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Titans and Tyrants #1
Une dette impitoyable
L’argent n’a aucune pitié. Et lui non plus.Le jour de mon vingtième anniversaire, à minuit pile, il arrive dans l’obscurité, couvert de sang. Elio Titone, l’héritier de la famille la plus redoutable de la Cosa Nostra de Toronto.
Il s’avère que mon père s’est lourdement endetté auprès de la mafia sicilienne. Elio est donc venu pour une seule et unique raison : réclamer son dû.
Et son dû, c’est moi.
Mon ravisseur est dangereux et exigeant. Torturé, possessif, et incroyablement riche. Il m’enferme dans son monde doré et violent sans m’offrir le moindre espoir d’évasion. Pourtant plus je passe du temps avec lui, avec son regard ténébreux et ses mains striées de cicatrices, moins j’ai envie d’éventrer ma cage à coups de griffes pour m’en échapper.
Lorsque de nouveaux ennemis me menacent, je découvre une facette d’Elio dont je ne soupçonnais pas l’existence : celle d’un protecteur impitoyable. Il m’oblige à faire la seule chose qui garantira ma sécurité, même si cela m’impose de rester à jamais sa prisonnière.
Je ne serai plus entravée par les chaînes de la dette, mais par celles du mariage.
Car il compte faire de moi sa femme.
Une dette impitoyable est une histoire où se mêlent dark romance, mafia et différence d’âge. Il s’agit du premier tome d’un récit en deux parties.
Il s’avère que mon père s’est lourdement endetté auprès de la mafia sicilienne. Elio est donc venu pour une seule et unique raison : réclamer son dû.
Et son dû, c’est moi.
Mon ravisseur est dangereux et exigeant. Torturé, possessif, et incroyablement riche. Il m’enferme dans son monde doré et violent sans m’offrir le moindre espoir d’évasion. Pourtant plus je passe du temps avec lui, avec son regard ténébreux et ses mains striées de cicatrices, moins j’ai envie d’éventrer ma cage à coups de griffes pour m’en échapper.
Lorsque de nouveaux ennemis me menacent, je découvre une facette d’Elio dont je ne soupçonnais pas l’existence : celle d’un protecteur impitoyable. Il m’oblige à faire la seule chose qui garantira ma sécurité, même si cela m’impose de rester à jamais sa prisonnière.
Je ne serai plus entravée par les chaînes de la dette, mais par celles du mariage.
Car il compte faire de moi sa femme.
Une dette impitoyable est une histoire où se mêlent dark romance, mafia et différence d’âge. Il s’agit du premier tome d’un récit en deux parties.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2024
631 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 3, 2025
4.25⭐️
Couldn’t put it down. Loved it.
More thoughts are on threads, but I’ll pull together a review soon
Couldn’t put it down. Loved it.
More thoughts are on threads, but I’ll pull together a review soon
June 14, 2025
Elio skipped the red flag stage and is a straight up stop sign but I still somehow love him
November 15, 2023
ARC Review
’I want to stay the man I’ve been for twenty years. The kind of man who doesn’t let himself feel anything besides anger and greed and desire. The kind of man who’d steal a songbird simply because he decided that he wanted her. So that he could trap her, bind her, own her. Not so that he could fucking love her.’ Elio, Ch. 36
—
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
If I were to look up the word obsession, there is a chance I would find Elio Titone’s name and picture. That man is a GONER for our FMC, not to mention also crazy…. I LOVE IT.
This is the debut novel of Vero Heath and I am sold. When it comes to mafia romance, I know what to expect when it comes to the general conflict: war between the different families. A Debt So Ruthless is more character-focused, and that is right up my alley, up the stairs straight to the penthouse.
There is a natural progression to Deirdre and Elio’s relationship, and I love it. The overall pacing is great and I love her writing style. And the spice? Oh, boy… They do the deed only towards the end, but there are enough sexy scenes to tide you over before it. The scene where he made her play the violin (literal instrument, not a metaphor 🌝) for the first time in his bedroom… HOLY JESUS ON A CRACKER 🥵
Elio Titone, lord… there were many times I went HE IS CRAZY OMG then cackled. He is depraved in his obsession with Dee, acting like a pervert at times then have moments where he is like a loyal little puppy. Don’t be deceived though, he still very much so, a ruthless mafioso.
Deirdre O’Malley might resent Elio for abducting her, amongst other things, but she soon finds out she has more in common with her monster than she thought. After all, there is an edge of darkness lurking just underneath her own skin.
I am glad this book doesn’t end on a major cliffhanger, really just on a firm statement from our dear Elio. I cannot wait for the conclusion to their story!
’I want to stay the man I’ve been for twenty years. The kind of man who doesn’t let himself feel anything besides anger and greed and desire. The kind of man who’d steal a songbird simply because he decided that he wanted her. So that he could trap her, bind her, own her. Not so that he could fucking love her.’ Elio, Ch. 36
—
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
If I were to look up the word obsession, there is a chance I would find Elio Titone’s name and picture. That man is a GONER for our FMC, not to mention also crazy…. I LOVE IT.
This is the debut novel of Vero Heath and I am sold. When it comes to mafia romance, I know what to expect when it comes to the general conflict: war between the different families. A Debt So Ruthless is more character-focused, and that is right up my alley, up the stairs straight to the penthouse.
There is a natural progression to Deirdre and Elio’s relationship, and I love it. The overall pacing is great and I love her writing style. And the spice? Oh, boy… They do the deed only towards the end, but there are enough sexy scenes to tide you over before it. The scene where he made her play the violin (literal instrument, not a metaphor 🌝) for the first time in his bedroom… HOLY JESUS ON A CRACKER 🥵
Elio Titone, lord… there were many times I went HE IS CRAZY OMG then cackled. He is depraved in his obsession with Dee, acting like a pervert at times then have moments where he is like a loyal little puppy. Don’t be deceived though, he still very much so, a ruthless mafioso.
Deirdre O’Malley might resent Elio for abducting her, amongst other things, but she soon finds out she has more in common with her monster than she thought. After all, there is an edge of darkness lurking just underneath her own skin.
I am glad this book doesn’t end on a major cliffhanger, really just on a firm statement from our dear Elio. I cannot wait for the conclusion to their story!
November 13, 2023
ARC REVIEW
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, whom I thank for the opportunity. I was asked to provide an honest and uncompromised review of the book. So these are my views and mine alone.
I will start this review by saying that I don't read mafia romances because my grandma was born in Calabria, and the trope repels me. I also don't read dark romances because I prefer heroes to be of the cinnamon roll variety, and in general, people that I wouldn't advise the heroine to run from as far away as she can. To say I had reservations would be an understatement and I was fully prepared to drop the book like a hot potato and DNF within a few pages. Especially after the author warned her ARC group that the book had turned darker than she expected.
And yet.
And yet.
AND YET... the writing was very good, the story gripped me and now I want to see what happens in the second book!
The book tells the story of Elio, a mobster who had to escape Sicily as a young boy, abandoned by his father and raised by his uncle, scarred by fire in his body and hands (which he always covers with gloves) when he rescued his younger brother, prior to moving to Canada.
Elio sees Deirdre (the very young heroine) play the violin an afternoon when her father is asking him for money to cover the money he stole from his Irish mafia employer and feels entranced. So he makes a deal with Deirdre's father, to have her (yes, a real person) as collateral in case her father does not pay back what he is about to lend him ( yes, her father does that).
Fast forward 18 months, it's NYE, the night before Deirdre's birthday, at Deirdre's home, when suddenly there are bullets flying left and right. Deirdre's father has not paid his debt, he has not covered his tracks with his employer and everyone wants his head. That's where Elio comes in, and rescues Deirdre while her father escapes without looking back. Elio then proceeds to claim that her life belongs to him because she was her father's collateral. And he takes Deirdre to his home.
That's where the story really begins. Not in an action-packed way- for many chapters fairly little happens externally. But the internal change begins to happen- which is what I found interesting.
The book is a lot about the personas the characters built, the lies they tell themselves (Elio, I'm looking at you!), and how attraction and those pesky feelings they don't name start to collide with the people the characters thought they were. How do those feelings fit their own narratives about themselves? (they don't, but they insist on trying to fit circles into squared holes). How does the change endanger them or save them? What does love require of them and how will they need to change to find joy?
I found Elio's nickname for Deirdre very revealing of what she might be for him. He calls her "Songbird", which made me think of the soul song that points us toward our truest selves. Her presence, her being, unveils him- and he does so for her too.
Who Elio and Deirdre will become by the end of book 2, remains to be seen. I look forward to finding out.
trigger warnings: violence, lack of freedom/kidnapping, dubcon, mention of neglectful parenting, parental death (off the page), explicit sex scenes.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, whom I thank for the opportunity. I was asked to provide an honest and uncompromised review of the book. So these are my views and mine alone.
I will start this review by saying that I don't read mafia romances because my grandma was born in Calabria, and the trope repels me. I also don't read dark romances because I prefer heroes to be of the cinnamon roll variety, and in general, people that I wouldn't advise the heroine to run from as far away as she can. To say I had reservations would be an understatement and I was fully prepared to drop the book like a hot potato and DNF within a few pages. Especially after the author warned her ARC group that the book had turned darker than she expected.
And yet.
And yet.
AND YET... the writing was very good, the story gripped me and now I want to see what happens in the second book!
The book tells the story of Elio, a mobster who had to escape Sicily as a young boy, abandoned by his father and raised by his uncle, scarred by fire in his body and hands (which he always covers with gloves) when he rescued his younger brother, prior to moving to Canada.
Elio sees Deirdre (the very young heroine) play the violin an afternoon when her father is asking him for money to cover the money he stole from his Irish mafia employer and feels entranced. So he makes a deal with Deirdre's father, to have her (yes, a real person) as collateral in case her father does not pay back what he is about to lend him ( yes, her father does that).
Fast forward 18 months, it's NYE, the night before Deirdre's birthday, at Deirdre's home, when suddenly there are bullets flying left and right. Deirdre's father has not paid his debt, he has not covered his tracks with his employer and everyone wants his head. That's where Elio comes in, and rescues Deirdre while her father escapes without looking back. Elio then proceeds to claim that her life belongs to him because she was her father's collateral. And he takes Deirdre to his home.
That's where the story really begins. Not in an action-packed way- for many chapters fairly little happens externally. But the internal change begins to happen- which is what I found interesting.
The book is a lot about the personas the characters built, the lies they tell themselves (Elio, I'm looking at you!), and how attraction and those pesky feelings they don't name start to collide with the people the characters thought they were. How do those feelings fit their own narratives about themselves? (they don't, but they insist on trying to fit circles into squared holes). How does the change endanger them or save them? What does love require of them and how will they need to change to find joy?
I found Elio's nickname for Deirdre very revealing of what she might be for him. He calls her "Songbird", which made me think of the soul song that points us toward our truest selves. Her presence, her being, unveils him- and he does so for her too.
Who Elio and Deirdre will become by the end of book 2, remains to be seen. I look forward to finding out.
trigger warnings: violence, lack of freedom/kidnapping, dubcon, mention of neglectful parenting, parental death (off the page), explicit sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
4.5 stars
SPOILERS ‼️‼️‼️
WOW! i received an arc copy of this book and i loved it!! i read this book so quick(like one day quick) too, which never happens. (for reference i’m a working college student lol). Elio is such a classic mobster and i love how he gradually warms up to deirdre and dare i say… starts being sweet. deirdre was not the classic annoying mc that normally comes with these mafia books (thankfully) and i loved it. she is funny and will stand up for herself. she doesn’t just immediately swoon at his feet. i loved the writing in this book as well. it was very easy to follow and i never really got confused about anything that happened. the little bits of humor are great too.
the only reason why i gave it -.5 stars was because in the middle i felt like there wasn’t really a plot? it was kinda boring for a little bit but once she started going to school it picked back up. other than that i really appreciated the fast pacing of this book. i was immediately withdrawn into the story and actually wanted to keep reading. i hate slow books and this was refreshing to read.
my favorite was at the end when they started warming up to each other more. it was so sweet 🥲. i wasn’t expecting this book to end on a cliff hanger though but im super excited to read the next book and find out what happens and where the story goes!
SPOILERS ‼️‼️‼️
WOW! i received an arc copy of this book and i loved it!! i read this book so quick(like one day quick) too, which never happens. (for reference i’m a working college student lol). Elio is such a classic mobster and i love how he gradually warms up to deirdre and dare i say… starts being sweet. deirdre was not the classic annoying mc that normally comes with these mafia books (thankfully) and i loved it. she is funny and will stand up for herself. she doesn’t just immediately swoon at his feet. i loved the writing in this book as well. it was very easy to follow and i never really got confused about anything that happened. the little bits of humor are great too.
the only reason why i gave it -.5 stars was because in the middle i felt like there wasn’t really a plot? it was kinda boring for a little bit but once she started going to school it picked back up. other than that i really appreciated the fast pacing of this book. i was immediately withdrawn into the story and actually wanted to keep reading. i hate slow books and this was refreshing to read.
my favorite was at the end when they started warming up to each other more. it was so sweet 🥲. i wasn’t expecting this book to end on a cliff hanger though but im super excited to read the next book and find out what happens and where the story goes!
April 12, 2025
”I just need to know where I stand.”
“You will stand where I tell you to, you stand right beside me.”
is this so so so toxic and messed up on so many levels? yes. was I squealing like a little girl on that first kiss? also yes. have I immediately downloaded the next one? of course. will I ever be able to not giggle every time I’m reminded that this is happening in Canada? lol probably not but I love my tariff free mafia romance 🖤
June 17, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed most of it but some parts gave me major ick. However, I expected more organized crime but the book was 90% romance and 10% organized crime.
It wasn't dark enough for me and there wasn't enough spice either. Elio is ruthless
and a morally grey character but when he saw Deirdre playing her violin he knew that she would be his. So he takes her as a debt payment which her father was unable to pay.
‼️no cheating, there is a little
ow and om drama‼️
It wasn't dark enough for me and there wasn't enough spice either. Elio is ruthless
and a morally grey character but when he saw Deirdre playing her violin he knew that she would be his. So he takes her as a debt payment which her father was unable to pay.
‼️no cheating, there is a little
ow and om drama‼️
July 13, 2024
“No es solo su música lo que me ha atraído, lo que he estado tratando de entender, es ella: su esencia que se derrama como un maldito sol, bañándome en luz cuando he pasado la mitad de mi vida en la oscuridad”.
Elio, mi nuevo mafioso favorito 😍😍😍😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
Elio, mi nuevo mafioso favorito 😍😍😍😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
February 25, 2025
crack cocaine
im giddy
top tier writing, amazing hero being mushy but also manipulative and evil and mafia-y, like whats not to love. perfect amount of smut. perfect soft and hard balance. i love.
in conclusion, I LOVE A SIMP !!!
“You came for me.”
A flicker of agony passes over Elio’s face, and he presses his face against my hands. His voice splits the darkness.
“I will always fucking come back for you. Even when you don’t want me to. Even when you scream and beg and cry for me to leave, even when you push me away, I won’t go. I will come back every single time, do you hear me? I will fucking be here. Always.”
"“Deirdre must see something change in me, because she puts her smooth, cool hands on either side of my jaw. It’s the first time she’s ever touched me like this. It’s both soothing and infuriating, because that one tender, possessive touch makes me want to get down in the slush and the salt and the snow, press my forehead to the ground, and bow. Her hands on my face, on my skin and my scars, solid and unflinching like this, makes me want to fucking beg. Beg her for something but I don’t know what. It’s both nostalgic and foreign to me, because I haven’t begged anyone for anything in decades. Not since I begged God that night in the fire.”
and hes so funny too
“Instead of saying the password, he spells it out for me, letter by letter, and it’s only when I get to the last part that I realize I’ve just typed in iloveelio.
Jesus Christ.”
the scene that did it tho
when she's laughing
and he looks at her
and she's still laughing
and he just kisses her like
like
likle
like
“What are you doing?” I croak.
“Don’t know,” he breathes against my lips. “Your mouth just looks so fucking good when you laugh.”
I can’t come up with a coherent answer to that, so instead I weakly mutter, “I’ll be late.”
“No.” He kisses me one more time and then lets me go. “You won’t."
IT JUST FEELS SO GENUINE I LOVE IT
im giddy
top tier writing, amazing hero being mushy but also manipulative and evil and mafia-y, like whats not to love. perfect amount of smut. perfect soft and hard balance. i love.
in conclusion, I LOVE A SIMP !!!
“You came for me.”
A flicker of agony passes over Elio’s face, and he presses his face against my hands. His voice splits the darkness.
“I will always fucking come back for you. Even when you don’t want me to. Even when you scream and beg and cry for me to leave, even when you push me away, I won’t go. I will come back every single time, do you hear me? I will fucking be here. Always.”
"“Deirdre must see something change in me, because she puts her smooth, cool hands on either side of my jaw. It’s the first time she’s ever touched me like this. It’s both soothing and infuriating, because that one tender, possessive touch makes me want to get down in the slush and the salt and the snow, press my forehead to the ground, and bow. Her hands on my face, on my skin and my scars, solid and unflinching like this, makes me want to fucking beg. Beg her for something but I don’t know what. It’s both nostalgic and foreign to me, because I haven’t begged anyone for anything in decades. Not since I begged God that night in the fire.”
and hes so funny too
“Instead of saying the password, he spells it out for me, letter by letter, and it’s only when I get to the last part that I realize I’ve just typed in iloveelio.
Jesus Christ.”
the scene that did it tho
when she's laughing
and he looks at her
and she's still laughing
and he just kisses her like
like
likle
like
“What are you doing?” I croak.
“Don’t know,” he breathes against my lips. “Your mouth just looks so fucking good when you laugh.”
I can’t come up with a coherent answer to that, so instead I weakly mutter, “I’ll be late.”
“No.” He kisses me one more time and then lets me go. “You won’t."
IT JUST FEELS SO GENUINE I LOVE IT
February 24, 2025
I was recommended this author in my Sonja Grey FB readers group .
This is a Canadian based LA Cosa Nostra mafia romance by this new to me author which I enjoyed.
The heroine is a red head with the personality to match.The hero is the underboss of his family's mafia organization,but it's only a matter of time before he takes over from his uncle.
What I loved...
The hero was alpha, ott,possessive,all about the heroine.He has the " touch her and die" vibes.
He had stalked her for almost 2 years till he finally got her in his clutches, he played the waiting game well.
This was slow burn with great sexual tension,and when they had sex the first time,amazingly sizzling!The heroine was a virgin,the hero experienced.
This couple was great together and the side characters complemented the story well.
The heroine has trauma from her mother's death in a car crash in which heroine was a p passenger, and the hero is scared from a fire in which his mother died.Both have father issues.
This book ended on a cliff hanger,and I can't wait to dive into the next book.
If you enjoy mafia romances with a super possessive, ott hero,and great chemistry between the MC's,this is the series for you.
This is a Canadian based LA Cosa Nostra mafia romance by this new to me author which I enjoyed.
The heroine is a red head with the personality to match.The hero is the underboss of his family's mafia organization,but it's only a matter of time before he takes over from his uncle.
What I loved...
The hero was alpha, ott,possessive,all about the heroine.He has the " touch her and die" vibes.
He had stalked her for almost 2 years till he finally got her in his clutches, he played the waiting game well.
This was slow burn with great sexual tension,and when they had sex the first time,amazingly sizzling!The heroine was a virgin,the hero experienced.
This couple was great together and the side characters complemented the story well.
The heroine has trauma from her mother's death in a car crash in which heroine was a p passenger, and the hero is scared from a fire in which his mother died.Both have father issues.
This book ended on a cliff hanger,and I can't wait to dive into the next book.
If you enjoy mafia romances with a super possessive, ott hero,and great chemistry between the MC's,this is the series for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
Oh I like this couple. He's a great mix of dark and domineering yet sweet and obsessed with her. When she tries to fight her attraction to him and the other stuff that they have going on it's not annoying and she doesn't come across as flaky and wishy-washy like some other heroines that make me want to dnf books.
I also really love when one or both of the MC are musician or artist. Her violin and music really add interest to the story and seeing how well he knows her and has watched her play adds to their connection.
These two have some pretty steamy scenes. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be checking more out.
I also really love when one or both of the MC are musician or artist. Her violin and music really add interest to the story and seeing how well he knows her and has watched her play adds to their connection.
These two have some pretty steamy scenes. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be checking more out.
March 2, 2024
“You are mine….”
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
Tropes:
🖤 obsessive, morally grey mafia hero
🖤 v1rg1n violinist heroine
🖤 captivity/kidnapping is my love language 😍
🖤 14-year age-gap
🖤 düɓ c0ń
🖤 h@nd neckl@ces and bre@th pl@y
🖤 set in Toronto
“A Debt So Ruthless” is the first book of the Titans and Tyrants Series and this book is soooo good. It does not disappoint and keeps you guessing. It is the story of Elio Titone, the heir to Toronto’s most brutal Cosa Nostra famiglia and his captured obsession Deirdre O’Malley– his songbook (her father owes Elio a huge amount of money). He has been watching her for at least 18 months and is clear Deirdre belongs to him. Deirdre does not know about the problems that her father has, and the Irish mafia also wants her too because of her father misdeeds. Elio risks his own life for Deirdre, and this causes her to ask why he would do that. She starts to see him differently and is very attracted to him which scares her. But she does not run from him. His cousin Valentina is a hoot and provides the background of Elio to Deirdre. There are many twists and turns that will be resolved in the next book. I cannot wait.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
Tropes:
🖤 obsessive, morally grey mafia hero
🖤 v1rg1n violinist heroine
🖤 captivity/kidnapping is my love language 😍
🖤 14-year age-gap
🖤 düɓ c0ń
🖤 h@nd neckl@ces and bre@th pl@y
🖤 set in Toronto
“A Debt So Ruthless” is the first book of the Titans and Tyrants Series and this book is soooo good. It does not disappoint and keeps you guessing. It is the story of Elio Titone, the heir to Toronto’s most brutal Cosa Nostra famiglia and his captured obsession Deirdre O’Malley– his songbook (her father owes Elio a huge amount of money). He has been watching her for at least 18 months and is clear Deirdre belongs to him. Deirdre does not know about the problems that her father has, and the Irish mafia also wants her too because of her father misdeeds. Elio risks his own life for Deirdre, and this causes her to ask why he would do that. She starts to see him differently and is very attracted to him which scares her. But she does not run from him. His cousin Valentina is a hoot and provides the background of Elio to Deirdre. There are many twists and turns that will be resolved in the next book. I cannot wait.
August 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
No tengo mucho que decir solo que lo estoy disfrutando bastante, me gusta la dinámica que traen los protagonistas de va y ven.
Elio sin duda es interesante lo único que no me gusta a veces de este tipo de MMC es que absorben mucha a la protagonista en este intento de ser posesivos que le quitan su individualidad y se siente como si estuvieran encima de ella todo el tiempo.
Con Deidre... me gusta mucho su personalidad es fuerte y me gusta que luche contra Elio aunque casi siempre termine perdiendo, algunas veces en chistoso incluso.
Se me hizo un poco exagerado lo de las camaras en toda la casa y el hecho de que su cuarto se encuentre dentro del cuarto de el, es medio raro eso, pero aparte de ahí no hay mucho de lo que quejarse.
No hay más trama aparte de como se desenvuelve la relación entre ellos, hasta en el último capítulo que ya terceros se empiezan a involucrar.
Continuaré con la segunda parte.
No tengo mucho que decir solo que lo estoy disfrutando bastante, me gusta la dinámica que traen los protagonistas de va y ven.
Elio sin duda es interesante lo único que no me gusta a veces de este tipo de MMC es que absorben mucha a la protagonista en este intento de ser posesivos que le quitan su individualidad y se siente como si estuvieran encima de ella todo el tiempo.
Con Deidre... me gusta mucho su personalidad es fuerte y me gusta que luche contra Elio aunque casi siempre termine perdiendo, algunas veces en chistoso incluso.
Se me hizo un poco exagerado lo de las camaras en toda la casa y el hecho de que su cuarto se encuentre dentro del cuarto de el, es medio raro eso, pero aparte de ahí no hay mucho de lo que quejarse.
No hay más trama aparte de como se desenvuelve la relación entre ellos, hasta en el último capítulo que ya terceros se empiezan a involucrar.
Continuaré con la segunda parte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
I want to start this off by this is an ARC free review and it is being left voluntarily!
This is one of my favorite genre of books, the tropes are just *chefs kiss*, and the characters are very 🥵.
On the 🌶️ level I’d give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Debt So Ruthless is a novel that you must read the TRIGGER WARNINGS and know they are all in the book you are reading.
Trust me the other Vero Heath doesn’t leave anything out.
I’ve read darker but this book if on my top book roster. I FELL in love let me tell you. The main characters Deirdre and Elio Titone have some amazing developmental skills and traits. I think I found myself loving Deirdre and disliking Elio at the beginning, however; Elio grew on me and I love him!
There was one part on the beginning where we saw Deirdre sarcastic and spunky side and ever since then she had me hooked. I found myself connecting with her in some of her issues she faced in the book.
When I tell you Veros written had me in a chokehold, I mean it. The storyline, characters, the climax, and even the cliff hanger 😫 had me wanting so much more.
Thank you so much Vero for having the opportunity to be an Arc and share my honest review. I cannot wait for the next establishment in the series. Only negative was I wish it was longer 😂 which ain’t a negative. 🤍
This is one of my favorite genre of books, the tropes are just *chefs kiss*, and the characters are very 🥵.
On the 🌶️ level I’d give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Debt So Ruthless is a novel that you must read the TRIGGER WARNINGS and know they are all in the book you are reading.
Trust me the other Vero Heath doesn’t leave anything out.
I’ve read darker but this book if on my top book roster. I FELL in love let me tell you. The main characters Deirdre and Elio Titone have some amazing developmental skills and traits. I think I found myself loving Deirdre and disliking Elio at the beginning, however; Elio grew on me and I love him!
There was one part on the beginning where we saw Deirdre sarcastic and spunky side and ever since then she had me hooked. I found myself connecting with her in some of her issues she faced in the book.
When I tell you Veros written had me in a chokehold, I mean it. The storyline, characters, the climax, and even the cliff hanger 😫 had me wanting so much more.
Thank you so much Vero for having the opportunity to be an Arc and share my honest review. I cannot wait for the next establishment in the series. Only negative was I wish it was longer 😂 which ain’t a negative. 🤍
October 31, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review....and all I can say is WOW. From start to finish I was hooked - I couldn't put it down. I read in my car before work, on my lunch break, as soon as I got home from work - even in the bathroom. I wanted to know where this story was going. It didn't once slow down and each turn of the page kept you interested. This is also a GREAT book for anyone looking to be introduced into dark romance or mafia based romance. It's not over the top or insane spice - just enough to make you blush but also enough to satiate someone who reads the Uber dark romance that can handle any trigger warnings. I can't wait to see where this storyline goes!
October 23, 2023
ARC REVIEW - 4.5 ⭐️
I was honoured to receive an ARC for A Debt So Ruthless!
Thoroughly enjoyed Vero Heaths writing style, very easy to read.
It’s the sort of book where instead of wishing it were shorter, I wished so badly that it was longer! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Little Songbird and her not so heroic hero have another piece of my heart ♥️
I was honoured to receive an ARC for A Debt So Ruthless!
Thoroughly enjoyed Vero Heaths writing style, very easy to read.
It’s the sort of book where instead of wishing it were shorter, I wished so badly that it was longer! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Little Songbird and her not so heroic hero have another piece of my heart ♥️
October 29, 2024
This Mafia book was exactly what I needed at the moment. It was enjoyable, although I would have preferred more dialogue between the two main characters. However, this is only the first book, and I understand there is a second book available, which I do intend to read. I hope the second book is necessary and not something that could have been wrapped up into one book.
August 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Que dire. J'ai un peu honte d'avoir apprécié cette lecture à ce point 🙊 Un roman vraiment spicy, très clairement dark romance mais vraiment addictif. La seule raison pourquoi je n'ai pas donné 5⭐️, c'est qu'à par du (très bon) sexe, il n'y a pas tellement d'évolution dans l'histoire. Mais c'est le genre de livre qu'on ne lit pas pour l'histoire 🤣 Hâte de lire le 2eme
Que dire. J'ai un peu honte d'avoir apprécié cette lecture à ce point 🙊 Un roman vraiment spicy, très clairement dark romance mais vraiment addictif. La seule raison pourquoi je n'ai pas donné 5⭐️, c'est qu'à par du (très bon) sexe, il n'y a pas tellement d'évolution dans l'histoire. Mais c'est le genre de livre qu'on ne lit pas pour l'histoire 🤣 Hâte de lire le 2eme
October 29, 2023
I received this ARC and just devoured it. I loved it! The writing style was great with easy to follow dual POV. It started off with a bang quite literally and kept going. When reading on my Kindle, the time left in the book is usually a challenge but this was like a sad countdown because I knew it was ending. And that last 15 minutes was tortuous bliss.
I can’t wait to see what happens next with Elio and his Songbird. 🖤
I can’t wait to see what happens next with Elio and his Songbird. 🖤
July 17, 2025
This underground book was so much better than most of the overhyped booktok mafia novels. You know I love a simpy murderous man🤭
June 13, 2025
good read
I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow, but the chemistry between the characters was amazing. The end of this book took me by surprise, and I'm here for it!
I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow, but the chemistry between the characters was amazing. The end of this book took me by surprise, and I'm here for it!
January 4, 2024
God... this book!!!! I have no words to describe how intense it is, how intense Elio is. It's more on the stalker side than the mafia romance thrope but it's brilliant done, I couldn't get enough! The only thing I hate it's that the second book in this duet it's comming in March and I have to wait that long!🥹😭
November 11, 2025
Slightly long at parts where it wasn’t necessary but overall good
November 16, 2023
FMC: Deidre
MMC(s): Elio
Tropes: Mafia romance, Dark romance, J/P, He Falls First, Gloved MMC, Age Gap, Enemies-to-lovers
> Reviewer add: Irish FMC, Italian MMC, Emotional Support Monster
Perspective: First, dual
Plot or character driven: both, with character as primary
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? Yes
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes.
> Personal favorite? In the closet.
> State of the joystick? Human.
Burn speed: Building, begins early.
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, this is the first in a duet.
Re-Readability: High. I devoured this.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Extensive, please see beginning of book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
“His touch on me, skin to skin, was incandescent and ruinous.”
Deidre is the daughter of a dude that is not very good at being fiscally responsible. He makes a bet with Elio and Deidre is the collateral. Deidre’s dad falls through, Elio comes to collect, and he’s awfully... protective.
This was the perfect level of dark for me, so much so that I told one of my best friends who has different tastes in books than I that I was going to get it for her too cause she would love it. I regret nothing. I loved this. Elio was the right blend of jealous and possessive and unyielding without degrading Deidre. And their scenes were scorching.
This hit just right; and by just right, I mean, I would lick the pages. Maybe the cover. I said what I said.
MMC(s): Elio
Tropes: Mafia romance, Dark romance, J/P, He Falls First, Gloved MMC, Age Gap, Enemies-to-lovers
> Reviewer add: Irish FMC, Italian MMC, Emotional Support Monster
Perspective: First, dual
Plot or character driven: both, with character as primary
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? Yes
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes.
> Personal favorite? In the closet.
> State of the joystick? Human.
Burn speed: Building, begins early.
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, this is the first in a duet.
Re-Readability: High. I devoured this.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Extensive, please see beginning of book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
“His touch on me, skin to skin, was incandescent and ruinous.”
Deidre is the daughter of a dude that is not very good at being fiscally responsible. He makes a bet with Elio and Deidre is the collateral. Deidre’s dad falls through, Elio comes to collect, and he’s awfully... protective.
This was the perfect level of dark for me, so much so that I told one of my best friends who has different tastes in books than I that I was going to get it for her too cause she would love it. I regret nothing. I loved this. Elio was the right blend of jealous and possessive and unyielding without degrading Deidre. And their scenes were scorching.
This hit just right; and by just right, I mean, I would lick the pages. Maybe the cover. I said what I said.
July 4, 2024
I honestly couldn’t even finish it:/ I was so disappointed! I was not stimulated and found myself just bored. Ive never NOT finished a book but this one here..I’m going to have to cut it off before I waste more time!! I want to so badlyyy to enjoy it and to be interested but it hurts to read.
I was almost halfway through the book and Elio and Deidre haven’t even had ONE decent conversation, haven’t even had any serious interactions, not one spicy scene yet. The story just started so slow for me and I feel like I’m connecting more with outer characters like cousins, a brother, and family instead of the two “love birds.” Their development has been SOOO slow and dry. Not one spicy scene, or even a conversation, deepening of understanding, agreement..ANYTHING to even try to get to the said spicy scene. Even when a hint of spice came around, it’s like both of them are in their own heads and don’t even build a bond or connection. Stubborn characters that call for an even more stubborn plot. Theirs hints of mystery of their past (which I appreciate) and so many questions to ask about what’s going to happen to them but if none of it is being addressed going half way into the book…will it ever? It just leaves me high and dry. Like seriously..they’ve had maybe only 2-3 interactions since I opened the book and I’m almost half way through! Not for me!
I was almost halfway through the book and Elio and Deidre haven’t even had ONE decent conversation, haven’t even had any serious interactions, not one spicy scene yet. The story just started so slow for me and I feel like I’m connecting more with outer characters like cousins, a brother, and family instead of the two “love birds.” Their development has been SOOO slow and dry. Not one spicy scene, or even a conversation, deepening of understanding, agreement..ANYTHING to even try to get to the said spicy scene. Even when a hint of spice came around, it’s like both of them are in their own heads and don’t even build a bond or connection. Stubborn characters that call for an even more stubborn plot. Theirs hints of mystery of their past (which I appreciate) and so many questions to ask about what’s going to happen to them but if none of it is being addressed going half way into the book…will it ever? It just leaves me high and dry. Like seriously..they’ve had maybe only 2-3 interactions since I opened the book and I’m almost half way through! Not for me!
June 8, 2025
Well. This author has never led me astray before, but mafia romances? I'mma have to see this for myself....
Girl is kidnapped mid birthday party and snaffled off to mafia parts unseen. Turns out someone has been keeping an eye on her for a while and through a series of unfortunate events she is now the proud owner of a 6 million dollar debt.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Plot
The plot is pretty straight forward. Girl gets kidnapped and by playing her violin for the nice mafia boss, she can start to work off her debt. Now, you may have noticed that this 'mafia' thing keeps cropping up, and this is where the problems start to come from, particularly as the MMC is pretty high up the food chain.
The pacing of this plot is pretty spot on and I really struggled to put it down. Yay.
Characters
FMC
The FMC is alright, although I did have to keep reminding myself that she was acting her age. She doesn't come with a huge amount of personality, but that's okay. I enjoyed her interactions with his family and staff and I liked her attempts to reduce her debt.
Also, Deirdre is such an old lady name. And I need to know, does she have a Canadian accent, or an Irish one?
MMC
Elio is pretty much the epitome of a morally-grey character, albeit the grey is pretty murky. The only people he cares about are those within his immediate inner circle, and anyone else is absolutely fair game.
I don't normally like these overly possessive main characters, but there was something about Elio that made it work for me, although there were a few times he went too far and we'll get to that. I actually enjoyed his obsession around the FMC and her music, and I love that he had set up all the violin stuff for her in her room. I did also really like his genuine concerns for her safety, regardless of whether it was fire related or to do with her 'extracurricular' solo activities.
What I didn't love was him joining her at school - this felt really unnecessary and I actually kinda wished she'd gone with one of his guards so we could get to know them, and perhaps get another perspective of the MMC. I also really don't want to know what happened to the ex-boyfriend.
The Rest
The rest of the cast are okay, but remain very much of the periphery. I do wish we'd seen more of them, particularly his head of security and the overly grumpy cook.
The Chemistry
These two have great chemistry. Once they moved beyond the consent problems, the mutual participation was rather excellent. I especially enjoyed all the little ways he would tease her unbeknownst to those around them.
The Good
I love this debt concept. While I've read similar debt themed books before, I liked the way it portrayed here and hope it continues into the second book.
The Bad
I do wish the FMC had been a bit more mature. I didn't feel that she was perhaps the best match for Elio at times, and I know that's kinda the point of the story, but I would have absolutely enjoyed him being tortured a bit more by a stronger lady.
The Ugly
Now, there are some consent issues here. The author makes that super clear at the beginning, but I don't feel this addition was necessary or added anything to the story that couldn't have been achieved in the normal way.
The Wrap Up
You can use literally anything as a pocket square. Anything.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Others in the Series
A Vow So Soulless
A Game So Reckless
A Trap So Flawless
A Monster So Merciless
An Angel So Wingless
Find Me
Instagram
Storygraph
Girl is kidnapped mid birthday party and snaffled off to mafia parts unseen. Turns out someone has been keeping an eye on her for a while and through a series of unfortunate events she is now the proud owner of a 6 million dollar debt.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Plot
The plot is pretty straight forward. Girl gets kidnapped and by playing her violin for the nice mafia boss, she can start to work off her debt. Now, you may have noticed that this 'mafia' thing keeps cropping up, and this is where the problems start to come from, particularly as the MMC is pretty high up the food chain.
The pacing of this plot is pretty spot on and I really struggled to put it down. Yay.
Characters
FMC
The FMC is alright, although I did have to keep reminding myself that she was acting her age. She doesn't come with a huge amount of personality, but that's okay. I enjoyed her interactions with his family and staff and I liked her attempts to reduce her debt.
Also, Deirdre is such an old lady name. And I need to know, does she have a Canadian accent, or an Irish one?
MMC
Elio is pretty much the epitome of a morally-grey character, albeit the grey is pretty murky. The only people he cares about are those within his immediate inner circle, and anyone else is absolutely fair game.
I don't normally like these overly possessive main characters, but there was something about Elio that made it work for me, although there were a few times he went too far and we'll get to that. I actually enjoyed his obsession around the FMC and her music, and I love that he had set up all the violin stuff for her in her room. I did also really like his genuine concerns for her safety, regardless of whether it was fire related or to do with her 'extracurricular' solo activities.
What I didn't love was him joining her at school - this felt really unnecessary and I actually kinda wished she'd gone with one of his guards so we could get to know them, and perhaps get another perspective of the MMC. I also really don't want to know what happened to the ex-boyfriend.
The Rest
The rest of the cast are okay, but remain very much of the periphery. I do wish we'd seen more of them, particularly his head of security and the overly grumpy cook.
The Chemistry
These two have great chemistry. Once they moved beyond the consent problems, the mutual participation was rather excellent. I especially enjoyed all the little ways he would tease her unbeknownst to those around them.
The Good
I love this debt concept. While I've read similar debt themed books before, I liked the way it portrayed here and hope it continues into the second book.
The Bad
I do wish the FMC had been a bit more mature. I didn't feel that she was perhaps the best match for Elio at times, and I know that's kinda the point of the story, but I would have absolutely enjoyed him being tortured a bit more by a stronger lady.
The Ugly
Now, there are some consent issues here. The author makes that super clear at the beginning, but I don't feel this addition was necessary or added anything to the story that couldn't have been achieved in the normal way.
The Wrap Up
You can use literally anything as a pocket square. Anything.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Others in the Series
A Vow So Soulless
A Game So Reckless
A Trap So Flawless
A Monster So Merciless
An Angel So Wingless
Find Me
Storygraph
November 12, 2023
❤️🔥 “I’m her emotional support monster.”
~~~
Elio Titone is the tyrant of Toronto, the king of crime and the underboss of the most ruthless Sicilian family in the country. He’s a dangerous, vicious, calculating, deadly, obscenely rich and powerful man who will stop at nothing to get things done his way. Even more, he’s possessive, obsessive and so deliciously dominant. And he’s viciously protective of what’s his. But there’s also another side of Elio, which he doesn’t show very often - the one of a generous, thoughtful and caring man. Elio is a monster, he is not a good man, but what can I say… Morally gray and red flags are my favorite colors and Elio fits them to the T and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about this scarred mafia boss.
Deirdre O’Malley is a wonderful young woman who I loved so, so much! She’s kind, compassionate and caring and her love for music made her even more endearing. Deirdre might appear quiet at first, but I loved her sarcastic and spunky side. Even more, I loved her courage to stand up for herself even when she was facing the most dangerous man in the city. She’s lived all her life in the outskirts of a dangerous world. Until her twentieth birthday, when she’s thrown right in the middle of its dark depths.
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Elio and Deirdre! The moment Elio hears Deirdre playing the violin, he knows she’s his because she’s the only one who truly touches the depths of his dark soul. So, he patiently waits years to collect the debt he’s owed from her father - her. And now that he finally has her, nothing and no one will take her from him. I adored those two together! There is so much tension and I loved the constant push and pull, the bickering, the bargaining and the teasing. Even more, I loved how fiercely protective Elio was of his little Songbird but also so supportive of her studies and development. And even though Deirdre was doing her best to resist the strong feelings Elio awakens in her and pay her father’s debts as fast as possible, the scarred mafia boss is just so damn irresistible. And he won’t let go of her easily, if ever. Oh, the character development of both Deirdre and Elio is absolutely spectacular. Both have lost so much and both are broken in their own way. And their sharp and broken edges fit so perfectly together. But there are dangerous people after Deirdre, including her stalker of an ex. Elio, however, will destroy anyone or anything that tries to take his Songbird away from him. I’m absolutely sure that every dark romance girlie will absolutely love the emotional support monster that is Elio! And the spice… Oh, holy, filthy hotness! The story is a slow burn but there are plenty of smoking-hot moments that will have you reading one-handed, iykwim… 😏
Overall, the story is an incredible start of the series! And with that cliffhanger in the end, I cannot wait to see how Elio and Deirdre’s story will continue!
I couldn’t put it down and devoured and absolutely loved every single page of it!
~~~
Elio Titone is the tyrant of Toronto, the king of crime and the underboss of the most ruthless Sicilian family in the country. He’s a dangerous, vicious, calculating, deadly, obscenely rich and powerful man who will stop at nothing to get things done his way. Even more, he’s possessive, obsessive and so deliciously dominant. And he’s viciously protective of what’s his. But there’s also another side of Elio, which he doesn’t show very often - the one of a generous, thoughtful and caring man. Elio is a monster, he is not a good man, but what can I say… Morally gray and red flags are my favorite colors and Elio fits them to the T and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about this scarred mafia boss.
Deirdre O’Malley is a wonderful young woman who I loved so, so much! She’s kind, compassionate and caring and her love for music made her even more endearing. Deirdre might appear quiet at first, but I loved her sarcastic and spunky side. Even more, I loved her courage to stand up for herself even when she was facing the most dangerous man in the city. She’s lived all her life in the outskirts of a dangerous world. Until her twentieth birthday, when she’s thrown right in the middle of its dark depths.
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Elio and Deirdre! The moment Elio hears Deirdre playing the violin, he knows she’s his because she’s the only one who truly touches the depths of his dark soul. So, he patiently waits years to collect the debt he’s owed from her father - her. And now that he finally has her, nothing and no one will take her from him. I adored those two together! There is so much tension and I loved the constant push and pull, the bickering, the bargaining and the teasing. Even more, I loved how fiercely protective Elio was of his little Songbird but also so supportive of her studies and development. And even though Deirdre was doing her best to resist the strong feelings Elio awakens in her and pay her father’s debts as fast as possible, the scarred mafia boss is just so damn irresistible. And he won’t let go of her easily, if ever. Oh, the character development of both Deirdre and Elio is absolutely spectacular. Both have lost so much and both are broken in their own way. And their sharp and broken edges fit so perfectly together. But there are dangerous people after Deirdre, including her stalker of an ex. Elio, however, will destroy anyone or anything that tries to take his Songbird away from him. I’m absolutely sure that every dark romance girlie will absolutely love the emotional support monster that is Elio! And the spice… Oh, holy, filthy hotness! The story is a slow burn but there are plenty of smoking-hot moments that will have you reading one-handed, iykwim… 😏
Overall, the story is an incredible start of the series! And with that cliffhanger in the end, I cannot wait to see how Elio and Deirdre’s story will continue!
I couldn’t put it down and devoured and absolutely loved every single page of it!
November 4, 2023
🔥 𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐒𝐨 𝐑𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 🔥
"𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴."
Y’all… I love a good mafia romance and this book is a DAMN good mafia romance. This book had me hooked from the beginning when our MMC Elio Titone, heir to the Cosa Nostra famiglia, hears our FMC Deirdre O’Malley playing violin on the balcony of her home. Elio is approached by Deirdre’s father for a loan to compensate for money he has been stealing from other mafia families that he manages money for. Elio doesn’t want to make the deal with Deirdre’s father because he knows that he cannot pay it back… until he hears the violin music. Over a year later, Elio comes to the O’Malley home to collect his collateral for the loan he gave Deirdre’s father.
Deirdre has heard of Elio Titone but what she doesn’t expect is to be taken for a debt her father couldn’t pay back. What I expected from this book is an angry, mean MMC. What we get is definitely those things (at times because duh, he’s in the mafia) but what we also get is an MMC that cares for his FMC. He invests over the course of the year time and money for Deirdre’s inevitable arrival, but what he doesn’t is expect (and what she definitely doesn’t expect) is for the emotional and physical chemistry between the two to be so explosive. Deirdre tries like hell to pay off her fathers debt through various means but what she does not expect is to actually feel safe and cared for with Elio.
Y’all, I fucking loved these characters but I especially loved Elio. He had his crappy moments but he is seriously such a caring character throughout. Obviously Deirdre feels caged in because she was collateral for a debt that her father couldn’t pay. She wants nothing more than to get away from Elio, despite his attempts to show that he does care for Deirdre as more than just a “prisoner.” We love a vulnerable MMC and that’s what we get with Elio. This book has lived rent free in my head since I finished it a few days ago. It does end on a cliff hanger so really, the only question I have is when do we get the second book?? 😂
"𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴."
Y’all… I love a good mafia romance and this book is a DAMN good mafia romance. This book had me hooked from the beginning when our MMC Elio Titone, heir to the Cosa Nostra famiglia, hears our FMC Deirdre O’Malley playing violin on the balcony of her home. Elio is approached by Deirdre’s father for a loan to compensate for money he has been stealing from other mafia families that he manages money for. Elio doesn’t want to make the deal with Deirdre’s father because he knows that he cannot pay it back… until he hears the violin music. Over a year later, Elio comes to the O’Malley home to collect his collateral for the loan he gave Deirdre’s father.
Deirdre has heard of Elio Titone but what she doesn’t expect is to be taken for a debt her father couldn’t pay back. What I expected from this book is an angry, mean MMC. What we get is definitely those things (at times because duh, he’s in the mafia) but what we also get is an MMC that cares for his FMC. He invests over the course of the year time and money for Deirdre’s inevitable arrival, but what he doesn’t is expect (and what she definitely doesn’t expect) is for the emotional and physical chemistry between the two to be so explosive. Deirdre tries like hell to pay off her fathers debt through various means but what she does not expect is to actually feel safe and cared for with Elio.
Y’all, I fucking loved these characters but I especially loved Elio. He had his crappy moments but he is seriously such a caring character throughout. Obviously Deirdre feels caged in because she was collateral for a debt that her father couldn’t pay. She wants nothing more than to get away from Elio, despite his attempts to show that he does care for Deirdre as more than just a “prisoner.” We love a vulnerable MMC and that’s what we get with Elio. This book has lived rent free in my head since I finished it a few days ago. It does end on a cliff hanger so really, the only question I have is when do we get the second book?? 😂
November 10, 2023
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review, so thanks Vero!
A Debt So Ruthless follows the story of Deidre, a twenty year old music student, who's life turns upside down on the eve of her birthday. Her father, an accountant for the Toronto-based Irish Mafia is hunted down for skimming off the top of funds. She is taken from her home by Emilio, a future leader of the Toronto-based Italian mafia as part of a deal gone wrong for Deidre's father.
This book hits so many elements including: enemies to lovers, mafia, guy falls first, and virgin FMC. Is it similar to a lot of the mafia romances I have read in the past? Yes. However, this did actually feel different. As someone that lived in Toronto, it was really cool to see a book set in areas I am familiar. I also enjoyed some of the side characters we meet along the way.
The inner dialogue of the Deidre left something to be desired. She was mostly aware of her father's "line of business", however the ignorance that continues through the whole book seems out of place. I could see how one could fixate though in her circumstances of being taken from all she has known. I just would have expected by 80% through the book she would have wrapped her head around the circumstances. Otherwise I did enjoy her parts in the book.
Emilio is a little fucked up, to be honest. He carries a lot of trauma and responsibility, and has very few outlets to deal with it. He doesn't know at this point how to express love in a healthy way. There is potential for him to heal and become the best version of himself.
Overall I would give this book a 4.25/5. I would rate the spice a 3.5/5. It is on the spicier side so use discretion if you are not into that. This book does contain content warnings so please read those before consuming the book.
I am excited to see what comes next for the author, and I would recommend this book if you are familiar with either the dark romance or mafia genre.
A Debt So Ruthless follows the story of Deidre, a twenty year old music student, who's life turns upside down on the eve of her birthday. Her father, an accountant for the Toronto-based Irish Mafia is hunted down for skimming off the top of funds. She is taken from her home by Emilio, a future leader of the Toronto-based Italian mafia as part of a deal gone wrong for Deidre's father.
This book hits so many elements including: enemies to lovers, mafia, guy falls first, and virgin FMC. Is it similar to a lot of the mafia romances I have read in the past? Yes. However, this did actually feel different. As someone that lived in Toronto, it was really cool to see a book set in areas I am familiar. I also enjoyed some of the side characters we meet along the way.
The inner dialogue of the Deidre left something to be desired. She was mostly aware of her father's "line of business", however the ignorance that continues through the whole book seems out of place. I could see how one could fixate though in her circumstances of being taken from all she has known. I just would have expected by 80% through the book she would have wrapped her head around the circumstances. Otherwise I did enjoy her parts in the book.
Emilio is a little fucked up, to be honest. He carries a lot of trauma and responsibility, and has very few outlets to deal with it. He doesn't know at this point how to express love in a healthy way. There is potential for him to heal and become the best version of himself.
Overall I would give this book a 4.25/5. I would rate the spice a 3.5/5. It is on the spicier side so use discretion if you are not into that. This book does contain content warnings so please read those before consuming the book.
I am excited to see what comes next for the author, and I would recommend this book if you are familiar with either the dark romance or mafia genre.
February 18, 2025
Good story, but familiar and flawed
I’m reviewing this book 2 years after it was written. In that time, I read another book which plot line and details are so incredibly similar, that I wonder who copied whom. I think I would have enjoyed this more, and given it 5⭐️, if I hadn’t previously read the other book first AND if it were KU. I don’t know that I will actually pay to read the second book in the duet.
Some of the things I enjoyed: Chemistry between the MCs is 🤌 🔥 FMC is believable - she is good-hearted, strong but vulnerable, and is realistic about her situation…no frustrating attempts at escape. MMC is well-written and multi-faceted. He is incredibly protective and possessive of Diedre, but in an almost endearing and necessary way. She is truly in danger. I think the author’s warning about his character is a bit unneeded. If you’re reading a dark mafia romance, you know what you’re getting. Relative to other MMCs in books I have read, Elio is far from the darkest.
Flaws: Both this book and the similar book I read have two major flaws. (I can’t even tell you how similar they were, which is really unfortunate.) The first is that the FMC doesn’t play her violin enough. As the parent of a musician, they are *constantly* playing, and especially if they are serious enough to pursue a degree. All the days she spends alone, bored and feeling lonely…a musician would turn to her instrument. She would spend a significant part of her day practicing and playing. Just this one “detail” irks me so much!
Second, the MMC has taken her to have her play for him, and then he rarely has her play?! I don’t know…it just takes away from the story.
As I stated above, I’m not sure I’m invested enough to buy the second book. I feel like the plot is somewhat predictable from here. Maybe I’ll pop over and read some of the reviews.
I’m reviewing this book 2 years after it was written. In that time, I read another book which plot line and details are so incredibly similar, that I wonder who copied whom. I think I would have enjoyed this more, and given it 5⭐️, if I hadn’t previously read the other book first AND if it were KU. I don’t know that I will actually pay to read the second book in the duet.
Some of the things I enjoyed: Chemistry between the MCs is 🤌 🔥 FMC is believable - she is good-hearted, strong but vulnerable, and is realistic about her situation…no frustrating attempts at escape. MMC is well-written and multi-faceted. He is incredibly protective and possessive of Diedre, but in an almost endearing and necessary way. She is truly in danger. I think the author’s warning about his character is a bit unneeded. If you’re reading a dark mafia romance, you know what you’re getting. Relative to other MMCs in books I have read, Elio is far from the darkest.
Flaws: Both this book and the similar book I read have two major flaws. (I can’t even tell you how similar they were, which is really unfortunate.) The first is that the FMC doesn’t play her violin enough. As the parent of a musician, they are *constantly* playing, and especially if they are serious enough to pursue a degree. All the days she spends alone, bored and feeling lonely…a musician would turn to her instrument. She would spend a significant part of her day practicing and playing. Just this one “detail” irks me so much!
Second, the MMC has taken her to have her play for him, and then he rarely has her play?! I don’t know…it just takes away from the story.
As I stated above, I’m not sure I’m invested enough to buy the second book. I feel like the plot is somewhat predictable from here. Maybe I’ll pop over and read some of the reviews.
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