What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruthless Daddies 2 #4
Lessons
I always strive to give my son the best out of life, even if it means kidnapping his next teacher.
Benicio
After my wife's death, I struggled to keep from drowning in my grief and extra responsibilities. Her family was convinced I had her killed, my son's illness worsened and I spent most of my days wandering the world as a lost man.
When I force Mathias into our lives, everything changes. The house is less empty, I forget what being lonely is and he feels like the missing piece I never knew I was looking for. He fights me constantly. Tries to run away every chance he gets. In between all the I hate yous and threats, he also wants to be my good boy.
He spends his free time volunteering and raising money for charity. I'm a trained killer and the son of a crime lord. We come from two different worlds. Yet I can't help but feel we were always meant to meet in the middle. I doubt we'll be able to continue as we are without consequences but his smiles and the way he calls me Daddy makes me want to do whatever it takes to keep him where he is.
No matter how many times he's tried to deny it, the only place he belongs is with me.
Benicio
After my wife's death, I struggled to keep from drowning in my grief and extra responsibilities. Her family was convinced I had her killed, my son's illness worsened and I spent most of my days wandering the world as a lost man.
When I force Mathias into our lives, everything changes. The house is less empty, I forget what being lonely is and he feels like the missing piece I never knew I was looking for. He fights me constantly. Tries to run away every chance he gets. In between all the I hate yous and threats, he also wants to be my good boy.
He spends his free time volunteering and raising money for charity. I'm a trained killer and the son of a crime lord. We come from two different worlds. Yet I can't help but feel we were always meant to meet in the middle. I doubt we'll be able to continue as we are without consequences but his smiles and the way he calls me Daddy makes me want to do whatever it takes to keep him where he is.
No matter how many times he's tried to deny it, the only place he belongs is with me.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2023
166 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Ashlynn Mills
61 books378 followersAshlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 3, 2023
"If you want to hold me, you have to give me no other option. You have to force me to be in your arms."
When Benicio marries his wife, he gets complacent and thinks that their dark pasts won’t catch up to them. His wife is now dead, and he’s raising his son, Miles, who is battling cancer alone. He’s a man with a dark past, the son of a crime lord, but he is trying to stay in the light for his child.
When Miles becomes too ill to attend in-person school, he reaches out to his son’s favourite teacher Mathias to work as a private tutor on the weekends. However, the school frowns upon that, and Mathias offers other tutors instead. Benicio forces Mathias into an agreement when he uses the explicit photos he accidentally sends as blackmail.
Mathias and Benicio’s relationship is quite toxic and messed up. There are a lot of dub-con elements and a lot of the time, Mathias really has no choice or has his choice taken from him. Benicio wants Mathias but also wants to ensure his son’s happiness, and if that means drugging, kidnapping and chaining his teacher, he will do it.
I enjoyed the Daddy Kink in the story. Benicio is a Daddy Dom and has been out of the scene for a long time, and while he’s attracted to men, Mathias is the first man he becomes possessive of and he wants as his boy. He’s a caring daddy but there’s also nothing sweet about him.
Mathias is a bratty middle and a sub. Despite the situation he's gotten himself into, Benico is everything he’s been looking for in a Daddy Dom. He craves that dominance, to be treated rough and hurt, but he also wants to feel safe and cared for. He will do things to provoke reactions out of Benicio.
There’s literally nothing healthy about their relationship, and while Mathias is attracted to and wants Benico, the lines of consent are heavily blurred.
I liked how Mathias showed his true self as he got comfortable with Benicio; with his current boyfriend, he had to hide parts of himself (and got mocked for his needs), but with his Daddy, he could let go and be himself. I also enjoyed the gunplay and the primal play.
This story is a slow burn so it does take a while until the spicy spicy scenes there's a lot of sexual chemistry between the two.
Overall I really enjoyed Lessons! I was excited to read Ashlynn Mills’s entry in the Ruthless Daddies 2 series and loved the relationship between Mathias and Benicio.
There are a lot of darker elements, violence, dubcon/CNC, cheating (not between MCs) and more that may be triggering - this is not a fluffy romance. Please check the author’s note and TWs.
When Benicio marries his wife, he gets complacent and thinks that their dark pasts won’t catch up to them. His wife is now dead, and he’s raising his son, Miles, who is battling cancer alone. He’s a man with a dark past, the son of a crime lord, but he is trying to stay in the light for his child.
When Miles becomes too ill to attend in-person school, he reaches out to his son’s favourite teacher Mathias to work as a private tutor on the weekends. However, the school frowns upon that, and Mathias offers other tutors instead. Benicio forces Mathias into an agreement when he uses the explicit photos he accidentally sends as blackmail.
Mathias and Benicio’s relationship is quite toxic and messed up. There are a lot of dub-con elements and a lot of the time, Mathias really has no choice or has his choice taken from him. Benicio wants Mathias but also wants to ensure his son’s happiness, and if that means drugging, kidnapping and chaining his teacher, he will do it.
I enjoyed the Daddy Kink in the story. Benicio is a Daddy Dom and has been out of the scene for a long time, and while he’s attracted to men, Mathias is the first man he becomes possessive of and he wants as his boy. He’s a caring daddy but there’s also nothing sweet about him.
Mathias is a bratty middle and a sub. Despite the situation he's gotten himself into, Benico is everything he’s been looking for in a Daddy Dom. He craves that dominance, to be treated rough and hurt, but he also wants to feel safe and cared for. He will do things to provoke reactions out of Benicio.
"To be treated like nothing by someone who sees me as their whole world. To hurt and cry before being cared for. I want to know I'm safe with you but not always feel like I am. Does that make sense?"
Will I still try to run again? Probably. But not because I want to leave. No. The chase is too good. Me feeling helpless and in danger brings me a pleasure I can't get anywhere else. So does him going through desperate lengths to keep me here.
There’s literally nothing healthy about their relationship, and while Mathias is attracted to and wants Benico, the lines of consent are heavily blurred.
Sometimes I don’t know whether I want to be here on my own or if he's made me feel like I have to be. Are my feelings real or have I learned to be so dependent on him, I no longer know how to stand on my own? Do I really have a say in what happens or is he controlling my answers too?
I liked how Mathias showed his true self as he got comfortable with Benicio; with his current boyfriend, he had to hide parts of himself (and got mocked for his needs), but with his Daddy, he could let go and be himself. I also enjoyed the gunplay and the primal play.
This story is a slow burn so it does take a while until the spicy spicy scenes there's a lot of sexual chemistry between the two.
Overall I really enjoyed Lessons! I was excited to read Ashlynn Mills’s entry in the Ruthless Daddies 2 series and loved the relationship between Mathias and Benicio.
There are a lot of darker elements, violence, dubcon/CNC, cheating (not between MCs) and more that may be triggering - this is not a fluffy romance. Please check the author’s note and TWs.
December 22, 2023
4.5 stars and my fav of the series so far
January 16, 2024
I always get enticed by the premise of this author's books but the execution of the said books always suck.They are fast paced, tacky and badly lack a consistent and logical connection. The book was all over the place with nothing enjoyable about the places.
April 28, 2024
Not entirely my cup of tea
It's a fresh storyline - a grieving widower and a sick child. Or at least, it's fresh in terms of mafia and MM romance.
But still, even in this genre, it's all a bit unrealistic and fast and unrelatable. Also, dubious consent has always made me feel a bit nauseous.
It's a fresh storyline - a grieving widower and a sick child. Or at least, it's fresh in terms of mafia and MM romance.
But still, even in this genre, it's all a bit unrealistic and fast and unrelatable. Also, dubious consent has always made me feel a bit nauseous.
July 27, 2023
[I recieved a digital arc for an honest review]
Lessons by Ashlynn Mills is a part of the multi author Ruthelss Daddies series.
"What the hell is this? Did you kidnap me?" Moving closer, I sit on the corner of the bed, scooting away from his kicking foot. "You're not a kid, so it wouldn't really be kidnapping. More like a temporary forced stay."
I ended up loving this more than I expected to. Dubcon as a trigger warning will usually make me pass on a book, but in this case the dubcon is in more of a role play capacity, even at first but then definitely by the end. Bratty middle , Mathias likes to act like he doesn't want to be chased, while he yearns for the thrill of it. He enjoys putting up a fight and enjoys his punishments just as much as the tender care of his Daddy Dom, Benicio . The chemistry between them is delicious and I was here for every moment of their dynamic. They were a safe space for each other to enjoy their darker wants.
"Please. Let me go," I beg in a helpless sounding tone, smiling on the inside. "No. I caught my prize and now I'm going to enjoy it."
Outside of the romance, Benicio's young son Miles stole the show. He was absolutely precious and such a strong little man while dealing with his disease. While the mafia parts of the story were entertaining and violent fun , they weren't my favorite parts of the story. I could have read another 100 pages of Mathias , Benicio and Miles being a family and Mathias and Benicio 's passion when ever they found themselves alone.
One hit and I come running back for more. He's right— it's not healthy, but it's ours.
Overall, I really enjoyed Lessons by Ashlyn Mills. A Daddy/ Boy romance with a Daddy Dom, a Bratty Middle, an unplanned kidnapping, lace, primal play, pleasure and punishments, family, pancakes, and an ending perfect for our MCs.
Lessons by Ashlynn Mills is a part of the multi author Ruthelss Daddies series.
"What the hell is this? Did you kidnap me?" Moving closer, I sit on the corner of the bed, scooting away from his kicking foot. "You're not a kid, so it wouldn't really be kidnapping. More like a temporary forced stay."
I ended up loving this more than I expected to. Dubcon as a trigger warning will usually make me pass on a book, but in this case the dubcon is in more of a role play capacity, even at first but then definitely by the end. Bratty middle , Mathias likes to act like he doesn't want to be chased, while he yearns for the thrill of it. He enjoys putting up a fight and enjoys his punishments just as much as the tender care of his Daddy Dom, Benicio . The chemistry between them is delicious and I was here for every moment of their dynamic. They were a safe space for each other to enjoy their darker wants.
"Please. Let me go," I beg in a helpless sounding tone, smiling on the inside. "No. I caught my prize and now I'm going to enjoy it."
Outside of the romance, Benicio's young son Miles stole the show. He was absolutely precious and such a strong little man while dealing with his disease. While the mafia parts of the story were entertaining and violent fun , they weren't my favorite parts of the story. I could have read another 100 pages of Mathias , Benicio and Miles being a family and Mathias and Benicio 's passion when ever they found themselves alone.
One hit and I come running back for more. He's right— it's not healthy, but it's ours.
Overall, I really enjoyed Lessons by Ashlyn Mills. A Daddy/ Boy romance with a Daddy Dom, a Bratty Middle, an unplanned kidnapping, lace, primal play, pleasure and punishments, family, pancakes, and an ending perfect for our MCs.
November 28, 2024
3.5 stars
I enjoyed it. The writing style is subpar, but the story and romance are entertaining, with the exception of the badly executed mafia plot that was a huge miss. More intrapersonal development between all the characters in-between all the sex and mafia stuff would have been much appreciated.
I enjoyed it. The writing style is subpar, but the story and romance are entertaining, with the exception of the badly executed mafia plot that was a huge miss. More intrapersonal development between all the characters in-between all the sex and mafia stuff would have been much appreciated.
September 10, 2023
2.5 stars but I'm rounding up because this review isn't super nice
It feels mean to say that this book isn't good but...it is what it is.
There are essentially what feels like two stories going on here. And I don't mean storylines, I mean books. The first is the daddy kink. It's sweet and twisted but still really hot. Outside of Mathis's kidnapping which was admittedly a little messy, it's the strongest part of the book. Clearly a lot of attention and time was given to it.
Then there's the Mafia story and...she's doing her best okay. It's trying too hard and it just falls flat at a lot of points. There's a lot going on and it all leads to a wildly anticlimactic ending. There are also way too many characters in this. And you better be able to keep them all straight and keep up with the relationships because every single one of them matters. There is a small twist concerning Mathis that I did like but that's about it. Even the dialogue felt pretty juvenile at times. Honestly, the mafia side of things just feels like a tool to move the story along and qualify to be a part of this multi author series. I think it would have worked better if Benicio were just this morally gray @sshole with a sick kid and obsession with Mathis. It sounds basic but sometimes simple is better.
It's not bad, but it's not great either. If you're somebody who smut makes a book for you, you'll probably enjoy this. But I'm greedy and do ask for more from my books. Three stars because there's some basic geography in here that is wildly a mess. A Google search would have fixed that. Y'all know that's free right?
It feels mean to say that this book isn't good but...it is what it is.
There are essentially what feels like two stories going on here. And I don't mean storylines, I mean books. The first is the daddy kink. It's sweet and twisted but still really hot. Outside of Mathis's kidnapping which was admittedly a little messy, it's the strongest part of the book. Clearly a lot of attention and time was given to it.
Then there's the Mafia story and...she's doing her best okay. It's trying too hard and it just falls flat at a lot of points. There's a lot going on and it all leads to a wildly anticlimactic ending. There are also way too many characters in this. And you better be able to keep them all straight and keep up with the relationships because every single one of them matters. There is a small twist concerning Mathis that I did like but that's about it. Even the dialogue felt pretty juvenile at times. Honestly, the mafia side of things just feels like a tool to move the story along and qualify to be a part of this multi author series. I think it would have worked better if Benicio were just this morally gray @sshole with a sick kid and obsession with Mathis. It sounds basic but sometimes simple is better.
It's not bad, but it's not great either. If you're somebody who smut makes a book for you, you'll probably enjoy this. But I'm greedy and do ask for more from my books. Three stars because there's some basic geography in here that is wildly a mess. A Google search would have fixed that. Y'all know that's free right?
March 31, 2024
I sort of enjoyed it. Although, it felt very strange at times.
The writing is kind of bad and juvenile and the whole thing is pretty cheese.
There are a few plots going on simultaneously here, some worked, some did't, but non felt well integrated with one another. I quite liked the first part of the book, later on, the romance went into a very odd territory for me, it wasn't my thing, but I was curious about it, nevertheless. The mafia plot was very badly executed from beginning to end, I did not like it.
I would have liked more time spent on the development of the emotional relationship between the two main characters, I feel like that took a second place to the physical aspect of their relationship, so I was left wanting and feeling like something was missing. Also, I would have liked more on Miles, we get very invested in him for a big chunk of the book, he is an central character in the story, but again, once the sex starts, Miles is left on the back burner like an afterthought. There should have been more there, and way less about the terribly done mafia aspect.
Overall, I would say it was a wear book, but I am not mad at it.
The writing is kind of bad and juvenile and the whole thing is pretty cheese.
There are a few plots going on simultaneously here, some worked, some did't, but non felt well integrated with one another. I quite liked the first part of the book, later on, the romance went into a very odd territory for me, it wasn't my thing, but I was curious about it, nevertheless. The mafia plot was very badly executed from beginning to end, I did not like it.
I would have liked more time spent on the development of the emotional relationship between the two main characters, I feel like that took a second place to the physical aspect of their relationship, so I was left wanting and feeling like something was missing. Also, I would have liked more on Miles, we get very invested in him for a big chunk of the book, he is an central character in the story, but again, once the sex starts, Miles is left on the back burner like an afterthought. There should have been more there, and way less about the terribly done mafia aspect.
Overall, I would say it was a wear book, but I am not mad at it.
July 30, 2023
This book is 🌶 and so addicting. I was engulfed in the book that I was walking arounf with my kindle reading this book. Ashlynn Mills is not afraid to push the limit to write her stories and this one helps prove it.
July 28, 2023
4,5 stars
Lessons by Ashlynn Mills is part of the Ruthless Daddies season 2 series. This is the story of Benicio and Mathias. Benicio's wife was murdered right in front of him 2 years ago leaving him a single dad to their son. Now his son is fighting for his life against an illness. Benicio wants Mathias to help homeschool him, whatever it takes.......
I loved their story. It was sexy, exciting, thrilling, full of feels and very well written.
Lessons by Ashlynn Mills is part of the Ruthless Daddies season 2 series. This is the story of Benicio and Mathias. Benicio's wife was murdered right in front of him 2 years ago leaving him a single dad to their son. Now his son is fighting for his life against an illness. Benicio wants Mathias to help homeschool him, whatever it takes.......
I loved their story. It was sexy, exciting, thrilling, full of feels and very well written.
September 30, 2023
Life keeps throwing lemons at Benicio but the man knows how to handle it all until a sassy teacher comes into his life again. But threaten someone he loves and it’s game over.
Ashlynn is one of my all time favorite authors and I’m not just saying that because we are friends and I’m on her team. She has a way with words and isn’t afraid to go outside of the box with her writing. I’m really looking forward to more by her soon. 🖤🔥💉🔥🖤
Ashlynn is one of my all time favorite authors and I’m not just saying that because we are friends and I’m on her team. She has a way with words and isn’t afraid to go outside of the box with her writing. I’m really looking forward to more by her soon. 🖤🔥💉🔥🖤
August 1, 2023
firstly, I should warn you that this book does have some triggers Dubcon there is a feel of that in this book, but in all honesty it is just what the main characters want in this book and There is violence.
This book is about Benicio who lost his wife when they were attacked while driving home. They shot Benicio, but thankfully his son Miles managed to get out of the car and hide in the woods. The book carries on two years later, when Benicio is in hiding, he’s left his family Who are mafia behind to keep his son protected. When he goes to meet Miles’s teacher, he is taken back by the feeling that he gets when he’s near Mr Perez and it puzzles him. When there is an attack on Miles once again, Benicio moves to protect his son. He can’t go far because sadly Miles has cancer and is undergoing treatment. So for now he’s going to be homeschooled because he just couldn’t keep up and he has dizzy spells in due to his treatments So now Benicio needs to find a teacher who can help with homeschooling, and the only person that Miles wants is Mr Perez, So Benicio emailed the teacher and asked if he would be able to help. Sadly he couldn’t but would Binicio leave it at that???
Mathis Perez? He is a teacher and thoroughly enjoyed his job. But he has had problems finding a man who can bring him happiness and not make him feel humiliated because they don’t understand his needs. You see Mathis is a middle, but he is one bratty, sassy, naughty middle. He is attracted to Miles father and knows he can’t act on it, but that doesn’t stop him fantasising about how well he could take care of him. So when he ends up being kidnapped by Benicio what will his reaction be? Will he try to get away??
I thoroughly enjoyed this book my only issue, It took me so long to warm up to Mathis. But the storyline was lushhhh And don’t even get me started about the passion. Oh my goodness it is off the charts. Benicio knows how to keep his man on the edge and he’s so calm and collective. He seems to know how to solve any issue. He’s got that darker side of him that just makes Mathis light up. A really good read.
I received this ARC , and this is me leaving my honest review.
This book is about Benicio who lost his wife when they were attacked while driving home. They shot Benicio, but thankfully his son Miles managed to get out of the car and hide in the woods. The book carries on two years later, when Benicio is in hiding, he’s left his family Who are mafia behind to keep his son protected. When he goes to meet Miles’s teacher, he is taken back by the feeling that he gets when he’s near Mr Perez and it puzzles him. When there is an attack on Miles once again, Benicio moves to protect his son. He can’t go far because sadly Miles has cancer and is undergoing treatment. So for now he’s going to be homeschooled because he just couldn’t keep up and he has dizzy spells in due to his treatments So now Benicio needs to find a teacher who can help with homeschooling, and the only person that Miles wants is Mr Perez, So Benicio emailed the teacher and asked if he would be able to help. Sadly he couldn’t but would Binicio leave it at that???
Mathis Perez? He is a teacher and thoroughly enjoyed his job. But he has had problems finding a man who can bring him happiness and not make him feel humiliated because they don’t understand his needs. You see Mathis is a middle, but he is one bratty, sassy, naughty middle. He is attracted to Miles father and knows he can’t act on it, but that doesn’t stop him fantasising about how well he could take care of him. So when he ends up being kidnapped by Benicio what will his reaction be? Will he try to get away??
I thoroughly enjoyed this book my only issue, It took me so long to warm up to Mathis. But the storyline was lushhhh And don’t even get me started about the passion. Oh my goodness it is off the charts. Benicio knows how to keep his man on the edge and he’s so calm and collective. He seems to know how to solve any issue. He’s got that darker side of him that just makes Mathis light up. A really good read.
I received this ARC , and this is me leaving my honest review.
July 30, 2023
sweet in a messed up kind of way
This book was so good! It’s a sort of love story between a hotel owner with mob ties and his son’s teacher. Benicio’s son, Miles, has stage 2 leukemia and can’t stay in school any longer due to being sick and fatigued all the time. Benicio tries to get Mathias Perez to tutor Miles since he was Miles’s favorite teacher and Miles understands math and science better when Mathias teaches him. Unfortunately the school Mathias works at frowns on that so Mathias says no.
But then later on, Mathias accidentally sends naked pictures meant for his ex-boyfriend to Benicio and Benicio uses those pictures to blackmail Mathias into tutoring Miles every Saturday for a month and during that month, the sexual tension between them builds. Ultimately that leads to a hot kiss between the two of them. Before that kiss, Mathias had agreed to keep on teaching Miles since the month was up but the kiss led Mathias to think continuing on would be inappropriate. Mathias didn’t want to be attracted to the man who blackmailed him, he felt it was wrong so Mathias left. But that was not the end. Benicio wouldn’t allow it to be.
Convincing himself it was for his son and his happiness, Benicio decides to drug and kidnap Mathias and keep him chained up in his guest room. Soon enough, the sexual tension between them explodes and they enter into a Daddy Dom/boy relationship with some serious kinky times.
A lot more exciting things happens that I’m not going to spoil for you so if you’re into a kinky BDSM relationship between 2 men then this is the book for you! It’s a really entertaining read and I know you’ll enjoy it. Happy Reading!
This book was so good! It’s a sort of love story between a hotel owner with mob ties and his son’s teacher. Benicio’s son, Miles, has stage 2 leukemia and can’t stay in school any longer due to being sick and fatigued all the time. Benicio tries to get Mathias Perez to tutor Miles since he was Miles’s favorite teacher and Miles understands math and science better when Mathias teaches him. Unfortunately the school Mathias works at frowns on that so Mathias says no.
But then later on, Mathias accidentally sends naked pictures meant for his ex-boyfriend to Benicio and Benicio uses those pictures to blackmail Mathias into tutoring Miles every Saturday for a month and during that month, the sexual tension between them builds. Ultimately that leads to a hot kiss between the two of them. Before that kiss, Mathias had agreed to keep on teaching Miles since the month was up but the kiss led Mathias to think continuing on would be inappropriate. Mathias didn’t want to be attracted to the man who blackmailed him, he felt it was wrong so Mathias left. But that was not the end. Benicio wouldn’t allow it to be.
Convincing himself it was for his son and his happiness, Benicio decides to drug and kidnap Mathias and keep him chained up in his guest room. Soon enough, the sexual tension between them explodes and they enter into a Daddy Dom/boy relationship with some serious kinky times.
A lot more exciting things happens that I’m not going to spoil for you so if you’re into a kinky BDSM relationship between 2 men then this is the book for you! It’s a really entertaining read and I know you’ll enjoy it. Happy Reading!
July 29, 2023
Mathias and Benicio fast paced full of steam
Alright let's jump right into the trigger warnings. I knew the moment I read them I was going to be in love with this book. I view trigger warnings as foreplay and edging. Don't judge me. I loved this book. Nerdy teacher with a hot single dad mafia daddy, yum. Normal dad in the streets but a daddy in the sheets (that was probably cringe but I'm not a writer so I dont have a way with words. So now everyone else has to live with the crazy in my head.)
Mathias is a smart ass and I absolutely love it. Benicio goes after what he wants the moment it crosses his mind and I love it. He is such a Natural Daddy. The only thing better than a good daddy is a ruthless daddy that won't stop when it comes to protecting what's his.
Some of Favorite things/ quotes:
"He doesn't smile. His lips remain in a straight line as he collects all our plates from the table. I'm starting to think his face is broken"
"Often I wondered if my son was paying for my sins. if all my wrongdoings were coming back to bite me in the ass so hard they were affecting everyone I loved most in the world too."
"It's hard to not get distracted every time you're around. A gift for you But it curse for me"
"If it feels good then why does anything else matter" (ugh I love toxic unhealthy relationships in books...I'm not a complete psychopath)
Bonus favorite: Ben and Gavin were mentioned! Loved it.
Alright let's jump right into the trigger warnings. I knew the moment I read them I was going to be in love with this book. I view trigger warnings as foreplay and edging. Don't judge me. I loved this book. Nerdy teacher with a hot single dad mafia daddy, yum. Normal dad in the streets but a daddy in the sheets (that was probably cringe but I'm not a writer so I dont have a way with words. So now everyone else has to live with the crazy in my head.)
Mathias is a smart ass and I absolutely love it. Benicio goes after what he wants the moment it crosses his mind and I love it. He is such a Natural Daddy. The only thing better than a good daddy is a ruthless daddy that won't stop when it comes to protecting what's his.
Some of Favorite things/ quotes:
"He doesn't smile. His lips remain in a straight line as he collects all our plates from the table. I'm starting to think his face is broken"
"Often I wondered if my son was paying for my sins. if all my wrongdoings were coming back to bite me in the ass so hard they were affecting everyone I loved most in the world too."
"It's hard to not get distracted every time you're around. A gift for you But it curse for me"
"If it feels good then why does anything else matter" (ugh I love toxic unhealthy relationships in books...I'm not a complete psychopath)
Bonus favorite: Ben and Gavin were mentioned! Loved it.
August 1, 2023
Lessons // Ruthless Daddies // Ashlynn Mills
Y’all this one got me on an impulse, jumped the TBR, and I’m so glad it did! It’s giving toxic, it’s giving all the CNC, it’s giving ruthless primal Daddy and a boy who CANNOT get enough of it 😈.
You can take the Benicio out of the Mafia, but you can’t take the mafia out of Benicio. His dark past and the darkness inside of him catch up to the white picket fence life he is trying to lead. In steps, while maybe more like in is dr_gged and carried… Mathias. But don’t worry about our sweet petite teacher, he has his naughty side… 😉.
This is most definitely a suspend reality, and enjoy the dark fiction and fantasy kind of dark romance. Check the TWs and if it works for you enjoy this deliciously dark, primal, mafia, Daddy/ boy ride. Oooh! And that emotional set up in the beginning, *chef’s kiss*. The author takes this naughty ride and makes the characters deep and detailed too 🖤. Enjoy!
💫 Opposites Attract
⏰ Age Gap
🥀 Ruthless Mafia Boss
💅🏼 Sweet, Petite, Elementary Teacher
🔪 Widower- Single Dad
💉 K!dn@pping - Dub Con
🧸 Daddy / boy D/s
💥 Action + Suspense
✨Stand Alone - Shared World
🔥K!nky tags:
Dub Con
D/s - Daddy / boy - Middle
S/m
O-control
Primal Play
🔪 🔫 Play
Impact Play / CBT
Bondage
CNC
Size Difference
Pretty Panties, Nightgowns, etc.
✅ Yes, book has listed trigger warning: There is a whole page. This one is dark dark with Dub Con and all kinds of wild. Check that TW page for sure.
Y’all this one got me on an impulse, jumped the TBR, and I’m so glad it did! It’s giving toxic, it’s giving all the CNC, it’s giving ruthless primal Daddy and a boy who CANNOT get enough of it 😈.
You can take the Benicio out of the Mafia, but you can’t take the mafia out of Benicio. His dark past and the darkness inside of him catch up to the white picket fence life he is trying to lead. In steps, while maybe more like in is dr_gged and carried… Mathias. But don’t worry about our sweet petite teacher, he has his naughty side… 😉.
This is most definitely a suspend reality, and enjoy the dark fiction and fantasy kind of dark romance. Check the TWs and if it works for you enjoy this deliciously dark, primal, mafia, Daddy/ boy ride. Oooh! And that emotional set up in the beginning, *chef’s kiss*. The author takes this naughty ride and makes the characters deep and detailed too 🖤. Enjoy!
💫 Opposites Attract
⏰ Age Gap
🥀 Ruthless Mafia Boss
💅🏼 Sweet, Petite, Elementary Teacher
🔪 Widower- Single Dad
💉 K!dn@pping - Dub Con
🧸 Daddy / boy D/s
💥 Action + Suspense
✨Stand Alone - Shared World
🔥K!nky tags:
Dub Con
D/s - Daddy / boy - Middle
S/m
O-control
Primal Play
🔪 🔫 Play
Impact Play / CBT
Bondage
CNC
Size Difference
Pretty Panties, Nightgowns, etc.
✅ Yes, book has listed trigger warning: There is a whole page. This one is dark dark with Dub Con and all kinds of wild. Check that TW page for sure.
August 4, 2023
Benicio's wife died and their son Miles had Leukaemia while drowning in his grief he tried to do the best for his son. After trying many teachers he kidnaps his former school teacher Mathias where everything changes in the house. Benicio is less lonely, the house feels less empty and he feels like the missing piece in his life. Mathias fights him and tries to run away every chance he gets but in between the "I hate you" and threats he wants to be Benicia's good boy. Benicio doubts they'll be able to continue as they are without consequences but Mathias's smiles and the way he calls him Daddy makes Benicio want to do whatever it takes to keep him where he is.
I enjoyed this story it just felt a bit superficial at times as there was analysis around the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I also found it strange that Benicio was able to switch from being with a woman to a man with all the preparation immediately as I would assume he would need a little internet education. It was a pleasant story with a perceptive Miles who was quite happy to let them know that he know what was going on between them both. Mathias coped with the death and destruction fairly well for a school teacher. This was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB dynamic.
I enjoyed this story it just felt a bit superficial at times as there was analysis around the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I also found it strange that Benicio was able to switch from being with a woman to a man with all the preparation immediately as I would assume he would need a little internet education. It was a pleasant story with a perceptive Miles who was quite happy to let them know that he know what was going on between them both. Mathias coped with the death and destruction fairly well for a school teacher. This was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB dynamic.
August 12, 2023
A fathers love for his son leads to a kidnapping and crazy ensues.
This is not a fluffy kind of relationship, with themes of blackmail, dub-con, a little primal and Daddy/boy play. Throw in some mafia ties, some mystery/suspense and human trade, and its a little dark and a little toxic but there is a whole lot of chemistry.
Benicio has a dark past in the mafia, getting "out" for his family but when his world crashes down, his old habits come back, especially in regards to getting his own way with Mathias, his sons teacher.
Mathias is a teacher, who hasn't quite found what he was needing in a relationship and it all unexpectedly comes together in the most unconventional way but not without its challenges.
I have to say that i really enjoyed this one, I genuinely laughed a lot as i read Lessons, be it my dark humored nature or just that Ashlynn writes it so well but I loved Mathias' snark and sass so much.
This is not a fluffy kind of relationship, with themes of blackmail, dub-con, a little primal and Daddy/boy play. Throw in some mafia ties, some mystery/suspense and human trade, and its a little dark and a little toxic but there is a whole lot of chemistry.
Benicio has a dark past in the mafia, getting "out" for his family but when his world crashes down, his old habits come back, especially in regards to getting his own way with Mathias, his sons teacher.
Mathias is a teacher, who hasn't quite found what he was needing in a relationship and it all unexpectedly comes together in the most unconventional way but not without its challenges.
I have to say that i really enjoyed this one, I genuinely laughed a lot as i read Lessons, be it my dark humored nature or just that Ashlynn writes it so well but I loved Mathias' snark and sass so much.
July 26, 2023
Benicio blackmails his son Miles's teacher Mathias into helping home school Miles. When he shows his attraction to Mathias, Mathias refuses to come back so Benicio kidnaps him. This is a deliciously dark romance with all kinds of kinky consensual non consent, BDSM elements, Daddy/Boy, etc. everything Mathias always wanted and couldn't get. Benicio is so tragic and scary while Mathias is sunshine and happiness. My favorite line in the book is when Mathias thinks if Benicio smiles," it might open a portal to hell". That says it all about Benicio! I laughed in the midst of this "dark" book and loved it but keep in mind, its a story, not real life so outrage at their play is not founded. These two were meant for each other with all their kinks. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I think mit is my favorite Ashlynn book. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2023
Lessons is part of the Ruthless Daddies series, with each book by a different author. In this book, Benicio is a widowed father struggling to keep everything together for his sick kid, Miles. He also happens to a part of a mafia family, though he has distanced himself. Mattias is Miles favorite teacher. He’s also a bratty middle with a love of cnc, lace, and a strong daddy. Benicio kidnaps him to tutor Miles when they decide homeschooling would be best. But, as the relationship between Benicio and Mattias grows, so does the danger left behind from Benicio’s ex.
Miles definitely steals the show. I loved the family scenes of them all together. The story was quick paced. I would have liked to see more of Benicio’s family and his background with them. He’s clearly got his own dangerous elements. Mattias was the perfect amount of bratty and loving. Overall, I definitely recommend the book!
Miles definitely steals the show. I loved the family scenes of them all together. The story was quick paced. I would have liked to see more of Benicio’s family and his background with them. He’s clearly got his own dangerous elements. Mattias was the perfect amount of bratty and loving. Overall, I definitely recommend the book!
July 30, 2023
I always enjoy a book written by Ashlynn Mills, even when they are dark she finds a way to make you love and cheer on the MCs. Lessons wasn't as dark as I was expecting, it was only grey really as the bedroom scenes other than right after the kidnapping were mostly role play, well after a while anyway when Mathias starts to want what Benicio can give him. I enjoyed the Daddy/Middle relationship that was built between them and adored how attentive Benicio was towards making sure he provided exactly what Mathias wanted/and or needed even if it bordered on creepy for poor Mathias.
The suspense and drama around who killed Benicio's wife and who was out to get Benicio and his son Miles, and why was good and I liked the way it all played out in the end with the bad guys getting what they deserved.
A slightly twisted romance that I enjoyed a great deal.
The suspense and drama around who killed Benicio's wife and who was out to get Benicio and his son Miles, and why was good and I liked the way it all played out in the end with the bad guys getting what they deserved.
A slightly twisted romance that I enjoyed a great deal.
July 30, 2023
WOW...this was so good. Ashlynn Mills is the best at this cray cray/unconventional love that you can't help but get wrapped up in. Normally I don't care for prologues that much but this one is needed...sets up the events after so well. Gives us a little hint on Benicio's past and what drives his current and future. He does his best as a single father and wants to make his son Miles happy...in comes Mathias(Miles's fav teacher)...their connection is somewhat a slow burn but mannnnnnnnnnnnn...the heated looks, the blackmail...the kidnapping...the dom/sub/daddy/boy/bondage/primal play...OMG...along with the mafia action and finally their happy ending...it was rollercoaster ride I wanted to jump on and didn't want to get off. It was a fun read and I was thoroughly entertained.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 1, 2023
What's a bit of blurred lines between friends? Lol, this was a crazy story but a fun and wild ride. Benicio needs a tutor for his son and what better man than Mattias as he's already a teacher and his son loves him. If dark and toxic is not for you, then you should turn around. However, sometimes it's just what I want and this definitely delivers. It's forced proximity in the fact that Benicio can't let Mattias out of his sight. But is that really such a bad thing when he gives Mattias everything he's always wanted? The jury may still be out but I had a lot of fun reading this story. The characters were interesting and the steamy scenes were more than spicy. There's a bit of action thrown in among all the rest and I couldn't put it down! I think this is a great addition to the series!
August 5, 2023
The twist of fates were at it again in this book that sees Benicio and his son hiding out from the people who killed Anastasia their wife and mother. Benicio originally thinking that one of his many Mafia enemies may he done it, is surprised to learn its because of a mistake Ana made that involved traffickers.The intricate web that this has caused was definitely one I didn't see and it seems some still hold grudges.
Matt who is attracted to Benicio tries to do the right thing when it comes to his career but can't ignore the pull on his heart strings when it comes to Miles who has already been through so much. The instant connection these two have is heart-warming.
Loved the ending boy were there some revelations that I need more of.
June 18, 2025
Daddy ans his little birdie
I'm not totally sure how I feel about this story. It started strong but something I can't really point at bothers me about it - and somewhere in the middle I felt the story didn't feel like it was flowing naturally but felt forced which of course affected my reading experience.
I say it's okay book but somehow it felt me feeling like it didnt really fit any of the categories and especially not all of them - mafia, daddy-little or dom-dub it had little of everything but it felt a little...maybe superficial. I don't know.
It was okay story with okay characters but it didn't convince me all the way.
Three stars due to not knowing if i like it or not - i have way too complicated feelings about this.
I'm not totally sure how I feel about this story. It started strong but something I can't really point at bothers me about it - and somewhere in the middle I felt the story didn't feel like it was flowing naturally but felt forced which of course affected my reading experience.
I say it's okay book but somehow it felt me feeling like it didnt really fit any of the categories and especially not all of them - mafia, daddy-little or dom-dub it had little of everything but it felt a little...maybe superficial. I don't know.
It was okay story with okay characters but it didn't convince me all the way.
Three stars due to not knowing if i like it or not - i have way too complicated feelings about this.
July 28, 2023
This was such a fantastic dark and twisted romance book. The TW made my dark loving heart melt!! And I just loved everything about it.
The push and pull between the characters are smoking hot!!! And there’s definitely some snark going on as well.
A single parent who’ll do anything for their kid!!! Including kidnapping their teacher??? Then starts exploring kinks!!! Sign me up!!! It’s thrilling, hot and heart breaking at times.
Ashlynn Mills is definitely an author to check out if you haven’t already. She writes so freaking good. I always seem to be drawn in from the start and I love her descriptions and characters 💛
The push and pull between the characters are smoking hot!!! And there’s definitely some snark going on as well.
A single parent who’ll do anything for their kid!!! Including kidnapping their teacher??? Then starts exploring kinks!!! Sign me up!!! It’s thrilling, hot and heart breaking at times.
Ashlynn Mills is definitely an author to check out if you haven’t already. She writes so freaking good. I always seem to be drawn in from the start and I love her descriptions and characters 💛
July 30, 2023
In order to keep his sick son happy, Benicio get his favourite teacher, Mathias to homeschool him.
The means in which he acquires Mathias is not the best.
Mathias is a bratty middle who brings out the Daddy Dom in Benicio and the attraction between them is electric.
Even though Benicio has distanced himself from his past, the danger still catches up with him and together he and Mathias will have to face the consequences.
A fast paced read with fantastic family moments, bits of action, steamy scenes, primal play, a bratty boy who needed a firm Daddy to keep him in line, a HEA and not forgetting Benicios son Miles who enriches this story.
An entertaining read indeed.
The means in which he acquires Mathias is not the best.
Mathias is a bratty middle who brings out the Daddy Dom in Benicio and the attraction between them is electric.
Even though Benicio has distanced himself from his past, the danger still catches up with him and together he and Mathias will have to face the consequences.
A fast paced read with fantastic family moments, bits of action, steamy scenes, primal play, a bratty boy who needed a firm Daddy to keep him in line, a HEA and not forgetting Benicios son Miles who enriches this story.
An entertaining read indeed.
August 7, 2023
When teacher Matthias Perez agrees to tutor Benicio Lombardis' son Miles he never expected to be kidnapped and fall in love with his kidnapper! After his wife's death and his son being diagnosed with cancer there is nothing on this earth Ben won't do for his son, if he has to keep his sons favorite teacher a prisoner so be it! The sexual tension that builds between Ben and Matthias boils over into some burn off the pages scenes that'll have you turning up the air conditioner! The hide and hunt scene is one of my favorites!
There's dark romance and then there's DARK romance and nobody does the DARK better than Ashlynn Mills. I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
There's dark romance and then there's DARK romance and nobody does the DARK better than Ashlynn Mills. I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
July 30, 2023
Toxic love at its finest and I am here for it!
After a horrible tragedy takes the life of Benicio's wife, Ben and his son Miles move away to protect themselves and make a new life in a different town. Miles' third grade teacher at the time, Mathias (who already had a huge crush on Ben), knew they had moved but not known where. After a coincidence puts them in the same place two years later, Ben recruits Mathias to tutor his son when he's not able to go to school anymore due to his illness. What soon follows is a very needy/bratty boy who needs his Daddy to put him in his place and then give him all the caring love afterwards. Sprinkle in the ongoing danger that has followed Ben and Miles to the new town and you've got a very sweet, steamy Daddy/boy mafia toxic romance that you will not put down!
Oh and that ending scene? That had my pulse racing.
I received an ARC from Ashlynn in exchange for an honest review.
After a horrible tragedy takes the life of Benicio's wife, Ben and his son Miles move away to protect themselves and make a new life in a different town. Miles' third grade teacher at the time, Mathias (who already had a huge crush on Ben), knew they had moved but not known where. After a coincidence puts them in the same place two years later, Ben recruits Mathias to tutor his son when he's not able to go to school anymore due to his illness. What soon follows is a very needy/bratty boy who needs his Daddy to put him in his place and then give him all the caring love afterwards. Sprinkle in the ongoing danger that has followed Ben and Miles to the new town and you've got a very sweet, steamy Daddy/boy mafia toxic romance that you will not put down!
Oh and that ending scene? That had my pulse racing.
I received an ARC from Ashlynn in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
A love story written as only Ashlynn can! Take a "straight" newly single Dad and a cute and sassy teacher, throw in a rambunctious kid and you've have yourself a hit...
But it's not that simple. When Benicio and Mathias meet, Benicio is happily married to Anastasia, mother of his son Miles and Mathias is his 3rd grade teacher. They had met earlier in the year, but at this parent/teacher meeting, he really notices Mathias this time. Something about Mathias sparks him and it goes both ways. Feelings that Benicio pushed away before his evil father changed things and a chance Encounter with Anastasia.
Shoot ahead two years and Benicio is a widower, having lost his wife in a strange "hit" and run, with Miles now sick with cancer...Mathias is newly single, "on a break" from his boyfriend. Both have moved on to a new city and a new school for a fresh start. In meeting again at a " back to school" night, both are shocked to see each other again, the spark still there.
With Miles now starting chemo, school may be on hold for a while, so he requires a tutor. With Mathias aka Mr. Perez being Miles favorite teacher, Benicio tries enlists him, but is turned down. Things are just not going right for either of them, with Benicio not taking no for an answer and takes to an unorthodox method to get his way. A mistaken freak exchange of suggestive photos, makes extortion a new plot between the men.
This becomes a whole different kind of love story as things get darker and we find more of each of their backgrounds. Each has a past that includes Benicio and his wife's past life of cartels and mafia dealing and Mathias need for a Daddy with a heavy hand.
Love can be strange and seductive, but add in Benicio's past life and things get darker yet alluring.
Are Benicio and Mathias on a road to true love or do the fates have something else in-store?
But it's not that simple. When Benicio and Mathias meet, Benicio is happily married to Anastasia, mother of his son Miles and Mathias is his 3rd grade teacher. They had met earlier in the year, but at this parent/teacher meeting, he really notices Mathias this time. Something about Mathias sparks him and it goes both ways. Feelings that Benicio pushed away before his evil father changed things and a chance Encounter with Anastasia.
Shoot ahead two years and Benicio is a widower, having lost his wife in a strange "hit" and run, with Miles now sick with cancer...Mathias is newly single, "on a break" from his boyfriend. Both have moved on to a new city and a new school for a fresh start. In meeting again at a " back to school" night, both are shocked to see each other again, the spark still there.
With Miles now starting chemo, school may be on hold for a while, so he requires a tutor. With Mathias aka Mr. Perez being Miles favorite teacher, Benicio tries enlists him, but is turned down. Things are just not going right for either of them, with Benicio not taking no for an answer and takes to an unorthodox method to get his way. A mistaken freak exchange of suggestive photos, makes extortion a new plot between the men.
This becomes a whole different kind of love story as things get darker and we find more of each of their backgrounds. Each has a past that includes Benicio and his wife's past life of cartels and mafia dealing and Mathias need for a Daddy with a heavy hand.
Love can be strange and seductive, but add in Benicio's past life and things get darker yet alluring.
Are Benicio and Mathias on a road to true love or do the fates have something else in-store?
July 29, 2023
Benicio & Mattias Brilliant
OH.......WOW......... Absolutely brilliant Lessons by Ashlynn Mills is another amazing edition to the ruthless daddies series and I was hooked from the start could not put it down its dark, twisted but ever so sexy the chemistry between Benicio and Mattias sizzles of the page they are so kinky and hot together a bratty but needy boy who loves lace and is ruthless mafia but protective daddy who protects what belongs to him these two are meant for each other I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion recommend so much.
OH.......WOW......... Absolutely brilliant Lessons by Ashlynn Mills is another amazing edition to the ruthless daddies series and I was hooked from the start could not put it down its dark, twisted but ever so sexy the chemistry between Benicio and Mattias sizzles of the page they are so kinky and hot together a bratty but needy boy who loves lace and is ruthless mafia but protective daddy who protects what belongs to him these two are meant for each other I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion recommend so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews