All The Pretty Little Lies

Second Sons Duet #1

by Avelyn Paige

Vesper Rossi has always known her life isn’t her own. Born into the notorious Rossi family, her destiny was set—to marry the heir of the ruthless Petrov empire and solidify a deadly alliance. Her intended’s twin cousins, Oscar and Zaire, offer her a dangerous lifeline and the chance to escape.

When their plan fails, Vesper is taken captive. For two years, she endures unspeakable horrors, her body exploited by a faceless enemy intent on breaking her. Once she serves her purpose, she is sold—not to strangers, but to the very men who failed her.

Oscar and Zaire, along with the rest of their Second Sons family, return with vengeance in their hearts and regret fueling their every move. Failure is not an option this time. When Vesper learns that her captivity held was the result of a more malevolent plot, she will stop at nothing to get back what was stolen from her.

With her body, heart, and mind scarred but unbroken, Vesper is ready to reclaim her power with the Second Sons at her back and in her bed.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Crime, Romance, Mafia Romance, Romantic Suspense

568 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Avelyn Paige is the mischief-maker behind steamy dark romance, gritty mafia love stories, and high-octane motorcycle club tales that have blazed their way onto the Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestseller lists. She calls Indiana home, where she lives with her husband and five furry troublemakers who think they’re her editors.

When she’s not fighting the good fight in cancer research, Avelyn trades test tubes for plot twists and dives into worlds filled with danger, devotion, and deliciously bad decisions. She writes romance because it’s the one place where chaos and love can coexist, bullets can fly, hearts can heal, and everyone still gets the kind of ending worth fighting for.

After losing her dad in 2015, she turned heartbreak into creativity and never looked back. Now, she’s on a mission to prove that even the darkest hearts can find redemption, and that love—no matter how twisted—always leaves a mark worth remembering.

To learn more about Avelyn's books,
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2MP9tHD
Website: http://bit.ly/2Pedqrd
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Pdtbyz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2KQ8avl
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authoravelynp...
Sign-up for Avelyn's Newsletter: http://bit.ly/PaigeNewsletter

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow what did I just read?!! Vesper’s crazy journey had me reeling with the constant restraint of her life. The guys all did their best but The Collector got ahold of Vesper. The vengeance they take upon those who wronged Vesper is great and I love how the guys slowly help Vesper regain some sort of balance. I can’t wait for more!

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Dark Romance
*Mafia
*Revenge Plotline
*FMC with trauma
*Made men MMCs
*Established Harem (3/4)
*Mid Burn
*Book 1/2
Captivating read!
This is my first read of the authors and I really enjoyed it! I read this in one sitting I couldn’t put it down 😃 I loved the twists and turns around who was behind the trauma that Vesper has faced - please do check your TWs for this. It’s fast paced with things dropped throughout the plot to keep you intrigued and wondering why - you do need to pay attention to this read as the family lines/alliances could get a little confusing. In terms of the characters Vesper has to deal with a lot but she hasn’t lost that spark she had before captivity and she manages her own with the men 💪 with out men we have twins Oscar who never gave up on the girl😍 and wildcard Zaire who exudes a fierce protectiveness 🥰 then there’s golden retriever Talon who has a dark nature🤩 then there’s Alex he’s teetering on the edge of will they won’t they but there’s an underlying connection there 😌 the only aspect that needed more fleshing out was the d/s relationship the couple in question never had a convo about it which I would expect with her background it is only alluded to when the group bring it up. Interesting info bomb at the end there, very much looking forward to the next book!

[Diana Slaughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya’ll…..I LOVED this book! Although you are left on a cliffy…😳😳😳 It has reverse harem, found family and soooo many twists and turns! HIGHLY recommend!

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this family
Love Vesper and Oz Zaire Talon and Alex
Dark twisted heartstopping broken emotional beautiful love story
Ready for more
Gimme Luca

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t put my finger on exactly why I didn’t love this. I just didn’t. It started out great, but gradually got worse. Which is unfortunate cause I was hoping to really like this.

But just because I didn’t love it doesn’t mean you won’t!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

Wow! Just wow! This story hooked me from the very first page—scratch that it was from before that with the creative trigger warning descriptions. (You need to read these to understand how fantastic they are!) I found it hard to put the book down; blessed adulting gets in the way of a great story too much!

The main character is Vesper, without a doubt, but there are four other leading characters, Oscar, Zaire, Talon, and Alex, who are all vital to this book. It is a why-choose tale, but this is not the main focus; it does, however, enhance the rest of the story.
I hope we get to know Alex better, perhaps in the next book or his own story?? 😁 These guys are all so different, yet they come together perfectly as friends and colleagues.

I couldn’t think of a more appropriate title for this incredible story. It sure is a maze of intricacies where deception, jealousy, and greed all play a huge part. I love the twists and turns that either showcase how extremely brilliant the author is or how insane! 😀 Bring on the next book as soon as possible, please.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Victoria Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vesper has known from an early age that her role in their mafia family was to be married off to someone to further their family line and seal an alliance. So when she turns eighteen her father's plans kick into high gear at a fast pace. But then comes along the twin cousins to the man she's arranged to marry with a plan to get her out. Only everything goes wrong and she's taken captive for two years and forced to endure horrors she could never imagine.

When her captors feel her usefulness has come to an end, she's set to be sold at auction. The twins Oscar and Zaire have not given up their search for her, so they are determined with a plan using the Second Sons family they've built. The are the highest bidders in order to get her back.

Now they are ready to seek out vengeance and get revenge for the wrongs done to Vesper. They will do whatever it takes to get back what was stolen from her and take down those who thought to underestimate them. Along the way they grow closer to each other, building a bond that can't be broken.

I really loved this story and it's characters. There are layers to the twisted lies, secrets, and betrayals that I never saw coming. My biggest critique is that at one point it felt like there was a whole chapter missing with the build up to a D/s dynamic between Vesper and Zaire. It felt like it was just glossed over with assumed off screen moments that felt like they were missing. At least that's the case for the early version I read. And there were a few overused and/or repetitive lines that started to bug me, especially towards the end. But with all that said, the story and the spice was really good and I look forward to the second book in this new series.

[Ajanae’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vesper Rossi life has never been her own for the taking. A deal has been made to align two notorious mafia families through marriage.

Oscar and Zaire offer her a lifeline by helping her escape the clutches of their cousin. Except it doesn’t go according to plan and Vesper is taken by an unknown source for two years.

That’s all I’m going to say, I recommend just going in and enjoying the ride. I read this book so fast and I couldn’t put it down. Those plot twists I did not see coming.

💜 Mafia romance
💚 Why choose
💜 Anti-heroes
💚 Traumatized FMC

Thank you for the arc Chaotic Creatives and Author

[The Bookworm Hermit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, twisted, unhinged read 😍 to start the content warnings are a joy to read through and please do because there are some things you should be prepared for to prioritize your health.

This isn't entirely your traditional Mafia story, no it's the story of the second sons and their devotion to a Mafia princess.

The journey the FMC goes on is not for the faint of heart. It's one of rules and being broken just to reforge yourself from the shattered pieces into something unstoppable.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the Rossi family, what lies between your legs decides your fate.”

OMG!! What a dark, twisted, suspenseful and adrenaline packed rollercoaster ride that was! And the insane amount of emotional turmoil contained within the pages of this incredible story, had my heart in a chokehold and tears dripping off my face continually throughout. I have never raged so hard like I did over everything that happens. The brutal, gut-wrenching and atrocious things that were done – OMFG!! I just wanted to reach into the book and beat all the evil and corrupt characters to death!!

Vesper is this beautifully innocent and incredibly naive young woman who has been raised to be the perfect mafia wife. When she turned eighteen, her whole world got turned upside down and her life was about to drastically change as she got ready to be married off. But fate and evil decided to step into her life, kidnapping her, forcing her into captivity, and changing her life drastically. My heart broke over and over for Vesper and what she endures in captivity for two years. Her situation was unique but no less devastating to witness.

The Second Sons, (Zaire, Alex, Talon and especially Oscar), are doing everything in their power to find Vesper and rescue her. Along the way, we slowly learn a little about each one of these amazing men and the vital roles they play in Vesper’s rescue.

The interactions between Vesper and the Sons were incredibly emotional, sweet and adorable. Zaire, Oscar, Alex and Talon each brought something different to the healing journey that Vesper is now on after her rescue. But they also bring different ways for Vesper to gain back her strength in order to seek the revenge and the bloody vengeance she so desperately deserved. I laughed, I cried and I screamed for justice to be served in a very bloody way!

The slow burn spicy buildup was worth waiting for – trust me!!!

This story was brilliantly written with poignant word weaving that seeped out of the pages and had my heart beating uncontrollably. The storyline was phenomenal and was filled with betrayal, lies, secrets, deception, jealousy, corruption, violence, greed and a whole hell of a lot of twists and turns that kept my head spinning throughout. But that ending – OMFG – WTF – I was not ready for the way it would just end like that. I am shattered and left picking up the pieces of my heart, now waiting on bated breath for what comes next.

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

I have read some from this author before, but most of what I’ve read is mostly MC romances. When I saw that this was a mafia romance, I couldn’t wait to read it. I am a huge fan of mafia romances and this one was something completely different. This was not a simple mafia princess in an arranged marriage. Nor was it a simple “mafia boss kidnaps girl and falls in love”. This book has an arranged marriage, a kidnapping, why choose, an auction, and a healthy dose of revenge. It was such an engaging story. It is long, at almost 500 pages, but it felt like I was flying through it because I wanted to know what came next. This book was dark and does include some topics that aren’t for everyone, so make sure that you check the trigger warnings. This story had so many twists, I really couldn’t stop reading until I was done.

The characters are what makes this story. Vesper’s story threatens to rip the heart from your chest. Even before she is kidnapped, she is forced to live locked away from the world because of her worth to her father as a bargaining chip. She doesn’t have choices. And after the kidnapping, where she was subject to some horrible things, she is a shell of the person she used to be. Luckily, she has four men that wanted to protect her and wanted to heal her. There is Oz, who never gave up on Vesper, no matter how much he was told to give it up because she was gone. I loved Zaire and how he helped Vespers healing in his own way. Talon is such a sweet guy that has his darkness hidden, but it is definitely there. And Alex was the one in the group of men that was a little more standoffish and wasn’t hanging on Vesper the minute that they had her back. But we still get to see where he fits in this group of men.

I would probably read just about anything by this author. I am a big fan. But this book was so different from the mafia stories I have read and I am a big fan. There are some great spicy scenes, which was a little surprising because of what Vesper survived. But the men in her life would do anything for her and to help her take back the life that was stolen from her. This book flowed nicely and I didn’t feel to be as long as it was. I was fully engaged while reading and didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters and the underly ing story was so good. This is definitely a book I would recommend to others.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Check your trigger warnings with this one readers-

All The Pretty Lies is an intense reverse harem/Why Chose, mafia romance. Avelyn Paige weaves a web of mysterious lies and suspense with hidden layers that are slowly peeled away as the plot unfolds. 

From her first breath Vesper has known that part she will play to her family. You see, her family isn’t a run of the mill family, no. She’s the daughter of the mafia, and thus her life is forfeit, she is to be married off to an unknown man for the benefit of her family. Life however has a different path in store for Vesper. As the doomsdate (as I like to call it) looms closer and closer, her brother hatches a plan to help her, betrothing her to the Russian Petrov twins. This little glimmer of hope Vesper has is quickly extinguished when she is brutally kidnapped and held prisoner. 

Fast forward two long years and Vesper has had to endure being tortured and brutalized, broken down and shattered, all the passing fancy for this monster of a man. For two years, the Second Sons; Oscar, Zaire, Talon and Alex search for her to an obsessional degree. When they are finally able to locate her, she is a shadow of the person she used to be. Nevertheless, the men want to help her heal and recover, they want to give her a reason to live again. 

To say this book is fabulous just doesn’t cover it. ATPL is dark, gritty and intense. There are moments when the guys have me panting, and others when I want to beat them upside their stupidly attractive heads. Talon and Alex are -Chef’s kiss- delicious, and when we got that little teaser from Alex I was practically feral. This book will take you for a ride of ups and downs, heartbreak and heat, sobbing and spice all in the same chapter. The ending, readers be warned, is the most frustrating cliffhanger of all time and I can’t wait to get the next part!

4 ⭐

3.5 🌶️

Tropes

💚Mafia Romance
💜Why Choose
☠️Touch her and die

[BookishBibliotherapy • AB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced and wild why-choose romance full of lies and deception, found family, and strong main characters!

While the story overall was entertaining, I found that “All the Pretty Little Lies” was missing a few things. I really wish there was more background and story for the MMC’s. Although I did enjoy “getting to know them” later in the story, I still feel like I don’t know anything about them other than some family history. The story was captivating; I love the mafia family aspect, marriage of strong families, etc. but it just fell short for me because I really want to know more about Oscar, Zaire, Tallon, and Alex. Also, I wish there was more chemistry and relationship building with Vesper before the event that brought them all together.

Secondly, there were so many repetitive sayings and descriptions in the book that eventually it became hard for me to look past…
• When describing someone’s scent, “something uniquely (fill in name)” became repetitive for several characters.
• Other repetitive words or sayings were, “turns to ash”, “kaleidoscope”, tilted or tilts on its axis, and finally, knuckles whitening.

I don’t mind this normally but when it’s repeated so much, I just wish it was edited to use different sayings of descriptors because I couldn’t help but notice it after the first several times.

I have to say I found the ending to really hook me in and I am excited about what’s to come. I am hoping for more character development, especially for Tallon and Alex who feel very unknown to me, and for questions to be answered about Vesper’s family and future.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. I just think some editing and a few changes and additions would make it that much better. If you love why choose, mafia romance, found family, strong FMC, fierce and loyal MMCs, touch her and 💀 vibes…this is for you!

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check TWs before reading (also, these were written so creatively!)

So glad I took a chance on this new to me author! The tropes pulled me in initially, but this was definitely a case of once I got reading, I could not put it down. This is one of those books where you're best to go in blind, to get the full experience, so hopefully my review alludes enough without giving anything away.

It's dark and gritty, and at times I wondered if happy was possible for Vesper. And these men, hooooly cow do they bring a surprising level of unhinged underneath it all, and I am here for it! Oscar, Zaire (also, twins? yes please), Alexander and Talon; all these men can't help but make you swoon, especially as you learn more about them through the book.
The twins are just *fans self*, and I loved the contrast between Oscar and Zaire. The transformation that the golden retriever Talon makes part way through the book had my jaw on the floor and me begging for more, and Alexander's little reveal? Holy m-f-ing hell, that was an interesting little twist that I totally need to know more about.

Emotional and heartbreaking, yet sweet and spicy. Heavily plot driven, filled with so many twists and turns, secrets and lies, and does not shy away from tough topics - definitely heed the warnings. This is a mafia book with a romance subplot, almost, and I am here for it! I also love that this is a true "why choose" book, and that the men are so supportive of this - even if it takes some of them a while to get on board/join the club, as it were.

That ending? God damn, I need part two ASAP cause you cannot leave me on a cliffhanger like that!

Thank you to the author and @chaoticcreativeservices for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Brittany (Lipstick.Literature) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the Rossi family, what lies between your legs decides your fate.”

*𝒜ℛ𝒞 ℛ𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌*
All the Pretty Little Lies by Avelyn Paige
(Second Sons duet - part 1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

•Dark Romance
•Why Choose
•Mafia
•Trauma
•V heroine
•Anti-hero MMC’s
•Heroine in danger
•Revenge
•Twins

I signed up for this ARC on a last minute whim because the tropes caught my eye. And I’m so glad I followed my gut because WHAT DID I JUST READ?! This is book 1 in a duet and it was an intense roller coaster ride of emotions!

I’m honestly not going to say too much because I went into this book blind and I definitely think you should as well. We see Vesper, who is a sheltered mafia princess and pawn in her family games, be set up for an arranged marriage with a horrible man. But what she doesn’t realize is that’s just the tip of the iceberg in this manipulative world.

Zaire, Oscar, Talon and Alex are what’s known as the second sons of the mafia. They are put in Vesper’s path per their uncle, but find themselves being much more involved with her than anticipated.

While this book had all the elements you’d expect in a mafia book… torture, fighting, rivals, deception, gruesome scenes… the plot line was surprisingly unique! I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this one!

Oh and the spice was delicious. It’s a slow build, but it’s worth the wait! And can only imagine what to anticipate in book 2.

But please be sure to read the TW’s if you have known triggers! The storyline and graphic details are no joke.

I devoured this and I will definitely be waiting on pins n needles for the finale of this duet!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Choose✔️
Slow burn for good reason✔️
Spicy ✔️🥵🥵
I am obsessed! This is another one of those times where I struggle to find the words to express how I feel but I am gonna try. Vesper Rossi is not your typical mafia princess, she doesn't like the designer clothes, she doesn't like being in the spotlight she just wants to live a normal life. Her dad's plan to unite with another powerful mafia family has her promised to a monster of a (well we can't even call him a man) male. Her brother is the only person that has had her back promises to get her out of this marriage.
Her betrothed's twin cousins offer her a way out but can she trust them? After her brother inadvertently sets the plans in motion for her to be sent to Russia sans a wedding she decided to take a chance with the Petrov twins, unfortunately their plan doesn't pan out and Vesper goes missing for two years. For two years the second sons Oscar, Zaire, Talon and Alex look for her when they finally find her and get her safe, they help to heal her. She lived her whole life with decisions made for her, for two years she had no say over her body but these men will give her the power to make her own decisions, to make choices for herself, to love, to have a chosen family.
With these men at her side Vesper becomes a strong woman. When the truth comes out about what happened to her and her uncle's part in everything will she get closure or will she get revenge and take place at the head of the family? This book was so good, once I started I could not put it down unfortunately work got in my way of reading lol. This does end on a cliffy and I can't wait to see what happens next! The book does touch on some sensitive subjects so please read the trigger warnings!
*Edited review 12/6/24 to add*
After stewing on this a bit, and discussing certain topics with my book tribe I felt I needed to say that I really appreciate how Avelyn handled everything with Vesper and the boys. Most of the books lately the girls can be kidnapped and have trauma but the attraction and the spice comes in right away as my friend friend says and it's ok bc the guy is hot. we want to see the healing like in this book. These boys let Vesper heal before the spice even came in and I love it even more. If I could give this book more than the 5 stars I already did I would!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Vesper, Oscar, and Zaire, Talon and Alex. The guys are known as the Four Sons. Vesper was raised knowing that when she turned eighteen her life would no longer be her own and she is promised in marriage to Oscar and Zaire's brother. Miserable as she is she knows that this is her life, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to have her own life. When Oscar comes up with a plan things go terribly wrong. What follows is the most horrifying two years for her. But Oscar never gave up trying to find her. This is when she meets the Four Sons. Four sons who were born second in their family and knew they would never be one top and destined to always be in second place. Now in a safe space Vesper has to learn to live her life again and together with the guys she just might be able to take it back. This is the story of a girl who has to learn to live again and the men who are going to be beside her every step of this way. This book is full of twists and turns and will have you turning the pages well into the night. I did not lay this book down until I finished it. Now I just need to know what is going to happen next. You do not want to miss this book. It was absolutely a thrill ride the entire time.

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I do love a reverse harem story and this one didn't disappoint!! This is a dark romance/mafia story with a revenge back story!!

This is my first book by this author I couldn't put this down! This is a rollercoaster the ups and downs had my head spinning. You definitely need to keep up with this story as it's very fast paced and the book drops hints throughout and you can lose the pace if not in this 100%

Vesper is out FMC and she's been through a lot of trauma she has to deal with a lot!!! But she never loses her feisty spark and I loved that!! When she's to be married off she wants out and in comes Oscar and Zaire twin brothers who want to help her ( they are cousins to the man she's set to marry ) when everything goes wrong and she's kidnapped for two years and held captive and forced to do unbearable things. When her captors feel she's done with they set her to be sold at auction....the twins who've never stopped looking for her become the highest bidder for her. Now they seek out vengeance for what Vesper has been through and boy this is where they will do anything to take back what was done to her.

I absolutely fell in love with all the characters in this book and I honestly didn't want this to end 😭 please please check your triggers at the start of this book they are full on. The spice was 🥵and I am looking forward to the second book.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
Wow! Just wow! This story hooked me from the very first page—scratch that it was from before that with the creative trigger warning descriptions. (You need to read these to understand how fantastic they are!) I found it hard to put the book down; blessed adulting gets in the way of a great story too much!

The main character is Vesper, without a doubt, but there are four other leading characters, Oscar, Zaire, Talon, and Alex, who are all vital to this book. It is a why-choose tale, but this is not the main focus; it does, however, enhance the rest of the story.
I hope we get to know Alex better, perhaps in the next book or his own story?? 😁 These guys are all so different, yet they come together perfectly as friends and colleagues.

I couldn’t think of a more appropriate title for this incredible story. It sure is a maze of intricacies where deception, jealousy, and greed all play a huge part. I love the twists and turns that either showcase how extremely brilliant the author is or how insane! 😀 Bring on the next book as soon as possible, please.

[Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seppy's 5-Star Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Wow, I love going into a book blind not knowing anything about the book but the trigger warnings and the cover. This one didn't disappoint at all. 


This one is a rollercoaster of a ride for Vesper who starts by worry of an arranged marriage to a horribleman.  Vesper father will pick man for his daughter to aline with to strengthen their own Mafia. Oscar and twin brother Zaire are told to guard Vesper until her marriage to their cousin. Oscar has a plan to save Vesper; but something happens  and her life changes in an instant and  not as Oscar has planned.  


We get glimpse of her life before, now she up for auction. Oscar has a plan. Will it work this time? The twins create a secret group with Talon and Alex; they are the second sons.  They work to save Vesper. I really can't say more to spoil this wild and twisted rollercoaster that Vesper and the second sons are on to find answers. There are many twists and turns i didn't see coming.  Plus along the way Vesper and the guys relationship evolve and grow. One click today to see what happens next! 

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is first book in a new duet by Avelyn. Vesper is a mafia princess. She has never had any say in her life. Now she is set to marry someone from a russian mafia family. He has a horrible reputation. Zaire and Oscar are twins and the cousins of Vesper's fiance. They want to help her escape her future. She agrees but things go horribly wrong. They are unable to help her and Vesper winds up in a situation should could have never imagined. Two years later Oscar and the second sons manage to find and rescue her. Vesper is in a crazy state. She is traumatized by her time held hostage. They did unimaginable things to her. Now she is safe with the second sons. Vesper finds herself attracted to more than one of them. First Zaire, then Oscar admitted his feelings for her. Finally Talon. Will the guys make her choose or are they willing to share her. They say whatever Vesper wants is they want to give her but it this a step to far? This book was a fantastic, crazy, moving read. I felt for Vesper and Oscar. They had a pull towards each other before what happened. Zaire is gently and easy going. There is just something that allows to Vesper to open up. Talon is goof of the group. He is a funny guy and always trying brake the tension. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. As it starts the look for Vesper's brother. The second book will be about Vesper's brother. Fantastic job Avelyn.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first part of a new duet.

Vesper always new that her destiny was already planned, and that is to marry the ruthless heir of the Petrov mafia. Oscar and Zaine, her intended’s twin cousins, offer Vesper a chance to escape, but when the plan does not go to plan, she finds herself held captive, and she endures unspeakable horrors. Zaine and Oscar as well as the Second Son’s family, are fueled with regret, vengeance, and determination, to save Vesper who is mentally and physically scared.

This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, abduction, drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, alliances, trauma, vengeance, secrets, lies, trauma, why choose, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, heartfelt, and captivating addictive page turner.

Be aware of the trigger warning due to sensitive content!

I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[AbbieReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great book! This is a dark romance so please check the tigger warnings!!!

First let me start by saying this book literally took a hold of me from the very beginning! The way the author worded this story made me see it so vividly in my mind! It also drawed out emotions and had me at the edge of my seat with the last three chapters!! That cliffhanger!!! I seriously cannot wait till the second book comes out!!!

This story follows Vesper, who is that daughter of the notorious Rossi family. Her life has never been her own, always dictated for the good of the family. Vesper is to marry
Into the ruthless Petrov empire to solidify a strong alliance. But the cousins of the groom, Oscar and Zaire want to help Vesper and they form a plan to help her escape. But things never go as they plan.
Vesper is taken and held captive, but the cousins never give up. They all have to navigate together to heal, love and conquer the battles that lay ahead of them!

[Katie Bazhaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 5/5
Reverse Harem
Mafia/Crime Family
Dom/Sub
Revenge
Unique torture scenes (claps to you Avelyn that was amazing)
Also full of "Holy ish" moments that keep you hooked

Avelyn drew me in from the first chapter, Vesper's upbringing into a notoriously big crime family and essentially being brough up to be married off to unite two families together, she's never had any choices of her own. You automatically get attached to her.
Que in the TWIN (yes Basil, twins ;) ) cousins of the man she gets arranged to. who want to protect her. Vesper ends up kidnapped and goes through a WHOLE Hell of a lot (you'll have to read to find out). All the while the boys have been searching for her (the twins Zaire and Oscar, Talon (golden retriever personality) and Alex (tech guru).

The way these men fit into her life and help build her back up - I am HERE for it. I cannot wait for book 2, I need more Zaire, Oscar, Talon scenes - and I can't wait to see more of Alex.

This is the story of Vesper getting to make her own choices and take back her life!!!!
10/10 recommend reading!!!!

[Shyanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "All the Pretty Little Lies" and wow! It was such a fun ride!

Vesper Rossi isn't just any girl—she’s a mafia princess. Born into the wealthiest mafia family around, the Rossi's. She knew from a young age she’d be married off to another family to strengthen their influence and power. On her way to her new, unwanted life as a Petrov bride she’s kidnapped and thrown into a dire situation. The Second Sons, led by the Petrov twins, Zaire and Oscar, along with Alex and Talon, spend two years plotting to save her. When Vesper is finally found, she works alongside the Second Sons to regain herself and her power.

The book is packed with action and super steamy scenes! I do wish Vesper and the guys got together sooner because their chemistry is off the charts, and I wanted more of all of them! I usually am not one for time jumps, but I did like that it added more angst and suspense to the overall plot.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to see what happens next. If you're into mafia romances that pack a lot of heat and men 😉, definitely check this one out.



🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Marivel (marislitcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa! This was such a twisted and unhinged read. Revenge thy name is Vesper.

Vesper Rossi was not the typical mafia princess, seeking education and freedom, but familial obligations had her backed into a corner. Enter Oscar, Zaier, Talon, and Alex. These four men were outcasts in the mafia underworld, being second sons and/or cousins, and not heirs to empires.

Applause applause for Vesper. Her strength and resilience during and after her 2-year ordeal was something to be admired. I loved seeing her bond with the four men. Each of them brought something different into the dynamic and filled and unknown void in Vesper. They fit so well together, and the guys had me swooning with their protectiveness and "burn the world down" vibes.

Avelyn! Girl, that cliffy was shocking and twisted. I'm intrigued and I need to know what happens next. Also, Alex! I feel there's more to discover about him.

[Barbara pillole_letterarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i'm writing this review it's already been two days since this story ended me. Yes you ready It tight the book ended me not the other way a round.
When i decided to read this story i had literally no expectations over It. It was a new story, a new author for me to read and hopefully appreciate.
In the end Vesper, and every other character that helped her survive and start her new Life, sell the stole my Heart.
I Just can't get over the face that i can't ready this book again like It was the First time.
In here you Will find a story full of pain, grief, found family and the Need to take Revenge.
Vesper gas gone through such a painful situation but keep going on with her Life with the only purpose tò write her own Destiny from that moment on.
Zaire, Oscar, Talon and Alex are a plus in this story that i absolutely have tò mention becaude they are an important part of It. I cannot wait tò ready the next book becaude with that epilogue i Need to know what Will happen now.

[Amy Fontaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this book on stuff your kindle day and went in blind. Holy crap! I loved it! Check your triggers because the story is very dark, but it’s such a good read. I immediately can not wait for the second one. When I can afford to, I’ll be getting the shelf trophy for this one.

This story follows vesper, who is an Italian mafia princess who has never been given a choice in life. The cousins of the guy she’s supposed to marry try to give her a way out but something drastic happens and then they spend two years looking for her. They finally find her and it’s a wild goose chase to track everyone down who did her harm in those two years. What I wasn’t expecting was reverse harem, and let me tell you, I don’t read much reverse harem but I ate this one UP. I loved how protective the guys were of her and would’ve watched the world burn for her.

Second book me please!

[FayAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Pretty Little Lies:

This book is not your typical romance but for me it really works. Hot as Hell doesn’t even cover how steamy this book is. The title of this book says a lot about this book, but I would not call the lies pretty nor would I call them little. Vesper & her men are all awesome with each one having their own way to contribute to their family. I for one cannot wait until the next installment hoping that Luca can get his own revenge as well. Vesper you are an inspirational human being & extremely strong. Oscar, Zaire, Talon, & Alex you all have me from the get go in your fierce protection of those that you love & what you believe in as right.

Thank-You Avelyn Paige
#AllthePrettyLittleLies #AvelynPaige

[GoodLittleLibraryMouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing to note is All The Pretty Little Lies is book one of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
While this book left many questions unanswered, it absolutely delivered on the most pressing ones.
I enjoyed the unique approach to kidnapping a mafia princesses that this book took. I'd honestly never read anything like it before and felt the author was clever when revealing who was behind it and their reasoning.
As a lover of Reverse Harem's I was excited for the relationship(s) to unfold and to be honest was unsure of who specifically, or how many, men Vesper was going to get - I still can't confirm the number, which adds to the fun of how this story was woven!
This book is definitely dark, so read those trigger warnings before jumping in... but then absolutely jump in!