Desire

June 23, 2024To: AmazonFrom: Jerome Spector, Chesterfield, MissouriSubject: Review of “Desire” by Dennis Bolazina“Desire” captures the essence of visiting New Orleans, while telling a story rich in mystery and intrigue. A page-turner, with a believable characters and plot, as a reader, I accompanied the characters of Sal and Phia as they discovered each other in the colorfully described background of luxury hotels like the Monteleone, Omni, and the RC Hotel (could that be the Ritz Carlton – the reader must decide).The main character, Sal, who is an architect and lawyer from St. Louis, meets Phia by chance on a streetcar (Desire?) and falls in love with her. Frank, Phia’s father, is entangled with the mafia in New Orleans, which complicates the life of Phia and then Sal. Phia’s brother, Franke, disappears and no one knows where he is until revealed by Phia’s grandmother.There are fabulous descriptions of both a New Orleans wedding and funeral as well as a description of what the Mardi Gras is really like.For readers who enjoy court room drama there are complete chapters devoted to a trial where the jury must decide if the defendant is guilty of extortion and bribery, tax fraud and murder.The female character, Phia, is resolute, and the strongest character in the book, looking to escape a complicated life created by her father. She finds strength in Sal and together they navigate treacherous situations, dodging the mob and the Justice Department, seeking peace and freedom in their own lives.Finally, for readers who are foodies, OMG, readers will love the descriptions of all the luxurious New Orleans bars and restaurants where food and drinks are ordered by Sal and PhiaI’ve read all the early John Grisham books, and lately lots of Orphan X novels by bestselling author Greg Hurwitz, but I’d say “Desire” by Dennis Bolazina is one of the three best books I’ve ever read.

Intriguing story, I was hooked by Rhia and Sal’s first streetcar ride. A little romance, a little picture inside mafia business. The author portrays a vivid picture of New Orleans through his descriptive architect’s eyes and the reader gleans information relating to a criminal trial through the author’s legal knowledge as an attorney! A really good read!

When a New Orleans mobster’s daughter falls in love with an architect-lawyer on assignment in her city, she must first free herself retreat from her legacy as heir to her father’s underworld organization. Dennis A. Bolazina, St. Louis architect and lawyer, has the know-how, the experience and the chops to make an airtight case for the authenticity of this romantic legal thriller, his debut novel, Desire.When the political heat is on mob boss Frank Palermo and a conviction seems likely, he makes arrangements to disappear and turn over his operations to his daughter Sophia (“Phia”) Palermo. Her goal has been to operate the hotel side of the business free of the crime family, but she is torn by loyalty to her father. Meanwhile she has married her architect-lawyer Sal Rossi in an attempt to start her new life. Sal helps her by lining up legal expertise and support, but he has no sense of the depth of her involvement in organized crime.The book’s extra length over the average mystery-thriller is justified by its rich description of the city’s historical architecture, its iconic landmarks and the cultural traditions of the Big Easy and its convincingly detailed development of the books colorful characters. This page turning romantic legal thriller is highly recommended for libraries, legal and romantic fiction fans and the general reader. --Peter H. Green, Author of Chcago's Designs, and the Patrick MacKenna mystery series.

This book was truly a delight! I found myself speed reading to see how Phia and Sal would end up.I enjoyed reading the beautiful words that describe the architecture of the places. What a perfect setting for the under world!!Intriguing, mysterious and love.Enjoy!!!!

A page turner with substantial characters. If you love New Orleans then you will love the detailed backdrop to the story.

This book draws you into Sal's desire for a woman he casually encounters. At the same time, as the woman's mystery begins to unfold, Sal constantly questions himself, whether he will follow his desire for her, or whether his desire to hold onto his standards will instead win out and he will let her go. But is there a path by which he can fulfill both desires?