The Hidden Heir: An Age Gap, Bratva Romance

by Kai Lesy

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Dark

372 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2026

About the author

International Bestselling Romance Author.
Amazon US Top 30 Author.

Kai Lesy thrives on abundance SO naturally menage and reverse harems with a multiple over-the-top alphas is her jam.

Outside of writing her next masterpiece, Kai loves baking an obnoxious amount of cookies, playing with her French bull dog, Hugo, and writing about herself in the third person - because it feels fancy.

All books FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Lucky Lady Reverse Harem Series
1. Single Mom's SEALs
2. Tapped Out Single Mom
3. Three Daddies Under the Mistletoe
4. Christmas with my Best Friend's Brothers
5. Cowboy Daddies
6. Christmas with my Three Best Friends
7. Playing Pretend with my Brother's Best Friends
8. SEAL'd with a Kiss
9. Snow and the Seven Protectors
10. Her Royal Treatmen

Her Glow Up Reverse Harem Series
1. Single Mom's Glow Up
2. Single Mom's Sparkle
3. Baby Makes Seven

Over the Top Galactic Protectors SciFi Series
1. Claimed by Brothers
2. Barbarian Daddies
3. Twins for the Barbarians
4. Triplets for the Barbarians

Dirty Daddies Series
1. Savage Protector
2. Quadruple Daddy
3. Protecting the Nanny

Reviews

[Mary Paclibar]

Needs Credibility


I’m finding it hard to believe this story. There are so many inconsistencies. From the start, it feels impossible. The female lead, who grew up in a crime family, believes she can just disappear and be safe? And yet, she keeps trying to be free, knowing she’s in danger because she has no support. There’s just her and her two-year-old son, with no support, surrounded by enemies, and she’s not a superpower. She has no resources, and she thinks she can just live freely. The confrontations and fights are filled with gaps. It doesn’t make sense. When you read an action or espionage book, you can clearly picture what happens in your mind by reading the descriptive words of the author, but in this case, it’s all generalized. One moment, they’re all surrounded by enemies. The next, soldiers just barge in and the situation is reversed. You don’t know who hit who. You don’t know how A person got shot. There’s missing information on who shot who, why, and how they even learned that they needed to rescue them in this house. How did they learn that both the female and the male lead were kidnapped? There’s no information on those, but suddenly they were rescued out of the blue. I wish the author had spent more time cleaning up the story and making sure that the parts where the fights, the gunfights occur, are more descriptive so we can picture it in our minds. We’re not left to plug the holes with our own theory; we don’t have to assume what happened. There’s no time to develop the characters, so I don’t understand how one moment they were strangers, suddenly they were lovers just like that. They don’t even know each other. Then out of the blue, they’re in love. They didn’t even have time to be in the same room together, barely, in the whole book. Suddenly, they are in love. It’s crazy.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

𝗥͟𝘂͟𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗹͟𝗲͟𝘀͟𝘀͟ 𝗕͟𝗿͟𝗮͟𝘁͟𝘃͟𝗮͟ 𝗗͟𝗮͟𝗱͟𝗱͟𝗶͟𝗲͟𝘀͟ 𝗦͟𝗲͟𝗿͟𝗶͟𝗲͟𝘀͟ :͟
✅ 1. Savage King (2026) - 3 ⭐⭐⭐ read March 18, 2026
𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐖 and 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐇 "𝗟𝗘𝗔" 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦
✅ 2. The Better Brother (2026) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐- read May 08, 2026
𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗩𝗘𝗜 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗞𝗢𝗩 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗬𝗔 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄
✅ 3. Savage Boss (June 1, 2026) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐀
✅ 4. The Hidden Heir (August 17, 2026) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈 "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀

His brother betrayed me.
Then died without ever meeting his son.
Luca Moretti, the Devil of Chicago,
has come to claim the last Moretti heir.
My child.
I expect a bullet.
Instead, he forces a diamond on my finger.
Then moves my son and me into his lakefront mansion.
His rules. No way out.
So I swear I’ll make his life a living hell.
Starting with being the worst mafia wife Chicago has ever seen.
But Luca isn’t what I expected…
He guards my son like his own.
Silences anyone who dares look at me wrong.
And looks at my curves like they were made for him.
He doesn’t just want a wife in name…
He wants every damn inch of me.
Till death due us part.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX9NQFJ5?...

𝗦͟𝗼͟𝗺͟𝗲͟𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗶͟𝗻͟𝗴͟ 𝘁͟𝗼͟ 𝗟͟𝗶͟𝘀͟𝘁͟𝗲͟𝗻͟ 𝘁͟𝗼͟ 𝗪͟𝗵͟𝗶͟𝗹͟𝗲͟ 𝗥͟𝗲͟𝗮͟𝗱͟𝗶͟𝗻͟𝗴͟ :͟🎶🎧👩📚☕🍷🧁🍫
https://youtu.be/M74bsKYSzeI?si=jr674...

[Kaylene Bliss]

4.5

I loved this! The Hidden Heir is one of those romances with a bit more plot than spice but the spice is nice lol. The plot is crazy though! I kept switching my theories back and forth through the whole thing. I still had to have the motive spelled out to me during the bad guy speech! Nicely done! I love Luca, no notes there. Valentina irritated me a bit with her urge to run, like you know you're safer there! But I ultimately like her. Victor is one of my favorites though, I must say!

[Meep]

Makes zero sense.

She's hidding from her father's crime dynasty and her ex's brothers crime family. Then she's marrying the ex's brother unwilling, but getting off in the shower thinking about him.

[Ash Dawson]

I skimmed sections of this book because it felt like it didn’t benefit the story

[Karishma Aggarwal]

New author new series
Started strong, decent storyline but not appealing. It lacks lustre. Maybe a strong editor
Not sure about the series.

[Nicole]

The Hidden Heir is the fourth book in the Ruthless Bratva Daddies Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a satisfying happily-ever-after. Luca Moretti forces a single mother into marriage to claim his late brother's son, move them into his mansion where possessive protection turned into dangerous obsession. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes that will draw you into the pages. A fast paced, dark, and twisted read. Compelling. Irresistible. Captivating. Dangerous. Decadent. Sinful. Dirty.
A brilliantly crafted story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the audience attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and turning the pages with these two unlikely individuals. This is Luca and Valentina story which is told from a dual point of view. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing story filled with non-stop twists and turns, panty-melting passion, high-octane adventures, heart-stopping emotions, pulse-pounding drama and suspense.
For readers who love: Forced marriage to her ex's older brother, who came for her son and claimed her instead. A curvy single mother locked in the Devil's lakefront mansion. A secret heir, a dangerously possessive alpha who protects what's his at ant cost. A silver-fox mafia king who falls first, worships her curves, and enforces touch-her-and-die at any cost. Explosive betrayal from inside the bloodline, and twists no one sees coming. And a husband who doesn’t believe in divorce.
A single mother romance, touch-her-and-die romance, romantic suspense story, curvy girl romance, polar opposite attracts story, aged gap trope story, taboo romance, Ex'brother romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, morally-grey antihero romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, insta-everything romance, he-falls-first-and-harder romance, romantic Bratva romance, off-limits romance, organize crime thriller story, forced marriage romance, action and adventure romance, contemporary romance, forced proximity romance with revenge, retaliation, danger, power and control, fear, obsession, possessiveness, power play, lies, tension, angst, push and pull, family, love, consensual intense rough sex, acceptance, dominance, submission, captor-captive romance, revelations, survival, resilience, violence, mention of murder, bloodshed, pawn, kidnapping, mystery, captivity, legacy, hidden agendas, treachery, backstabbing, double-cross, rivalry, deep dark secrets and love.
Valentina has a rough upbringing losing her dad then her mom meets her step-father whose a part of the mob. But he ended up killing her mother. Her step-sister Caroline had never been a fan from the moment she came into their lives. Valentina grown up in the the mob but she doesn't want any part of the life. She was dating Stefano Moretti from the Moretti family, but he wasn't honest with her. She left him carrying his child unbeknowing to him. He was killed before he learned of his son's existence. Val took off to raise her son Michael away from the mob life and from her step-father before he weaponize her son for his own agenda. Since Stefano were no longer a shield for her or his child.
However, she wasn't counting on his brother Luca Petrucci come knocking at her door. Luca Petrucci, the Devil of Chicago. He's the Don of the Petrucci family. He has come to claim the last Petrucci heir Valentina's child. Luca's only plans was supposed to his nephew so that he can carry on the family's bloodline. He wasn't expecting the feelings that came over him when he saw Valentina, he was immediately drawn to her. And he wanted to claim her and his nephew for himself and Luca alway gets what he wants. Valentina expected a bullet in her but instead he kidnapped her with her child then moves them into his lakefront mansion. His rules. No way out. The monster who comes to put her underground forces her to become his wife instead in order to protect her from her father. She swear that she'll make his life a living hell starting with being the worst mafia wife that Chicago has ever seen.
However, Luca wasn't what she expected. He guards her son like his own, and silence anyone who dares to look at her wrong. And anyone who looks at her curves like they were made for him. Luca doesn't believe in happily-ever-afters. He believes in ti death for us part. Apparently, he takes the death part seriously. However, although Valentina grew up in the mafia world she fought Luca every step of the way endangering herself because she wants to be free. As Luca and Valentina gets closer there's a traitor in his mist who's carrying back information to her family. And when they gets abducted his soldiers will do anything to get back their Don. Her sister Caroline is very treacherous and doesn't want to see her happiness. But these two will fight hard to get their HEA.

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

[Colleen Dunn]

Entertaining Read

I enjoyed this book. I started the series out of order, so this was different, because it focuses on the Italian Mafia. Luca is hot. I hope authors understand how important covers are for enticing and attracting a new reader. I added this to my list first but explored the other books in the series because of the storylines. I wish there was a picture of Valentina.

I liked that Luca may have questioned his feelings at first because it was new to him but then started to open up to them. It wasn’t dragged out like in some books. As a “ruthless” leader, he seemed fair and reasonable about the actions that he took to protect his family. He understood he was human and not an indestructible mafia don; he admitted his mistakes. It made it easy to want a HEA for a Mafia leader, if that makes sense. There was a good balance of incorporating Mikey, his nephew, without it overtaking the story which some books tend to do.

Valentina, the FMC had sass but she was annoying at times. This series seems more plot-mystery-based and works better when the main characters are on the same page. The resistance to her relationship with Luca was understandable initially but got ridiculous after intense situations started happening. Valentina thinking she could escape the mob was annoying especially after she was shown she couldn’t.

The spice was good at first but then became a little like copy/cut/paste. The same scene just in a different order. It is nice to know he knows what he is doing but also you kind of want to know she does too. The romance was pretty decent on Luca’s end, I don’t think he could have done more. Valentina, ultimately steps up into her role as his partner, facing who he is.

The one thing I do like about this author is that the FMC is curvy. I do not like that she is made fun of or has to get over people being rude about her appearance. The MMC is always the only one to appreciate her physical beauty. I think this is an unnecessary repetitive theme in this author's books. Women can be beautiful in many different forms. Valentina is beautiful and she is curvy and soft, should be celebrated. I don’t think it should be just by the MMC.

I was a little on edge with the mystery of the plot & a little surprised by the villains. I wish that the characters had realized that the villain had the same resources as they did, lol but then I guess there wouldn’t have been a story. I liked the ending and Luca/Valentina are a great couple.

[Carolyn Williams]

***SPOILERSSSSS****



I loved this plot wholeheartedly and, without a doubt, would read it again! The character development was really good—maybe a little slower than I would’ve liked, but they definitely got there eventually.

Luca is honestly my favorite. 🥹 He had so much internal stuff to work through before he could truly understand Valentina, and I really enjoyed watching that progression. That being said, I also felt like Valentina struggled to understand him and, honestly, her situation as a whole. I completely understand that no one wants to be kidnapped (obviously 😭), but constantly trying to run back to the normal life she had before just didn’t feel realistic to me. Especially after she was already out once and almost got taken again, I feel like that should’ve been the moment where she realized that going back to her old life simply wasn’t an option anymore.

My biggest issue, though, was Caroline. HOW did nobody realize it was her?! 😭 Somehow everything would happen around her or get figured out around her, even when she was being all helpful and supposedly trying to mend fences. And the body-shaming disguised as “compliments”?? Girl… 🚩 That alone should’ve made somebody a little suspicious because there were definitely some red flags there.

BUT overall, I genuinely loved this book. The plot had me invested, the characters grew on me, and Luca completely stole the show for me. My only real complaint is that I wish we got to experience more of the love after all the stress and chaos. After everything these two went through, I wanted MORE of them actually getting to enjoy each other and their relationship. 😭

Still, I absolutely enjoyed the ride and would 100% read it again. ❤️.

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

[Laura Sargent]

The Hidden Heir starts at full speed and does not slow down until the end. Mafia romance that will have you in the edge of your seat trying to guess where all the issues are coming from!

Luca has come to claim the last heir in the Petrucci family even if that means that he will kill his nephew’s mom to continue the family line. When Luca sees Valentina for the first time he is shocked at how he responds to her beauty and body. Luca is an amazing man and he will do anything to protect his family from harm!

Valentina’s father is dead and her mother was killed by her step father and her stepsister has never been her biggest fan. She realizes that she was played by Stefano Petrucci and impregnated that she has to go into hiding before her stepfather tries to take her son to use to his advantage.

Luca takes Valentina and her son Michael as his prisoners knowing that it is the only way to keep her safe from her stepfather’s clutches. Luca decides that the best way to protect his nephew Michael is to marry Valentina and have her become his wife. This means that Luca has to break his engagement agreement with her stepsister Caroline. Caroline takes the broken arrangement better than she should.

Caroline and Luca want peace between the two warring families.

Will Luca and Valentina be able to stand each other and reach their happily ever after or will Valentina be able to escape with Michael and safe him from the mafia life?

Jump in the for the next great book from Kai Lesy! I received an advanced reader copy of this book for a honest review!

[Pam Evans]

Was ok

Action ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Believable storyline & overall plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertainment 🌟🌟🌟
Spicy 🌶️ 🌶️
Triggers 🚩
Writing style & written format ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall a solid 3/5

Note the lower the 🚩 the better, meaning not many triggers & defines it as a romantic read not dark romance.🥰

No noted continuity issues, I did spot a few editing mistakes (for example: in one spot Luca leaves Valentina with Luca — should be her son Mikey). The premise of the story was fine, but it was predictable. I knew all the “bad” players and who the actual mastermind was. I also knew who all the “traitors” of the story were. I would’ve said this is 3.5-4 stars, but three things held me back:

*Some spoilers ahead


1) “Ruthless Bratva Daddies” is inaccurate this book was Italian/Sicilian Mafia not a “Bratva” book at all.

2) The ending resolution was total lack luster and made no sense in the scheme of things — the actual mastermind is still allowed to live? Weird and absurd.

3) Why does every writer feel the need to make the person who’s gone crazy or is unhinged be a female. Men can be equally crazy and once I’d like to see that.

Like I said it was ok, just predictable I literally picked every bad person from the beginning of their character being introduced and knew who the mastermind was immediately the clues were so blatant. That was ok, but made me almost DNF because if I could figure it out by chapter 3, then it makes no sense that at least one other character didn’t either.




[Breanna Carlstedt]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 4/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ — 3/5 spice

I went into *Hidden Heir* expecting another mafia romance I’d have to trudge through, So I was quite surprised when the plot absolutely grabbed me by the throat.

I really loved Valentina as an FMC. She’s a mother to a two-year-old, and her son is genuinely her first thought in every dangerous situation. I also appreciated having an FMC who wasn’t described as a stick figure and actually felt like an adult woman.

Luca falls first (always a win), although Valentina fell a little too quickly for me. I did love his greying hair being treated as an attractive trait, but for something advertised as an age-gap romance, he never really *felt* that much older than her.

The spice was probably my biggest disappointment. There was plenty of it, but the scenes started feeling very copy/paste—and if I had to read “gargantuan” one more time, we were going to have a problem.  🙃

BUT the plot absolutely surprised me. There were enough twists to genuinely make me second-guess who the "bad guy" was several times, even though my original suspicion ended up being right. You had to really pay attention to who was working with whom, and everything being connected was HUGE.

Overall, a really solid 4-star read that was way more interesting than I expected!

[Dru]

Valentina expects Luca Moretti, the ruthless Chicago mafia leader, to kill her after discovering that her son is the last Moretti heir. Instead, Luca forces her into marriage and moves her and her child into his mansion. As danger closes in, Valentina must decide whether she can trust the man determined to protect them.

I enjoyed this mafia romance and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the plot pulled me in. Luca was a compelling hero because, despite his reputation, he was fair, self-aware, and willing to admit when he made mistakes. I also liked how naturally he bonded with Mikey without allowing the child to completely take over the story. Valentina had plenty of sass and gradually grew into her role as Luca’s partner, although her repeated attempts to escape the mafia became frustrating after everything she had experienced. The mystery included several interesting twists, even if some villains were fairly easy to identify. The romance worked well overall, but the intimate scenes became somewhat repetitive. I also wish the story celebrated Valentina’s curves without repeatedly focusing on other people criticizing her appearance. Still, Luca and Valentina made a strong couple.

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

[Farakh Karim]

Great story but needed more in-depth detail

The premise of this story was really promising, but I felt the execution fell short. The female protagonist is running away from her villainous father while trying to keep her baby hidden from her mafia ex-boyfriend’s family and her dad. When her ex’s brother finds her, they eventually marry, but much of the story revolves around her constantly being on the run.

What frustrated me was that, despite being aware of the dangers surrounding her, she often seemed to act carelessly and without adequate protection. At times, her decisions felt irresponsible and difficult to understand, especially given the circumstances. I also found it disappointing that she didn’t realise sooner that her sister was behind everything.

There were quite a few plot holes, and I think the story would have benefited from a more developed plot and better characterisation. That said, it worked reasonably well as a palate cleanser. I particularly liked the main male character, Luca, although the female protagonist left me wanting more.

Overall, the story had an interesting premise, but it needed more depth, stronger character development, and a more cohesive storyline to reach its full potential.

[Zelda]

I ABSOLUTELY love that this book jumps right in to it.

I have to say that this was such a great read. From the characters to their development. To the way they connect on a much deeper level even from the very beginning and then the passion between them...HOT🥵🌶. The storyline and how it all came together. And at perfect timing all evenly placed. Let's not forget the plot that will have you invested in wanting more. The twist and turns... did not see that coming!🤯🤯 And once you think you have it... twist, then a turn, up and then downs. Not to mention the W*F moments! Lol 😆

I can honestly say this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This is definitely a book that I will read again just to visit the characters and the plot.🥰🥰

With this book, you have single mom, brothers ex-girlfriend, enemies to lovers, forced mafia marriage, he falls first, no third act breakup, plot twists, and HEA with an extended epilogue. I can't wait to see what Kai Lesy has next in store! 🥰🥰.

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

[lf]

One kidnapping and forced marriage later....

The Hidden Heir is the fourth book in the Ruthless Bratva Daddies series by Kai Lesy. The story is a wild ride with a lot of twists and turns along the way, with a few loops added in just for your reading pleasure. The story finds Valentina giving birth to the son of Stefano Petrucci. But when he is killed she knows she is going to have to go into hiding to protect both her and Michael. What she does not expect is for Luca Petrucci to come looking for them. Luca knows about Michael and that he is now the last heir to the family empire. Valentina and Michael are both taken by Luca and basically held hostage in his lakefront mansion/compound. Luca fell for Valentina the first time her saw her. What he wants is to claim her and Michael as his..... and what Luca wants he gets. But Valentina is smart, quick, and understands what happens in the Mafia having grown up in it. She also knows how to get under Luca's skin and keep him unbalanced. But Luca is determined to show both her just what he can provide besides protection and safety.

[Barbara]

The Hidden Heir was an intense, dark, and addictive Bratva romance that pulled me in from the beginning. Brooke is a strong single mom who will do anything to protect her daughter, while Leon is the ruthless Bratva boss with a dangerous reputation and a past Brooke never expected to revisit.

The secret child, age-gap romance, forced proximity, and mafia danger worked so well together. I loved watching Leon discover he has a daughter and seeing his protective side come out. The chemistry between Brooke and Leon was intense, and their relationship had plenty of twists, secrets, suspense, and emotional moments to keep me turning the pages.

Overall, this was a gripping and steamy mafia romance with a protective alpha, a strong heroine, plenty of drama, and a satisfying HEA. If you enjoy dark Bratva romances with secret babies, age gaps, danger, and possessive heroes, this one is definitely worth adding to your list!

[Johanna]

'For readers who love: Forced marriage, forced proximity, and forbidden romance with the ex’s older brother. A curvy single mother trapped inside the Devil's mansion. A secret heir. A dangerously possessive alpha who protects what’s his at any cost. Explosive family betrayal, touch-her-and-die obsession, and a husband who doesn’t believe in divorce.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed 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.

[LeMiliere]

The Hidden Heir is everything I've come to expect from this author. Not only is it well-written. The characters are well drawn; the spicy episodes are well done. Valentina's attitude annoyed me at times; she wanted to run, even though she had to know staying put was safer. I did love Luca; he was a gem, his overprotective attitude didn't grate; it was needed, and his strength and steadfastness made him one of my favourite heroes to date.

There is, however, an excellent plot; even without the spice, the plot is one which kept me glued and intrigued, on the edge of my seat, trying to work out who the bad guy was. I kept changing my mind as I read.

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

[Jackie]

DNF chapter 14.

It started off okay, but it went downhill real fast.

I skipped over their first 🌶 scene because it just feel inappropriately placed and I just can't stand that. Like, you and your son have been kidnapped, you're being forced to marry a man you hate and fear, so of course you should play with yourself while showering while his people watch the child you were hiding from them. Hard eye roll.

After that, the way she wrote in her diary about her unborn child to her ex just gave me the ick.

Now they're on a date and running from hitmen. When chapter 14 opened with Valentina stating "I'm taking matters into my own hands" I was out. Nothing about Valentina so far has she's anything but a runner.

[Gabby Daley]

This book took me on a wild ride of emotions. From anger filled frustration to passionate embraces, from heartwarming love to terror filled anxiety. The story was a rollercoaster that I was eager to ride over and over again.

I loved watching the relationship between Luca and Valentina grow and flourish as they struggled to find their own sliver of peace in a world filled with deceit and treachery. My heart was warmed each time her sweet son, Michael, was around and all I wanted was for him and his mother to be safe and loved.

Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC. It was everything that I could have wanted in a book.

[Tressa23]

Hot Excellence
It’s lust at first sight and love at the next sight for a humped and dumped, runaway, would be mafia daughter and her son and a hot tempered and hot blooded mafia Don looking for his nephew and finding his mafia Queen in the process. This is a well crafted, fast paced story with syndicate twists, juicy red herrings, and some sweaty sex scenes to steam you up. So, make some of your strongest tea, put fresh batteries in your hitachi magic wand, and settle down on your sofa with a soft throw blanket and, as Adventure said in “The Page Master” - “curl up with a good book”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Thetford]

This was such a fun, steamy Bratva read! I loved the dangerous mafia atmosphere, the age-gap chemistry, and all the secrets and tension between the characters. The romance had plenty of push-and-pull, obsession, and just enough drama to keep me turning the pages.

The characters had great chemistry, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship develop despite all the complications surrounding them. If you enjoy possessive heroes, forbidden romance, mafia drama, and an age-gap relationship, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR!

A quick, spicy read with plenty of drama, danger, and romance. ❤️‍🔥

[Jennifer]

For fans of mafia age-gap forced marriage romances, this is a must read. Valentina has been used and abandoned by the man she fell for. Now she just wants to raise her son in peace.

Enter Luca - a man after his nephew and heir - who sees Valentina for the woman she is - powerful, curvy, and sexy as sin. Not the woman his brother threw away and definitely not the woman whose stepfather and sister see as a pawn to be used. Twists, secrets, and steamy sex will keep you hooked and wishing for more (and a Luca of your own!).

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

[Jo Weston]

Story was well written with likable characters. The relationship starts as enemies but goes through to friendship and finally love.

Luca, the MMC, is a strong character with a short fuse. Valentina, the MFC, is highly emotional which leads to many bad decisions throughout the book. She is often shortsighted and thinks running away is the right thing to do to stand up for herself. These two characters are therefore quite fiery in their fights with each other but there is a happy ending for them after a few twists and turns!.

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

[Nanadeb]

Valentina and Luca’s story.

I haven't read all the other books yet, just one "Savage King". Like this one, I liked the plot but not okay with them still dealing with the mafia violence. Luca seems like a reluctant mafia don. Although this one seems to be headed away from that way by the end. I love Luca thinking that she's his queen even though she's not svelte. She also seems to quiet his temper and that he needs her to complete him. The kids seemed a little advanced for their supposed ages at the end, too. Saw the villuan almost from the start. Nice love story though. 3.5 stars.

[Rachel Blomberg]

Luca and Valentina

Valentina was betrayed by the man she thought she love, so when she got pregnant she ran to protect her child. A few years later the man dies and she is found by his vicious older brother and he forces her to marry him to protect her and his nephew. Luca was just going to take his nephew but he saw Valentina and wanted her. While falling in love they had many obstacles in their way. Her family wanted control, so they did everything they can to get that control and would do anything to get it even killing Valentina. Together they are better and stronger to defeat her family.

[DeAnn]

Gosh! I'd Love to Give It 5-Stars

The love story! The mystery! The thrilling sequence of events! How the bad guys got their comeuppance! It was looking pretty sketchy for Luca and Valentina there for a minute.

But I just can't, and it's such a shame! It's a shame that Kai Lesy wrote such fabulous story content, but she didn't finish the job! Her job is to write fabulous stories, but they can't reach that perfection without proofreading and editing BEFORE publishing! There were too many missing words, misspellings and unclear sentences. It's unfair to us purchasers if we're given suboptimal product.

It's worth reading but the writing is disheartening, so BEWARE!

[Rozebudzz]

Forced mafia marriage. It’s well paced with likable characters. Their relationship progresses from enemies to friends to lovers. Luca has a soft spot for Valentina who is his enemy’s step daughter. He doesn’t trust easily, and all he wants to do is protect Valentina and his nephew.

Luca is strong, decisive but quick to anger. Valentina is very emotional and she makes a lot of bad decisions throughout the book. She thinks that running away is the best way to stand up for herself. She’s very shortsighted.

The story has a central mystery that is resolved by the end. No cliffhanger, no 3rd act breakup altho Luca and Valentina get into major fights that have them leaving each other to cool down. There’s a couple of surprises and betrayals and suspense throughout. Nice HEA.

Received an ARC on Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

All she wanted was to raise her son in peace, but when danger comes to her doorstep in the form of her ex's brother, she is confronted with a choice leave with Luca or face the danger of her stepfather. It leads them along a path of marriage and dangerous twists and turns that brings them closer together. As their hearts begin to bond a secret arises that could offset everything. Will their newfound love be wiped out over their discovery.

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