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Bella: The Begining

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I wanted to know Bella in every way, but she didn’t want to know me, not the man I really am—not with the secret I swore with a blood oath to protect. I swore this secret would die with me. The truth is hidden within the darkness of her past and it’s fuelin’ a war with the Bratva. They’re comin’ and it wont be long before they threaten everything I love.

I hated him for the things he’d taken from me. I hated him for the love he’d refused me.
I know now that being forced to marry him wasn’t the worst that could’ve happened to me. I’m a woman born into a man’s world. I’ve stood tall and held my own, but now the people that want my family dead, aren’t far behind.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2018

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About the author

Kimberly Soto

23 books536 followers

Kimberly is an International Bestselling author and has been writing since she was a young girl growing up in Kansas City, Mo. Reading and writing has always been a big part of her life. She enjoys a world she can get lost in while reading a good book. A wife to a wonderful husband and mother of their six beautiful children. She spent some time chasing down fugitives as a bounty hunter then laid down her hand cuffs and finished her college degree in nursing degree and now she is a full time Author

Have you joined Kimberly's reading group? Join here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/35734...

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EMAIL► [email protected]

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5 stars
123 (41%)
4 stars
75 (25%)
3 stars
66 (22%)
2 stars
24 (8%)
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10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,488 reviews176 followers
December 22, 2018
First off I have to say that this is an amazing Mafia story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I have heard so many things about this series and I decided to give it a go and I am so glad I did because I got a great treat.

This Mafia romance starts out with Bella running from the man her father wants her to marry and she is rescued by another mafia member Jax. So Bella's father allows Jax to marry her and Jax agrees but he has one thing that he will not do and that is love her. What an arse I thought when I read that but the more time they spend together Jax starts to open his heart up to her. Plus it doesn't help that Bella being a Mafia Princess she is badass and will take no shizz from anyone so she is not so easily swayed by Jax.

There is so many things going on in this story as the families are all fighting for control and there are so many secrets, lies and power struggles that these guys get straight up ruthless and are willing to take down anyone and everything to get that one goal and that is to be the top Boss of the Mafia. This world that is dominated by big strong men will have you guessing what is going to happen because our little Princess is determined to rule her fathers empire and run the Mafia.

Will she be able to rule with Jax? Or will another take her down and rule? There is so much action and twists and turns you are left breathless because yes oh yes it is left of on a HUGE cliffhanger! I need the second book like ASAP I need to know what happens to Bella and Jax.
Profile Image for Steffi De Ceuster  ♥.
1,265 reviews126 followers
January 3, 2019
I hate to write this review!
This was previously release in seperate parts like a series. Now it's bind together so it's only in 2 parts. When I read it I loved it I really loved it! But this? Nope not even close.. I kind of hated..
It's like when I read Fifty Shades Of Grey I loved it so much and how more I re-read it how more Ana irritated me..

Bella annoyed the F out of me! So she is a mafia princess but not really a smart one.. Like going away without security 2 times both times she get's taken or almost.. And she still doesn't get it. Like are you for effin real? I'm the most innocent person you can imagine and I even know you don't do that.. It was also very confusing like one moment she was seriously bad ass and I was kind of proud and in the blink of the eye she was back to being an irritating little girl..

Seriously I kept rolling my eyes so much I was afraid my eyes would stay that way!
Now I need to finish the second part because I can't dnf.... Why oh why?
Profile Image for Rosemelinda.
16 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2018
This is such a good story with twists and turns you don't see coming. I really love reading a romance book that's unpredictable. The heroine is a strong character who isn't afraid to stand her ground in a world dominated by men. The love Story between her and the alpha male Jax is so riveting that you can't possibly put the book down. I highly recommend this reading as it has the perfect combination of romance and action that will keep you on your toes.
December 17, 2018
This is a new to me author but the synopsis intrigued me. This is a mafia romance with the makings of an uprising, if Bella gets her way and takes over the family.

It reads a little choppy for me. Some big time gaps. But the gist of the story and the roots of family, kept my attention. Huge cliffie at the end of this one. Can't wait to get the end of the story. I have a feeling Bella will shine. Hopefully Jax will want to partner equally with her to rule all the Bosses.

Looking forward to reading more.

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeri Young.
7 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2018
Addictive steamy the way she writes and gets you so invested in the characters it's like you can picture them right there. She has taking her series and added more to it making it more possible so hot and powerful. The love that is there between Bella and Jax is not only magnetic but also dangerous. You will re-read this book over and over again because the surprises she throws in will make it worth it.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,800 reviews40 followers
December 7, 2018
A bit of background…if this series looks familiar it is! This series started in 2016 as 12 monthly instalments, but we stopped at book 7. Now the author is back with a new name (was Kimberly Blalock and now Kimberly Soto) and she has repackaged/written the first part of Bella’s story and will release just 2 large books to tell the whole journey. I’m much happier this duet format as I hated the endless cliffhangers we dealt with in the prior format. As I started the story, I noticed quite a few changes small changes, so if you did read the mini-books in 2016, it would not hurt to re-read the rewritten version, Bella: The Beginning, to get ready for the release of Bella: The Ending.

We meet Isabella “Bella” Sagatori who is found running for her life right out in the middle of the highway. She is a mafia princess and her father who’s the boss of the Detroit Sagatori Crime Family. Turns out she was running from the man she was promised to at a young age, who’s main interest in her is to gain a higher rank in the family. The first twist is that her father has changed his mind and now insists that she marry Jax Moretti, the man who just happened to find her on the side of the road and just happens to run the Chicago operation. Although Jax agrees to marry her and give her many things, he refuses to love her. Will she find what she desires? You have to read both books to find out.

Unfortunately, I have a problem keeping the character names straight. Like the earlier version, I needed a character guide to keep people straight. Probably the hardest part was there was a character named “Sal” and then one named “Salvatore” who had the nickname of “Sam”. I swear it took me time to keep that straight. Then we also have a guy named Anthony and another guy named Tony. Others may not have that problem, but for some reason my mind can't separate them. But, even with the scorecard to keep track of the players, it is a great read and I can’t wait for The Ending in just a couple of weeks!!!

Hero 5 Jax | Heroine 5 Bella | Plot 4 | Writing Style 4 | Steam 3 | Romance 1 | Angst-Suspense 4 | Darkness 2 | Humor 2 | Secondary Characters 4 | Drama-Conflict 3 | Mystery 4 | Twists 4 | Action 4 | Pacing Steady | Dual POV | MF | Mafia | Arranged Marriage | Cliffhanger | Overall 4.5 Stars
#MSBB
Profile Image for Carla Roman.
178 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2018
Love this book, Bella and Jax are great together. She is the strong women that Jax needs in his life and is able to step in and take care of business when he is not able too. I can't wait to the next part of the story and hope they get their HEA that they both deserve.
Profile Image for Kelly Merie.
267 reviews82 followers
November 15, 2018
Arranged Marriage? Mafia Romance? Gun-Wielding Heroine? Possessive Hero?
Count me in!

"No, Bella Moretti. I'll never let you go." - Jax


First - I just love the cover on this book, isn't it just gorgeous? It's the first thing that drew me into this book, I love the elegance of it.

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I really enjoyed the storyline of this book, it was so easy to get lost in Jax and Bella's story. The book started off with a bang and held my interest all the way through. Although this isn't as dark as I usually read for mafia romance, it definitely had it's "wow" moments.
You can tell from the first page, that this author is incredibly talented, the descriptive words are ones I usually don't see in any book I read.

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The story flow - it was good in some parts, and not so good in others. If that makes sense? The not so good parts I'm referring too, aren't enough to take away from the story, but I did feel like I had to go back in re-read because the story jumped too much and I would get lost. I genuinely liked the characters, I loved how badass Bella could be, and how vulnerable Jax could be. But I felt like the characters were contracting at times, one page they would have an internal dialogue about one issue, then a chapter or two later they would say/feel the opposite. AGAIN - it does not take away from the story!

"The men in my life feared for my physical safety, but I feared for my emotional safety. He was going to eat me alive." - Bella


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I tell myself all of the time that I will never start another series if all of the books aren't out. Why do I do this to myself?
Hello December - Hurry on up, please! Because, holy cliffhanger Batman!
I have a feeling once this book is released, I am going to see it everywhere on facebook and that makes me extremely happy. Mark my words, the name of this duet is going to be tossed around just like Cora Riley, Mia Knight and JJ McAvoy for their amazing mafia read!

Would I recommend this story to my fellow readers? Hell Yes
Would I read more books from Kimberly Soto? In a heartbeat. <- I have already gone full stalker mode on her social media accounts.

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Profile Image for Maggie.
1,011 reviews13 followers
December 18, 2018

Bella: The Begining is the first true mafia romance that I have read. It was a favorable introduction and now I’m hooked. I loved the violence, the deceit, the power struggles and the ruthlessness of the mafia. I loved that the book was action packed and fast paced which kept me on the edge of the seat. There were non-stop mystery, secrets, twist and turns that enthralled me from the intriguing beginning to the cliff-hanger ending.

The romance between Jax and Bella was compelling. Over the course of the story, we have seen the strength that Bella possess in a world dominated by men and the changes that she brought out of Jax. Her love and loyalty to her family and Jax were admirable. Jax was unyielding and controlling but he also had a soft and sweet side when he was facing Bella.

The story seemed a bit long at some parts and the flow of the story was a little rutted at others. I didn’t realize that this book was actually a re-vamp of a 12 months series that the author had released partially in 2016. That answered my questions regarding the never-ending ups and downs and the tiny unevenness in the plot. However, that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. The book ended with a mind-boggling revelation, I cannot wait to continue the journey in Bella: the Ending.

I received an advance reviewer copy of the book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

https://maggiesescape.wordpress.com

Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,131 reviews50 followers
November 18, 2018
Ok I was very fortunate to have received a copy of this book. I will say I am so glad I did. Kimberly is a new to me author and I am glad to say I will be reading more of her work in the future. If you enjoy a good mafia read with romance, deceit, and some mystery than this story is just for you.

I love reading a book where the heroine is strong and is not afraid to speak her mind. This is exactly what you get when reading this book. Bella Sagatori is a woman born into a mans world. She is the only child to the head of the Sagatori crime family. Bella is thrown into a situation where she is forced to do something she does not want to.

Enter Jax Moretti.... He and Bella meet under a rather sticky situation. He becomes her hero as he helps her escape from a man who seems to be a few crayons short of a full box. Unbeknownst to Bella, Jax is not quite who she thinks he is. The chemistry these 2 have is very steamy as well as the push and pull they have with each other.

So can the hardcore mob boss tame the mafia princess?? If you really want to know I suggest reading this book. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series so I can see just exactly what is in sore for Jax and Bella.
Profile Image for Allena.
1,298 reviews
November 13, 2018
This is my personal opinion and should not influence your decision to read this book.

New to me author Kimberly Soto has written a mafia book that had me loving it and hating it at the same time. I am very conflicted about this review; while there were parts I absolutely loved there were parts that had me frustrated. If this book had BETA readers I feel they did a disservice and missed some obvious things that could have helped the flow and continuity.

This book started with a bang and rolls right along; a made man that is as dangerous as they come and a mafia princess that wants to be loved. What more could you want?

How about a heroine that acts like she was raised in a mafia family? There were times I could have smacked Bella for the way she was acting. She wanted to be taken seriously but acted out all the time. There were times the misogynist attitudes would tick any woman off but since she was raised in this environment I thought she’d have a better handle on things.

Jax, what can I say other than he had the patience of a saint and an attitude toward women that burned me. Was he capable of violence? Hell yeah and it was what his position called for but he also needed to stop being so rigid. He has a woman that can hold her own yet he continues to cling to the old ways.

All in all it’s well worth reading and the cliffhanger was mind boggling.


Profile Image for Catie.
13 reviews
November 29, 2018
I have been a fan of Kimberly’s for a couple years. I found her and Bella when she was smack dab in the middle of the series, and then life got in the way on her end and she stopped for a while. I still had a few Bella books to read but they kept me hooked. The story, though at the time was in pieces (many books), I kept up, understood the evolution of Bella, and saw her journey as if I was with her. Fantastic story so far, and Kimberly has come back to us stronger than ever!!

Bella: The Beginning starts at the beginning of course, and takes on a journey to find out who Bella is, what her real story is, not just on the surface, but deeper than that, and just about who she becomes. Bella starts of like any heroine, somewhat needing some help, someone to “rescue” her from her current problem. But as we go through with her, Bella finds out what she is really made of and demands those around her see it to. Beautifully written, has me on the edge of my seat to finish her story because I know Bella still has something to show us about herself.

Kimberly Soto won’t disappoint in this epic, drama filled, love story that will take you down dark roads, but it’s worth it. Will Bella get her happily ever after??? We will have to see if Bella: The Ending!!
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,268 reviews60 followers
December 19, 2018
I was not sure what to expect when I accepted a comp copy of Bella.
Soto was a new author for me and I went in quite blind.
I read this in one sitting - An intense and engaging read that literally had me white knuckling my reader.
Wonderful characters - The main characters are charismatic and stayed true to their natures - I found myself easily connecting to them. The supporting cast is just as vivid and intriguing.
The storyline kept me on edge and engaged (vocally and physically).
A faultless storyline - I do want to note that some scenes do go back and forth within the timeline, so you want to pay attention to the details - This is the first part of a series.
Bella does not want to be a "bargaining chip" but not every princess gets what she wants. Bella's character is a spitfire of a woman. Strong willed, plucky at times and resilient (which comes in quite handy) - She knows when to back down and when to take that leap of faith.
Jax - Not sure if I want to keep him or kill him - He absolutely infuriated me so many times.
This is a must read!
I definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys this genre
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
December 19, 2018
Omygosh! I'm speechless! It will grab you from the first page and keep you craving more til the end! What a mindblowing cliffy!!

Bella is a strong sassy woman but naive in some ways. Being the princess of the Sagatori crime family she is determined to marry for love. Not a prearranged marriage.

Salvador is a capo and always gets what he wants except Bella. He figured kidnapping Bella he could not only control her but step up in ranks with the crime family.

Jax is an all alpha boss of the crime family. He has dark secrets that he doesn't want Bella finding out. He made an agreement with her father to marry Bella to protect her not to love her.

A war is brewing with the Russians. They want the Sagatori territory. Bodies are piling up.

When Jax past is exposed and his secret is revealed. Will this cost him his relationship with Bella?

Bella has been one wild and bumpy ride. Lies, deceit, romance, murder and loss of loved ones. Unexpected twists and turns at every corner. The characters were flawless.

Can't wait for next installment.
November 14, 2018
Nothing says Mafia romance like, murder, deceit, sex and love. That's what you'll get with this new and improved story about Jax Moretti and the love of his life Bella Sagatori. Wait...is she the love of his life? Why is Bella doubting she's the one and only?

Jax Moretti, the handsome boss of boss's has fallen, hard for the heir of the Sagatori family, Bella Sagatori. He knows "la familia" comes first and is fighting tooth and nail to keep it that way. Until Bella, the strong willed, charming and loving woman stumbles across his path one night.

This story is full of twists and turns capturing the reader's interested throughout the book. It shows that family is not only those of blood but those of loyalty. Although, loyalty can be deceiving when someone close to you can turn on you for power and money. This only made Jax and Bella stronger as a couple. Proving that their love, loyalty and commitment to each other can win in the end. But not all fairytales have a happy ending....you'll need to continue the saga, to find out.
Profile Image for Tricia.
450 reviews
November 12, 2018
Bella Sagatori is a feisty young woman, hot headed, if a little naive. A mafia princess, her sheltered world is about to be turned upside down.

Action packed and fast paced, this book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, as all the twists and turns and revelations keep coming. Over the course of the story Bella matures and grows, determined not to be seen as just a weak woman who can be ignored. Her relationship with Jax, although volatile, also evolves, until a series of revelations shake her to her core. Their survival is at risk in more ways than one.

A dangerous tale of violence and deceit, love, sex and loyalty, Bella will keep you gripped from beginning to cliffhanger end.
Profile Image for Amanda  Lee.
1,244 reviews43 followers
November 17, 2018
This was an amazing exciting book. There were so many twists and turns I never knew what to expect. I enjoyed all the characters, they had unique personalities and stood apart.

I absolutely love Bella, she’s fierce, strong, and willing to fight to be respected. She’s willing to go toe to toe with the men and stands her ground. She frustrated me at times with her decisions and acting out but I still loved her.

Jax is fantastic, I really liked when he let his vulnerable side show. I was back and forth trying to decide if he’s actually a good guy or not, and I love being conflicted like that.

I could not put it down, I was glued to the pages needing to know what would happen. The cliffhanger ending left me dying for The Ending. I can not recommend this enough.
1,947 reviews26 followers
December 17, 2018
I reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Wow! This is the first book by Kimberly that I've read and I can't wait for the next book in this duet. I was introduced to Bella and Jax. These two were amazing characters. Bella is spunky, a little spitfire, always defying Jax. You have to understand that she's been put in a position because of her father's dying wish and with that said, she's not happy. Well until that first kiss, but it's been made very clear he's not a man that could ever love her, but will her tenacity and her smart mouth change his mind? Their life isn't exactly normal, he's a mafia boss and she's now his wife and their lives will never be the same, there's danger, suspense, the threat to their family and Jax coming to the realization that she means more to him than he realizes. No spoilers from me and I am excited to see how this all ends.
Profile Image for Debbie Rodriguez.
192 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2018
I didn't think i could appreciate a book more than i had, this book is such an amazing book. Words fail me.
Bella is such a strong, beautiful, young woman. She is soft, kind, giving, and generous. She is the perfect princess. She is her father's daughter. She is not someone you want to make angry.
She deserves the best! Only the best is what her father will have for her. Even If its not what Bella wants. This book was so good I finished it way to fast. I always have to pace myself or I finish and am left with a book hangover.
This definately needs to be on your TBR list ASAP.
Profile Image for Susana Soto.
212 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2018
Omg... I just want to say the Author did an amazing job with Bella! It was just what I needed to get me out of my book funk! I loved it...I loved it!!! This book has everything you need! Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster; this book displays all the emotions! Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and even fear; they're all there! Regardless of any pain that you may be subjected to as a reader, in the end you are going to fall in love with the story, just like I did. This book is worth all the tears that you may shed! I can't wait for the next book! Hopefully it's out soon!!!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
45 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2018
OMG This book had me from the very start it’s exciting, Hot and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Jax and Bella don’t start as a typical love story they could hardly stand each other at first but as time went on they found a love that one could only ever dream of. They face so many challenges and the true meaning of love and family becomes so very clear as they fight to keep their family safe....secrets and lies of others threaten to take that away from them. It’s now time for them to stand and fight together they were meant to be and they won’t let anything or anyone stand in their way....
233 reviews
November 15, 2018
Bella Sagatori, the name alone radiates a strong woman but not in the mob world. Bella is set out to make her own and take over her father's business but its a mans world and women only have one place. Jax Moretti a hard core mobster with a hard shell and wont allow anyone to get close but a close encounter brings these two together and life changes are expected when these two become one. In a short time these two will come close to death but have to fight to get back...
November 15, 2018
Bella: The BeginingKimberly did it again! I really enjoyed reading Bella. Bella is a strong willed character that know what she wants and isn't afraid to get it done. There are many twists and turns, that will keep the suspense and drama going. I can't wait to find out what's next for Bella and Jax.
November 24, 2018
Wow. What a read this is.
Jax is hotter than hell and has the attitude to match, he's strong and sexy but loving and sweet.
Bella is exactly the same, she fights for what she wants and loves. No matter how much Jax tries to stop her, she's strong willed and works for what she wants.
An amazing read that had me in the edge of my seat, I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Kelli.
91 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2018
I received an arc in exchange for a honest review. Bella is the princess of the sagatori family. jax is the boss for the chicago outfit. jax and bella meet when she runs in the street after running away from the guy she was promised to marry. jax falls for Bella and gets her father okay for them to get married. Bella is forced to marry jax even though she doesn't want to. the mafia will tests their marriage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
170 reviews
December 19, 2018
Amazing Mafia read

I just loved reading this book, in fact I couldn't stop and finished it in one go without a break. I read a lot of books and often times I read another one in the middle or two at the same time but not with this one, I couldn't put it down! I loved the chemistry between the main characters and their relationship. The author did an amazing job portraying both characters. The book was quite dark and I loved the twists and turns. I cannot wait to see how it goes on.
I can highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for  Tania.
753 reviews16 followers
December 19, 2018
If you are after a thrilling and action packed Mafia read this is for you.
Bella Stagatori is a Mafia princess, she's strong and is someone not to be messes with.
This book will have you turning those pages so quick so you can't find out what's going to happen next.
There were are few timeline flaws, nothing too serious as you get the gist of the story as you go along.
That cliffhanger ending though ... Gahh.. I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for beth Farzetta.
89 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2018
Amazing.... Bella is strong yet weak in love. Jax is completely a man worth falling in love for. The mafia... killing ... twists turns. I loved this book ... can’t wait for the next one...
Profile Image for Meagan.
9 reviews
December 16, 2018
So much angst and such a page-turner. This book pulls you in and you never want to put it down. Bella is feisty, stubborn, and above all a badass. Jax is possessive and alpha to the max. He'll protect Bella with everything he has and then some. Their story isn't traditional in the slightest and you better believe that you'll feel all the emotions while being entranced by them. If dark mafia is what you like then you'll love this book. I can't wait for the rest of the saga.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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