Brutal Capo

Syndicate Rules #4

by Lucy Monroe

Another steamy mafia romance set in the New York Cosa Nostra by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe.

BIANCA

I'm hiding in plain sight from the mafia. But when the don finds out who I am, he demands I marry the capo who broke my heart.

SALVATORE

She betrayed me. Or so I think until that fateful day when my don gives me a choice. Make it right and marry her. Or death.

This is a stand alone mafia romance with a guaranteed HEA. No cliffhangers. No explicit intimacy, graphic violence, foul language, reference to SA and parental abandonment in the past and related anxiety.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Forced Proximity

519 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2024

About the author

I write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.

Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...

I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars

This was fine and I enjoyed it. I thought the waiting for her injury to heal was a little drawn out. But I loved the OTT possessiveness, etc. kind of mafia-lite in many ways, but it satisfies my mafia urge.

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought Brutal ‘Jerk’ Capo Salvatore De Luca will ever redeem himself in this book.

He was such a Callous, selfish hero in the beginning who only cared about the mafia. But when Bianca stumbled in to his life, all his carefully constructed bricks started falling down. He kinda deserved it.
His character development was amazing!

I loved Bianca. She was such a unique heroine who was brash, confident but kinda a softie with vulnerable core. I loved how much headache she gave Salvatore. She never stopped defying him and for a man as arrogant as Salvatore needed that. Their journey was not smooth but Sal’s obsession with her steadily increased, much to my delight. He would say one thing and then do a complete opposite thing for her.
I enjoyed all the family dynamics. Severu and Catalina was a wonderful addition to the story.
Nerissa was another character that surprised me. God, when the angst and drama hit, I couldn’t put the book down.

Overall a very enjoyable book.

TW, Safe, KU and recommended.

[Aou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger: Rape of heroine 6 years ago but not detailed on page!

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

For readers who are new to Lucy Monroe’s fabulous Mafia romance stories, namely her “Syndicate Rules Series,” I strongly urge they begin with ‘Convenient Mafia Wife’ which is the first book. Each book is a singular, stand-alone, story with no cliff hangers. But readers will surely cheat themselves without first learning who all of the characters are in the order they are presented.

In this book, I love how despite being abused, kicked out of her mafia and personal families and assaulted, Bianca Gemelli aka Russo is still so feisty and independent. Although she is aware of the dangers that surround her, she is incredibly strong and willing to put up an unafraid front when necessary and show defiance to perceived threats. I also loved her loyal subtlety when she questioned Salvatore's mother and housekeeper about actions that undermined him. Bianca has honor and she is a force that anyone can admire.

Capo Salvatore de Luca could cause heart palpitations in any person of the opposite sex regardless of age because he is the epitome of masculinity. He is hard, tough, yet loving, loyal and he can be gentle and protective. He can also cause the same heart palpitations for different reasons in his enemies if they displease him. From the start, he is instantly drawn to Bianca but it will take determination to gain her trust and build rapport with her. Kidnapping her may not be the best way to get on.

What a super book! It was impossible to put down, from first page to last. This book has it all, great story, super characters, love, thrills, hot as heck sex, spills, danger and the safe harbor all women want in their partners. Honestly, now that I finished it, I am going to start over and read it again, more slowly this time. It’s just that good. Lucy Monroe - what a fabulous story teller.

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been really looking forward to this book, but it turned out to be a bit disappointing. It was about 40% too long and should have been much more tightly edited. The middle was really saggy, with Bianca's irrational insistence on leaving, despite her injuries and no place to go, and Salvatore's refusal to let her, which went on and on for 200 pages. Their repetitive inner monologues didn't help, either. The book did pick up pace in the last 150 pages or so, once Bianca's secrets finally started to come to light. The couple did have good chemistry from the moment they met, and I also enjoyed seeing Severu, Catalina, and Miceli from Books 1 and 2 again. Still, this novel ended up being my least favorite overall in a series I otherwise love. 😕

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you come across one of those stories that you never understood would be so impactful to a series, but I have to tell you that this one seems to have been a real game changer for the whole series. Bianca and Salvatore’s story was wrapped up in so many changes for the syndicates that the whole crime world might soon be changes for these boys and their love might have prevented disaster in a few ways. Bianca is one of those women that is a pure survivor, living her life and finding a way to thrive despite everything that is thrown at her, and finding love in the most unexpected of places and men. Salvatore was raised in the harshest of ways, knowing he would grow to be a fierce Capo, ruling beside his cousin, and he has to learn many lessons in life, but when he finally finds Bianca he learns that sometimes maintaining humanity and giving love can keep you can crossing the line over into becoming truly dark. The passion between these two is palpable from the very first moment and there is no way they were not going to end up together, but the love that develops was surprisingly sweet and reminds us that even the hardest of hearts can meet their match. I am dying for the next book and hope there are more to come after that as well. Lucy has struck a nerve for me with this series and she manages to keep is exciting, enlightening, and passionate, but be warned mafia romances are always going to have a dark edged, so don’t dive in if you can’t handle a Brutal Capo or two.

[cara]

Okay so the book starts with H killing the woman “he loved” and I am already not invested. I was hoping the h would be the only love of his life 🥲

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Syndicate Rules series each can be read as a standalone with an overprotective sexy and the one who captures his undivided attention. so make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Bianca is a sweetheart with a back bone of steel when it comes to her belief decided to walk away from her mafia family disowned by them to be herself, stick to the morals she set for herself work as a dancer until her boss a nasty something decided he wanted more than to watch her dance so she quit finding another job a cocktail waitress in an upscale place and thinking it would be smooth sailing until the owner mistake her of being a prostitute. Salvatore sexy as all get out capo with the Cosa Nostra, owner makes is hard to like him in the beginning he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, the moment he lays eyes on the cutie he makes on mistake but she isn’t afraid to put him in his place and not to nicely which grabs his undivided attention in the best/worst way possible. Now that his kitten with claws has captured his attention he isn’t walking away so he follows her home one night but when she is attacked by some thugs he notices she isn’t a push over and of course he steps in to help her but does it start something because the attraction is intense can’t be ignored but where are they headed ,will he be upset when he learns the truth of her background, will her family come calling, why was she attacked, and where are these two headed hopefully something more than mistaken identity?

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, you will fall in love with Bianca and Salvatore!
I fell in love with Bianca from the start as the strong female protagonist for making it on her own after leaving her mafia family. Then sticking to her principles despite the pressure put on her by her sleazy boss to do more than dance by finding a new job as a cocktail waitress. It is easy to hate Salvatore in the beginning with his views on his female staff, but Bianca becomes something more to him pretty quickly. Salvatore’s past has shaped his future, but Bianca’s near tragedy starts to chip away at the wall around his heart. When Bianca’s past is revealed to Salvatore, you want to “Gibb-slap” him for his reaction. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page as no good place to stop

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca and Salvatore, dont have the best of starts, with a mistaken job identity but she put him in his place and he becomes hooked on her! well written a steamy slow burn with well developed characters banter steamy scenes and more.

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

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

what annoyed me was, because of the prologue, i knew exactly how the conflict is going to play out. i think it would've been better if that was omitted and we find that out when heroine finds it out.

[Jeen Patch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I didn't connect at the beginning with bianca.
The healing of her injury took like half of the book and the story itself didn't have anything remarkable.

[Tina Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I was excited the De Luca family was back in this book. They are my favorite. Second, I’ve reread Urgent Vows multiple times because I loved it so much. Brutal Capo may have replaced Urgent Vows for me. It is so good. I was glad to see the characters from Urgent Vows in this book. This book talks about past trauma for both Bianca and Salvatore. I like how it was written. Bianca is a strong character and stood by her morals. This made Salvatore want her more. They have to learn to trust each other given their past traumas. In the end they become a strong couple even though they go through some pain to get there. Bianca finds a new family and learns she is not forgettable. I can’t say it enough this book was so good. After I finished it, I went back and reread it!.

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

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always enjoyed Lucy Monroe’s books when she wrote for Mills and Boon and I decided to try this Mafia series and see if I liked it.

Sadly, I now realise that Mafia romance is not for me. I’ve tried but simply do not understand why anyone would think a story about the Mafia would be in any way romantic. For me, it’s bizarre to have a hero who can kill or torture without the slightest shred of remorse. This book starts with the ‘hero’ (aged 20) shooting his girlfriend as a punishment for betraying him. This, I imagine is to show he is a loyal mafioso.

Fast forward to present day and Salvatore meets Bianca and they then embark on what seems an endless argument. I gave up at page 151 as I was so bored with the constant arguing and the total lack of a plot.

I imagine Bianca Is meant to be feisty and independent. I found her ridiculous and boring. As if someone would continually challenge and insult a mafia capo in the way she does continually. After round 4099 of this endless and repetitive nonsense, I gave up. And we hadn’t even got to any sex yet!

This was slow, boring, long and predictable.

LM can write - but frankly I think this is such a waste of her talents. I know there is a market for Mafia romance but I really don’t understand why. Each to their own I guess. This is simply not for me. I like my romances to be about people I might
actually like and care about, not weird and unpleasant ones that don’t engage me at all.

For those who like this kind of thing, I’m sure they’ll enjoy LM’s Mafia books.

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and the perfect amount of smut. I enjoyed the chemistry between the MCs, and I loved seeing the couples from the previous books. I would have scored this book higher if the H wasn't such an asshole. At least he redeemed himself. I really look forward to the next book in the series.

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

[SheReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised once I started reading at how long this book was. It is nearly 200 pages longer than others in this series! Which is fine by me - I love a meaty romance that dwells on every emotion. Unfortunately, I think this one started to drag a bit, more than it really used the extra pages to feed my love of angst. It's the rare book I would say could use a trim.

Which is not to say I did not enjoy it. I liked it a lot. It won't be my favorite in the series - that is still Book 0.5 (just a smile, start to finish) and Book 2 (LOVE an outrageously obsessed MMC). But this one was still a great read. It starts off really strong. Bianca is awesome (Salvatore is not as developed a character). His constant mental dialogue of how he doesn't do relationships but he won't be letting her go, so whatever brain, be quiet - chef's kiss. I enjoyed their slow falling for each other, that was really pretty fast, but they both were pulling back.

I just don't think I needed weeks and weeks of delay because of her recovery, only to rush all the misunderstanding drama at the end. They had developed so realistically, and been so upfront about each still having some secrets. By the time the misunderstanding came, it felt forced, like he would have to be a fool to not hear her out a bit more. And of course, he was literally on his knees for her like an hour later, so it was just nonsense. The third act betrayal is the moment for maximum angst. Instead, it was over fast, and honestly just a silly waste of time.

But do not let these complaints turn you off. I am deep in a mafia kick. So I have read a pretty large swath of the genre. There are authors that are too deep in the misogyny sauce. Ones who are too light and cupcake-y for the genre (for me). And so so many poorly written books. Lucy Monroe's books are generally a delightful read in the genre. She is an excellent writer. She borders on light reading (these are not dark books, by any means), but not too light for the genre. The FMCs are always smart/driven (I definitely think she should drop the age gap angle, because she does not write her FMCs as innocent ingenues, and it is very unnecessary to age them as such). The MMCs are always obsessed. The chemistry is always fire, and the smut is a solid 3, with occasional 4 star moments. I will definitely be continuing with this series.

Some notes for future readers to keep in mind regarding the book description:
1. I think it is pretty misleading. If you are here looking for a forced marriage trope, this ain't it. That's more the end of the book than the beginning. Like the very end.
2. Currently, the GoodReads description lists the trigger warnings as "No explicit intimacy, ..." LOL. No. I think that's a typo. There is plenty of explicit intimacy.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Brutal Capo’ was fast paced and fun. The premise surrounds a young woman who thinks she caught a lucky break when she gets a job at as a cocktail waitress at a night club. Little does she know that the mob boss who owns the place only had her hired so he could sleep with her and then let her go. When he propositions her for $5,000 she refuses to accept, though attracted to him, because it’s not in her nature. When she is attacked in front of the club the mob boss kidnaps her “for her protection” and the fun continues from there.
I like Bianca’s character. She is full of fire. She is whip-smart and street savvy. She is a bit too stubborn for my taste. Maybe way too stubborn. She grew up with nobody to depend on but herself so I understand not wanting to rely on anyone else but it became frustrating when she was too stubborn to accept help and willing to walk into danger because of that. Salvatore is a mafia prince and acts like one. He believes he is entitled to anything he desires and Bianca is a bit of a challenge for him. That doesn’t stop him from trying. He is fierce when it comes to protecting his people and shows strength and resolve. He is very possessive of what he believes is his and he feels Bianca is his. They class a bit because of their very different attitudes but soon enough the romance begins.

The writing was good and I liked that there were a few different plot lines to keep things interesting. There is action, suspense, romance, betrayal, revenge, and some steamy sex of course. Misunderstanding was used as a plot device a few too many times but it did lead to some of the most exciting parts of the story. I also always enjoy when books in a series are interconnected. It is always fun to revisit familiar characters. I look forward to the next in the series.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot!

Salvatore is so hot,mafia thru and thru but he had his heart broken and trust no women,until he see's Bianca. he wants too get to know her better but she isn't having anything or whatever he dishes out.They keep being thrown together but she still has that wall up until is attacked and she stays in his penthouse after her hospital stay.She start letting her defenses down little by little,but she still has her secerts to tell,Salvatore finds hard to trust he because he was hurt by someone he love early in life but he starts to trust her regardless of what everyone says.Soon someone sends pictures and evidence to Salvatore and his trust issues start all over again and he tells her to leave,he doesn't want to kill her,so he has his sister take her to the airport to get her out of New york,but before she tries to explain but he doesn't want to listen! So she thinks if she goes to the Don's wife and explains might help but that might cause Salvatore 's death,he fines out what she is doing and rushes over and tries to intervene !The Don does listen and with help from his wife he cc Salvatore is given a demand to marry Brinca in thirty days or die and he chose marriage and he ask Brinca if she loves Salvatore and she says yes!Salvatore takes care of the traider and Brinca tells him the who story from what happens when her and twin,to what happens when she was sixteen.He evens goes out and fines the men that's changes her life at sixteen and they are doubt with.Life does improve for Brinca and she fines happiness with her loss twin,he new families, some she didn't know about, and her husband Salvatore! I haven't read anything by this author and I do love my mafia stories! I plan on reading more by Ms Lucy too and you guys should too very enjoyable too!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Capo is an amazing book written by an outstanding author. This is the 5th Book in the Syndicate Rules Series. This is Salvatore and Bianca's story.
Bianca Gemelli grew-up in the New York mafia and saw her father killed. She left when she was sixteen, but still knows how the mafia works.
Bianca is a strong, feisty young woman who now works at the Pitiful Princess as a non-stripping pole dancer. She is applying for a server position at Amuni a nightclub owned by Salvatore De Luca. Salvatore always gets what he wants and makes sure that Bianca is hired. While working her shift, Lorenzo the capo who killed her father discovers Bianca. This can't be good for her at all. Salvatore De Luca is a capo now and Bianca has never met him, until in the club while working. Salvatore is considered the real big boss. He even tried to pay Bianca for a kiss, before she even knew who he was and she turned him down. This made him want her even more. Salvatore has wanted Bianca ever since she walked in Amuni. This story has suspense, violence, betrayal, danger, desire, and passion. Amazing characters and intriguing story.

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

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bianca is the daughter of a mafia rat, her father was killed and she was kicked out of the family years ago. Then she was left to fend for herself, working as a pole dancer in a club who also owned by the mafia. She caught the eye of Salvatore DeLuca, the new Don who was instantly attracted to her and wanted her in his bed….

I’ve been a fan of Lucy Monroe’s writing since I read The Ruthless Enforcer last year, I have since picked up Convenient Wife and Urgent Vows and love it, so I was excited to read this. The story started exciting, I love Bianca, she’s plus-sized but confident with her skin. She’s also very feisty and independent, and she did a really good job surviving without her family. What she went through in her teen years to survive is heartbreaking, and even the way she lived before she met Salvatore is pitiable. Salvatore is just as the title suggests, he’s a brutal capo, and his past is what made him the man that he is today. But meeting Bianca will slowly change his view of love and trusting people.

However, this book is dragging so much, that I was struggling to go through it, which I never had with her other books before. Then I realized this book is about 500 pages, and to be honest, it could’ve been 200 pages shorter. There’s so much repetition either in the character’s thoughts or dialog it’s driving me mad. Fortunately, the book does pick up towards the end.

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

[Hannah Reads a lot of Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love Salvatore. 😭😭😭I was not expecting that at all- especially since he’s in denial for a good chunk of the book. Buuuut he’s so sweet and growly. 🤗He’s obsessed with Bianca but also distant and vulnerable. 🤌🏼This is a multi-faceted character. And Bianca, man oh man. The life she has survived. The turmoil and loss is so palpable. I loved how resilient she is. Plus that connection to Salvator 🪭🪭

This is a great story. I loved the characters. There is a grovel and definitely a betrayal of sorts (more like lack of trust) but Salvatore turns it around QUICK 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 this is a man who had a moment of doubt yet was willing to sacrifice himself almost immediately. 🫰🏼also the arranged marriage is not until late in the book. I went in expecting it way earlier 😂

What I liked:
The writing
Tortured hero
Strong heroine
Mafia
Dark
Heroine with a backstory
When Salvatore is insisting on taking care of Bianca like a mama hen
Grovel
Side characters
Insta-lust
Character growth

What I didn’t like:
Bianca was in a vulnerable position for most of the book. It was necessary but at times I hated how she was talked down to.

This is a freaking amazing book. Yes I will be buying a hard copy and binging it 😂

[Annetta Sweetko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca Gemelli is looking for a new job because being a dancer is fine, but the manager is starting to push the girls to do more. That is a step she will not take. Salvatore De Luca just happened to be at the club when she was being interviewed and is intrigued by this red head and makes sure she gets the job. He has his own plans for this woman - little does he know that he would soon be caught in her web. The last thing he expects is to fall in love.

This is author Lucy Monroe's fourth book in her Syndicate Rules series but it is just as amazing as the first one - which is my all time favorite. As Bianca's past comes to light - and a horrible one at that - readers get to know her and watch as Sal gets more protective of her. Even though there are moments when he adds to the trauma caused by her past - he does make it up to her.

If you want an amazing read, with a macho tough guy finding himself ready to go on his knees before his woman and his Don then Brutal Capo is the one you have to get your hands on.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.9

Friiick I liked this so much.
One of the best things about every mmc in this series is they fall first and hard. They don’t even fight it. They may not realise the truth or depth of their feelings immediately, but you never doubt that they are obsessed and devoted.
I love that the syndicate, who these men put above anything else, is now second to their woman.
I love that these women are strong in their own right. Each fmc brings something to the table. Each has been someone worth reading about.

For this book in particular, Salvatore is fantastic. He gives perfect obsessed, mafia vibes, but still weak for Bianca. There are plenty of times we see Salvatore being ruthless, brutal, intense, scary, and intimidating as his part of Capo. We equally see how these reactions pale when compared to his reactions to Bianca. She is more to him, means more to him, than anything else in the world, and he shows it.

These two together equals sappy lines but unending love, and they’re perfect.

[mk meow · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐
4🌶️

TW: SA in the past for FMC, recounted on page.

Mini spoiler: FMC is an identical twin, the parents split them up at 13 when the mom left.

FMC is working as a dancer, gets job as cocktail waitress, catches eye of big boss MMC.

MMC offers her $5k for ONS. She declines, knowing she could lose her job and she's not interested, although she feels some tingles. Same night, the capo that murdered her father and kicked her out of her life shows up. Threatens her.

Couple nights later, she is walking to the subway after work 4am, and gets mugged. MMC kills the guys.

Enter mafia side plot. As she recovers, he forces her to stay with him (he still wants 🍑) and eventually she agrees to stay.

The ending is he thinks she's betrayed and double crossed him bc pictures of her sister in Boston are found - w her fiance, a minor mob guy there. He plans her escape, he won't let her be killed. She runs to the boss's wife to tell her story.

They are ordered to marry. Everything works out.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Capo’s story begins when dancer Bianca applies for a job as a waitress at an upscale night club. The owner, Salvatore, notices her and has to have her. While Salvatore is a capo in the Cosa Nostra, he believes that Bianca has no knowledge of anything related to the mafia. Salvatore cannot resist the attraction he feels for Bianca so he follows her home one night from work. On her way home, Bianca gets jumped by three thugs and mostly fights them off until Salvatore drives by to help. This is where the story kicks in. Bianca is resistant in receiving help and Salvatore is equally stubborn, if not more so.
For me, this story didn’t grab immediately, but it was a long, slow burn that was no less exciting. The chemistry and eventual love from characters that, on the surface, you wouldn’t find as redeeming characters. Ms. Monroe pulls off another great read that I will recommend again, and again.

[Sarah Blewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series!

I’ve read all the other books by this author (Lucy Monroe) and her moon series was always a favorite ❤️ but this mafia series of books has eclipsed them by far. I love the pace of these and the balance of violence and softness always gets my heart pounding and then turning it to absolute mush in delightful swirling turns. This book in the series is the latest and has all the bits I love. I’ve reread all of the previous books in this series and will reread this one as well. The MMC was beautiful and dark while being so possessive and conflicted (love that crap). I’m a fan of very light angst, too much and I get so annoyed with the main characters I can’t continue reading, but this series never disappoints in that arena, it’s just the right amount and I swoon appropriately. If you’re on the fence about this book or series, don’t be. It’s a wonderful read and a great romp in the genre.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Syndicate Rules series, Brutal Capo, by Lucy Monroe is a hot and steamy novel loaded with heart, two broken souls who find one another under circumstances, give in to their passion despite the consequences and for one of them, betrayal awaits. This novel tells the story of Salvatore De Luca, described as the most brutal capo in New York, who brings the beautiful waitress, Bianca Gemelli, to his penthouse to recover after she is attacked outside his club. Their attraction is intense, and Salvatore takes full advantage of her exquisite body, gorgeous face, and their situation. Bianca is one tough cookie, despite her history, and Salvatore has had his share of life’s brutality and has closed off his heart. Two hearts desperately want the other, how can they trust each other? This novel is an eye opener and a story of epic proportions given the emotions pulled from my heart as I read it. This book is a keeper that I will read again and again!

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book but I was expecting a good grovel and it was non existent. The whole conflict-grovel scene was quite anti climactic. First, the MMC’s misunderstanding/betrayal was not awful, which was good in the sense that he didn’t have a lot of groveling necessary in order to be forgiven. His mistaken belief and sense of betrayal was understandable under the circumstances and it was clear that even believing the worst he was taking steps to protect her because he still cared at some level. So it was easy to root for him and to forgive him. However, he quickly realized the error of his ways and went above and beyond to try to rescue her—at risk to himself. So all in all, he was very redeemable. But there wasn’t really any grovel, just a basic, I’m really sorry that was quickly accepted.

I liked the story. I liked the MMC and FMC. I liked the protectiveness of the MMC. Good story overall. I just wish the build up to and the grovel was a little bit better.

[Unnati Kansal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy’s mafia series “Syndicate rules” is so good with each story covering different couples and totally different tropes and sub tropes.

In Brutal Capo we have Bianca, who is so witty and sarcastic that you cannot help and fall in love with her. When Salvatore mistakes her for a hooker, she so beautifully put him in his place.

Salvatore is her boss’s boss and is highly interest in her. Bianca is hesitant to even interact with him due to her last experience.

Their slow burn romance, their banter, a sort of villain, betrayal, grovel, touch her and die energy, this book has everything.

Salvatore really loved Bianca which is clearly visible in how he does everything to protect her and Bianca so reciprocates the feeling.

This book definitely stayed with me for a while.

I received an advance readers copy of this book through Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read, mafia, steamy, questionable characters, humour, sarcasm and secrets I loved Bianca, her attitude, her ability to overcome the tough hands that have been dealt her, and Salvatore, he is not a nice guy at all, the question being, how will matters play out, you will have to read it to find out!

While this is part of a series and does have some characters from a previous book (great to have them involved), it does still stand on its own (but I highly recommend you reading them all as they are so good!).

The books in this series just keep getting better, this is my favourite so far (although, Book 3, Demanding Mob Boss actually might be tied as a favourite with Brutal Capo).

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