Ruthless Oath

Cruel Empire #1

by Ella Jade

Alternative cover edition of ASIN B0D7RQYJNY

Kidnapped by a savage enemy.

As heir to the throne in a royal mafia family, it's my job to get the information needed to bring my father home. And that means kidnapping a rival's spoiled mafia princess daughter.

At the time, I don't know the man is in negotiations to marry her off to a brutal arms dealer, but when I discover how difficult of a captive she is, it kind of makes sense. Soon, she foolishly starts to see me as the lesser of evils, but while she seems willing to be my captive, she's mistaken to believe I'm doing her any favors.

I can't allow anything to distract me. Especially not some naïve woman who doesn’t realize we've just set off a mob war. Now the only way to stop what I started and be reunited with my father is to let her go.

Problem is, I've fallen for my hostage, and while I have the guts, power, and resources to keep her as a willing prisoner, if I make the wrong choice, it could cost my family’s empire everything.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Amazon, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Emotional, Dark

302 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband, two boys and two feisty Chihuahuas named Roxie and Macy. She can often be found creating sexy, domineering men and the strong women who know how to challenge them in and out of the bedroom. She hopes you’ll get lost in her words.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Part 1/ ?

First of all, I would like to thank the author for not warning the readers that this part ends on a cliffhanger! 🙃🙌🤬

Now, the blurb piqued my interest and I started reading this story.

I couldn’t even finish chapter 3 because the heroine was devoid of intelligence and perception! 🤦🏻‍♀️

There was shooting during the annual car auction, where both mcs were attending, and the heroine was upset because one of her nails broke! 😮🙄
The next day she visited the hero to thank him for protecting her and she brought him cookies. How preposterous, she had to wait in a long queue for 30 minutes!!!! How could she!!! 🙄
Still, she was happy because she got her nails done!!! 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

Are you kidding me????

Dnf @ 10%

[Shhh ... I’m Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~ The cover is what had me latch on to read Ruthless Oath 🫣 This is book 1 of the Cruel Empire series.


~~ Marchello is an arrogant and broody mafia prince whom is trying to get his father back. Along comes Lissia - a very bratty, selfish and spoiled mafia princess who stirs Marchello up.

~~ I love a book with banter and this one has just the right amount.

The book really picked up towards the end and left on a cliffhanger, as to be expected with this being the first book in the series 😉


💋Favorite Quote💋

“He was really playing up this hostage situation. It was kind of sexy. Maybe we could role-play this at a more convenient time.”

Looking forward to book 2!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mafia books and this one was good. I do wish there was more of a slow burn with the main characters but the spice level was good! Definitely recommend it!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I couldn’t put it down. This book did not disappoint. I read it in two days

[Amanda Price (LifeWithAmandaP) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. At the start, I thought it was a bit rushed (why I gave 4 ⭐️, instead of 5) and even throughout the book randomly, I thought there were things that were rushed. BUT... the end of the book made up for it all (which seems to be an ongoing trend for many books/authors and I LOVE IT.)

Slight spoiler... cliffhanger alert! That's all I will say. Drama. Angst. Stress. And definitely some WTF kind of moments in the book... but I love the characters I love and hate the ones I hate, even more.

I'll definitely be looking out for book 2 to see what happens in Lissia and Marchellos story!!!
-
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AnnaRobyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Swoon 🫦🫦🫦
LMAO 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Banter 😉😉😉😉😉

Dark Mafia / Enemies to Lovers / To Be Continued

This is Book One in the “Cruel Empire” series. I was gifted this book by the author and devoured it. Lissia is a spoiled mafia princess who refuses to do as she is told. Her father wants her to marry Danny (#1 scumbag) to build him a better empire, however, Lissia wants no part of him. She meets Marchello at his family’s annual auto auction and is instantly drawn to him. She wants him to help her get away from her father so she won’t have to marry Danny. She never gets a chance to explain her reasons before she is whisked away and is believed to have been kidnapped by Marchello. Lissia is a fireball and a brat. She taunts Marchello to the extreme and their banter is stellar. I was on the edge of my seat for the last 25% of this book … holy cow, what a ride. So looking forward to Book Two.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written mafia with an arranged marriage with strong characters in Lissa and Marchello. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with an enemies to lovers relationship and a fun banter. She pulled me in and kept me turning the pages right to the end and still left me wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Hazel Haze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh the classic mafia heir kidnaps the rival mafia’s princess. I love it and feel like it can never get old! This is book one, in what seems like will be one of the top Mafia series this year! Lissia’s smart mouth has to be my favorite part of the entire book.... Well maybe not the absolute favorite but you know what I mean! Marchello has his work cut out for him when it comes to the mafia princess but the story it creates is AMAZING!! I love it!

[Ascher Alchier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, where do you even start! We'll, it got my rare 5 stars. Yall know I dole the out sparingly! Lissia & Marchello, the descriptions were so vivid. I feel like I can smell these characters! The love story amid the organized crime, chefs kiss! Can we all just cheer a painful time for Danny Collins!!!
The best Arc I've read to date!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He does what his father wants so he kidnaps her but he is about to realize she will not be easy to keep. She is very spirited and her father was about to make her marry an arms dealer. He may find it difficult to keep her quiet but things may become more complicated if he falls for her. Will that happen? How will they get on? Will he regret taking her? See how they will get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Kristin Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. It’s a fairly quick read but it’s such an amazing book. There’s drama, there’s spice, and there’s banter. What more could you want? I’m rather upset the second book isn’t already out because I’m itching to read it asap! That cliffhanger ended has me in a choke hold

[Nomathemba Mtsweni · Rating 1 out of 5]

At first I enjoyed her bratty behaviour but as time goes on I felt she does used her mind to think just does whatever

[Sam Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent read

Super steamy, adults only, romance with likeable characters. Decent premise and a suitable bad, bad guy.

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

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Lissia is honestly annoying and she got an innocent guard hurt for her lack of common sense. Marchello is hit and miss. Sometimes I like him other times I don't. His brother Milo is one of my favorite characters. I really hope Danny and Lissia's father die.

[Tonya Gillenwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark broody mafia prince meets mafia princess who goes after what she want! Sexual tension. Great storyline! Worth the read. I want an arrogant Chello in my life!!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUTHLESS OATH is Book 1 of Cruel Empire. It's a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, kidnapping, forced-proximity, dark mafia romance. Marchello is a hunky and arrogant mafia prince who is trying to bring his father home. Lissia is a bratty mafia princess from a rival family. Marchello kidnaps her as leverage and the two develop feelings for each other. But being together will start another war. I had a hard time initially getting into the story, but it did pick up. I liked Marchello, but Lissia was a mouthy brat who I didn't really like. That being said, they had great chemistry. We end on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what book 2 brings.

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

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romance.
Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. Ends on a cliffhanger.
The FMC is smart mouth, doesn't know when to shut up mafia princess. The mmc doesn't want anything to do with her. But she can't stay away... Apparently he can't either. It turns their worlds upside down with tall consequences.
Steamy and page turning. Ending on a cliffhanger makes you wonder what is coming next.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Oath is the first book in the Cruel Empire Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on a cliffhanger. This is Marchello and Lissia story which is told from a dual point of view. An absorbing and unputdownable read. A fast paced, dark and twisted story. Immerse yourself in this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, panty-melting passion, suspense, mystery and heart-stirring emotions.
Marchello Accetti is a thirty something year old arrogant, grumpy mafia prince and twenty something year old Lissia Gallantti who's a spoiled bratty mafia princess who likes to have things her way and believes that she should get everything that she needs. The two families are rival enemies and shouldn't be together. But that's not going to stop Lissia from approaching him at his family's annual car auction, a show that his father started over a ten years ago and normally host himself. But things is different this year because his dad is currently in hiding underground for reasons unapparent to him. Therefore he must be the face of the family to figure out what's going on to make his father abandon his businesses, territories and family in the way he have done. This auction brings out all the who's and who's and important people around city and the all the mafia families put away whatever differences that they have for the night and congregate in the same room under one roof.
The auction was supposed to be a safe place for one night but a shooting broke out and Marchello saved Lissia from getting hurt.
Lissia Gallantti mob boss dad Gian Gallanti as arranged marriage agreement with Danny, a brutal and vicious arms dealer so that he can get more power and he's also trying to take over the Accetti territory. Lissia is a free spirited and she's not happy with her dad's arrangement and refuses to comply with his wishes. She's attracted to Marchello and believes that he can help her with this problem of hers and runs to him. She thought that he was helping her but what she didn't know is that he have a hidden agenda and kidnapped her hoping that he could get the information he wanted to bring his father from underground.
Lissia thinks that being with Marchello could better than the fate that her dad a doomed her to with this arrangement. Marchello realized that he had his work cut out for him when his captive became difficult to handle. She's defiant, sassy, challenging and bratty. And when he threatened and deals out punishment to her which she relished. Their chemistry is fiery and smoking hot, and their scenes are spicy. Marchello didn't know that she was promised to another man and that he was trying to get her back. And the more time that they spend together they couldn't help but to develop feelings for each other. He knows that keeping her could potentially starts a war and wonders if it is worth it because nothing is more important than getting his father to come.
But Marchello doesn't want to let her go and every time she puts herself in danger because she wouldn't listen to him he would always save her from herself. Him keeping her as started an all out war. And her dad is no help and only put his need above hers because of his greed. They're so many moving parts and things going on in this story with secrets, drama, threats, attacks, submission, dominance, dirty talking, consensual intense rough sex, revelations, action, danger, violence, enemies, rivalry, revenge, retaliation, resilience, push and pull, anger, angst, steam, madness, lies, darkness, chaos, bloodshed, family issues, steam, blackmail, betrayal, love and more and end a mind-blowing cliffhanger.

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

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped by a savage enemy.

As heir to the throne in a royal mafia family, it's my job to get the information needed to bring my father home. And that means kidnapping a rival's spoiled mafia princess daughter.

At the time, I don't know the man is in negotiations to marry her off to a brutal arms dealer, but when I discover how difficult of a captive she is, it kind of makes sense. Soon, she foolishly starts to see me as the lesser of evils, but while she seems willing to be my captive, she's mistaken to believe I'm doing her any favors.

I can't allow anything to distract me. Especially not some naïve woman who doesn’t realize we've just set off a mob war. Now the only way to stop what I started and be reunited with my father is to let her go.

Problem is, I've fallen for my hostage, and while I have the guts, power, and resources to keep her as a willing prisoner, if I make the wrong choice, it could cost my family’s empire everything.

“Ruthless Oath” is the first installment in the “Cruel Empire Series.” The series can be best described as a deliciously dark enemies to lovers mafia series. Marchello is physically attracted to Lissia, the Mafia Princess, daughter of his family’s enemy, she is “forbidden fruit.” When she comes to him for help, he kidnaps her instead - not his brightest idea! Held up in a safe house in the woods, she pushes him, she challenges him, she refuses to be obedient - some Marchello is not use to as head of the family. He still thinks she is spoilt mafia princess, but the attraction between them gets stronger and stronger.

Lissia starts to stir emotions within him that he thought he would never feel. Feelings that put her life and his life in danger - his weakness. She brings him to life and gives him reasons to live! Michello and Lissia’s relationship is best described as a match that brings the fire to life. They bring each other to life ♥️ Note, it does end on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book …..

I released her hair, gripped her upper arms, and brought her to me. She pressed her palms against my chest, bracing for the impact. I forced my tongue inside her mouth before our lips were fully engaged.

She pulled away, stealing a breath. Too impatient to wait for her to compose herself, I assaulted her lips again. This time, I held the back of her head, keeping her face to mine as I nipped her lips and probed her mouth with my tongue ….

The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love ♥️ There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes through moments of the thoughts or possibilities that it could happen to, to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I’m very happily hooked! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Oath is the first book in Jade's Cruel Empire. This age gap, enemies to lovers, forced proximity mafia romance features Marchello Accetti and Lissia Gallanti.

Marchello and his brother Milo have had to step up and represent the Accetti family when their father had to disappear for awhile. This included holding the family's annual car auction at their NY dealership every fall. It was at that auction that he crossed paths with Lissia, someone he hadn't seen in years, since she was a little girl. She's not a little girl anymore though, and she has definitely has her eyes set on him. She's gorgeous, and while he doesn't do relationships being with her is very tempting. The main problem though is that she is the daughter of their enemy. That and she's a spoiled girl used to getting her way, and she always refuses to listen. When he protects her from being shot, he might have made the worst decision of his life... or was it the best?

"What do you want?"
"I already told you. I wanted to thank you."
"You thanked me last night, and I specifically told you I didn't want to see you here again. I don't like people ignoring me."
"I don't like people telling me what to do."
"You're too defiant for me. You require a type of patience I don't have."
"Maybe you need to be challenged?"
"I would need to break you. I would make you obey me, and it would be so f---g pleasurable."
"Okay. Break me."

Marchello is doing his best to avoid her, but she doesn't give up. And when she finds out her father has promised her to a brutal arms dealer, she seeks out Marchello's help. When he steps in to remove her from an unpleasant situation, he ends up taking her as his captive and hiding her away in his safe house. Lissia, a very willing captive, may have unexpectedly started a mafia war.

There's an interesting dynamic between these two. Marchello is arrogant, controlling, dominating, and he lives his life by a strict code. Lissia, while being a mafia princess, seems to live her life oblivious to the dangers. She is rich and entitled and accustomed to getting whatever she wants. What she wants is Marchello, even when he is demeaning and disrespectful. She gives as good as she gets, and their banter is fun. While he sets out to break her, I think it might be her who breaks him.

This was a fun and spicy read which ends on a cliffhanger. I'm keen to see what comes next for this duo.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Oath is book 1 in the Cruel Empire Series and ends on a cliffhanger.
This story was very engaging and captivating. I was hooked from the beginning.
Marchello is the son of a mafia leader. Marchello's father is in hiding and Marchello is trying to find a way to bring him back home. Marchello is dominant, Alpha, bossy, dangerous, and impulsive. Lissia, is a mafia princess, and the daughter of Gian Gallanti, Marchello's family's rival. She's a spoiled brat who's used to getting her way and never having to work for anything. She is mouthy, doesn't follow rules or instructions, is very disobedient, and loves to push Marchello!
When Marchello and Lissia meet, knowing that she's the daughter of their enemy, he tries to keep his feelings at bay for her, but when Lissia comes to him one day seeking help and he then sees that she may be in danger, he acts on impulse and kidnaps her. While she thought the kidnapping was his way of him saving her from a bad situation, he was also using it to his advantage and using Lissia as leverage against her father. Gian wants to take over Marcello's father's territory. He also promised his daughter to a dangerous arms dealer.
When Marcello finds out that Lissia is promised to another man, he loses control and becomes possessive of her. Lissia doesn't want to marry the arms dealer and was seeking help from Marchello, but never got to explain why she needed his help. The arms dealer, Daniel, doesn't really care about Lissia, just the connection to her father that being married to her will bring him. Daniel is angry that Lissia is with Marchello and attempts to get her back.
There is a lot of banter between Marchello and Lissia. There is lots of tension and spice. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next installment!

[Ashley Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️/4
🌶/3
I liked book 1 of this new series with Lissia and Chello. There was lots of tension and angst coming off the page. At the start of the book, I wasn’t sure if I would read the 2nd book because Lissia was a little top bratty and Chello was a little too Alpha A-hole. Lissia being an out of touch mafia princess and Chello being the mafia heir that must step up and prove himself. By the end I liked the growth of both characters and will for sure read the 2nd book. I wouldn’t say the book was super spicy, but it was more of a slow burn. The scenes they do have together are spicy though.

Plot:

Kidnapped by a savage enemy.
As heir to the throne in a royal mafia family, it's my job to get the information needed to bring my father home. And that means kidnapping a rival's spoiled mafia princess daughter.

At the time, I don't know the man is in negotiations to marry her off to a brutal arms dealer, but when I discover how difficult of a captive she is, it kind of makes sense. Soon, she foolishly starts to see me as the lesser of evils, but while she seems willing to be my captive, she's mistaken to believe I'm doing her any favors.

I can't allow anything to distract me. Especially not some naïve woman who doesn’t realize we've just set off a mob war. Now the only way to stop what I started and be reunited with my father is to let her go.
Problem is, I've fallen for my hostage, and while I have the guts, power, and resources to keep her as a willing prisoner, if I make the wrong choice, it could cost my family’s empire everything.

Tropes
Dark Mafia
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn.

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

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Ruthless Oath, Lissia is blindsided by the news that she is gonna marry an arms dealer. She refuses to be anyone’s bride, let alone someone who creeps her out. She decides to go to Marchello, her father’s enemy to try to get out of this marriage. Marchello is on a mission to bring his father home and out of hiding. Instead of helping her, Marcello kidnaps her. That sets off a mob war. He thinks she will submit to him and obey everything he says. He couldn’t be further from the truth. She refuses to listen and acts out. They both frustrate each other but are also attracted to one another.

The chemistry is instant. No matter how much they try to avoid it, there is no denying their feelings. The longer they are together, the more they get to know each other. When they kiss, they can no longer pretend not to feel anything. All Marchello wants to do is bring his father back home. He needs to be careful about the choices he makes if he wants the war to end. However, now he doesn’t want to let Lissia go. Marchello has a tough decision to make. Will he keep Lissia or let her go? Will he be able to bring back his father once he makes that choice?

Ella Jade made me fall for these characters. I loved Lissia and Marchello. Their constant banter was hilarious and their scenes were hot. Marchello has that touch her and die vibes and is the ultimate possessive man. Just the way I like them. Lissia does not back down from anyone including Marchello. I was on the edge of my seat. There were twists and turns I did not see coming. That cliffhanger ending let me wanting more. I’m so excited to learn more in the next book.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Review – Ruthless Oath by Ella Jade

Ruthless Oath is everything I crave in a dark romance and then some—intense, emotionally charged, and completely unputdownable. Ella Jade delivers a story that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go until the last devastating, satisfying word.

This book is dripping with obsession, power, and raw chemistry. The male main character is the kind of ruthless, morally gray antihero you know you shouldn’t love… but absolutely do. His devotion is fierce, dangerous, and all-consuming—very much “touch her and you’re dead” energy—and it makes every interaction pulse with tension. He doesn’t just want the heroine; he claims her, body and soul, and that oath he makes? He means it.

The heroine is strong, layered, and emotionally real. She isn’t perfect, and that makes her even more compelling. Watching her navigate the darkness, the passion, and the consequences of loving a man like him is both heartbreaking and empowering. Their dynamic is explosive—equal parts push and pull, pain and passion, control and surrender.

The writing is addictive, the pacing is flawless, and the emotional stakes are high. Ella Jade balances spice, plot, and emotional depth beautifully, making this more than just a dark romance—it’s a story about loyalty, sacrifice, and a love that is ruthless in the best and worst ways.

If you love dark romance with obsessive MMCs, high angst, intense chemistry, and vows that are sealed in blood and fire, Ruthless Oath deserves a permanent spot on your favorites shelf. I devoured it—and I’m still thinking about it long after turning the final page. 💔🔥📖

[Nicole Kinsey Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Jade's "Ruthless Oath: A Dark Mafia Romance" is a captivating start to the Cruel Empire series that had me hooked from the first page. The chemistry between Marchello and Lissia is electric, their banter sharp and engaging, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat.

Marchello, the determined heir of a royal mafia family, is tasked with retrieving crucial information to save his father. This mission leads him to kidnap Lissia, the fiery and defiant daughter of a rival mafia boss. Their dynamic is intense, with Marchello's commanding presence clashing with Lissia's rebellious spirit in a thrilling dance of power and attraction.

The story's dark undertones and complex characters create a gripping narrative that explores the fine line between love and duty. Lissia's struggle to escape a forced marriage to a brutal arms dealer and her growing reliance on Marchello add layers of tension and intrigue. Despite the danger and their tumultuous relationship, their undeniable connection keeps readers invested in their journey.

Ella Jade's writing is vivid and evocative, painting a detailed picture of the mafia world and the stakes involved. The book's cliffhanger ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series, hoping to see Marchello and Lissia overcome their challenges and build a future together.

If you're a fan of dark mafia romances with compelling characters and a storyline that keeps you guessing, "Ruthless Oath" is a must-read. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for Marchello and Lissia in the next book. Highly recommended!

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marchello looked around at all that had arrived for the annual car auction held by his family at their New York dealership. All the dangerous men of the city were in attendance.
Although his father had started the tradition a decade before, he wasn’t here to host as he was in hiding. Trying to avoid a mafia war. Marchello knew he should have cancelled the event, but he was determined to figure out which of these men was responsible for his father going into hiding.

When he noted that no one from the Gillanti family was in attendance, his brother pointed out a gorgeous woman ogling the car going up for auction. And then the mafia princess from their rival family sets her eyes on him. Right before the bullets start flying.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Marchello is trying to live up to his father’s expectations while he is in hiding. Lissia has always enjoyed the spoils of being a mafia princess until her father sells her off to a ruthless man he wants as an ally.

This book is action packed and full of mafia violence and danger. This book does not leave you with an HEA and has a cliffhanger. The sexual chemistry between Marchello and Lissia is smoking hot despite the hatred between their warring mafia families.

You can’t help to turn the pages as Lissia escapes one prison only to find her father has betrayed her again.

If you like reading dark mafia romance, you will love this book. Highly recommend.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lissia and Marchello are from two rival mob clans. Both born into the world, they have no choice but to play their roles. Marchello, his brother, Milo, are in charge while their father is in hiding. Someone murdered their mother and unborn son over a decade ago. Their father has not been the same since. Lissia and Marchello meet at his dealership where he saves her life. Her father plans on forcing her to marry an associate to help make his organization bigger; big enough to take over Marchello’s territories.

Lissia makes a run for it by going to Marchello with a deal to offer; instead, he takes her and saves her from the intended groom. He cannot resist her innocent charms and takes her for his. She is where she wants to be when she decides she can stop the war if she goes home again. She believes her father will protect her and agree to her terms. Only, she does not really know her father that well. Now, what will happen?

With everything on the line, territories, lives, cartel, deals, betrayals, and more…where will it all end up? Even though Marchello has her back in hand, it does not mean he will be able to keep her safe. Will his father be able to come home to reign again? Who will end up with Lissia in the long run? Who will be the sacrifices in the name of honor and family supremacy? Read this story and the next to discover!

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

His princess by MeemsAngel82

I absolutely loved this! The writing style is so inviting, it pulled me right in! There is absolutely no lag in this book. The story flowed wonderfully and I was very entertained not only by the plot but by these characters. Each had an interesting personality and the h kept this man on his toes! I absolutely loved, loved the chemistry between these two. And the fact that he was all about her and the same for her made me so happy.

They wanted one another but were from rival families. She outwardly taunted him, innocent but enticing. He tried to show indifference to a point but he wanted her far too much. But she was also causing his family trouble by being around him.

And being his captive? Oh, yes. The steam coming from their encounters...loved it. The two have such opposite personalities. He is grumpy and all man and wants control. She is innocent and tries to take control and yet sees how things should be. They have steamy scenes and I love the push pull. He doesn't want to be undone by her but he completely melts for her. The writing is easy to follow and again, so entertaining. I went into this knowing that it would be a cliffhanger ending and can hardly wait to read the rest!

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

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and exciting enemies to lovers dark mafia romance and the start of a new series. Marchello Accetti and Lissia Gallanti's fathers happen to be enemies. Marchello is a dangerously, moody and opinionated mafia heir in Lissia's mind. He thinks of Lissia as a young woman who always gets her way, spends daddy's money and talks to much where he is concerned.
They met at a fund raiser held by Marchello's father. Lissia is trying to catch Marchello's attention, since she has been told that she is to marry someone her father has set her up with. This man only agrees to marry Lissia, because of the benefits and power he will have. Marchello has told Lissa to stay away, but she goes to him for help out of the situation her father has put her in. He is very attracted to Lissia and when she is around he can't think straight, so he just decides to kidnap Lissia.

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

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!! I absolutely loved this and read it in one day!!

I love a Mafia Romance and add in Captive Romance too and I'm a goner lol 😆 this is the first book in a new series called Cruel Empire Series and I'll for sure be reading more because I couldn't get enough!!!

Lissia is a spoiled mafia princess who is a brat and refuses to do what she's told....and that's to marry a man she doesn't want. Her father forces her to marry Danny to build a better empire but......Lissia doesn't want any of this. She then meets Marchello at his family's auto auction and instantly falls for his bossy and grumpy nature. All she wants is him to help her get away from her father and Danny and out of this marriage, but she never gets to explain this to Marchello before she's nabbed away and believed to have been kidnapped by Marchello!!! What will happen when he finds out she's to be with another man?

Oh my word....Lissia is a smart mouth brat whose banter had me howling in some places she rubs Marchello up the wrong way and he definitely has his work cut out for him but urgh he is sexy as hell and oof I wouldn't mind a piece of him. The spice was off the scale hot 🔥 This has to be one of my favourite reads of the year so far and I can't wait for book two!!!