Eine Langsame Kapitulation

Reluctant Brides #2

by Measha Stone

Maggie Dudek ist vielleicht die Beste, die ich je beim Kartenspielen gesehen habe – selbst wenn sie fair spielt – aber wenn sie ein Spiel mit einem Mafiaboss als einem der Spieler manipuliert, bin ich der einzige Mann, der sie beschützen kann.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, BDSM, Dark, Friends To Lovers, Dark Romance, Smut

296 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Alisonbookreviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Mafia arranged romance trope. My Second book by this author.
A young mafia boss marries a woman to keep her out of trouble and protect her.
Dark romance with lots of steam 🔥🔥

[Kate V · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Reluctant Brides series and features Maggie and Lukas. We meet Maggie in book one when her cousin marries Lukas' brother. Lukas has taken over for Christian in Chicago and finds himself needing and wanting to protect Maggie when she gets herself involved in a high stakes poker game that was rigged. In order to protect Maggie, he has her marry him but she is resistant at first and Lukas refuses to take no as an answer.

I think this book was better than the first both with the storyline and the character's relationship. Maggie had a lot more grit and Lukas was a little softer. I believed in their connection and their journey. However, I found that the story did drag quite a few times. The steam in here was volcanic but the punishments were a bit much sometimes. Overall, an OK dark mafia romance.

[Sudasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely more interesting than the first book in this series, Maggie was a much better heroine than Amelia!

[Jen ♥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew there was a reason why I stopped reading this series. I'm not against spanking, but in this series it was always used to dole out punishment. When the fmc wouldn't listen to mmc, he'll spank her until she gets welts and until she tells him she'll listen to him from now on.

It was rage-inducing and for the life of me I couldn't understand why the fmcs forgive them so easily after they got that punishment. The spanking here was degrading and insulting, imo. Had it been done for sexual purposes I'll probably be fine with it.

But then of course, the punishment has to be portrayed that the fmc enjoyed it too by making her turn on after those harsh strokes. She's so turned on, that she didn't even think about her pain and immediately went to have her ways with the mmc.

I'm still seething from reading some scenes with him punishing her. Then another disobedience happened and she has to be punished again. It just never stops, then the mmc will make her come after hurting her. It was a freaking rinse and repeat.

I'll definitely stop at this book. I've had enough of built up anger and I'm not sure it'll go away quickly. I need to read a new book to help me get rid of this annoyance.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas and Maggie's story was compelling and addictive, I could not put this book down until the end!
This couple is kind of thrown together, because of circumstances and a wedding but they are explosive and passionate.
Maggie is getting herself into trouble, and she feels alone and desolate, just trying to survive. This felt so real to me, because she felt she had no where to turn.
Lukas is a dominant man, who has no problem righting wrongs, and putting people in their place.
A spectacular story with a wonderful couple!

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Reluctant Surrender' is Measha Stone's second book in her "Reluctant Brides" series and I have to admit to missing the first one. Imagine my surprise when I saw the second! Luckily, this is read as a stand-alone but I really want to go back and read the first one now, just because there were references made that I want the details to. Maggie's cousin is married to Lukas' brother who heads the Polish Mafia in New York. Lukas has taken over the Chicago end of things since their cousin was killed. If you've read the blurb then you know Maggie got herself into a pickle rigging a high-stakes poker game. Her reaction to the situation took things from bad to worse in a heartbeat. The entire situation becomes a convoluted mess when both our hero and heroine have strong personalities and neither wants to back down. Ms. Stone has given us a great storyline although there was a great deal of discipline which had me clenching my cheeks out of sympathy. I'm definitely backtracking to read the first book so I can have the beginning of this family saga and hoping the next book is about their sister Hanna. I'd absolutely recommend this book.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this author does not fail to please her reader.
Excellent writing, mesmerizing characters, a plot that intrigues are all masterfully swirled together to pull the reader into this intense & sizzling world of dominating Alphas & their women.
I loved how this one wonderfully removed me from reality & caused me to care about the anti-H & heroine, made me seriously hope they'd reach a HEA, together.
Moving, thrilling, steamy in the best of ways.
Couldn't put this one down. This is definitely going in my REREAD file!

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful Mafia Romance

This story has Polish and Italian Mafia and in this case the H is Polish and so is the h. It as number of 🔥 scenes that I enjoyed and I think you will too. There is some danger and there is a HEA and a bit of Cliffhanger as well. I really recommend it

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! What a fantastic book! It had a little bit of everything! Suspense, passion, Whit, and obsession!The bantering had me giggling! It was such a fun read!

[Michele Boice · Rating 5 out of 5]

truly quick pace and a great read..,

[MIMEEO · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Spoilers*

This book got me hook to my kindle right away.
We meet Maggie and Lukas right away, playing strip poker on a plane to Chicago and oh boy don’t we love a heroine who kicks ass.

Maggie is a poker hassler by night and a future accountant by day. Gets in a pickle and has Lukas saving the day.

The plot is nothing new, but the chemistry of this too is palpable between the lines and you just can’t get enough.

It’s a nice mafia romance with many breathtaking moments.

This book is for everyone looking for some new books that does want to enjoy a light and fun mafia romance. Totally recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is smart, good with numbers, and great at poker. And that's part of the problem. She's using her card skills to help make money, by helping others cheat, which becomes a problem when she works with the wrong guy. In comes Lukas, her cousin Amelia's brother in law, and a friend.

Lukas is part of the Polish mafia, and he has been keeping his eyes on Maggie, and when he finds out that she's in trouble, he takes matters into his hands, and, well, his belt.

I have to admit that I was kinda hoping that Maggie would kick Lukas in the rear sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I love a good alpha hero like Lukas, but occasionally I root for them to be taken just a smidgeon, because it's nice to see the hero and the heroine build back together from that point, if that makes sense.

I enjoyed the book, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Kaczmarek guys are an annoyingly forceful, hot bunch!
When they find the right woman nothing will stop them from persuading her (cough, cough!) to become theirs.
And Ms Stone is so good at going into minute detail describing how they do it ...!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sexy read fill with wonderful characters and storyline, unforgettable read

What a simply fantastic read by the always Inventive writer Measha Stone
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read. The main characters are something else and the actual setting for the story is quite different as it is usually a male oriented domain, but not on this occasion.

Maggie Dudek has got a simply amazing mind when it comes to numbers, she sees them and reads them almost in her sleep and she is also currently in the process of passing her accountant/book keeping examination a profession she loves.

However, she also has another passion and this one has gotten her into trouble with the wrong person and that is Sammy Bertonelli and he wants to see her demise whether by his own hand or by one of his men.

Lukas had been asked by his brother to keep a watchful eye on Maggie as he had married her cousin and she was extremely close to her and they knew that she could get into trouble at the drop of her hat, which she most certainly had.

Lukas had wanted to keep Maggie safe and, in all honesty, he was also attracted to her and so when he knew the only way that he was able to keep her safe from Bertonelli had agreed to marry her, he insisted on seeing the wedding certificate as proof.

As the story continues to open up and the relationship between the two main characters change it also becomes apparent to Lukas that even his men have taken his wife into the hearts and would do anything to keep her safe and this is something he is very proud of.

This is a wonderful read and a fine addition to the two previous books and I assure you that without the slightest doubt you will be extremely drawn into this story and will love every moment of this book.

I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

“Reluctant Surrender” is an example of what author Maesha Stone does best – contemporary mafia romance with strong characters and a few dashes of domestic discipline. It’s the second book in the ‘Reluctant Brides’ series and can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. If you’ve read the first book in the series, then you’ll recognized the lead characters in this story as brother of the groom and cousin of the bride in that book.

Lukas is the new man in charge of the Chicago branch of the Kaczmarek Family, responsible for the legal and illegal activities of the family in that important territory. He answers to no one but his older brother, Christian, who’s the head of the entire crime family. Lukas has enjoyed spending time with Maggie several times; she’s the best friend of Christian’s new wife. When Christian asks Lukas to lookout for Maggie as a favor to him and his bride, Lukas figures it won’t exactly be a hardship; she’s intelligent, beautiful and witty. He doesn’t realize she’s also a talented card shark and in desperate need of money.

I truly enjoyed both main characters in this book. Even in the roughest display of his dominant, alpha personality, Lukas always communicates clearly with Maggie and makes sure she knows he cares about her. At one point in the story Maggie displays some incredible naivete that puts her life in danger and seems very at odds with the portrayal of her as being smart. I can understand, however, that sometimes things like that are needed to move a story in the direction it needs to go. I thought this was an entertaining story with characters who deserved a happy conclusion. It seems the next book will be about Lukas and Christian’s sister, and will involve somebody connected to another series by this author. I’m already looking forward to it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Torn on this one. As Lukas is definitely the best one so far, but there’s a huge problem for me with it. The usual problem with this author. 😡😡😡

For the most part I really enjoyed this book. Yes there’s the over the top smacking of her b*ttom with his belt, but Lukas is so sweet at times to Maggie that it made up for it. Maggie is seriously annoying though. She does really stupid things and thinks she’s so clever, she puts herself in really bad danger but when Lukas helps her she fights him and says that she’s fine blah blah blah. Even when she realises how bad it is she still makes really stupid decisions that could get her killed. Stomping off in a huff like a child when she’s in serious danger is idiotic!

Lukas meets Maggie when his brother Christian gets married to her cousin and bff Amelia. He’s asked by Christian to look after Maggie but she’s horrid to him half the time. He tells her he’ll give her a lift home from a nightclub and she drives home drunk. Which really annoyed me. When Maggie thinks she’s being clever by conning people at card games it puts her life in danger and Christian has to protect her by marrying her.

I was just starting to relax and think Lukas was a good guy until he r*pes her a**lly as a punishment and it really hurts her. AAAARRGH!!!! I thought this author had stopped doing that as so many readers complained about it. He does at least use l*be but threatens that next time he won’t. 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡 When she says it’s hurting her the next day he seems almost pleased. 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

It is a far better book then the other two in the series but aside from him r*ping her, he doesn’t tell her he loves her till right at the end! There’s a massive mistake at the end of the book as well with Hanna.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
This is book is part of the Reluctant Brides series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Lukas sexy as all get out Kaczmarek, who usually gets what/who he wants, loves even harder, and protective of those he loves. Maggie intelligent, feisty, sassy, and a little head strong but loveable. She loves numbers, breath them, see them, remembers them and currently taking the accounting exam. Lukas and Maggie met previously his brother is married to her cousin and Maggie attracts trouble this time in the form of Sammy Bertonelli. Lukas has wanted Maggie from the beginning, he will do what needs to be done to keep her safe and that is in the form of marriage because that is the only way to keep Bertonelli away from her. The chemistry is insanely intense, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored but will she marry him without a fight (yeah right), will he keep her safe from the likes of Beronelli, what lengths will he go through to make sure she is protected, and can they find happiness?

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reluctant Surrender is the second book in the Reluctant Brides series. Maggie is playing a dangerous game, and when she finds herself in danger, Lukas is there to keep her safe, by any means necessary. Giving her his name should be the ultimate protection, but when someone is out to get Lukas’ territory, can he keep Maggie safe to face their love?

Wow, what a book! I loved that you could feel their connection through the pages, and they basically went from friends to so much more! There’s tugging, between her independence and his dominance, that adds a delectable layer to their relationship. Plus, add in their passion, the ways that tames her, and the drama and danger that blossoms around them, I just didn’t want to put this book down! Maggie is trying so hard to prove her worth and her strength and taking help is not easy for her. I loved that she played to her strengths, though, and I liked that she stood up for herself! Lukas is trying to show his brother that he can succeed, but business is not his passion. He’s dominant, possessive, and protective of Maggie, but I like that he cares about the people who works for him and his territory, too. Their passion was smoking hot and rough, their connection just couldn’t be denied, and I ultimately loved them together. It wasn’t easy, but they fought for each other. The danger and some of the drama came from lots of different directions, and ultimately, I really enjoyed this book!

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the author's Chicago Polish Mafia series; though the characters begin their relationship here, they first met in Unwilling Pawn. For reasons we don't immediately understand, rich girl Maggie turns card shark; when she gets into trouble with the wrong man, can Lukas save her?

This author is often too harsh for me, but occasionally she's not; thankfully, that's the case here. Unlike the "hero" of the last book, Lukas really does care about Maggie's happiness -- doing everything he can to show her how much she means to him. I also liked Maggie: though she did some foolish things, she was intelligent, mature, brave, and likeable. I particularly warmed to the vulnerability hidden just below her confident surface and appreciated that Lukas saw it, too.

As always with Ms. Stone's books, the plot is negligible, unsurprising, and incoherent (Johnny and Sammy's actions at the end were so suicidal you have to question their sanity). In addition, the grammar is awful. But the couple is very likeable; their connection believable (it helps that this wasn't insta-love); and the dialogue flowed.

4 stars. I believe Christian and Lukas' sister will get the next book.

[Donna Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this dark contemporary romance by Measha Stone. There was a constant build-up and plot twist throughout. Such an effortless read that bleeds raw passion from the first page.

Where love is concerned, the degree of vulnerability varries greatly. I felt this couple were dancing on that sharp edge with their turbulent relationship. Lukas is now my favorite bad guy. So dark. So dominating, and always in control, that was until Maggie interrupted his life. Right or wrong, she now came first. Lukas came to realise that Maggie meant more to him than the family organization. His protective instincts to nurture Maggie began to take over his need to punish her.

Maggie was playing a dangerous game until she was caught. She was feisty,impulsive,and determined to improve her life until it backfired in a big way. Her life was now in danger until Lukas came to the rescue. She was now a permanent fixture in the life of the head of the Chicago branch of the Laczmarek family. Lukas claimed her body and demanded her submission, but on how she fought him, often putting herself in danger. Maggie was an interesting character. Someone who does not like to be told what to do but thrived on it.

Maggie constantly tested her boundaries with Lukas, which led to painful consequences.She seemed to be a slow learner, but Lukas was up to the task with his hard hand. Expect violence, danger, angst, and sizzling chemistry. All that makes this a must read.

[Madina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid step up from the last book 3.5 Stars!

Maggie has so much more personality than Amelia did. She’s much more in control of her choices and that makes the scenes so much more enjoyable. Amelia was frankly….a bit of a doormat dummy who would sulk and pout after having really weird s*x lol but then we were expected to believe she enjoyed it…Lord; it was weird.

Maggie on the other hand is different. Her and Lukas actually have a relationship that not only builds but transforms. Not a whole lot, but definitely more than the couple from the last book. This alone makes the 🌶️ scenes between them, much more tolerable. Lukas is also a much better character to read than Christian. As a romantic hero, he actually has some emotion in him- especially in regards to Maggie - that makes him likeable.

What I didn’t like was how copy and paste the smutty scenes were between the two books. Like seriously…the butt love stuff…the first times for both Maggie and Amelia being out of anger and brutal? Come on now….it’s almost like the brothers read the same manual for pleasure 😂

All that aside….for sure a 3.5 stars!

[Zelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a three book series and can be read as a stand-alone. Maggie is returning from her cousin Amelia’s wedding to Christian Kaczmarek, head of the Kaczmarek crime family. She’s travelling with Christian’s brother, Lukas, who runs the Chicago territory, following his cousin Piotr’s death. Maggie’s in a bit of financial strife through no fault of her own and Lukas decides he is going to help her, whether she wants it or not. Maggie is pretty headstrong & puts herself in some very real danger—and is punished as a result! Yes, Lukas is a strong believer in being obeyed and there’s a price to pay for disobedience. I really like these Polish Mafia stories—Christian has a lot to sort, and must prove himself in light of Piotr’s death. I got a bit frustrated with Maggie’s behaviour; she was a bit of a slow learner (or maybe she just liked to rile up the head of the household!). Either way, the story was entertaining, and I look forward to the third book.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the three book Reluctant Bride series and can be read as a stand-alone. Maggie is returning home from her cousin’s wedding. She’s travelling with the groom’s brother, Lukas, who runs the Chicago territory of the Kaczmarek crime family. Maggie has found herself in a bit of a pickle when she hustles the wrong high-stakes poker game. Lukas comes to her protection and does what is necessary to ensure she is protected. Just how far does he have to go to make sure she is safe from the criminal she crossed?

Overall, I did enjoy this forced marriage themed book. A few things bugged me though…with all the possible names, why do authors use similar names. Sammy and Stanley, Kaczmarek and Kowalski, Alex and Andrezj. Yes, I know they aren’t as similar as they could be, but when you are trying to follow complicated story lines names with the first letter get easily confused in my mind. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I’m anxious to see what comes next in this series!

#MSBB

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Dudek flew back from her cousin's wedding to Christian Kaczmarek in New York City the their respective homes in Chicago. Lukas Kaczmarek had promised his older brother, head of the Kaczmarek Crime Family, that he would look out for Maggie, while he took over Chicago from the dregs that their deceased cousin left of the businesses...Maggie was trying to get her CPA, so was working at a small firm for practical experience before her test...except her father cut off her allowance after re-marrying, she couldn't afford her lakefront condo...so she hustled poker games and lived in a dive apartment building...which got her in trouble when she came under the sights of the Italian Mafia in an illegal poker game...where her poker partner died and she ran...so of course Lukas has to fix this problem, but Maggie doesn't like the solution to keep the Italians at bay...but will she comply??? I voluntarily read this steamy romp through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reluctant Surrender is book two of the Reluctant Brides series and is Lukas and Maggie's story. If you read book one then you know Christian and Amelia. Christian is Luka's brother and Amelia is Maggie's cousin. Lukas and Maggie know each other because of family but their relationship takes an intense and steamy turn when Maggie ends up in trouble after rigging a high-stakes poker game. Lukas comes to the rescue and that’s when he decides it's time to discipline her for her own protection. This is a hot and intense story packed with unexpected twists, danger, passion, and so much more. There are triggers so if you trigger easily this book might not be for you but if you are ok with discipline, spankings, and rough stuff then this book is for you. This is one of those books that held my attention from beginning to end and I didn't put it down until the last page. I look forward to reading the next book by this author. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Patricia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reluctant Surrender : A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance

The only reason it was arranged marriage was Maggie got in trouble hustling poker games with men, helping them make money off other players. Maggie and Lukas knew each other when Lukas had dealings with her father. Lukas became the head of a crime family in Chicago. His brother was the head of his own in New York. He married Maggie's cousin. When Maggie got in trouble the family of the Italian's came after her so Lukas protected her from the Italians. He married Maggie so no one could hurt her, but that didn't work because the Italian guy named Sammy came after her to kill her because she shamed him in his crime family. Very exciting story with a lot of sexual experiences between Lukas and Maggie being married. He made sure no one abused his wife. A twisted tale of love and war with ownership. Interesting story!

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Lucas flew back to Chicago on his private jet after attending a family wedding in New York. As Lukas gets to know Maggie, he discovers her special skills as a card shark. He is not at all happy with the danger she allows herself to face.

One unfortunate card game later, which included a gun and a murder, puts Maggie in an extremely dangerous position with an influential Mafia family. Lukas, being a strong Alpha crime boss himself, has no problem intervening. He seriously delivers a stern and wicked punishment. Maggie accepts the punishment, but refuses to agree to the idea of a protective marriage.

Oh My Gosh! This is an excellent story filled with excitement, mafia adventure, a feisty independent female and an undeterred alpha male. I seriously recommend this alluring and exciting story, which drew me in and never let go!

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reluctant Surender - the second book in the Reluctant Brides Series - is the extremely well written, captivating and passionate story of Lukas and Maggie.
I absolutely loved reading this; the plot is meaty and very well executed, unfolding naturally with its twists and turns full of action and suspense to keep the pages turning and unfolding romance with hot and sexy chemistry that keeps the reader enthralled. The characters are also spot on; they are solid, very well built and both Maggie with her backbone and intriguing twist to her character and Lukas with his complexity of compassion and darkness are easy to fall in love with.
This book was enjoyable and entertaining to read and extremely hard to put down. I very much recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verified ARC Reader
Lucas was just the man Maggie needed!
by sewsummore

Maggie and Lukas met when his brother married her cousin. Lucas had promised to watch over her now that she was alone in the city. Maggie had a talent for getting into trouble and the more times he came to her rescue her, the closer they became. When she is caught cheating in an underground poker game, it was time to teach her a lesson she would never forget. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was fast paced and had characters I enjoyed. Maggie was a feisty young woman who had been spoiled as a child and had no idea of the trouble she had found herself in. I loved Lukas's character, he was stern, commanding and forceful, just the man that Maggie needed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the in the Reluctant Brides Series. It can be read as a standalone though but I highly recommend the first book. This is the Tory of Maggie and Lukas. Maggie's cousin married Lucas's brother who is rhe head od rhe polish mafia in New York. Lukas has taken over the Chicago side since his cousin was killed But as a favor to the broke and groom Lukas is asked to look over Maggie and he is happy to do it. He has been around her several times and really enjoyed her company. But Maggie gets herself in a mess at a poker game and her reaction set things off. Neither of these characters are going to back down and the heat is on from.tbat point forward I don't wanna say that much about the story and ruin something I loved this book and rhe characters. They had a really great story to tell.