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Ruthless Daddies 2 #2
Lethal
Love, Deception, and Dating A Hitman
Cal Drake never expected his life to take a dangerous turn, but when he crosses paths with Frankie Borgesi, a deadly hitman, everything changes. Caught in a web of intrigue and deceit, Cal finds himself with only his wits and a growing attraction to Frankie to guide him.
Frankie, with his cold-blooded skills and hardened heart, was never one to fall in love. Yet, when he finds Cal, something shifts within him. Suddenly, his lethal precision wavers, and his emotions run wild. But their connection comes at a price as they uncover a secret past and a darkness that threatens to consume them both.
Amidst trust issues and a history steeped in danger, Frankie embarks on uncovering Cal’s mysterious past while seeking revenge. As he delves deeper into the truth, he realizes that love may be the key to healing his lethal heart.
In a world where loyalty is tested, and danger lurks at every corner, Cal and Frankie must navigate the treacherous path of love, pain, and contract killing.
Can love truly conquer all? And will unwavering devotion be enough to heal a wounded soul?
Lethal is part of the Ruthless Daddies multi-author collab and a complete standalone. Expect to find a protective, obsessive, deadly Daddy, and a sweet, troubled, occasional cam boy hacker. You’ll find secrets, lies, and a delicious revenge with HEA cherry on top. Want more deliciously morally gray Daddies and boys? Grab the whole series!
Cal Drake never expected his life to take a dangerous turn, but when he crosses paths with Frankie Borgesi, a deadly hitman, everything changes. Caught in a web of intrigue and deceit, Cal finds himself with only his wits and a growing attraction to Frankie to guide him.
Frankie, with his cold-blooded skills and hardened heart, was never one to fall in love. Yet, when he finds Cal, something shifts within him. Suddenly, his lethal precision wavers, and his emotions run wild. But their connection comes at a price as they uncover a secret past and a darkness that threatens to consume them both.
Amidst trust issues and a history steeped in danger, Frankie embarks on uncovering Cal’s mysterious past while seeking revenge. As he delves deeper into the truth, he realizes that love may be the key to healing his lethal heart.
In a world where loyalty is tested, and danger lurks at every corner, Cal and Frankie must navigate the treacherous path of love, pain, and contract killing.
Can love truly conquer all? And will unwavering devotion be enough to heal a wounded soul?
Lethal is part of the Ruthless Daddies multi-author collab and a complete standalone. Expect to find a protective, obsessive, deadly Daddy, and a sweet, troubled, occasional cam boy hacker. You’ll find secrets, lies, and a delicious revenge with HEA cherry on top. Want more deliciously morally gray Daddies and boys? Grab the whole series!
217 pages, ebook
Published July 14, 2023
206 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Joe Satoria
75 books147 followersHeya! I'm Joe Satoria, I write sweet and spicy MM romances.
I mostly write Daddies and D/s dynamics in my pairings... some soft and sweet, other dark and dangerous.
As a queer person using he/they pronouns, I am an own voices author, which means you're reading through the eyes of lived experience... only the gay relationships part, definitely not the dangerous Daddies... oops!
Stay caught up with my and join my newsletter:
https://linktr.ee/joesatoria
I mostly write Daddies and D/s dynamics in my pairings... some soft and sweet, other dark and dangerous.
As a queer person using he/they pronouns, I am an own voices author, which means you're reading through the eyes of lived experience... only the gay relationships part, definitely not the dangerous Daddies... oops!
Stay caught up with my and join my newsletter:
https://linktr.ee/joesatoria
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 22, 2023
kinda conflicted on this one ngl like i liked it but something was... off. the pacing or the development or... SOMETHING it just bothered me. that being said, i really loved how sweet Cal and Frankie were together even tho there were moments i found to be pretty corny. lol i wish i could go further in depth cos i have thoughts but MUST KEEP READING BYE
January 8, 2024
(I mostly reviewed as I read so 🐻 with me)
-Mafia parts are okay but I would like more infos on the family
-I like that Cal is smart
🚫Errors. Grammatical and punctuation
🚫Too insta-whipped to my liking
🚫Too much repetitive statements
🚫Hated how Frankie controls what Cal eats down to the ingredients in a yogurt
🚫Really hard to empathise with the MCs (Im currently at ~30%)
🚫Their relationship is hard to understand. Not loving enough. Doesnt feel like they’re gonna last long
🚫Didn’t get enough physical descriptions of the characters so its hard to picture them
🚫The way the chapters end is weird
-Mafia parts are okay but I would like more infos on the family
-I like that Cal is smart
🚫Errors. Grammatical and punctuation
🚫Too insta-whipped to my liking
🚫Too much repetitive statements
🚫Hated how Frankie controls what Cal eats down to the ingredients in a yogurt
🚫Really hard to empathise with the MCs (Im currently at ~30%)
🚫Their relationship is hard to understand. Not loving enough. Doesnt feel like they’re gonna last long
🚫Didn’t get enough physical descriptions of the characters so its hard to picture them
🚫The way the chapters end is weird
January 22, 2025
This was a really fun story between a hitman and the guy that he saved. I found the interaction between the main characters to be really cute and it was an interesting story that kept me interested up until the end. I could not put it down. And the ending was perfect. They finally get married, there is some kind of acceptance from their families, and they have a plan for the future with Frankie continuing his "work" and Cal acting as his comms. It's kind of the perfect ending. And I was definitely a fan of the spice in this one. I can't help it, am definitely a sucker for a daddy romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
Cal Drake's life took a dangerous turn but then he met Frankie who was the hitman for his family who rescues Cal and starts to feel emotions and suddenly his lethal precision wavers. Cal finds himself with only his wits and a growing attraction to Frankie to guide him but there is a price to pay as they uncover a secret past and a darkness that threatens to consume them both. Amidst trust issues and a history steeped in danger, Frankie embarks on uncovering Cal’s mysterious past whilst seeking revenge. As he delves deeper into the truth, he realizes that love may be the key to healing his lethal heart. In a world where loyalty is tested, and danger lurks at every corner, Cal and Frankie must navigate the treacherous path of love, pain, and contract killing.
I really struggled with this story and found it hard to relate to or empathise with the two men. Their relationship was based on raw emotions and raw need and although Frankie never hit Cal their brand of Daddy/boy relationship was hard to picture. I never doubts how much they loved each other but I did doubt how long-lasting it would be. I did enjoy the technology side of things and his friend who was happy to help with internet stuff and free upgrades. Easy to read. This is an MM book with mature content, violence and a Daddy/boy relationship.
I really struggled with this story and found it hard to relate to or empathise with the two men. Their relationship was based on raw emotions and raw need and although Frankie never hit Cal their brand of Daddy/boy relationship was hard to picture. I never doubts how much they loved each other but I did doubt how long-lasting it would be. I did enjoy the technology side of things and his friend who was happy to help with internet stuff and free upgrades. Easy to read. This is an MM book with mature content, violence and a Daddy/boy relationship.
July 24, 2023
I love mafia romances. This one...took me a bit to finish...almost didn't but I really wanted to see the outcome. I think how it started...the constant flashbacks with the current...Some might like that setup but I wasn't totally vibing with it. I think I would have like it more if it just had a prologue without the flashbacks then kept with the current til the end. All in all, I love that Cal and Frankie had the love and care for each other. The violence was what I expect with a mafia romance...Frankie is very lethal...good at his job added with Cal intelligence they made a good match. Overall this was OK...good even. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 26, 2024
Blah.....
After reading the first book of this series I was excited to read this book. So idk if my expectations were just set high or what but I didn't really like this book. The overall plot was good but every scene, and I do me every scene was cut short. Even the spicy scenes. It would start off really good then before I know it, it was into another thing. They weren't just short either it's like they just stopped. I tried to give this book a shot by hurrying up and finishing it.
I'm going to continue the series only because there are different authors and I really really liked the first book. This book tho just fell flat. VERY FLAT ...
After reading the first book of this series I was excited to read this book. So idk if my expectations were just set high or what but I didn't really like this book. The overall plot was good but every scene, and I do me every scene was cut short. Even the spicy scenes. It would start off really good then before I know it, it was into another thing. They weren't just short either it's like they just stopped. I tried to give this book a shot by hurrying up and finishing it.
I'm going to continue the series only because there are different authors and I really really liked the first book. This book tho just fell flat. VERY FLAT ...
August 22, 2023
“Cal changed me when I saved him…”
I’m torn with this review. I liked the main characters, especially Cal, and I adored his bff, Sutton. I also liked the story. Unfortunately the actual execution was only average. I’ve read a couple of other books by Joe and this was not his best writing. Everything came across stilled and kind of unbelievable, almost a caricature of a mafia story. Which brings me back to the reason I’m torn. Great characters, good concept, mediocre writing and unbelievable actions makes this at best a three. Hopefully Sutton’s book will be better.
I’m torn with this review. I liked the main characters, especially Cal, and I adored his bff, Sutton. I also liked the story. Unfortunately the actual execution was only average. I’ve read a couple of other books by Joe and this was not his best writing. Everything came across stilled and kind of unbelievable, almost a caricature of a mafia story. Which brings me back to the reason I’m torn. Great characters, good concept, mediocre writing and unbelievable actions makes this at best a three. Hopefully Sutton’s book will be better.
November 16, 2023
The blurb was misleading. I thought we actually see how the relationship evolves not just in flashbacks.
I hated MC2 family and the ending was a bit too happy with what went down beforehand with them. The whole story was a bit strangely executed. I don’t know how to explain that. The villain thing was sudden. The action was good. The sex scenes were meh. Also the whole daddy point was only for this series in the book. The author could have skipped this part and nobody would have cared.
All in all strange but readable.
I hated MC2 family and the ending was a bit too happy with what went down beforehand with them. The whole story was a bit strangely executed. I don’t know how to explain that. The villain thing was sudden. The action was good. The sex scenes were meh. Also the whole daddy point was only for this series in the book. The author could have skipped this part and nobody would have cared.
All in all strange but readable.
June 8, 2025
"Without clauses, without change, or even with change, I'd love you."
I struggled with this book, it had some great ideas and moments but something in the pacing and style of writing didn't really work for me. The romance especially was somewhat lacking for me, the spice was rather boring and rushed. Never completely felt their chemistry or relationship outside of that heavy lust at times.
Also I think part of it comes down to Cal & Frankie being together almost immediately, there's flashbacks that give glimpses to how their relationship grew. But as with many scenes it felt like a lot of telling and not showing.
Still they have some cute moments and I enjoyed the action, mystery & revenge aspect was interesting. I liked how Cal wasn't a complete damsel in distress his grown and got his own skills. The tech aspect was fun and I adored Sutton, he was entertaining.
The family is chaos, the twists & turns were great yet so much unraveled towards the end of this book. It was a lot all at once and yet I loved how it allowed Frankie to finally leave, make a choice for his future with Cal.
Anyway I enjoyed elements of this book, it was just too messy and didn't flow well for me so took a long time to read. The action scenes are honestly the best thing of the book I must say, Frankie's various fight scenes - the set ups and reveals.
Overall I was entertained but it was missing something for me, it was great to see Cal get his revenge though and these two have their happy ending. In a way that's very fitting to them ✨
I struggled with this book, it had some great ideas and moments but something in the pacing and style of writing didn't really work for me. The romance especially was somewhat lacking for me, the spice was rather boring and rushed. Never completely felt their chemistry or relationship outside of that heavy lust at times.
Also I think part of it comes down to Cal & Frankie being together almost immediately, there's flashbacks that give glimpses to how their relationship grew. But as with many scenes it felt like a lot of telling and not showing.
Still they have some cute moments and I enjoyed the action, mystery & revenge aspect was interesting. I liked how Cal wasn't a complete damsel in distress his grown and got his own skills. The tech aspect was fun and I adored Sutton, he was entertaining.
The family is chaos, the twists & turns were great yet so much unraveled towards the end of this book. It was a lot all at once and yet I loved how it allowed Frankie to finally leave, make a choice for his future with Cal.
Anyway I enjoyed elements of this book, it was just too messy and didn't flow well for me so took a long time to read. The action scenes are honestly the best thing of the book I must say, Frankie's various fight scenes - the set ups and reveals.
Overall I was entertained but it was missing something for me, it was great to see Cal get his revenge though and these two have their happy ending. In a way that's very fitting to them ✨
June 15, 2025
First book by this author and it might be my last one for a while? The writing style felt like the story was being told from the character's pov to the audience. Usually books just go with a plot rather than sounding like it's directly informing the audience what's going on. Especially as it uses the word "you" a few times.
Frankie and Cal's relationship was sweet but I felt like there was no development to it? They're already dating when the book begins. Sure you have a few flashback scenes to see what they were like originally, but apart from being engaged in the last few chapters nothing develops there.
The daddy thing felt so random? Frankie is 35 and Cal is 25 but everyone calls Cal a kid?? Then Cal calls Frankie Daddy like 5 times throughout (maybe?) and that's it. We see Cal's pov say that he does it to be funny. Frankie's pov just says that he could go all daddy on him if he wanted to. But there's no actual development on that other than him telling Cal off for eating sugar.
Also Cal compares having sex to being at a theme park with no queues?? 🤨
The overall plot was Frankie's family hating Cal and saying that he deserves to be r* and god knows what else with his kidnapper from years ago.
Lost my interest at some point 🤷🏻♀️ and I was just reading it to finish the book unfortunately.
Frankie and Cal's relationship was sweet but I felt like there was no development to it? They're already dating when the book begins. Sure you have a few flashback scenes to see what they were like originally, but apart from being engaged in the last few chapters nothing develops there.
The daddy thing felt so random? Frankie is 35 and Cal is 25 but everyone calls Cal a kid?? Then Cal calls Frankie Daddy like 5 times throughout (maybe?) and that's it. We see Cal's pov say that he does it to be funny. Frankie's pov just says that he could go all daddy on him if he wanted to. But there's no actual development on that other than him telling Cal off for eating sugar.
Also Cal compares having sex to being at a theme park with no queues?? 🤨
The overall plot was Frankie's family hating Cal and saying that he deserves to be r* and god knows what else with his kidnapper from years ago.
Lost my interest at some point 🤷🏻♀️ and I was just reading it to finish the book unfortunately.
July 30, 2023
This book felt like it drugged on and on… I was getting bored towards the end, I’m glad it ended when it did. I loved their connection and the fact that both MMC’s played off each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I wish the author would’ve started their relationship from the very beginning of the book, I was very confused during the beginning and it felt like I was reading a sequel to a first book that didn’t exist. Plus we didn’t even get to see the scene from Arizona and I’m still confused on how Cal ended up in Arizona for the first book but in Philadelphia in the second. This book really felt all over the place, overall it was an okay book. If you like the typical mafia romance with a hint of psycho killer MMC then this is for you. 4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
July 16, 2023
Lethal is an intense romance that explores the complex dynamics between a hitman and a significant age gap of 10 years, among other challenges. It revolves around two unlikely men contrasting in nature, each with their unique desires.
This book jumps around through flashbacks but sheds light on their initial connection, which has an element of "insta love." Cal, haunted by the aftermath of torture, finds solace in Frankie, who serves as the lethal enforcer for his family. Additionally, adding Frankie's family members adds extra tension to the narrative. Nevertheless, Frankie's unwavering devotion to Cal and the evident depth of his love for him is truly touching.
This book jumps around through flashbacks but sheds light on their initial connection, which has an element of "insta love." Cal, haunted by the aftermath of torture, finds solace in Frankie, who serves as the lethal enforcer for his family. Additionally, adding Frankie's family members adds extra tension to the narrative. Nevertheless, Frankie's unwavering devotion to Cal and the evident depth of his love for him is truly touching.
July 11, 2023
Cal and Frankie story was intense, packed with danger and adrenaline, betrayal, power hunger and secret intentions.
They are sweet and adorable together, I liked their chemistry and the trust they have, as well as the devotion to protect the other.
I really hated Frankie family for their interferences, their behaviour, and for not respecting his wishes.
I really enjoyed the action, and their coping mechanism, as well as their strength in discovering all the traps and coming out on top.
It was an amazing read and can't wait to see what happens next.
They are sweet and adorable together, I liked their chemistry and the trust they have, as well as the devotion to protect the other.
I really hated Frankie family for their interferences, their behaviour, and for not respecting his wishes.
I really enjoyed the action, and their coping mechanism, as well as their strength in discovering all the traps and coming out on top.
It was an amazing read and can't wait to see what happens next.
July 12, 2023
I have really come to enjoy this author’s books. He can be relied on for steamy books, with a great level of fun and chemistry between the characters. Although most the books I have read by him are on the light side, this adventure into something a bit darker is appreciated.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Frankie and Cal.
This book is also a bit longer than some I have read by this author, but it never felt long or overdone.
Recommended.
As always heed trigger/content warnings.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Frankie and Cal.
This book is also a bit longer than some I have read by this author, but it never felt long or overdone.
Recommended.
As always heed trigger/content warnings.
July 15, 2023
I loved seeing this side of Joe’s writing!
Frankie and Cal bought alllll the steam 🔥 and I fell hard for Frankie’s marshmallow inner!
Frankie (a mafia hitman) rescues Cal after he was kidnapped and abandoned in a crack Den, he nurses him back to health and in time Cal saves a little of Frankie’s humanity as they fall in love. They work together to find Cal’s kidnappers and bring down a criminal enterprise threatening the family business.
Expect a bratty boy who knows how to press all his Daddy’s buttons and a possessive Daddy who loves showing his boy just who owns him.
I would love to see more of these two in the future 🖤
Frankie and Cal bought alllll the steam 🔥 and I fell hard for Frankie’s marshmallow inner!
Frankie (a mafia hitman) rescues Cal after he was kidnapped and abandoned in a crack Den, he nurses him back to health and in time Cal saves a little of Frankie’s humanity as they fall in love. They work together to find Cal’s kidnappers and bring down a criminal enterprise threatening the family business.
Expect a bratty boy who knows how to press all his Daddy’s buttons and a possessive Daddy who loves showing his boy just who owns him.
I would love to see more of these two in the future 🖤
March 22, 2024
The story was a bit rushed and nothing worth remembering. I didn't like how the author skipped the start of their relationship; made it hard to connect with the characters. Overall, all the characters were quite dumb and cringy. You have Frankie who's supposed to be really good at what he does but gets taken over by the villain so easily. Frankie's family was stupid and unsupported of Frankie and Cal's relationship. If I were Frankie, I would've cut them out of my life. Him leaving his family job was so anticlimactic. Its supposed to be a MM story but Cal, imo sounded too much like a girl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
This starts out so dark but explains Cal and Frankie's meeting and the book uses flashbacks. They kind of had "insta love" but are also all about revenge. Cal had issues after being tortured and Frankie is the hitman for his family. I felt the story line was excellent but did jump around a lot and Frankie's family were pretty much homophobic jerks. Frankie was devoted to Cal though and really seemed to love him. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 15, 2023
The story starts with Frankie off to do a job for his family. When he gets to the place, he found it empty but went to check out the place. There he finds Cal who he rescues. Fast forward two years and Frankie and Cal are an item. As they try to figure out what happened to Cal all those years ago, they eventually found out the who and why. Great read with lots of chemistry and steam and action along the way.
August 6, 2023
Although I've just started reading Joe Satoria's work this has been my favorite so far. Frankie and Cal had amazing chemistry together!! The action, twists, drama, spice and unconditional love make this a great addition to the Ruthless Daddies series. I can't wait to read more of Joe's work.
“It’s where you saved my life but as long as I’m with you, I’m home.”
I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
“It’s where you saved my life but as long as I’m with you, I’m home.”
I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
July 10, 2023
Reviewed in the United States. I loved Lethal. I loved Frankie and Cal.Frankie is the muscle for his family. Cal was kidnapped by some people and held and abused. Frankie had a job to do when he found Cal beaten and abused.. Someone is trying to frame and kill Frankie. Frankie's family trys to get him to leave Cal. Frankie promises to always keep Cal safe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
This is my second Mafia romance and it was pretty good too.
I love how Frankie and Cal were already an established couple right from the start of the book.
This book is definitely action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride. It is also a little darker than most of the books I read and that's okay by me.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I love how Frankie and Cal were already an established couple right from the start of the book.
This book is definitely action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride. It is also a little darker than most of the books I read and that's okay by me.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
July 20, 2023
A great read
This book was hard to put down, I was hooked within the first few pages. Cal and Frankie’s love can be felt throughout the book. I teared up in a few spots with part of Cal’s trauma. The guys have battles to face and most important staying alive. You’ll feel the connection between them and you’ll love both guys.
Such a great story and one I could read again.
This book was hard to put down, I was hooked within the first few pages. Cal and Frankie’s love can be felt throughout the book. I teared up in a few spots with part of Cal’s trauma. The guys have battles to face and most important staying alive. You’ll feel the connection between them and you’ll love both guys.
Such a great story and one I could read again.
October 23, 2023
Ok read
This was an okay read it wasn't bad but as far as a mobster book in my opinion it fell kind of flat.. When I think of Frankie I honestly don't see assassin.. Cal was ok but the whole thing Was not mobster for me the writing was good But the story really didn't have no real bite..
This was an okay read it wasn't bad but as far as a mobster book in my opinion it fell kind of flat.. When I think of Frankie I honestly don't see assassin.. Cal was ok but the whole thing Was not mobster for me the writing was good But the story really didn't have no real bite..
July 14, 2023
Lethal by Joe Satoria is part of the Ruthless Daddies season 2 series. This book is about Cal and Frankie. I really liked their story. It was sweet, thrilling, exciting, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
December 16, 2023
I don't know how I finished this book cause I kept looking at the wall while reading it and the said wall was much more interesting. This book is whole mess of nothing interesting but whining uninteresting characters and a bad storyline.
March 8, 2025
Fun. Sexy.
I love bad boys!
These two were funny, sexy and violent. The story was exciting. I would love to visit them again. It was well written.and edited. I only found one glaring error nd it was one word. I will read the next related story.
I love bad boys!
These two were funny, sexy and violent. The story was exciting. I would love to visit them again. It was well written.and edited. I only found one glaring error nd it was one word. I will read the next related story.
July 13, 2023
A dark mafia suspends book. Not a romance, the falling in love happened before the start of the book. I missed that, wish it was part of the book. Lots of rough 🍆🍑 and some fluff❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 14, 2023
This is a wonderful read, with a great plot. The deception and risks run deep in this one. The emotion and chemistry between them is steamy. Loved it!
July 16, 2023
I felt that their relationship is not like daddy and his boy but two mature people with same agenda
July 16, 2023
This was a sexy, sweet, dark read. I loved the characters and the storyline. I do wish there was a bit more of their beginning to the romance, but it's still a great one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews