La Famiglia
Series: A Men of Gilead Novel
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Genre: M/M Romance Novel (standalone)
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Forrester Giordano comes from a huge, nosy Italian family, and with their homophobic jokes and slurs, he’s decided to stay in the closet. He finds respite in his bookstore in the quaint village of Gilead—where he has a huge crush on one of his customers, Kyle Benson.
Kyle is determined to live his dreams, and though life isn’t easy being deaf, one by one he’s making them come true. He’s scored a great job practicing law, bought a cute bungalow where he can finally have a big flower garden, and he has a dog he loves, Jasper. Now he just needs one thing to complete his happiness: a family of his own to make up for the one he never had.
Forrester and Kyle’s relationship starts off hot and heavy, and neither man can deny the depth of their connection. When Forrester’s little brother gets mixed up with their heroin-dealing cousin and his mother falls ill, Forrester has a decision to make—maybe the hardest of his life. For the first time, he’s found a man worth coming out for.
Unfortunately nothing ever goes according to plan with la famiglia.
“This is an amazing story in a series that just shines” - A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
“Relatable and Real” - Amazon Review
“The best in the series....so far!” - Amazon Review
There is so much to love about this story, I’m not sure where to start. It has some really amazing characters, a solid storyline combining hurt/comfort/healing for one main character with coming out for the other, strong writing that showcases it all along with sensitive and adept handling of one character’s disability. Yes, some might point out the stereotypical portrayal of Forrester’s big Italian family…but honestly, as someone who was brought up ensconced in some stereotypical family aspects myself—there’s a reason there are stereotypes out there, and quite often they really are spot on (speaking from personal experience…and yes, even though I’m saying this, I know there are still those out there that will take offense—which is too bad because you’re going to miss out on a great book).
Oh my gosh…Kyle. I adored this man, and loved how he met life head-on and refused to take crap from those who looked down on him and his mother for how his deafness was dealt with (especially at such a young age). He is incredibly sweet, but also sensitive; and when it comes to intimacy, has the potential for breathtaking levels of sensuality and feeling. Forrester may be out with his friends, but isn’t with his family so it’s like he leads two separate lives—something he wants badly to reconcile so he can just live his life, period…and do it with someone who he loves and who loves him back.
Once Kyle and Forrester come together after a bit of tip-toeing around each other, it’s like watching passion ignite and then just become hotter until things virtually explode once Kyle realizes he trusts Forrester and opens that trust up to its full potential. Their intensity level just keeps growing, along with their bond.
With the secrets being kept (because it’s not just Forrester not being out to his family that’s a secret…yes, that’s a tease for you), a bit of intrigue on the side thanks to a less savory side of the family, and the continually evolving relationship between Kyle and Forrester, there’s plenty going on and all of it clamors for your full attention. With so much going on and a pretty large cast of characters mostly thanks to Forrester’s huge family…well, that did make the story feel a little long to me compared to the tale being told.
Regardless of that last bit of my opinion, La Famiglia was still an excellent read, and gets 4.5 stars and a strong recommendation for any M/M romance fan from me. The hot and passionate physical scenes along with adult language do make this story one for readers 18+, and though this is part of a series it can absolutely be read as a standalone. After reading it, my interest has been well-piqued for the other two books, and I hope there will be more stories in this line coming soon!
Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions at her local RWA chapter and is the current President 2017 for Rainbow Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.
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