What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Kings of NYC #2
The Ruthless King
The Dark Kings are the best combination of alpha heroes and romantic suspense. Each book is a roller coaster ride of emotion, danger and sizzling, sexy fun
. - Carly Phillips, NY Times bestselling author.
The leader of the black ops organization I work for, is marrying the mafia boss' daughter. The same mafia I’m deep undercover inside. For five days I must pretend I don't know them. Worse, I have to keep my eyes and hands off bridesmaid, Sienna. She fell into my arms—literally—upon arrival at the Mancini mansion, and those sensual green eyes sent an invitation that my body said hell yes to.
I know I should stay away, but I have two choices; corrupt her or protect her.
Both come with deadly consequences.
I’ve just learned my best friend’s father is a gangster, next minute I’m flying to their mansion in the Hamptons IN. A. HELICOPTER.
Then some terrifying, but incredibly hot, bad boy scoops me up and takes my breath away.
Behind dark sunglasses, he watches me, while I crave his touch and try to ignore the white-hot lust between us. He’s dangerous and I’m out of my depth.
When I find myself thrust into a web of lies and vengeance, I’m not sure if I will get out alive. Or with my heart intact.
The Ruthless King is the second book in The Dark Kings of NYC, a dark billionaire mafia romance, by bestselling author Juliette N. Banks. If you enjoy dark spicy romances with twists, revenge, and dominant, protective heroes, then you’ll love this book. Expect a happy ever after.
The leader of the black ops organization I work for, is marrying the mafia boss' daughter. The same mafia I’m deep undercover inside. For five days I must pretend I don't know them. Worse, I have to keep my eyes and hands off bridesmaid, Sienna. She fell into my arms—literally—upon arrival at the Mancini mansion, and those sensual green eyes sent an invitation that my body said hell yes to.
I know I should stay away, but I have two choices; corrupt her or protect her.
Both come with deadly consequences.
I’ve just learned my best friend’s father is a gangster, next minute I’m flying to their mansion in the Hamptons IN. A. HELICOPTER.
Then some terrifying, but incredibly hot, bad boy scoops me up and takes my breath away.
Behind dark sunglasses, he watches me, while I crave his touch and try to ignore the white-hot lust between us. He’s dangerous and I’m out of my depth.
When I find myself thrust into a web of lies and vengeance, I’m not sure if I will get out alive. Or with my heart intact.
The Ruthless King is the second book in The Dark Kings of NYC, a dark billionaire mafia romance, by bestselling author Juliette N. Banks. If you enjoy dark spicy romances with twists, revenge, and dominant, protective heroes, then you’ll love this book. Expect a happy ever after.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
337 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Juliette N. Banks
79 books425 followersJuliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.
If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!
Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.
If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!
Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 20, 2025
Dark and spicy with elements of romantic suspense, alpha heroes, and some unexpected twists that contribute to an emotional roller coaster.
I'm ready for #3 :)
I'm ready for #3 :)
August 18, 2024
My rating for this series is more of a 3.75. I enjoy the characters and story but there are several grammar errors and at times it keeps repeating character thoughts and feeling over and over again.
April 28, 2025
This is a Mafia Romance, and this is the second book in The Dark Kings of NYC series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I do think this is a series that needs to be read in order. This is a Dark Mafia Romance, and that type of book is not for everyone. This book is about Nathan and Sienna's love story. I really loved getting to know Nathan. This book was filled with action, suspense, some steamy times, and a little romance. I love that we finally get a closer of Connor's story in this book, and I did not see the ending happening the way it did. Love it.
December 11, 2024
this book pmo. you’re telling me i wasted $0.99 on this???
this was genuinely the worst insta love story i have ever read. THEY FALL IN LOVE OVER THE COURSE OF 72 HOURS??? UR SHITTING ME
sienna is attending her best friend mia’s wedding but mia is a mafia princess. she meets a “gangster” named nathan who she immediately falls in love with because apparently she has a thing for bad boys, but as nathan reminds us countless times throughout the story, he isn’t actually a bad boy. he is a marine who’s brother was drugged by the mafia and wound up overdosing and dying because he got addicted. nathan sort of blames himself and teams up with a bunch of other marines, including mia’s fiancé, to take down the mafia. there’s undercover missions going on, and secret plans to take over as don, and long story short sienna winds up with nathan.
and yes, you heard me right. this takes place over the course of 3 days.
i hope to never read something like this again.
this was genuinely the worst insta love story i have ever read. THEY FALL IN LOVE OVER THE COURSE OF 72 HOURS??? UR SHITTING ME
sienna is attending her best friend mia’s wedding but mia is a mafia princess. she meets a “gangster” named nathan who she immediately falls in love with because apparently she has a thing for bad boys, but as nathan reminds us countless times throughout the story, he isn’t actually a bad boy. he is a marine who’s brother was drugged by the mafia and wound up overdosing and dying because he got addicted. nathan sort of blames himself and teams up with a bunch of other marines, including mia’s fiancé, to take down the mafia. there’s undercover missions going on, and secret plans to take over as don, and long story short sienna winds up with nathan.
and yes, you heard me right. this takes place over the course of 3 days.
i hope to never read something like this again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
I do not understand all the 4 and 5 stars for this book. The typos alone are problematic. Spell check is not your friend. It is only a word match tool. If you are into major drama and angst with a mafia family this book may work for you. Sienna and Mia are both narcissistic and self absorbed. Lots of paragraphs of Sienna’s thoughts and feelings. Little plot or storyline.
August 1, 2023
In this second book in the Dark Kings of NYC, we get a close look inside the Mancini mob. That look isn’t always comfortable, but it is nail-biting goodness! As we see it through Nathan’s eyes, it reveals the complexity and simplicity that go hand-in-hand. Nathan is a very conflicted character. He was motivated to seek revenge for his brother’s death from the inside of the Mancini mafia family, but his conviction is challenged after six years undercover. When he meets Sienna, those convictions are shaken to the core. Sienna is a feisty, funny, heroine, and she is as attracted to bad boy Nathan as he is to her. Loyalty to her best friend Mia brings her out of her comfort zone and into contact with the inner circle of the Mancini mafia, Mia’s family. Nathan challenges Sienna’s views on morals and behaviors, and what she can accept and excuse. Nathan and Sienna come together against the odds and despite the dangers surrounding them. Juliette does not glorify the mafia characters; they are the bad guys, and there is no confusion about who you should be cheering on. There are moments that will shock you, and moments that grab your heart and wring it dry. As someone who is not a mafia romance fan, I was captured by the first chapter of the first book, and this second book keeps me captive. I love this series, and I can’t wait for the next installment! Juliette converted me to her take on a dark mafia romance!
November 6, 2025
Too many things aren’t adding up and Nathan, one of the four members of the Dark Kings, suspects someone is either trying to sabotage Mia and Connor’s wedding or kill them. Meanwhile Nathan is undercover, posing as a mafia soldier to find out who killed his brother; and he’s set his sights on Mia’s bridesmaid, Sienna. A move that could get them both killed. This was an okay continuation of the Dark Kings series. The FMC got on my last nerve with her “ I like him, but he’s a bad guy, but I like him, but he’s a gangster”, ad nauseam. Very little plot. Several odd mistakes like Sienna Rogers’ surname changing to Davis….and many, MANY editing errors.
****SPOILER**** maybe a few..
I thought it was pretty crummy that after 20+ years of Conner waiting to exact revenge for the massacre of his family, he didn’t get the satisfaction of the final killshot that he sought. I thought the author could have at least disclosed to the bad mafia guy who Connor Barrett really was before he died. But no, this author snuffed out the villain quickly, and it wasn’t done by Connor but rather Nathan. And Connor wasn’t even there when it happened! He had to hear about it secondhand. Massive disappointment.
****SPOILER**** maybe a few..
I thought it was pretty crummy that after 20+ years of Conner waiting to exact revenge for the massacre of his family, he didn’t get the satisfaction of the final killshot that he sought. I thought the author could have at least disclosed to the bad mafia guy who Connor Barrett really was before he died. But no, this author snuffed out the villain quickly, and it wasn’t done by Connor but rather Nathan. And Connor wasn’t even there when it happened! He had to hear about it secondhand. Massive disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
Mr. Dark and Dangerous.
Nathan Walker age 30, is one of the Dark Kings along with Connor and Decker. His brother had friends who worked with the mob, and somehow got involved with heroin. Nate is focused on Italian Mafia. He has done things he’s despised to prove himself and fit in undercover for the past 6 years.
Sienna Davis is Mia’s best friend, and is an event coordinator at Bloom Events Management, where they work together. She is excited and scared to attend Mia’s Mafia wedding.
Nate and Sen immediately click but it’s very complicated as he is a spy and Sen doesn’t want to fall for a gangster. You feel Nate’s pain as being undercover has twisted his morals and taken away his life. To go from being a respected marine to being a criminal is not without sacrifice but add love to the mix and things get even trickier.
“I never thought this was going to be so beautiful and terrible at once.”
We finally get to Connor and Mia’s wedding as well as learn what happened with his family!
Nathan Walker age 30, is one of the Dark Kings along with Connor and Decker. His brother had friends who worked with the mob, and somehow got involved with heroin. Nate is focused on Italian Mafia. He has done things he’s despised to prove himself and fit in undercover for the past 6 years.
Sienna Davis is Mia’s best friend, and is an event coordinator at Bloom Events Management, where they work together. She is excited and scared to attend Mia’s Mafia wedding.
Nate and Sen immediately click but it’s very complicated as he is a spy and Sen doesn’t want to fall for a gangster. You feel Nate’s pain as being undercover has twisted his morals and taken away his life. To go from being a respected marine to being a criminal is not without sacrifice but add love to the mix and things get even trickier.
“I never thought this was going to be so beautiful and terrible at once.”
We finally get to Connor and Mia’s wedding as well as learn what happened with his family!
December 5, 2024
Hooray for the Dark Kings
Conner Barrett has yet to marry Mia and it is scheduled to take place in her fathers mansion. Sienna one of Mia bridesmaids arrives in a helicopter and is greeted by Nathan who picks her up and carries her to the mansion since the umbrella flew away. He is taken by her from first sight and Sienna is smitten with his muscular physic and good looks. He tells her he will protect her and keep her safe. He finds himself sneaking into her room every chance he gets and Sienna falls for him hard. She knows she could never be involved with a mafia soldier. The wedding is about to take place but all he'll breaks loose and Nathan takes Sienna away from the mansion which is under fire. The story unfolds with the relationship of Nathan and Sienna and will take Nathan in a new direction. Good series. Another Dark King comes clean.
Conner Barrett has yet to marry Mia and it is scheduled to take place in her fathers mansion. Sienna one of Mia bridesmaids arrives in a helicopter and is greeted by Nathan who picks her up and carries her to the mansion since the umbrella flew away. He is taken by her from first sight and Sienna is smitten with his muscular physic and good looks. He tells her he will protect her and keep her safe. He finds himself sneaking into her room every chance he gets and Sienna falls for him hard. She knows she could never be involved with a mafia soldier. The wedding is about to take place but all he'll breaks loose and Nathan takes Sienna away from the mansion which is under fire. The story unfolds with the relationship of Nathan and Sienna and will take Nathan in a new direction. Good series. Another Dark King comes clean.
August 15, 2023
In the second book of the Dark King series Juliette takes us deeper into the heart of the mafia and into Nathan's story. He's been undercover for a long time and has finally been given a reason to get out, Sienna. These two characters are fire from the word go. They face conflict, heartbreak, and an unbelievable twist that leaves you breathless. You can't help but root for the good guys in the second installment of the Dark Kings book. You also get to visit with Mia and Conner again and get introduced into the characters in the next book. Juliette never fails to deliver a story that keeps you reading long into the night. Can't wait for book three and what it will bring our beloved characters!!!
August 22, 2023
Now we're here again with The Ruthless King, & it's just as fast & raunchy, pacey & toe curling as the 1st of the King's, the only difference being, we've now got two of them with it being Connors wedding, & this King, Nathan is as quick at falling into love with a lovely looking woman as he was, but he's undercover. It could bring danger to them all.
WoW, this is mad, once I started I could hardly put the book down. The heat was searing out of the pages. Sienna is falling just as deep as Nate it, but she might love a bad boy, but not realise just how bad this could be.
Nates not sure himself, all he knows is, he can't get enough of her either.
The only thing is, it's not that easy.
We'll just have to see how it goes so far all these books are fab, can't wait for the next one.
WoW, this is mad, once I started I could hardly put the book down. The heat was searing out of the pages. Sienna is falling just as deep as Nate it, but she might love a bad boy, but not realise just how bad this could be.
Nates not sure himself, all he knows is, he can't get enough of her either.
The only thing is, it's not that easy.
We'll just have to see how it goes so far all these books are fab, can't wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2023
I loved the first book in this series, so I picked this up immediately after finishing the other. What a disappointment!!!
It' boring AF and the only good parts are the ones with the couple from the previous book (they even have their POV 'c chapters).
The repetition here is through the charts! There's inta-love and then pages upon pages of how they love/want to f+*k each other and how they shouldn't.
It was only the background plot started in the previous book that is worth the read.
And contrary to what the title says, the MMC is no billionaire. He is a marine undercover in the mafia to avenge is brother.
The FMC is a bit dumb.
I was so annoyed at the repetitions that I started skipping the smut, so I guess I didn't find it that hot....
It' boring AF and the only good parts are the ones with the couple from the previous book (they even have their POV 'c chapters).
The repetition here is through the charts! There's inta-love and then pages upon pages of how they love/want to f+*k each other and how they shouldn't.
It was only the background plot started in the previous book that is worth the read.
And contrary to what the title says, the MMC is no billionaire. He is a marine undercover in the mafia to avenge is brother.
The FMC is a bit dumb.
I was so annoyed at the repetitions that I started skipping the smut, so I guess I didn't find it that hot....
February 9, 2024
I can not just believe that I found this book as my comfort zone.
This is the second book from the Dark Kings of NYC series and it is written with the Nathan and Seinna perspective but I believe that some other person's perspective chapter was a treat. I won't say the name of the other character.
The story took a turn in this book and I can not believe that a fairytale became a disaster in book this makes me think of one thing life can go wrong anytime even if you have money you just can not buy time or moments.
The book is a dark romance or mafia romance but the lesson about life was hidden in the book which I loved the most.
One more thing which is shown with the portrayal of characters is that Do not judge anyone just by their appearance. People have double faces and I mean to say both good and bad sides but it's on them to whom they will show the good side.
This is the second book from the Dark Kings of NYC series and it is written with the Nathan and Seinna perspective but I believe that some other person's perspective chapter was a treat. I won't say the name of the other character.
The story took a turn in this book and I can not believe that a fairytale became a disaster in book this makes me think of one thing life can go wrong anytime even if you have money you just can not buy time or moments.
The book is a dark romance or mafia romance but the lesson about life was hidden in the book which I loved the most.
One more thing which is shown with the portrayal of characters is that Do not judge anyone just by their appearance. People have double faces and I mean to say both good and bad sides but it's on them to whom they will show the good side.
August 15, 2023
The Ruthless King is the second installment of the Dark King’s series. Mafia romance has met its match. It has steamy scenes with tons of chemistry. And who doesn’t love a mafia wedding where the mafia princess’s bestie falls for the bad boy. The question is how is Nathan going to keep Sienna safe when all hell breaks loose and a war between the families breaks out in the middle? HEA yes but this one comes with sacrifice and a little tragedy. A true page turner that you won’t want to put down and will leave you begging for the next book.
September 5, 2024
Another awesome read. Nathan is undercover in the Mancini mafia. He has been there for six years.
Mia the daughter of the Don has always wanted to be married at her family home. Her best friend Sienna who is one of her bridesmaids is with her and Connor. When they get off the helicopter she starts looking around and spots Nathan.
He decides he wants to meet Sienna. He offers to show her to her room. Then her railing on her balcony starts to crack and Nathan saves her.
This is a must read series. The characters are awesome as well as the storyline.
Mia the daughter of the Don has always wanted to be married at her family home. Her best friend Sienna who is one of her bridesmaids is with her and Connor. When they get off the helicopter she starts looking around and spots Nathan.
He decides he wants to meet Sienna. He offers to show her to her room. Then her railing on her balcony starts to crack and Nathan saves her.
This is a must read series. The characters are awesome as well as the storyline.
February 10, 2024
Safe with him
I truky enjoyed this book.
Being undercover for six years has taken its toll on Nathan. Not having a family of his own, left his mind at ease as to what he was doing for the mafia. Until he met Siena. When a all out war broke out at Siena's best friend's wedding, Nathan cover was exposed. He couldn't tell Siena much of his background, because it wasn't safe. And later in the story, his point was proven.
I truky enjoyed this book.
Being undercover for six years has taken its toll on Nathan. Not having a family of his own, left his mind at ease as to what he was doing for the mafia. Until he met Siena. When a all out war broke out at Siena's best friend's wedding, Nathan cover was exposed. He couldn't tell Siena much of his background, because it wasn't safe. And later in the story, his point was proven.
August 19, 2023
All the feels!
OMG! Juliette Banks strikes again! The tears, the love, the great, the danger & the loyalty with all the high stakes adrenaline, life threatening action. A fairytale wedding, murder, mayhem, friendship, trust and lots of steam! You have your alpha males & their steering women. The only problem? I read it in one day & need more!
OMG! Juliette Banks strikes again! The tears, the love, the great, the danger & the loyalty with all the high stakes adrenaline, life threatening action. A fairytale wedding, murder, mayhem, friendship, trust and lots of steam! You have your alpha males & their steering women. The only problem? I read it in one day & need more!
January 10, 2024
Poor Nathan falls instantly for Sienna. This is an exciting continuation (not really a cliffhanger) of this series. Sienna is really taken with Nathan, but Nathan really has it bad for Sienna and decides now is the time to leave the mob after 6 years undercover. Finally know who Carlos is!!! Sophia 😭
January 29, 2024
I am writing a review for the Dark Kings of NYC Series. I found these books entertaining, engaging, and enjoyable with drama, danger, chemistry, a need for vengeance, and ultimately, love. The MMCs are alpha, ex-military, capable, strong, and determined. When they fall, they fall hard for the FMCs, who are beautiful, sexy, and sassy. I loved reading these books. This is my honest review.
February 27, 2024
I finished it, so that's something. I am begging the author to have an editor or even a friend read though before hitting publish and fix all the typos! Even if they're not editing for content, just fixing the typos would be huge improvement!
Otherwise, there's lots of introspection from the MMC and FMC. FMC is kinda wishy-washy.
Otherwise, there's lots of introspection from the MMC and FMC. FMC is kinda wishy-washy.
June 23, 2024
I am loving this series. Their stories and hardships and the characters love and protection of each other.
A continuation of the plot of book one that we see come to an end….maybe?? Lots of tense movements, intrigue, SPICE and love. Just like book 1 we get another well deserved HEA.
I can't wait to start book 3!
A continuation of the plot of book one that we see come to an end….maybe?? Lots of tense movements, intrigue, SPICE and love. Just like book 1 we get another well deserved HEA.
I can't wait to start book 3!
August 18, 2023
An absolute must read
This was all things good. Great plot, plenty of action, sexy as hell, romance, heartache and more. Nate is an absolute sweetheart, a bad boy of the most delicious kind, but mostly he is loyal where and when it counts. Loving this series so far.
This was all things good. Great plot, plenty of action, sexy as hell, romance, heartache and more. Nate is an absolute sweetheart, a bad boy of the most delicious kind, but mostly he is loyal where and when it counts. Loving this series so far.
August 20, 2023
Omg .you will laugh you will cry .Nat is a good and a bad guy . You will love him and sienna ..it’s a laugh out loud and cry because your heart is braking for both of them .And that’s without Mia ,Conner .Mack ect .you will love it .Can’t wait for the next instalment ,with Decker and Izzy .
September 1, 2023
Ruthless King
This is the second book in the Dark Kings series. Nathan is undercover working for the mob. Sienna is Mia bridesmaid that Nathan finds a connection with. Will Nat blow his cover and be able to have a relationship with Sienna.
This is the second book in the Dark Kings series. Nathan is undercover working for the mob. Sienna is Mia bridesmaid that Nathan finds a connection with. Will Nat blow his cover and be able to have a relationship with Sienna.
September 17, 2023
Definitely a rocker. I thoroughly enjoyed Nathan's story. Action, nail biting suspense, the ruthless mafia lifestyle and lots of steam. Fast paced and page turner, I can't wait to get book 3. This series is great
February 3, 2024
In this book I definitely read more about the ruthless mafia, but I really felt that the story line was more about the sex and romance between the Nathan and Sienna!
Glad we found out the truth about Connor’s family but in the end for me this book felt a little flat
Glad we found out the truth about Connor’s family but in the end for me this book felt a little flat
April 8, 2024
Oh my! Nathan and Sienna were so fun! I loved every little thing about them! I really enjoyed getting to see more of these two! I loved how she trusted Nathan when everything came out! So happy they had each other! Can’t wait to read all about Decker next! 💛
December 3, 2024
Awesome book
The second book of this series was amazing, I couldn't put it down. If you love Mafia story's like I do you have to read this series. If I could give it more then 5 stars I would
The second book of this series was amazing, I couldn't put it down. If you love Mafia story's like I do you have to read this series. If I could give it more then 5 stars I would
February 7, 2025
So I actually didn’t like this book only because I didn’t like Sienna and how she was portrayed. I hated her wishy washy inner monologue judging people and I really didn’t like that she was willing to let this guy she fell in love with go because he did bad things even after learning the truth.
July 11, 2025
The Ruthless King (The Dark Kings of NYC Book 2)
Fantastic work of romance, action and betrayal. This book kept me on the edge of my seat with the action and the dangerous attraction between Nate and Sen.
Fantastic work of romance, action and betrayal. This book kept me on the edge of my seat with the action and the dangerous attraction between Nate and Sen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews