Mafia Prince of Ruin

by Kayla Mason

I was traded to a monster before I learned how to run.
I climbed high enough that falling felt like mercy—
until his voice cut through the dark.

Now the man who saved me is the one standing at my grave.

Matteo Davacalli found me on the rooftop the moment I realized escape had only one direction.
I stood where one step would have ended everything,
choking on a future I never chose.

“You don’t belong to him,” he said quietly. “Not for long.”

I knew touching him would cost me everything.
Not touching him cost more.
Every glance was a line crossed. Every breath between us tightened his hold—
and Matteo Davacalli does not touch what he isn’t prepared to keep.

But the life growing inside me turned desire into a death sentence.

I thought the truth would push him away.
Instead, he stepped closer—and the rest of the world learned to step back.

They learned I was his now.

But lies like that wake monsters, and the man I ran from doesn’t forgive theft.
He rewrites the truth until the world believes I’m gone.

Now my husband mourns a wife who never truly died.

Readers The Kings of Blood and Vows series delivers full-length, high-heat mafia romances featuring ruthless, possessive alpha men, forbidden marriages, age gaps, surprise babies, deadly secrets, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees.

Genres: Mafia Romance

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2026

Reviews

[Heather]

I’m gonna need someone to tell me what the hell is going on in this series. Saw an advertisement on FB for this book and clicked on it— only to find out it’s the second book of a series. So I go to the first one (Mafia King of Lies) and see that it has the SAME hero (we’re talking same FIRST and LAST name) listed as the hero in that one, whereas the heroine is MARIA and in this one, it’s BEATRICE. Nowhere in any of the reviews on here or Amazon does it say this is a prequel or even link it to the first book, yet there were complaints that the H in the first book was still caught up on his dead wife and most readers were pissed off that the first book ended on a cliffhanger— which also was not forewarned by the author. I’m fricken hella confused and super weary of this author considering the only other book I tried to read of hers had some very odd choices early on too!

Here's a link to a review I found that offers a little more information on this! Elsa Reyna's Review

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself is really good, and the writing pulled me in, but the reason I’m giving it three stars is because I felt a bit misled. This isn’t truly a Book 2 in the series—it reads much more like a prequel to Book 1. Instead of continuing the story forward, it goes back and explains what happened before Matteo married Maria and what really happened with Beatrice.

Because of that, it changes the emotional investment of the series. Matteo is essentially no longer a widow, and now we’re left waiting to see who he chooses—Beatrice or Maria. Personally, I would have preferred if Beatrice had returned in a different way or if the story had made it clearer where Matteo’s heart truly belongs, instead of creating another love triangle and delaying the resolution.

I’m sure there will be a Book 3 now, and I’ll definitely read it because I want closure—but I do wish we didn’t have to wait so long to find out what happens, especially with two heroines deeply in love with the same man.

[Ausilia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t read this book if your expecting an ending

This story is brilliantly written. Characters well formed. I enjoyed the read until the end, then NOTHING, NOTHING. No sequel .

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In darkness monsters hide. The world is filled with them. And sometimes you’re forced to marry one. Beatrice was forced to marry one. Against her will, to a man who was awful and a monster in every sense of the word. When she feels that ending her life is the only way to escape such a monster, Mateo shears and saves her from both. He saves her life and takes her away from that monster.
This book was dark. It was chaotic, and showed the difference between a monster and a man. Between what love looks like instead of hate. The twists and turns in this had my gripping this book. It was intense, and emotional. I read this book like it was my lifeline. I devoured it, drank it up, and wanted more.

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

[Maria-luminita Lungo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, but…what happened to Beatrice?

Truly great read and definitely remarkable characters. Actually so remarkable that the absence of Beatrice, after her vile kidnapping, kept me hoping to the very end what about her? And the love between her and Matteo, made it a bit hard to digest the Matteo & Maria.
And the last page, finally Beatrice is mentioned only to be left on a cliffhanger.
The general feeling was that of…something is missing.
I did notice the subtle sparks from Valerio, when around Beatrice.
So, since Matteo moved on so completely, I think Beatrice even Valerio deserve their story, together or separate.
For now I’m left with the need for closure about regarding these two characters.

[SusanT62 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was listed as book 2 in this duet. The first book ended in a cliffhanger when the dead wife rises from the grave. This was not the book I was expecting and I was greatly disappointed.

This book covers the story of the first wife and their marriage. So if you are expecting the cliffhanger to be resolved from book 1 it is not happening in book 2.

Frankly I was not interested in Beatrice’s story! I wanted the cliffhanger to be resolved and I did not get it. The author leaves us with another cliffhanger but we all know Beatrice made it out alive as she popped up at the end of book 1.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was promised to a monster, but Matteo vowed to keep her safe and their relationship ignited a spark that couldn't be extinguished. Now the drama is heating up, and danger is at her back. Will Matteo be able to keep what he has claimed from the face of danger. This action-packed story kept me glued to the pages.

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

[Cindy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia Prince of Ruin is another great story from this talented author. Beatrice is supposed to marry a man she doesn't want to marry. He is a terrible person. She considers ending her life when she meets Matteo. He saves her from the marriage. When they get together danger comes.

I loved the chemistry between Matteo and Beatrice. I also enjoyed the twists to their story. I look forward to the next one.

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

[Alicia Bish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book but I’m not a huge fan of time lapse and the mind fuck that happened at the end…like why is this a prequel to book 1 that I didn’t read ? But it’s book two? 😅 I don’t know I read a lot but this was intriguing and engaging but I’m just not a fan of having to think this hard when it comes to a story. If you enjoy a thinking book this series is for you! Also it’s a cliff hanger so if you don’t like those (I don’t and I wasn’t warned) then take that into consideration as well!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice was promised to a monster of a man for alliances her world filled with shades of black not even grey, until Matteo, he saves her fro. Herself ignites a flame within and claims her in every way, but the man shes married to wont let her go only death can be the end or is it? Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more

[Shayla Rodriquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Forward

So this book does end in a cliffhanger……but if you haven’t read the first book it will not make sense. The first book tells the story of a man hunted by grief , loss and loyalty. A secret that becomes unburied and new love. This book tells the story of the man ….. his life, love story and loss. I hope that the next one ties them together nicely.

[Michaela Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great book but not what I was expecting for book 2 of 2. This book is a prequel to book onen not a follow on! So am left bewildered at what happens between Matteo and his 2 wives as there is no mention of a book 3. Personally I think Valerio was in love with Beatrice so they will probable get together as Matteo isn't going to abandon Maria and the children!

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review. Beatrice is given to a man as payment for a debt. One night in desperation she meets Matteo who talks her off the ledge and later comes to her aide. This story has twists and turns that will keep you gasping and turning the page.

[Sue Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

unfinished & disappointing

The book was good & I enjoyed characters but it was drawn out & the ending was disappointing..it’s suppose to be a 2 book read but the story isn’t finished in book 2,, I was really hoping to get closure but was left with no ending..

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing told me going into this that this was a sequel. it didn't read like a sequel. ended on a cliffhanger and theres no next book?
3 stars because I did enjoy it, well written, but i need resolution and maybe more preparation for this.

[mary jo miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

the ending sucks, big time

I loved the book, loved the characters, the storyline, up until the ending……..where is the next book…..why would you leave such a cliff hanger, and not say book 2 is coming…..sorry but you lost a customer

[Kimberly Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has left me wondering what is going to happen next! Is there more to this story or is this the end?? I was invested in this story from the beginning and the ending has left me wanting more!

[SANDRA · Rating 5 out of 5]

mind blowing

This is not fair. I need the third installment to this series. Beatrice is a live Maria had his baby. You have to give us more pleaseeeee .

[Taytay12 · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters were a bit unbelievable, and I didn’t like the random time jumps also…
The ending made me so mad !!! Like so mad. To each their own tho

[Catherine Strehlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and gut wrenching. One of the better mafia books I have read. I sure hope there is a book 3!

[Sarah Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmm

What did I just read. This book started so good and then what one of the main characters die and wow

[Fred V · Rating 3 out of 5]

unhappy

This left me angry at Matteo and heartbroken for B. Tell me there is a third book that will take the distaste out of my mouth.

[Tracy Pevehouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

Cliffhanger, and nothing in the advertising of this book lets the buyer know. There is also no word on the continuance of the story in a follow up book.

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless

This is a must read. I warn you, put has a major cliff dangling. Fear not as it is so worth your reading.

[Michelle Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read but I absolutely hated ending.