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Alpha Mafia Daddies #5
Ruthless Secrets
Clara
The last person I expected to end up in bed with on my wedding night was another man.
He was the distraction I needed after I discovered my fiancé was cheating on me with my best friend.
He was gone before I woke up, as if he understood the assignment.
All I needed was one amazing night with someone I’d never have to see again.
Two weeks later, I took a test and discovered I was pregnant.
I knew he was the father, but I didn’t try and find him.
Fast forward eighteen months and I’m being headhunted for a managerial role at a new club.
The last person I expect to see when I walk into the club is him.
My one-night stand.
My daughter’s father.
I know I need to tell him about Zoe, but how can I?
I’ve heard rumors about this man, his family and their involvement in the mafia.
He’ll kill me if he finds out I’ve kept her from him.
Then one night, after work, he turns up on my doorstep.
The moment he sees Zoe in my arms, he knows.
When she goes missing later that night, I know he took her.
I’ll do whatever I need to in order to get my daughter back.
MARCO
When I first saw Clara sitting at that bar in her big puffy white dress,
I knew she was something special.
That night confirmed it for me,
But neither of us were in the right headspace for a relationship.
So, I waited until the time was right for both of us.
And I made sure our paths crossed again.
The last thing I expected was this.
I have a daughter I know nothing about.
As furious as I am, I’d never kidnap Zoe.
I’ll find out who did, though.
And I’m going to make sure they pay,
no matter what the cost.
Ruthless Secrets is Book 1 of Marco and Clara's story. Their story concludes in Book 2, Ruthless Vengeance.
The last person I expected to end up in bed with on my wedding night was another man.
He was the distraction I needed after I discovered my fiancé was cheating on me with my best friend.
He was gone before I woke up, as if he understood the assignment.
All I needed was one amazing night with someone I’d never have to see again.
Two weeks later, I took a test and discovered I was pregnant.
I knew he was the father, but I didn’t try and find him.
Fast forward eighteen months and I’m being headhunted for a managerial role at a new club.
The last person I expect to see when I walk into the club is him.
My one-night stand.
My daughter’s father.
I know I need to tell him about Zoe, but how can I?
I’ve heard rumors about this man, his family and their involvement in the mafia.
He’ll kill me if he finds out I’ve kept her from him.
Then one night, after work, he turns up on my doorstep.
The moment he sees Zoe in my arms, he knows.
When she goes missing later that night, I know he took her.
I’ll do whatever I need to in order to get my daughter back.
MARCO
When I first saw Clara sitting at that bar in her big puffy white dress,
I knew she was something special.
That night confirmed it for me,
But neither of us were in the right headspace for a relationship.
So, I waited until the time was right for both of us.
And I made sure our paths crossed again.
The last thing I expected was this.
I have a daughter I know nothing about.
As furious as I am, I’d never kidnap Zoe.
I’ll find out who did, though.
And I’m going to make sure they pay,
no matter what the cost.
Ruthless Secrets is Book 1 of Marco and Clara's story. Their story concludes in Book 2, Ruthless Vengeance.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
585 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 4, 2026
Not for me
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
This is my third book by Kira Cole, but I think her books may just not be for me. It has all the elements I love: secret babies, ONS, and lots of drama, but I feel like I just have a hard time with her heroes. I usually enjoy the occasional golden retriever, but I think I'm just having a hard time with it in the context of a mafia read. Book is still pretty good. If these tropes are your jam, it may work for you.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
This is my third book by Kira Cole, but I think her books may just not be for me. It has all the elements I love: secret babies, ONS, and lots of drama, but I feel like I just have a hard time with her heroes. I usually enjoy the occasional golden retriever, but I think I'm just having a hard time with it in the context of a mafia read. Book is still pretty good. If these tropes are your jam, it may work for you.
November 20, 2025
I had fun reading it and I don’t regret doing so but unfortunately I’ve read way too many amazing mafia books as comparison to this mediocrity. The plot twists and cliffhanger at the end were well placed. The MMC possessiveness was good. The surprise baby trope is one of my favorites. So I had a good time.
September 13, 2025
Ruthless Secrets is book one of Marco and Clara's story. Their story concludes in book two Ruthless Vengeance. This is Marco and Clara's story which is told from a dual point of view. A beautifully crafted story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the audience attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages with it's non-stop twists and turns, pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane action and suspense. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with mystery, tension, drama, enemies and emotions. A fast paced, thrilling twisted and gripping read. Immerse yourself in this tantalizing mind-blowing story and follow along as these two polar opposite individuals fall in love with each other.
Clara was engaged and was happy to become a wife and was looking for to walk down the aisle to her fiance only to find out on her wedding day that he had been cheating on her with her best friend who is now pregnant with his child. When he first saw Clara sitting at that bar in her big puffy white dress, he knew she was something special. That night confirmed it for him.
But neither of them were in the right headspace for a relationship. So, he waited until the time was right for both of them. And he made sure that their paths crossed again. Devastated and feeling broken hearted she decided to get wasted in bar on tequilas and this is where she meets a handsome tall drink a water approach her her. They hit off and they had a couple of drinks together and ended up in bed in her hotel room. They had one night of barn burning passion no names were exchanged, no phone numbers and when she woke the next morning he was gone without even a note. Fast forward, a couple weeks she the two pink lines shows that she's pregnant with her one night stand baby which she decided to keep and raise on her own.
Her life irrevocably changed on that night but for the better since her left her with a beautiful blessing. Clara eventually had her daughter name Zoe but it was a little hard for her since she was unemployed because she leaves her job since her treacherous former best friend works at the same job which would be too hurtful for her to see everyday. She blew Marco's mind and he couldn't get his one night stand off his mind even after a year had passed. She navigate parenthood by herself with the help of her supportive and loyal friend who often offers her help in taking care of Zoe. Fast forward, eighteen months and she's being headhunted for a managerial role at a new club. And the last person she expected to see when she walked into the club is him was her one-night stand. My daughter’s father. She know that she need to tell him about Zoe, but how can she?
She have heard rumors about this man, his family and their involvement in the mafia.
She believes that he’ll kill her if he finds out that she have kept her from him. But things are not what it seems with the successful CEO and after she overheard Marco talking to brother about mafia business it sent her running out of the office. Then one night after work he turns up on her doorstep. And the moment he sees Zoe in her arms, he knows that she was his. He was livid that she didn't tried to find him and told him about his daughter. Later that night Zoe was abducted by one of his any enemies unbeknowing to her because she thought that he was the one who took her because of her deception. But although he was angry with her for keeping his daughter away from him he would never do such a thing to her and went hunting for her. He found her but brought her back to his house instead of Clara's for safety because of his enemies. Clara also moved in with him and the three became a family where he took care of them with his life. And two started a relationship filled with steam and passion. The stories ended on a surprising cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clara was engaged and was happy to become a wife and was looking for to walk down the aisle to her fiance only to find out on her wedding day that he had been cheating on her with her best friend who is now pregnant with his child. When he first saw Clara sitting at that bar in her big puffy white dress, he knew she was something special. That night confirmed it for him.
But neither of them were in the right headspace for a relationship. So, he waited until the time was right for both of them. And he made sure that their paths crossed again. Devastated and feeling broken hearted she decided to get wasted in bar on tequilas and this is where she meets a handsome tall drink a water approach her her. They hit off and they had a couple of drinks together and ended up in bed in her hotel room. They had one night of barn burning passion no names were exchanged, no phone numbers and when she woke the next morning he was gone without even a note. Fast forward, a couple weeks she the two pink lines shows that she's pregnant with her one night stand baby which she decided to keep and raise on her own.
Her life irrevocably changed on that night but for the better since her left her with a beautiful blessing. Clara eventually had her daughter name Zoe but it was a little hard for her since she was unemployed because she leaves her job since her treacherous former best friend works at the same job which would be too hurtful for her to see everyday. She blew Marco's mind and he couldn't get his one night stand off his mind even after a year had passed. She navigate parenthood by herself with the help of her supportive and loyal friend who often offers her help in taking care of Zoe. Fast forward, eighteen months and she's being headhunted for a managerial role at a new club. And the last person she expected to see when she walked into the club is him was her one-night stand. My daughter’s father. She know that she need to tell him about Zoe, but how can she?
She have heard rumors about this man, his family and their involvement in the mafia.
She believes that he’ll kill her if he finds out that she have kept her from him. But things are not what it seems with the successful CEO and after she overheard Marco talking to brother about mafia business it sent her running out of the office. Then one night after work he turns up on her doorstep. And the moment he sees Zoe in her arms, he knows that she was his. He was livid that she didn't tried to find him and told him about his daughter. Later that night Zoe was abducted by one of his any enemies unbeknowing to her because she thought that he was the one who took her because of her deception. But although he was angry with her for keeping his daughter away from him he would never do such a thing to her and went hunting for her. He found her but brought her back to his house instead of Clara's for safety because of his enemies. Clara also moved in with him and the three became a family where he took care of them with his life. And two started a relationship filled with steam and passion. The stories ended on a surprising cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2025
Kira Cole once again delivers an intoxicating mix of passion, betrayal, and suspense in Ruthless Claim, the sixth installment of her Mafia Daddies series. This book blends the heartbreak of personal betrayal with the dark allure of mafia intrigue, keeping readers hooked from the first chapter to the final cliffhanger.
Clara’s world shatters when she discovers, on her wedding day, that her fiancé has been unfaithful, with her best friend, who is now carrying his child. Reeling from the betrayal, Clara drowns her sorrows in tequila, only to meet a mysterious stranger who offers comfort for one unforgettable night. That night changes everything when Clara later learns she’s pregnant but the father is a man she doesn’t know.
Determined to rebuild her life, Clara navigates single motherhood with the help of a loyal friend, only to be pulled into an unexpected twist of fate. A job offer leads her straight back into the arms of Marco, the very man she spent that fateful night with, and now, her employer. Their connection grows deeper as Marco discovers not only his unexpected role as a father, but also the joy Clara and their daughter bring into his dangerous life.
The story escalates when Clara overhears a mafia conversation and the family’s enemies strike, threatening both her and her child. Cole masterfully balances tender family moments with pulse-pounding suspense, crafting a narrative that’s both emotional and thrilling. The shocking twist near the climax raises the stakes for both Marco and his brother Andre, leaving readers breathless and desperate for more.
Ending on a tense cliffhanger, Ruthless Claim sets the stage perfectly for its sequel, Ruthless Vengeance. With fiery chemistry, unexpected turns, and the trademark mafia edge, this installment proves why Kira Cole’s series continues to captivate fans of dark romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clara’s world shatters when she discovers, on her wedding day, that her fiancé has been unfaithful, with her best friend, who is now carrying his child. Reeling from the betrayal, Clara drowns her sorrows in tequila, only to meet a mysterious stranger who offers comfort for one unforgettable night. That night changes everything when Clara later learns she’s pregnant but the father is a man she doesn’t know.
Determined to rebuild her life, Clara navigates single motherhood with the help of a loyal friend, only to be pulled into an unexpected twist of fate. A job offer leads her straight back into the arms of Marco, the very man she spent that fateful night with, and now, her employer. Their connection grows deeper as Marco discovers not only his unexpected role as a father, but also the joy Clara and their daughter bring into his dangerous life.
The story escalates when Clara overhears a mafia conversation and the family’s enemies strike, threatening both her and her child. Cole masterfully balances tender family moments with pulse-pounding suspense, crafting a narrative that’s both emotional and thrilling. The shocking twist near the climax raises the stakes for both Marco and his brother Andre, leaving readers breathless and desperate for more.
Ending on a tense cliffhanger, Ruthless Claim sets the stage perfectly for its sequel, Ruthless Vengeance. With fiery chemistry, unexpected turns, and the trademark mafia edge, this installment proves why Kira Cole’s series continues to captivate fans of dark romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2025
Ahhhhh! This book ended on a cliffhanger I didn’t see coming. Even if I had seen it I’m not sure it would change anything for me. Omg. What a ride.
I’m not sure I’ve read anything by this author before but wow. If you love mafia romance then this need to be added to your tbr list immediately. It was soooo good!
Ruthless Secrets starts with a bang. Literally a runaway bride getting drunk in a bar in her wedding dress, who ends up banging a hot stranger in her honeymoon suite. I mean if that doesn’t suck you into a story I don’t know what will!
Please read the trigger warnings because as with all good mafia stories there is a whole host of things that happen that could trigger you.
Clara was having the worst day of her life but it ended with the best night she’s ever had. When the sun rises the next morning the sexy stranger is gone without a trace. Like it might have been a dream. A month later and she figures out she is pregnant with said sexy strangers baby.
Marco is your typical one and done mafia playboy with baggage of a past love ripped away from him. He sees Clara in the hotel bar and needs to have her. One night of passion and they go their separate ways. Only a year later he can’t get her off his mind and he is patting himself on the back for going through her purse to find her name.
This was a hard fought romance, like with all mafia love stories. He wants her but doesn’t want to admit how much. She falls entirely too fast even though she is trying to guard her heart.
This story has all the great mafia romance things, family betrayal, murder, touch her and die vibes, running for their lives, kidnapping, and spice like ugh chef’s kiss! Muah!
I encourage you to pick this book up and give it read. If you love all things mafia you will love this book! I can’t wait to read the second book Ruthless Vengence to find out what happens!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not sure I’ve read anything by this author before but wow. If you love mafia romance then this need to be added to your tbr list immediately. It was soooo good!
Ruthless Secrets starts with a bang. Literally a runaway bride getting drunk in a bar in her wedding dress, who ends up banging a hot stranger in her honeymoon suite. I mean if that doesn’t suck you into a story I don’t know what will!
Please read the trigger warnings because as with all good mafia stories there is a whole host of things that happen that could trigger you.
Clara was having the worst day of her life but it ended with the best night she’s ever had. When the sun rises the next morning the sexy stranger is gone without a trace. Like it might have been a dream. A month later and she figures out she is pregnant with said sexy strangers baby.
Marco is your typical one and done mafia playboy with baggage of a past love ripped away from him. He sees Clara in the hotel bar and needs to have her. One night of passion and they go their separate ways. Only a year later he can’t get her off his mind and he is patting himself on the back for going through her purse to find her name.
This was a hard fought romance, like with all mafia love stories. He wants her but doesn’t want to admit how much. She falls entirely too fast even though she is trying to guard her heart.
This story has all the great mafia romance things, family betrayal, murder, touch her and die vibes, running for their lives, kidnapping, and spice like ugh chef’s kiss! Muah!
I encourage you to pick this book up and give it read. If you love all things mafia you will love this book! I can’t wait to read the second book Ruthless Vengence to find out what happens!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2025
I loved Marco and Clara's story. Clara has been stood up at her wedding at the last possible moment. So she's in the hotel bar doing shots when Marco sits next to her. They get talking, and he slows her down with her drinking. One thing leads to another, and they end up spending the night in her hotel room. Marco leaves before she wakes, without leaving her his number or name, but makes sure to get her name and address off her license. Clara ends up with a surprise that she didn't expect after her one-night stand. Two years later, she gets an offer for the nightclub Nox, owned by the De Luca family. When she turns up to accept the offer, she meets one of the owners, who happens to be Marco. She is stunned, and despite the De Luca family's reputation, she accepts Marco's offer for the sake of her daughter. Marco turns up at her apartment unexpectedly one night, and Clara accidentally blurts out that he's the father when Zoe starts crying. Marco, furious at her keeping secrets, leaves. Clara has to ring him later when she goes to bed, and her daughter is missing. Marco has her brought to his brother's house since they will be safe there once Zoe is found. Clara finds herself with the family she never had and always wanted. But with their lives in danger, they find themselves stuck long-term at Andre's house. But even here, they are not safe. Will Clara and Zoe ever be safe, and will Clara get her HEA with Marco?
I received an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. You will love this book if you love a dark, fast-paced mafia romance with plenty of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Kira keeps you turning the pages, and the book is hard to put down with all that is going on. Be warned, this does end in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
I received an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. You will love this book if you love a dark, fast-paced mafia romance with plenty of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Kira keeps you turning the pages, and the book is hard to put down with all that is going on. Be warned, this does end in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
August 26, 2025
Clara finds out at her wedding that her fiancé has been sleeping with her best friend who is pregnant with his child. She ends up in the bar of the hotel drinking tequila. She encounters a good looking guy who listens to her story and escorts her to her room. They end up having a one-night stand, she wakes to find him gone.
She finds out she is pregnant with his child, but she has no idea who he is. She has to find a new job because the best friend worked with her. She is trying to hold it together with childcare, her friend helping her out with weekend babysitting. She is approached on the street with a job offer. She calls back to accept. She finds out it is Marco the father of her child who is her employer.
She overhears Marco and his brother discussing Mafia business, but Marco sees her leaving and goes to her apartment to discuss what she overheard. He finds out she gave birth to his daughter but never told him when she started working for him. He leaves her apartment building enraged.
She finds her daughter missing later that night and suspects Marco has kidnapped her baby. She calls him, but he denies her accusations. He suspects one of their enemies. He finds the baby on the doorstep of his brother's home with a threatening note. He brings Clara to the estate for safety.
Their relationship starts developing with Marco finding great joy in his daughter and Clara.
There is a surprising twist in the story which provides quite a bit of suspense and terror for both Andre and Marco.
There is a cliff hanger ending with a promise of a continuation with Ruthless Vengeance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She finds out she is pregnant with his child, but she has no idea who he is. She has to find a new job because the best friend worked with her. She is trying to hold it together with childcare, her friend helping her out with weekend babysitting. She is approached on the street with a job offer. She calls back to accept. She finds out it is Marco the father of her child who is her employer.
She overhears Marco and his brother discussing Mafia business, but Marco sees her leaving and goes to her apartment to discuss what she overheard. He finds out she gave birth to his daughter but never told him when she started working for him. He leaves her apartment building enraged.
She finds her daughter missing later that night and suspects Marco has kidnapped her baby. She calls him, but he denies her accusations. He suspects one of their enemies. He finds the baby on the doorstep of his brother's home with a threatening note. He brings Clara to the estate for safety.
Their relationship starts developing with Marco finding great joy in his daughter and Clara.
There is a surprising twist in the story which provides quite a bit of suspense and terror for both Andre and Marco.
There is a cliff hanger ending with a promise of a continuation with Ruthless Vengeance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Clara was excited to plan her wedding to marry the man of her dreams until to finds out her fiancé has been sleeping with her best friend who happens to be pregnant with his child, so she leaves ends up at the bar with a too many drinks of tequilas. She meets sexy as all get out guy, they hit it off both with a little too much to drink and it ends with them having a one-night stand she wakes up alone. Fast forward, a few weeks to find out she is pregnant but with help from her friend she has childcare and when she accepts a job you guess it her boss is the father of her baby girl. Marco sexy as all get out dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, will protect who he cares about and that one night he didn’t forget her, but he couldn’t drag her into her world he just wanted to forget for one night but when he finds out she had his daughter he is enraged. But when she calls him accusing him of kidnapping her baby or their baby he of course denies but will do everything to bring her back and keep them both safe but when their baby is deliver to his brother’s home he will bring them both home but will she agree or demand her independence, can he keep them safe, who took her little girl, why did they take her little girl, and is this her chance to find happiness?
August 30, 2025
I was absolutely riveted by this book. Lots of sexytime, lots of action, lots of drama… and a cliffhanger. So be warned.
Since the only thing I didn’t like about this book was the cliffhanger, I’m going to talk about some of the things I liked.
- the scene in the hotel where they had their one night stand is incredibly hot.
- the book drew me in immediately, with the image of Clara at a bar in her wedding dress slamming shots of tequila. Not because she was sad her husband-to-be had cheated on her, but because she was celebrating the fact that she hadn’t unalived him.
- Zoe is adorable. Same for Holly. Together they are ridiculously cute.
- the way Marco is with his daughter made my ovaries sing in two-part harmony. Which is a feat because they are definitely retired.
- the balance of the emotions without them tipping into wangst.
Overall, this book was an excellent read, and I recommend it.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Marco and Clara
Genre- Mafia Romance
Heat- open door, explicit
Series? Duet part one
Safety? Y
Triggers- child endangerment, kidnapping, violence, language, pancakes taking a header
Tropes- One Night Stand, Surprise Pregnancy, Secret Baby, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Cheating Ex (With Best Friend), One Tequila-Two Tequila-Three Tequila-FLOOR, Do Si Do with the Mafioso, Extended Family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Since the only thing I didn’t like about this book was the cliffhanger, I’m going to talk about some of the things I liked.
- the scene in the hotel where they had their one night stand is incredibly hot.
- the book drew me in immediately, with the image of Clara at a bar in her wedding dress slamming shots of tequila. Not because she was sad her husband-to-be had cheated on her, but because she was celebrating the fact that she hadn’t unalived him.
- Zoe is adorable. Same for Holly. Together they are ridiculously cute.
- the way Marco is with his daughter made my ovaries sing in two-part harmony. Which is a feat because they are definitely retired.
- the balance of the emotions without them tipping into wangst.
Overall, this book was an excellent read, and I recommend it.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Marco and Clara
Genre- Mafia Romance
Heat- open door, explicit
Series? Duet part one
Safety? Y
Triggers- child endangerment, kidnapping, violence, language, pancakes taking a header
Tropes- One Night Stand, Surprise Pregnancy, Secret Baby, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Cheating Ex (With Best Friend), One Tequila-Two Tequila-Three Tequila-FLOOR, Do Si Do with the Mafioso, Extended Family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2025
This is the 1st story for Marco and Clara when they meet in a bar as a runaway bride taking one shot after another due to her fiancé having an affair with her best friend who is pregnant. Marco is taking a break from work and eyes this vision in white and they spend an amazing night with Clara. The chemistry between them is something special that Clara had hoped to spend the morning with him. They never exchanged names or personal details but Marco secretly snaps a picture of her license before sneaking out. Weeks later Clara finds herself pregnant, no way to contact the father she singlehandedly raises her beautiful little girl, Zoe. When out of the blue Clara is offered a job at a might clue making way more than money only to learn it’s Zoe’s father who has Mafia ties forcing Clara to keep her secret hidden. Clara’s world is turned upside down when Zoe is missing and she blames Marco who knows exactly who took her and does what he needs to get her back and move them both into his brothers home under security. The building tension in Marcos world has them on the defensive with enemies and an upcoming war. Be prepared for unexpected twist, danger, and secrets that will be revealed in the 2nd story! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2025
Marco is quite happy with one-night stands, preferably ones that involve a hotel, as they are easier to walk away from. There, he meets Clara doing shots at the bar in her wedding dress.
Clara is having the day from hell, and the only way to remedy it is to numb the pain by doing shots at the hotel bar. When Marco helps her back to her room, one thing leads to another, and he has a night he will not forget. Clara does too, but for different reasons.
Jump ahead 15 months, when Clara gets headhunted and offered a job doubling her salary, something she can't turn her nose up at. She is shocked when she finds out who her new boss is and how does she tells him the secret she has?
Clara and Marco must now deal with their feelings for each other, as the secret is out in the open. Clara is surprised by how quickly and easily Marco takes to fatherhood, as well as how quickly Zoe settles with him. But can Marco keep them safe in a world where old vendettas and the sins of their father can threaten those they love?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clara is having the day from hell, and the only way to remedy it is to numb the pain by doing shots at the hotel bar. When Marco helps her back to her room, one thing leads to another, and he has a night he will not forget. Clara does too, but for different reasons.
Jump ahead 15 months, when Clara gets headhunted and offered a job doubling her salary, something she can't turn her nose up at. She is shocked when she finds out who her new boss is and how does she tells him the secret she has?
Clara and Marco must now deal with their feelings for each other, as the secret is out in the open. Clara is surprised by how quickly and easily Marco takes to fatherhood, as well as how quickly Zoe settles with him. But can Marco keep them safe in a world where old vendettas and the sins of their father can threaten those they love?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
Arc Review
Marco De Luca
Clara
Ex - Adam
Drunken night, hot sex, pregnancy resolution found early with read. The lead up to the storyline .
Quite a romantic Mafia read. Marco De Luca may appear tough but when it comes to his unsuspecting bundle he is a changed man. Doesn’t deter from where’s he came from.
No spoiling but left on a cliffhanger. There is still more to come. Teasers were thrown our way, leaving us wanting more. Past leaders of old leave a long list of antagonism. They wanted power and upstanding respect . Time changes with their offspring who want a better life for themselves and their family. This is what the De Luca of new want. Andre & Marco want a fresh start.
Marco being second, holds high esteem for Andre but now they have a fight that changes everything. A repeat of a past he cannot relive.
Clara’s too has a hidden secret. Will this be her downfalls? How will she come back from this situation ? Betrayal, can one be forgiven for keeping a secret? Can the media really tell who someone is?
- action packed
- endearing
- emotional
- caring
Answers to be revealed in Ruthless Vengeance.
Marco De Luca
Clara
Ex - Adam
Drunken night, hot sex, pregnancy resolution found early with read. The lead up to the storyline .
Quite a romantic Mafia read. Marco De Luca may appear tough but when it comes to his unsuspecting bundle he is a changed man. Doesn’t deter from where’s he came from.
No spoiling but left on a cliffhanger. There is still more to come. Teasers were thrown our way, leaving us wanting more. Past leaders of old leave a long list of antagonism. They wanted power and upstanding respect . Time changes with their offspring who want a better life for themselves and their family. This is what the De Luca of new want. Andre & Marco want a fresh start.
Marco being second, holds high esteem for Andre but now they have a fight that changes everything. A repeat of a past he cannot relive.
Clara’s too has a hidden secret. Will this be her downfalls? How will she come back from this situation ? Betrayal, can one be forgiven for keeping a secret? Can the media really tell who someone is?
- action packed
- endearing
- emotional
- caring
Answers to be revealed in Ruthless Vengeance.
August 29, 2025
Ah a tale as old as time. Girl meets boy in a bar on her wedding night to another man. Girl is getting completely annihilated on tequila since her dirtbag fiancé cheated on her and got her bridesmaid pregnant. What’s a girl to do besides hook up with an incredibly hot man she met at the bar and have his baby.
Ok what I loved about this book. Clara is a normal woman. She works as a restaurant manager, nothing crazy or out there! And she loves her job. I also loved that once Marco got over the initial shock of being a dad, understandable, he was a mittened kitten. He was never hurtful or unkind because Clara “hid” her pregnancy/child. He started trying to make a relationship with Clara, swoon. Marco is a Rottweiler for his family. He’s lethal and will destroy any threat but is snuggly and devoted to the ones he loves.
Overall loved the first book and can’t wait for the second.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok what I loved about this book. Clara is a normal woman. She works as a restaurant manager, nothing crazy or out there! And she loves her job. I also loved that once Marco got over the initial shock of being a dad, understandable, he was a mittened kitten. He was never hurtful or unkind because Clara “hid” her pregnancy/child. He started trying to make a relationship with Clara, swoon. Marco is a Rottweiler for his family. He’s lethal and will destroy any threat but is snuggly and devoted to the ones he loves.
Overall loved the first book and can’t wait for the second.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
Clara meets Marco on the worst day of her life while drowning her sorrows at a bar. Sparks fly instantly, and months later she discovers her one-night stand left her pregnant.
With the help of her friend Sam, Clara pushes forward in survival mode. But Marco hasn’t forgotten her. He arranges a chance meeting to reconnect—only this time, things are complicated. Marco is part of the Mob, and his enemies quickly set their sights on Clara and their daughter, Zoe.
Both Clara and Marco struggle with trust, and Clara especially worries about being tied to the dangerous world Marco lives in. Still, as Marco works to protect Clara and Zoe, their bond deepens. It’s impossible to ignore how much his loving, supportive family also rallies around them.
This duet kicks off with plenty of suspense, sizzling chemistry, and emotional pull. It ends on a completely unexpected cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With the help of her friend Sam, Clara pushes forward in survival mode. But Marco hasn’t forgotten her. He arranges a chance meeting to reconnect—only this time, things are complicated. Marco is part of the Mob, and his enemies quickly set their sights on Clara and their daughter, Zoe.
Both Clara and Marco struggle with trust, and Clara especially worries about being tied to the dangerous world Marco lives in. Still, as Marco works to protect Clara and Zoe, their bond deepens. It’s impossible to ignore how much his loving, supportive family also rallies around them.
This duet kicks off with plenty of suspense, sizzling chemistry, and emotional pull. It ends on a completely unexpected cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
Ruthless Secrets, a part of the Alpha Mafia Daddies series follows Marco De Luca and Clara Peterson. When Clara finds out that her fiance has been cheating on her with her best friend, who is now pregnant with his child, she leaves him behind and heads to the hotel bar when she runs into Marco. Drowning her sorrows in tequila, she and Marco hit it off and after one night of passion, he leaves. Fast forward two years and Clara, now a mother to a baby girl named Zoe, gets a job offer at Nox, a club owned by the De Luca family. When Marco follows her home, he hears the baby crying, and Clara comes clean with the truth.. only to discover her daughter goes missing later that same night after meeting Marco. When she calls and confronts Marco, he denies any involvement, only to have Zoe turn up at his brother’s home with a threatening note. Can Clara find peace now that Marco is involved in her and her daughter’s life? Or will she forever be threatened?
August 20, 2025
Omg the cliffhanger. I wish I had known about it, before accepting to review the Arc.
This is my first read of the author series. O didn't realize it was the fifth book. 😂
On to the story, I enjoy the book it hooked in with the first chapter.
It's not dark like other mafia books out there.
Clara gets a huge disappointment on her wedding night and meets Marco at the bar drinking her sorrows. she doesn't know who he is, but she is attracted to him and they have a one night stand.
After 15 months Marco finds Clara and her world has been uplifting after an incident.
If you like any of this you like the book
one night stand,
One bed
Serect baby
Protective hero
Light Mafia
You like this, just be warned it leaves off at a cliffhanger.
Hopefully I got all this right. I need the next book please.
This is my first read of the author series. O didn't realize it was the fifth book. 😂
On to the story, I enjoy the book it hooked in with the first chapter.
It's not dark like other mafia books out there.
Clara gets a huge disappointment on her wedding night and meets Marco at the bar drinking her sorrows. she doesn't know who he is, but she is attracted to him and they have a one night stand.
After 15 months Marco finds Clara and her world has been uplifting after an incident.
If you like any of this you like the book
one night stand,
One bed
Serect baby
Protective hero
Light Mafia
You like this, just be warned it leaves off at a cliffhanger.
Hopefully I got all this right. I need the next book please.
August 24, 2025
You can't help but laugh when the book starts with a runaway bride and she is throwing back shots better than any man you have seen. Clara found out on her wedding day that her fiancé slept with her best friend and got her pregnant. She was done. Marco ran into Clara at the bar and there was something about this woman who is pound back shots sitting in a wedding dress looking sexier than anything he has ever seen. Marco has to leave after their one night stand as he needs to help his brother find their mole in their organization. The way these two come together is keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between these two is fiery and it leaves you on a cliff hanger waiting to see what's going to happen. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens with this couple. This is a must read.
October 25, 2025
2,5⭐️/5
Sooo I’m writing this review after finishing the duet and wow I’m disappointed
My review is going to be short because this series has already taken too much of my time as it is.
Book 1 and Book 2 are a perfect reflection of each other in a lot of ways: stupid decisions that lead to consequences that could have EASILY been avoided; secret being kept that lead to a fight, which then lead to a fast reconciliation; lots of crying (okay I understand some people cry more easily than others. But was it necessary for it to happen that often ???); the story being depicted the same way you would a shopping list (not the best thing right?).
I saw someone else writing that it felt like the story was written by a teenager, and I do have to agree that if you’re used to more “maturish(?)” writing you’ll be left disappointed.
Sooo I’m writing this review after finishing the duet and wow I’m disappointed
My review is going to be short because this series has already taken too much of my time as it is.
Book 1 and Book 2 are a perfect reflection of each other in a lot of ways: stupid decisions that lead to consequences that could have EASILY been avoided; secret being kept that lead to a fight, which then lead to a fast reconciliation; lots of crying (okay I understand some people cry more easily than others. But was it necessary for it to happen that often ???); the story being depicted the same way you would a shopping list (not the best thing right?).
I saw someone else writing that it felt like the story was written by a teenager, and I do have to agree that if you’re used to more “maturish(?)” writing you’ll be left disappointed.
August 27, 2025
Loved this book! Can't wait for the second book in the duet. Marco and Clara were so good together.
After a one night stand, Clara had no way to contact Marco but doesn't realise he is a Mafia man.
This book really took me for a ride. I enjoyed the personalities of tough man Marco and stubborn caring mother Clara and her daughter Zoe was just fantastic.
They had an attraction that was set up from the first night they met, but bloomed from trouble that came for them all.
So well done I loved every part of this book and can't wait for the conclusion. Such a great book!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After a one night stand, Clara had no way to contact Marco but doesn't realise he is a Mafia man.
This book really took me for a ride. I enjoyed the personalities of tough man Marco and stubborn caring mother Clara and her daughter Zoe was just fantastic.
They had an attraction that was set up from the first night they met, but bloomed from trouble that came for them all.
So well done I loved every part of this book and can't wait for the conclusion. Such a great book!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2025
What Clara needed was a night of distraction she had just called off her wedding at the alter when she found out her future husband Adam has been cheating on her with her best friend. A mysterious man is quite the distraction and revenge and one night she'll always remember in the wedding suite. Secrets have a way of unraveling when fate brings Marco and Clara back in each other's lives. A captivating story with an instant attraction, sizzling passions as danger surrounds them at every turn. This story ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
Ruthless Secrets, Part of the Mafia Alpha Daddies series, where cancelled wedding plans leads to a one night stand and a baby bump. Clara has received the worst news she could dream of on her wedding day, and Marco has become her knight in shining armor as she drowns herself in tequila. This mafia romance has it all; OTT alpha, danger, suspense, betrayals, action, and blistering heat. Will they get a HEA? Time will tell. That cliffhanger has me reeling! I’ll be waiting for the next chapter of their story when Ruthless Vengeance comes out in October.
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.
October 30, 2025
not standalone
This isn’t a standalone which is annoying cause I can’t see where it says it’ll end on a cliffhanger.
Early on, I don’t appreciate siding with the MMC over the FMC. But Clara also is 24 and postpartum, so I suppose I can get her some leeway.
The characters are good. The story is good.
I should’ve known the cousin wasn’t safe after the baby kidnapping … I’m still concerned about the brother, yes, there’s a cliffhanger.
I was annoyed that they were down to the final moments, I should’ve seen that it wasn’t gonna wrap up in one book. Unfortunately. Overall, it’s decent enough.
This isn’t a standalone which is annoying cause I can’t see where it says it’ll end on a cliffhanger.
Early on, I don’t appreciate siding with the MMC over the FMC. But Clara also is 24 and postpartum, so I suppose I can get her some leeway.
The characters are good. The story is good.
I should’ve known the cousin wasn’t safe after the baby kidnapping … I’m still concerned about the brother, yes, there’s a cliffhanger.
I was annoyed that they were down to the final moments, I should’ve seen that it wasn’t gonna wrap up in one book. Unfortunately. Overall, it’s decent enough.
August 23, 2025
This all starts with Clara's wedding day that didn't go well and her having a one night stand that will change her life forever.
Marco never forgot Clara and tracked her down but never expected that she had given birth to his baby daughter Zoe.
Marco is the younger son of the De Luca mafia family and knows keeping Clara and Zoe safe was going to be the hardest thing for him to do.
This is one story that you will not be able to put down as danger, chaos, kidnapping, secrets and so many twists.
War is coming.
Marco never forgot Clara and tracked her down but never expected that she had given birth to his baby daughter Zoe.
Marco is the younger son of the De Luca mafia family and knows keeping Clara and Zoe safe was going to be the hardest thing for him to do.
This is one story that you will not be able to put down as danger, chaos, kidnapping, secrets and so many twists.
War is coming.
August 24, 2025
Ruthless Secrets has nonstop drama and lots of steaminess. Beginning with the first few pages, Clara and Marco were steaming it up, as a tequila driven decision leads to more than either could expect. As their relationship forms, the steaminess grows and so do the threats to the DeLuca family. The story ends with a lot of intense action, a tragedy, and a cliff hanger that has me looking for the next book in the series, Ruthless Vengeance.
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.
August 30, 2025
Clara getting hammered in her wedding dress was honestly the best opener I’ve read in a while. Marco sneaking off with her license after their one night stand felt shady but also very on brand for a mafia hero. The pacing was sharp, with just enough time to enjoy Clara trying to juggle single motherhood before the chaos ramped up. Zoe was adorable, which made the kidnapping twist extra gut-punchy. The writing style kept the tension high without dragging, and the cliffhanger made me want to throw the book across the room in a good way.
September 1, 2025
Clara meets Marco on the worse day of her life. After a betrayal by her fiancé and best friend Clara makes an impulsive decision.
A fast pace mafia love story. We see both sides of the situation as Clara and Marco struggle to connect as a couple. Both have secrets, they are unwilling or unable to share. Marco's family is well known, but what is Clara hiding.
Full of passion, well written can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fast pace mafia love story. We see both sides of the situation as Clara and Marco struggle to connect as a couple. Both have secrets, they are unwilling or unable to share. Marco's family is well known, but what is Clara hiding.
Full of passion, well written can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2025
Welp didn’t see that cliff hanger happening! I need to know what happened!!!! Clara was a virgin, now she’s got a baby, mob ties, and hit put on her. Love the chemistry between her and Marco even if he’s a bruiting mobster idiot sometimes but he loves her and his daughter. Has amazing flow with spice and action. Between the mobster side of Marco’s story and the protective mom side of Clara’s I honestly can’t wait for more.
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.
September 8, 2025
This is Book 6 in the Alpha Mafia Daddies Series by this author. It is the start to the second chance romance between Clara and Marco, who had a one night stand eighteen months earlier. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. Once they reconnect, it is a love story with drama and steam, danger and suspense, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An engaging page turner with a cliffhanger ending.
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.
November 15, 2025
Ruthless Secrets
Wow, that cliff hanger was something else!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the danger, the action, the heartbreak and the love were all encompassing to the point where I just couldn’t put it down.
Watching the relationship and chemistry build between Marco and Clara had me so invested in their budding relationship that I was practically on the edge of my seat, and seeing the way that Marco instantly loved his child was a thing of beauty.
Now I’m on my way to read the next book to see where their story goes!
Wow, that cliff hanger was something else!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the danger, the action, the heartbreak and the love were all encompassing to the point where I just couldn’t put it down.
Watching the relationship and chemistry build between Marco and Clara had me so invested in their budding relationship that I was practically on the edge of my seat, and seeing the way that Marco instantly loved his child was a thing of beauty.
Now I’m on my way to read the next book to see where their story goes!
August 18, 2025
As soon as I began reading this mafia romance book about Marco and Clara, I was a goner. I had a few long nights of staying up late reading, but it's definitely worth it if you ask me. So, be prepared to lose a few hours of sleep once you read one of the best romance books ever by Kira that will have you on the edge of your seat with goosebumps. It's that great of a story. OMG now I need to have book number 2 to devour like this book.
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