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The Syndicate Legacy #2
The Art of Ruin
I took a job as a live-in nanny for a billionaire single dad to escape my old life.
After discovering my fiancé’s affair—and the baby he kept hidden from me—I leave LA for Manhattan determined to keep my head down, heal quietly, and avoid complicated men altogether.
Then I meet Adriano Mancini.
My new boss is possessive, protective, and impossible to ignore. He loves his daughter fiercely, watches me like I’m something precious, and somehow sees through every wall I try to keep in place.
Living in Adriano’s brownstone was never supposed to feel like home.
Neither was falling for him.
But just when I finally start believing I deserve something real, my past comes back determined to destroy it—and Adriano’s need to protect me starts blurring into secrets and control in ways that threaten everything between us.
The Art of Ruin is a steamy contemporary mafia romance featuring a possessive billionaire single dad, nanny/employer tension, forced proximity, found family chaos, touch-her-and-die devotion, and a hero who falls first and never recovers.
After discovering my fiancé’s affair—and the baby he kept hidden from me—I leave LA for Manhattan determined to keep my head down, heal quietly, and avoid complicated men altogether.
Then I meet Adriano Mancini.
My new boss is possessive, protective, and impossible to ignore. He loves his daughter fiercely, watches me like I’m something precious, and somehow sees through every wall I try to keep in place.
Living in Adriano’s brownstone was never supposed to feel like home.
Neither was falling for him.
But just when I finally start believing I deserve something real, my past comes back determined to destroy it—and Adriano’s need to protect me starts blurring into secrets and control in ways that threaten everything between us.
The Art of Ruin is a steamy contemporary mafia romance featuring a possessive billionaire single dad, nanny/employer tension, forced proximity, found family chaos, touch-her-and-die devotion, and a hero who falls first and never recovers.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2026
About the author
L. Knight
12 books246 followersLia Knight is a romance author of billionaire romance with lots of angst, and heat. Her heroes are super rich, demanding and know exactly what they want, so when they set their sights on the heroines in these books you know the chemistry will explode your kindle. Having written over forty books under a different pen name she wanted to give those rich, bossy heroes fighting for a story a chance have their say and find their HEA. When she isn't writing she is bingeing Yellowstone, The Big Bang Theory and Bridgerton from her home in Hereford in the UK.
Represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
For all publishing rights please contact nikki@sbrmedia.com
Represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
For all publishing rights please contact nikki@sbrmedia.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 3, 2026
Adi & Casey
L Knight just keeps giving us another great read! Adi and his two brothers were part of a Mafia family until their Mother died and their Father promised her to leave the Mafia family and only have legitimate businesses for him and their son's. Meanwhile Adi has been raising his daughter, Letty and he needed a new Nanny for her.
Casey is the best Friend of Adi's sister in law and he agrees to give her the job. At first he's not really sure it will work out with Casey, but Casey is nothing like when he first met her. Casey was having her own problems that she thought was over. Adi finds not only that something is going on with Casey but he's finding their business is in jeopardy when the FBI shows up with accusations regarding them and how they conduct their business.
Not only does he need to discover why they're having legal problems but he also comes to find Casey is having problems as well.
Later he comes to discover why Casey is so different and in danger.
This is so compelling that I had a hard time putting it down until I finished the story!
L Knight just keeps giving us another great read! Adi and his two brothers were part of a Mafia family until their Mother died and their Father promised her to leave the Mafia family and only have legitimate businesses for him and their son's. Meanwhile Adi has been raising his daughter, Letty and he needed a new Nanny for her.
Casey is the best Friend of Adi's sister in law and he agrees to give her the job. At first he's not really sure it will work out with Casey, but Casey is nothing like when he first met her. Casey was having her own problems that she thought was over. Adi finds not only that something is going on with Casey but he's finding their business is in jeopardy when the FBI shows up with accusations regarding them and how they conduct their business.
Not only does he need to discover why they're having legal problems but he also comes to find Casey is having problems as well.
Later he comes to discover why Casey is so different and in danger.
This is so compelling that I had a hard time putting it down until I finished the story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adriano and Casey
Intense! Everything about Adriano and Casey's relationship is intense. L. Knight is an incredible writer!
Casey is trying to heal from the pain of her ex, Jasper's, cheating and deception when she's hired as a nanny for the brooding, controlling, and undeniably captivating Italian Adonis, Adriano. His daughter, Letty, is a precocious, smart little girl who's "almost" five years old and steals Casey's heart from the very beginning.
As Jasper's unexpected appearances become increasingly threatening, Adriano takes matters into his own hands, using his business talent in the "Art of Ruin" to deal with him. While his actions are meant to protect Casey, they also put her trust in him to the test.
The love between Casey and Adriano is deep, passionate, and heartfelt—it will absolutely make your heart ache. Once again, L. Knight has delivered another five-star read. I can't wait for Matteo's book!
Intense! Everything about Adriano and Casey's relationship is intense. L. Knight is an incredible writer!
Casey is trying to heal from the pain of her ex, Jasper's, cheating and deception when she's hired as a nanny for the brooding, controlling, and undeniably captivating Italian Adonis, Adriano. His daughter, Letty, is a precocious, smart little girl who's "almost" five years old and steals Casey's heart from the very beginning.
As Jasper's unexpected appearances become increasingly threatening, Adriano takes matters into his own hands, using his business talent in the "Art of Ruin" to deal with him. While his actions are meant to protect Casey, they also put her trust in him to the test.
The love between Casey and Adriano is deep, passionate, and heartfelt—it will absolutely make your heart ache. Once again, L. Knight has delivered another five-star read. I can't wait for Matteo's book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing read. Hold onto your hats people because this book is going to whisk you away on a truly unforgettable roller coaster ride that you won’t ever want to get off.
Adriano and Casey’s story pulled me in from the first page. Their journey is packed full of a depth you would love to drown in and a maelstrom of emotions that will leave you breathless and yet begging for more.
I love the family aspect of this story. The unconditional love and support they have for each other is so beautiful to watch unfold. The camaraderie the brothers have is both touching and hilarious. I loved seeing. Where Nico and Isabella are with their relationship and watching how much Letty brings to this story is spellbinding.
Watching Adriano and Casey traverse their path to their HEA was heart rendering beautiful and completely unforgettable. Their bond was instant and the chemistry is off the charts hot.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
Adriano and Casey’s story pulled me in from the first page. Their journey is packed full of a depth you would love to drown in and a maelstrom of emotions that will leave you breathless and yet begging for more.
I love the family aspect of this story. The unconditional love and support they have for each other is so beautiful to watch unfold. The camaraderie the brothers have is both touching and hilarious. I loved seeing. Where Nico and Isabella are with their relationship and watching how much Letty brings to this story is spellbinding.
Watching Adriano and Casey traverse their path to their HEA was heart rendering beautiful and completely unforgettable. Their bond was instant and the chemistry is off the charts hot.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
July 27, 2026
Adriano and Casey
This is the 2nd book in the Syndicate Legacy series. The story revolves around Adriano and Casey. We met Casey in the first book in the series. She has an exuberant personality and was slightly flirty. However, now she has been hired as the nanny for Adriano's precocious 4 year old daughter Letty. Adriano notices the change in her immediately. He chooses to say nothing. Casey is trying to get over a devastating betrayal by her now ex boyfriend. This story has so much depth and feeling. I literally could not put it down. The banter between the characters and the genuine love the family has for each other is heartwarming. When Adriano takes matters into his own hands, when threats are made against his family, he made a terrible error in keeping things from Casey. Can their new relationship handle the strain, or will things be over between them before they even really get started? I highly recommend you get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
This is the 2nd book in the Syndicate Legacy series. The story revolves around Adriano and Casey. We met Casey in the first book in the series. She has an exuberant personality and was slightly flirty. However, now she has been hired as the nanny for Adriano's precocious 4 year old daughter Letty. Adriano notices the change in her immediately. He chooses to say nothing. Casey is trying to get over a devastating betrayal by her now ex boyfriend. This story has so much depth and feeling. I literally could not put it down. The banter between the characters and the genuine love the family has for each other is heartwarming. When Adriano takes matters into his own hands, when threats are made against his family, he made a terrible error in keeping things from Casey. Can their new relationship handle the strain, or will things be over between them before they even really get started? I highly recommend you get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adriano and Casey's story was such a satisfying slow-burn romance. Both of them tried to keep away from falling in love. Watching their feelings grow so naturally made every moment worth the wait.
Casey was a strong and stubborn heroine whose past made it difficult to trust anyone, while Adriano was protective, caring, and determined to prove she could rely on him and didn't have to do everything by herself. One of my favorite scenes was when Casey didn't feel good and Adriano took care of her. It was such a sweet turning point in their relationship.
I also loved that Casey didn't forgive Adriano instantly after he kept things from her. She needed time and their relationship felt much more realistic because of it.
Overall, this was an emotional romance with great character growth, a believable slow burn and two characters I couldn't help but root for.
Casey was a strong and stubborn heroine whose past made it difficult to trust anyone, while Adriano was protective, caring, and determined to prove she could rely on him and didn't have to do everything by herself. One of my favorite scenes was when Casey didn't feel good and Adriano took care of her. It was such a sweet turning point in their relationship.
I also loved that Casey didn't forgive Adriano instantly after he kept things from her. She needed time and their relationship felt much more realistic because of it.
Overall, this was an emotional romance with great character growth, a believable slow burn and two characters I couldn't help but root for.
July 26, 2026
The Art of Ruin is such an emotionally driven, slow burn romance. Adriano Mancini is ruthless in business and not above intimidation but when it coms to his precocious four year old daughter, Letty, he's a marshmallow. You'll find yourself smiling at her antics and quips. Cassie thought she had the perfect life but an earlier than expected arrival back home shattered all that in less than a minute. Now she's Letty's new nanny and her stoic boss is all about rules and routines. Cassie has to work to earn his trust but she succeeds. Neither of these two are very good at hiding their attraction to the other. The draw was there from ther first meeting. Things get rough and some truths are hidden which definitely complicates their relationship but just how far is he willing to go to get forgiveness and is she capable of forgiving?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my i loved this book. Adriano, Casey and little Lettie were so good and I liked the banter and brutal honesty between all the characters.
This was about Casey who goes to nanny for semi Mafia man Adriano and his daughter Lettie, escaping a humiliating relationship breakup.
Kind of suspenseful, with danger, drama and a fantastic romance. I loved the family unit the three brothers had created. Casey fit in well with all of them, but having her friend Isabella married to one of the other brothers helped her along.
Such a beautiful mix of personalities, drama and writing i could enjoy immensely. The dialogue and action was so well done, i couldn't have enjoyed the story more. I hope to hear more of these characters in other books. Just brilliant!!
This was about Casey who goes to nanny for semi Mafia man Adriano and his daughter Lettie, escaping a humiliating relationship breakup.
Kind of suspenseful, with danger, drama and a fantastic romance. I loved the family unit the three brothers had created. Casey fit in well with all of them, but having her friend Isabella married to one of the other brothers helped her along.
Such a beautiful mix of personalities, drama and writing i could enjoy immensely. The dialogue and action was so well done, i couldn't have enjoyed the story more. I hope to hear more of these characters in other books. Just brilliant!!
July 26, 2026
This is book #2 in The Syndicate Legacy Series and let me tell you L.knight does not disappoint us readers with this fantastic book. Its a slow burn and intense story filled with suspense and chemistry and romance and so much more. You're definitely gonna fall in love with Adriano Machcini and Casey story. Casey comes back to LA early to surprise her boyfriend Jasper ,but she's the one who gets the surprise of his secret life.Now in New York working for Adriano as his daughters nanny and swearing off men can they fight their feelings for each other? Will her crazy ex show up and try to come between them? I actually reread it twice because I fell in love with it. Its 10 out 10 for me plus added book hangover.
July 30, 2026
Adriano did not disappoint in the 2nd of the series.
No spoilers but that man can ‘brood’….in the best possible way.
It was a a slow one but the tension grew between Adriano and Casey in such a way you could have been in the room watching the show!
I loved the push and pull. Casey as she learnt to trust again and the patience of our leading man.
The adorable Letty was the link between the two and the story was beautifully crafted to include a good L.Knight drama that needed to be sorted…an easy job for the ex Mafia boys.
Great to keep Izzy and Nico in the story and I’m excited to see who will catch Matteo’s eye and how they will get him to commit.
Thanks for another great read x
No spoilers but that man can ‘brood’….in the best possible way.
It was a a slow one but the tension grew between Adriano and Casey in such a way you could have been in the room watching the show!
I loved the push and pull. Casey as she learnt to trust again and the patience of our leading man.
The adorable Letty was the link between the two and the story was beautifully crafted to include a good L.Knight drama that needed to be sorted…an easy job for the ex Mafia boys.
Great to keep Izzy and Nico in the story and I’m excited to see who will catch Matteo’s eye and how they will get him to commit.
Thanks for another great read x
August 5, 2026
I love this family and how they love fully when they love! Adriano seems like a hard man who only melts for his daughter Letty. In reality he likes to keep things in order and organized so he can be in control and is his defense mechanism. Casey is wild, carefree and someone who enjoys poking at the control Adriano has. When Casey takes his job as a nanny, she needs a safe place to work through how her life imploded and find herself again. Adriano notices all the small things that Casey doesn't say but he actions do and he wants to see the light back in her eyes and hear her truly laugh. Together these two are the perfect balance and make a great family. But Casey's ex isn't used to losing and he's determined to make them pay but he's messing with the wrong family.
August 18, 2026
I loved Adriano’s story.
I was so intrigued by the middle Mancini brother!
I loved him and Letty immediately from meeting them in the previous book.
It certainly didn’t disappoint.
Poor Casey, my heart went out to her as her story unfolded at the beginning, but we obviously knew it would lead her to meet Adi!
A slow burn at first for this one, but the chemistry between these two as they slowly realised their feelings for each other? Perfect. Plenty spicy scenes once they decided to go for it too!
Naturally plenty twists, drama and action to take us through the story.
I devoured the book and couldn’t put it down.
I cannot wait for Matteo’s story next as he’s always been my favourite! I cannot wait to see who tames the wild youngest Mancini brother!
I was so intrigued by the middle Mancini brother!
I loved him and Letty immediately from meeting them in the previous book.
It certainly didn’t disappoint.
Poor Casey, my heart went out to her as her story unfolded at the beginning, but we obviously knew it would lead her to meet Adi!
A slow burn at first for this one, but the chemistry between these two as they slowly realised their feelings for each other? Perfect. Plenty spicy scenes once they decided to go for it too!
Naturally plenty twists, drama and action to take us through the story.
I devoured the book and couldn’t put it down.
I cannot wait for Matteo’s story next as he’s always been my favourite! I cannot wait to see who tames the wild youngest Mancini brother!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Totally loved this new book from L Knight. The story delivers the highest highs of new love and then plummets you into despair brought about by the loss of trust when Adriano takes matters into his own hands without consulting with Casey. Throughout the story a sweet little and brilliant little girl, Lessy weaves the love and magic through all family members. Reading this book had me sad, angry and empathetic with both Casey and Adriano. This review is shorter than I would like, but there is so much feeling and emotion going on in Adriano and Casey’s story I don’t want to input any spoilers. Five stars
July 29, 2026
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the compelling characters, Adriana and Casey, with their emotional depth and beautifully crafted world. The chemistry between the characters felt authentic and attention kept me turning pages.
Their journey was filled with heartbreak, healing, undeniable chemistry, and the kind of emotional depth that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Every challenge they faced, made their connection feel even more meaningful, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
I loved learning more about the characters from the first book in the series and cannot wait to see what is in store in the next book of the series
Their journey was filled with heartbreak, healing, undeniable chemistry, and the kind of emotional depth that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Every challenge they faced, made their connection feel even more meaningful, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
I loved learning more about the characters from the first book in the series and cannot wait to see what is in store in the next book of the series
August 17, 2026
Adriano former Maifa now legitimate.
Petty is his daughter.
Casey is Letty’s hired nanny.
Izzy is Casey’s best friend.
Adriano and Casey meets , when she becomes the nanny for his daughter Letty.
They have an attraction and chemistry from slow burn to explosive.
Casey is trying to to forget and get over get over the betrayal her ex ( with another woman and a baby).
Adriano takes matters in hand when her ex starts stalking her and threatens his family and Casey.
Can they overcome their issues?
Can they have A Happily Ever After?
This book is intensely suspenseful, danger, some twists and turns and lots of emotions.
Great Job L Knight !!!!
Petty is his daughter.
Casey is Letty’s hired nanny.
Izzy is Casey’s best friend.
Adriano and Casey meets , when she becomes the nanny for his daughter Letty.
They have an attraction and chemistry from slow burn to explosive.
Casey is trying to to forget and get over get over the betrayal her ex ( with another woman and a baby).
Adriano takes matters in hand when her ex starts stalking her and threatens his family and Casey.
Can they overcome their issues?
Can they have A Happily Ever After?
This book is intensely suspenseful, danger, some twists and turns and lots of emotions.
Great Job L Knight !!!!
Review of advance copy
Do you like your heros a little gray. If you do this book is for you. Mafia adjacent Italians? Sign me up. I enjoyed this book so much. Adi is the steady one in thr family. Raising his daughter and trying to find a nanny that is not plotting to demolish his family. Casey my bff is in love with an Italian. I come home to rekindle my romance with my boyfriend when trust is broken and he has a whole other family. I step away. However, he will not let me go. What happens next you will have to read. Watch this love story unfold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, the love that Adriano has for Casey will melt your heart. Even though he thinks the way he protects her is the only way she deserves, her past traumas rear their ugly head and bring her doubt. With forgiveness, trust, honesty and communication, they find a way to get back to their original path on why they fell in love in the first place.
Letty’s cute quick whit and funny comebacks keep them both on their feet. Mateo and Nico balance out the triad of brother. Elena and Izzy’s wisdom can set anyone on the right path.
When you love someone, you should love hard.
Letty’s cute quick whit and funny comebacks keep them both on their feet. Mateo and Nico balance out the triad of brother. Elena and Izzy’s wisdom can set anyone on the right path.
When you love someone, you should love hard.
August 3, 2026
My Thoughts....
I really enjoyed this book! Almost one sitting 😀
These brothers are fantastic and they make my heart warm.
Adi feels hard and I truly enjoyed how he was written and that generalized "mob man" mentality shows a tiny bit but isn't the focus. His feelings are..... especially with the daughter! Ugh beautiful
And of course Casey - she too was written well, doesn't let a lot of her issues/past really define her. Yes, aware but can deal.
So looking forward to Matteo's book!!
I really enjoyed this book! Almost one sitting 😀
These brothers are fantastic and they make my heart warm.
Adi feels hard and I truly enjoyed how he was written and that generalized "mob man" mentality shows a tiny bit but isn't the focus. His feelings are..... especially with the daughter! Ugh beautiful
And of course Casey - she too was written well, doesn't let a lot of her issues/past really define her. Yes, aware but can deal.
So looking forward to Matteo's book!!
August 27, 2026
A great second story in the series. I really enjoyed the story of Adriano & Casey. Adriano is the perfect person to show Casey that not all men are like her low life of an ex. He is also the perfect person to protect her from any threats. I really enjoyed the family dynamics, the love they have for each other. The book kept me turning pages trying to see what happened next. I absolutely can not wait to see what is in store for Matteo after reading these first two. They just keep getting better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved the banter, negotiations and the mix of sweet and dark. Casey is strong, loving and wonderful with kids, she forges on with new direction and focus and she finds so much more than a friend. Tense, gripping and un-put-downable story. Well written and full of emotional vulnerability and turmoil that follows throughout the book, bringing unexpected curveballs, steady pace and fabulous enjoyment in reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The art of ruin a terrific name for this story. I loved Adriano’s daughter she wise for her four years. As a nanny Cassie is rebuilding her life after being lied to by her ex boyfriend friend. Between those two, the chemistry is of the charts. I love Adriano’s brothers and the bickering and bantering between those men. I had such a blast reading this story it’s romantic and funny and the suspense lingering in the background.
Review of advance copy
Adriano gets his book and we get the insight to the man who has no emotions. Casey is someone he doesn’t like, to loud, to much until she enters his life and isn’t that person anymore. The story evolves about these two and Letty. And Letty is amazing, this little girl wraps you around her fingers and her sass is exceptional.
Fun read with emotion, love and passion.
Fun read with emotion, love and passion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great book in the Legacy series. Taking this journey with Casey, Adriano & Letty was worth every minute of reading. Adriano was trying to get Casey to be more open & trying to help get her back to being the fun loving girl everyone knew, even though Adriano was so set in his ways, as he has to be for Letty’s sake. I cannot wait for Matteo’s book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt bad for Casey. No one ever wants to be blindsided and finding out that the one she loved was hiding secrets was devastating. But then she found Adriano and everything changed. Until a terrible blast from the past arrives to shatter her newfound life. Good thing she found someone who not only becomes her champion, but also heals her heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved everything about Adriano and Casey's story. Both learning to trust and love each other with a slow burn and great chemistry and their growth to get there. Great family dynamic with the banter and the way they all stick together and watch over each other, and we have little Lettie who brings the fun into the group. Great book and characters.
August 17, 2026
I never get enough of L. Knight’s books and book 2 of the Syndicate Legacy Series just proves it.
Watching Casey and Adriano around each other and seeing them slowly open and trust, is great. This is definitely a slow burn romance, but it is so good. I read this within a day.
L. Knight knows how to keep us flipping pages and holding our breath! I can’t wait to see what she gives us next!
Watching Casey and Adriano around each other and seeing them slowly open and trust, is great. This is definitely a slow burn romance, but it is so good. I read this within a day.
L. Knight knows how to keep us flipping pages and holding our breath! I can’t wait to see what she gives us next!
August 19, 2026
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of The Art of Ruin . I'll start by saying this story is outstanding . I loved it . I think it has everything a Sensational Suspense Romance should have . It's emotional and heartbreaking and intense and steamy let's not forget romantic . I could not put it down . A perfect read . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
September 12, 2026
4⭐️ Where do I even begin? He is the epitome of "if he wanted to, he would". Was there plot? No. Did I still have fun and eat it up? Yes... I did consider lowering the rating towards the end of the book because the FMC was kind of annoying me, however the MMC is just too good to rate this book lower. I totally recommend this series and I can't wait for the next book
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
The Art of Ruin. Brillant. If i was not so disciplined I would have read it in one sitting.
This is Casey and Adriano's story.
Casey comes to work for Adriano as his daughters nanny and things go from there although it is not plain sailing.
This is Casey and Adriano's story.
Casey comes to work for Adriano as his daughters nanny and things go from there although it is not plain sailing.
July 28, 2026
I love this book. Casey and Adriano chemistry is beautiful. Letty the sweetest little girl. You never know what will happen in life. Beautiful story very well written. I can't wait for Matteo's story! I love the Mancini family.
August 24, 2026
I loved Adriano and Casey together. Adriano daughter Letty was the most beautiful little girl who is so loveable & adorable.
Casey and Adriano seemed like they were made for each other. , L. Knight is an amazing author. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Casey and Adriano seemed like they were made for each other. , L. Knight is an amazing author. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews