Bellissimo Fortuna

This story shows what it's like to grow up in mafia families. It goes from one extreme to the other. The family who cares and the one with greed for power, no matter the cost. 

Bronson is the son of the mob boss. It's a very close knitted family with complete devotion for one another. 

Callie is the daughter of the underboss who is governed by greed and treats his wife and daughter in the most despicable ways. Callie's escape is her best friend Bianca, Bronson's sister. They have grown up together and there has always been a strong chemistry between Bronson and Callie. Bronson is biding his time to reveal his feelings for Callie but when she overhears a conversation between her father and one of his henchmen, she is devastated and runs to Bianca for comfort. Bronson steps in and declares what he has always felt for Callie and they are both over the moon. 

Callie's father is not to be thwarted and doesn't give up on his plans. Just when everything appears to be going smoothly for Callie and Bronson, tragedy strikes! This on its own puts a strain on their relationship but Callie's father doesn't stop there. He is determined to break them up and puts pressure on Callie, where she is left with very little choice. From then on, everything goes from bad to worse and there doesn't appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel for this young and madly in love devoted couple. Will Callie's father's actions destroy their love completely or will they find their way back to each other? 

I admire Callie's strength of character and how she is prepared to risk everything to protect Bronson. Bronson's resentment and anger towards her intensify because of the decision she makes and they are left with what looks like a no win situation. To make matters worse, Callie has more unexpected news! The twists throughout the story make this a compelling read where the emotions are very palpable. 

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book from NetGallery.
I can't believe that I have already read one of my top 5 readings of the year. And we are still in January!
A little more than ten pages and I was already in love with Bronson. Probably when he said:"She is mine. Always has been  and will forever be". That was the moment when he had my heart.
Although I would have killed him when he doubted about Callie's actions...
I loved this book. I loved it so much that it hurt reading about their suffering. I will read the book about Dakota and Bianca for sure.
Without any doubt, Leigh Ann Lunsford has become of my favourite writers this year!
If there were ten stars, I would give them to her.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I don't think Leigh Ann Lunsford will ever write a book that I won't like. Bellissimo Fortuna was a good and suspenseful story. This author always makes you believe in love and leaves you with a lesson learned. In this case, I learned some Italian words even though I might have murdered the pronunciations.

Seeing these characters fall in love from a young age and finding their way around external obstacles was well done. Callie and Bronson always had feelings for each other. It took one event for Bronson to finally man up and state his feelings.

I loved that Bronson was protective, loving and even though he tried to hide his emotions we could still see how raw and intense his love was.

My heart broke for Callie. A young girl living in a household that was dark and filled with nothing but hate she finds comfort in her best friend's Bianca home. I was counting down the days until she could take herself away from her situation.

Leigh Ann kept me guessing, at the egde of my seat and biting my nails constantly. Twist, turns you name it, Bellissiomo Fortuna had it all.

Overall, another good book by Leigh Ann. I would admit the only reason this isn't a 5 star for me was because it took me a while to get into the story and find that connection with the characters. When I did fall in love with the main characters I fell hard.

P.S. What an ending. A must read!!!!

Bronson Agosto is the son of a crime boss. He and his sister Bianca have parents that care about them very much. Callie Locata is best friends with Bianca and has a really bad family life. Her father is second in command to Bronson and Bianca's father.

Callie has practically grown up at the Agosto's and is treated like family. She has always cared about Bronson since she can remember and she isn't sure but Bronson feels the same about her.

Callie's father (sperm donor) is just evil. He doesn't care about anyone but himself and power. His need for power will change everyone's life though.

Will Callie and Bronson find each other?

I liked this story. It is told by Bronson and Callie's view in alternating chapters.
Bronson and sister Bianca are really good kids despite their fathers line of work. Their parent's are good parents and care about their future. Callie's father is anything but a good father. Her mother has suffered physical abuse and lives in a world of alcohol and drugs. That's the way she survives. The man would turn against anyone or use them to get what he wants. Callie is damaged because of the way she has been treated by him but she is also a good kid and wants a future for herself and Bronson.

Bronson is a good guy and has plans to become a federal agent. All he wants to do is get through school and training and for Callie to reach legal age so he can get her away from her family.

Decisions are made from the goodness of the heart that could ruins their lives....

Good read!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book : Bronson and Callie are a sweet couple. Both surrounded and grown up in mafia environment but Callie had it hard. This was a beautiful love story: the kind of love that never dies and one you do anything to protect. Callie is a strong young woman who sacrificed everything to save the people she loves the most.  I would definitely recommend this book.