Isle of Beauty by C.J. Lucci Review
Library of Angels Rating: 5 stars
On Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Publication Date: January 25, 2024
HEA: Yes!
Version: Physical Copy and Kindle Unlimited
“Rage is the fear of not being seen, of not being heard. But I see you, and I hear you. And I’m here. I won’t go anywhere now that I’ve found you.”
- Pierce, Isle of Beauty
As your resident pisces here at Library of Angels, I am proud to say that I have found a book that has reignited my dark little heart. This book reminded me of my love for all things dark and romantic. Not because this is the darkest book I’ve ever read, but because this was a story that gave me everything that I needed when I wasn’t even looking for it.
I am in a state of change. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and I feel like this book reminded me, at the perfect time, that I can be a badass woman. That I can hold my destiny in my hands and run with it, circumstances be damned. I truly am the master of my own fate.
“The saint is becoming the sinner and I don’t know if I’m really sorry about it when it gets him closer to me every single day.” Lana, Isle of Beauty
The main character, Lana, is someone I would aspire to be in another lifetime. She is so sure of herself, confident, and above all, knows that she is the baddest badass to beat. It felt more than refreshing to read a story where she was the one to ‘corrupt’ the male main character without really doing anything. Pierce made all the decisions on his own, and in the end, came out on the other side with the biggest prize of all - Lana.
Reading and finishing this book came at a time where I needed to see a strong female main character. I needed to believe that women hold all the cards and truly, a man who loves you, will follow you to the ends of the earth, no matter what the future holds.
My Overall Rating - 5 Stars
My definition of a 5 star read:
10/10 read. Spice hit on all levels. Plot had me absolutely hooked. Happy to add this to my end of year ‘5 star’ list. Very likely a book that I would recommend frequently if asked about the category that it falls under.
How could I not give this story 5 stars? I connect on an emotional level to characters, their backgrounds, and the words that make them unique. This story gave me all that and more.
It was also, HILARIOUS. At one point, Pierce says, “It’s official. I’ve lost the fucking plot.” I swear when I first read this, I immediately thought - relatable. How many times in a given week do I, ‘lose the plot?’. TOO MANY, that’s for damn sure!
I am also a big believer in fate, and this book had fated mates written all over it, even if this is not a romantasy, omegaverse, or witchy book. It’s a mafia read, but I could not see this story going any other way than the way that it did!!!
Tropes:
Mafia Boss FMC
Age Gap
Arranged Marriage
“Where’s My Wife”
My Spice Rating - 4 Stars
My definition of 4 chilli pepper spice rating:
Romance with 3-5 full smutty/ spicy scenes or mentions of spicy things.
God… Pierce is HAWT. Like 5 chilli peppers y’all! He has a filthy mouth and loves pleasing his ‘little wife’! He also seems like a buff muscular man and that is just, chef’s kiss.
Funniest Out of Context Shmexy Time Quote:
“Do you want your husband to use you like a little fucktoy, mo cara?
I literally want to just copy and paste the whole scene right here, BUT I WON’T. I will however tell you where to find it - Chapter 21.
This was a very anticipated read for me, and if you’re into the ‘lighter’ side of dark romance, this may be for you. Don’t get it twisted though, she is a very stabby FMC, (for the right reasons). There is also a butterknife involved and you can imagine how painful that is. SO, best of luck into your C.J. Lucci journey and I hope the fun never stops lol.
Book 2 of The Moretti Chronicles is already out and it’s called Isle of Seduction. You do get a sneak peak at the couple it’s about in book one, and I can already assure you that book two is going to be an even wilder ride!