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His Ruthless Heart
I always swore I'd never cross that line...
But it was a lie.
Lina was always meant to be mine.
I was born into blood and violence.
Clawed my way to the top.
Now I have a new title—and a new territory to rule.
Every inch of it... and everyone in it.
I don't do weakness.
I don't do soft.
Except for Lina.
She's been my best friend for fifteen years.
Always too young. Too sweet. Too off-limits.
But when she needs my protection, I'll do anything for her.
Even be her fake scary boyfriend.
Twisting her up in my world shouldn’t save her.
But I’m starting to think my shortcake doesn’t want saving...
She wants me to corrupt her.
And I'll gladly drag her into my darkness.
Read on A sizzling, protective mafia romance where her lifelong protector falls first—and fake dating turns dangerously, deliciously real. The lines they swore never to cross are blurring, and threats are pushing them closer to admitting the she was always his.
But it was a lie.
Lina was always meant to be mine.
I was born into blood and violence.
Clawed my way to the top.
Now I have a new title—and a new territory to rule.
Every inch of it... and everyone in it.
I don't do weakness.
I don't do soft.
Except for Lina.
She's been my best friend for fifteen years.
Always too young. Too sweet. Too off-limits.
But when she needs my protection, I'll do anything for her.
Even be her fake scary boyfriend.
Twisting her up in my world shouldn’t save her.
But I’m starting to think my shortcake doesn’t want saving...
She wants me to corrupt her.
And I'll gladly drag her into my darkness.
Read on A sizzling, protective mafia romance where her lifelong protector falls first—and fake dating turns dangerously, deliciously real. The lines they swore never to cross are blurring, and threats are pushing them closer to admitting the she was always his.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2025
62 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 3, 2025
His Ruthless Heart is fourth book in the Devil in Armani Suit. A sizzling, protective mafia full-length romance complete with a happily-ever-after. The stories are interconnected with characters from the previous books stopping by and contributing to the story. This is Ace and Lina story which is told from dual point of view. A spellingbounding storyline with world building characters that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of cravings and heart-stirring emotions and follow along as these two childhood friends fall in love with each other. A fast paced, dark and thrilling read. A great addition to this series.
A kidnapping thriller story, protective alpha hero romance, organize crime thriller story, billionaire romance, fake dating romance, off-limits romance, polar opposite attracts story, life long protector fall first romance, dark mafia romance, African American romance, BWWM romance, interracial romance, fake marriage romance, multicultural romance, close proximity romance, action & adventure romance, best friend romance, touch-her-and-die romance, friends-to-lovers romance, aged gap trope romance, forbidden romance, taboo romance, contemporary romance with passion, steam, drama, threats, dominance, submission, trust, consensual intense rough sex, revelations, love, friendship, darkness, madness, violence, danger, possessiveness, obsession, revenge, retribution, drugging and so much more.
Luca Mantione is the Don and runs all of the Mantione territory in Chicago. But Asher Amato a.k.a. Ace one of his closest friends is a mafia capo in charge of the Syracuse territory from collecting protection money payments, money laundering and gambling. Ace is having problems with his territory because of a new crew trying to move into the eastern edge of Syracuse. Lina Aetos a.k.a. shortcake is his oldest friend besides Luca. The one person who's seen beyond the mask, even before he learned to wear it so well. Too sweet for his life, too young for what he have become, too god-damn perfect to be tainted by his hands. The girl next door who grew into a woman and he force himself to keep at arm's length. She always seems to bright up his day and knows just how to put a smile on his face. Lina has owned a piece of his soul since they were kids.
Lina have always had a crush on Ace he always had an effect on her regardless of who he is supposed to be to everyone else in the city. Lina is an art student at the Chicago Arts Institute. For the past month she has been having problems with some of guys at school who are not taking no for an answer. Ever since her picture appeared in the paper. She texts Ace who have always been her problem solver, even when he never should have been. Asking if he wanted to add art school bodyguard to his resume. Although she was only joking he agrees and head over to her. Ace tells her that they should enter into a fake relationship with him so that the guys would leave her alone. He said to pretend and make her believe that it's a game. It's something he have thought about in the darkness of too many sleepless nights. He have wanted to be with her for a long time but stayed away. This would allow him to live out some of his fantasies.
What started as a pretend quickly turned into a full blown relationship because these two had been enamored with each for year loving the other but they both thought that the other didn't feel the same about the other. Lina thought that it was all fake but from the beginning it was all real to Ace. She never thought he would want someone like her who's not apart of his world filled with blood and violence. As their relationship grows Ace battle with outside individuals from outside trying to muscle into his territory with a new synthetic drug Hallucinogenic drugs that's killing people close to his territory but he's unable to figure out the dealer. Lina gets caught in the cross hair when she got drugged and one of her best friend birthday party. Ace almost lost his mind and finding dealer was more important to now than ever. He and his crew scorched city cleaning up the garage. Ace found is forever with the love of Lina who saw him and not the man with the blood on his hands. She calms the noise in his head.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A kidnapping thriller story, protective alpha hero romance, organize crime thriller story, billionaire romance, fake dating romance, off-limits romance, polar opposite attracts story, life long protector fall first romance, dark mafia romance, African American romance, BWWM romance, interracial romance, fake marriage romance, multicultural romance, close proximity romance, action & adventure romance, best friend romance, touch-her-and-die romance, friends-to-lovers romance, aged gap trope romance, forbidden romance, taboo romance, contemporary romance with passion, steam, drama, threats, dominance, submission, trust, consensual intense rough sex, revelations, love, friendship, darkness, madness, violence, danger, possessiveness, obsession, revenge, retribution, drugging and so much more.
Luca Mantione is the Don and runs all of the Mantione territory in Chicago. But Asher Amato a.k.a. Ace one of his closest friends is a mafia capo in charge of the Syracuse territory from collecting protection money payments, money laundering and gambling. Ace is having problems with his territory because of a new crew trying to move into the eastern edge of Syracuse. Lina Aetos a.k.a. shortcake is his oldest friend besides Luca. The one person who's seen beyond the mask, even before he learned to wear it so well. Too sweet for his life, too young for what he have become, too god-damn perfect to be tainted by his hands. The girl next door who grew into a woman and he force himself to keep at arm's length. She always seems to bright up his day and knows just how to put a smile on his face. Lina has owned a piece of his soul since they were kids.
Lina have always had a crush on Ace he always had an effect on her regardless of who he is supposed to be to everyone else in the city. Lina is an art student at the Chicago Arts Institute. For the past month she has been having problems with some of guys at school who are not taking no for an answer. Ever since her picture appeared in the paper. She texts Ace who have always been her problem solver, even when he never should have been. Asking if he wanted to add art school bodyguard to his resume. Although she was only joking he agrees and head over to her. Ace tells her that they should enter into a fake relationship with him so that the guys would leave her alone. He said to pretend and make her believe that it's a game. It's something he have thought about in the darkness of too many sleepless nights. He have wanted to be with her for a long time but stayed away. This would allow him to live out some of his fantasies.
What started as a pretend quickly turned into a full blown relationship because these two had been enamored with each for year loving the other but they both thought that the other didn't feel the same about the other. Lina thought that it was all fake but from the beginning it was all real to Ace. She never thought he would want someone like her who's not apart of his world filled with blood and violence. As their relationship grows Ace battle with outside individuals from outside trying to muscle into his territory with a new synthetic drug Hallucinogenic drugs that's killing people close to his territory but he's unable to figure out the dealer. Lina gets caught in the cross hair when she got drugged and one of her best friend birthday party. Ace almost lost his mind and finding dealer was more important to now than ever. He and his crew scorched city cleaning up the garage. Ace found is forever with the love of Lina who saw him and not the man with the blood on his hands. She calms the noise in his head.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
Ace and Lina will steal your heart!
Swoon! I really loved this book – the fourth in the series! The story, the characters, the action – everything was amazing! Ace is Mafia – a Capo in charge of Syracuse, under Luca. Lina is his best friend since elementary school. The one pure, joyful constant in his life. Everything stayed platonic for years – even if they both secretly harbored feelings for one another. Ace thought she was too innocent for his world to taint. Lina thought he was too far off her league. But one incident with a few of her art classmates led to a “fake-boyfriend” deal. But fake is far too real – feelings can’t be contained for long. A rollercoaster of events occur. Ace has to face trouble regarding his dominance in his territory and Lina finds herself in the crossfire. But there is nothing that can stop these Mafia men when it comes to the protection of the women they love! Ace was PERFECTION – his heart IS ruthless, but to everyone else apart from Lina! And Lina complements him so well – she is way tougher than he thinks she is! My favorite in the series so far. 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Swoon! I really loved this book – the fourth in the series! The story, the characters, the action – everything was amazing! Ace is Mafia – a Capo in charge of Syracuse, under Luca. Lina is his best friend since elementary school. The one pure, joyful constant in his life. Everything stayed platonic for years – even if they both secretly harbored feelings for one another. Ace thought she was too innocent for his world to taint. Lina thought he was too far off her league. But one incident with a few of her art classmates led to a “fake-boyfriend” deal. But fake is far too real – feelings can’t be contained for long. A rollercoaster of events occur. Ace has to face trouble regarding his dominance in his territory and Lina finds herself in the crossfire. But there is nothing that can stop these Mafia men when it comes to the protection of the women they love! Ace was PERFECTION – his heart IS ruthless, but to everyone else apart from Lina! And Lina complements him so well – she is way tougher than he thinks she is! My favorite in the series so far. 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2025
Ace and Lina
These two knew each other from childhood. He saved her from being bullied about her art. Ace became her self proclaimed protector then into adulthood.
Years later they are still the best of friends, him a man with her known name and reputation and her an undergraduate art student. Ace is still playing the role of protector even though he wants more. Lina is allowing herself to be protected even though she wants more.
One day, Ace comes up with the scheme of pretend boyfriend to keep unwanted attention away from Lina. Eventually the line get blurred between pretend and real. Will their friendship get beyond their doubts.
I enjoyed reading this addition to the series. Ace was introduced in a previous book and now he has his own story. Communication, truthful communication is what was missing between Ace and Lina. Their behavior towards each other clearly pointed to their attraction. But, Ace saw her as good and pure and him not being worthy of her. Lina just thought he put her in the friend zone because he didn't show any reactions to her attempts of making him jealous.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These two knew each other from childhood. He saved her from being bullied about her art. Ace became her self proclaimed protector then into adulthood.
Years later they are still the best of friends, him a man with her known name and reputation and her an undergraduate art student. Ace is still playing the role of protector even though he wants more. Lina is allowing herself to be protected even though she wants more.
One day, Ace comes up with the scheme of pretend boyfriend to keep unwanted attention away from Lina. Eventually the line get blurred between pretend and real. Will their friendship get beyond their doubts.
I enjoyed reading this addition to the series. Ace was introduced in a previous book and now he has his own story. Communication, truthful communication is what was missing between Ace and Lina. Their behavior towards each other clearly pointed to their attraction. But, Ace saw her as good and pure and him not being worthy of her. Lina just thought he put her in the friend zone because he didn't show any reactions to her attempts of making him jealous.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2025
This series keeps better and better. I was hooked from the very beginning. I love the books where the man is super Alpha and Dark and nothing or no one gets to him except that special woman that is in his life. Lina has grown up with Ace and he has always been her protector. When she lets him know she is getting bugged at school he becomes her pretend boyfriend. It only gets better as both of them want this arrangement to be anything but pretend. I loved every moment of this story. I could not put it down. I was hooked with as things developed this couple gets closer and closer, and the chemistry between them gets harder to deny. This is a definite must read!!! Hurry up and pick up your copy you won't regret it!!
June 10, 2025
Wonderfully Ruthless
This is yet another example of what the right person in the right situation can do and accomplish.
The support and the willingness of these characters towards each other is felt with each turn of the proverbial page. But it’s the chemistry between Ash and Lina, that makes this story so compelling.
I’m truly enjoying this inner circle of this series. I’m hoping to see more.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily had received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
This is yet another example of what the right person in the right situation can do and accomplish.
The support and the willingness of these characters towards each other is felt with each turn of the proverbial page. But it’s the chemistry between Ash and Lina, that makes this story so compelling.
I’m truly enjoying this inner circle of this series. I’m hoping to see more.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily had received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
May 21, 2025
They are best friends but feel a spark that neither acted upon. When Lina finds herself in trouble Ace comes to her rescue by becoming her fake boyfriend but when their close proximity brings the feelings, they both have tried to keep at bay out will their fake relationship finally turn into the real deal for them leading them to happiness. This story had me all caught up in Lina and Ace.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2025
Lina and Ace had been best friends for years but had never crossed thenline into more, though they both felt a spark. But when troubles come for Lina she goes to the one man who can keep her safe and that's Ace, but as fake dating turns to more can she survive in his dark world! Well written steamy engaging, friends to lovers romance
May 22, 2025
This is a friends to lovers story. We are taken into the lives of Ace and Lina. They have been friends for many years and have never crossed the line. But when she gets into danger and trouble, Ace is the one who can help her. A wonderful story and a must read.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2025
This was a well written story in this series! It was an action packed, sexy and steamy! Great character development and storytelling! Needed a little bit more heat for me but still an enjoyable and entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
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I love this book… but I’ve tried joining the newsletter after every book and I never can. I submit my email and never get a response.
I love this book… but I’ve tried joining the newsletter after every book and I never can. I submit my email and never get a response.
August 14, 2025
Great read. The story line was well written and loved the characters. Had love, action, passion, friendship and loyalty. Recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews