[ARC REVIEW] “Velella” by: C.W. Farnsworth

C.W. Farnsworth’s newest book “Velella” is out now!

What is Velella by C.W. Farnsworth about?

Secrets are essential for survival.

Carina Caruso learned this as a child. Now, living far from family, under an assumed name, anything approaching a ‘normal’ existence feels impossible. Retreating into music as a violinist in Chicago’s symphony orchestra, she remains hidden on the periphery of her own life.

Only one secret is exclusively hers … and his name is Lev Sokolov. Mysterious and undeniably dangerous, he’s her closest confidant—and, if he knew her real identity—her most formidable adversary.

When Carina’s father breaks a sacred promise, upending the careful balance she’s struggled to maintain, she retaliates in a desperate attempt to change his decision. Armed with stolen leverage, she runs from everyone and everything that once protected her…

But how far, or fast, can you run from those you also run to?

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Review:

I loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down. The book is told in two POVs, and both Lev and Carina’s POVs were equally as engaging. Even the flashback chapters that gave more insight into the 12 years they’ve known each other added a nice touch to the story, showing us vs. simply telling us about the history they shared. Each of their families were pretty dynamic, and if Charlotte ever decided to expand this standalone into a series and follow anyone else, I’d be first in line to read it. I don’t normally seek out mafia books, but if any others are as good as Velella, I just might need to start reading that genre more. I read this one directly after finishing the final book in Charlotte’s Kluvberg soccer romance series, and this one is definitely different, but still contains everything I love about her books and writing. I liked that there were a few little twists in the story, and at one point it felt like normally a book would be coming to a climax and could start winding down after that, but I was only about halfway through! This left a lot of room for more character development and story building, which made the book that much more fun to read. Carina and Lev’s relationship develops satisfyingly, and I really loved their dynamic together. It’s also very much so an adult book, not a new adult book, with the characters being in their late twenties, which was refreshing to read instead of characters who are typically in their early twenties – Carina is 28, and Lev is 29. Their siblings are mostly within a few years of them, too.

The only thing I wish would’ve been explored a little bit more was – trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible – Nico’s motivations for wanting to have Carina in his possession. I understand the power grab, but especially later on in the story, I’m curious why he does what he does. Plus I did think Carina would acquire another violin of her own at some point, although her skills are brought up a few other times later in the book even after it’s more of a focal point more towards the beginning. To find out what I mean, I guess you’ll just have to read the book!

Overall, this was a great read, and I’m sad it’s over – I wish I could read it again for the first time. Special thanks to Charlotte for providing me with an early copy to review. Velella is out now!

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