- Buttons and Lace: A Dark Mafia Romance (Barsetti Crime Family Book 1)

What a wonderful story about overcoming one's circumstances and not just surviving but thriving. I have actually read this book three times this year (and it's just May!). I read it when I initially purchased it. I read it again when Book #2 was released, simply because I had read so many books in the in between that I wanted to re-familiarize myself with the storyline. I did not intend to read it all the way through again...just get a sense of the book...but was so re-captivated by the characters and their interaction with each other, that I ended up re-reading the entire book. Then, with the release of Book #3, I couldn't wait to re-read it and get the entire story from beginning to end. This is not a book for the light hearted or someone that has a trigger when there is violence towards women. However, if you are not one of those individuals, I would highly recommend this book. The resilience of the heroine is inspiring. The interaction between Pearl and the main male character, Crow, is intriguing to say the least. I truly couldn't put it down. And while they came together under very unusual and dark circumstances, the storyline is completely believable. The characters feel real. You get invested in them quickly and want to see each of them succeed as they strive to find their better self in a world that seems bound to knock them down at every turn. They are flawed and real and that makes them beautiful, on their own and together. I am one of the few that enjoy reading and listening to the audiobook at the same time and this combination MADE this book. The male narrator was just wonderful and truly brought to life the essence of the male dominate character. The female narrator gave life to the heroine and made the backbone of this character completely believable. While you can read and enjoy it without the audio, if you have the opportunity to read them together, I would highly recommend it. Bravo, Ms. Sky on your choices there. I believe it is the audio narration that truly made reading this book 3 times a pleasure. AND THERE ARE REAL PAGE NUMBERS!!!! Thank you for that (though that didn't occur in the rest of the series).

Beware, possible spoilers ahead! Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 4/5 Stars. I basically read this book in one sitting. I was captivated by this book. There's just something about dark romances that I'm obsessed with. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to stick my nose into the next one. TW: Abuse, sexual abuse, kidnapping, rape and murder. I'm not going to lie, this book is very similar to Tears Of Tess, but I think that's why I loved this book so much. I finally found a dark romance that's close to what I already love. Plot Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Seeing as this book is similar to my all-time favorite series, I love the plot. Pearl, aka Button, gets kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. She's sold to a monster called Bones. She's made to do despicable things with him. That is, until she's "saved" by Crow. Crow is almost like Bones, but better. Obviously, they have more attraction to each other or there wouldn't be a story. Character Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ I love Pearl. She's such a strong character and she won't let anyone break her. I love that there's such a strong main character. And I love that even though her body's been through so much, she's able to find such enjoyment with Crow. Crow is the just the person that she needs. He's definitely hiding something and I'm eager to find out what it is. I can't wait to see his character grow to love Button. I hate his brother though. Cane is such a douche and I really hope either Button or Crow kills him off. Writing Style: ☆☆☆☆ This is my first book I've read by PS and I really enjoyed her writing style. It was so easy to read and I never got lost or confused once. Her writing is captivating. She really knows how to keep you drawn to the book!

“If that’s how you feel, why won’t you release me?” …I want to go home. “My need for revenge is stronger.” This is one of the best trilogies I have yet to read. I wanted to read the whole series before posting my review just in case the following two books diminished the wonder that is Buttons and Lace. If for whatever reason you are sensitive to dark twisted reads with heavy topics such as human trafficking please do NOT even attempt to read this series. It is an amazing book about a young women being sold into the dark human trafficking world and a closed off man fighting for revenge. Pearl has a backbone made of steel and doesn’t once waiver under the circumstances, it is empowering and refreshing to watch. When other women would understandably cower, Pearl was ready to fight for her life by any means necessary. I was so thrilled to find that Crow remained the fierce cold man we are first introduced to in the begging of this book. Unlike other stories that start off with a twisted complex character that turns into a pile of clingy mush Penelope stayed true to her characters personality and made sure he and Pearl stayed authentic. Pearl was extremely smart and diabolical when she had to change course on her plan to escape. Rather it was intentional or not I found myself laughing at how she phrased her explanations of events “He might see me as a partner rather than a pocket pussy.” She’s in the middle of a tragic situation and still comes up with a humorous way to describe her predicament, like who thinks like that? “A pocket pussy” it really is the best way to describe how these monsters viewed her. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat with sick fascination and hope that Pearl and Crow develop a relationship that isn’t strictly slave v. Master and rid their lives of the despicable man obsessed with Pearl. Again this is not a light read if you are debating with rather or not you could handle the beautiful darkness of this book and series just DON’T DO IT… if you still do try and read this book don’t be pathetic and come back here complaining about the twisted things this author writes about. You have been warned; it’s your own fault now. If you are able to stomach human trafficking, forced sexual acts, violence, etc.… then “ONE CLICK” this entire series immediately.

This story is definitely not for the faint t of heart and the disclaimer warning that some of its themes may contain triggers is more than justified. However, if you love dark reads then I high recommend this title. Warning! May contain spoilers: Pearl is a highly intelligent woman with a troubled past working as an engineer. In fact, her career is the only thing in her life that seems to be on track. Her only system of support is her boyfriend Jacob and even their relationship has been on the rocks lately. However, things begin to look up for Pearl as her relationship begins to improve until fate intervenes. Pearl is suddenly thrust into the horrific world of sex trafficking and lands within the clutches of the evil and sadistic Bones who makes Pearl wish for death. Crow has a vendetta against the nefarious Bones and will stop at nothing to strip away and then hurt the only thing that Bones cares about. What he doesn't anticipate is the searing and unexpected attraction that he feels for his beautiful captive. Pearl becomes fed up with the cruelty that she encounters and only desires her freedom and will stop at nothing to get it, even if that means maiming or killing her captors to prove to them that she is a more than worthy and cunning opponent. In order to one day earn her freedom, she accepts a deal from Crow; she has to buy that freedom from Crow using buttons as currency. But what exactly will Crow do to make Pearl earn those buttons and will it be worth the price? This story contains very horrifyingly elements at times and paints a very realistic and unflattering picture of the world of sex trafficking. Pearl is my new favorite female protagonist. I loved her strength, courage, and intelligence. No matter what she went through, she never gave in proving that she was more than a match for the men she came in contact with. I have never read a story where the heroine had so much fight in her and I absolutely loved it! Those who are fans of CJ Roberts Captive in the Dark series will more than enjoy this story. I only wished that this book were longer. I can't wait for books two and three!

Some spoilers in this review so be warned: The story was very interesting and heart breaking and kept my attention the whole time I was reading, but I had to nope out of there once the playroom was introduced. I did read to the end of the book to be clear, but I won't be reading on because I am never a fan of BDSM books. Dark romance doesn't always have that element and it's hard to tell from the plot synopsis sometimes if it does or doesn't so I'll often start something only to realize it goes all Fifty Shades and I have to leave the series. If you like dark romance but not the playroom types, check out Keri Lake. She does an amazing job with the dark stories and without that overused element. Thankfully there isn't much of it in this book so I managed to get through it and enjoy it. I'm sure the next books are filled with it though since it was set up in this one. About the story though, my god. Pearl is a survivor and her story is enough to break your heart in a million pieces. I'm going to finish this series in my own head since I won't be reading more, and that girl is getting her HEA!!! After she carries out a long and bloody revenge on Jacob, she deserves to hang out on tropical islands in the sun with a margarita at the ready 24/7. As for Crow, he's kinda a psycho and kinda not. I have some level of ambivalence towards him for his decisions to keep her as he is doing. Is he a good guy? Nah, but better than bad? Sure. I'm hoping at the end she chooses to stay single so she doesn't have to deal with any man's BS for the rest of her days! To break it all down, this was a worthwhile read but pretty dark and depressing, especially her time with Bones. There isn't a plot twist really because you see what happened coming from a mile away and I knew that's what happened when it happened. Crow, the love interest, is someone that I had conflicting feelings about and I don't love him. On the one hand, I was glad she got away from Bones, and on the other, Crow could have been a better man than he was. Especially since he's not actually a criminal and isn't like Bones at all when you really think about it. I'm not sure why he's playing at being a gangster when he's really not one at all from what I can discern. The book is worth reading just for Pearl though. She's very real, fierce, and manages not to break despite everything that happens to her. Truly one to admire. And unlike many others in these situations, she thinks about others and always keeps her humanity. She's a fantastic character all around. The events of the book are mostly believable and well thought out so I give that part 5 stars as well.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 Review: I absolutely loved Pearl. She is a true heroine that is strong, smart, and never a victim. Watching her face such dark circumstances and still fight back was powerful and refreshing. Her strength and determination made her impossible not to root for. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Pearl stays resilient, and Crow remains true to his cold, complex character, which made the story feel authentic. That said, this book is very dark. If you’re sensitive to topics like human trafficking or violence, this is not a light read. But if you can handle dark, intense stories with strong characters, this series is unforgettable. Penelope Sky created a heroine worth believing in. Easily a favorite!

great book - gave 4 stars because don’t care for ending - would have liked for an ending in this book - don’t want to finish in another book

"I always thought I was strong like steel, but now I understood the truth. I’d never really been tested until now." WOW, this book was such a thrilling ride! This is the first book I've read by Penelope Sky and it was AMAZING! First chapter... BOOM, I'm hooked! If you like stories with strong heroine's in it then this book is right up your alley! It was my favorite thing about the book... the heroine never gave up. Never. "She wasn’t like the others. She didn’t crack under harsh punishment. She didn’t snap in two like a twig. She was resilient. She was strong." Stolen from her life in New York, Pearl is sold to a brutal man who does unspeakable things to her once she is his... The things this poor girl endures will pull at your heart strings... and just when you think there is a glimmer of hope, that Pearl might finally escape her captor, s**t happens.... in the form of a man named Crow. “I want him to worry about his slave every single day. I want him to throw up just from thinking about the horrific things we’re doing to her, the same things he did to Vanessa. I want to ruin his investment, depreciate her so much he won’t even want her back.” This was a crazy ride that was over too soon because I couldn't put the book down! There is action and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The sex is hot, and the alpha males are even hotter! I can't wait to dive into the second book to see what becomes of Pearl and Crow... “You just left one monster to be with another.”

Good grief what a phenomenal storyline. Never saw this one coming. It is dark and covers some very hostile, deprived, subjects, that some may not be able to stomach. Rape and buggery are not fluffy subjects, but they are described, with emotion and sympathy, as opposed to unnecessary violent gratification. The storyline is one poor, pretty girl called Pearl, whose life has already been filled with rejection and tragedy, by selfish, self centred individuals, finished up a slave. Bones is despicable. A villain. No heart, a fat wallet, and a very twisted macabre mind, who kills Vanessa. Crow is also a supposed criminal, but although dangerous, evil he has a heart. Revenge is his number one dish. To accomplish this he kidnaps something Bones regards with pleasure. The storyline twist turns and keeps you in suspense. I have never read a single piece of work by this author, but I intend to rectify this. This novel although a trilogy and this being book one has you hooked from the go. It is well written, descriptive, in all areas, and thoroughly addictive. Pearl is a wonderfully strong character, as is Crow and must wait to see where their journey takes us. Worth more than 5stars. However as previously mentioned this not a fluffy, star spangled novel. It is earthy, gritty and compulsive.

Wow Buttons and Lace ...This would have to be one of my best ever reads. This book had me up late as I could not put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat and had my heart beating a million miles an hour. Follow pearl on her journey she is a strong and beautiful .you will fall in love with her. But be warned you will fall in love with bad boy Crow . I highly recommend this book the story line is amazing . I would like to thank the Author Penelope Sky for bring Buttons and Lace to me. each page was as exciting as the next. Everyone please put this in your must read list you will love it ....Now on to the @nd book Buttons and Hate....

It’s twisted, it’s hot, it’s “I can’t stop reading at 2 am” lol I have all 6 books now..

j'ai adoré l'histoire

Great book, great story, great characters, I loved Pearl so much! But just one question: why Caine and Crow? They are italians,most of the story is in Italy, the only italian name is Vanessa!