Is The Charterhouse Of Parma Worth Reading In 2024?

“I'm so sorry, Leo,” I rasped, my voice barely a whisper. Tears of guilt and self-blame streamed down my cheeks as I stood before him, eyes cast downward. Despite the fact that I was his prisoner and he was my warden, I couldn't bear the thought of anything bad happening to him. I told him, “It's my fault. I shouldn't have let you go-” “Damn it, Alessandra. I don't want your apology,” Leonardo snapped, lifting my chin with a firm finger, forcing me to meet his gaze. His voice was hard as steel as he continued, “I want you to write a fucking essay about how much you think about me. How you crave my touch. I want to hear you say you love me, because I swear it in this life, mia principessa, there won't be anyone else but me.” ----------------------------------------------------- When Alessandra Scavelli is forced into marrying Leonardo De Castello, her childhood sweetheart turned feared mafia kingpin, her world is thrown into chaos. Leonardo, still madly in love with her, sees this as a chance to reclaim their lost romance. Alessandra, however, is torn by a secret mission handed to her by her family: infiltrate Leonardo's syndicate and bring it down from within. As she delves into Leonardo's dangerous world, Alessandra finds herself conflicted between her family’s demands and the undeniable pull of her own heart. The once clear lines between loyalty and love blur, and she must navigate a treacherous path where betrayal lurks at every corner. Will Alessandra follow through with her family's plan, or will she surrender to the passion that threatens to consume her?

"This isn't just a school. It's something more." Zeda Iverson thought high school was done, but her parents insisted on Shadowbrook Academy – a mysterious school she'd never heard of – instead of college. She soon discovers Shadowbrook hides secrets, and the four powerful princes who rule the academy are all obsessed with her. But their attention becomes the least of her worries as a dangerous revolution looms, threatening to destroy the academy and the princes Zeda has fallen in love with. Only Zeda holds the power to stop the coming chaos. Yet, her abilities are locked away. Can she unlock her potential and save everyone she loves before it's too late?

Anateya Berretta had her entire life mapped out. Get good grades, get her MBA, and take over her papi's security company as his sole heir. However, papi messed up and now she was a bargaining chip held hostage by New York's No. 1 Mafia Lord. It certainly didn't help that she'd met the man before, and yearned for him like no other. Romero Bartolone was at the peak of his rule when he lost his favorite casino in an organized attack. Now he was out one billion, with countless elitists jonesing for the returns on their backdoor investment. She was only supposed to be a hostage, but he couldn't stay away from the alluring light inside her that called to his darkness. First things first, a debt was owed-- and if someone had to pay-- why not her? Besides, she was entangled in the game of the underground now, and he was the only monster who could keep her safe. Still, with dangers lurking all around, they remain vulnerable in the most high-stakes game of all, the game of hearts. And he'd burn the world... so as long as he didn't lose. [Nb: This is a dark romance book intended for mature audiences. Reader's discretion is advised.] No. of Chapters To Be Released: ~50

This is not a stand-alone book. You have to have read book one: Flight of the cardinal. The last surviving member of the royal Cardinal family took flight after the uprising. Princess Cressida Cardinal–now living as Ida- spent the last ten years since the uprising in hiding. During her indenture as a maid in the Kestrel household, she found her fated mate Xander, and together they escaped the clutches of an angry Duke Kestrel, only to tumble into more turmoil. In book one, they uncovered a secret about Ida's heritage while searching for answers to explain her powerful magic. Ida is a hybrid. Part Faith and part magic wielder. This makes her a dangerous weapon that could unleash all hell on earth. But there is a sinister reason why no other hybrids exist. Osprey has now captured Ida and took her into custody within the very castle she used to call home. While in his care, Ida's life is turned upside down, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. As Ida is imprisoned, Xander must hide and bide his time until he can rescue her. He cannot count on the support from the rebellion, as he suspects there is a traitor amongst them. This will cause Xander to embrace his Lycan legacy and set out to find loyal supporters in the last Lycan pack. Alas, time is short when he learns Ida has escaped and found the one who bound her as a child. Will he reach her in time and prevent Ida from losing herself with the torrent of power in her, or will the past repeat itself and bring their entire world into chaos, dooming all humans, shifters, and magic wielders alike? Find out in the last book of this series.

Matteo Ricci had been Don of the family for a few months now powerful, feared, and unshakably loyal to his family. His marriage to an Irish bride was meant to solidify the alliance between the Riccis and the O’Connells. The Irish believed they had chosen his future wife: Isolde O’Connell, raised and groomed for the role. But Matteo never intended to marry her. He chose Ciara O’Connell instead—the quiet daughter, the overlooked one, the girl the Irish never considered worthy of a Don. His family supported the choice from the beginning, but the O’Connells were blindsided. And Isolde? She was humiliated. Now, as Ciara steps into her new life beside Matteo, the alliance trembles. Isolde’s jealousy turns deadly, and Ciara quickly realizes the truth: someone inside the villa wants her gone. When subtle attempts on her life begin, Matteo and Ciara work together to expose the traitor without igniting a war between their families. To protect Ciara, Matteo must navigate political deception, family expectations, and a hidden enemy who believes Ciara stole the life she deserved. But Matteo didn’t choose Ciara out of obligation—he chose her out of conviction. And he will destroy anyone who threatens her. In a world built on loyalty, power, and blood, Matteo Ricci will fight to keep the woman he chose… even if it means tearing the alliance apart to save her life.

Blurb: Paige Rimestone never got to choose her fate. She wakes up inside a book she once loved, cast as a girl who dies too soon. Her future husband wants riches more than he wants her alive. Survival means turning to someone feared by everyone. The cold Duke Noah Wingknight. He might be cruel, but he’s also the closest thing to protection in a world that already wrote her off. From memories of who she was before, she pressures the Duke into agreeing to a half-year fake engagement. He gives her protection under his name. In return, she follows his hidden plans without question. He looks nothing like the monster she expected, his charm slipping under her skin before she can stop it. While pretending to be the woman on his arm, someone else lingers just out of sight, eyes fixed and unblinking. A second player waits nearby, fingers tracing blade edges, patience wearing thin. Death was supposed to be outsmarted by Paige. Yet love arrived, carried in the arms of someone meant to ruin everything she built.