Published: May 5, 2020
I have been waiting for this book since the very first one! This book is Taviano and Nicoletta’s book and I knew it was going to be a roller coaster of emotions and I was totally right. We know of Nicoletta’s background of abuse from her step-uncles and in this book the gang leader that wants her has found her. So in order to protect her Taviano has to fully bring her into their world. He realizes that he may lose the right to ride the shadows but he has to bring her with him when she asks. He can’t deny her. However, as the story progresses you see that Nicoletta is a natural shadow rider and she is determined to help the people she considers family.
Again, this book was a difficult read. It didn’t go into graphic detail about what was done to Nicoletta but it was discussed. I really liked how the author approached this subject. The characters had reached a place of acceptance and it was discussed that therapy was used to help her and that panic attacks were normal. That definitely made it more real life like. Also, I should say that this book takes place three years after the first one and I think at least 2 years after the last one. In the last book Francesca was just barely pregnant and in this one they have a little boy. So it’s gotta be two years. I little heads up on the timeline would have been nice but you figure it out eventually.
We also learn so much more about the family and Taviano in particular. I’m not gonna say what we learn but it’s a doozy. I also really want to throat punch Eloisa. Like so bad! You will get used to this feeling as you move on with the book. It doesn’t lessen. Finally, I’m really curious to see if the next book is Emmanuelle’s book or one of the cousin’s. The cousins were introduced in a big way in this one so it wouldn’t be too far of a stretch. But I hope it’s Emme’s and I hope she falls in love with Elie. My real hope is that it is an arranged marriage between them and then they fall in love because they are good friends. But that might be all the romance novels I’ve read. Not matter what is coming though you cannot miss this book. Make sure to have a tissue or two ready though because it will be an emotional ride.
—-“He sounded so annoyed and so mournful she thought he could have rivaled Eeyore in the movies and books.” -Nicoletta about Emilio, pg. 383—
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