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Ruined Princess: A why choose mafia romance

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My best friend’s brothers are off limits. Right?
Psycho twins, Ronan and Conal, are walking red flags. Violent, womanising a-holes. Irish mafia. The sort of men sensible women would run a mile from.
Insanely hot men with abs I want to lick like a tub of ice cream.
Did I mention hot?
And then there’s the eldest brother, Declan. He’s only ever looked at me with mild irritation. I’m his youngest sister’s friend. Nothing more. Just a girl he accepted into his family like a stray cat.
I never thought I stood a chance with any of them.
But now my life is in danger, these three men are the only things standing between me and my father. The only men who can keep me safe.
Being dragged back to Ireland and imprisoned at their mercy is my worst nightmare. The sort of nightmare where I’m forced to see them shirtless, dripping with sweat…
Yeah.
My self-control is slipping.
If I don’t leave soon, I might not want to.
But if I do leave, my father will find me, and when he does, my life will be over.

Ruined Princess is in the same universe as the Vengeful Princess trilogy but can be read as a standalone. The book is a why choose mafia romance where the heroine doesn't have to pick just one of her morally gray heros. MFMM, no MM. For trigger warnings, check the 'look inside' to read the note at the beginning of the book.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2025

152 people are currently reading
216 people want to read

About the author

Ava Summers

19 books51 followers
Ava Summers is a dark romance author who loves reading about feisty females and morally gray alpha males. She prefers books with a healthy dose of spice. If the heroine doesn't have to choose between her guys, even better! When Ava's not reading and writing, she likes to paint and occasionally run 10ks. She also spends way too much time keeping her rescue cat entertained.

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5 stars
71 (37%)
4 stars
67 (35%)
3 stars
39 (20%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Maria.
873 reviews35 followers
May 31, 2025
2.5 ⭐️

I wanted to love this more than I did but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

I get that Verity’s been through hell and I understood why she was struggling but the total lack of anyone suggesting any kind of therapy or support (until basically the final chapter) felt off. Everyone around her was like “yep she’s traumatised” and then just left it at that. Bizarre to me.

The guys were fine but I wasn’t totally sold on Declan’s connection to her. One minute he barely noticed her and the next minute he’s declaring his feelings out of nowhere like ?? what feelings sir?? Ronan made sense, Conal I’m still undecided on but Declan felt underdeveloped.

I didn’t hate it, I just didn’t connect wirh it the way I was hoping to.
Profile Image for Lemon .
648 reviews11 followers
July 9, 2025
Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 3.5/5 ———> The one negative thing I will say about this one of the fact that Verity is the most debbie downer of them all. What a little self loathing twat. I understand we all have issues but good lord. She dragged her insecurities out through this whole thing, even when she didn’t need to. The three irish brogues sound delicious and delightful. Willing to give it all for their girl.
Smut was good. There are group scenes, but no MM as there are blood brothers in this one.
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
467 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2025
“Ruined Princess” is a standalone book as part of the “Empire of Carnage Series.” This can be read as a standalone but I found it easier to read having read the “Vengeful Princess Trilogy.” Verity, aka Pixie, has been in love with three Murphy men for as long as she can remember. The reverse harem dynamic brings out their special relationship with Verity.

💚Declan: is the oldest and head Kelly Mafia. He is broody and reserved - giving off a “daddy” kink.
💚Ronan: is the older of the twins. He is an unhinged manwhore.
💚Conal: is the younger of the twins. He is more levelheaded and calmer.

When Thea finds out that their father, Francesco Di Luca, has been released from prison in error, she rings Declan for another favour. With Verity being in Naples, she is concerned that if their father finds her…. He sends the twins to collect her and bring her back to Ireland for her own safety. Verity may not be a Kelly, but they will do whatever it took to protect her.

"Verity is coming back to Ireland. Drug her, if you must. Until we find and eliminate Francesco, she stays here, under our protection. She might not like it, but it's the only way to protect her."

The boys had not seen their Italian Princess in three years - she had been an awkward teen, pretty, but shy. Now she was all woman with curves for miles! As their feelings deepen towards Verity, they realise that they all want her and are happy to share. Hence, a reverse harem relationship is developing.

There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from an alpha male mafia harem romance! I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more 😊 I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with them all

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! The heat between Verity and the Kelly boys is off the page. This book is everything you expect from a alpha dark mafia romance! 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 😊
90 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2025
Ruined Princess, by Ava Summers, can be read as a standalone but since it’s part of the Vengeful Princess trilogy, it’s probably best to read the previous books first - I didn’t read the previous books and I was able to enjoy this story.

Being a dark, why-choose, mafia romance, the story has many anticipated and typical tropes & themes: dominant males, independent females, traumatic childhood, friends to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden romance, and more.

Nonetheless, before picking up this book, you should absolutely check the content warnings & triggers. It includes scenes of violence, abuse, kidnapping… and lots drama and of talk of mental health & spiraling thoughts.

Written from a first person point of view - both female and male - gives us different perspectives and point of views for the scenes and storyline.

I didn’t really like the female main character. Although she wanted to be an independent woman and be in control of her own life; she ruminated a lot on her past traumas and ran away from challenging situations. She does learn and evolve by the end of the book. I’m not entirely sure about my feelings towards the male main characters - I do love a psychotic character, but some of the character traits were a little too… much(?). I did enjoy how the relationship continued to develop and how the characters eventually evolved and learned from their mistakes and bad habits.

The storyline itself was okay. There was enough action and spice to keep things moving forward for readers who enjoy dark mafia romances, but there was also a lot of drama and talk of mental health that it bordered on too much.

I enjoy Ava Summers’ writing style & tone - I will absolutely pick up some of her other novels - and I was happy to finish reading this story; but it's not a book I'll pick up and read again. If you enjoy dark, why-choose, mafia romances with lots of spice and teenage-esque drama, you might enjoy this one too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
272 reviews
May 20, 2025
This is a standalone in the Empire of Carnage world. I'm rating this ⭐⭐⭐.75 of 5

Verity has been in love with three men since she was a teenager, but to them, she was off-limits—not only because of her age but because she was the best friend of Ronan’s sister. Determined to carve out her own path, she moves away for school and refuses to return home. Three years later, however, her sister calls on the men to retrieve her, fearing for her safety amid escalating threats from their father.

Verity struggles with self-doubt, constantly measuring herself against her badass sister. When circumstances force her to live with the three men, she's reminded reminded daily that she was never the kind of woman they would be interested in. Still, she pins for them. Ronan, is the first to fall.

There's plenty of drama involving other women. Verity has witnessed the men kissing others in the past, and both Conal and Declan have "girlfriends"—though their relationships are complicated, as neither of them really like the women.

This compelling story is charged with angst as the men struggle against their connection to Verity, leaving her hurt and confused by their mixed signals. Add in the turmoil of her ex-boyfriend, the chaos of mafia wars, and looming threats against her life, and the result is an engrossing, high stakes narrative.

Declan - leader of Irish Mafia
Conal - the calm level-headed twin
Ronan - older twin, charismatic manw**re and a bit unhinged

Tropes:
Childhood crushes
Friends to lovers
Mafia
Forced Proximity
Twins
Slight age gap
Curvy FMC
Traumatic childhood

Triggers:
MMCs drug her & kidnap FMC
OW drama
Abuse
Violence
Mental health: anxiety, depression
Profile Image for Raluca Nicoleta.
61 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2025
“Ruined Princess” is a gripping, intense, and suspenseful novel, perfect for lovers of dark romance with passionate and complex dynamics. It’s the kind of read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you fall in love with each brother in his own unique way.
The novel features a Reverse Harem dynamic: all three brothers share a special connection with Verity. Their relationships are intense, charged with tension and passion, laced with jealousy, rivalry, and fierce protectiveness (“Touch her and die”). The tension between characters is constant, and their interactions range from tenderness to dominance and deep emotional connection. Verity feels drawn to each of them in a different way, and this attraction leaves her both confused and comforted.
The novel emphasizes emotional healing, self-trust, and finding family in the most unexpected places.
Two bonus elements:
• Cameos from the Empire of Carnage series – fans will recognize familiar characters from that world.
• A surprising and satisfying ending that hints at a possible continuation or a parallel story involving Cian and Saoirse.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love mafia stories, forbidden relationships, emotionally scarred yet strong characters, and romance with dark edges.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ31sDDot...
Profile Image for Booksbystarlightandshadows .
572 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2025
Verity is not your usual mafia princess; I liked how her character developed throughout the book but she didn't become a carbon copy of her sister, Thea, who is a mafia queen in her own right. Thea is a force to be reckoned with and her scenes with her family have made me want to pick up that series (I loved Fergie and Petal!). Verity is her own person though and her accepting herself and breaking free of toxic patterns has you rooting for her.

Ronan is the stand out of the three MMCs, he falls head first and his unhinged moments lead to some great one liners. Declan is the eldest and carries the weight of running the family on his shoulders whilst fighting his attraction to Verity. Conal faded into the background a little for me; I liked him but Ronan is such a force that I felt Conal was overlooked a little. Both Conal and Declan have women in their lives and despite Maeve having a bit of a build up, there isn't much OW drama and both girlfriends are relegated pretty quickly. Instead there was some action with the overarching O'Roarke plot, some shady villains with even shadier plans and plenty of spicy moments which kept me engaged.

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

3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read.

Profile Image for Vikki.
537 reviews
May 29, 2025
Ruined Princess is an addictive, filthy, and utterly chaotic dark romance that delivers exactly what it promises — dangerous men, forbidden attraction, and a heroine caught between survival and temptation. Ava Summers knows how to craft a no-holds-barred, trope-filled, guilty pleasure read, and this one didn’t disappoint.

The psycho twin dynamic of Ronan and Conal is as unhinged as it is entertaining, and Declan’s broody, off-limits older brother energy added the perfect balance to the madness. The Irish mafia setting brought danger, heat, and tension to every scene, and the forced proximity trope was executed in the best kind of messy way.

I won’t lie — it’s unhinged, over the top, and leans hard into dark romance territory with plenty of triggers, but if you’re here for possessive antiheroes, morally gray decisions, and steam that scorches the page, this one’s for you.

A wild, dark, deliciously toxic ride. And yes — the abs were worth it.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,168 reviews22 followers
May 20, 2025
In a dark mafia world, Verity, a survivor of a traumatic childhood, finds her voice and self-worth while navigating a gritty love story with three Irish mafia brothers: Declan, the eldest and leader; and twins Ronan, an unhinged playboy, and Conan, the peacemaker. The story, rich with mafia themes like human trafficking and violence, blends intense romance, explosive sex scenes, and dark humor. Reconnecting with Thea, her sister, and the Kelly clan adds depth, though the book stands alone. Highlights include hilarious moments, like Ronan’s failed counseling and Thea’s son Fergie with his puppy, Petal. Verity’s strength shines, making this a compelling, re-readable tale of survival and love. Great series, 4.5 stars from me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dark Reader.
418 reviews16 followers
July 2, 2025
Thanks to the ARC team for my advance copy!

This book is a continuation of a series (Empire of Carnage), but I actually enjoyed it as a standalone - there was enough explanation of the backstory without making the beginning of the book tedious. The mafia trope is strong here, but unlike some stories, I could clearly tell what was happening and who was against who - which is saying a lot for the 4th book of a series. I am not always a huge fan of mafia stories, but I enjoyed this one and could follow the non-spicy part of the plot just fine.

The spice was excellent - it's an RH story with an HEA for the FMC and her boys. I didn't necessarily feel that it was clear why the guys were so in love with the FMC in this book, but I also didn't read the previous books in the series, and I'm guessing it's clearer if you know the whole story.

Overall a fun read!
Profile Image for Phoenix.
539 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2025
A compelling heroine with depth and heart



A compelling heroine with depth and heart

What stood out most to me in Ruined Princess: A Why Choose Mafia Romance was the female lead. She isn’t written as a flawless or idealized heroine—instead, she feels real. Her experiences with trauma and PTSD are handled in a way that feels genuine and grounded, and her emotional journey added meaningful depth to the story.

The romance unfolds at a quick pace, and while some dynamics—particularly involving the twins—might have benefited from a little more space, I still found the overall relationship engaging and enjoyable. The strength of the heroine’s character and resilience carried the story beautifully.

A dark mafia romance with a memorable lead and strong appeal for readers who enjoy emotionally driven stories.
Profile Image for Ashley.
822 reviews46 followers
May 25, 2025
Verity has been in love with her best friends brothers for years. When she is in danger her sister calls in a favor to the brothers. Eldest brother Declan sends his twin brothers Ronan and Conal to pick her up in Italy. But what happens when the twins fall for her first and Declan isn't far behind her. Can the four of them figure out there shit? Can the brothers keep Verity safe?

I loved every second of this book. I just learned it is part of a series but I haven't read the other books and had no issues reading this one. I do eventually look forward to reading the rest of the series. I fell in love with the characters and the plot of this story. The book kept me on my toes and it had a great flow and pace. I will be looking for more books by this author soon!
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,257 reviews70 followers
May 23, 2025
Ruined Princess is the journey of the Kelly men, Ronan, Declan, and Conal and their Pixie, Verity. Their journey is intense, dramatic and intriguing and is a fantastic, age gap, sisters best friend story, why choose story. Verity's upbringing is nothing short of tragic. Her father thinking of her and her sister Thea as nothing but assets and treatment of them was horrible. Rescued by the Kelly Clan and associates started Verity's involvement with this family and lucky for her they finally decided it was time to act. Their story completely engulfs you from the start and keeps you captive until the very end. Ruined Princess is definitely a must read!
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,654 reviews82 followers
June 9, 2025
★”Given how often the girl ended up in danger,…”★

…”she needed the three of us to ensure she never suffered needless pain again. It was time she knew she was mine.” Declan Kelly, the youngest head of the Irish mafia, as well as his twin brothers Ronan and Conal, all had a special spot for their sisters’ friend, the Italian mafia princess Verity. When she is in danger from her father when he was released from prison, the three men do what they must to keep her safe, beginning with dragging her back to Ireland from Italy. Enjoyed getting everyone’s POV and the epilogue, too. This was an engaging can’t-deny-it-anymore RH mafia romance, with action, steam, and suspense.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.1k reviews154 followers
May 20, 2025
Ruined Princess is an intriguing story surrounding Verity, Declan and his twin brothers. When they learn that she is in danger they go to battle to take out those that would do harm to her. As their forced proximity together brings stirs the emotions will it also lead them along the path to happiness. This story is filled with action-packed drama that drew me in but also had me connecting i=with the characters as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,216 reviews
May 31, 2025
Verity finds herself with three love interests, her best friend’s brothers - Declan and his younger twin brother's Conal and Ronan. Despite all the drama and action they find a way to keep her safe, and very satisfied. A steamy and spicy why choose read.

I loved the following bit,...
Saoirse coughed and turned away, knowing exactly where my reading tastes lay. The more fucked up, the better. I treated trigger warnings as a shopping list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,511 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2025
Verity and the Kelly Clan

I liked Verity's story but baby girl was hardheaded as hell. She acted like she didn't care about her safety at all because she was always ending up in a mess that could have been avoided if she'd stayed put. I think Ronan is my favorite even though his twin Conan is a sweetheart and who doesn't love the brooding type like their older brother Declan. I'm glad Verity had them because they always came through with the rescue. 💞💞
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,341 reviews12 followers
December 11, 2025
2.5 star Ok I liked this one cause it was more in the world of Empire of Carnage and I loved that it focuses on the delightful Kelly brothers. But Verity was straight up annoying and I do not understand what they all see in her besides a sexy body which they can get anywhere. It wasn't that she wasn't a bad-ass like Thea, that was a good thing. It was that she was so effing whiny and stupid. Going to Italy FFS, the Kelly boys deserve better.
Profile Image for Angela.
938 reviews38 followers
May 21, 2025
Honestly I really disliked Verity and how she runs from everything. However I didn’t like the guys and the overall storyline. 3.5 stars in total.

❤️ friends to l0vers
❤️ mafia
❤️ forbidden
❤️ best friends brother
❤️ RH- brothers
❤️ twins
❤️ age gap (but I don’t really think we know ages)
❤️ forced proximity
❤️ curvy heroine
1,524 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2025
I love this book about Verity, Declan, Conal and Ronan. I love Verity and the writing was excellent as it made you laugh and you root for her when she got herself into trouble.
I thought that stoic Declan, thoughtful Conal and cheeky Ronan we perfect for her.
This book has everything from plenty of steam and sweet romance that I was engrossed in the book from start to finish.
508 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2025
This is an action-packed read with wonderfully written characters. The story has violence, suspense, emotions, tension, attraction and romance that will keep readers pulled in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
69 reviews
December 9, 2025
Interesting.

A great read,filled with adventures and a few moments of anxiety (in a good way).Loved the strength in which the female characters display when dealing with the trauma of their past and their over coming of it in the best way the know how and with help.
Profile Image for Nate.
24k reviews19 followers
May 31, 2025
I really enjoyed ruined princess. I thought it was an entertaining and intriguing read. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
284 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2025
Really enjoyed Thea's story so was very excited to read Verity. Was very good with loads of steam and spice. Liked all the characters and the storyline.
Profile Image for Brooklyn.
604 reviews
December 11, 2025
I don't think I can forgive them describing a trip from Naples to Ireland as a "journey to Europe and back" Babe you never left Europe???
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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