As I read the final pages of Aleatha Romig’s Infidelity series, it occurred to me just how much I had fallen in love with one of the secondary characters over the course of five novels. His name is Oren Demetri, and what I learned about Oren in the Infidelity series is only the tip of the iceberg! Respect is a spinoff novel of the Infidelity series. It can either be read before or after you read the series, OR it can be read as a novel standing by itself. It’s an epic tale of love that is both courageous and bittersweet.
During his time as a student at NYU, Oren falls in love with Angelina. But when he learns her last name is Costello, Oren walks away. When their paths cross five and a half years later in Manhattan, Oren realizes that he’s given a second chance. He’s never forgotten Angelina; the feelings are still there. No matter who her family is, he decides she’s absolutely worth the risk. From the moment Oren asks Carmine Costello for permission to marry his niece, he never looks back.
Aleatha Romig thoroughly fleshed out Oren’s character. He’s multi-dimensional, flawed, and one of the more complex characters that I’ve run across in a contemporary setting. When he marries Angelina, he accepts a lifelong obligation to the Costello family. Inherently a good human being, Oren struggles between wanting to give Angelina her heart’s desires and the need to protect and keep her safe. His attention is constantly tugged in three different directions: his wife (love and devotion), Demetri Enterprises (drive for professional success), and Uncle Carmine (duty to family).
I’m an old pro at reading novels written by Aleatha Romig. Romig tends to write in layers, thereby creating a great sense of mystery for her readers. She laid excellent groundwork for the plot in Respect. Carmine purposefully shelters Oren from the darker Costello family dealings. Because Respect is narrated from Oren’s first person point-of-view, he’s uncertain about much of what is taking place during a very dangerous time for his family. As a reader, I felt his confusion and fear build while being kept in the dark. Those layers and clues? I was able to look back and see clear indications of what had been amiss when Oren is finally told about events that occurred.
I LOVED so many of the secondary characters in Respect – Carmine, Rose, Silvia, Vincent, and Testa, just to name a few. Having read the Infidelity series, it was intriguing for me to catch a glimpse of Lennox Demetri as both a child and teenager. Seeing the relationship develop between Oren and Lennox helped me gain a better understanding of their relationship later on in life. It gave me a whole different outlook on Oren’s actions during the Infidelity series!
Mafia reads are some of my favorites. It was obvious Romig thoroughly researched the mafia/Cosa Nostra before writing this book. She mixed good research with great creative writing. What resulted is a mafia story with the right tone and characters who feel authentic. Respect is mysterious, suspenseful, and Oren held my interest throughout. I’m delighted to give Respect a 5-star rating. It’s also the first book on my list of 2018 favorites!
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Top reviews from other countries
Marian Chawner
with little or no love or respect for others
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2018