The deal was simple--protect my daughter in exchange for my body. But this city turned their promises into lies.
My entire life, I've been nothing more than a perfect mafia princess, a pawn for men to further their ambitions. Three men whispered sweet nothings to me and swore they'd stop at nothing to keep me and my daughter safe. But when the worst happened, no one was there to save me but myself.
So I did.
The men I called my own swear they'll do better, but as much as I ache for their touch, I can't trust their promises of vengeance and blood. I made that mistake once before.
My body is no longer for sale. And my heart?
Don't make me laugh.
Now I've got nothing left to lose. I will rule this city as its queen.
With or without them.
Lies like Rubies, Part Two is the conclusion of Sofia’s story. It is a dark romance where no one has to choose between their love interests. Please see the author’s website for content notes.
Finished early this morning, I read both of Sophia's stories (Savage Jewels part 2 &3) back to back. Talk about a rollercoaster! Sofia's metamorphosis over these books is Bad.Ass.
Without giving away spoilers, this book picks up immediately where the last ended, and Sophia is in trouble, and for the first time she is ready to clean up her own mess.
She has the attention and desire of three men, all different and dark in ways, and book one of Sophia's tale felt like their story. But this,... this is the queen's story. THIS is where Sophia learns to save her own damn self and I loved it. Not only does she find her voice, we learn the only place she needs dominance is the bedroom..I also loved that. (Did Dante..hmmmm, not sure)
There's plenty of🌶️ and kink- please, please check your trigger warnings.
Thank you to the author for providing me with Sophia's story in exchange for my review.
I cannot get over how much I love Poppy’s writing. I know it’s a mafia romance novel, but she writes it in a way that I feel smarter at the end of the book. She just writes so eloquently. Aside from Poppy’s beautiful writing, I freaking loved this conclusion to Sofia’s story. We see her ascend into being a god damn Queen and take shit from no one, especially her men. After her kidnapping at the end of pt 1, see her save herself and then take it upon herself to really set herself free. She has proven to her family and her friends that she is a force to be reckoned with and they definitely underestimated her. The balance between spice and plot was just perfection and the spice was so spicy. Overall, fantastic book. I can’t wait until the next one!
I absolutely love the character growth of Sophia. She made herself the queen and found a way to make sure everyone knew about it. Dante will forever be my favorite because I always swoon for the more difficult one. It was so fun to see him fall for his girl. I love the relationship that built between the 3 guys too. They all became their own family and it made my heart happy! Such a wonderful ending to Sophia’s story!!!
Well Poppy you have done it again! What a wild ride that was! I have been looking forward to this book forever, and you didn’t disappoint!!! The conclusion to Sofias story was perfect!
Please check those trigger warnings before diving in!
Wow, wow, wow!! What an ending to a crazy beautiful story! These men do not mess around when it comes to their queen! Nick, Dante, and Lorenzo are one powerful triple threat and adding their beautiful queen Sofia in that mix makes them unstoppable!
The strength Sofia has and the way she grew so much in this one was absolutely amazing! The way she was always underestimated by everyone around her and for her to have the strength and ability to overcome what she had was incredible. She is such a badass! Whew and these men, Nick’s golden retriever self and his praises, Dante with his alphahole self and his humiliation/degradation and Lorenzo with his pleasing cinnamon roll self were all so dang possessive, protective and kinky! Their bond with each other is strong and they are all learning but what they have was such a beautiful thing!
I’m going to miss this world!! Hopefully some of these side characters get a story!
If you’ve read the first book, then be prepared for this story to pick up where book one ended.
Our FMC Sofia is a fierce woman, one who is not to be trifled with. She is determined to fight, to find her place in a male dominated mafia world, but to also protect her daughter in the process, however her captivity has her guys burning the city to find her, there queen.
Poppy Jacobson writes characters that make you fall in love with them. They are different in their own way, a way that makes them all work well together, and the character development was on point.
If you love drama, intrigue, power struggle with spice so steamy, and an FMC who will do whatever it takes, then this story is for you.
As always, your mental health matters. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Highly recommend both the author and the book.
I received an ARC. Therefore, I am voluntarily submitting a review.
On one hand, this book was super dark, so please be kind to yourselves and check the trigger warnings before you decide to read this. On the other hand, f you do give it a chance, I really think you’ll love it!
“Lies Like Rubies, Part Two” is the conclusion to Sofia Russo’s story, and it was everything I could’ve wanted and more! This book was extremely action-packed, and it also had plot twists I wasn’t expecting.
Sofia’s character development in this book was incredible. She stopped being the obedient mafia princess and instead became the strong, bold, confident, and powerful queen she was always meant to be.
As for her men (Dante Oscuro, Lorenzo Morelli, and Nick Lombardi), I thought they all had unique personalities and qualities that made them interesting. I loved how loyal they were to Sofia, and how much they cared about her daughter Lizzie too.
To sum it up: I really enjoyed this book, and if you’re a fan of degradation, why choose? and/or mafia romance, this might be the book for you!
This is a long-awaited sequel for me. I loved part one of Lies Like Rubies, which ends on a cliffhanger. However, I never could have predicted the turn the plot would take. The development of each of these main characters blew me away. The plot is action-packed, steamy, and delivers on all fronts. This series is definitely worth your time, and now, with part two available, you can happily binge the whole story.
Lies Like Rubies is a fabulous dark mafia romance with loads of sexy kink. What an entertaining read if you enjoy dark, sensual and a different kind of kink (humiliation, pet and degradation). Ms Jacobson writes it so well though, bc despite writing these kind of kinky scenarios she made Sofia a pretty cool mafia princess. Sofia is trying to avoid her ex Sergio who is also the father of her child. Of course entering the picture is Nico, Dante and Lorenzo each with a different personality and a different reason to be in her life. The book ends on a HUGE cliffhanger so definitely have book 2 ready to start and dig right into. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy some sexual kink on the wilder side. PLEASE as always check your trigger warnings.
It's no secret that this is one of my favorite series. I was so excited for the 2nd book, and it did not disappoint. This book picks up where book 1 leaves off.
The transformation of Sofia was absolute perfection. She was done letting people walk all over her, and she learned to be the bad a$$ mafia princess she was meant to be. She figured out how to save herself.
The MMC's, Dante, Nick (Nicco), and Lorenzo were now only dominant in the bedroom, and that was a hard pill to swallow for Dante.
I love highlighting my favorite parts in books on my Kindle. I wanted to highlight this entire book! The character development was incredible. This was the perfect ending to Sofia's story.
Sofia is such a strong woman and an amazing, protective mother. She will do anything for her daughter. Her life has been difficult. She was raised to be the perfect mafia princess. Always underestimated by her family, especially the men. She has learned to do what needs done on her own. However, she is not above using her men as generals in her war.
Dante, Nick, and Lorenzo have discovered just how much they need and care for Sofia. Although Dante still struggles to admit it. The three men begin to form their own bond fighting for Sofia and her daughter to have the freedom to live their lives on their own terms. They are willing to do and be whatever Sofia needs. Including allowing her the space and safety to submit and be vulnerable. Allowing them to take care of her.
These books continue to be some of my favorite mafia romances. The men have very different personalities. The women are strong yet vulnerable but no less ruthless than the men when those they love are threatened. There is such a perfect mix of growth, strength, and vulnerability in every character. I will never stop recommending these books.
I can't believe that this duet is finished. Both books took me on such a roller coaster of emotions reading them. One of my favourite reverse harem, mafia duets I have read this year, and I am so happy I got to ARC read this book after the cliff hanger that the first book leaves us on, I wouldn't have coped.
Seeing what happened after the ending of the first book was just utterly shocking in my eyes, and Sophia is one of the strongest FMC's I have read about with all of the things she has had to endure through her life. When Sophia is reunited with her guys; Dante, Nick, and Lorenzo, there is a definite switch in their relationship where Sophia takes back what control she never had before and uses these men to her best advantage which I loved. This book just got kinkier and spicier, and it progressed, and I loved it. The fact we got a scene between two of the guys was just perfect.
There were so many ups and downs in the plot, and I had no idea what was going to happen at all. It was all just a massive shock when anything happened at all. The character development was absolutely perfect, and I loved how much they all cared for each other and seeing the guys take care of Sophia's daughter just warmed my heart. I would love to see what happens in the future for this family as I can't see them leaving my head for quite some time.
I read part one back in June so part two was a highly anticipated read and it did not disappoint! This is one of the authors who got me into reverse harems. I am sad that this duet is finished.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions and twists and turns. The author developed these characters so well. The author also explored and explained how complex trust and betrayal can be and what the results are of those. Sofia is a fierce, strong, independent and resilient woman. She trades her body in exchange for protection for her daughter.
When Sofia was reunited with her men there was a switch in their relationship. Sofia took control over them and which she never had but she used them to her advantage. When we see Nico, Dante and Lorenzo fail her Sofia takes matters into her own hands. She has been failed by so many in the past so she knows how to fight for herself. The story is not just about revenge but it's about how Sofia evolved into a powerful force. In the end Sofia got what she deserved and showed how powerful a mafia woman could be.
Please check trigger warnings for Lies like Rubies, Part 2 before reading! This book is the conclusion to Sofia's story. If you have not read Part 1, please do so before proceeding.
Sophia really is a savage and a queen. Growing up she was always the perfect mafia princess, doing what she was told and pleasing her father's clients. She wanted away from that life, but the mafia life wasn't done with her yet. After that shocking ending in Part 1 we pick right back up with it in Part 2. The torture and pain that Sofia went through at the hands of her ex was just brutal. She went through so much and she should be "broken" since her men keep treating her like a glass doll but in reality, she came out stronger. What she went through fueled her revenge for taking out her ex and nothing is worse than a woman scorned.
I loved how Sofia's character development grew throughout the two books. You see how she grows stronger and stronger as the book goes on and in this one, she develops into the Mafia Queen she was always meant to be. But let's not forget about her men. They are different in their own way and grew as well with a common goal of making sure Sofia is safe and loved. Dante is just overall cruel, and he may be a DOM, but he proved his power over Sofia even outside of the bedroom when she didn't even know she needed it. She controls so much, so to have someone else take that control helped her more than she knew. Nick, sweet Nick, unfortunately had to get back into this life. He was one of the lucky ones to get out of the mafia world, but with what happened to Sofia and plans for the future he got sucked right back in. But he would do it all over again for his love. And let's not forget Lorenzo. I think out of the men he grew the most. He was so uncomfortable with the thought of having to share Sophia with Dante and Nick that he didn't know what to do. He knew that if he wanted Sofia, they came with her. But also, his new love interest...awwwwww. I was internally screaming with delight.
Overall, I loved this book. I found it to be the perfect conclusion to Sofia's story. Poppy did an amazing job keeping me intrigued. I was sucked into this world where I found myself grasping for what was going to happen next. There was love, pain. drama, excitement, tears and of course anger. If you need an emotional roller coaster mafia, why choose romance then this is the perfect book for you!
Book Review: Lies Like Rubies, Part Two by Poppy Jacobson
Poppy Jacobson's Lies Like Rubies, Part Two, takes the "mafia princess" trope and turns it on its head, delivering a powerful story of female empowerment and brutal self-discovery. What I loved: Sofia's Fierce Transformation: From fragile pawn to cunning strategist, she sheds the expectations others imposed and embraces her inner strength. Jacobson doesn't shy away from exploring the emotional consequences of Sofia's past trauma, but ultimately celebrates her resilience and ability to rebuild herself. The Reverse Harem with a Twist: While the presence of three male love interests might raise flags for some readers, Jacobson handles it skillfully. Their dynamic with Sofia is complex, moving beyond romance to explore themes of trust, forgiveness, and finding strength in shared vulnerability. High Stakes and Gripping Twists: Lies Like Rubies, Part Two isn't just about internal growth. The mafia setting provides a backdrop of thrilling power struggles, dangerous alliances, and shocking betrayals. Jacobson keeps the plot racing, leaving you guessing until the very end. Emotional Intensity Might Not Be for Everyone: Be prepared for a raw and sometimes heartbreaking exploration of betrayal and trauma. Overall: Lies Like Rubies, Part Two is a powerful and addictive read for those seeking a dark, gritty story with a compelling female protagonist. Sofia's journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed, balanced by thrilling action and complex relationships. If you're looking for a genre-bending mafia romance that goes beyond the surface, give this book a try. I loved reading this book😍😍
Wow, where do I begin? Sophia is the most bad ass FMC ever no joke. She knows what she wants and she goes after it ain’t no stopping her. Along with her men you got Dante, Nick, and Lorenzo. They are all perfect for her and each and individual way. I was so excited to start this as the last book ended on a cliffhanger, and how everything was orchestra in this book was amazing Poppy she just knows how to write a mafia series! I feel like I was sitting on the edge of my seat, for like way more than half of this book, because how intense the suspense was in this. There are many trigger warning, so please read however, I will never stop recommending this series. I was thankful to receive this arc, and for my honest review.
We are back with Sofia, Nick, Lorenzo and Dante. This book starts where book 1 leaves off. This dark mafia romance is everything I needed Sofia is a strong women and she would do anything for her daughter. The 3 men in her life would also do anything for her and her daughter. We watch their relationships blossom in this books and the relationship between the guys we see them become their own family. This book is amazing I just love Dante and his mouth each man has his own personality that you can’t help but fall in love with. This is a fantastic conclusion to the story and I can’t wait to see what Poppy comes up with next.
This is the conclusion to Sofia, Nick, Lorenzo, and Dante’s story. It picks up right where the last book left off where Sofia was kidnapped by her crazy baby daddy. Her men are turning every stone to find her and going out of their minds with worry. She finally escapes but can her men keep her in their life? Can they get rid of the threat looming over them?
I loved the character development we saw here in part 2!! Especially on Dante's part - ugh I just loved him.
Seeing the guys come together and work together for Sofia, to be what she needed, was so good! The steam was off the charts, and I just loved that Sofia finally become the Queen she was deep down.
Lies Like Rubies Part 2: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 levels of spicyness We met Sofia in the first book and we finally see if she gets her HEA or does her story end with heartbreak. Poppy does something with Sofia she left the guys and came back but more importantly she learned the one thing she needed to in my opinon was she was in her own. Yes she had 3 guys but after what she had already been through and now she could say that she could depend on herself. Poppy has brought all of these great characters to us in book 1 but we also get to learn so much more about each one in this book. And yet I have to go back to Sophia’s growth from the first book and how she evolves into this great character in the second book. Then you have her 3 men who are building something with her but also having her back and becoming all one family. So read about this fierce character who evolves so much from book 1 and read about how she also has 3 really hot men in her corner.
Wow, I couldn’t wait for part 2 to come out and it did not disappoint. Sofia’s story continues to get dark but she manages to save herself and continue to be the badass FMC that she is. Dante, Nick and Lorenzo each do everything they can to make things right with Sofia and became a stronger unit together throughout the story. Full of kinks, spice and concludes Sofia’s story perfectly.
Honestly just too slow and boring. Like get tot he point of the plot already. Wanted to finish caus I enjoyed the others but definitely not worth the wait.
Wow what a book !! I loved it, l loved Sophia, she goes through so much between both books. She is even stronger in this book she is a real queen. Everything she did was for her beloved daughter. I loved the way her men finally became everything she needed. Dante showed the most growth. Please read this book you won't regret it x
I have been anticipating this second book in Sophia's duet so much and it did not disappoint! Sophia is a survivor but she is also so much more. I am happy to say that this fierce woman, single mother, about to graduate College student, is about to figure out if she is going to succumb to her mafia princess title, or in fact own it and become a queen. With 3 strong and powerful (and freaking hot) men who worship the ground she walks on, but aren't big on talking about their feelings, a deranged baby daddy and a family that cant see the treasure they have - this book has you in its clutches immediately. So so hot, you'll be panting. Sweet moments (and not always between who you'd expect.) Action packed and full of all the power plays that mafia books are known for - I am going to be thinking about this book for a long time!
☀️ - Important Notes: I was given an ARC from THE AUTHOR AGENCY in exchange for an honest review. So, I will do just that. Additionally, this review doesn’t have spoilers, so don't worry!
⛅️ - Review: RUN to go read this! It's a duet and I devoured both parts so quickly! This duet is all dark and crazy in the most addictive way. I literally couldn't put it down.
The first book was free on stuff your kindle day and I snatched it up so quickly. I then proceeded to read it in a day. I then quickly ran to this one. I must admit though that I had to take breaks because of how dark it was .... but I pulled through and devoured it.
I love how this book was really a dark mafia book as it was stated it would be. This wasn't a cute romanticized book of the mafia. This one had so many dark themes that I even had to pause and be like "DON'T TELL ME I JUST READ THAT" then proceeded to scream into my pillow.
Please not that TW's for this duet really aren't something you should passover. If you have any types of triggers, look over the trigger list. Thank you!
⛓️ - Overview Notes: Cheating: No OM/OW Drama: Yes. (OM) (However, he's a disgusting psychopath so take that as you wish) Virgin Hero/Heroine: No Book Tropes: Why choose, Dark mafia, Protective momma FMC, Kinky golden retriever MMC, Brother's best friend, Lots of kinky smexc stuff, Morally grey MMC's, Possesive Alphahole HEA: Yes Pregnancy: No
I read part one of Lies like Rubies back in September of 2023. I fell in love with all three men and Sofia. The end was such a cliffhanger that I was so mad. 😂 I’ve had the release date for part two on my calendar ever since. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending to the polycule family that was Sofia and her men. Dante was such an asshole but loving and eventually learned that he wasn’t the one in charge of Sofia. Sofia was. Nico was the sweetest soul who took over caring for Lizzie when Sofia couldn’t. He put the child first and showed how amazing he could be as a father. Lorenzo was very reserved but warmed up to the idea that they all belonged together. They would go kill and burn the world down for Sofia and her child. The three men loved her fiercely and soon learned that she was indeed “Sofia fucking Russo”. Absolutely 5 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow, Poppy has done it again!! I am someone who normally prefers the MMC’s but Sophia is such a force. The way she rallied after what happened to her at the beginning(trying to avoid spoilers) was amazing. That girl has a backbone of steel. However, what really attracted me to her was she still had vulnerabilities, and she’d let them show when she was with her men. The fact that each of the guys brought a different trait to the relationship really made it work for me. Dante is my favourite, who woulda thought it after his behaviour in Part 1😂😂 The guys being mafia men were so tough, and then you’d get the exact opposite with their interactions with Sophia and Lizzie. I’m a big fan of this series. It truly is the complete package.
A big thank you to Poppy Jacobson for the arc, and I can honestly say I loved this book🥰
Loved how this book wrapped up the series. Sofia realized if she wanted something done it was gonna be her to have to make it happen... Dante, Lorenzo and Nico and her family tried but in the end it landed on her to make sure her and her daughter were safe.. I loved how strong Sofia was and even with her being as strong as she was she still had the guys to lean on and help her get out of her head and relax.