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Ruler Of Defiance
They say revenge is a dish best-served cold. This vendetta will be ice once I get my hands on the one man my family has been fighting with for four years.
A man who nearly took my girl away on our wedding day.
Alessandra was always going to play a part in my story. When she became a chip in a gambling scheme left open, vulnerable, and in need of protection, I jumped into action.
I’ll be her everything even if she hates me with a passion. I’ll make her see how much we belong together even in the midst of darkness.
She wasn’t mine to have but I made her mine to hold.
(This is the final book in the series and is recommended to read in order 18+ content and triggers)
A man who nearly took my girl away on our wedding day.
Alessandra was always going to play a part in my story. When she became a chip in a gambling scheme left open, vulnerable, and in need of protection, I jumped into action.
I’ll be her everything even if she hates me with a passion. I’ll make her see how much we belong together even in the midst of darkness.
She wasn’t mine to have but I made her mine to hold.
(This is the final book in the series and is recommended to read in order 18+ content and triggers)
ebook
Published August 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 23, 2023
“Ruler of Defiance” was the final book in Traci Sek’s Blood Runs Deep series, and I thought that Sek wrapped up the series quite nicely! This book features Giovanni and Alessandra and explains how they ended up in an arranged marriage. I loved watching Gio and Lessi’s relationship develop over the course of the novel; they had amazing chemistry even when Lessi thought Gio hated her. Gio was super swoony; it was incredibly obvious that he loved Lessi, and I loved how protective he was of her. Lessi was a fun character to read about as well because she was confident, sassy, and independent, and she didn’t let anyone walk all over her. All in all, I’m satisfied with this ending!
August 15, 2023
Ruler of Defiance is the final book in the Blood Runs Deep Series.
I did not want this book to end. I just love Gio & Lessi.
For years Gio was mean to Lessi and she thought he hated her.
But when their marriage is arranged by their fathers, they become closer and the truth comes out.
Gio is a big tough Alpha, who is not good at sharing his feelings but his soft side comes out with Lessi.
Lessi is one strong, independent young woman, whos family & friends mean everything to her.
I loved the banter between these two. And the rest of the group.
I would highly recommend reading the series in order.
Another great read from Traci Sek
I did not want this book to end. I just love Gio & Lessi.
For years Gio was mean to Lessi and she thought he hated her.
But when their marriage is arranged by their fathers, they become closer and the truth comes out.
Gio is a big tough Alpha, who is not good at sharing his feelings but his soft side comes out with Lessi.
Lessi is one strong, independent young woman, whos family & friends mean everything to her.
I loved the banter between these two. And the rest of the group.
I would highly recommend reading the series in order.
Another great read from Traci Sek
August 16, 2023
I was super happy to get the 3rd book of this series! I gotta say I was not ready for Gio.
I loved the little bits you get of him and Lessi but it always left me wanting to know more about each of them and their relationship.
I will suggest you read the first two books as this one goes over stuff that happens in the other books. It might get confusing if you don’t know what fully happened. As you only get Gio and Lessie’s sides of the events.
I always felt for Lessi, growing up in the family she had. But I always thought she was a lot stronger than she even knew she was. So I was happy to see that side of her more.
Gio took me by surprise. I knew he was a teddy bear deep down, I just didn’t know how much. But you only see that side when it comes to anything dealing with Lessi.
I am sad to see this series come to an end but I love that it was Gio ending it. I obviously wanted more of them but happy with what we got! I will say I felt like the other two books had more action in them than this one. Though I know this story was different than the others as the MC’s both come from this world, as the others had outsiders. So they had more stuff happen to them.
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4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
7/10 recommendation‼️
I loved the little bits you get of him and Lessi but it always left me wanting to know more about each of them and their relationship.
I will suggest you read the first two books as this one goes over stuff that happens in the other books. It might get confusing if you don’t know what fully happened. As you only get Gio and Lessie’s sides of the events.
I always felt for Lessi, growing up in the family she had. But I always thought she was a lot stronger than she even knew she was. So I was happy to see that side of her more.
Gio took me by surprise. I knew he was a teddy bear deep down, I just didn’t know how much. But you only see that side when it comes to anything dealing with Lessi.
I am sad to see this series come to an end but I love that it was Gio ending it. I obviously wanted more of them but happy with what we got! I will say I felt like the other two books had more action in them than this one. Though I know this story was different than the others as the MC’s both come from this world, as the others had outsiders. So they had more stuff happen to them.
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.
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4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
7/10 recommendation‼️
September 4, 2023
I love this entire series!! This one had a lot happen. First off Gio was in the house when his father was having a meeting with a man. He ended up being in debt so he told Gio’s dad that he would marry off his daughter. That’s when Gio barged in and said he would marry her. Gio liked her a lot but since she was Marco’s sister( his best friend) he had to play it off like he didn’t so Alessandra thought he hated her so she hated him. They ended up getting to know each other and he told her that he never hated her and he told her why he acted the way he did. There was a lot of fighting and we learned a lot more about the characters from the first 2 books. I am not sure if this is over but I love how the book ended if it is over. Great read. Highly recommend the series.
August 17, 2023
This book was for sure my favorite!!
I loved Gio and Lessie’s story.
Gio has always loved Lessi but kept his distance because Marco (Lessi’s brother) told him she was basically off limits so Gio ends up being super mean to her and calling her names etc. But when Lessi and Marco’s dad gets in way over his head they only thing he has left to offer is his daughter so Gio over hears the conversation and volunteers to marry her.
There is so much that happens and they all go through so much. Especially Matteo, good lord my heart broke for him. But everything works out and it ends up being the best ending!!!
I do wish Gio and Lessi’s future had another book because I loved their story so much!! I might have to go back and read it again🖤🖤🖤🖤
I loved Gio and Lessie’s story.
Gio has always loved Lessi but kept his distance because Marco (Lessi’s brother) told him she was basically off limits so Gio ends up being super mean to her and calling her names etc. But when Lessi and Marco’s dad gets in way over his head they only thing he has left to offer is his daughter so Gio over hears the conversation and volunteers to marry her.
There is so much that happens and they all go through so much. Especially Matteo, good lord my heart broke for him. But everything works out and it ends up being the best ending!!!
I do wish Gio and Lessi’s future had another book because I loved their story so much!! I might have to go back and read it again🖤🖤🖤🖤
August 21, 2023
This is the third and final book in the Blood Runs Deep series. After reading the previous two books, this book in all honesty is a fitting conclusion.
Even though this time around the focus is on Giovanni and Alessandra, the other couples are mentioned as they still play a part in the story being told.
Giovanni and Alessandra's romance might have not had the greatest of starts and even though they still go through some misunderstandings/miscommunication issues, their love proves to be true.
Even though this series is over, I can't wait to see what Traci Sek writes in the future.
Even though this time around the focus is on Giovanni and Alessandra, the other couples are mentioned as they still play a part in the story being told.
Giovanni and Alessandra's romance might have not had the greatest of starts and even though they still go through some misunderstandings/miscommunication issues, their love proves to be true.
Even though this series is over, I can't wait to see what Traci Sek writes in the future.
August 23, 2023
I’ve beta read all three and knew that Gio would be my favorite. I have a thing for the sullen, quiet, broody types m’Kay?! Despite the odds, Gio and Lessie make an arranged marriage work! Not as heavy as the first two in terms of mafia stuff, this book followed Gio and Lessie down the aisle and how they plan on making this arrangement work or not work. Can’t be too easy can it?!
If you’re looking for novella length series, read this one starting with the first book otherwise you’ll be confused on what’s happening as they are not standalones.
If you’re looking for novella length series, read this one starting with the first book otherwise you’ll be confused on what’s happening as they are not standalones.
August 24, 2023
Ruler of Defiance by Traci Sek is book 3 in The Blood Runs Deep series. This is a mafia story, with multi POVs, fantastic spice, and a HEA. This book is part of a series and has parts and characters in it from the previous books. You will have a better reading experience if you read them in order.
This book centers on Gio and Alessandra “Lessi”. I have been waiting anxiously for their story and it did not disappoint. It also filled in some questions I had from the previous books.
I enjoyed the story and highly recommend it. Please refer to trigger warnings at the front of the book.
This book centers on Gio and Alessandra “Lessi”. I have been waiting anxiously for their story and it did not disappoint. It also filled in some questions I had from the previous books.
I enjoyed the story and highly recommend it. Please refer to trigger warnings at the front of the book.
August 21, 2023
4.5 Stars Gio volunteers to enter a contract of marriage with Lessi to protect her so he says after her father gets himself in trouble. Trouble is Lessi is not just his best friends sister but also she hates him because of the way he has treated her. I loved how their relationship shifted and how Marco and Matteo also found their loves. There is betrayal, revenge, bonds formed and secrets. Good series and Gio and Lessi got their HEA
August 29, 2023
Finally!! Gio and Lessi have been in the background of the two previous books and it's finally their time to shine. It's interesting to see their perspective on everything to do with Marco and Harper and Matteo and Emma as well as the business/family. That's not to say this is a light book...it has some heavy themes including infertility. Definitely recommend the trilogy but this one is my favourite.
August 20, 2023
I was drawn in from the very first sentence! I was waiting for an appointment when I started this book and I did not want to put it down. I went home and devoured the book. Gio is perfection. He’s protective and passionate. Lessi is bold and strong. Throw these two together and sparks ignite. 5 stars!
August 27, 2023
Arc reader.
This Is the third book in the series so again check your triggers.
This Gio and Alessandra story.
It recap some of the other two stories since it show what all happen during those time with their story.it spicy and looks of actions and like the first two couldn't put it down. Kind hope their another one.
This Is the third book in the series so again check your triggers.
This Gio and Alessandra story.
It recap some of the other two stories since it show what all happen during those time with their story.it spicy and looks of actions and like the first two couldn't put it down. Kind hope their another one.
August 25, 2023
Thank you for letting me read this book and whole series as an arc. This book was probably me favorite out of the three. I really enjoyed the main characters of this story and the story line that traci gave them. I e been following traci for quite awhile now and this is probably her best writhing yet.
August 24, 2023
Weddings and war
I've been so excited to read Gio and Lessie's story. They live in a dark world that they both grew up in. That doesn't make war any easier to deal with when it almost strips everything away from them. There was love, spice, protection, battles, blood, and a HEA.
I've been so excited to read Gio and Lessie's story. They live in a dark world that they both grew up in. That doesn't make war any easier to deal with when it almost strips everything away from them. There was love, spice, protection, battles, blood, and a HEA.
August 24, 2023
This was the sweetest story of all three. It has lots of angst and defiance for sure. But the way Gio and Lessi are with each other is so cute. It was very easy to read. It also has banter, fun and spice. I loved the series. Thanks for the review copy.
May 14, 2024
This is the third and final book in the Blood Runs Deep series.
I loved getting to know Gio and Lessi. The other two books definitely made me feel like I was in the story with them whereas this one I felt a little disconnected.
I suggest reading the first two books because this one pretty much happens at the same time the others do and if you haven't read the other two, you won't really understand what's happening and might get confused.
Overall, this was a nice wrap-up of the entire series and although I wish there was more, it's definitely a good read.
I loved getting to know Gio and Lessi. The other two books definitely made me feel like I was in the story with them whereas this one I felt a little disconnected.
I suggest reading the first two books because this one pretty much happens at the same time the others do and if you haven't read the other two, you won't really understand what's happening and might get confused.
Overall, this was a nice wrap-up of the entire series and although I wish there was more, it's definitely a good read.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2023
I've been waiting for Gio and Lessi's story since Master of Malice. Seeing thier chemistry, despite them 'hating' each other, made me know I'd be up for a good read.
And I was.
Arranged to marry Gio because of her father's debt, Lessi was horrified that it was to the man she loathed more than anything, and she knew that with Gio, the feeling was mutual. When an incident pushes them into a forced proximity situation, things got interesting. Words were thrown, sparks went off, and the undeniable chemistry between them became too much to ignore. That short spicy concert scene still lives rent-free in my head!🔥
I love how they evolved through the story: Lessi from a submissive/quiet type to a sassy woman, Gio from a cold, broody guy to a teddy bear (that sweet letter he wrote to Lessi 🫠).
And that heartwarming HEA😊.
Overall, it was such an entertaining story!
Ruler of Defiance is a steamy, mafia romance, the final book of the Blood Runs Deep series. A recommended read!
And I was.
Arranged to marry Gio because of her father's debt, Lessi was horrified that it was to the man she loathed more than anything, and she knew that with Gio, the feeling was mutual. When an incident pushes them into a forced proximity situation, things got interesting. Words were thrown, sparks went off, and the undeniable chemistry between them became too much to ignore. That short spicy concert scene still lives rent-free in my head!🔥
I love how they evolved through the story: Lessi from a submissive/quiet type to a sassy woman, Gio from a cold, broody guy to a teddy bear (that sweet letter he wrote to Lessi 🫠).
And that heartwarming HEA😊.
Overall, it was such an entertaining story!
Ruler of Defiance is a steamy, mafia romance, the final book of the Blood Runs Deep series. A recommended read!
September 5, 2023
Ms. Sek gives us a gripping, dark, arranged marriage and it is the final book in her Blood Runs Deep series. We finally get the story behind Gio and Lessi's relationship. We were given little hints in the first two books and I have always been interested in Gio and his character. Gio comes across as a cold and ruthless person but a lot of what he does and how he acts has to do with what his job is and the family that he was born into. In walks Lessi's father and next thing you know Gio is volunteering to marry Lessi. Why? That is where you need to read this story. I will tell you that he has been attracted to her for years. With danger lurking around every corner, Gio and Lessi are always on edge. The chemistry that is there between them is hot and impossible to ignore. Over time Gio turns into this swoon-worthy man that Lessi truly falls for. Lessi showed her strong and feisty side and would not let Gio boss her around.
A great conclusion to this series.
A great conclusion to this series.
August 15, 2023
Alessandra as always hate Gio for all the mean things he as said to her and now hates him, so when she finds out she is meant to may him she does not want to and will do anything to make him see that she does not like him,
Gio is best friends with Alessandra brother so he does anything to make Alessandra hate him, even if she is all he wants and more, but when she because a chip in a gambling scheme he will do every to protect her even if it means marrying her.
I love this book as this couple is so cute together even when they hate each other and I love how Gio will do anything for her even when she hates him. Will they found love in the end.
I love the chemistry between them.
Am sad to see this series end as I have loved this series and all the couples.
Gio is best friends with Alessandra brother so he does anything to make Alessandra hate him, even if she is all he wants and more, but when she because a chip in a gambling scheme he will do every to protect her even if it means marrying her.
I love this book as this couple is so cute together even when they hate each other and I love how Gio will do anything for her even when she hates him. Will they found love in the end.
I love the chemistry between them.
Am sad to see this series end as I have loved this series and all the couples.
August 17, 2023
Wow fast paced and action packed! What a conclusion to an amazing trilogy!
This was about Alessandra who was promised in an arranged marriage to Mafia son, Giovanni.
I absolutely have loved reading these three books and was so satisfied with the ending.
Both very strong characters, and while yes having their issues, they were supportive of their friends and each other.
I enjoyed the fiestiness of Lessi and the ability to live from Giovanni.
Full of danger, drama, suspense and intensity plus a wonderful romance that slowly unfolds. This really was a fanatic ending to the series and I will certainly be looking out for more from this author.
Well done, very well done!!
This was about Alessandra who was promised in an arranged marriage to Mafia son, Giovanni.
I absolutely have loved reading these three books and was so satisfied with the ending.
Both very strong characters, and while yes having their issues, they were supportive of their friends and each other.
I enjoyed the fiestiness of Lessi and the ability to live from Giovanni.
Full of danger, drama, suspense and intensity plus a wonderful romance that slowly unfolds. This really was a fanatic ending to the series and I will certainly be looking out for more from this author.
Well done, very well done!!
August 17, 2023
Alessandra and Gio, oil and water, love vs hate, would best describe what they are. They had known each other since school and Gio does everything in his power to make her life miserable. When her father signs a deal to arrange for her to marry Gio, their lives will forever be changed. Gio has always been in love with Alessandra but he made a promise to her brother Marco to not go near her...There is drama, suspense, nail biting encounters, intense attraction between Alessandra and Gio that may be the end or the beginning of them. I am sorry to see this series end.
September 4, 2023
Thank you Traci for letting me Arc read this amazing book. The chemistry between Gio and Alessandra was so good. Omg the spice was so well written. This had me hook to read on page one I was in my emotions I had to know more. I love how Traci tie the other characters stories into this book. I also liked how at one point they were fighting their emotions for each other but couldn't stay away. Over al this is a must read book.
September 6, 2023
If you have any triggers, check the list before you start reading this.
Otherwise this was a awesome book. The love hate relationship between Lessie and Gio. Also between GIo and her brother was great. The way the author portrayed the breaking down and building back up of the relationship between Gio, Marco and Matteo. and making you feel that blood really does run deep. It was steamy but not super spicy.
This was a new author for me, but I will come back.
Otherwise this was a awesome book. The love hate relationship between Lessie and Gio. Also between GIo and her brother was great. The way the author portrayed the breaking down and building back up of the relationship between Gio, Marco and Matteo. and making you feel that blood really does run deep. It was steamy but not super spicy.
This was a new author for me, but I will come back.
October 6, 2023
Ruler of Defiance by Traci Sec
Unexpectedly a great read! My first for this author and didn’t know if I would like it but I’m please as can be! Loved the plot and the characters and the chemistry that poured from the pages.
Unexpectedly a great read! My first for this author and didn’t know if I would like it but I’m please as can be! Loved the plot and the characters and the chemistry that poured from the pages.
Read
August 19, 2023This is the FINALE of The Blood Runs Deep series and is highly recommended to read in order!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews