Luca - Her Ruthless Don: 50 Loving States, New York, Pt. 1

Ruthlessly Obsessed Duet #1

by Theodora Taylor

Blind legal eagle. Mafia Don ex-husband. What could possibly go oh-so-wrong?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Mafia Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark

237 pages, ebook

First published June 3, 2018

About the author

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Theodora Taylor writes hot books with heart. When not reading, reviewing or writing, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on dating nights with her wonderful husband, and attending parties thrown by others.

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Theodora Taylor schreibt feurige Bücher mit Herz. Wenn sie nicht gerade selbst liest, schreibt oder Deutsch lernt, verbringt sie am liebsten Zeit mit ihrer Familie oder geht mit ihrem wundervollen Mann aus.

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Reviews

[Bibi · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Spoilers*

Sigh. I wanted to love this so much except I couldn't because Luca reminds me of Naz (from Darhower's Monster in His Eyes), but a more beta, silly version. Another sore point was having Luca's mob activities occur on-page. It bothered me and, I won't lie, it diminished my enjoyment of the story considerably.

So, Luca was kidnapped by one of his father's rival mob bosses, kept in a basement cage, and then was beaten to within an inch of his life. Bella/Amber is the daughter of the kidnapper and also the person assigned to feed Luca. After having done nothing to impede her father's evil deeds, Amber, who suddenly (and probably because of Luca's "angelic and beautiful face") develops a conscience, decides to save Luca. However, before she could execute the plan, a bunch of guys storm the house to rescue Luca and in the process, they kill Amber's mom while Amber herself sustains grave injuries that render her blind.

Fast forward 10 yrs and Luca is hell-bent on revenge and he means for Amber to pay.

As I mentioned earlier Monster in His Eyes has an almost identical plot but with a much more robust and nuanced execution. This, otoh, was facile and in no way as mesmerizing. That said, it was still quite enjoyable and I will definitely read the concluding duet.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca is LIVE!!!!!!

"The calm before the storm"

Another riveting story by Theodora Taylor that grabbed me from the start! What I will say is that T.T. was able to focus more on this memorable couple's journey and not Amber/ Bella's handicap and that was inspiring within itself if you recall how she lost her sight. The only thing that threw me about "Luca -Her Ruthless Don:50 Loving States, New York (Ruthless Tycoons 3)" was the ending because this author has NEVER, NEVER, EVER used the dreaded cliffy in her stories. Was I upset about it, well hell to the yes but after emailing the author on Facebook I was given a reasonable and plausible explanation which I will always treasure her valid response. So I'm cool with it now knowing that part 1 will be like the "calm before the storm" because Luca has to show Bella all of who he really is... after all this is the Mafia lifestyle!

5 and the journey continues stars *****!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Theodora Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved writing this couple. Hope you love them, too!

[Paganalexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber and Luca's story starts in the past. She is the daughter of his captor. It sets in motion everything good and bad that follows.

The Good:
1. Amber's blindness adds a layer to the story without beating a reader over the head with it. She is also a very likable heroine.

2. Luca is very flawed, with toolish tendencies on the alpha-hole spectrum, but still retains something to root for. This version of mob life was surprisingly unvarnished. The sense that familiarity doesn't keep you safe was woven throughout.

3. Grittier when I expected mafia lite.

4. Theodora Taylor writes hot without sacrificing believability in the romance. The love despite the issues feels real.

5. Other couples of books never read show up, but didn't confuse. It does make me want to catch up on the other books in the Ruthless Tycoons series though.

6. Race, cultural, and social status norms in mob life are talked about, and I appreciated it.


The Bad:
1. This is the first book I've read by this writer that ended in a cliffhanger. That was an unpleasant surprise.

2. Some of the events in the couple's timeline will bother some Safety Gang hardliners.

Final Thoughts:
I'm kicking myself for not reading this sooner. This writer proves once again why she is IR royalty. Annoyed it ended in a cliffhanger, but already reading the next book. Not scrimping on the page count helps.

[AvidReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not safe! Both of them with others during separation. Still it is enjoyable. Will read the next book anyway.

[Giorgia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This one was a surprise! I mean, it was my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed the writing. I feel like in different hands this story and characters wouldn't have been as likeable and would have been slightly predictable.

This book ends in a cliffhanger so you have to read Amber - His to Reclaim (Ruthlessly Obsessed Duet, Book 2): 50 Loving States, New York Pt. 2 next, but I truly enjoyed this duet even if I had no idea it was gonna be a duet.

I won't lie, this story spans a few years, there's a breakup in there, there's annoying decisions, there are other partners for both the leads which some people might not be okay with but for me it all made sense and it had a very "real" vibe to it. (all the OTT stuff notwithstanding - the relationship felt real with all the ups and downs).

So yeah, I truly truly enjoyed this and basically discovered a new author.

Also, the representation in this book is awesome! And since I've read another couple of books by this author since this one, I can say that she always writes diverse characters.

[Kim C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca and Amber are unforgettable💜

Luca denied his destiny for the love that occupied his heart. Because of an miscalculated choice to protect his love. Upon love discovering his error in one of worst ways possible. Love them turned away because somethings can't be worked out. Leaving Luca no other option, but to embrace the beast within.

After Amber's tragic accident that leaves her with an unexpected loss. Her mind in a twist and decide to say goodbye to love.

Now we find both Luca and Amber still struggling to feel like they've made progress without each other 5 years laters. But, can one argument and car ride leaving Amber in a deep dream like sleep fog be the rest button both didn't know they wanted.

Lol, there is something to be said about riding a pony now👌

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TT knocked this ONE out of the PARK. Luca is #1. My favorite of the Ruthless Tycoons. Amber -- you're in trouble girl!

Longer review to follow ... soon.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always ready to read a Theodora Taylor book, and Luca’s story was just as hot and interesting as I thought it would be . Amber is a strong woman who falls for Luca , not knowing who he really is and then....... you read it , it’s quite electrifying. Now I’m waiting for the second part of their story.

[Miss D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is twisty and dark and absolutely epic.

Luca and Amber have a dark history. They meeting in terrible circumstances which ultimately changes both of them forever, with Luca emotionally scarred and Amber blinded. Years later, Luca meets Amber again, this time to use her as an instrument of revenge. But the joke ends up being on him because the woman he sought to use as a means to an end in a long game against an enemy ends up winning his love. To say that Luca and Amber have an uphill battle in their love story is underselling everything against them.

It's tough to expand on the entire love story as of now. I feel that book one ends in a way that you know there's still a lot more story to tell because it's almost like another love story between a completely changed Amber and Luca by the last few chapters vs their initial story, which is two young people who fall in love but learn the hard way that sometime love just isn't enough. If the upcoming "Amber" book will feature their eventual happily ever after story then "Luca" is their starter love story. It's wonderfully told with just the right amount of doom hanging over them. Readers can't help but root for them but the timing isn't right and they -mostly Luca - still have a lot of growing to do. I totally recommend this story.

Heck of a cliffhanger. Can't wait for part 2.

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Taylor does it again with another over the top alpha male that we hate to love, but just can’t help it. This couple was up one minute down the next, on one minute off the next minute, and I loved every twist and turn of their journey. I was biting my nails waiting to see what was going to happen when one of the biggest secrets of the storyline was revealed and then it ended. Needless to say I was just a teeny bit miffed knowing that I had to wait to see what happens next, but that is my only issue with Luca and Amber’s story, especially since Ms. Taylor doesn’t usually make me wait. But that’s okay, I’ll be just as excited when part two of their story drops. Just please don’t make me wait to long and please no more cliffhangers if you can help it , of course.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Luca!!

Luca and Amber have been around since Holt and Sylvia’s story and I could not wait to find out what happened with the blind lawyer and the mafia don and this book was fire! I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review and this is the easiest review I have every had to pen, buy this book, it was so good I am in love with Luca he is by far my new fav in the 50 Loving States series. He is strong, commanding yet loving and sweet with Amber the only bad thing I have to say is I don’t want to wait until the end of June to find out what happens, at the end I was screaming “Noooo” I need to know now, great read,loved it

[nagina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best way I can describe my experience reading this was like a rollercoaster designed for children. By that I mean there were a lot of low points, but there were points I thought the book was on an upwards trajectory in terms of enjoyment but the peak was never that high before things nosedived again. I went into this thinking it was a second-chance romance book, but the majority of the book is centred around them becoming a couple for the first time and their first breakup. I found both the characters and plot boring, and the romance unconvincing. I don't think I will read book 2.

[Sim Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s what’s the Most Ruthless that what!!!

This Ruthless series has been something else! And I thought I was ready for Luca I really did. But I was so unprepared. He just a little bit of everything. And I think he may be the most ruthless of them all and the most loveable. And Amber and her history, just wow she is my Shero. It’s a must read.

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

The only reason I'm not pulling my hair out is because the second book will be out really soon. I love Luca and I hope he doesn't change who he really is.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile]

Spoilers ahead


Cheater H
Second chance
Manwhoring during the separation
h in a steady relationship during the separation

[Sunshine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some might consider this a huge spoiler but
since i dislike cheating in books and most
of the time I can't stomach it, I refuse
to put it under a spoiler tab. I like to be warned
when there's going to be cheating in a book to
determine if I'll read it or not. I'm sure I am not
the only one out there who feels this way.

Also, I might give this author another go because
Holt sounds like an interesting character. I was already
warned that there is cheating so I am
gonna give it a try .

This book is not that great and the premise showed
promise but the author seemed all over the place.
The one thing I did not like is the fact that Luca
sleeps with a stripper during his relationship with
Amber, once they are officially together and he
has feelings for her. He also goes on a sex bender
when they have a divorce and there's a lot of
mention of Luca with other partners. The only
saving grace and the reason I gave this book 2
stars is because Amber is actually in a steady
relationship with someone and hasn't waited
for him like a puritanical virgin. She does
however, have sex dreams about Lucas five years
after the divorce.

[♡Meme♡Reads love♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

But I'm going to wait till the next book is out to judge

[Fashionista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! Luca is super sexy! 😘😝

[DarkDamsel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

He gets what he wants or does he?

Luca Jacob Ferraro aka Jake Ferra has a mission. His mission was to find Bella Peretti aka Amber Reynold's father for what he did to him. He's finally found her and is determined to get his revenge, until the unthinkable happens. He realizes he's always loved her even when he was caged up like an animal.

When Amber realized who Jake really is, she does the unthinkable too, drops all of her caution and falls heads over heals in love too, and they try for their HEA, until something else unthinkable happens to tear them apart. But there is a mole in the family who is dead set against their relationship as Luca is set to take over his family's world. Without Bella in his life, his heart turns to stone and relents to his father's wishes.

Even though they've spent years apart, they still love each other and really can not move on. Amber is tortured by her dreams and Luca doesn't dream anymore. He gets his release in other ways through his crime family, until one golden opportunity raised its head. Oh boy... I HATE CLIFFHANGERS!!!! What does everything else mean? UGH!!! The wait is going to kill me. Theodora, you are wrong for this. Just when I think they will finally get back together...BOOM!. I loved this story anyway. I always wondered why Amber was so dead set against her ex in Holt, at least now I have the back story.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first of all, that ending has me feeling some kind of way. Luca and Amber are quite the couple. Their relationship was blooming into something so good, even with all of Luca's lies and outrageous behavior. But it turned out to be so bad for our blind heroine. I loved this and can't wait to read the second half, it's going to drive me nuts until I do.

[Van nee · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of this story, the pacing gave me whiplash. It went from painfully slow and detailed to skipping over days, weeks, months and years but not necessarily in steady increments. Finally, about halfway through, the pacing became steady and more enjoyable. However, some important events felt steamrolled. What a cliffhanger. Can't wait for book 2.

[Stephaniec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't feeling this like....at all

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ ’I never called you a dummy, but if you’re feeling like one , maybe that’s because you and I both know I’s crazy to have a baby with some Karate asshole who’s probably just using you because he doesn’t have enough money to eat out.’

My arm shoots up before I can stop it, and my hand cracks across his face. Shacked at myself, I drawback, rubbing my thumb over my sharply tingling palm…
I stand there, frozen. Not sure what to do. Or what to say next.

But then Luca says, ‘Well that’s one way to say hello, Mrs. Farraro,’ with a grin in his voice.

‘Luca…Amber…is everything all right now?’ Sylvie’s lilting Jamaican accent floats over to us on top of all that shocked quiet.
Before I can answer, Luca calls out, ‘Sorry, sorry about that, Sylvie. Things got a little heated. But we’re leaving now, so.’

He takes my hand, and starts leading me across the grass, like I came here with him. Like we’re still together, and I’m still his wife.

‘Just to the front of the house,’ I tell him, more than a little ashamed of myself. ‘Then I’ll wait for a Lyft.’

He doesn’t answer, and maybe I shouldn’t be surprised when instead of letting me go after walking back through the house and down a short set of stairs, he says, ‘Alright here’s your Lyft,’ and all but shoves me into the back of an idling car before slamming the door behind me.

I’m still yanking on the handle, trying to get myself out of the back seat, when the door on the other side of the car sounds. ‘Those child proof locks are a bitch and a half, right.’”

Hahaha I LOVE this scene halakha, Luca is just too funny, and Amber has a lot of spunk to her. Blind or not she has no problem standing up for herself.




WARNING: There are two books for Luca, this is part 1, part 2 is Amber.

I usually don’t check out the reviews for a book, if I like the sample chapter I read, or if I like the summary. But I notice that this book had a couple of one stars, and I couldn’t believe it. So instead of reading the one star reviews, even though I was curious about them, I ended up reading the book instead. In which I’m glad I did, because OMG what a book!

This is the 3rd book of the Ruthless Tycoons series and it’s the first book I’m reading of this series. I know, I know I’m starting backwards, but the summary caught my attention hard. I just had to know what up with the BOOK, and not to mention that 1st chapter was a juicy attention grabber.

But before I get into the book, I just want to say that I was confuse as to why there was one stars in the first place. This is a REALLY, REALLY great story, and book. So I took it upon myself to read the reviews and most of them were not about the story line, but how the book is split into two. Hence why I wrote in the beginning of this review a warning about this book being two parts of a whole. Even though the book is split into two, it doesn’t deserve a one star, and it’s still an amazing and good book. The fact that most of the one stars is because of something ridiculous as that, and not because they dislike anything about the book, but because it has two parts is even more ridiculous. But you’re allowed to have your opinion, and if that’s why you one star the book, than that is your choice.

BUT I’m a reviewer who is letting anyone who read this review know that, if you are reading the one stars you are warn that it’s mostly because the book splits into two. And that this book is amazing and one of my favorites.

With that being said here is my thoughts on Luca and Amber.

Luca meets Amber when they was younger, he gets kidnaps and torture by Amber father. Amber actual name is Bella Peretti, but this all changes when things goes bad after meeting Luca. Amber father is one of the best enforcer from the Romans crime family, and it’s his job to go out and enforce law on those who threaten or harm the family. He would then bring the person back with him, to where Amber and her mother would be live. Which is in the middle of the woods, where her father would than torture the people there in the basement. When Amber question him on why he does it he responds to her that the people he bring down to the basement are really bad people. So Amber, accepts his words and do as she told and bring their meals down to them once her mother has made the food done. But they’re not a big happy family, Amber father has another family, and Amber and her mother are his secret family, the one he keeps away from his wife and two sons. In which later on in the story you find out that they know about Amber and her mother, and wow the fireworks explodes.

One day Amber goes down stairs, and it’s to see a boy around her age down there, she couldn’t believe that he was one of those bad people. So she set out to free him. When she comes down to ask him for what he wanted for his final meal, she whisper to him that she’s going to free him. Luca was skeptical of her, and didn’t believe her but she was determined to keep her promise and free him.

When it was time for her mother to go to the store so she can get the ingredients for the food Amber lie about, in order to get her mother away from the house. She grabs the keys and try to help the boy. Before she could even get started there was a commotion upstairs in the house, and she stops, she hears her mother get shot and she goes running to a hiding spot. The people comes down and its Luca people looking for him, they free him and ask him if the daughter of the man that kidnap him was around. Luca lies and tell them no, that she left the house a while ago, even though she was hiding in that very room. Once they’re gone Amber runs upstairs to see her dead mom, frantic she starts to go searching for her father, who has left earlier that day to dig a hole for Luca. When an explosion goes off sending her body up and crashing, making everything goes black.

Now years later, Amber is no longer Bella Peretti but Amber Reynolds, wanting nothing to do with her childhood life. Years later Amber is now blind but in college to become a lawyer to defend those that cannot defend themselves. She is working to become a tough lawyer that will not let her blindness get in the way of the her goals. Luca who is also in college has been looking for her. The girl that got away, but everyone assume she was dead. He approaches her under a fake name and tells her that he wants to get with her. Of course this is all for revenge and to find her father to pay him back for the hell he put him through. Even though his father has ended the war between the Ferraros and the Romano crime family, Luca is not going to give as much as his father wants him to. So with his two body guards, aka his twin cousins, Rock & Stone he approaches Amber, under false intents and false name, Jake Ferra.

Fortunately Amber is not looking for a boyfriend or anything of the sort, she buffers Luca attempts and basically tells him to get lost. Luca not one to give up and continues to pursue Amber, evening going as far to help out her former social worker, turn really good friend Naima, when her blind parents landlord tried to wrongfully evict them. Amber who loses in the bet between Luca and herself, of if the Ferra lawyer wins the case she will go on a date with him. Ends up honoring the bet and does exactly that and finds herself, actually enjoying his company, but still keeping him at arm length. Luca ends up keeps going at her until eventually getting her, and falling hard for her as well.

They end up moving in together, get married and everything seems to be going well until another bomb gets drop and they are at odds again. This book has a lot of OMG scenes that You cannot help by saying “Damn.” I know there is one scene I want to really, really talk about but the it will spoil the book. Even though this scene doesn’t make up for the whole book, but just one of the many shocking and exciting scenes that happens in this book. But I won’t, I want the readers to enjoy is as much as I enjoyed it, so I don’t want to ruin anything.

I really love Luca story, though it leaves you kind of at a cliffy that I’m like “noooo.” Hahaha. But it’s okay because Amber book is out and you can read it right away. I really enjoy how Luca is determine to get her no matter what, and how he changes for the better. All because of Amber, he gets so caught up with her that it’s too late to see that he has already fallen hard for her. I love the fact that Amber is such this touch girl. She was not going to allow Luca to come in and mess up her emotions or her goals. She was going to do what she set out for herself, and he was not going to stop her. There are a lot of sad parts in this book that I would love to discuss, but then it will spoil the book.

I also Love Naima, at first I thought she was just one of those names that Theodora Taylor was going to just drop in to help the book along. But no, you find out that she becomes really important to Amber, and she also has a tough exterior as well.

I’m also in love with the Twin, Rock and Stone. Talk about Yin and Yang, with the two. Rock is the sweet heat, you know the kind sweet brother. The one that is friendly and can keep a conversation with you, makes you feel comfortable and safe. While Stone is like his name, he is the mean brother, the one that will protect and defend you, watch your back. But he’s also the “you better not betray us or that’s the last thing you do.” Brother. He is the one that will shot and ask question later, not reckless, more so in control of the situation. The more dominate of the two brothers. And that’s hot as well, they’re both hot in their own way, but something about Stone pulls you towards him as if he has a story just waiting to be unfold.

There are too many scenes in this book that I love and are my favorite, one of them is when they go on their “date.” And it’s at Amber’s house, she makes him a meal and then they have sex. Hahahaha ( the scene going into this one I just remember made me laugh) , When Amber then informs him that he got what he wanted to leave her alone now. Luca tells her that, that was not an real date and that she still owes her a date. The look on Amber face and the way she respond is too funny. She really could not believe he was still there after she gave him the sex she thought he clearly wanted. When he makes it clear that he wants all of her, and not just that, he wanted a REAL date. Hahaha I really enjoy books when it’s the other way around when the males wants that relationship and they’re determine to get it. And the females are the one that are putting up the road blocks trying to prevent that. It’s so funnier because it’s usually the males that are the toughest and the really good schemers.

This scene I wanted to hug and kiss Luca, that’s right prove her wrong, even though the reader know why you’re really there. He just could not help but want more of her, and that completely confuses Amber. It makes me laugh because it knocks her off her horse and confuse the heck out of her. What I love even more about Luca, is that once he loves you he loves you hard and tight. He does whatever he can to make sure everything between the two of you is going well at best he can. He doesn’t allow his pride and ego to get in the way, an even if there are things that he truly don’t want to do, he’ll do it in order to provide for you. And that’s what I call a true king, not many males would go more over than beyond for their woman, nor treat there woman like a true queen. But it seems like everything is against him, but I’m still there rooting for him. Luca really becomes a change man… well at least he tries to be, and no matter what it’s the fact that I can see that he tired, and I wish Amber could see I as well.

There’s not many books that have a hilarious character like Luca, and it’s hard to come by males like him. And I’m thoroughly enjoying his book and personality. I love the fact the at Luca, is not all talk but very much all actions. Theodora Taylor did an amazing job on this book and I cannot wait to jump right into Amber book.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was alright. i feel like i’m reading the same thing as the past few books i’ve read by the author. luca and amber’s relationship deteriorated and it ended their relationship despite them still having feelings for one another. although luca thought he could give up his family legacy as a mafioso, things started crumbling and he went back while amber became a great lawyer. both at opposites of the justice system didn’t help as well. luca and amber’s story was okay. i wasn’t fully invested and skimmed some parts.

[Gina Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Luca and Amber’s story. It was good. I must be honest and say that I found Amber to be a bit annoying at times. She seemed to have a good heart but the way she spoke to Luca could be vicious at times. The only time she was really tame was when Luca/ Jake was blowing her back out. Amber just needed to relax and let her husband be who he was. Anyway, I liked the bad boy mafia Luca who was all about that thug life and who was always confident, but I did not like the 8 to 5 Jake Ferra. How does one go from being in the Mafia to a good ole boy? Anyway, I loved the drama and craziness of this story. Amber and Luca had pretty good chemistry. I look forward to read the 2nd part of the story. Great job, Theodora Taylor!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elb4966 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rated 1 star because the novel ended in the middle of the story. The author claims it is a duet and tries to get you excited to read (purchase) the next novel, but the duet claim is a load of crap. Then the author states you can read the second book in the series for free since it was appended after Luca (3rd in series). As if that makes up for not completing the book and most likely if you read Luca, you read (purchased) Zahir; so adding Zahir was a waste.

If the main storyline or any storyline was completed, I would have rated it higher. The novel has the potential to be rated 4 stars.

[Kelly]

Yasssss!!

When I say this is a darn good book.... it would be the understatement of the year! Luca... Luca... LUCA!

I've had my fair share of book BF but Luca is numero uno now!

Cannot wait for the searing finale of Luca and Amber!