Brutal Betrayal

Caruso Cosa Nostra #2

by Shandi Boyes

Lucia:

Keeping my head down has kept me alive, so I’m clueless why I couldn’t walk away when I noticed a little girl in distress. Her eyes were drenched as she fought to free herself from a large, intimidating man breaking her heart one finger peel at a time.

Although it would have been safer for me to ignore her silent request for help, when a child is in distress, I’m morally obligated to assist.

With my heart in my throat, I marched to her side, shoved my finger into the devastatingly handsome brute’s chest, and protected that little girl with everything I had.

It’s not like I knew the dashing suit-clad man was her father, and that she was afraid of a dentist appointment he’d scheduled for her and not the man himself.

Mistakes happen all the time. I just had no clue this one would place me in direct sight of the Cosa Nostra’s most intimidating family, and that Dante Caruso is a man willing to do anything to make me a permanent fixture in his daughter’s life… and perhaps his.

Dante:

I’m used to being the antihero. It’s second nature in a family like mine. I’ve spent thirty-four years surviving in a world where trust is a luxury and loyalty is currency.

I know what it means to be feared and revered, but since becoming a father, I’ve stepped back from the role that’s made me billions.

I want to forge something better for Camille—something that won’t judge her solely on her gender… and the feisty blonde, who didn’t cower like those around her when she spotted a child in distress, could help me achieve that.

My objectives have nothing to do with the fact that the stranger is beautiful, courageous, and tempting enough for me to want to break a five-year hiatus from s€x.

My daughter wants this gorgeously stubborn foreigner in her life, and I’d rather take a bullet to the chest than disappoint her.

Though I’d be a liar if I said I was only pulling out my best tricks to ensure the busty blonde becomes a part of Camille’s life.

Camille and I are a package deal.

You can’t have one without the other.

And I’m about to have the time of my life teaching Lucia Martinez precisely that.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2026

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing

The suspense and plot twist of this one will keep you on your toes while excitingly turning each page. 

There is nothing I've read of Shandi that I didn't like. Just when you think you know whats going to happen, you get whiplashed with her words. 

Lucia leaving her appointment, sees what appears to be a child in need of protection. Her mama bear instincts kick in. Not caring who the big handsome stranger is she andances to rescue the little girl. She goes to find help only to get pulled in to beautiful Camille's world when the little girl decides to trust her and utters her first words after being her her fathers family for six months.

Dante Caruso who wants to change the world and protect his daughter will do anything for her. Even if that means searching for the lovely stranger and making her apart of their lives. 

This book is contagious and will not have you putting it down. The Caruso brothers is something else.

[Theresa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THE TWISTS IN THIS, THE SECOND OF THE CARUSO COSA NOSTRA SERIES BY SHANDI BOYES. THANK YOU FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF READING THIS ARC. TAKE ONE MALE MEMBER OF A FAMILY WHOSE HISTORY IS STEEPED IN THE NOVA COSA NOSTRA.
DANTE CARUSO, HANDSOME, LOYAL, AND DEVOTED DAD TO ONE YOUNG GIRL, CAMILLE, HE IS HOPING TO CHANGE THE WAY OF THE WORLD HE LIVES IN, SO DAUGHTERS ARE TREATED AS EQUALS, NOT JUST AS COMMODITIES.
THEN YOU HAVE OUR FEMALE LEAD. LUCIA MARTINEZ, BEAUTIFUL, SMART, AND JUST TRYING TO GET THROUGH LIFE BY FLYING UNDER THE RADAR AND KEEPING SECRETS OF HER OWN. WHEN THEIR PATHS CROSS, YOU HAVE THE RECIPE FOR A BRILLIANT STORY. I DON'T DO SPOILERS. THIS IS A WELL-WRITTEN STORY THAT ISN'T WHAT YOU EXPECT TO PAN OUT THE WAY IT DOES.
IF YOU LIKE A READ THAT DRAWS YOU IN AND CAPTIVATES YOU THROUGHOUT, THEN I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I THOUGHT GIOVANNI WAS PERFECT AND POSSESSIVE; DANTE IS EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT THE FATHER OF YOUR CHILDREN TO BE.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh

These stupid stubborn idiots...
I hate both these MCs. Especially the FMC.
I can't even rage read the rest. I no longer care how it all works out because I'm too mad I've read even this much.
DNF at 74%

[K T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of the Caruso Cosa Nostra series. The books are interconnected standalones. You don't have to read Book 1 first, but I highly recommend it (at least read it at some point, it's very good!! The main characters show up in each book). I CAN'T wait to read the rest of the series!!

This is Dante & Lucia's story... He is the 2nd of 5 brothers in the Caruso family - they are a prominent Mafia famliy in Italy (where this takes place). I love that this series takes place in Italy... I love their compound with the lemon grove... I really love their family & how supportive they are of each other, no questions asked...

Lucia... she has been dealt a rough hand... I love how Dante sees her & immediately becomes obsessed & within a week is throwing his money around to spend time with her. From buying strip clubs to buying the apartment next to hers & renovating it so they only have a sheet in between them!!! LOL

I REALLY LOVED the surprise twist at the end of the book!!! 100% did not ever see that coming, but I LOVE how it wrapped up so many things!!! It really changed the way I looked at Lucia's stepsister & I feel bad for her! I can't say more without spoiling, but read the book! You will not be disappointed!!

The book is fast paced... with lots of spice. Lucia is working at a strip club to make enough money to stay on top of payments to spend a few minutes on the phone with her son (argh...that whole situation makes me so mad!!! but that's another story... the book is really well written!).

Spice level: 4/5

*dark mafia romance
*cosa nostra romance
*they are both single parents
*age gap
*obsessive/possessive Alpha hero
*rich man x poor girl
*billionaire romance
*second chance
*interconnected standalone
*HUGE plot twist at the end of the book that resolves so much!!

Thank you to the author (Shandi Boyes) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[JeAna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first meeting between Lucia and Dante takes place in a weird situation. Dante is fascinated by Lucia's ferociousness, stubbornness, and courage. Camille, Dante's little daughter, is equally fascinated by her. Dante wants to hire Camille as a nanny for his daughter because of her. For that, he needs to find Lucia and convince her to accept the offer.However, he isn't expecting finding her work in a place where he truly owns it.

There are several twists in the plot that I was completely taken by surprise and didn't predict it. After I convinced myself that everything would be well, Shandi added another twist.

Dante is an obsessive powerful, and caring man who wants to change some views regarding women role in his world. He makes a priority to offer his daughter a comfortable, happy, and peaceful life as well as a good future.
Lucia, on the other hand, is a fierce, sassy and stubborn girl who doesn't hesitate to take risks in order to save an innocent person.

Their bond is so strong that they think about each other every day. Every time they meet, their intense and sensual attraction makes it impossible for them to keep their hands to themselves deepening their connection. Lucia thinks that sharing her dark secrets with Dante might harm him and his family, so she is afraid to do so.

It was enjoyable to read about Dante's brothers' efforts to assist him in winning, keeping, and protecting Lucia from any kind of danger.

I adored how the author described the events and the fiery moments, along with the plot twists.
I had a variety of emotions while reading this book, such as laughter, sadness, frustration, happiness, and heartbreak.

Shandi again delivered another INCREDIBLE story.

I'm ready to read Mario's story since I got intrigued by the things I read about him in Dante's book and I believe he will be my favourite of the Caruso brothers.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Betrayal by Shandi Boyes is the second book in the Caruso Cosa Nostra series. While it can be read as a standalone, readers will recognize characters from the first book, Brutal Obsession.

Once again, Shandi Boyes delivers an emotional, intense, and addictive mafia romance that is impossible to put down.

This story follows Lucia and Dante. Lucia is a strong, determined woman who has faced hardship her entire life. Despite everything thrown her way, she continues to fight for a better future—not just for herself, but for the few people she loves. Her life changes when she crosses paths with Dante Caruso and his daughter, Camille.

Dante was once known as a ruthless mafia man, but becoming a father changed him. He wants to be someone worthy of his daughter’s love and trust. Camille, who has endured trauma of her own, struggles with selective mutism and has difficulty connecting with others—until she meets Lucia. Watching the bond between Lucia and Camille develop was one of the most heartwarming parts of the story.

This book is filled with unexpected twists, emotional moments, betrayal, and undeniable chemistry between Lucia and Dante. Both characters have been hurt in unimaginable ways, making their journey toward trust and love even more powerful.

If you enjoy mafia romance with emotional depth, strong characters, suspense, and plenty of tension, Brutal Betrayal is definitely worth the read. Shandi Boyes truly did it again with this one.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Betrayal is the second story in the Caruso Cosa Nostra series. I absolutely loved the story and the characters.

Lucia is leaving her dentist office when she sees a little girl who appears to be in trouble. She goes to save the child only to realize the man who has her is actually her father. She has no idea the man is Dante and is part of a mafia family.

Dante is immediately taken by Lucia and is not used to someone standing up to him. His daughter, Camille, immediately latches on to Lucia. Dante loves and protects Camille and knows that she needs a new nanny. He finds Lucia and asks her to take the job. He realizes she works in one of his clubs. She takes the job and becomes Camille's nanny. Dante has to remind himself not to get involved with Lucia.

I loved the immediate connection Lucia had with Camille. I loved how she was able to connect with the child and be so helpful with her. I loved the chemistry between Dante and Lucia. He couldn't help himself but to fall for her sweet spirit. I look forward to the next story from this talented author.

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

[Belle · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️,5

Unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style. Even the beginning with the dentist was way too detailed for me, and I don’t think it was necessary for the rest of the story either. The first interactions between Dante and Camille were entertaining and sweet. What Lucia had to go through, especially all the way up until relatively close to the end, was heartbreaking. I felt so sorry for her. Still, the story somehow moved along without ever creating much tension for me. The stalking, how quickly the two of them became intimate, the exes (or maybe not exes), their secrets, and how quickly he started making assumptions all felt a little too rushed. What was really missing between the two of them was communication. Obviously, they didn’t need to share everything right away, but overall, I wanted a deeper emotional connection between them. The plot twist at the end was definitely a plot twist, but everything happened so quickly and chaotically. There were a few moments when I genuinely wanted to DNF the book. The story really had potential, but unfortunately, the writing style just wasn’t for me.

[Brenda Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to prolong this book as much as possible because I know Shandi always delivers! The attraction between Dante and Lucia was off the charts! I can’t find the right words to describe how hot it was from start to finish. The 🥵 was 🔥!!! I was not expecting how it was playing out towards the end. I was like, “No way, NOOOOO FREAKING WAYYYYYY!” Shandi said, “Hold my beer and hold on for the ride. We ain’t done yet!” I don’t know which Caruso brother is my favorite, but for some reason, Matteo is it. He sure knows what buttons to push on Dante and his brothers. I literally cackled at his sense of humor. He’s a trip, no lie. I love that in a man. I can’t wait for his book, which by the way is next. I’ll anxiously be waiting for that one because if this one was hot as hell, I can only imagine his with his “laying in money” comment. 🙈🤣

Thank you Shandi for giving again the opportunity to ARC read another book in this amazing series.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shandi does it again! I absolutely love anything Shandi writes. I fell in love in Isaac and all of his friends, then I moved onto the Cosa Nostra where I met Gio and then his brother Dante.

Brutal Betrayal is about Dante, his daughter, and Lucia. Lucia is a stripper trying to make enough money to survive and get out of the blackmailing that she has found herself in. She finds Camille, a 4 year old, crying outside of a dentist office where a man is trying to force her to go in. Lucia takes charge and tells the little girl that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to. The "man forcing her" is her father and he loves how Lucia was willing to go to bat for a random girl she didn't know.. This book kept me wondering and guessing what was going to happen the entire book. He was completely different from his brother and so many things happened that I was not expecting.

I love Shandi's writing and cannot wait to read about the rest of the Caruso brothers.

[Shafeequah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Caruso falls hard

Dante Caruso is every woman's dream. Morally grey to a fault. Wanting to changes the rules of their world to protect his daughter. But things are not what it seems. So he discovers when he sets his sights on the beautiful woman who thinks he's hurting his daughter. Lucia or Cici , feels protective towards the little girl on instinct. But Daddy Caruso has an ulterior motive for wanting her as a nanny. Their instant chemistry makes for panting melting moments but Lucia still fights what she feels. She cannot get involved with anyone or she loses the one person she is doing all this for. But she has no choice but to reveal her secret to Dante when her world is about to explode. The truth finally reveals the betrayal and the arrangement she was forced into for greed and power. These brothers fall hard and they know that they will burn down the world to protect the ones they love. Cannot wait for the next brother to fall.

[Heather Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the series, Dante Caruso is a member of the Cosa Nostra who takes a step back after meeting the daughter he didn't know he had. His goal is to teach her that she won't ever be held back because she's a girl. Lucia is a woman who does not want to be recognized or noticed. No responsibilities tethering her to anything or anyone. She comes from a world where she is considered more as a property rather than a person. She has only one goal that keeps her moving forward. Then she meets Camille, Dante's innocent daughter. She is unexpectedly drawn to her and doesn't know why. She's drawn to Dante by a mix of chemistry, desire, and lust. They can't keep their hands off each other and are both immediately obsessed. There is an unexpected twist that no one will see coming! I can't wait for the next brothers story!

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for Dante's story, I instantly liked him from Giovanni's. Lucia accidentally misjudges a situation; I couldn't imagine how both felt with such a simple and scary misunderstanding. Dante's nature was very surprising; he's very intimidating but also incredibly caring. You could feel the powerful spark between him and the compassionate yet feisty Lucia. Lucia is quite the mystery; I had a hard time guessing what she was hiding. It was a little ironic they are both trapped in a similar situation. I absolutely loved watching their rocky dynamic as they explored their connection and grew into something so much more. Each of the Caruso men is passionate and very possessive... can't wait for the next one!

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

[JenntheRDH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an advanced copy of Shandi Boyes new book, Brutal Betrayals.
This is the second book in the series, and it is an interconnected standalone. This series follows the each of the Caruso brothers.
The first book in this series came out a couple of months ago, and since I’ve read several books since then, I was nervous that I would have forgotten a lot of the plot points going into book 2, but that wasn’t the case.
Shandi did a great job of weaving in a brief recap of the first book while introducing the new characters seamlessly.
I started and finished this book on while on vacation, and loved every moment of it!
As with most of Shandi’s books, there are quite a few twists in the story that keep you guessing until the end.
Thanks to Shandi for allowing me to be an ARC reader for another of your books. All opinions, of course, are my own.

[Leonie Myint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of the Caruso Cosa Nostra series, a continuation of the Caruso brothers’ story. It’s an incredible read with equally compelling characters. I was genuinely caught off guard by the twists and turns throughout the book - but I should have known better, given that it’s Shandi Boyes.

The chemistry remains strong from start to finish, and the spice level is exactly what you’d expect from Shandi Boyes - confident, bold, and well delivered.

Lucia is a strong, determined woman who has faced hardship her entire life, yet refuses to let her circumstances define her. Her resilience makes her an easy character to root for, especially as she navigates a dangerous world filled with loyalty, power, and betrayal. Dante’s nature was surprising—he comes across as menacing, but beneath that exterior, he’s incredibly compassionate.

Thank you Shandi Boyes for the ARC.

[Brievon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only made it through 5 chapters. The author's word choices were just slightly off. i couldn't decide if a) English isn't her first language or b) she's overreaching with her vocabulary and honestly doesn't know the actual definition and connotations of the words she's using. For instance, she described the H as having "mannish thighs." Although technically correct, I would would be more admiring manly thighs. The H's daughter is described as having a "dimple-blemished face." I think it's rude to describe a child's dimples as a defect that spoil their appearance. Using beg as a noun was another weird word choice. It felt like she was trying too hard to be uniquely descriptive and the odd writing kept on pulling me out of the story.

[bottoms up by misi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What in the twister happened here!! This is a gut wrench read. Not because of what happens but more emotional. Our female lead Lucia is trying to pay a debt she has no choice but to pay. She lives and breaths to make that payment every month just to see and hear her son for a few minutes. Born and raised in the Mafia world she was put in a horrible situation because of the consequences of her past. She strips to make enough money to pay the fee or her son will be killed. She doesn't stay at one place for long and she keeps her head down. Then one day the cries of a little girl change that and her life is turned upside down.
Enter Dante, he's a single father who's heart has gone cold and he lives and breaths his family, one look at Lucia and he is hooked. He uses the excuse of needing a nanny for his daughter to try to trap Lucia in his orbit. The gut wrench I mentioned earlier is because Lucia can't see her worth. She doesn't know how not to pay that debt and she doesn't want hand outs. She is in full survival mode and it's sad to see the back and forth between these characters. The ending had me gasping and yelling at my kindle at 3am! Definitely worth the anxiety of their relationship.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story with such amazing characters. Dante and Lucia capture your heart from the very beginning and Carmella is such a sweetheart. The shopping scenes brought me to tears and there were several times I was emotional such was the power of this story. The heat and passion between Lucia and Dante is off the charts and the bond he has with his family is remarkable. What Lucia has to got through is incomprehensible, thank goodness for Dante and Carmella. The twist at the end I did not see coming and it will blow your mind it is so unexpected but so fitting and the end is so perfect.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante's and Lucia start off on the wrong foot and the becomes something of obsession and secrets. My heart went out to Lucia, all she has know is struggle and my her hand. Working hard to keep her head above sinking debt and the worry of someone she loves with all hr heart.
Dante has always got what he wanted and he wants Lucia in his and Camille his daughter.
Oh the passion and steam between is hot and hotter. Oh the dirty tricks Dante uses. The connection is strong and routing for them is strong.
Oh that twist will knock you out of the park Zorro.
The Caruso men are full of passion and very possessive.

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

[BookGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!

I LOVED EVERYTHING about the book, the plot and characters were well written. The lust and the chemistry between Lucia and Dante was ☺️🔥. The plot twists and turns had me devouring this book throughout the course of the day! The only one little teeny tiny complaint I have and it in no way ruined my enjoyment for this book; I couldn’t quite figure out if they were in NYC or Sicily. I felt like for most of the of the book it was Sicily but then the gig she takes was in “Upper East Side”…? What did I miss?
The spice in this book was so delicious 🌶️🌶️🌶️. Looking forward to Matteo!

[Barbara Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Betrayal
This book was one of the most surprising ones to date. This is the 2nd in the Mafia series.
Shandi’s brain works overtime to bring us (the readers) to the edge of our seats. Dante and Lucia are amazing 🤩 but this push and pull had me reeling. There are twists and turns you won’t see coming.
So much so I can’t say too much in this review without giving anything away.

Once again Shandi delivers another Stellar Masterpiece.

Heat factor 5/5 🥵
The plot 10/10
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Be sure to get your copy. It will have you on the edge of your seat and when you think you know what’s going to happen…
BAM 💥 you won’t know what’s hits you.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Caruso Cosa Nostra

'Camille and I are a package deal.
You can’t have one without the other.
And I’m about to have the time of my life teaching Lucia Martinez precisely that.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[Brittany Azolino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maaaaaaan! Buckle up, yall. You’re in for a wiiiild ride with Dante and Lucia. Plan on having at least one box of tissues by your side. Minimum. For laughing to tears and crying actual tears since Shandi loves to see us all in our feels.

Lucia is trying to fix an injustice towards her. Dante just wants the best for his princess. Lucia may not know or accept it, but she’s it! And he doesn’t like to be told no.
Morally gray alpha meet take no sh!t strong independent heroine.

Every book from Shandi is always better than the last and I cannot wait to meet the rest of the Caruso brothers
💜

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a punch to the gut when I read about what a pawn Gabriele was, an innocent boy being abused and treated in such a horrible way. The evil plots people will think of without regard for others are mind-boggling, especially when dealing with children. Camille was so beautifully broken, but not because she had a father who would burn the world down for her. While I know this is a story, my heart broke for Lucia and all the struggles she went through.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Caruso Cosa Nostra Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is an age gap, off limits romance between Dante and his daughter's nanny, Lucia. These likeable characters and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, secrets and betrayals, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An emotional page turner.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story.
There was so much going on. So much past manipulation caused so much hurt and trauma, yet these two found each other anyway. The connection between these guys is magnetic, no matter how much Lucia fought it. Dante was a man on a mission and the love he has for his daughter is everything.
On the heat scale, this book is off the charts. I honestly love the way these guys talk to the woman they would burn the world for.

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

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥🥵🥰 WOW, once again Shandi has delivered. Once I started to read Lucia and Dante’s story I couldn’t put it down. And his daughter Camille, absolutely fell in love with this little girl. But back to the main characters and their chemistry, it was off the charts. The story had a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and yup it was amazing. A must read and now on to the next story in this series. Enjoy

[Jacqueline champ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!! Honestly loved this one more than the first you have your alpha male and strong non whinny female. I love an Insta Love, Insta connection and I love when the antagonist comes from an external source not the relationship and this book had it all. I loved the twists at the end. It’s very rare that I didn’t see an end coming and I can honestly say I didn’t see that coming. Great job. Can’t wait to read the next.

[Kim H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucia and Dante are chefs kiss and Shandi Boyes did it again with her exceptional writing and story telling! The characters are well written and intriguing and the story line is spicy goodness!!! You could feel their chemistry coming off of the pages! Heat, passion, desire, drama, angst, and a twist you don't see coming!!! Absolutely delicious!!!!.

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

[Laura vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is it truly betrayal when both exes are psychopaths? Lucia is running from her past while trying to protect her future. Dante is trying to shield his daughter from further trauma. Lucia become what Dante's daughter needs to feel secure, Dante is what Lucia needs to feel alive.
Shandi Boyes latest book Brutal Betrayal finds Dante and Lucia fighting their past to make a future together. This story keeps the reader hanging on through the story. Five stars.