What do you think?
Rate this book
Syndicate Rules #3
Ruthless Enforcer: Mafia Romance with a Morally Grey Hero
LUCIA
I used to be a mafia princess, but I ran from the Cosa Nostra after a rival syndicate killed my husband. I live like a normal person now. Atlas shows up at my club when everything in my life is finally coming together and I think it's fate. I've never trusted anyone with my darkest desires...until him.
Then I learn the man I love is everything I am running from and now he's my enemy.
ATLAS
I shut down my emotions two decades ago. I'm as much monster as man now. When I meet Lucia, she is light to my darkness, warmth to the chill in what is left of my soul. From her luscious curves to her eagerness for bedroom games, she is perfect for me. But when she finds out why I'm really in her city, she despises me. I'm used to being hated and feared. That won't stop me from claiming her as my own.
Because she needs my protection as much as I need her light and if I have to get her pregnant to keep her, we'll both enjoy every minute of it.
This is a stand alone mafia romance with a guaranteed HEA. No cliff hangers. No cheating.
CW: explicit intimacy, graphic violence, foul language, domestic violence (in the past), miscarriage (backstory), complicated family relationships
For readers who love morally grey heroes and devour mafia romance by authors like Cora Reilly, Michelle Heard and J.T. Geissinger.
I used to be a mafia princess, but I ran from the Cosa Nostra after a rival syndicate killed my husband. I live like a normal person now. Atlas shows up at my club when everything in my life is finally coming together and I think it's fate. I've never trusted anyone with my darkest desires...until him.
Then I learn the man I love is everything I am running from and now he's my enemy.
ATLAS
I shut down my emotions two decades ago. I'm as much monster as man now. When I meet Lucia, she is light to my darkness, warmth to the chill in what is left of my soul. From her luscious curves to her eagerness for bedroom games, she is perfect for me. But when she finds out why I'm really in her city, she despises me. I'm used to being hated and feared. That won't stop me from claiming her as my own.
Because she needs my protection as much as I need her light and if I have to get her pregnant to keep her, we'll both enjoy every minute of it.
This is a stand alone mafia romance with a guaranteed HEA. No cliff hangers. No cheating.
CW: explicit intimacy, graphic violence, foul language, domestic violence (in the past), miscarriage (backstory), complicated family relationships
For readers who love morally grey heroes and devour mafia romance by authors like Cora Reilly, Michelle Heard and J.T. Geissinger.
415 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2023
278 people are currently reading
1421 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Monroe
605 books1,566 followersI 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 1, 2025
4.75🌟!
No wonder she got pregnant, it was that steamy🌶️🧖♀️!
This was a perfect concoction of;
—Morally grey-slightly unhinged hero
—Sweet but strong heroine.
—crazy chemistry, unexpected pregnancy, good plot, various distinguished secondary character.
From the beginning itself Iw as hooked, so when the drama/angst unexpectedly hit, I was all in for it🙌!
I loved that part so much especially Lucia’s countermove. There in also lies my tiny problem. That (in my opinion) Lucia forgave Atlas too quickly. I wanted her to make him work for it but she gave in to her chemistry with quickly.
It was interesting to read Lucia growth.
My favourite scene in the book was when Lucia and Atlas met with rest of the brothers for the first time. It was hilarious, witty and so good.
Over all a very enjoyable romance.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
No wonder she got pregnant, it was that steamy🌶️🧖♀️!
This was a perfect concoction of;
—Morally grey-slightly unhinged hero
—Sweet but strong heroine.
—crazy chemistry, unexpected pregnancy, good plot, various distinguished secondary character.
From the beginning itself Iw as hooked, so when the drama/angst unexpectedly hit, I was all in for it🙌!
I loved that part so much especially Lucia’s countermove. There in also lies my tiny problem. That (in my opinion) Lucia forgave Atlas too quickly. I wanted her to make him work for it but she gave in to her chemistry with quickly.
It was interesting to read Lucia growth.
My favourite scene in the book was when Lucia and Atlas met with rest of the brothers for the first time. It was hilarious, witty and so good.
Over all a very enjoyable romance.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 30, 2023MCs:
- Atlas, 30
- Lucia, 28
Book info:
- Organized crime
- Violence (torture, gruesome death)
- Kidnapping
- Insta-lust
- Breeding kink
- Non-virgin MCs (h - celibate 5 years, H - manhoe)
- Pregnancy
- Miscarriage (past)
- No cheating, owd, third act breakup
- Mild omd (men are flirting with the h)
- HEA
Atlas has been tasked with scoping out Lucia's bar. Their group is overtaking that territory, and they want the businesses in the area to provide protection tithes. And one look at Lucia and he knows she's it for him.
I wouldn't say much about the plot, but there are some groups that want to get into that territory as well. Therein enters violence because Atlas's family wants to make it known to everyone that the territory is theirs, and anyone who tries otherwise will be dealt with unkindly.
As for the romance, it was insta-lust. Atlas was a huge manhoe but then had a 180 overnight. They had ONS; he stayed the night, and since then, he hasn't left her side unless he's needed elsewhere. He became this ott possessive caveman around Lucia. If he could piss around her to mark his territory, I really think he would.
As for Lucia, I liked her drive, and I'm proud of how she lived her life for the last 5 years. But I didn't appreciate the body-betraying syndrome always happening around Atlas. If I'm being honest, I think half of the story is about their sexy times, which is way too much for me. A girl has her limit, and I think I reached it with this story.
Overall, the writing style was good, and the story flow was easy to follow. However, there are too many side characters, and that could be a little overwhelming to track who's who. Also, I feel like their romance was built on lust and nothing else, but that could be a me case. Anyway, the story ended with a HFN (engaged and pregnant).
Note: I might update this review once it's released.
Thank you to Booksprout for the advanced copy, and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review of the book.
- Atlas, 30
- Lucia, 28
Book info:
- Organized crime
- Violence (torture, gruesome death)
- Kidnapping
- Insta-lust
- Breeding kink
- Non-virgin MCs (h - celibate 5 years, H - manhoe)
- Pregnancy
- Miscarriage (past)
- No cheating, owd, third act breakup
- Mild omd (men are flirting with the h)
- HEA
Atlas has been tasked with scoping out Lucia's bar. Their group is overtaking that territory, and they want the businesses in the area to provide protection tithes. And one look at Lucia and he knows she's it for him.
I wouldn't say much about the plot, but there are some groups that want to get into that territory as well. Therein enters violence because Atlas's family wants to make it known to everyone that the territory is theirs, and anyone who tries otherwise will be dealt with unkindly.
As for the romance, it was insta-lust. Atlas was a huge manhoe but then had a 180 overnight. They had ONS; he stayed the night, and since then, he hasn't left her side unless he's needed elsewhere. He became this ott possessive caveman around Lucia. If he could piss around her to mark his territory, I really think he would.
As for Lucia, I liked her drive, and I'm proud of how she lived her life for the last 5 years. But I didn't appreciate the body-betraying syndrome always happening around Atlas. If I'm being honest, I think half of the story is about their sexy times, which is way too much for me. A girl has her limit, and I think I reached it with this story.
Overall, the writing style was good, and the story flow was easy to follow. However, there are too many side characters, and that could be a little overwhelming to track who's who. Also, I feel like their romance was built on lust and nothing else, but that could be a me case. Anyway, the story ended with a HFN (engaged and pregnant).
Note: I might update this review once it's released.
Thank you to Booksprout for the advanced copy, and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
Fue una lectura llena de diversión mafiosa con el equilibrio justo entre oscuridad y humor. Atlas es un héroe magnético: griego, obsesivo, con un pasado trágico y muy directo en su obsesión por Lucía. Ella, por su parte, es una protagonista fuerte e independiente que brilla por sí sola. Me encantaron sus interacciones con los hermanos de Atlas, en especial con Orión, y espero que Zeus tenga su propio libro.
Las escenas picantes, con un toque de BDSM, estuvieron muy bien logradas, y agradecí que la autora incluyera referencias al negocio real de la mafia. Aunque hubo momentos de frustración por la falta de comunicación entre los protagonistas, también se sintió auténtico por el trasfondo de trauma. En conjunto, un romance oscuro, intenso y entretenido
Las escenas picantes, con un toque de BDSM, estuvieron muy bien logradas, y agradecí que la autora incluyera referencias al negocio real de la mafia. Aunque hubo momentos de frustración por la falta de comunicación entre los protagonistas, también se sintió auténtico por el trasfondo de trauma. En conjunto, un romance oscuro, intenso y entretenido
June 13, 2025
I really liked the beginning of this and wanted to love this book because it has so many elements I like, but it just wasn’t enough to make up for the absolute lack of grovel from the H. He honestly just doesn’t see what he did as wrong and the way the h just basically accepts his presence around her all the time after what he did pisses me off. Like after two days she TEASING him! Like????
October 3, 2023
Kidnapped and tortured, the Greek child Atlas Rocos grew up and rebuilt himself to become “Dímios,” aka the executioner, Ádis Adelfótita's assassin and known to his targeted enemies as “palach.” When she survived the death of her husband and members of his crime family, Lucia Esposito was given no choice but to leave her home and family, disappear and remake herself by establishing a new life. But when Atlas hears the husky tone of the Lucia’s voice he decides instantly that she will belong to him. And it really is that simple in his world. He makes a decision and it happens. Thus their passionate, sometimes volatile, love affair begins. An affair that is tested often against the strictures and rules of his world and the distrust she carries forth from her old world. As expected in a book about the cosa nostra, mafia, syndicate, et al this book contains believable violence and brutality that reflects ugly situations. It also contains vivid, steamy, steamy sex that will set your imagination on fire. It’s not easy to come up with new words of praise for Lucy Monroe’s writing. I’ve been reading her books for twenty years so I guess you could say I have some experience to make a judgment call. She has taken a new and daring direction and she is slamming it out of the ballpark. P.S. I love Atlas whistling songs descriptive of circumstances throughout the book.
hard-pass-dnf-returned
November 17, 2024Non-virgin heroine. No thanks, i want my heroes possessive and i want my heroines to belong ONLY ONLY ONLY to the hero. Cant do that if shes spread her legs, had another man crawl between her legs and rut her.
December 6, 2023
I can't believe Lucy Monroe wrote this... nothing but smut and violence. I hope this is a one-off because I absolutely love a lot of her hp's.
October 28, 2025
After a long stretch of disappointing books, I stopped auto-buying Lucy Monroe maybe about 10 years ago. She seemed like she was delving into more... "wholesome" territory, and I tend to need a bit of insanity with my romance. Luckily, at some point, she seems to have seen the light and gotten into "dark" romance (more like cloudy gray here, but let's face it, that's more my speed anyway) with a vaguely definitely unhinged hero and a heroine to match.
I really enjoyed this one for the most part. I enjoyed Atlas and his ridiculously unhinged behavior, even though it was infinite red flags.
Anyway, it was OTT and ridiculous, and honestly it was more sex scenes than plot, but it was nice to enjoy reading Lucy Monroe again. Looking forward to the next one I pick up in the series.
I really enjoyed this one for the most part. I enjoyed Atlas and his ridiculously unhinged behavior, even though it was infinite red flags.
Anyway, it was OTT and ridiculous, and honestly it was more sex scenes than plot, but it was nice to enjoy reading Lucy Monroe again. Looking forward to the next one I pick up in the series.
March 8, 2024
Good writing, but way too many erotic sex scenes that unfortunately I started skimming. There's insta lust from the first few pages and I probably would have enjoyed it way more, had the romance started after a few chapters. That way we get to know the characters.
(Sorry Lucy. I'll still pick up the next book in the series.)
These days I love the back story to be the star in a romance. I like reading steamy romance scenes and enjoy great chemistry between the H/h, but not chapters of it as the main feature.
Obviously many readers loved this book. Don't let my opinion stop you from reading, as Lucy is an excellent author. 🙂
(Sorry Lucy. I'll still pick up the next book in the series.)
These days I love the back story to be the star in a romance. I like reading steamy romance scenes and enjoy great chemistry between the H/h, but not chapters of it as the main feature.
Obviously many readers loved this book. Don't let my opinion stop you from reading, as Lucy is an excellent author. 🙂
November 4, 2023
What do you get when you put together a Greek syndicate enforcer and a Cosa Nostra widow? An explosive, enjoyable, action packed read!
Ruthless Enforcer has a lot of danger and intrigue going on as well as a good bit of steamy between this couple. Atlas and Lucia shouldn’t match but do and fate does like to play games and their future is soon no longer up to them.
The Greek family dynamic is interesting, and the “boss” is someone who shouldn’t be messed with though Lucia takes a chance when it comes to the club and her responsibilities.
Ruthless Enforcer might not be my favorite of the series, but a very good read that will have you waiting impatiently for the next offering by Ms. Monroe.
Ruthless Enforcer has a lot of danger and intrigue going on as well as a good bit of steamy between this couple. Atlas and Lucia shouldn’t match but do and fate does like to play games and their future is soon no longer up to them.
The Greek family dynamic is interesting, and the “boss” is someone who shouldn’t be messed with though Lucia takes a chance when it comes to the club and her responsibilities.
Ruthless Enforcer might not be my favorite of the series, but a very good read that will have you waiting impatiently for the next offering by Ms. Monroe.
November 30, 2024
So good
I can't get enough of this series .
I love the author's writing style so much, it keeps me hooked from the very beginning to the very end.
The characters are so complex and yet the chemistry between them is so freaking hot they just sizzle off of the page .
I love a bossy alpha man and Atlas has that down to a fine art .
Lucia had no hope .
I highly recommend this Mafia series it's definitely one of my favourites and I'm only on book four .
I can't get enough of this series .
I love the author's writing style so much, it keeps me hooked from the very beginning to the very end.
The characters are so complex and yet the chemistry between them is so freaking hot they just sizzle off of the page .
I love a bossy alpha man and Atlas has that down to a fine art .
Lucia had no hope .
I highly recommend this Mafia series it's definitely one of my favourites and I'm only on book four .
November 15, 2023
Okayish read.
book i skipped reading most of irrelevant parts.
Fmc is sometimes fierce sometimes doormatish. Can’t understand her.
There is character here between the main characters.
Smut is good only thing good abt this book.
Tropes:
Second chance
One night stand
Insta love
He falls first
Mafia romance
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
book i skipped reading most of irrelevant parts.
Fmc is sometimes fierce sometimes doormatish. Can’t understand her.
There is character here between the main characters.
Smut is good only thing good abt this book.
Tropes:
Second chance
One night stand
Insta love
He falls first
Mafia romance
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 4, 2023
I am so enjoying this series. . Lucia loses everything husband. She was a Mafia princess. she gets her brother-in-law to safety. And starts again a new life and builds a night club up. And then Atlas comes into her life. she was only there to do a job. until he meets Lucia. he is a man with no feelings until he meets her. She is a strong woman that knows more on how everything runs in a mafia world she has to keep her identity a secret I so very much enjoyed a very good read.
January 30, 2024
This one was heavily sexy and definitely all about the relationship. Atlas and Lucia were entertaining, passionate, and amazing together. Dying for the next book
December 8, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
November 4, 2023
This is the story of Atlas and Lucia how their relationship starts and blossoms. There are hot and steamy scenes fully made me so hot.There are hurtles in the wayBut to find if it is a happy ending you will just have to read it for yourself. I was given this as an arc copy and am voluntarily writing this review
May 18, 2024
I just loved Lucia. She was smart and sassy and Atlas was HOT!🔥 lots of steamy scenes in this one and I read them all (usually if there are too many I just start skipping them as feel like fillers, not this book).
Atlas is a little broken but she sees him.
"We are all broken and that is how the light gets in. I think it's Hemingway. Anyway, if I'm your light then the only way I get into your soul is if it is a little broken."
He of course does a jerk thing at the request of his boss and brother so start that grovelling for her forgiveness.
Atlas is a little broken but she sees him.
"We are all broken and that is how the light gets in. I think it's Hemingway. Anyway, if I'm your light then the only way I get into your soul is if it is a little broken."
He of course does a jerk thing at the request of his boss and brother so start that grovelling for her forgiveness.
November 3, 2023
Good, but others were better
This book in the series was hard to get into. The other three books prior didn't seem so lacking in real emotion between the characters. There was such a feeling of deceit with the male lead, atlas. What made it even harder was the fact Demanding mob boss was such an exceptional book and dealt with the Neuro diverse characters so beautifully. The first three books are worthy of rereading. This one, not so much.
This book in the series was hard to get into. The other three books prior didn't seem so lacking in real emotion between the characters. There was such a feeling of deceit with the male lead, atlas. What made it even harder was the fact Demanding mob boss was such an exceptional book and dealt with the Neuro diverse characters so beautifully. The first three books are worthy of rereading. This one, not so much.
July 7, 2025
3 stars because... The story itself was boring.
The sex scenes were ok but The full book it's all about that.
I had to skip paragraphs several times until I found something interesting within the story.
Anyway, I'm still reading the rest of this series.
The sex scenes were ok but The full book it's all about that.
I had to skip paragraphs several times until I found something interesting within the story.
Anyway, I'm still reading the rest of this series.
October 27, 2023
Cracking
A full length novel with layers upon layers to the story. Lots of steamy adult romance, great characters and well written prose. I enjoyed this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A full length novel with layers upon layers to the story. Lots of steamy adult romance, great characters and well written prose. I enjoyed this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
dnfed
July 8, 2025My Progress (9%)
Safety Stats
Bianca
Virgin - no
What's Your Number - yes
Atlas
Playboy - yes
Sex scene with OW - no
Cheating - no
OW drama - unknown
Overall, Safe.
Safety Stats
Bianca
Virgin - no
What's Your Number - yes
Atlas
Playboy - yes
Sex scene with OW - no
Cheating - no
OW drama - unknown
Overall, Safe.
November 20, 2025
So, I read this in one sitting.
I loved Anna (book 3) for her vulnerability but equally loved Lucia for her strength and determination. Atlas was just….perfect. He was just broken enough that Lucia could fix him!
I was planning to meet a friend for lunch today, but couldn’t put this down. So now I am off to meet him for dinner instead. Please don’t tell him my “something came up!” was actually a book I couldn’t put down. I really don’t think he would either understand or appreciate being postponed for Lucia and Atlas! 😁😁
I loved Anna (book 3) for her vulnerability but equally loved Lucia for her strength and determination. Atlas was just….perfect. He was just broken enough that Lucia could fix him!
I was planning to meet a friend for lunch today, but couldn’t put this down. So now I am off to meet him for dinner instead. Please don’t tell him my “something came up!” was actually a book I couldn’t put down. I really don’t think he would either understand or appreciate being postponed for Lucia and Atlas! 😁😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
DNF @ 80% and honestly surprised I got that far. Least fave of the bunch.
December 13, 2025
This isy least favorite book of the series. I like all the others -- LOVE Angelo & Candi's story, and Cian & Anna's story. I've reread those countless times. But this one fell flat for me.
I felt like Lucia got a bum deal. She had one dream and she had to give up that dream. Does it make it better that Atlas built a whole new house for her and incorporated things she wanted in her dream home? Somehow it doesn't, because it's just a substitute. I don't see why she says she couldn't have his baby in her dream house -- he was already planning to buy the two houses on either side and place his men there. I would rather he ensured she got the house she wanted. That would have gone a long way to convince me that he cared.
I felt like Lucia had to make all the sacrifices in their relationship. Atlas did a poor job of protecting her and again, this didn't make me feel real good about him as a prospective husband. He didn't stand up to his brother Zeus on her behalf when it mattered. He knew she would be unhappy about the protection money and his deception, but he thought he could persuade her into agreeing to the protection racket. He says that if he knew he would lose her over the issue, he would have protected her business anyway, by buying it over personally instead of insisting on the protection money. Hah! He didn't think of that when it mattered. Easy to say after the fact, isn't it?
She was going to escape from Atlas and restart her life elsewhere, but she got trapped by the baby, and she was too soft-hearted to deprive the baby of a father 🙄 So Atlas just took over and bulldozed her over and over again. He never understood why she felt betrayed and kept telling her that being under his bratva's protection would be a good thing.
He says he would put her before everyone else in his life, even before his brothers and the mafia. But in chapter 30 he knows that his brothers want to force her into compliance one way or another, and he doesn't stand up to either one of them. He doesn't even prep his men to tell them how they're going to handle the situation when they go to her club to demand the protection money the first time. He has plans to explain to her and lay out the benefits of being under the mafia's protection... but his men don't know that, and they shake her down just like any other victim. And he stands by and lets it happen, lets them threaten her and speak to her as if she's just another business owner who has to be intimidated into submission. I was not real wowed by his forward planning and his way of standing by his woman. Standing by her? More like stepping aside and watching as others treat her poorly! And then he wonders why she doesn't believe she comes first with him?
And Lucia. She has personally experienced the fallout from the mafia -- how it has affected her -- but once she manages to convince herself that Atlas cares about her, she happily embraces being back in the folds of the mafia, even offering to do their accounts for them and cook the books for them. She was so upset about how paying the protection money would affect her, but suddenly doesn't care about that anymore because she sold her business to the mafia... doesn't give a single thought to the other business owners who are going to be similarly affected, too. It's like pushing her head into the sand and just accepting her fate. Not real impressed with her, either.
I felt like Lucia got a bum deal. She had one dream and she had to give up that dream. Does it make it better that Atlas built a whole new house for her and incorporated things she wanted in her dream home? Somehow it doesn't, because it's just a substitute. I don't see why she says she couldn't have his baby in her dream house -- he was already planning to buy the two houses on either side and place his men there. I would rather he ensured she got the house she wanted. That would have gone a long way to convince me that he cared.
I felt like Lucia had to make all the sacrifices in their relationship. Atlas did a poor job of protecting her and again, this didn't make me feel real good about him as a prospective husband. He didn't stand up to his brother Zeus on her behalf when it mattered. He knew she would be unhappy about the protection money and his deception, but he thought he could persuade her into agreeing to the protection racket. He says that if he knew he would lose her over the issue, he would have protected her business anyway, by buying it over personally instead of insisting on the protection money. Hah! He didn't think of that when it mattered. Easy to say after the fact, isn't it?
She was going to escape from Atlas and restart her life elsewhere, but she got trapped by the baby, and she was too soft-hearted to deprive the baby of a father 🙄 So Atlas just took over and bulldozed her over and over again. He never understood why she felt betrayed and kept telling her that being under his bratva's protection would be a good thing.
He says he would put her before everyone else in his life, even before his brothers and the mafia. But in chapter 30 he knows that his brothers want to force her into compliance one way or another, and he doesn't stand up to either one of them. He doesn't even prep his men to tell them how they're going to handle the situation when they go to her club to demand the protection money the first time. He has plans to explain to her and lay out the benefits of being under the mafia's protection... but his men don't know that, and they shake her down just like any other victim. And he stands by and lets it happen, lets them threaten her and speak to her as if she's just another business owner who has to be intimidated into submission. I was not real wowed by his forward planning and his way of standing by his woman. Standing by her? More like stepping aside and watching as others treat her poorly! And then he wonders why she doesn't believe she comes first with him?
And Lucia. She has personally experienced the fallout from the mafia -- how it has affected her -- but once she manages to convince herself that Atlas cares about her, she happily embraces being back in the folds of the mafia, even offering to do their accounts for them and cook the books for them. She was so upset about how paying the protection money would affect her, but suddenly doesn't care about that anymore because she sold her business to the mafia... doesn't give a single thought to the other business owners who are going to be similarly affected, too. It's like pushing her head into the sand and just accepting her fate. Not real impressed with her, either.
July 14, 2024
I'm working my way back through this series, in preparation to read the latest addition. And remembering why this book never made the reread list prior.
This should be a grovel book. The MMC lied to the FMC and screwed her over. Flat out. It doesn't matter that he decided it was what was best for her, that he knew he would always protect her, that it would all make her more money in the long run. He plotted the entire time they were together to take something from her that he knew she cared about. He spied on her when she trusted him in her home, in her office. He reported on her business to his family. He was consistently clear that he would ALWAYS do what his mob family needed done, including taking over her business. And every time his thoughts turned to how this would hurt her, his basic thought was "She will have to get over it. I am not letting her go. I will baby trap her so she can't go."
I hate it. This is not a man who respects his partner, who puts her first, who hates the idea of hurting her. This is a man who focuses on himself first, and knows he can bend his partner to his will. But hey, the FMC made out all right in the end, so she just gets tired of holding the grudge and moves on. Because he apologized, groveled, admitted what he did was wrong? Nope, nope nope. She just wanted to be with him, so decided to trust him again.
HATED THIS. I also hated how the author used the convenient plot device of just not showing the MMC's thoughts when he does something terrible. His viewpoint the entire book was that he would explain it to her, make her see. But when the time came, we got only the FMC's viewpoint as the MMC kept totally silent and let his soldier threaten her. He did not say "No, we don't need you to empty your till for us right this second." Nope, he just held out his hand and took the money. And never once did his later perspective truly address why.
Ugh. The FMC's pain was so real when she discovered he had lied to her, betrayed her, used her, and she was going to lose everything she worked so hard for. And HE did that. HE caused that pain. To have it be swept away with "but then it all worked out for the best" does not work for me. I need a MMC who does not hurt the FMC. And when he does, he fucking says he is sorry, and means it. Like I really do not think it is too much to ask that when the MMC emotionally crushes the FMC, he spend a single page saying "I shouldn't have done that. I am sorry." Instead of reading about him wondering if all her anger is just because of her pregnancy hormones....
Frankly, three stars might be generous. I forgot what a bad taste this book left in my mouth. This is a hot sex book. Not a romance book.
This should be a grovel book. The MMC lied to the FMC and screwed her over. Flat out. It doesn't matter that he decided it was what was best for her, that he knew he would always protect her, that it would all make her more money in the long run. He plotted the entire time they were together to take something from her that he knew she cared about. He spied on her when she trusted him in her home, in her office. He reported on her business to his family. He was consistently clear that he would ALWAYS do what his mob family needed done, including taking over her business. And every time his thoughts turned to how this would hurt her, his basic thought was "She will have to get over it. I am not letting her go. I will baby trap her so she can't go."
I hate it. This is not a man who respects his partner, who puts her first, who hates the idea of hurting her. This is a man who focuses on himself first, and knows he can bend his partner to his will. But hey, the FMC made out all right in the end, so she just gets tired of holding the grudge and moves on. Because he apologized, groveled, admitted what he did was wrong? Nope, nope nope. She just wanted to be with him, so decided to trust him again.
HATED THIS. I also hated how the author used the convenient plot device of just not showing the MMC's thoughts when he does something terrible. His viewpoint the entire book was that he would explain it to her, make her see. But when the time came, we got only the FMC's viewpoint as the MMC kept totally silent and let his soldier threaten her. He did not say "No, we don't need you to empty your till for us right this second." Nope, he just held out his hand and took the money. And never once did his later perspective truly address why.
Ugh. The FMC's pain was so real when she discovered he had lied to her, betrayed her, used her, and she was going to lose everything she worked so hard for. And HE did that. HE caused that pain. To have it be swept away with "but then it all worked out for the best" does not work for me. I need a MMC who does not hurt the FMC. And when he does, he fucking says he is sorry, and means it. Like I really do not think it is too much to ask that when the MMC emotionally crushes the FMC, he spend a single page saying "I shouldn't have done that. I am sorry." Instead of reading about him wondering if all her anger is just because of her pregnancy hormones....
Frankly, three stars might be generous. I forgot what a bad taste this book left in my mouth. This is a hot sex book. Not a romance book.
July 4, 2024
Once again I’m surprised to find I quite liked another one of the books in this series.
It is rare to find a mmc so extremely possessive, and he’s like this literally the whole time he’s with her.
The author did a good job balancing the crazy, red flag nature of Atlas, making it sound reasonable. Atlas was…so intense. Never ever would I consider him to be sane or attractive in real life, but a lot of what makes his character so acceptable is the fact that Lucia accepts it. We live a fair amount of this story through her perspective, so if she’s keen then we’re keen. If she’s hurt then we’re hurt.
The other appealing aspect is that Atlas’ life now revolves around her. Literally everything now is for her benefit, and what woman doesn’t want that? To be cherished and loved and accepted and watched, thought of. Atlas is overbearing but gets away with it because it is only ever for her.
I also absolutely 100% loved that he was a total badass. Like never ever dropped the ball. Always completely focused. Never failed. Always had the right priorities. The violence really did it for me. It’s heady stuff to see someone who literally could not be beaten by anyone give ground to Lucia. He. Never. Failed. It was awesome. The trust built between him and Lucia and therefore me as a reader was engaging.
I think the plot was decent. Not out of this world stunning, but still more than the usual for romance, which is often nothing.
So, my rating? ⭐️ 4.5
Both main characters were great.
The plot was interesting and immersive.
The spice was spicing! It wasn’t the most outrageous scenes ever, but for me, it was intimate and intense, with off the charts chemistry. I felt like a bit of thought went into those scenes, and I appreciated it. We got multiple POVs in a lot of the smexy scenes which gave us a bit of depth to it. Also there was some creative thinking going on. The scenes were not too outrageous but still different to the usual.
It was great!
It is rare to find a mmc so extremely possessive, and he’s like this literally the whole time he’s with her.
The author did a good job balancing the crazy, red flag nature of Atlas, making it sound reasonable. Atlas was…so intense. Never ever would I consider him to be sane or attractive in real life, but a lot of what makes his character so acceptable is the fact that Lucia accepts it. We live a fair amount of this story through her perspective, so if she’s keen then we’re keen. If she’s hurt then we’re hurt.
The other appealing aspect is that Atlas’ life now revolves around her. Literally everything now is for her benefit, and what woman doesn’t want that? To be cherished and loved and accepted and watched, thought of. Atlas is overbearing but gets away with it because it is only ever for her.
I also absolutely 100% loved that he was a total badass. Like never ever dropped the ball. Always completely focused. Never failed. Always had the right priorities. The violence really did it for me. It’s heady stuff to see someone who literally could not be beaten by anyone give ground to Lucia. He. Never. Failed. It was awesome. The trust built between him and Lucia and therefore me as a reader was engaging.
I think the plot was decent. Not out of this world stunning, but still more than the usual for romance, which is often nothing.
So, my rating? ⭐️ 4.5
Both main characters were great.
The plot was interesting and immersive.
The spice was spicing! It wasn’t the most outrageous scenes ever, but for me, it was intimate and intense, with off the charts chemistry. I felt like a bit of thought went into those scenes, and I appreciated it. We got multiple POVs in a lot of the smexy scenes which gave us a bit of depth to it. Also there was some creative thinking going on. The scenes were not too outrageous but still different to the usual.
It was great!
January 17, 2024
4.25 stars of pure mafia fun. The elements in this book are just dark enough to still leave plenty of room for banter between main and supporting characters. Atlas might be the hottest mafia hero I’ve read in a whileeee. First he’s Greek, and second he’s an obsessive psycho who also happens to be an assassin with a tragic backstory. Lucia was also such an incredible heroine. She’s thick and confident. She owns a raging successful business and is a former mafia princess. She doesn’t need anyone and doesn’t lean on anyone.
I loved the snark between Lucia and Atlas’ brothers. Orion’s back and forth with her is especially special. The comebacks and banter had me actually chuckling. I do hope Zeus gets his own book because I want to see The Monk happily settled. Even if he is a stick in the mud for most of the book. Maybe there’s a heroine who can lead him to break his celibacy? He’s basically begging for his own book.
There were many times once Lucia learns of Atlas’ deception that I wanted her to give him a chance to give her context into everything. But there were also times where I felt like Atlas lost his moment to speak his piece. Essentially there’s a good part of the book that’s rife with miscommunication. But that also feels genuine to broken people. Communication isn’t usually great after untreated trauma. The triggers can be hard to acknowledge and address. Sooooo I’m not too upset with the lack of effective communication skills.
The spicy scenes were also veryyyyyy spicy. BDSM was definitely on the table and done very well.
This was also an insta-lust book, and Atlas is very direct that for him it’s all Lucia. I love when the hero falls first and is fully obsessive! And the author actually references how the mob makes their money. Too often in mafia books this is skimmed over.
If you’re looking for cozy dark mafia vibes then this book is perfect!
I loved the snark between Lucia and Atlas’ brothers. Orion’s back and forth with her is especially special. The comebacks and banter had me actually chuckling. I do hope Zeus gets his own book because I want to see The Monk happily settled. Even if he is a stick in the mud for most of the book. Maybe there’s a heroine who can lead him to break his celibacy? He’s basically begging for his own book.
There were many times once Lucia learns of Atlas’ deception that I wanted her to give him a chance to give her context into everything. But there were also times where I felt like Atlas lost his moment to speak his piece. Essentially there’s a good part of the book that’s rife with miscommunication. But that also feels genuine to broken people. Communication isn’t usually great after untreated trauma. The triggers can be hard to acknowledge and address. Sooooo I’m not too upset with the lack of effective communication skills.
The spicy scenes were also veryyyyyy spicy. BDSM was definitely on the table and done very well.
This was also an insta-lust book, and Atlas is very direct that for him it’s all Lucia. I love when the hero falls first and is fully obsessive! And the author actually references how the mob makes their money. Too often in mafia books this is skimmed over.
If you’re looking for cozy dark mafia vibes then this book is perfect!
November 12, 2023
This book is described as a mafia romance with a morally grey hero. Lucia was part of the Costa Nostra mafia. She has already had her life destroyed once by mafia violence but managed to save her brother in law and rebuild their lives and her career. She now owns a bar. Atlas is part of the Greek mafia and wants to use her bar for money laundering and other mafia activities but not human trafficking. Unfortunately he doesn’t tell her this before they start their affair. I enjoyed this novel up to a point. The characters didn’t really mesh. Lucia had already had to rebuild her life once and she had saved her bil (plus paid for his ongoing care in a mental health health facility) even though he had caused her to lose her baby. She has morals but keeps going back to Atlas with only half hearted denials when he says they belong together.
I enjoyed reading this book but I wouldn’t rush to reread it,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this book but I wouldn’t rush to reread it,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2024
3.5⭐
5🌶️
Starts off with sex!
FMC owns & runs a nightclub in Portland. She does it to support her BIL at a care home, he has a TBI. Her husband and FIL were Italian mob. She and her BIL were presumed dead after their house exploded, but they'd escaped.
MMC is enforcer for Greek Mafia, goes to case her nightclub for protection money purposes, and they start a relationship.
She doesn't know until he shows up, halfway through the book, to pull the trigger on making her pay protection, that he's mob. But when he comes in with his team, she immediately sees why he's there.
She turns around and goes to his brother (head) the next day to sell the club to him, with the caveat that they take over the payments to the personal care home. She plans to vanish.
The purchase goes through, except she's pregnant. She slowly realizes that she ❤️ him anyways, and that he really did fall for her outside of his "job" and he really values her, even above his job and brothers.
They take out the Russians who decided to expand to Portland.
5🌶️
Starts off with sex!
FMC owns & runs a nightclub in Portland. She does it to support her BIL at a care home, he has a TBI. Her husband and FIL were Italian mob. She and her BIL were presumed dead after their house exploded, but they'd escaped.
MMC is enforcer for Greek Mafia, goes to case her nightclub for protection money purposes, and they start a relationship.
She doesn't know until he shows up, halfway through the book, to pull the trigger on making her pay protection, that he's mob. But when he comes in with his team, she immediately sees why he's there.
She turns around and goes to his brother (head) the next day to sell the club to him, with the caveat that they take over the payments to the personal care home. She plans to vanish.
The purchase goes through, except she's pregnant. She slowly realizes that she ❤️ him anyways, and that he really did fall for her outside of his "job" and he really values her, even above his job and brothers.
They take out the Russians who decided to expand to Portland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was my least favorite book of the series.
We knew that MMC, Atlas, was going to squeeze protection money out of Lucia for her Night Club from the very first page. Hell, we knew something like this was going to happen because of the book description itself. Except it took 60% of the story and a lot of relationship building before he actually followed through.
If he had started squeezing the money from her towards the beginning of the book it would have made a lot more sense. How Atlas is so dense about this being a relationship destroying action I do not understand. Why on earth would Lucia be okay with her boyfriend extorting her?
Anyway this book was ittle better than decent. Also, there was so much sex that they didn't have time for relationship development
This was my least favorite book of the series.
We knew that MMC, Atlas, was going to squeeze protection money out of Lucia for her Night Club from the very first page. Hell, we knew something like this was going to happen because of the book description itself. Except it took 60% of the story and a lot of relationship building before he actually followed through.
If he had started squeezing the money from her towards the beginning of the book it would have made a lot more sense. How Atlas is so dense about this being a relationship destroying action I do not understand. Why on earth would Lucia be okay with her boyfriend extorting her?
Anyway this book was ittle better than decent. Also, there was so much sex that they didn't have time for relationship development
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews