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Coercion
RUBY
Five years ago my uncle murdered my family, butchered them in their beds. And I know the only reason I’m alive is because I’m useful, a thing to barter. A thing to sell.
Well, today he’ll get his payday. He’s made a deal, he’s handing me over as a blushing bride to Preston Civello.
I’m meant to be the rubber stamp of a truce between our two warring families but in secret I’m there to bring my new husband down, to bring Nico Morelli down from the inside. To act as a spy.
Only I have an entirely different plan - I’m going to seduce him, to win him to my side. I’ll play the good little wife and I’ll serve him on my knees if I have to, all the while pretending that my past never happened.
But when all my horrible secrets are revealed, will my husband believe me or will he see me as just a traitor in his bed?
PRESTON
I know her past. I know her history. I’m convinced she’s going to be a snake sleeping in my bed but when my Mafia Princess Bride is all but dragged down the aisle and I clap eyes on her tear-stained face, none of that seems to matter. My cold, ruthless heart melts and something feral takes over.
She might have been a pawn in her uncle’s games but from now on she belongs to me. She’s mine.
Only that’s not exactly true because of the promise Nico forced me to make- she doesn’t know it but she’s his god daughter, and I’m not allowed to touch her. Not allowed to claim her. He’s made her off limits, a fruit I’m forbidden from tasting and, as each day passes, it’s getting harder and harder to resist my tempting little wife. And tempting she is. Dangerously so.
And when all the players come out of the woodwork, I’m forced to face a truth I never thought possible, that maybe she’s not as loyal as she first seemed. Maybe she really is the snake I first took her for...
Things to know about
Mafia with a healthy does of spice
Age Gap
MF
Jealous / possessive hero
Strong female with a traumatic backstory
Dual POV
Trigger warning list in front of book
Five years ago my uncle murdered my family, butchered them in their beds. And I know the only reason I’m alive is because I’m useful, a thing to barter. A thing to sell.
Well, today he’ll get his payday. He’s made a deal, he’s handing me over as a blushing bride to Preston Civello.
I’m meant to be the rubber stamp of a truce between our two warring families but in secret I’m there to bring my new husband down, to bring Nico Morelli down from the inside. To act as a spy.
Only I have an entirely different plan - I’m going to seduce him, to win him to my side. I’ll play the good little wife and I’ll serve him on my knees if I have to, all the while pretending that my past never happened.
But when all my horrible secrets are revealed, will my husband believe me or will he see me as just a traitor in his bed?
PRESTON
I know her past. I know her history. I’m convinced she’s going to be a snake sleeping in my bed but when my Mafia Princess Bride is all but dragged down the aisle and I clap eyes on her tear-stained face, none of that seems to matter. My cold, ruthless heart melts and something feral takes over.
She might have been a pawn in her uncle’s games but from now on she belongs to me. She’s mine.
Only that’s not exactly true because of the promise Nico forced me to make- she doesn’t know it but she’s his god daughter, and I’m not allowed to touch her. Not allowed to claim her. He’s made her off limits, a fruit I’m forbidden from tasting and, as each day passes, it’s getting harder and harder to resist my tempting little wife. And tempting she is. Dangerously so.
And when all the players come out of the woodwork, I’m forced to face a truth I never thought possible, that maybe she’s not as loyal as she first seemed. Maybe she really is the snake I first took her for...
Things to know about
Mafia with a healthy does of spice
Age Gap
MF
Jealous / possessive hero
Strong female with a traumatic backstory
Dual POV
Trigger warning list in front of book
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
140 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Sanders
30 books564 followersInternational bestselling author of Pitch Black Romance.
Ellie Sanders lives in rural Hampshire, in the U.K. with her partner and two troublesome dogs.
She has a BA Hons degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing and enjoys spending her time, when not endlessly writing, exploring the countryside around her home.
Hit her up on her the following accounts.....
FB Group: The Hot Steamy Writer
Instagram: @hotsteamywriter
TikTok: @hotsteamywriter
Twitter: @hotsteamywriter
Ellie Sanders lives in rural Hampshire, in the U.K. with her partner and two troublesome dogs.
She has a BA Hons degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing and enjoys spending her time, when not endlessly writing, exploring the countryside around her home.
Hit her up on her the following accounts.....
FB Group: The Hot Steamy Writer
Instagram: @hotsteamywriter
TikTok: @hotsteamywriter
Twitter: @hotsteamywriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
dnf
May 25, 2025He beat her and mutilated her back and I’m supposed to be okay with this shit? WTF
“Her face is screwed up. Half of it is black with swelling from where my hands have laid into her.”
And this happened 80% into the book by the way. Thank lord I read the reviews beforehand because I cannot imagine reading a story about a husband who beat his wife to a pulp that far into the story and this author expected me/us readers to be okay with it????? Good lord. To the author, please add abuse in the tags as well because you and I both know damn well that tag should be included as well!
“Her face is screwed up. Half of it is black with swelling from where my hands have laid into her.”
And this happened 80% into the book by the way. Thank lord I read the reviews beforehand because I cannot imagine reading a story about a husband who beat his wife to a pulp that far into the story and this author expected me/us readers to be okay with it????? Good lord. To the author, please add abuse in the tags as well because you and I both know damn well that tag should be included as well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
Oh my goodness I loved this book so much, I couldn't put it down! Ellie Sanders's writing continues to amaze me. Although this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. Preston and Ruby's story has everything wonderful you can imagine in a dark romance read. Right away I could tell I was going to like these characters but by the end I was in love with them. The unimaginable things that Ruby has survived through is astonishing. The strength that this woman possess is admirable. In the end seeing her so confident and her taking what she wanted made me love her even more. Preston is the very definition of a morally gray hero. As much as he tries to follow orders and not give in to his attraction and fascination with his wife he can't help but be drawn to her. There's drama and suspense, action, betrayal, shocking reveals, great news from a previous couple and it wouldn't be an Ellie book without plenty of steam!! Ellie's mfc's always go through a lot so make sure you check the triggers in the front of the book before reading.
August 10, 2025
we love an abusive mmc who beats the shit out of the fmc and mutilates her without a second thought nor spare her a word
November 2, 2025
Seriously? I should never have read it.This book made me sick.
April 20, 2024
3.5 stars. This second book was way better than the first one with Nico and Eleri’s story. Coercion had more of a story line that was entertaining. Less 🌶️.
August 4, 2024
Lost interest in the story. Read like similar mafia cross-family, arranged marriage with an abused heroine and older hero, more than 20 years her senior, who decides to take care of her. Pace was slow and grammar was strange; the use of the verb “to sit” was constantly used and constantly used incorrectly. “She is sat next to him,” for example, as if she’s an inanimate object instead of “she sits next to him.” In the end, I didn’t care for Ruby and her healing journey, and the hero was too sweet. DNF 28%
January 7, 2025
ooof, so imma need a cold shower after this one. Just like Vendetta (which i ADORED) this book is NOT for everyone. If you have sensitivities to graphic violence (physical and sexual) then this isn't the book for you. I love a story of a king bringing his women up to be a queen in her own right, not just "his" queen but powerful in herself. Nico and E appear in this story and its so nice to see how E grew into herself and is no longer the shy scared girl of the first book. she owns her scars and dares anyone to comment about them, which is just what our MFC here needs to grow and make friends.
When i tell you i need three more books just to fit in the amount of groveling the MMC needs to do to make up for what he did to his wife, I need it more than air at this point. I get why he did what he did, but he should have known better being how she acted throughout the book. He spends most of the book building her up, letting her trust and grow, and protecting her, until the weasel of a bad guy gets under his skin. Sanders KNOWS how to write a hate-able character. Ruby is precious, and life dealt her a shitty hand, being used as a pawn for others and when shes almost safe and healed Preston rips it from her, and yet through all that she wants to trust him. The betrayal and angst almost got me. I had to take a step back before finishing it because i felt so bad for her and wanted to swaddle her up in a blanket, she did everything right and shes such a pure soul.
both the MMC and MFC fight for their HEA, and while its fat from traditional, its their HEA, and thats good enough got them.
When i tell you i need three more books just to fit in the amount of groveling the MMC needs to do to make up for what he did to his wife, I need it more than air at this point. I get why he did what he did, but he should have known better being how she acted throughout the book. He spends most of the book building her up, letting her trust and grow, and protecting her, until the weasel of a bad guy gets under his skin. Sanders KNOWS how to write a hate-able character. Ruby is precious, and life dealt her a shitty hand, being used as a pawn for others and when shes almost safe and healed Preston rips it from her, and yet through all that she wants to trust him. The betrayal and angst almost got me. I had to take a step back before finishing it because i felt so bad for her and wanted to swaddle her up in a blanket, she did everything right and shes such a pure soul.
both the MMC and MFC fight for their HEA, and while its fat from traditional, its their HEA, and thats good enough got them.
February 19, 2026
Really dislike this book
Necessary spoilers..
I really didn’t like this book. It’s not the triggers—that part I actually appreciated, and I’m glad the author included them. My issue is with the characters and how unrealistic everything felt.
The MMC was completely unlikable. He had no problem hurting or beating women, including his own wife. I understand dar2xk romance can push boundaries, but there’s a difference between dark and outright unforgivable. He beats her, tortures her, and even carves her back with a knife. That’s not “alpha”—that’s abusive. I enjoy a dominant male character, but I expect him to protect the woman he loves, especially his wife. There was none of that here.
The MFC’s reactions also felt unrealistic. After being sexually abused for years, her behavior and decisions didn’t make sense. She wasn’t on birth control, didn’t confide in her husband about being mistreated and raped, and somehow allowed her rapist to remain in the house while her husband left—something that made him seem unbelievably careless as well. Their first intimate scene—standing against a brick wall in an alley—felt more uncomfortable than romantic.
On top of that, her mother and brother also mistreat her, which made it hard to connect with any of the characters. I didn’t like a single one of them. Instead of being emotionally invested, I felt disgusted and angry while reading.
The only reason this story ends with a “happily ever after” is because she forgives him for beating and mutilating her, which felt completely unbelievable to me.
Overall, this author just isn’t for me.
Necessary spoilers..
I really didn’t like this book. It’s not the triggers—that part I actually appreciated, and I’m glad the author included them. My issue is with the characters and how unrealistic everything felt.
The MMC was completely unlikable. He had no problem hurting or beating women, including his own wife. I understand dar2xk romance can push boundaries, but there’s a difference between dark and outright unforgivable. He beats her, tortures her, and even carves her back with a knife. That’s not “alpha”—that’s abusive. I enjoy a dominant male character, but I expect him to protect the woman he loves, especially his wife. There was none of that here.
The MFC’s reactions also felt unrealistic. After being sexually abused for years, her behavior and decisions didn’t make sense. She wasn’t on birth control, didn’t confide in her husband about being mistreated and raped, and somehow allowed her rapist to remain in the house while her husband left—something that made him seem unbelievably careless as well. Their first intimate scene—standing against a brick wall in an alley—felt more uncomfortable than romantic.
On top of that, her mother and brother also mistreat her, which made it hard to connect with any of the characters. I didn’t like a single one of them. Instead of being emotionally invested, I felt disgusted and angry while reading.
The only reason this story ends with a “happily ever after” is because she forgives him for beating and mutilating her, which felt completely unbelievable to me.
Overall, this author just isn’t for me.
Read
February 19, 2026really didn’t like this book. It’s not the triggers—that part I actually appreciated, and I’m glad the author included them. My issue is with the characters and how unrealistic everything felt.
The MMC was completely unlikable. He had no problem hurting or beating women, including his own wife. I understand dark romance can push boundaries, but there’s a difference between dark and outright unforgivable. He beats her, tortures her, and even carves her back with a knife. That’s not “alpha”—that’s abusive. I enjoy a dominant male character, but I expect him to protect the woman he loves, especially his wife. There was none of that here.
The MFC’s reactions also felt unrealistic. After being sexually abused for years, her behavior and decisions didn’t make sense. She wasn’t on birth control, didn’t confide in her husband about being mistreated and raped, and somehow allowed her rapist to remain in the house while her husband left—something that made him seem unbelievably careless as well. Their first intimate scene—standing against a brick wall in an alley—felt more uncomfortable than romantic.
On top of that, her mother and brother also mistreat her, which made it hard to connect with any of the characters. I didn’t like a single one of them. Instead of being emotionally invested, I felt disgusted and angry while reading.
The only reason this story ends with a “happily ever after” is because she forgives him for beating and mutilating her, which felt completely unbelievable to me.
Overall, this author just isn’t for me.
The MMC was completely unlikable. He had no problem hurting or beating women, including his own wife. I understand dark romance can push boundaries, but there’s a difference between dark and outright unforgivable. He beats her, tortures her, and even carves her back with a knife. That’s not “alpha”—that’s abusive. I enjoy a dominant male character, but I expect him to protect the woman he loves, especially his wife. There was none of that here.
The MFC’s reactions also felt unrealistic. After being sexually abused for years, her behavior and decisions didn’t make sense. She wasn’t on birth control, didn’t confide in her husband about being mistreated and raped, and somehow allowed her rapist to remain in the house while her husband left—something that made him seem unbelievably careless as well. Their first intimate scene—standing against a brick wall in an alley—felt more uncomfortable than romantic.
On top of that, her mother and brother also mistreat her, which made it hard to connect with any of the characters. I didn’t like a single one of them. Instead of being emotionally invested, I felt disgusted and angry while reading.
The only reason this story ends with a “happily ever after” is because she forgives him for beating and mutilating her, which felt completely unbelievable to me.
Overall, this author just isn’t for me.
October 12, 2024
This book was PHENOMENAL!! I love when the guy has to grovel and this book was no different. Preston (a weird name for a mafia guy but we digress) was actually such a sweetheart and loved Ruby from the beginning.
Ruby had such a tragic story and she was fighting for herself this entire book. Her trauma was so well written yet it didn't feel like that was her entire personality. Preston royally messed up but the way he grovelled to win her love back made it all worth it.
Couldn't recommend this book more if you love a good "betrayal" storyline.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Ruby had such a tragic story and she was fighting for herself this entire book. Her trauma was so well written yet it didn't feel like that was her entire personality. Preston royally messed up but the way he grovelled to win her love back made it all worth it.
Couldn't recommend this book more if you love a good "betrayal" storyline.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
June 18, 2024
Definitely a dark romance, so check the triggers. I loved how the story evolved even though there were some parts I found hard to get through. Ruby's uprising is a wonderful show of strength. Preston makes some bad choices but he tries to make up for it in the end. I love that he lets Ruby lead her own way. There were a few plot twists that I did not expect but I should have seen coming honestly. Altogether though, this book was perfect. Highly recommend this one and Vendetta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
a jewel
Y’all. I need a minute. The sheer brutality and betrayal in this one… it goes deep. Ruby has been a pawn for everyone to use, even in her marriage. No matter how controlling, the heart wants what it wants. The monsters come out to play, and once again the payment is her blood. Redemption, spice, and a kingdom fit for a queen. As always, check your trigger warnings, and happy reading.
Y’all. I need a minute. The sheer brutality and betrayal in this one… it goes deep. Ruby has been a pawn for everyone to use, even in her marriage. No matter how controlling, the heart wants what it wants. The monsters come out to play, and once again the payment is her blood. Redemption, spice, and a kingdom fit for a queen. As always, check your trigger warnings, and happy reading.
June 22, 2024
This book was by far way better than the first on the story line. This book had me on the edge of my seat there at the end. I will say, there is a part that had me questioning everything until it ended.
The thrill, the story, the way this book ends. I feel like we desperately need another book on how Ruby takes over!
The thrill, the story, the way this book ends. I feel like we desperately need another book on how Ruby takes over!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
Oh I absolutely loved the MMC in this book from reading about him in book one. This book contains forced marriage, kidnapping, rape all the feels. It’s a roller coaster of emotions and it has a few twists and wtf moments. I could not put it down I needed to know what happened. Fark romance not fluffy.
April 26, 2024
This one was so much better than the first book!! There was more of a storyline as well as fantastic sex scenes. The lead-up with Ruby and introducing of Preston was what the first book was missing. There was give and take and I felt more mafia influences this time around.
August 10, 2024
This was done so well.The mafia aspect of it just drew me in with all the lies deceit and the plot twist.
This book broke my heart and put it all back together in a short amount of time. I loved it 😍
This book broke my heart and put it all back together in a short amount of time. I loved it 😍
February 9, 2025
Preston.... Ruby.....omfg.... I thought I loved Nico and Elira....I did, but I didn't expect to have that topped with these two characters. The twists the turns, the betrayals....
I am so stunned....speechless...and completely enraptured with the writing talent. Absolutely incredible.
I am so stunned....speechless...and completely enraptured with the writing talent. Absolutely incredible.
December 8, 2025
I kinda disliked the heroine at first. But, then, once I get a glimpse of her past, I felt sorry for her. The hero was ok except he was a typical one. Knew the heroine had problems and yet he did not bother to investigate.
May 8, 2024
dnf 64% in i just cant finish the book
May 27, 2024
3.5⭐️
June 8, 2024
I used to eat up Mafia Romances. Decided to try one again. Bad idea.
This book was not it. I wasted time reading it.
Lot of inconsistencies and the flow was off.
This book was not it. I wasted time reading it.
Lot of inconsistencies and the flow was off.
Read
July 12, 2024i liked it it was kinda bland
July 16, 2024
I loved it! I love a love hate relationship that works out. And I love that he wanted to protect her
August 28, 2024
Coercion
rating: ★ ★ ★ ★/5
spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5
💌 — tears were falling, loved and hated the characters at the same time and lastly butterflies were flying.
rating: ★ ★ ★ ★/5
spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5
💌 — tears were falling, loved and hated the characters at the same time and lastly butterflies were flying.
August 28, 2024
love when a bitch learns her power and makes the powerful men kneel.
February 7, 2025
I liked it much more than the first book. Ruby and Preston's story was far more interesting, and the twists and turns made it fantastic. The only downside is that it was a bit too long.
February 13, 2025
I love it. 😍
But It's the second book or the first? If you know tell me. 😭
But It's the second book or the first? If you know tell me. 😭
June 8, 2025
3.5 the plot was great but why you gotta break my heart with that betrayal 😥😥😥 poor ruby her whole life 😥
February 18, 2026
A very good book was spicy and thrilling and entertaining. I enjoyed it very much 4.5⭐️ and 3.5🌶️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews