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The Mafia Code #1
Ruthless
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 30, 2026
Ok so this does end on a cliffhanger BUT not one that completely cuts a story. It’s tricky I think resolving an issue but falls into another but not feeling short changed. When finishing up the book I did want a little more drama from the council and may have ended meh ok but there’s a twist so makes everything on par for the mafia world. The one thing I could not get was how ok the FMC was with everything and not being upset after everything came out- but again there is another book so hoping she gets a little more bite for herself. Can’t wait for book 2!
August 13, 2026
RTC...Dante and Sara
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whatever @RoseHarborPublishing is feeding you, keep it coming… and maybe send some my way too!! 😁😉
Well... this book... I'm out of words! I honestly don't know what to say. The strongest introduction ever to a new series by the one and only Renee Parker!!!
She did it again... again!!! ❤️
First things first... the suspense in this book had my heart racing!!! The plot is so intriguing that it kept me awake just to find out what would happen next. Honestly... it was 4:30 in the morning, and I was still reading. Every chapter raised more questions than it answered, and that drove me crazy.
This is a second-chance romance fueled by revenge and betrayal... about two people who never stopped loving each other, yet each believed the other had betrayed them. That was intense. One of my favourite captor/captive trope books.
Dante and Sara's story is built on betrayal, revenge, and five years of pain and unanswered questions. Dante believes Sara destroyed his life by contributing to his kidnapping and torture. He believes she sold him out. He becomes cold, ruthless, and obsessed with revenge, so he kidnaps the woman he once loved, determined to make her pay... in the most degrading ways possible. I didn't really approve of his methods... Do I blame him? Maybe he should have trusted her more. But after everything he endured in captivity, all he wanted was for her to have a taste of it. Beneath all that anger, though, are still glimpses of the man who would have done anything for her.
Sara, carrying the weight of a betrayal she couldn't explain, never stopped loving Dante. She's a nurse who had to flee the city after believing Dante had abandoned her and sent people to threaten her and her brother five years ago. She knew nothing about his real identity or the world he belonged to. Now she's back, thinking she's finally safe, only to be kidnapped by the only man she's ever loved... a man determined to hurt and kill her. She endures it all, hoping the man she once knew will return... but he's more ruthless than ever. Years of hurt, lies, betrayal, and misunderstandings make their journey heartbreaking. The forced proximity, captor/captive dynamic, and emotional push and pull between them kept the tension high from beginning to end.
Hidden enemies, shocking betrayals, family politics, the mysterious and dangerous Council, and twist after twist... Their love never died, and neither did their attraction or chemistry, even though they fought it with everything they had. The tension between them was absolutely palpable. After everything they endured, they finally earned their HEA...
Morally grey characters, obsession, revenge, emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and enough suspense to keep you saying, "Just one more chapter..." Renee Parker starts this new series with a bang, and I love, love, love it! ❤️
I already can't wait for Marco's book. The playboy, the charmer, the funny one... I have a feeling he's going to steal my heart too. ❤️
Well... this book... I'm out of words! I honestly don't know what to say. The strongest introduction ever to a new series by the one and only Renee Parker!!!
She did it again... again!!! ❤️
First things first... the suspense in this book had my heart racing!!! The plot is so intriguing that it kept me awake just to find out what would happen next. Honestly... it was 4:30 in the morning, and I was still reading. Every chapter raised more questions than it answered, and that drove me crazy.
This is a second-chance romance fueled by revenge and betrayal... about two people who never stopped loving each other, yet each believed the other had betrayed them. That was intense. One of my favourite captor/captive trope books.
Dante and Sara's story is built on betrayal, revenge, and five years of pain and unanswered questions. Dante believes Sara destroyed his life by contributing to his kidnapping and torture. He believes she sold him out. He becomes cold, ruthless, and obsessed with revenge, so he kidnaps the woman he once loved, determined to make her pay... in the most degrading ways possible. I didn't really approve of his methods... Do I blame him? Maybe he should have trusted her more. But after everything he endured in captivity, all he wanted was for her to have a taste of it. Beneath all that anger, though, are still glimpses of the man who would have done anything for her.
Sara, carrying the weight of a betrayal she couldn't explain, never stopped loving Dante. She's a nurse who had to flee the city after believing Dante had abandoned her and sent people to threaten her and her brother five years ago. She knew nothing about his real identity or the world he belonged to. Now she's back, thinking she's finally safe, only to be kidnapped by the only man she's ever loved... a man determined to hurt and kill her. She endures it all, hoping the man she once knew will return... but he's more ruthless than ever. Years of hurt, lies, betrayal, and misunderstandings make their journey heartbreaking. The forced proximity, captor/captive dynamic, and emotional push and pull between them kept the tension high from beginning to end.
Hidden enemies, shocking betrayals, family politics, the mysterious and dangerous Council, and twist after twist... Their love never died, and neither did their attraction or chemistry, even though they fought it with everything they had. The tension between them was absolutely palpable. After everything they endured, they finally earned their HEA...
Morally grey characters, obsession, revenge, emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and enough suspense to keep you saying, "Just one more chapter..." Renee Parker starts this new series with a bang, and I love, love, love it! ❤️
I already can't wait for Marco's book. The playboy, the charmer, the funny one... I have a feeling he's going to steal my heart too. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ruthless completely consumed me from the very first chapter. Renee Parker delivered a dark mafia romance that was packed with emotion, tension, heartbreak, and just the right amount of danger. Once I started reading, I could not stop.
Sara was such a strong heroine. Even after everything she had been through, she never completely lost herself. My heart broke for her because she carried so much pain while still holding onto hope. Watching her navigate the man she once loved, who now only wanted revenge, was an emotional roller coaster.
Dante is the definition of a wounded and morally gray antihero. The trauma he endured changed him in ways that were heartbreaking to witness, and while he could be ruthless, you could still see flashes of the man he used to be. The deeper I got into his story, the more I understood him, and I found myself wanting him to find peace just as much as I wanted him and Sara to find their way back to each other.
The chemistry between Sara and Dante was intense from beginning to end. Every interaction was filled with raw emotion, unresolved feelings, and undeniable attraction. Their relationship was messy, painful, and beautifully written. I loved that this story was about more than revenge. It was about trust, forgiveness, healing, and discovering the truth before it was too late.
The mafia world was gritty and dangerous, and the suspense kept me hooked the entire time. Every revelation pulled me in deeper, and I was constantly trying to figure out who was really behind everything. The emotional payoff was absolutely worth it.
If you love dark mafia romance with kidnapping, forced proximity, revenge, obsessive heroes, touch her and die energy, and characters who have to fight their way back to each other, Ruthless deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.
This was an easy five star read for me. Renee Parker created a story that was emotional, addictive, and impossible to put down. I loved every minute of Sara and Dante's journey, and I cannot wait to read more from this world.
Ruthless completely consumed me from the very first chapter. Renee Parker delivered a dark mafia romance that was packed with emotion, tension, heartbreak, and just the right amount of danger. Once I started reading, I could not stop.
Sara was such a strong heroine. Even after everything she had been through, she never completely lost herself. My heart broke for her because she carried so much pain while still holding onto hope. Watching her navigate the man she once loved, who now only wanted revenge, was an emotional roller coaster.
Dante is the definition of a wounded and morally gray antihero. The trauma he endured changed him in ways that were heartbreaking to witness, and while he could be ruthless, you could still see flashes of the man he used to be. The deeper I got into his story, the more I understood him, and I found myself wanting him to find peace just as much as I wanted him and Sara to find their way back to each other.
The chemistry between Sara and Dante was intense from beginning to end. Every interaction was filled with raw emotion, unresolved feelings, and undeniable attraction. Their relationship was messy, painful, and beautifully written. I loved that this story was about more than revenge. It was about trust, forgiveness, healing, and discovering the truth before it was too late.
The mafia world was gritty and dangerous, and the suspense kept me hooked the entire time. Every revelation pulled me in deeper, and I was constantly trying to figure out who was really behind everything. The emotional payoff was absolutely worth it.
If you love dark mafia romance with kidnapping, forced proximity, revenge, obsessive heroes, touch her and die energy, and characters who have to fight their way back to each other, Ruthless deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.
This was an easy five star read for me. Renee Parker created a story that was emotional, addictive, and impossible to put down. I loved every minute of Sara and Dante's journey, and I cannot wait to read more from this world.
August 2, 2026
2.25 If you like a Cloak and Dagger criminal underworld book filled with stupid masked members who have too much power, a MMC who kidnaps a woman he "thinks' betrayed him, but doesn't really know and a MFC who forgives everything he does to her in this book, then go for it, otherwise I highly suggest you move on.
Dante is a very damaged MMC who suffers from PTSD and a hatred that has manifested into an obsession. He was tortured relentlessly by an unknown assailant almost dying more than once but, eventually able to free himself. He believes that Sara, his gf sold him out, BUT has nothing to actually support she did. She is forced to leave the city with her brother when Dante disappears with nothing but a few possessions and a warning. She never knows what happened to Dante and he never knows what she was forced to do until the END of this book. The miscommunication and the lack of communication is off the charts in this story leading to a brief explanation and summary by books' end which was too little to late. A more developed layered explanation would have been more acceptable instead of this rushed "let's throw everything at the wall" approach so we can end this book.
Sara is a decent character, but I had a difficult time how easily she forgave Dante for how he treated her through most of the book which was really humiliating and disgusting. Some things can't be unseen or forgiven because Sara is so wow'd because the sex is so good or that she has always love you". He definitely needed to grovel more or she needed to cut it off with him completely. It was obvious the author was taking the light Sara's character represented by changing it to the dark that Dante's character represented. She became immune to his darkness, and willing embraced it for herself.
This books' story line didn't flow right and just felt off the entire time I was reading it. Too much drama packed into a story that could have stood on it's own merit, had it not been; so convoluted.
Dante is a very damaged MMC who suffers from PTSD and a hatred that has manifested into an obsession. He was tortured relentlessly by an unknown assailant almost dying more than once but, eventually able to free himself. He believes that Sara, his gf sold him out, BUT has nothing to actually support she did. She is forced to leave the city with her brother when Dante disappears with nothing but a few possessions and a warning. She never knows what happened to Dante and he never knows what she was forced to do until the END of this book. The miscommunication and the lack of communication is off the charts in this story leading to a brief explanation and summary by books' end which was too little to late. A more developed layered explanation would have been more acceptable instead of this rushed "let's throw everything at the wall" approach so we can end this book.
Sara is a decent character, but I had a difficult time how easily she forgave Dante for how he treated her through most of the book which was really humiliating and disgusting. Some things can't be unseen or forgiven because Sara is so wow'd because the sex is so good or that she has always love you". He definitely needed to grovel more or she needed to cut it off with him completely. It was obvious the author was taking the light Sara's character represented by changing it to the dark that Dante's character represented. She became immune to his darkness, and willing embraced it for herself.
This books' story line didn't flow right and just felt off the entire time I was reading it. Too much drama packed into a story that could have stood on it's own merit, had it not been; so convoluted.
August 15, 2026
Psst! Dark romance baddies, Renee Parker just entered the chat room with something Ruthless!
If you love your men dark, broody, sinful, and a little unhinged, allow me to introduce mafioso boss Dante Argento. Five years ago, the ultimate betrayal altered Dante’s DNA, and he wants revenge on the person he holds responsible…Sara Boyd. Hell hath no fury like this delicious man scorned!
Sara always sees the good in people, and she constantly puts everyone else’s happiness and well-being before her own. It’s that compassion and empathy that make her such a phenomenal nurse. Five years ago, the love of her life ghosted her and shattered her heart. Try as she might, Sara has never been able to forget Dante Argento or the pain his actions caused her.
Five years is a long time to yearn for someone, to hate someone, to plot slow, soul-crushing revenge. Dante doesn’t just want to eliminate Sara, he wants to break and destroy her first. Sara just wants to know why Dante humiliated her and used threats to force her and her brother to flee to another state for their safety, She needs closure before she can truly move forward with her life,
Once Dante has Sara trapped in his cage, subjecting her to degradation after degradation, he comes to realize that she still holds his heart in a way no one else ever has. This unspoken admission just makes him more ruthless, but Sara sees cracks in his armor and hopes to reach the man she never stopped loving.
The hate, love, lust, and down n’ dirty kink between Dante and Sara is volcanic this page-turner of a story that’s equally suspenseful. When they figure out they have merely been puppets in a twisted game orchestrated by unseen powerful forces, well let’s just say Sara and Dante don’t believe in taking any prisoners.
Ruthless is the first book in the Mafia Code Series, and I’m definitely waiting with baited breath for book two. È una lettura pazzesca, Renee!! Bravissima!!
If you love your men dark, broody, sinful, and a little unhinged, allow me to introduce mafioso boss Dante Argento. Five years ago, the ultimate betrayal altered Dante’s DNA, and he wants revenge on the person he holds responsible…Sara Boyd. Hell hath no fury like this delicious man scorned!
Sara always sees the good in people, and she constantly puts everyone else’s happiness and well-being before her own. It’s that compassion and empathy that make her such a phenomenal nurse. Five years ago, the love of her life ghosted her and shattered her heart. Try as she might, Sara has never been able to forget Dante Argento or the pain his actions caused her.
Five years is a long time to yearn for someone, to hate someone, to plot slow, soul-crushing revenge. Dante doesn’t just want to eliminate Sara, he wants to break and destroy her first. Sara just wants to know why Dante humiliated her and used threats to force her and her brother to flee to another state for their safety, She needs closure before she can truly move forward with her life,
Once Dante has Sara trapped in his cage, subjecting her to degradation after degradation, he comes to realize that she still holds his heart in a way no one else ever has. This unspoken admission just makes him more ruthless, but Sara sees cracks in his armor and hopes to reach the man she never stopped loving.
The hate, love, lust, and down n’ dirty kink between Dante and Sara is volcanic this page-turner of a story that’s equally suspenseful. When they figure out they have merely been puppets in a twisted game orchestrated by unseen powerful forces, well let’s just say Sara and Dante don’t believe in taking any prisoners.
Ruthless is the first book in the Mafia Code Series, and I’m definitely waiting with baited breath for book two. È una lettura pazzesca, Renee!! Bravissima!!
August 1, 2026
⛓️💥⛓️💥⛓️💥⛓️💥 and 🌶️🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Ruthless is book one for Renee Parker’s next Mafia series! I was super excited to get this book after just having her other series release book 8. While I liked this book I did not die for it like I have her past series. I will for sure keep reading this series because she does not disappoint!
Slower paced (still considered fast paced) than some of her other books. Two day read. The further into the book the more I was enjoying it!
Sara and Dante’s attraction would be a great prequel story! Literally think it would set flames to the book.
Ruthless has bits of Stockholm syndrome from Sara but with a little twist. I just didn’t fully connect with her. Her smartness and cunning attitude peeked out throughout the story. I absolutely loved her need to help people. That spoke volumes on her character!
Oh Dante.. he is hot and does what he wants! My favorite part of his character is his connection with Sara. She helps bring out his emotional side, even through the brooding and mafia business.
I really liked the side character Gregor. I hope he gets a book in this series!
While reading, be prepared for degradation. It is very fitting for the mafia style book in multiple ways.
Tropes:
⛓️💥 Dark Mafia Romance
🌶️ Obsessive MMC
🏥 Wounded Antiheroes
👀 Kidnapping
🤷🏼♀️ Betrayal
💙 Enemies to Lovers
◻️ Morally Grey
♦️High Stakes
⚠️: mafia romance… yeahhh there’s a lot!
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @byreneeparker these opportunities are awesome!
Ruthless is book one for Renee Parker’s next Mafia series! I was super excited to get this book after just having her other series release book 8. While I liked this book I did not die for it like I have her past series. I will for sure keep reading this series because she does not disappoint!
Slower paced (still considered fast paced) than some of her other books. Two day read. The further into the book the more I was enjoying it!
Sara and Dante’s attraction would be a great prequel story! Literally think it would set flames to the book.
Ruthless has bits of Stockholm syndrome from Sara but with a little twist. I just didn’t fully connect with her. Her smartness and cunning attitude peeked out throughout the story. I absolutely loved her need to help people. That spoke volumes on her character!
Oh Dante.. he is hot and does what he wants! My favorite part of his character is his connection with Sara. She helps bring out his emotional side, even through the brooding and mafia business.
I really liked the side character Gregor. I hope he gets a book in this series!
While reading, be prepared for degradation. It is very fitting for the mafia style book in multiple ways.
Tropes:
⛓️💥 Dark Mafia Romance
🌶️ Obsessive MMC
🏥 Wounded Antiheroes
👀 Kidnapping
🤷🏼♀️ Betrayal
💙 Enemies to Lovers
◻️ Morally Grey
♦️High Stakes
⚠️: mafia romance… yeahhh there’s a lot!
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @byreneeparker these opportunities are awesome!
August 16, 2026
This new series is wild! Holy, I had no clue which way was right and which was left. I was flying through pages trying to make sense of it all and trying to predict where the plot was headed. I could not put this down. I absolutely love Renee Parker's books.
Sara is a gentle, kind-hearted nurse and Dante is a dangerous, scarred mafia man determined to get his revenge on her because she betrayed him. This entire plot is so intrinsically woven that I am just amazed. Dante starts to doubt that Sara ever betrayed him but that also means he will have to face the consequences of explaining all of his actions to her when he never shared his true reasoning in the first place. On top of that, he also has to find the mole within his crew and fulfill his approved quest from the Council to kill Sara. Talk about whiplash!! The only reason I have 4 stars vs 5 was because of the pacing. There were a few parts that I just skimmed through because it was a slower section and the details were too much. I didn't miss out on anything by skimming through those parts though. I felt that I still had a very clear picture of everything going on and I didn't get confused or lost.
You could not have pried me from this book if you wanted to. I loved the plot, loved the twist, and LOVED the character building! The changes, growth, and renewment that happens to Sara and Dante (Sara's being my favorite) was chef's kiss! I just can't say enough for how much I enjoyed this book. I can't wait to be able to read the next one!
Thank you to Rose Harbor Publishing and Renee Parker for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC!
Sara is a gentle, kind-hearted nurse and Dante is a dangerous, scarred mafia man determined to get his revenge on her because she betrayed him. This entire plot is so intrinsically woven that I am just amazed. Dante starts to doubt that Sara ever betrayed him but that also means he will have to face the consequences of explaining all of his actions to her when he never shared his true reasoning in the first place. On top of that, he also has to find the mole within his crew and fulfill his approved quest from the Council to kill Sara. Talk about whiplash!! The only reason I have 4 stars vs 5 was because of the pacing. There were a few parts that I just skimmed through because it was a slower section and the details were too much. I didn't miss out on anything by skimming through those parts though. I felt that I still had a very clear picture of everything going on and I didn't get confused or lost.
You could not have pried me from this book if you wanted to. I loved the plot, loved the twist, and LOVED the character building! The changes, growth, and renewment that happens to Sara and Dante (Sara's being my favorite) was chef's kiss! I just can't say enough for how much I enjoyed this book. I can't wait to be able to read the next one!
Thank you to Rose Harbor Publishing and Renee Parker for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC!
July 27, 2026
📚🖤 BOOK REVIEW 🖤📚
Ruthless by Renee Parker (Book 1 – Mafia Code Series)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t put it down and flew through it because I had to know what happened next.
We follow Dante and Sara. Dante, our hot-as-sin mafia MMC, is set on revenge against Sara, our sweet, compassionate nurse FMC. What unfolds is a heartbreaking case of miscommunication, where both are manipulated into believing the other betrayed them. The tragedy? Before the lies and betrayal, they were deeply in love.
Renee Parker has delivered another addictive mafia romance, proving once again why she’s one of my all-time favorite mafia authors. The angst, the chemistry, and the twists had me completely hooked.
🖤 Tropes:
⚔️ Revenge
🔒 Forced Captivity
❤️ Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🕯️ Secret Society
☠️ Touch Her and Die
📅 Release Date: 31 July
Trust me… this is one of those books where you’ll tell yourself, “Just one more chapter…” and suddenly it’s midnight (or later! 😅).
Happy reading, my mafia girlies! 🖤
Ruthless by Renee Parker (Book 1 – Mafia Code Series)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t put it down and flew through it because I had to know what happened next.
We follow Dante and Sara. Dante, our hot-as-sin mafia MMC, is set on revenge against Sara, our sweet, compassionate nurse FMC. What unfolds is a heartbreaking case of miscommunication, where both are manipulated into believing the other betrayed them. The tragedy? Before the lies and betrayal, they were deeply in love.
Renee Parker has delivered another addictive mafia romance, proving once again why she’s one of my all-time favorite mafia authors. The angst, the chemistry, and the twists had me completely hooked.
🖤 Tropes:
⚔️ Revenge
🔒 Forced Captivity
❤️ Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🕯️ Secret Society
☠️ Touch Her and Die
📅 Release Date: 31 July
Trust me… this is one of those books where you’ll tell yourself, “Just one more chapter…” and suddenly it’s midnight (or later! 😅).
Happy reading, my mafia girlies! 🖤
August 17, 2026
Ruthless is the first book in the Mafia Code Series. Dante Argento was betrayed five years ago and tortured. He believes it was his ex girlfriend Sara, whom he loved very deeply set him up. All this time he has been plotting his revenge. The moment he had his sights on Sara, he doesn’t waste any more time and takes her. He wants her to feel everything he suffered during captivity. However, Sara doesn’t know what happened to Dante. She thinks he lied and left her. She doesn’t know why he’s so angry at her. In order to find out the truth, she tolerates his cruelty, his humiliation and his mistreatment. Both have been manipulated and lied to and neither backs down from what they believe. The chemistry is still there so their walls slowly come down. What will happen when the truth comes out? Will she forgive him or will she walk laway for good?? This was a deeply emotional roller coaster. It was filled with drama, humor, danger, heat, secret, humor, chemistry, heartbreak, and insane twists. I cannot wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
ARC Review, thx Renee Parker
*Ruthless* is the new series by Renee Parker; I initially struggled to immerse myself in the complex structure of the mysterious Council, but the more you read, the deeper you are drawn into the unfolding events.
It differs from the previous series—offering more suspense, secrets, and complications—but that is precisely what makes the reading experience so exhilarating.
Even though I intuitively guessed who the traitor was, it in no way diminished the thrill. The relationship between Dante and Sara is a rollercoaster ride, charged with emotions ranging from hatred and mistrust to love. Personally, I would have liked to see Dante grovel a bit more after all the humiliation and degradation he put her through, and I also would have liked Pistol to have a stronger presence. Still, the storyline is excellent. I’m looking forward to Marco and Bianca’s story.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
*Ruthless* is the new series by Renee Parker; I initially struggled to immerse myself in the complex structure of the mysterious Council, but the more you read, the deeper you are drawn into the unfolding events.
It differs from the previous series—offering more suspense, secrets, and complications—but that is precisely what makes the reading experience so exhilarating.
Even though I intuitively guessed who the traitor was, it in no way diminished the thrill. The relationship between Dante and Sara is a rollercoaster ride, charged with emotions ranging from hatred and mistrust to love. Personally, I would have liked to see Dante grovel a bit more after all the humiliation and degradation he put her through, and I also would have liked Pistol to have a stronger presence. Still, the storyline is excellent. I’m looking forward to Marco and Bianca’s story.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
July 31, 2026
*ARC REVIEW
So excited to read Renee Parker’s newest mafia series, The Mafia Code! Renee is one of the talented new mafia romance authors I recently discovered, and I enjoyed her previous series, Irish Kings, SO much! Thank you for the ARC copy!!!! 🥺🖤
BTW, I think this book (or should I say this series?) is definitely darker and heavier in plot compared to Irish Kings, and I really enjoyed the storyline in this book! We have the captive and second-chance romance tropes (?) and SO much suspense throughout the book—WOW, I literally couldn’t stop reading!
I also love how Renee portrayed the betrayal and revenge plot and showed us how deeply they loved each other before everything fell apart… 🥺💔 I also loved seeing how they continued to stand by each other despite all the complicated problems they faced!
And I already have HIGH expectations for the second book! What do you mean we’re getting Marco & Bianca next???? I REALLY want to read their story!! 😭🔥
So excited to read Renee Parker’s newest mafia series, The Mafia Code! Renee is one of the talented new mafia romance authors I recently discovered, and I enjoyed her previous series, Irish Kings, SO much! Thank you for the ARC copy!!!! 🥺🖤
BTW, I think this book (or should I say this series?) is definitely darker and heavier in plot compared to Irish Kings, and I really enjoyed the storyline in this book! We have the captive and second-chance romance tropes (?) and SO much suspense throughout the book—WOW, I literally couldn’t stop reading!
I also love how Renee portrayed the betrayal and revenge plot and showed us how deeply they loved each other before everything fell apart… 🥺💔 I also loved seeing how they continued to stand by each other despite all the complicated problems they faced!
And I already have HIGH expectations for the second book! What do you mean we’re getting Marco & Bianca next???? I REALLY want to read their story!! 😭🔥
August 8, 2026
An apropos title - Ruthless
Ok so…let’s just say I had to suspend reality a bit more than normal to accept this story. There was a lot going on aside from the “she’s mine” no one else can have her thing. Dante is like nearly pure evil at the beginning…yes he’s tortured from being tortured and feels betrayed but geez!
Sara for her part manages to keep her sunshine throughout although I personally would have had a more difficult time with “accepting” Dante after all the legit crap he did once he kidnapped her.
That being said. It was enjoyable and a quick read. There was an opportunity to clean up this while council & code thing - so it’s more clear they will be the ultimate evilness for this series. For a while I kinda just ignored their presence as a nuisance.
Anyways. I am sure Marco’s book will be entertaining as he is quite the character. Not sure where else the series will go, but I’ll keep it on my list for a rainy day.
Ok so…let’s just say I had to suspend reality a bit more than normal to accept this story. There was a lot going on aside from the “she’s mine” no one else can have her thing. Dante is like nearly pure evil at the beginning…yes he’s tortured from being tortured and feels betrayed but geez!
Sara for her part manages to keep her sunshine throughout although I personally would have had a more difficult time with “accepting” Dante after all the legit crap he did once he kidnapped her.
That being said. It was enjoyable and a quick read. There was an opportunity to clean up this while council & code thing - so it’s more clear they will be the ultimate evilness for this series. For a while I kinda just ignored their presence as a nuisance.
Anyways. I am sure Marco’s book will be entertaining as he is quite the character. Not sure where else the series will go, but I’ll keep it on my list for a rainy day.
July 27, 2026
ARC Review: Ruthless
✍️ @byreneeparker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📕 Releasing July 31st!!
Ruthless had me hooked with its addictive mix of mafia drama, revenge, and secret society intrigue. I loved the enemies-to-lovers tension, the found family dynamics, and a heroine who refused to back down. Watching the FMC finally challenge the MMC made their chemistry even better, and the “touch her and die” moments were exactly what I wanted. If you love morally gray characters, high stakes, and a romance packed with tension and vengeance, this one is worth picking up.
If you like:
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Mafia Romance
• Secret Society
• Found Family
• Touch Her & Die
• Revenge Plot
• Strong FMC
• Morally Gray MMC
• Slow Burn
• Forced Proximity
Then this one is for you.
#arcreader #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #bookstagram
✍️ @byreneeparker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📕 Releasing July 31st!!
Ruthless had me hooked with its addictive mix of mafia drama, revenge, and secret society intrigue. I loved the enemies-to-lovers tension, the found family dynamics, and a heroine who refused to back down. Watching the FMC finally challenge the MMC made their chemistry even better, and the “touch her and die” moments were exactly what I wanted. If you love morally gray characters, high stakes, and a romance packed with tension and vengeance, this one is worth picking up.
If you like:
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Mafia Romance
• Secret Society
• Found Family
• Touch Her & Die
• Revenge Plot
• Strong FMC
• Morally Gray MMC
• Slow Burn
• Forced Proximity
Then this one is for you.
#arcreader #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #bookstagram
July 31, 2026
Omg the title says it all!
This is probably the darkest of Renee’s books I’ve read and I devoured it.
The thing I love about mafia romance is that these guys are just absolutely unhinged at times but they fall the hardest. And once they realize the what they are truly feeling, they will burn the world down to protect the FMC.
This one was about revenge and Dante tried his hardest to put Sara through it. They each thought the other had left and betrayed them which was the downfall of their relationship. Sara didn’t understand Dante’s treatment of her.
This had so much emotion, passion and heartache. The things Dante did to break Sara were terrible. But him realizing what his feelings really were for her and him doing everything to get her back made my heart flutter.
I am so excited to see where this series goes!
This is probably the darkest of Renee’s books I’ve read and I devoured it.
The thing I love about mafia romance is that these guys are just absolutely unhinged at times but they fall the hardest. And once they realize the what they are truly feeling, they will burn the world down to protect the FMC.
This one was about revenge and Dante tried his hardest to put Sara through it. They each thought the other had left and betrayed them which was the downfall of their relationship. Sara didn’t understand Dante’s treatment of her.
This had so much emotion, passion and heartache. The things Dante did to break Sara were terrible. But him realizing what his feelings really were for her and him doing everything to get her back made my heart flutter.
I am so excited to see where this series goes!
August 3, 2026
ARC: 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗗 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗬! 🚨Words can’t even describe how freaking good book one is. 🔥 Just like the ‘ℐ𝓇𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈‘ series, I could not stop reading.
𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐: is the perfect dark mafia man—sinful, unhinged, and like all the best mafia men… possessive as fck. 😮💨
𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒅: is compassionate, selfless, and always putting everyone else’s happiness before her own. It’s exactly what makes her such an incredible nurse… and exactly what makes your heart ache for her.
But this isn’t your typical fall-in-love story. Five years ago, Sara betrayed Dante… or at least that’s what he believes.
The tension? Insane. The emotions? Brutal. Every revelation had me questioning everything, and every chapter had me saying, “𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.” Before I knew it, I was completely obsessed. 😍
Renee absolutely delivered with this one, and if book one is this good… I am so not ready for what’s coming next. 🖤📖
𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐: is the perfect dark mafia man—sinful, unhinged, and like all the best mafia men… possessive as fck. 😮💨
𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒅: is compassionate, selfless, and always putting everyone else’s happiness before her own. It’s exactly what makes her such an incredible nurse… and exactly what makes your heart ache for her.
But this isn’t your typical fall-in-love story. Five years ago, Sara betrayed Dante… or at least that’s what he believes.
The tension? Insane. The emotions? Brutal. Every revelation had me questioning everything, and every chapter had me saying, “𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.” Before I knew it, I was completely obsessed. 😍
Renee absolutely delivered with this one, and if book one is this good… I am so not ready for what’s coming next. 🖤📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dante and Sara used to be together, but certain circumstances tore them apart. Now, Dante hates Sara, while Sara is deeply hurt by him. In his quest for revenge, Dante captures and hurts Sara, believing she is responsible for everything. But as the story unfolds, the misunderstandings are cleared.
This is a story where love triumphs over revenge. It shows that forgiveness is the key to peace and that trust is the foundation of any relationship.
Dante is deeply hurt and seeks revenge, believing it will bring him peace. Sara is equally devastated but never stops loving Dante.
The secrets, plot twists, and mystery keep you hooked until the very end.
Overall it was an interesting read!
Thank you author for the ARC!
This is a story where love triumphs over revenge. It shows that forgiveness is the key to peace and that trust is the foundation of any relationship.
Dante is deeply hurt and seeks revenge, believing it will bring him peace. Sara is equally devastated but never stops loving Dante.
The secrets, plot twists, and mystery keep you hooked until the very end.
Overall it was an interesting read!
Thank you author for the ARC!
July 31, 2026
I enjoyed this one! Dante and Sara had great chemistry, and I liked them both from the start. Dante is exactly the kind of ruthless mafia MMC I like, but I also liked seeing the softer side that only Sara got to see. There was a good mix of tension, action, and spice, so I never felt like the story dragged. The twists kept me interested as I read through it.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a 5 star read for me was that there were a couple of moments that felt a little predictable, and I would’ve liked a bit more depth in a few parts of the story. Even so, it was still a really entertaining mafia romance with plenty of suspense and steam, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a 5 star read for me was that there were a couple of moments that felt a little predictable, and I would’ve liked a bit more depth in a few parts of the story. Even so, it was still a really entertaining mafia romance with plenty of suspense and steam, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
August 2, 2026
Ruthless is the first story in The Mafia Code series. It is well-written and very suspenseful. A great way to begin a new series.
Sara and Dante were once in love. She now works as a nurse and he is a mafia boss. He hates her and wants his revenge against her because he thinks she is behind everything that has happened to him. He decides to capture and hurt her. When everything comes out it turns out there was a huge miscommunication between them. Will they be able to come out of this and not be enemies?
Tropes:
Dark romance
Revenge
Enemies
Kidnap
Misunderstanding
Second Chance
I loved how this was so different than previous stories from this author. I look forward to more in this series.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
Sara and Dante were once in love. She now works as a nurse and he is a mafia boss. He hates her and wants his revenge against her because he thinks she is behind everything that has happened to him. He decides to capture and hurt her. When everything comes out it turns out there was a huge miscommunication between them. Will they be able to come out of this and not be enemies?
Tropes:
Dark romance
Revenge
Enemies
Kidnap
Misunderstanding
Second Chance
I loved how this was so different than previous stories from this author. I look forward to more in this series.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
August 2, 2026
This book starts out strong, but then it drags on. It's not bad, but I feel like a lot of chapters could've been cut for a better story.
Dante, the MMC, has been planning revenge on Sara, the FMC, for five years because of her "betrayal." However, when he finally captures her, it takes nearly until the end of the book for them to discuss what happened on that night five years ago. The miscommunication trope is ridiculous.
There is a mole within Dante's organization. If you're a smart reader, you'll figure out who it is straightaway.
The book gets good towards the end - the Council are interesting villains - and it does end on a cliffhanger, but it's more to set up the next book which has Marco, Dante's brother, as the lead character.
Dante, the MMC, has been planning revenge on Sara, the FMC, for five years because of her "betrayal." However, when he finally captures her, it takes nearly until the end of the book for them to discuss what happened on that night five years ago. The miscommunication trope is ridiculous.
There is a mole within Dante's organization. If you're a smart reader, you'll figure out who it is straightaway.
The book gets good towards the end - the Council are interesting villains - and it does end on a cliffhanger, but it's more to set up the next book which has Marco, Dante's brother, as the lead character.
July 29, 2026
What an amazing start to this new mafia series! This book has trauma, revenge, second chances, and so much more. Dante's story was heartbreaking, and what Sara went through was almost unforgivable.
There was so much tension throughout the book, not just between the MCs but within the plot itself. The suspense kept me hooked the whole time.
This is definitely one of the heavier books I've read from this Renee Parker. She usually has me chuckling, but I wasn't complaining about the darker tone at all. It made the story hit even harder. It was such a strong start to the series, and now I can't wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy.
There was so much tension throughout the book, not just between the MCs but within the plot itself. The suspense kept me hooked the whole time.
This is definitely one of the heavier books I've read from this Renee Parker. She usually has me chuckling, but I wasn't complaining about the darker tone at all. It made the story hit even harder. It was such a strong start to the series, and now I can't wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy.
July 31, 2026
3.75⭐️ Forbidden is a second chance at love story. Dante and Sara were together years prior but were torn apart through no fault of their own. They each endured traumas and managed to find their way back to each other. Now, I love a good second chance story but it took awhile to get to the meat of the story. I guess the author was trying to build up suspense. I kept waiting for a clue on what was really going on but every time I thought I’d figured it out, something else happens and I’m confused again. This was a good story and hopefully things will make more sense as the series progresses. Will I continue on with the next book, absolutely.
July 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this story, and I felt like the author took this series in a different direction than most mafia romance. The world she’s building is different and I am really enjoying it. I liked the way the female main character changed over the course of the book and how she grew into a much stronger person than she was the second chance romance was really great there was a couple of things I think about the main character’s personalities at it. Frustrated me at times overall, I really enjoyed reading it quick easy good spice.
July 31, 2026
I was eager and happy to be chosen to read this ARC of The Mafia Code: 1. Ruthless, the first book in Renee Parker’s new mafia series.
I really loved this book. I enjoyed watching the FMC grow stronger, as I love powerful female leads. In the beginning, I had some trouble getting into the story due to the intricate structure of the mysterious Council. I also enjoy it when MMCs grovel, so I would have loved to see a bit more of that here.
Renee Parker has delivered another mafia romance that is both obsessive and full of emotion. I am eagerly waiting for book two!
I really loved this book. I enjoyed watching the FMC grow stronger, as I love powerful female leads. In the beginning, I had some trouble getting into the story due to the intricate structure of the mysterious Council. I also enjoy it when MMCs grovel, so I would have loved to see a bit more of that here.
Renee Parker has delivered another mafia romance that is both obsessive and full of emotion. I am eagerly waiting for book two!
July 31, 2026
Entertaining at first but dragged on a bit, unfortunately.
Interesting story line with The Council, almost hoped for a John Wick style underworld but I just couldn’t get past the miscommunication trope!! Like what do you mean you have been planning revenge for 5years but refuse to actually ask her if she did betray you or not! And she just forgives him… nope!
With that said, Bianca and Marco sound like they could be a fun couple in Book 2 so will continue the series.
Gregor or Luca deserve a book of their own too!
Interesting story line with The Council, almost hoped for a John Wick style underworld but I just couldn’t get past the miscommunication trope!! Like what do you mean you have been planning revenge for 5years but refuse to actually ask her if she did betray you or not! And she just forgives him… nope!
With that said, Bianca and Marco sound like they could be a fun couple in Book 2 so will continue the series.
Gregor or Luca deserve a book of their own too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2026
Ruthless was a great 5 star read for me. The two main characters Dante and Sara are perfect. I thought Dante was a bit harsh in his actions. Both of these characters were heartbroken when they ended. Neither of them know the truth. Dante is set of revenge against Sara which she may not deserve.
There is a lot of emotion and depth to this book and I’m here for it all. Will Dante and Sara find out the truth about why their relationship ended years ago?
Can these two find forgiveness to try again?
Cannot wait for more!
There is a lot of emotion and depth to this book and I’m here for it all. Will Dante and Sara find out the truth about why their relationship ended years ago?
Can these two find forgiveness to try again?
Cannot wait for more!
August 13, 2026
This book had me hooked from the very beginning!! Dante and Sara were everything!! Dante is ruthless ad he ends up capturing Sara , Dante ends up hunting hurt her due to hating her. Sara is hurt by Dante but once the misunderstanding is out of the way there chemistry is undeniable. You can definitely feel the raw emotions in this book. This book was beautifully done. If you’re looking for a dark romance that has revenge, kidnapping, and force proximity. Then this book is for you, you will not be disappointed. Thank you.Renee for letting me b part of the arc team.
August 14, 2026
Gripping read from the start. Dante and Sara shared a true love but 5 years ago on the same night dark forces changed their lives. Sara was told Dante was engaged to someone else and threatened with a gun to leave town with her brother and not return. Dante was held in captivity beaten and tortured until he managed to escape. Now he’s out for revenge and believes Sara is one of them who set him up. Will he get his questions answered? This book is about betrayal love hurt and finding out who has been truly on your side all along Excellent start to a new series
August 15, 2026
Thank you to Renee Parker for letting me read this ARC! ❤️Ruthless had the kind of tension and drama that made it really hard to put down. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and there were definitely moments where I was sitting there like, “oh, they really just did that?” 😂
The characters had me feeling all kinds of things, and I liked how the story kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Definitely a fun read if you’re into romance with a little bit of chaos and intensity.
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
The characters had me feeling all kinds of things, and I liked how the story kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Definitely a fun read if you’re into romance with a little bit of chaos and intensity.
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
August 17, 2026
Dante and Sara were everything! They had a love that was so deep and consuming til one night, Dante never showed up for a date. 5 years later-Sara gets kidnapped by the same man that had her heart and broke it. He just wants revenge on why he went missing that night. Til he realizes-questions need to be answered and his love for her is so strong, hes not sure of revenge.
This book had you tied til it was done. I couldn't put it down, it consumed me! I finished it in a day. The writing is amazing! I absolutely adored Dante and Saras story.
This book had you tied til it was done. I couldn't put it down, it consumed me! I finished it in a day. The writing is amazing! I absolutely adored Dante and Saras story.
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