First of all, I think it must be tremendous pressure to write the end to such an excellent trilogy, everyone has such high expectations and it is such an emotional story. But this is a tribute to the author as she obviously had the ability to draw her readers in to make a connection with the characters and care, even worry what will happen to them.

Before you read this book make sure you read the rest of the series first, this is book three of a trilogy.

At the end of the last book Emma is in a desperate situation, her life has been truly awful and the only light she has was Cal and now he can't remember her or their connection, and lets be honest no-one can wait for Alffonso to be dealt with. He is so horrid and in this book he is a massive threat to Emma and her son.
The previous book left us with several things that could jolt Calisto's memory, Father Day, the Vegas poker chip, the tattoo's etc, we were left with lots of things to ponder over but here in book three is the conclusion.
The couple get their HEA but this book has had a darker feel so don't be suprised to find some sad moments(have the tissues ready) and one very sad loss in particular. Also their future is not as easy as bad boss and hubby out the way so now the couple can be together, what they have done is not acceptable 'honor amongst theives', apparently even they have some moral code.
The epilogue is to die for, it sets up some things for the future generation as well as seeing how things have worked out for Calisto and Emma over the years. ( )

4.25 Stars
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Not a standalone, please read the previous novels prior to reading this review.

‘He knew he was missing something. More than memories. More than passing days and months. More than conversations, family and burials and business. Something important was missing.’

The Donati Bloodlines series pulled me into its grasps and never let me go. They're the kind of books you read in one sitting, in order, just to get the full effect of the story. Thin Lives is no different, the story is just as gripping, especially after the cliffhanger we're left with at the end of Thin Lines. Best read in order, Thin Lives brings us back into the action-packed, suspense fueled world of Emma and Calisto, two star crossed lovers at the wrong end of the mafia's attention. The stakes are upped in Thin Lives, the drama kicked up a notch, the anxiety layered on thick, and the unknowns piling up. I knew this was going to be the closure I needed in the series, but I didn't know what to expect. Bethany-Kris did not let me down. From accidents to "accidents," the reader is in the midst of every twist and turn, left with only the ability to root for Calisto and Emma as they fight against the world they'd accepted for so long. There's nothing easy about these two, their relationship is just as impossible in this final book as it has been in the past, but the fight is real and the steps they take to make the impossible possible made me turn every page just that much faster.

If something feels wrong to you, it probably is. If it doesn't seem right, then it isn't. Dont trust based on loyalty and blind faith. He is not who you think he is.

Like the previous two novels, I was swept right back into the story, in love with Bethany-Kris' ability to write such distinctly unique characters with different thoughts and dialogue styles. The characters came to life for me, the bloodshed seemed to happen before my very eyes, and as things got tense I scooted right to the edge of my seat, prepared for anything. This conclusion takes everything the previous two novels built upon and provides readers with the ending they desired from the very beginning, only with a lot more depth and action than your usual HEA. Bethany-Kris also delivers with a detailed epilogue, that wasn't necessarily my style, but did answer all the reader's burning questions. It also allowed us to see the future, the next books to come from the always incredible storyteller of mafia romance.

I know you're what I'm missing...

The Donati Bloodlines are an absolute favorite of mine; I love Emmy, and I have a little dark spot in my heart for Cal. If you are a fan of mafia romance and looking for an author who tells the story right, Bethany-Kris is it for you. ( )