The Luminara Series (Boxset Books 1-3) by SJ Molloy was a great read! This series was dark, full of suspense, drama, romance and drama. This was an enthralling series that had me on the edge of my seat wanting more. It was so easy to get lost in the scenery and imagery in this series I felt like I was right there where the characters were located. My only complaint for this series was all the sex scenes. I feel like they made the story drag on, and that without some of them you wouldn’t get as lost in the story. Or at least I felt like I kept getting lost from all the sex scenes. Besides that if you’re interested in a dark, sexy romance, this series is for you! This series definitely contains content for ages 18+.
This book is only suitable for those over 18 as it contains adult themes and content which could trigger some readers.
Lexi is a woman who has been to Hell and back again, but the things she experienced there have broken her in more ways than one and she is mired in darkness, but she is also afraid of her own shadow, afraid that she will be dragged back to Hell and she is terrified of what will happen if she is. At night when she sleeps, she has nightmares where she relives everything she has been through, she is closed off and anxious about everything and uses her medication and therapy to try and just survive her everyday life, but when Lucca walks into her life out of the blue, things will never be the same again.
Lexi is preparing for a girls holiday away with her best friend, but before she can get home to pack, she has to finish unpacking the moving boxes in her new physiotherapy office in a leisure centre, the lease has just been agreed and she needs to prepare everything for her business partner when he opens up while she is away. She is also trying to field messages and phone calls from her other friends and family, but she hasn’t got the time or energy to deal with all that drama as well as everything else, however when she does acknowledge them, it leads her into a panic attack and just as she is going full pelt into it there is a knock at the door. She jumps up in shock and turns her back on the Italian voice she hears, but he ignores the request to give her a moment and comes straight over, lifting her chin up to look at him and asks again if she is ok. As she slowly raises her eyes, she cannot help but admire his physique, he is tall, muscly, domineering and very masculine, but the moment that their eyes meet she cannot look away, he is gorgeous and has a warm aura, but the intensity is off the charts, never mind the sex appeal.
After he introduces himself as Lucca, it turns out that he is there for a consultation as his back is hurting him, but she is finding it so hard to concentrate, as she hasn’t been affected in this way by anyone in this way before, however, she manages to get through the consultation, despite trying to ignore the fact that he is most definitely aroused and that it is affecting her in the same way and it terrifies her, especially when he asks her to dinner, but she refuses and just about maintains her professionalism until he leaves. When she eventually finishes work and she goes home and discusses it with her girls, they are all happy that this has happened and help her to get to grips with the feelings, she also deals with her family and the news they have for her, then she focuses on her girls night in and preparing for her holiday the next day.
The next day dawns early and she finialises her preparation, she is looking forward to the three weeks away she has planned, when she does set off on the journey, she is nervous, but excited, especially when they are traveling through the countryside and see the hotel for the first time. They are warmly welcomed with food and drinks and given time to freshen up before heading down for dinner with the other people who are staying there, however, when she entered the room and sees Lucca, her brain goes into panic mode, fight or flight sets in and she does what she always does and runs away. She feels like she is being stalked and just wants to go straight home, however she finds out that it is an accident and that it is actually the hotel owner’s grandson. It turns out that he wants to see her and apologise for the shock, she reluctantly agrees and is happy when her friend supports her with the decision, but when she finds that she finds comfort in his touch and is not acting in her usual way she is shocked, but when she starts to open up and agrees to spend some time with him to get to know him because he is persistent in his requests and this is the start of something neither of them is prepared for.
Will Lexi be able to spend time with Lucca and feel comfortable doing it, will she spurn his advances or will she let her walls down and allow him to see her and everything which she is holding behind those walls and will Lucca be able to accept her as she is, baggage and all, or will this just be something to break out of her shell? This is a story of trauma, emotions, love, acceptance and finding light in the darkness which will pull you into their lives and keep you there as you go on their journey with them.
Lucca and Lexi are back to stop and start your heart.
Luminoso
# Book 4 of The Luminara Series.
This is the ultimate love story. This is the most tragic love story.
Heart and soul.
His light.
Our light.
Luminoso.
Lexi’s tormentor and ghost of her past is back—with a vengeance. Michael Parks won’t stop until he lures the pretty little lamb to his merciless slaughter. He’s looking for justice and will show her no mercy in his twisted, brutal plan for revenge.
She can run and play house, but she can’t hide forever. Her fate is sealed, and Michael will ensure she suffers a tragic and horrific death.
Lexi will pay dearly for her sins.
***
When Lucca discovers Lexi’s half-brother has skipped Australian parole and is in Scotland, taunting her and leaving signs, he impulsively takes Lexi and her mum Grace back to Tuscany.
Lucca vows to protect them both, taking extreme measures to ensure their safety while trying hard to provide a stable and positive life for them both.
They break. He breaks.
Between running his successful empire, Osurac Industries, and keeping everyone back home in Scotland safe until Michael has been apprehended, Lucca needs to love his dolcezza like never before—because she’s never needed him more than she does right now.
Recently discovering Lexi’s pregnant only makes Lucca more possessive and attentive, especially as Lexi doesn’t have the easiest pregnancy. He’ll go far and beyond to care for her, worship her, and make her happy. But life won’t be simple. Another unravelling twist in the plot will define their future. Forever.
Life in Lucca’s Tuscan farmhouse will be challenging, testing Lexi, Lucca, and Grace while Michael hides from the police and special forces.
Uncertainty. Paranoia. Unwanted stress.
Not only will their lives be threatened, but their private life will be compromised as the ruthless press digs into Lexi and Grace’s past. After a shocking scandal is leaked, creating a worldwide frenzy, Lucca and Lexi are exposed and under intense scrutiny.
Lucca will do whatever it takes to respect his girl’s privacy and safeguard her heart. Lucca thinks he knows what’s best for Lexi, but a new revelation ignites a fire inside her he can’t control.
Tragedy and a broken heart gives Lexi new strength and a brand-new backbone. She must take the reins. Knowing what she needs to do, and demanding his support, she pushes him to his limits.
In an explosive and heart-stopping turn of events, you will be shocked beyond belief.
Can Lucca keep Lexi safe?
Will she fight and face her demons, or surrender to the darkness once more?
Only Lucca’s lust, love, and light will give her strength, but is it enough?
You think you’ve read it all … you haven’t.
***
*** This book is of adult content. It contains strong language, hot sex, and sensitive topics ***
SJ Molloy, British Author of ‘The Luminara Series’ was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She currently resides in Scotland with her husband, two daughters, and her puppy, a loving gun dog who is utterly spoiled. Along with writing and publishing romance fiction, SJ is completing her MLitt Creative Writing, Crime Writing and Forensic Investigation postgrad at the University of Dundee.
When she is not writing, reading, studying, enjoying family time or walking her dog, SJ loves all things practical and creative. Dancing, music, cooking, travelling, good food and wine and painting are her favourite past times along with laughter, lots and lots of laughter.
SJ loves reading and writing romance and crime novels, which focus on moral complexities, fractured relationships, and contain a unique voice. She enjoys stories filled with imagination, intricacies, flawed characters, twisted plots, and suspense. Anything to get her thinking. Family saga’s and multi-layered stories are among her favourites. She loves to submerge herself between the pages of heart-stopping, emotional, and atmospheric reads which grip her attention and awaken her senses.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lumioso-2-scaled.jpg1200752itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-04-20 00:04:482021-10-30 08:45:00Luminoso (The Luminara Series, Book 4) by SJ Molloy
This is a collection of 3 books that follows the story if Lexi and Lucca. It is a dark romance that keeps you gripped from the first book. The characters are so well written that you can help feeling like your going through every emotion with them. Parts of the story are hard to read due to Lexi’s abusive past but really well written.
Lexi has had a terrible past which has now made her an adult that is untrusted, suffers bad with anxiety and she can’t see any way she will let another man near her.
That is until Lucca comes into her life. The attraction is instant but she is so scared of what could happen between them.
Can Lucca be her light out of the darkness she has been living in? Can Lucca help her overcome her past and open herself to love? Or will Lexi push him away and not give him the chance to prove he can be trusted?
50 Shades of Gray…. with some Italian sexiness. This is the first time I’m reading something by S.J. Molly, she brought an interesting new take on the dominant and submissive nature of some relationships. I was really intrigued by their backstories especially because they first met outside their therapists office. The characters are well developed and I liked the different perspectives of the story. My only critique is that some of the dialogue was a bit repetitive. I also wish that the 4th book was also in the series.
When your whole life has been in darkness can a light seep through the cracks and blast through the darkness, that’s the hope Lexi is looking for.
Lexi has had a dark past, full of hurt and evil but as she is trying to piece her life together she stumbles upon someone who could ignite to spark that has been buried so deep she feels she may have lost forever. Until Lucca walks into her office and then all bets are off.
Lucca is not particular looking for the one but when he walks into the physiotherapists office that day he did not know that it would change his life forever and meet the woman of his dreams.
This series is in three stages like a play, the first book introduces us to Lexi and the hideous life she has been through until this time and you truly cry inside for this woman, with her feeling so closed off and existing not living until one day Lucca walks in and then her feelings change. The story is pretty fasted pace from then, there relationship is in warp speed and very sexual which was a joy to read.
The stories were well written and I am glad I got to read them one after the other and fully appreciate the chemistry burning between these two character was a pleasure to read. As each book progress you get to see more into this beautiful couple and slowly see the boundaries that Lexi had built up breakdown with each confidence and trust she has with Lucca. I also loved that although through the first two books we see it from the prospective of Lexi the third book is written in Lucca’s prospective and is a brilliant counter to the thoughts and feelings you read within the page of the first two books.
This is the first books I have read from this author and would love to read more of them in the future.
Reviewed by Angela Shirley
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2021-04-18 03:14:252021-04-18 06:39:41The Luminara Series: Box Set – Volume 1 (Lussuria – L’amore – Lucca’s Lust) by SJ Molloy – Review by Angela Shirley
The Luminara Series: Box Set – Volume 1 (Lussuria – L’amore – Lucca’s Lust) by SJ Molloy. This boxset contains the first three books in The Luminara Series: Lussuria (Book #1), L’amore (Book #2), and Lucca’s Lust (Book #3). I was drawn to the series by the beautiful covers and the promise of a “an emotional erotic heart wrenching story of lust, love and light.” Seeing that there were more books in the series, either published, or soon to be released, I snapped up a copy and dove in. I love a great series you can sink your teeth into and get lost in- and that’s what I was hoping for here. But I am so sorry to say that I felt a little disappointed in the end. While the story was okay- it didn’t pack the ‘punch’ I was hoping for – and for me it just didn’t live up to the promise or expectation. I really wanted to love this book/series so hard- but just couldn’t connect with the characters and their story in the way I had hoped. I also felt that the story was really drawn out and could have been condensed into one or two books. For the size of the books/boxset and all the words- there isn’t a great deal of development or the substance I would have expected- so I was left feeling disappointed. If the story had been condensed a little and had some ‘meatier’ development- then this could have been a really stellar read. There is a lot of potential here- but just failed to hit the mark for me. Added to that, some of the dialogue/situations really felt forced, awkward, and stilted- they didn’t flow well or seem ‘natural’- which made for a bit of an unsettling read. I also note that there has been nearly six years between the previous books’ release and the pending new release. That’s a LONG wait between books- so I am very glad that I didn’t start this series sooner. The story/series did get a bit better the further in to it I got- so I am holding out hope for the next books- and yes, I will be finishing the series- I always finish what I start. So fingers crossed. I really did want to love this series so much more than I have (so far) and I am sorry but I just didn’t connect- but maybe it’s just me. Maybe next time I will?
The Luminara Series: Box Set Volume 1: Lussuria – L’amore – Lucca’s Lust by SJ Molloy is the first 3 book in the Luminara series. These books follow the story of Lucca and Lexi and it is a story you will really find yourself hooked on. There is such a raw and intense connection between Lucca and Lexi, it can felt in absolutely everything. You cannot help but connect with them yourself and feel everything about their journey. I was a little less taken with the overall story – it was good and I enjoyed it but I didn’t quite connect with it in the same way. I thought it was a great bonus that the third book is Lucca’s POV. I prefer books that are dual POV so to get his was something I really liked. This is an overall great series and I am looking forward to the next ones!
The Luminara Series: Box Set Volume 1: Lussuria – L’amore – Lucca’s Lust by SJ Molloy is delightfully dark and erotic. There are three books in this box set which is one of the reasons I love box sets is because you don’t have to wait for the next book. There are some stark themes in these stories with abuse, kidnapping and imprisonment which some readers may need to be aware of and be careful with. The first book starts out as little fluffy but as it goes on the writing gets stronger and more fulfilling. SJ’s descriptive writing gives us something that is gut wrenching, heart pumping and edge of the seat intense.
Together can they put the dark and harmful past behind and forge ahead into the light and sunshine of love and life?
This is a dark romance box set that I enjoyed. This is a collection of three stories about Lexi and her journey from dark to light. Each book is well written, engaging and page turners. Lexi is a character that is connectable but also she brought the stories to life for me. The story was an emotional roller coaster but that just added to the stories. Lucca is everything she thinks she needs and wants but is he really that good for her? I highly recommend this box set. I am glad I picked it up and so will anyone who enjoys dark romance stories.
Dark. It’s all dark. Darker than you could ever possibly imagine. Not even a candle can flicker an incandescent light in front of me. Even now, years after I escaped, I’m still living in darkness. I’m still running.
I’ve spent my entire life gazing at the stars, wondering if I’ll ever get to live in the light. It must be dazzling and wonderful.
You’ve read about tortured souls, but you’ve never read about mine. I was taken before I was even born. It was my destiny and written in my stars.
My soul’s not just tortured, it’s unrepairable and hollow. I left part of it back in Hell, and I can’t go back. I won’t go back. Not ever.
You think you’ve read it all?
You haven’t.
And sadly … it’s all true. It happened to me. And I hate that it’s my life.
I shouldn’t be alive. Life was never my own. Nothing was given to me and everything was taken from me. I ran. I fought. I stayed alive. Well, my body survived, my mind didn’t.
I’m damaged beyond repair. I live on my nerves. I feel emotions bigger than myself, and I am many things.
Vulnerable
Anxious.
.
Paranoid.
Guarded.
.
Ashamed.
Dirty.
Exposed.
And I feel alone.
I pray that one day I will be free. But that means placing trust and letting someone in.
Would they make me brighter? Would they make me believe? Would I make them dark?
I’ve never wanted to feel for someone else because I’m far too broken and deep. It scares me. I don’t trust easily. I’m curious, but I’m nervous.
I’ve never felt lust, or love, or light.
Until now.
I feel Lucca Caruso, and everything he symbolises.
He desires me. He wants me. He worships me. He loves me. He protects me. He makes me feel alive. He sets my body on fire. He melts my heart. He gives me him. All of him.
He is lust.
He is love.
He is light.
I trust him.
I want him.
I need him.
He is everything I have fought my entire life to avoid. He makes me feel.
He is taking me places I never imagined could be possible. He is giving me new life. He is keeping me in his light. He is giving me his heart, body, mind, and soul. I love it … I love him. And there is no other place I want to be other than in his arms.
With Lucca … I feel like I can breathe. I’m alive. I need him to keep me here.
I’m Lexi and this is my story about a world of darkness and a journey towards the light.
SJ Molloy, British Author of ‘The Luminara Series’ was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She currently resides in Scotland with her husband, two daughters, and her puppy, a loving gun dog who is utterly spoiled. Along with writing and publishing romance fiction, SJ is completing her MLitt Creative Writing, Crime Writing and Forensic Investigation postgrad at the University of Dundee.
When she is not writing, reading, studying, enjoying family time or walking her dog, SJ loves all things practical and creative. Dancing, music, cooking, travelling, good food and wine and painting are her favourite past times along with laughter, lots and lots of laughter.
SJ loves reading and writing romance and crime novels, which focus on moral complexities, fractured relationships, and contain a unique voice. She enjoys stories filled with imagination, intricacies, flawed characters, twisted plots, and suspense. Anything to get her thinking. Family saga’s and multi-layered stories are among her favourites. She loves to submerge herself between the pages of heart-stopping, emotional, and atmospheric reads which grip her attention and awaken her senses.
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