That said, the world-building for the Cavalieri series (and glimpses into the Diamanti world) along with the character development and strong foundation for Barone and Amara was so satisfying that I found myself engrossed regardless.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🫠😭🥵🥺😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (20ish), Bulldozer, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Jealous/Possessive, Manipulation, MINE!, Opposites Attract, Single Parent, Small Town, Who Hurt You, Workplace
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Daddy (Mild), Domination, Impact Play (Belt), Punishment, Restraints, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: AssauIt (Not by H), DubCon, VioIençe (Not by H), and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Scandals of the Father is part of the Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
May 4, 2023
The MMC’s behavior after the FMC was almost sexually assaulted was pretty disgusting.
““I reeled back with disgust. "You taste of him. Your skin smells of his cologne."
Before she could respond, I fisted her hair at the base of her neck and spun her around to march her in front of me into the bathroom. Once inside, I reached into the shower and turned the spray on to the hottest setting.”
“That's it, baby. Wash that dirty body for me.””
To think I was actually enjoying the book until this scene and it just put me off the entire book. This is my first miss by this author so I’m very disappointed.
““I reeled back with disgust. "You taste of him. Your skin smells of his cologne."
Before she could respond, I fisted her hair at the base of her neck and spun her around to march her in front of me into the bathroom. Once inside, I reached into the shower and turned the spray on to the hottest setting.”
“That's it, baby. Wash that dirty body for me.””
To think I was actually enjoying the book until this scene and it just put me off the entire book. This is my first miss by this author so I’m very disappointed.
April 3, 2023
Scandals of the Father was scandalously amazing. This has got to be one of my favorite books written by Zoe Blake now. It was passionate, romantic, kinky, and action packed.
Amara is poor and wants a life different than the one she’s living. She has had to be self-reliant since her mother passed away and life has thrown her several rough curve balls. Working at a wedding, Don Barone catches her when she is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Barone is immediately captivated by the young beauty and Amara is both entranced and scared of the attraction she feels toward Barone. Their first encounter is tension filled and steamy and the banter between them is on point.
Barone is older, has many secrets, and doesn’t want to tarnish the beautiful woman that is stubborn to her core but he can’t seem to let her go and Amara can’t seem to stop giving in.
These two had SO much chemistry and I loved seeing them fall into a beautiful companionship full of love and trust. That’s not to say their relationship wasn’t bumpy…it was! But it was a well written push/pull that simmered and then exploded.
Was Barone an alpha male that bulldozed his way into Amara’s life with plenty of expectations? Absolutely…and I loved every second of it. Even when Barone was completely unreasonable, he was charming. I was even surprised that while Barone does not lack a dominant personality he was a little more soft than the males that Zoe usually writes. The intimacy felt a little softer as well but it fit who they were as a couple.
Amara was such a delight to read because she was a ball buster in the best way and never backed down on what she thought she deserved. The moments she felt beaten were the moments she was strongest and Barone pushed her to be the business savvy and brilliant woman she always was.
These two were everything and the romance was so emotionally satisfying. I loved the plot that went alongside the romance and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other son’s stories. Barone’s sons were a wonderful comedic relief to more serious moments and Amara’s bestie, Milana, was hilarious.
If you like Zoe Blake, you are going to love this new series she has started. It’s spicy, sweet, sexy, and just a tad dark. I really loved it!
Amara is poor and wants a life different than the one she’s living. She has had to be self-reliant since her mother passed away and life has thrown her several rough curve balls. Working at a wedding, Don Barone catches her when she is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Barone is immediately captivated by the young beauty and Amara is both entranced and scared of the attraction she feels toward Barone. Their first encounter is tension filled and steamy and the banter between them is on point.
“He was a man who knew how to go after what he wanted, and I'd have to be made of stone to not be flattered that, at least for a few hours a few days ago, I was what he wanted. Me. Little old nobody Amara Beneventi from the wrong side of town.”
Barone is older, has many secrets, and doesn’t want to tarnish the beautiful woman that is stubborn to her core but he can’t seem to let her go and Amara can’t seem to stop giving in.
“I was going to claim what was mine. And she was mine. Whether she knew it or not. Whether she liked it or not. Amara Beneventi was mine.”
These two had SO much chemistry and I loved seeing them fall into a beautiful companionship full of love and trust. That’s not to say their relationship wasn’t bumpy…it was! But it was a well written push/pull that simmered and then exploded.
“I was a man possessed. Unleashed. I couldn't get enough of her. I wanted her air to be my air.”
Was Barone an alpha male that bulldozed his way into Amara’s life with plenty of expectations? Absolutely…and I loved every second of it. Even when Barone was completely unreasonable, he was charming. I was even surprised that while Barone does not lack a dominant personality he was a little more soft than the males that Zoe usually writes. The intimacy felt a little softer as well but it fit who they were as a couple.
Amara was such a delight to read because she was a ball buster in the best way and never backed down on what she thought she deserved. The moments she felt beaten were the moments she was strongest and Barone pushed her to be the business savvy and brilliant woman she always was.
"You speak as if I am the one with all the power, when we both know it is you who holds the power over me."
I cupped her jaw. "God help me if you ever learn how wrong you are."
These two were everything and the romance was so emotionally satisfying. I loved the plot that went alongside the romance and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other son’s stories. Barone’s sons were a wonderful comedic relief to more serious moments and Amara’s bestie, Milana, was hilarious.
If you like Zoe Blake, you are going to love this new series she has started. It’s spicy, sweet, sexy, and just a tad dark. I really loved it!
September 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️ two stars -
I was excited to see a new Zoe Blake series, and this book has been showing up on my feed lately with high marks from reviewers I follow here on GR, but it’s just not panning out for me 🥲💁♀️
I actually feel bad not liking it (I know - I’m usually harshly, “do not care”), but I normally do enjoy Blake when I’m in the mood for dark, edgy smut. I was looking forward to another good smut-filled run like her Ruthless Obsession series, which I did enjoy. The first book in that popular edgy series was a fun-filled, quick and easy, erotic dark romance that I enjoyed (review here 👉 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
I should have known I wouldn’t like this one by its cover (can you judge a book by its cover? 🤔). The model here just doesn’t do it for me. I was hoping to block out his image, and put into my head my own image of our Hero as I read along, but here’s Blake’s description of him:
“His white hair and closely trimmed beard and mustache gave him the perfect air of sophistication.”
Umm, no. That’s a nope from me. In what world does a 24 year old find a man with the description of Carlos Esteban (the one from El Toro television) attractive? A thirty-two year old looks old to a young twenty-something. I just couldn’t get past all the grey facial hair to suspend my disbelief enough to buy the premise that this young girl was going to have the hots for grandpa.
I stopped reading at 56% because I was:
👉 bored with the slow pace and constant repetition
👉 not finding the sexy times sexy. Once he called her “little girl” I was pretty much out. I can normally go for the whole daddy thing, but it didn’t work here for me 💁♀️
👉 not feeling the romance. Yes, I felt that she was dominated by him sexually, but without the emotional component I just wasn’t finding it compelling. This is an erotic read, for sure. Romantic? No.
All of those reasons leave me unwilling to carry on, so this will get shelved to dnf. Will I try subsequent books in this series? Yes, because I like Blake, and I’m guessing that the odds are that one of these books out of the five in this new series will be one that I will enjoy.
Two stars for this Book I in the author’s latest series. Here’s hoping I find a star in one of the other books in this new dark romance series 🤞.
I was excited to see a new Zoe Blake series, and this book has been showing up on my feed lately with high marks from reviewers I follow here on GR, but it’s just not panning out for me 🥲💁♀️
I actually feel bad not liking it (I know - I’m usually harshly, “do not care”), but I normally do enjoy Blake when I’m in the mood for dark, edgy smut. I was looking forward to another good smut-filled run like her Ruthless Obsession series, which I did enjoy. The first book in that popular edgy series was a fun-filled, quick and easy, erotic dark romance that I enjoyed (review here 👉 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
I should have known I wouldn’t like this one by its cover (can you judge a book by its cover? 🤔). The model here just doesn’t do it for me. I was hoping to block out his image, and put into my head my own image of our Hero as I read along, but here’s Blake’s description of him:
“His white hair and closely trimmed beard and mustache gave him the perfect air of sophistication.”
Umm, no. That’s a nope from me. In what world does a 24 year old find a man with the description of Carlos Esteban (the one from El Toro television) attractive? A thirty-two year old looks old to a young twenty-something. I just couldn’t get past all the grey facial hair to suspend my disbelief enough to buy the premise that this young girl was going to have the hots for grandpa.
I stopped reading at 56% because I was:
👉 bored with the slow pace and constant repetition
👉 not finding the sexy times sexy. Once he called her “little girl” I was pretty much out. I can normally go for the whole daddy thing, but it didn’t work here for me 💁♀️
👉 not feeling the romance. Yes, I felt that she was dominated by him sexually, but without the emotional component I just wasn’t finding it compelling. This is an erotic read, for sure. Romantic? No.
All of those reasons leave me unwilling to carry on, so this will get shelved to dnf. Will I try subsequent books in this series? Yes, because I like Blake, and I’m guessing that the odds are that one of these books out of the five in this new series will be one that I will enjoy.
Two stars for this Book I in the author’s latest series. Here’s hoping I find a star in one of the other books in this new dark romance series 🤞.
April 1, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: age gap
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Outrageously fantastic ride! Zoe Blake is always an easy one click for me when I'm looking for a completely over the top alpha male that's also an emotional steam roller. Daddy Barone Cavalieri did not let me done, even though he's not *quite* as over the top as the last couple of Zoe's heroes. Amara had absolutely no chance against him, lol. The world building is fantastic and totally gets us primed for the rest of the Cavalieri men - can't wait!!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: age gap
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Outrageously fantastic ride! Zoe Blake is always an easy one click for me when I'm looking for a completely over the top alpha male that's also an emotional steam roller. Daddy Barone Cavalieri did not let me done, even though he's not *quite* as over the top as the last couple of Zoe's heroes. Amara had absolutely no chance against him, lol. The world building is fantastic and totally gets us primed for the rest of the Cavalieri men - can't wait!!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Read
April 8, 2023DNF 34%. Unbelievable 🤦🏻♀️
April 3, 2023
Scandals of The Father the first book in Zoe Blake's new series Cavalieri billionaire legacy fabulous!!!!!! I'm not usually into the daddy or praise kink but damned if she didn't pull me in with a awesome storyline and great characters and a cover with the amazingly hot sexy Wander Aguiar as the cover model filled all my spank tank guidelines!!!😂 I always said I'd never call any guy daddy but...... I'm starting to rethink things! Especially if he was like the intense and very dominant Barone Cavalieri !!!! He's the patriarch of the Cavalieri family and a Italian stallion all the way!!! Its rumored that he killed his very religious wife because of his dark and very depraved kinks in the bedroom, so its no wonder that the innocent Amara is like a deer in the headlights after she catches his eye and attention. While Amara might be young she has a fire and isn't afraid to call him on his shit and from the beginning its a battle of wits. Don Cavalieri wants to take care of her but she's very independent and doesn't want to be his play thing to be tossed away when he's done with her. The chemistry between them is hot as fuck!!!! I loved the age gap and forbidden love theme and like I said the daddy kink wasn't gross or over done it was just right. Theirs lots of primal and steamy sex scenes with dirty talking and dirty kinks!!! And I knew it was going to be a great read just a couple characters in! And boy was I right!!! Zoe has also set up the next two books with Barone's sons Cesare and Enzo and what we found out so far shows their books are going to be fabulous as well. I Can't wait to read more about this legacy of handsome and powerful men! Zoe Blake is a hell of a storyteller and her dark romances remind me of the bodice ripper romances I used to sneak to read when I was a young teenager with powerful alpha men that take what they want and damn the consequences! Because deep down we know they'll protect and take care of us no matter what happens. Until next time Luv's💕💋
April 1, 2023
Hands down, I loved this book, and I can't wait to see what else this series brings!
Amara is a poor girl working to keep on living. She's working a party and kinda overhears a conversation she shouldn't and is caught by Don Barone, a rich, powerful guy in their village. Their first meeting is tensen and the banter between them!! Barone is smitten for her, but he thinks she is too young to innocent for him he would break her, ruin her, but he can't seem to leave her be. It'd a lot of push/pull from Barone and running away from Amara.
And their work relationship was funny to watch because Amara was great at her new job, but Barone hated it since she placed rules, and he hated every moment. I'm glad he finally stopped pushing her away and accepted he can love someone.
I love the friendship that Amara has with her bestie, who has a hate relationship with one of Barone sons. I love it!! I can't wait to read their story. Also, the sons and him there relationship so awesome.
No ow drama/tiny om (her stepfather/brother), no cheating, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
24h/50H
Push away from both
Violence
Dub-con
Punishments
Anal play
Tiny Degradation
Tiny daddy kink
Praise kink
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
Amara is a poor girl working to keep on living. She's working a party and kinda overhears a conversation she shouldn't and is caught by Don Barone, a rich, powerful guy in their village. Their first meeting is tensen and the banter between them!! Barone is smitten for her, but he thinks she is too young to innocent for him he would break her, ruin her, but he can't seem to leave her be. It'd a lot of push/pull from Barone and running away from Amara.
And their work relationship was funny to watch because Amara was great at her new job, but Barone hated it since she placed rules, and he hated every moment. I'm glad he finally stopped pushing her away and accepted he can love someone.
I love the friendship that Amara has with her bestie, who has a hate relationship with one of Barone sons. I love it!! I can't wait to read their story. Also, the sons and him there relationship so awesome.
No ow drama/tiny om (her stepfather/brother), no cheating, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
24h/50H
Push away from both
Violence
Dub-con
Punishments
Anal play
Tiny Degradation
Tiny daddy kink
Praise kink
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
April 15, 2024
HOW am I supposed to settle for "good girl" now that I've heard "𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒂 𝑹𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒛𝒂"?🥵🥵🥵
Dio Santo! This was so much fun to read. It felt kinda like a soap opera that was sponsored by the Italian tourist industry. The descriptions of the scenery, food, and 🍷 were vivid and seductive.
Who's feeling thirsty?
Nestled in a small mountain valley in Abruzzo lies a beautiful yet cloistered village - controlled by the powerful Cavalieri wine dynasty. Even though this book is contemporary, it feels like a place lost in time; a world where tradition (good or bad) still rules.
Which makes it the ideal backdrop for the OTT possessive steamroller MMCs that Zoe Blake is known for. The fact these men can truly get away with anything isn't forgotten, and sometimes adds an undercurrent of unease.
(I'm probably just repeating info in other reviews, but I took notes, dammit, and I'm not letting them go to waste! )
mmc: Barone Cavalieri, 40's, wine magnate, widowed father of two adult sons. Possessive, tortured, Pepé Le Pew energy.
fmc: Amara Beneventi, 24, poor shopgirl living with her abusive stepfather & stepbrother. Proud, scrappy, Cinderella energy.
| instalust | age gap | 'who hurt you' | caregiving+spoiling | big secrets | no virgins | dirty talk | praise kink | light daddy kink | anal | dubcon/punishments |
| free on KU | 339 Kindle pages | multi 1st person POVs | 9:13 audiobook | dual narration by Antonio Amato+Charlotte Claremont |
● The audiobook was great, and hearing the Italian phrases & accents really made it feel more immersive.
● The guy on the cover, while handsome, isn't 💯accurate imo. The FMC says "If it wasn't for the gray hair, you'd think he was a man half his age." Barone is only in his early-mid 40's, just prematurely gray. I pictured him closer to this:
🚦 Safety (spoilers):
» 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙧: Definitely MMC!
» 𝙤𝙬/𝙤𝙢/𝙤𝙥: None they're interested in.
» 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝/𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡/𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩: A lot, but mainly the popcorn kind, not the Kleenex kind. He pursues hard, she runs away. She's worried about the power imbalance, and the rumors surrounding the death of his first wife.
» 𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣:
» 𝟯𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙗𝙗𝙡𝙚:
» 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜: The ending is a nascent HFN. The MCs are Like I said... soapy.🧼
» ⚠ 𝐂𝐖𝐬: While the tone of this book isn't particularly dark - more juicy and melodramatic - it still qualifies as Dark Romance: ♥If you have any concerns, I'm happy to provide more content info.♥
𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔
~~~
~~~
~~~
~~~
~~~
✨bonus quotes from my goddess, Gabriella✨
...
Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy Series:
１ Scandals of the Father ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)
２ Sins of the Son ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
３ Secrets of the Brother ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25) (tags only)
４ Seduction of the Patriarch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
５ Scorn of the Betrothed - TBR
Dio Santo! This was so much fun to read. It felt kinda like a soap opera that was sponsored by the Italian tourist industry. The descriptions of the scenery, food, and 🍷 were vivid and seductive.
Who's feeling thirsty?
Nestled in a small mountain valley in Abruzzo lies a beautiful yet cloistered village - controlled by the powerful Cavalieri wine dynasty. Even though this book is contemporary, it feels like a place lost in time; a world where tradition (good or bad) still rules.
Which makes it the ideal backdrop for the OTT possessive steamroller MMCs that Zoe Blake is known for. The fact these men can truly get away with anything isn't forgotten, and sometimes adds an undercurrent of unease.
⊱───────༻⊰🍇⊱༺──���────⊰
(I'm probably just repeating info in other reviews, but I took notes, dammit, and I'm not letting them go to waste! )
mmc: Barone Cavalieri, 40's, wine magnate, widowed father of two adult sons. Possessive, tortured, Pepé Le Pew energy.
fmc: Amara Beneventi, 24, poor shopgirl living with her abusive stepfather & stepbrother. Proud, scrappy, Cinderella energy.
| instalust | age gap | 'who hurt you' | caregiving+spoiling | big secrets | no virgins | dirty talk | praise kink | light daddy kink | anal | dubcon/punishments |
| free on KU | 339 Kindle pages | multi 1st person POVs | 9:13 audiobook | dual narration by Antonio Amato+Charlotte Claremont |
● The audiobook was great, and hearing the Italian phrases & accents really made it feel more immersive.
● The guy on the cover, while handsome, isn't 💯accurate imo. The FMC says "If it wasn't for the gray hair, you'd think he was a man half his age." Barone is only in his early-mid 40's, just prematurely gray. I pictured him closer to this:
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🚦 Safety (spoilers):
» 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙧: Definitely MMC!
» 𝙤𝙬/𝙤𝙢/𝙤𝙥: None they're interested in.
» 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝/𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡/𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩: A lot, but mainly the popcorn kind, not the Kleenex kind. He pursues hard, she runs away. She's worried about the power imbalance, and the rumors surrounding the death of his first wife.
» 𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣:
» 𝟯𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙗𝙗𝙡𝙚:
» 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜: The ending is a nascent HFN. The MCs are Like I said... soapy.🧼
» ⚠ 𝐂𝐖𝐬: While the tone of this book isn't particularly dark - more juicy and melodramatic - it still qualifies as Dark Romance: ♥If you have any concerns, I'm happy to provide more content info.♥
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𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔
[Barone] "Dolcezza, I'm going to need you to listen to me very carefully. It is taking all the restraint I physically possess to stay here with you right now until the doctor arrives. The moment he does, I am going to that miserable shack you call a home and pulling your stepfather and stepbrother out of their beds by their shriveled balls. I'm then going to drag them to the center of the piazza where I will set them on fire and hope their screams of agony serve as a warning to every man throughout Italy and beyond to never again touch what is mine."
~~~
Barone stormed across the room and grabbed me. He cupped my jaw and tilted my head back, staring deeply into my watery eyes. "Goddammit woman, you bring a man to his knees with your beautiful, sad eyes. I've never felt so useless in my entire life." He pushed his fingers into my hair, cradling my scalp. "Tell me. Tell me what you want, and I will give it to you. Name it and it's yours. Tell me how I can take the sadness away. I need to fix this for you."
I blinked the tears back and swallowed. "You want to fix this? Then leave me alone."
He closed his eyes as he kissed my forehead. "Anything but that. I can't leave you alone."
~~~
[Milana] "Since when did doing the right thing ever get anyone anywhere? Men like Barone Cavalieri have money because their ancestors didn't do the right thing. Trust me on that. It hardly seems fair that they should hold us to a higher standard."
~~~
[Barone] "I'm done playing the gentleman, Amara. Fucking done. We play by my rules from now on. And trust me when I say this. You have absolutely no choice in the matter. Do you understand me?"
She slowly nodded.
"Brava ragazza. Now get on your knees."
~~~
[Amara] "You're handsome and intelligent and charming and protective and caring."
I raised my hands, preparing to reach for her as I took a step toward her.
She backed up as she held her arm out defensively. "Oh, no you don't! Those aren't good things! Those are just the bait for the traps you lay. I'm not fooled. Not for one minute. You're also arrogant, overbearing, domineering, stubborn, obstinate, arrogant, and bossy."
My lips quirked. "You said arrogant twice."
"It deserves repeating," she grumbled.
~~~
✨bonus quotes from my goddess, Gabriella✨
"Posh, darling. What is there to wonder? Barone is a virile, handsome man with needs. You are a beautiful young girl. This is Italy, after all. What is life for if it's not meant to be lived to its fullest? Fuck whomever you please. Now get up, we have shopping to do!"
...
I clasped her hands in mine and leaned in close. "Gabriella, I need you to listen to me. I'm not going to Rome. I don't need any clothes. I have my own clothes."
She laughed as she stood. "Don't need any clothes? What a strange thing to say. Darling, a woman always needs more clothes. There is no such thing as too many clothes."
I huffed. "Fine. Then I don't need Barone to buy me any clothes."
She pressed her hand to her chest and laughed. "Really, it's like you slip into another language at times. Not wanting a man to buy you things? Whoever heard of such a silly notion?"
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Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy Series:
１ Scandals of the Father ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)
２ Sins of the Son ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
３ Secrets of the Brother ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25) (tags only)
４ Seduction of the Patriarch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
５ Scorn of the Betrothed - TBR
╰────────༻⊰🍷🇮🇹⊱༺────────╯
April 9, 2023
This was some next level toxic. Instalust, Insta-obsession. Trigger warnings for major dub con and power imbalance. Very little consent, little to no foreplay, and rough sex. No real emotional connection (not in any deep or meaningful way). It was honestly kinda disturbing. The “daddy” trope was thrown in cold and read as creepy, given how little choice the heroine was given in the bedroom scenes. This read like some of the worst 80’s bodice rippers. Not sexy and definitely not for me. I really gave up when our “hero” pretty much forces the heroine into what read as pretty painful sex and doesn’t even concern himself with even trying to make it NOT PAINFUL. I skimmed the last 40% to get to the “happy ending?” And I really only did that because I was hoping our Heroine would rip him a new asshole (ironic) and make him grovel like hell. No such luck. I haven’t read from this author before, but I’m going take this as a sign that her romance style is not for me. If this is your kink, enjoy. Otherwise enter at your own risk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2023
"You were like the first pink rays of dawn that spread warmth and banish the cold mist that clings to the grapevines after an evening storm.
ZB’s books become more and more romantic but still have a dark side with obsessive and arrogant yummy Hs!
ZB’s books become more and more romantic but still have a dark side with obsessive and arrogant yummy Hs!
March 13, 2023
Mmmmm licking ma fingers mmm mmm mm! Mm! Yummy in tummy!!!!!! 😂😂 This shit was so good. It was everything I love in a book and more. I loved that he is rich af and I loved that she's like 5' nothing and he's a giant next to her 😂 think "Thick" by Alexa Riley difference. I loved that she didn't want his money and hated that he was so powerful and I loved that he just wanted to shower her with clothes and jewels and cars 👀 where can I find this man? I'm married but.....😂😂 I love that someone called him old because he went grey haired early but then he beats them up good 😏😂😂 I love that he compares her to a little angry sparrow when shes yelling at him and how cute he thinks it is. I love that he is such a bulldozing as$hole but takes such good care of Amara 😭 I inhaled this book crack ok? All of it was so so good, ill probably reread again soon. Everyone who is asking for a age gap book needs to read this! he's old (like....my age) but he's not 82 years old okur? He thinks he's too old for her later on in the book and I loved that!
There's some breeding talk (like a paragraph) towards the end of the book and I wish there was more of that!!! And there's some daddy kinks in the book where she calls him her daddy which wasn't overdone which I appreciated 😂
Ugh, freaking loved this book! Can't wait for the next twoooo!!!!!!!! Milana! (hs best friend is book 2) You in danger girl!
There's some breeding talk (like a paragraph) towards the end of the book and I wish there was more of that!!! And there's some daddy kinks in the book where she calls him her daddy which wasn't overdone which I appreciated 😂
Ugh, freaking loved this book! Can't wait for the next twoooo!!!!!!!! Milana! (hs best friend is book 2) You in danger girl!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
2.75✨
3.25🌶️
The spice was spicing for the most part, but that’s no surprise, because Zoe Blake spice usually always works for me. Everything else though? Big yikes.
The characters? Unlikeable. I genuinely can’t see myself continuing this particular series because every character introduced in any way captured zero of my interest, or worse, got on my nerves bad. The decisions and actions of the main characters couldn’t salvage this either - they were repetitive and OTT in a way that made it laughably annoying versus good spirited and enjoyable. The FMC was screaming and running from the MMC until like 50 pages until the end, then suddenly changed her mind. There was no romance or even chemistry between them. So much happened yet nothing at all. The “villain” of the story felt cardboard cutout like, with ‘here’s my motive and plan’ supervillain lines to match.
The only admirable thing about the FMC was her dedication to having a profession in the face of the MMC just wanting to spoil her - love me a Communications girlie🥰
I didn’t mean for this to be a rant, but this didn’t resonate with me at all. Not even the spice could save it, ultimately.
3.25🌶️
The spice was spicing for the most part, but that’s no surprise, because Zoe Blake spice usually always works for me. Everything else though? Big yikes.
The characters? Unlikeable. I genuinely can’t see myself continuing this particular series because every character introduced in any way captured zero of my interest, or worse, got on my nerves bad. The decisions and actions of the main characters couldn’t salvage this either - they were repetitive and OTT in a way that made it laughably annoying versus good spirited and enjoyable. The FMC was screaming and running from the MMC until like 50 pages until the end, then suddenly changed her mind. There was no romance or even chemistry between them. So much happened yet nothing at all. The “villain” of the story felt cardboard cutout like, with ‘here’s my motive and plan’ supervillain lines to match.
The only admirable thing about the FMC was her dedication to having a profession in the face of the MMC just wanting to spoil her - love me a Communications girlie🥰
I didn’t mean for this to be a rant, but this didn’t resonate with me at all. Not even the spice could save it, ultimately.
Shelved as 'gave-up-on'
April 4, 2023No rating, I gave up at 44%.
It started out great! I adore age gap romances, and the beginning of this book was perfect. I love the way Amara and Barone met, and how obsessed he was from the moment he locked eyes with her. I didn't really like how he was such a manwhore and Amara had been hearing of his kinks/sexcapades for years. Amara also wasn't a virgin, but that's a personal preference for me. The spice though... that was the best part of this book.
"I'm going to take you to my bed, tie you up by your wrists, and fuck you until your bones melt."
There were some questionable quotes in the book as well. Stuff that made me lol. Such as:
"Oh my God. His length stretched halfway down his thigh. The fucking rumors were true."
All of that aside - the spice was great, the plot not so much, and the execution of said plot wasn't great either. Barone's favorite move is slamming Amara against the wall and cornering her - istg that happened so many times.
No rating, I gave up on it.
SAFETY:
Ages: 24h, 45+H
Virgin/celibate: heroine isn't a virgin, hero is a manwhore
Tropes: age gap, rich/poor, mafia, instalove on H's part
Triggers: dubcon, abuse
Kinks: dirty talk, spanking with belt, bdsm, hand necklace, anal, daddy kink, praise, D/s
HEA?: no clue
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
It started out great! I adore age gap romances, and the beginning of this book was perfect. I love the way Amara and Barone met, and how obsessed he was from the moment he locked eyes with her. I didn't really like how he was such a manwhore and Amara had been hearing of his kinks/sexcapades for years. Amara also wasn't a virgin, but that's a personal preference for me. The spice though... that was the best part of this book.
"I'm going to take you to my bed, tie you up by your wrists, and fuck you until your bones melt."
There were some questionable quotes in the book as well. Stuff that made me lol. Such as:
"Oh my God. His length stretched halfway down his thigh. The fucking rumors were true."
All of that aside - the spice was great, the plot not so much, and the execution of said plot wasn't great either. Barone's favorite move is slamming Amara against the wall and cornering her - istg that happened so many times.
No rating, I gave up on it.
SAFETY:
Ages: 24h, 45+H
Virgin/celibate: heroine isn't a virgin, hero is a manwhore
Tropes: age gap, rich/poor, mafia, instalove on H's part
Triggers: dubcon, abuse
Kinks: dirty talk, spanking with belt, bdsm, hand necklace, anal, daddy kink, praise, D/s
HEA?: no clue
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
April 14, 2023
Is it superficial of me that I read this book just because the cover model is a hot as hell older man...Barone, the hero was an all controlling Alpha Daddy to the max!
This book has...
Large age gap
Sexy older man widow with 2 grown sons and raw animal magnetism
Inexperienced non virgin heroine who is fiesty
Food and wine talk...a lot
Intense sex scenes including spanking..painful anal sex
Beautiful Italian village where I want to live
A BFF who is the next heroine with one of the sons and they have a past with each other
Some of the sex scenes were a bit uncomfortable...but Geesh...so hot.
There were a lot of food descriptions and to a foodie like me and a lover all things Italian...I was hungry and wanted to join in the feast and drink the vino.Sign me up for the grape harvest and party afterwards...
This hero has 2 sons,and they have books coming out soon and if they are anything like dear old dad their stories are going to be something to look forward too.There are some allusions to their stories in this book about their heroines.
Looking forward to the next installment which I am going to make sure I have some tasty antipasti on hand and a glass of Proseco!
This book has...
Large age gap
Sexy older man widow with 2 grown sons and raw animal magnetism
Inexperienced non virgin heroine who is fiesty
Food and wine talk...a lot
Intense sex scenes including spanking..painful anal sex
Beautiful Italian village where I want to live
A BFF who is the next heroine with one of the sons and they have a past with each other
Some of the sex scenes were a bit uncomfortable...but Geesh...so hot.
There were a lot of food descriptions and to a foodie like me and a lover all things Italian...I was hungry and wanted to join in the feast and drink the vino.Sign me up for the grape harvest and party afterwards...
This hero has 2 sons,and they have books coming out soon and if they are anything like dear old dad their stories are going to be something to look forward too.There are some allusions to their stories in this book about their heroines.
Looking forward to the next installment which I am going to make sure I have some tasty antipasti on hand and a glass of Proseco!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
"I don't give a damn about Signora Rossi. Get your ass back up on that desk." As I walked toward her, she scurried around the desk, standing behind my high-backed leather executive chair as if it would shield her from me... and my intentions.
Can someone tell me why I sleep on these five star reads? Do I intentionally like to rebel? Maybe 😈
Daddy Barone, where have you been?! I need to book a flight to Rome stat. Oh you want to punish me with orgasms boo hoo 😭
I’m only writing this review 60% into the second book. I know it’s a good one when I don’t want to stop the story to review.
Expect, some not exactly CNC, touch her and die, daddy knows best, you don’t really have a choice in any of this, hand necklaces, homemade shibari, he knows how to cook and drink good time.
Do it.
💕💕💕💕/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
😂😂😭/5
😳😳😳😳😳/5
Can someone tell me why I sleep on these five star reads? Do I intentionally like to rebel? Maybe 😈
Daddy Barone, where have you been?! I need to book a flight to Rome stat. Oh you want to punish me with orgasms boo hoo 😭
I’m only writing this review 60% into the second book. I know it’s a good one when I don’t want to stop the story to review.
Expect, some not exactly CNC, touch her and die, daddy knows best, you don’t really have a choice in any of this, hand necklaces, homemade shibari, he knows how to cook and drink good time.
Do it.
💕💕💕💕/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
😂😂😭/5
😳😳😳😳😳/5
June 9, 2023
“Scandals of the Father” is the story of Amara and Barone.
The heroine catches the hero’s eye at a wedding, and despite their age difference shares a mutual attraction! As he decides to pursue her, their new romance is plagued with insecurities, miscommunications and demons of the past- all of which are resolved with plenty of sex and a bit of obsession.
Well written book, pretty hot in parts and even though it had some dd/lg play and kink, there were parts where I unfortunately lost interest.
Safe
3/5
The heroine catches the hero’s eye at a wedding, and despite their age difference shares a mutual attraction! As he decides to pursue her, their new romance is plagued with insecurities, miscommunications and demons of the past- all of which are resolved with plenty of sex and a bit of obsession.
Well written book, pretty hot in parts and even though it had some dd/lg play and kink, there were parts where I unfortunately lost interest.
Safe
3/5
January 12, 2024
DNF— maybe I just like Zoe’s Russians. These two just sounded juvenile… I just didn’t care enough to skim.
April 28, 2023
Scandals of the Father is a deliciously decadent age gap romance with all the delightful dark elements one expects from Zoe Blake among the backdrop of old world Italy, wine, and a hint of danger. Sizzling hot, occasionally humorous, and with an anti-hero that will make you squirm in your seat, this Daddy make you want to run just so he can hunt you down - and he will.
April 17, 2024
Deliciously seasoned mafia-rancher daddy falls in LUST with a local village girl.
My favorite moments:
✔️ Amara getting her hair washed while sitting on Big Baron 🍆 in a bathtub
✔️ Baron chasing down Amara while on a horse and scooping her up Outlander-style
✔️ all delicious Italian incorporated in the story
✔️ Amara getting straight dragged out of a bathtub because Baron did not approve of her sleepover
Amara & Barons have a highly explosive 🧨 romance with lots of fighting but also tons of dirty makeup sex. Is it bad that I actually wanted it to be dirtier???
“Jesus Christ, what the fuck do you want from me? I'm only a man. You can't keep fighting me like this, baby."
“If my pretty poetic words cannot persuade you, then perhaps my brutal and rough actions will."
I did feel like Amara lacked a little personality. It was a lot of stomping and being angry at getting spoiled anddddd…girl that ain’t me. Maybe I just wanted her character to develop a bit more. Towards the end the fighting was more annoying than 🌶️ spicy
ranch romance
age gap (but she is 24)
daddy/little girl dynamics
jealous & POSSESSIVE mmc
spanking
🍑 punishments
non con encounters
My favorite moments:
✔️ Amara getting her hair washed while sitting on Big Baron 🍆 in a bathtub
✔️ Baron chasing down Amara while on a horse and scooping her up Outlander-style
✔️ all delicious Italian incorporated in the story
✔️ Amara getting straight dragged out of a bathtub because Baron did not approve of her sleepover
Amara & Barons have a highly explosive 🧨 romance with lots of fighting but also tons of dirty makeup sex. Is it bad that I actually wanted it to be dirtier???
“Jesus Christ, what the fuck do you want from me? I'm only a man. You can't keep fighting me like this, baby."
“If my pretty poetic words cannot persuade you, then perhaps my brutal and rough actions will."
I did feel like Amara lacked a little personality. It was a lot of stomping and being angry at getting spoiled anddddd…girl that ain’t me. Maybe I just wanted her character to develop a bit more. Towards the end the fighting was more annoying than 🌶️ spicy
ranch romance
age gap (but she is 24)
daddy/little girl dynamics
jealous & POSSESSIVE mmc
spanking
🍑 punishments
non con encounters
December 28, 2023
4.5 stars
This was some sultry and soapy goodness!
We’ve got the billionaire winemaker Barone who is very hands on (in ALL the ways), Amara the poor but proud serving girl at his son’s wedding, instalust/possessiveness that felt hot and didn’t give me whiplash, possibly because it’s set in Abruzzo (Italy), which made all the moderately OTT behaviours just 👌. Just like watching an Italian soap opera… but a really sexy one.
Because it takes a lot for me to blush while listening to a steamy audiobook now, but when that first “Daddy” hit, in a scene that had both “good girl” AND dubcon/reluctance? 🥵😮💨 I expired.
P.S. I was sold on this book from Bluestockings Read’s review, and in particular the updated MMC visuals. Now that I’ve listened to the audiobook, I agree the guy on the cover is not 100% accurate.
This was some sultry and soapy goodness!
We’ve got the billionaire winemaker Barone who is very hands on (in ALL the ways), Amara the poor but proud serving girl at his son’s wedding, instalust/possessiveness that felt hot and didn’t give me whiplash, possibly because it’s set in Abruzzo (Italy), which made all the moderately OTT behaviours just 👌. Just like watching an Italian soap opera… but a really sexy one.
Because it takes a lot for me to blush while listening to a steamy audiobook now, but when that first “Daddy” hit, in a scene that had both “good girl” AND dubcon/reluctance? 🥵😮💨 I expired.
P.S. I was sold on this book from Bluestockings Read’s review, and in particular the updated MMC visuals. Now that I’ve listened to the audiobook, I agree the guy on the cover is not 100% accurate.
July 7, 2023
4.5 stars.
March 9, 2023
Did anyone get really hungry reading this? The very descriptive Italian food had me want to hit up Italy so freaking bad. 😂
Amara is a server for a wedding held at the grooms fathers land. She immediately catches the attention of Barone.
"So, you understand then? I am the master of everything... and everyone... in my domain. It would be foolish to defy me."
Everyone knows Barone. His winery. His family. His legacy. No one tells this man no…
Until Amara, a feisty little thing decides to challenge his authority and well… like a true Zoe Blake male character… Barone is overpowering, domineering, and savage.
“She was a unique and rare bird, one I planned to make my pet. That she was fighting me at every turn only made me more determined to win.”
Amara is a proud woman and doesn’t want the feelings that Barone gives her. He makes her feel cheap. Like a whore. When really, he wants to spoil her. Indulge her. Ravage her.
But when Amaras home life creates chaos and the truth comes out to Barone that she’s been abused by her step dad and step brother. All bets are off.
Amara is coming home with him. He’s keeping his little bird whether she wants to or not.
“"That's it, baby. Let daddy make it all better." This sexy, older, domineering man was clearly already doing things for me, but when he referred to himself as daddy in that taboo, gravelly voice it just sent me over the edge.”
The smut alone is top tier. It’s spicy as hell. Keep ice water and a fan next to you.
It’s a whirlwind to get Amara to submit but when she does.. these two are fire. 🔥
March 12, 2023
Barone is the head of the Cavalieri family. His family has had the winery in their village for hundreds of years. Amara is just the lowly servant trying to get by. Until she snags the attention of the Don.
Loved this one by Zoe and I can not wait for the next one
Loved this one by Zoe and I can not wait for the next one
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
April 26, 2023Dnf at page 173. I can’t deal with this shit any longer, I absolutely hate this book.
April 22, 2024
*audiobook
Well, this was for sure... entertaining.
Well, this was for sure... entertaining.
April 4, 2023
amazingly dark and delicious
If you have triggers. This one is probably not for you … but if you love a little dub con with your darkness then this is for you. No one does a daddy age gap like Zoe Blake. The Don was amazing and his good girl brought the punch we needed to keep him in line. Smüt fantastic. 5/5
If you have triggers. This one is probably not for you … but if you love a little dub con with your darkness then this is for you. No one does a daddy age gap like Zoe Blake. The Don was amazing and his good girl brought the punch we needed to keep him in line. Smüt fantastic. 5/5
July 3, 2023
this was one of the most tedious books i’ve ever read. the FMC’s constant back and forth on whether or not she wanted to be with the MMC lasted until the literal end of the book. i love an enemies to lovers trope, but this book is just constant, circular conflict, which i didn’t find enjoyable at all.
+ honestly can’t really think of a single thing that i liked about this book
- EXTREME alphahole MMC who consistently ignores what the FMC wants and who uses anal sex to “punish” her (anal sex with zero prep is a big time - in and of itself), annoyingly stubborn FMC who literally STAMPS HER FOOT when she doesn’t get what she wants (i assume we’re supposed to view being a nonstop pain in the ass as “strength”). the FMC acknowledges that her relationship with the MMC is toxic but continues to engage because she is helpless against her lust ☹️
- multiple non-consensual sexual acts (but the FMC’s ~body~ is saying yes, even if her ~words~ are saying no… seriously, when are authors going to give that shit up?), including the FMC literally saying that there are times that she is GENUINELY SCARED of the MMC while they have sex
i wanted to read this series after seeing a tiktok about the third book that’s coming out, but i don’t think i’ll be able to get through the second book, as we see glimpses of the couple from that book in this one and the main characters seem to have the EXACT SAME DYNAMIC as the MMC/FMC in this first book (inane, constant bickering).
+ honestly can’t really think of a single thing that i liked about this book
- EXTREME alphahole MMC who consistently ignores what the FMC wants and who uses anal sex to “punish” her (anal sex with zero prep is a big time - in and of itself), annoyingly stubborn FMC who literally STAMPS HER FOOT when she doesn’t get what she wants (i assume we’re supposed to view being a nonstop pain in the ass as “strength”). the FMC acknowledges that her relationship with the MMC is toxic but continues to engage because she is helpless against her lust ☹️
- multiple non-consensual sexual acts (but the FMC’s ~body~ is saying yes, even if her ~words~ are saying no… seriously, when are authors going to give that shit up?), including the FMC literally saying that there are times that she is GENUINELY SCARED of the MMC while they have sex
i wanted to read this series after seeing a tiktok about the third book that’s coming out, but i don’t think i’ll be able to get through the second book, as we see glimpses of the couple from that book in this one and the main characters seem to have the EXACT SAME DYNAMIC as the MMC/FMC in this first book (inane, constant bickering).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
I’m in love with the Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy series!
Zoe Blake did a fantastic job introducing a brand new world to her readers! The Scandals of the Father was a great start to the series!
From page one we are hooked on Amara and Barone. I mean the book literally starts off with him glaring at her across the room. Then within pages Zoe has us hooked as he helps her with a minor accident. Barone is the protective alpha male we all know and love and some would even call him…daddy. Amara is stubborn and refuses his advances but one thing Zoe Blake writes is a MMC who doesn’t like the word no.
The Scandals of the Father has me hooked on the series and I cannot wait to see what Milana and Cesare have in store for book 2!
Zoe Blake did a fantastic job introducing a brand new world to her readers! The Scandals of the Father was a great start to the series!
From page one we are hooked on Amara and Barone. I mean the book literally starts off with him glaring at her across the room. Then within pages Zoe has us hooked as he helps her with a minor accident. Barone is the protective alpha male we all know and love and some would even call him…daddy. Amara is stubborn and refuses his advances but one thing Zoe Blake writes is a MMC who doesn’t like the word no.
The Scandals of the Father has me hooked on the series and I cannot wait to see what Milana and Cesare have in store for book 2!
June 8, 2023
1. The sex = mostly hot
2. The plot = lacking
Tropes: dubcon/noncon, age gap, billionaire, obsessive
2. The plot = lacking
Tropes: dubcon/noncon, age gap, billionaire, obsessive
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