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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Bloodlines and Betrayals by Lorraine Carey is a mafia romance set in Youngstown, Ohio, in the 1970s. It follows Elena Donato and Tony Marinetti, a young couple who instantly fall in love with each other. However, bad luck follows them because Elena’s mother's family, the Russo family, and the Marinettis have always been enemies, even before immigrating to America. Thus, their budding romance makes them experience tension because they are always being watched when they go on dates together. Elena’s mother tries to warn her about a curse placed on the Marinetti family by a powerful witch. Elena thinks it's all superstition until people start dying. Elena tries her best to hold on to Tony even after her best friend is hurt and Tony’s father faces a tragic fate. Their love just does not seem to be enough to stop the war that starts due to their forbidden love, and their lives change forever.
Bloodlines and Betrayals is a captivating tale that will keep you guessing. The story moves fast, throwing you right into the action from page one. Lorraine Carey does a splendid job of capturing the thrill of young love, showing how Elena and Tony are so passionate about each other and are ready to risk it all to be together. Elena's journey shows the struggles of a woman trying to cope with family expectations, dangers that can arise in the world of violence, as well as searching for inner peace after experiencing tragedy. Superstitions and family curses play a big part in the Marinetti family’s troubles, giving the whole story an extra layer of mystery and grounding it in Italian-American culture. Just a heads-up: there are a few sex scenes and some violence, so it’s not for younger readers. Still, it’s a great pick if you’re into crime dramas with romance and a supernatural twist.
