The lost Mafia princess has been found, and I will make her mine.
Bianca Carlotti might despise me, but little does she know that only feeds the beast within. I will marry the innocent princess and use her to exact revenge on the enemies who would destroy me.
Kidnapping her is easy and, as my wife, Bianca will be tamed. I will seduce her with the pleasures and privileges of the life she should have had, mold her into the type of woman who can hold her own in my world, and teach her to obey.
Whether she likes it or not, Bianca is now mine, and it's time to use her to make my enemies pay. But my wife—my weapon—might just be the cause of my downfall.
Ruthless Possession is a dark Mafia, enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage romance.
Zoe Delaney is the dark romantic suspense pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Jen Katemi. Zoe's books are dark, push boundaries and include material that some readers may find triggering. Zoe lives in Melbourne, Australia. She loves her daughters, coffee, wine and her two very needy cats (not necessarily in that order!).
DNFed 46% Oh my god this book was boring as hell. The book could literally be broken down to this;
H: I'm a monster, I will own her, but there's something about her, but I will own her in a monster, but the way she makes me feel...
h: Waaa! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! Yes! Make me cum! I hate you I hate you I hate you
Gah, so tedious, like a broken record that just kept looping over and over again. By the time I finally got to the sex, I just wanted out. There was no character development or arc or anything other than the afore mentioned phrases stated over and over 🙄
Zoe Delaney's "Ruthless Possession," the first installment of the Dark Enemies series, is an electrifying and all-consuming dark romance that will leave readers captivated from start to finish. Published by Flourish Books on July 10th, 2023, this book takes readers on a tumultuous journey of love, revenge, and unexpected twists.
The story revolves around Bianca Carlotti, the long-lost Mafia princess, and the enigmatic figure who finds her. Their tumultuous relationship fuels the gripping narrative, with the reader continuously drawn into the complex dynamics between the characters.
The protagonist's determination to exact revenge on his enemies by using Bianca as a weapon adds an intriguing layer to the plot. The forced marriage element heightens the stakes, and readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness Bianca's transformation from a reluctant captive to a woman navigating the dark world she finds herself in.
Zoe Delaney skillfully crafts a narrative that blends elements of darkness, dubious morals, and mature themes. This Mafia enemies-to-lovers romance is laced with tension and undeniable chemistry, making it a compelling and seductive read.
The author's writing style keeps the readers hooked, and the addictive quality of the story is heightened by the deep exploration of power dynamics, control, and emotional vulnerability. The book will undoubtedly appeal to fans of dark romance who relish stories that push boundaries and delve into the darker aspects of human relationships.
One aspect that sets this novel apart is the way it sparks a sense of familiarity. The reader may find themselves reminiscing about other beloved books, which only adds to the enchanting allure of "Ruthless Possession."
However, despite the addictive nature of the story, the reader is left with a lingering sense of confusion and curiosity when confronted with Bianca's unexpected decision at the climax. This unresolved twist paves the way for an eagerly awaited continuation in the second book of the series.
In conclusion, "Ruthless Possession" is an intense and compelling dark romance that delivers on all fronts. Zoe Delaney's ability to weave a captivating tale of love, revenge, and unforeseen betrayals makes this book an absolute must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to be entangled in the dangerous world of the Dark Enemies series, where passion and danger collide with electrifying intensity.
Mafia kidnapped and forced into marriage romance. Check, check & check. Bree was adopted and knew nothing of the world she was born into until a mafia boss tracks her down for ties to her bloodline and birthright. This was a fast book and keeps you hooked and wanting more.
Honestly, the book could've used a little bit of more spicy scenes. The title of the book suggested otherwise. While reading the book, I wasn't sure if it was meant to be more of a fictional romance, or an erotic fiction (leaning more on the fictional romance). Story-wise, it wasn't a bad read, but it felt somewhat bland. On the one hand you have a ruthless mafia boss that somehow falls in love with the girl he kidnaps, even though she doesn't have any redeeming qualities about herself. It was a bit puzzling to think he could've fallen for someone that was as stale as bread. As for Bree/Bianca, apparently sex was a pretty redeemable aspect for Rio, to the point that it's the only thing she fell for. There was zero chemistry between both characters, and I kept wondering what it was that made them attract each other (fall in love). I did like the cliffhanger at the end of the book, which makes you wonder what exactly will happen in the next book; will they reconcile, will they have a war together...
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Be warned, the story finishes with a cliff hanger.
I would not have read this book if I had known there was a cliff hanger. It is one of my pet hates and done to make more money.
The story itself is just ok, nothing special. The main female character irritated me completely as her reaction to everything that happens is just unbelievable. I didn't connect at all with either characters of Rio or Bianca/Bree as the style of writing was dispassionate.
For such a short book this was such a drag to read. The amount of times she says she hates him is around 68 times for a 235 page book. Also, the chemistry? Zero. I told myself I wont DNF and I wish I did 🙃
RUTHLESS POSSESSION is the first instalment in Zoe Delaney (aka Jen Katemi) contemporary, adult DARK ENEMIES dark, erotic, Mafia romance trilogy focusing on twenty-five year old, heir to the Carlotta empire Bianca Carlotti, and Gregorio ‘Rio’ Agosti, head of the Carlotti-Agosti Crime syndicate.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Bianca and Rio) RUTHLESS POSSESSION follows in the aftermath of the abduction of our story line heroine. Believing herself to be Bree Walker, Bianca will quickly come to discover she is the only living heir to the Carlotti Crime Empire. Adopted as an infant, Bianca never knew the truth about her parents, and their connection to organized crime but within hours of her kidnapping Bianca will discover that all is not as it appears to be, and she is about to get a crash course on life, living with a mobster. Married and forced to sign over her family’s control, Bianca must learn to play the doting wife or face the consequences at home. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Bianca and Rio, and the potential fall out as betrayal and and fear sit at the heart of Bianca’s need to run.
The world building introduces some of the background behind Bianca’s abduction. As the sole surviving member of a powerful crime family, Bianca has been targeted by those hoping for a seat at the top but Rio Agosti is the first to discover Bree Walker’s true identity, an discovery that threatens our story line heroine.
The relationship between Rio and Bianca is an enemies to lovers, forced marriage in which Bianca is slowly falling for the man who is about to steal her life but marriage to a mobster means facing down the dangers of life living in the criminal underworld, and Bianca wants only to survive without losing it all. As Rio continues to threaten the people she loves, Bianca knows that to protect everyone, she may have to run to protect herself. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and not without some issues of consent.
We are introduced to Rio’s brother Nikolas, their aunt Francine, as well as several members of competing crime families.
RUTHLESS POSSESSION is a story of power and control, crime and punishment, secrets and lies, trust and fear, betrayal and vengeance. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance struggles in the face of possession and fear; the characters are desperate, determined and edgy. RUTHLESS POSSESSION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
Ruthless Possession (Book 1, Dark Enemies) - Zoe Delaney
I was given an ARC copy of this story so I could provide an honest review.
Zoe Delaney is an Australian author, Zoe Delaney not being her actual name and rather a pen name the Melbournian uses. When she isn’t writing, Zoe runs a proof reading and editing service and loves to pamper her cats.
Bianca Carlotti doesn’t know who she is or the true family she comes from.
But Rio Agosti, the Boston crime lord, knows exactly who she really is and is determined to use her in his plan for revenge and supreme controlling power.
Rio’s men brutally kidnap Bianca, and she is forcibly and quickly thrust into a life and world she never knew existed, let alone knew she was a part of.
As his plan for revenge slowly unfolds Rio forces Bianca to marry him, effectively claiming and controlling the empire that she inherited at birth.
Yet, in a tale as old as time, there is something there, a dark attraction that both struggle to acknowledge and accept – Bianca more so.
The reality of the situation and the world she has found herself in hits home harder than she expected on receiving news she never thought she would. So, what does she do now and what will Rio do to her when he finds out what she has done?
“Ruthless Possession” is a dark mafia romance story that has an underlying enemies to lovers trope. Though it is a short story the author conveys a colourful and intricate world with detailed and dark characters. Bianca is very much an innocent damsel in distress in the story with Rio a dark and brooding beast – like a modern-day Beauty and the Beast. It was a captivating and spicey read, and I’m very curious to see how the author will have everything playing out in the next instalment of this series.
This series opener is a masterpiece of dark romantic fiction, deftly balancing a backdrop of palpable, raw danger with the deepest facets of human emotion.
At the heart of this dark mafia romance lies an intoxicating love story. The chemistry between Rio and Bianca is palpable, igniting the pages with blistering passion and forbidden desire. The cycles of hate, passion, trust, and shame kept me glued to the narrative and struggling to read late into the night.
What sets this book apart in the saturated world of dark romance mafia novels is the author's ability to craft a complex narrative, exploring the psyche of the protagonists. Each flawed in their own way, both trying to navigate a high-stakes game of love and power, both unfolding and evolving in beautifully unexpected ways.
The tension between Rio and Bianca crackles with an unnerving fervor. The sinister crime lord is truly terrifying at times, the snippets of vulnerability are rare, and addictively alluring.
I wholeheartedly give this dark mafia romance story a resounding five-star review. It is a true gem in the genre, brimming with gripping storytelling, well-drawn characters, and an expertly executed emotional rollercoaster that you won't soon forget. I eagerly await the next installment in the series, ready to be drawn right back into this world, their lives, their struggles, and their insatiable desires.
Bree is just the girl next door – she is caring, innocent and works at a local pet shelter. She has no idea that right after her 25th birthday, things are going to change. Rio is the Don of the Agosti family. He is dark, dangerous, and ruthless. He is looking for the Carlotti girl who went missing when she was 6 months old. When he gets news that she has been found, he orders her to be brought to his club immediately. Bree is the missing Carlotti heir – Bianca. Not believing that she has any ties to any mafia world, she fights, until she can’t stop thinking about Rio.
Unbeknownst to Bianca, Rio is starting to have feelings for her – although he does everything, he can to keep that to himself. After securing the Carlotti fortune, Bianca is placed in danger and Rio has her taken to his boat until he can take care of the problem with a rival family. Little does Rio know she has been trying to escape, and finally takes her chance. When a government agency comes to his office with a warrant, Rio knows he has been betrayed. It is then that he realizes she is gone. Looking forward to the next book in this series – will Bianca be able to escape with her unborn child? Or is she headed for trouble?
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gregorio Agosti (aka - Rio) - Crime Lord. Dark, appetites sated pleasure without the pain.
Bianca Carlotti (aka - Bree) - Mafia Princess, unbeknown to herself. Taken, ??? on Stockholm Syndrome, desire for the enemy- a monster.
Overall, rarely do you come across across a Mafia read that captivates. From the beginning you are taken on a journey. It may not be a pleasant trip as there are the usual Mafia dealings. * Death * Loyalty/Mistrust * Sexually dark * Love/Hate, the list goes on.
Rio is a dangerous character, a man who has no leniency. A man who who has Power and knows how to control it. An emotionless man until…….???
Bianca, on celebrating her 25th Birthday, what she was hoping for altered for her, all on thee behest of Rio. No further spoiling.
A captivating read. You will be be transported into the life of Bianca. What she goes through. How life alters for her.
* Survival
Rio too will be a character you may be drawn to or dislike. Definitely left on a cliffhanger. Dare to leap into a world of darkness. Definitely looking forward to next instalment - Ruthless Betrayal.
Oh my Gods, I absolutely loved this book. I was captivated from the start and the tension, lust, and danger is out of this world.
This book maintained a swift pace, maintained plot progression without being even the slightest repetitive or boring, and held an intriguing storyline with one hell of a cliffhanger! This is easily one of my favourite mafia reads and I am dying to read the rest of the series!
This story follows a young woman who believed she was unloved & surrendered.. only to find out she is a Mafia princess and that her darkest personal unknowns are only sated by a mafia boss named Rio. 😍
--- El's Rating:
Spice: 🌶️ 3.5/5 Plot: 5 Overall: 4.5 🙌🏼
The authors writing style honestly took me by surprise and I think it's safe to say that this is a must read if you like forced proximity, enemies to lovers, morally grey (or charcoal), and touch her and die tropes.
(I read this as an ARC read & I am leaving an unapologetically authentic review)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.
RUTHLESS POSSESSION, first book of the Dark Enemies trilogy by Zoe Delaney. Bianca Carlotti was kidnapped and believes herself to be Bree Walker. A sweet and innocent girl who is pulled into a new reality. She is heir to the Carlotti Crime Empire. Now she must learn quickly the ways of the mafia and how to be a mobster's wife.
Rio Agosti is a Boston crime boss. He figures out who Bianca is and plans some revenge. He uses the people she knows as the driving force to keep Bianca in line. Ruthless Possession is an enemies to lovers romance that ends on a cliffhanger. I loved Rio/Bianca chemistry. I love the tension and twists that Ruthless Possession is filled with. An interesting story has been set up and I cannot wait how this story progresses but book 1 of the trilogy has a great setup and you will find out more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book it was fantastic, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Bree / Bianca Carlotti and Gregorio (Rio) Agosti, Rio has been looking for the Carlotti Princess for seven years so when his second in charge found her, he got men to go and get her. Carbone had a meeting with Rio, that's when Rio told him that he found the Carlotti Princess and their getting married within the week. She didn't want to get married so he threatened her then once the wedding was over he told one of his men to take her to their bedroom and told her to have a shower and be ready for him. Over time she fell for him, then she disappeared now he has everyone looking for his wife.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the book. Breeze doesn't know her true past, she was adopted and is living the life working at an animal shelter. It's her Birthday and her friends convince her to go out and have a little fun but that all changes when 2 big guys show up and kidnap Bree changing her world forever. Bree is no more and Bianca is reborn into a life she never wanted. Forced to marry the Mob Boss Rio. Bianca falls for Rio just as much as Rio falls for her but she can not get passed the horror of what he is and what he does. A interrupted meeting turns to a blood bath where Rio looses his Aunt and almost losses his wife. With the help of Law enforcement and a rival Mob Boss Bree can escape but Rio will do all he can to fund her. There is so much to this story and I can't wait to read the next book.
If you like these tropes then this is something for you.
Mafia romance series Enemies to lovers Forced proximity Found family Kidnapping Grumpy/Sunshine Touch her you die
This books takes you on an adventure one that has you turning pages to find out what's going to happen next. The characters keep you intrigued and the ended oh holy, does it leave you begging to know what will happen in the next book. It's got a dark side to it, but never mind that because if you don't like the dark, then why are you here looking it up 🤔 I got this as an ARC, I'm leaving my review without telling too much because I believe you should make your own mind up about it and go in blank minded. Happy reading, and enjoy the story of this Mafia couple. Thank you Zoe, for writing a book that will have me doing a re read in the future.
I’m a sucker for cliffhangers. This is book 1 in the 3 book Dark Enemies trilogy. You could feel the chemistry between Bianca and Rio. There was just enough explained that leaves you wanting to know more and they why behind how they all got the point their at today. How did their parents die? How did Bree disappear? I’m excited to see what happens next.
Summary: Bree is kidnapped and learns she is not who she thought she was. Rio is fighting for control of the mafia in Boston and Bianca is the price. He has her kidnapped and forced her to marry him. She should hate him, but there’s something about him. She’s given several ways out but never chooses to take it until she sees the bloodshed firsthand. Now she’s left Rio and betrayed his trust that he doesn’t give freely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mafia Runner. Bree is content spending her days at the pet rescue centre and is contemplating spending her 25th birthday partying with her friends. But she is kidnapped and whisked away.
Turns out Bree is actually Bianca the sole survivor and heir to a Mafia fortune. Kidnapped by Rio so he can force her to marry him and sign over her inheritance.
This was a bit of a “patchy” read for me. We had good character development but then it suddenly glossed over certain key scenes. The whole “birth parents death” and “adoptive parents” backstory had me confused.
There are well written spice scenes but then I cringed at some of the words “mound”, “sex”, “channel” “engorged flesh”. Just me? 🤷🏼♀️
Ruthless Possession by Zoe Delaney is an intoxicating dark mafia romance that delves deep into the world of obsession, revenge, and forbidden passion. With compelling character development, Zoe crafts a gripping tale of a lost Mafia princess, Bianca Carlotti, and her enigmatic captor. The story oozes sensuality and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Just be prepared for a cliffhanger ending that sets the stage for an exciting series ahead. This dark romance is definitely for mature readers unafraid of exploring their desires within a captivating narrative. Ruthless Possession is a thrilling ride that leaves you craving more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 1 in the Dark Enemies Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is an enemies to lovers mafia romance between Bianca and Rio. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. What starts out as a forced marriage turns into something more. It is a wild ride with drama and steam, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. An engaging page turner ending in a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am a fan of mafia books, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the concept of the lost mafia princess & how she is dragged back into the mafia world, where she struggles with understanding herself & place in this world.
I also loved having both the MFC & MMC POV'S. This allows the reader to see situations & the character development of them both.
Tropes/themes that are included:
*Mafia *Dark Romance *Kidnapping *Forced Proximity *Enemies to Lovers
I can't wait for the second installment of this trilogy.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book & this is my honest opinion.
"Ruthless Possession" by Zoe Delaney is an intense and gripping dark mafia romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This book delivers a roller-coaster ride of emotions, intrigue, and passion that will leave you wanting more. The writing style is impeccable, drawing you into a world of danger, power, and desire. Delaney's vivid descriptions and attention to detail create a rich backdrop for the story, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in this dark and enthralling universe. Prepare yourself for a wild ride of passion, danger, and unexpected twists that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. well done Zoe Delaney
I did exactly what Amazon prompted on Stuff your Kindle Day, and although I don’t own a Kindle I absolutely stuffed my Kindle app! Barely looking at the blurbs! And this book enters guilty pleasure territory with a bang! 😂 I was a bit discouraged to see the story didn’t end though; I’m so used to these kinds of books being standalones where the series simply follow different characters, so this ending on a cliffhanger was not at all according to plan. 😝
Will I ever read the next two books? This was by no means high literature, but still enjoyable for the reading mood I was in. So… Only time will tell, I guess!
This action-packed story kept me glued to the pages. Bianca is out on the town with friends when she is apprehended by two men. Taken to Rio her life changes forever. Secrets are revealed and Bianca learns who about her parents. Rio is out for revenge and marrying Bianca puts him on course to do just that. This thrilling book will captivate and have you connecting with Bianca and Rio both are intriguing characters with flaws but will have you in their corners. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Rio wants Bianca to enforce his position as the Boss. What Bianca wants doesn't matter,she doesn't even know she is Bianca, she's been Bree all her life. Slowly her feelings for Rio change and although she doesn't like what he does she can't help how she feels. In turn, what he thought was going to be a business transaction turns into something more, something he's not felt before. Which/whose emotions will win? We won't find out in this book as it ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an awesome novel to start off a new series! The main characters draw you in. I love them being together. She is bringing out his caring nature. I enjoyed this story, but I feel like the plot was missing for me it was pretty slow till about 60% in. I do look forward to the second book to see what happens I feel the second book will have a lot more going on. Smut 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ Plot 📖📖📖. Out of 5 Characters 🗣️🗣️ Writing Style ✏️✏️✏️
mafia romance no cheating HEA forced proximity found family grumpy x sunshine kidnapping opposites attract touch her and die
I’d punch the main character if she was my friend ngl
The writing in this book is great and the plot was very interesting. But my god I don’t think I’ve hated a main character as much as I’ve disliked Bree/Bianca. Just the constant back and forth about what she knows is wrong, then meeting her friend WHO GOT SHOT FOR HER just to turn around and say “yeah he ruined your lives and permanently disabled you both physically and mentally but he’s gosh so sexy” girl I almost threw my kindle
This is a Dark Mafia Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Dark Enemies series. There are a lot of things in this book that could trigger a reader, and this book is only for adult readers (18+). My biggest problem with this book is that I did not feel a connection to any of the characters, and I do not think the characters were developed. I also do not think the two main characters had chemistry. There was action and a lot of steam, but I just needed more chemistry/romance between the two main characters and character connection.
Normally, I hate slow wind ups, but this story is so deliciously good. I think this book is paced perfectly and so well told. I love the detail this book gives. The emotion of this book is plausible. I love the love hate relationship Bianca has with Rio, and Dave, even Francine and the body guards. This book shows how fickle emotions can be which makes choices difficult. The dichotomies are intriguing and so well worth the investment of time to read this book. Can’t wait for book 2.