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Mob Lust #2

Ruling the Mob

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Fear Makes You Weak. Weakness Gets You Killed.

Nico

This life. It becomes more toxic every day. There is no escape for me or the ones I love.

I've done things to claim my rightful place. I've taken care of those who challenged that place, and I've made a mortal enemy in the process.

Now he's back, just like I always knew he would be. He's angry, tortured, and out for blood.

Perfect. That's just the way I want him.

It'll make pulling the trigger so much more satisfying.

Shaye

I'm a princess. But my life is no fairy tale. It used to be…but that was a long time ago, in a land far, far away.

I had it all, until one blood-soaked night when I lost everything I wanted for my future. Now I feel as if I'm locked in a tower, alone and isolated from the man I love.

He's the one who saved me.

But I don't think anyone can save him.

**Ruling the Mob is book 2 of The Mob Lust Series.**

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2018

334 people are currently reading
514 people want to read

About the author

Kristen Luciani

88 books1,568 followers



Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling romance author, momtrepreneur, and a beauty product junkie with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis. As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…

***FREE BOOK OFFER!*** Click here to get a free copy of my MAYHEM!
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5 stars
181 (57%)
4 stars
81 (25%)
3 stars
38 (12%)
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11 (3%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,610 reviews69 followers
September 10, 2018
Absolutely, am loving Shaye & Nico. With Luca out to destroy Nico, no one is safe. Shaye & Nico are absolutely perfect for each other and the sex is smokin hot. I’m dying for more Max and Sloane because you know there is something there. I love Mob stories and this series you definitely want to read.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tish.
1,530 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2018
Wow! A very intense story that begins right where book 1 left off. I still absolutely adored Shaye and Nico. It was full of suspense and angst. I found it impossible to put it down once I started.

This book was given to me at my request and I provided this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews448 followers
September 27, 2018
This is the 2nd book in the series written by Ms. Luciani and I will let you know that it would be best, in order to understand the storyline, it would be best to read the books in order to fully understand the story to get the gist of all what's going on.
Nico Salesi will go to huge lengths to protect what's his; going so far as acting like a jerk and treating the woman he loves terribly so that he pushes her far away for her protection.
Shaye Oriani moved back to New York and couldn't be any further away from Nico if she was still living in Miami emotionally if she tried. Book 2 picks back up where book 1 ended. Now Nico is 2nd in command and that puts his life and the people he loves are in terrible danger. He thinks if he tries pushing Shaye away it will protect her for her own good ;thing is, she's determined to stand by his side thru the bad times - like when someone is trying to kill him. Shaye is completely in and determined to show her love for Nico. Their relationship does go thru some rocky times- its one rollercoaster ride as Nico and Shaye endure heartache, danger, intrigue, passion, heat, drama,tension, and steamy chemistry with some fabulous secondary characters like Max and Sloane. I cant wait to read Max and Sloane's story. There is some sizzling chemistry there. This is a beautiful and intense mob story followup to book 1 . I can't wait to see whats next in this series.

My rating: 4.7 stars *****
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,457 reviews51 followers
September 12, 2018
Love Nicole and shayes amazing frustrating intense emotional love Story.need Max and Sloane and Kat and Roccos.
Profile Image for Jaleel Webster-Abrahams.
66 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2020
** I received this book as an ARC that is part of the Mob Lust boxset **

Things keep changing in this game, but one thing remains the same... Nico and Shaye, of course.

You get rid of one enemy to save the love of your life and you create a new one.
Nico has a lot to lose when Luca, the son of Frank (Nico's first kill) come to town. Luca isn't back to get revenge for his father's death however, his back to get revenge of his own. For the life he claims Nico stole. And everyone is on his shit list.

Luca isn't mentally stable, he dopes up on steroids to juice himself up so he doesn't feel pain. Did I mention that his an MMA fighter who got disqualified for his steroid habits and he doesn't need a gun to kill you... Just his bare hands. Whoops.

Welcome back for another round of ass whooping and bullets flying as we close off Nico and Shaye's love story, but still get snippets in Max & Rocco's books. We also welcome Katarina Ivanov, daughter of Viktor Ivanov of the Russian bratva. Here Kat and Shaye form somewhat of a friendship.
Profile Image for Letty  (Cover to Cover Book Blog Reviewer).
649 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2018
This is the second book in the series and I must say that these should be read in order to fully understand the story line and the dynamics of what is going on.

Nico and Shaye are perfect for each other, but Nico’s actions in the first book have ramifications that put a strain on their relationship. He now has a large target on his back and he must do anything and everything to protect her. He feels like he must distance himself to get the focus off her and to not appear weak, but that doesn’t go off very well. She is a mob princess and can take care of herself, after all. She did prove that she is capable of that and more. She became the rock he needed to stay strong and I liked seeing that.

This book has the same ingredients as the first one to be a great read. We have love, suspense, emotion, and so much fast paced action. The flow is easy to follow, and the characters are great. We just need to have more of Sloane and Max, now :-)
220 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2018
Nico Salesi will go to great lengths to protect what is his even as far as pushing the woman he loves away.


Shaye Oriani moved back to New York and couldn't feel any further away from Nico if she was still living in Miami.

Trying to find their way to be together, both Nico and Shaye will do whatever it takes.


This is the second book in the duet and should be read in order. Much like the first book, this one takes off at a sprint and you better hold on for the ride.


I'm glad I was able to see how this ended. I liked the evolution of Shaye in this series. She's not as young and impressionable as everyone mistakes her to be. Nico's progression from being in The Family to leading them is astounding. The chemistry between these two is scorching hot!


Do yourself a favor, read this book!
Profile Image for Judy.
1,788 reviews
September 17, 2018
Holy smokes what an intense story this was!! It opened with me feeling so sorry for Shaye because Nico pushed her away. I felt sorry for Nico because since he killed Cappodamo he has horrible nightmares, he had to push Shaye away to keep her safe, and he knows Luca Cappodamo is coming for him.

The name of the game in this book is to stay alive, keep the loved ones safe, and get to Luca before he gets you.

Let's not forget Kat!! That woman is as bad a## as they come!! I hope she gets her own story!!

I loved this story!! It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat when Luca and Nico finally meet up. Lots of twists, turns and hot sex in this story!! Shaye and Nico definitely have some hot chemistry going on!! But, can she handle mob life to be with him?
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,031 reviews
September 17, 2018
Wow, what an intense ride that story was. From the beginning Nico knew that there would be ramifications from killing Cappodomo but he never expected it to consume his life and affect his relationship with Shaye. Now Nico is given more respect, more control, more responsibility and Luca is dead set to hit Nico where it will hurt the most. Luca's bullseye is on the Saleisi family and Shaye. Can Nico make a stand and protect all he loves? Underlying the mafia business and threat is the love that Nico and Shaye have for each other and . I really enjoyed this duet! I hope that some other characters might also get stories, hint, hint!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews255 followers
September 16, 2018
This is the second book in this awesome series, and Nico and Shaye’s story continues. Nico knew that there would be ramifications from his action, and is convinced no one is safe, as he has a target on his back. Pushing Shaye away for her own safety does not go down well. No spoilers; this is a definite must read series, but needs to be read in order to understand the dynamics going on. This is even better that the first novel, and is well written and intense, with suspense, emotion, and is a steamy read. I for one cannot wait for the next book in this series, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all readers!
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,835 reviews39 followers
March 22, 2019
Whew, this started off quick and didn't let up till the end, and what a fantastic and intense ride this story was! Things aren't going easy for Nico and Shaye, given his actions and how his choices have made him a moving target. What I liked is that Shaye isn't a damsel in distress, she's the mafia princess who can more than hold her own and she became the one thing that kept Nico grounded while life was spinning out of control. They really are perfect for one another.
Profile Image for Dayna R.
415 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2018
Well wow! This book had just the right amount of love, angst, gore, and suspense. It’s the sequel to Ruling The Mob but you don’t actually NEED to read the first one however, it is HIGHLY encouraged! The author seamlessly tells the story in a way that you get the insider info from the first if you hadn’t read it yet you don’t feel like you’re re-reading the book if you did actually read the first one.
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,169 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is book two of The Mob Lust series. It picks up where book one ended. Now with Nico second in command, his life and the people he loves are in danger. He tries pushing Shaye away for her own good but she's determined to stand by his side even when someone is trying to kill him
I loved this book and hope we get more of them.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,625 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2018
This book was great!
Nico and Shaye are back!
Shaye proves that she would stay by his side always and Nico would do anything to protect her. Ruling The Mob is a fast paced, suspenseful, action packed book.
It had me glued to my kindle until I finished! I can’t wait to read more from Kristen!
Profile Image for Vikki Purcell.
537 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2018
Nico and Shay are working through problems. Luca is out to destroy Nico. As friends and loved ones fall prey to Luca Nico trys to protect his girl.
Profile Image for Nate.
23.9k reviews19 followers
September 17, 2018
Loved Shaye & Nico's story. Wow. Loving this series...couldn't put it down. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Debbie Eichler.
873 reviews18 followers
September 15, 2018
Shaye proved that she will stand by Nico no matter what and Nico swore he would always protect her. He thought that she was his weakness but she really have him the strength he needed to do what needed to be done. Now I want some more of Max and Sloane!!
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,545 reviews52 followers
September 15, 2018
Wow what a very intense ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This story will have you hooked from the very beginning and wanting more. Their is very hot steamy sex that will have you panting.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,031 reviews
September 10, 2018
Wow, what an intense ride that story was. From the beginning Nico knew that there would be ramifications from killing Cappodomo but he never expected it to consume his life and affect his relationship with Shaye. Now Nico is given more respect, more control, more responsibility and Luca is dead set to hit Nico where it will hurt the most. Luca's bullseye is on the Saleisi family and Shaye. Can Nico make a stand and protect all he loves? Underlying the mafia business and threat is the love that Nico and Shaye have for each other and . I really enjoyed this duet! I hope that some other characters might also get stories, hint, hint!
Profile Image for Linda Rea.
2,189 reviews15 followers
September 10, 2018
Nico and Shaye are back in the second book in The Mob Lust Series and it even better that the first. Nico is pulling away from Shaye after the kidnapping and it’s really beginning to bug her, he claims its to protect her but being a mob princess she can protect herself. When one of Nico’s men is murdered right outside his club everyone goes on high alert and Nico trusts no one, but someone bad is coming for him and all he holds dear and he can’t show weakness. You have to read book one to understand the dynamics of book two but it’s so worth it.
Profile Image for Stacy Jo.
794 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2018
Wow just wow! Once again blowing it out of the water here!! I am not a mob reader but this series so far is amazing. Keep me on the edge of the seat amazing!!
700 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2020
Nico and Shaye are back. This fast paced, suspenseful mafia romance will suck you into their world. Told in multiple POV's, the writing is fantastic and the story flows well.
The ending will leave you wanting more. Nico and Shaye may have their HEA, but the family story isn't over yet.
Profile Image for Nate.
23.9k reviews19 followers
January 20, 2019
Love Nico & Shaye. Wow. A roller coaster of emotions with this one. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,309 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2023
Ruling the Mob is book two and in the Mob Lust series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. It's brilliantly written with tainted individuals and a plot driven storyline that captures your attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat. Scroll up and one-click this complete series to lose yourself in the dangerous and deliciously sexy Italian mafia underworld starring savage bosses and thrilling suspense! Series complete! Start your binge today!
Ruling the Mob: The story picks up where it left with Luca coming to town after the death of his father Frank Cappodamo. He wants revenge against Nico not for the death of his dad but for blames Nico stealing his love life and he wants revenge and he wants everything and that's including Shaye. Lucca has stayed away from his father organization for years not wanting any part of it just going around fighting in the MMA circuit until he was kicked out drugs. His dad second in command call him and tells him that it was time for him to takeover the organization that his dad had put in a lot of work to build. He took over because he wanted to go after Nico. Shaye and Nico relationship is going really well and she has even transferred from Miami to a community college near by in her home state of New Jersey. But Nico seems so far away as she go days without hearing from him. Because he decided t push her away but Shaye is determined to stick by her man.
He's having nightmares after the death of Cappodamo, but he doesn't share it with anyone. He's afraid if he tell somebody they would see him as weak. Luca is a monster, deranged, unhinged, and sadistic. Luca continuously keep hitting the Salesi family by killing one of Nico's bodyguard and causing an accident on Joe which resulted to him being in a coma. It's contains violence, danger, secrets, family rivalry, surprises, drama, darkness, madness, dark mafia romance, heartbreak, revenge, hurt, revelations, retaliation, mystery, anger, angst, tension, emotions, lust, passion, twists and turns, fear, threats, attacks, jealousy, steam, survival, lies, obsession, hatred, possessiveness, action packed, attacks, power struggle, bloodshed, chaos, mayhem, hidden agendas, alliances, guilt, loyalty, adventure, greed, truce, trial and tribulations, enemies, betrayal, deception, intense sexual scenes, kidnapping, age gap trope story, greed, loyalty, steam and love. She adamant that she's going to stick by her man and continuously gets herself in danger. When Shaye and Nico baby sister gets kidnapped it is up to him to rescue them and put an end to this madness. Shaye proves that she's not wall paper and helps her man destroy Luca after he kidnap them. A great story and I'm glad that they gets their HEA.

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

Profile Image for Caitlin Audet.
475 reviews63 followers
October 3, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

Quick paced with plenty of action, Kristen Luciani throws you right into the dark, organized crime world with Ruling the Mob. This is the second book of the Mob Lust series and yes I highly advise starting with the first book to truly understand all the circumstances happening. Although that wasn't the case for me, and thankfully I gained enough of the picture to not be confused, I definitely will be backtracking to the beginning. So much happens in such a short time, barely giving you time to breathe, and I loved every second of it.

Nico Salesi is under immense pressure with his new job title as second in command for the Salesi crime family. Even though he was raised in this life it was never his intention to grab the reigns and take up the throne. With nightmares plaguing his sleep and panic setting in during the day, Nico doesn't know where to turn or who to trust. And with a big target on his back he is carrying the world on his shoulders trying to keep his businesses afloat, the family intact, and his loved ones safe.

I'm gaining much more of an appreciation for the mafia genre. Funny when it's fiction you don't mind rooting for the bad guys because you know there's someone worse coming along, making the bad guys the actual heroes. My favorite about Ruling the Mob was how strong the females were in the story. Shaye Oriani needed to know how to defend herself being in this life and didn't hesitate to learn survival skills. There is also Kat Ivanov who can literally mess you up without so much as blinking, a true predator who puts all the guys to shame. A few other characters stood out to me that I hope get their own stories. I'm not sure what's in store but no matter what Ruling the Mob was an awesome read and I'm holding out hope there's more to come along.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,812 reviews41 followers
October 3, 2018
I’m a big fan of alpha male and mob stories so I loved the premise of the story. Unfortunately, it left me wanting more. Now typically the guy is all alpha and this is really more of an up and coming mob boss, Nico and his childhood friend, Shaye. This is book 2 of a duet so to know what is happening you must read Screwing the Mob first. I admit that I didn’t love book 1, but read book 2 since I did want to know how their story ends. Overall the duet is kinda hard to follow. Who betrayed who and what not is a bit hard to keep straight. Also, I think Luca did something to someone in Nico’s past…Lia…I think, the name appears twice, but there is no explanation. I’m not sure.

There was a lot of push/pull between the two characters and he kept pushing her away which wasn’t really the way I like my alpha males. Also, there were quite a few continuity errors that I hope are resolved in the final book.

Hero 4 | Heroine 4 | Plot 4 | Writing Style 3 | Steam 3 | Romance 2 | Angst-Suspense 3 | Darkness 2 | Humor 1 | Secondary Characters 3 | Drama-Conflict 3 | Mystery 3 | Twists 4 | Action 4 | Pacing Slow | Dual POV | MF | Mob | Confusing | Book 2 in duet | Overall 3.5 Stars
#MSBB
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
September 25, 2018
Ruling the Mob is the second book of The Mob Lust Series, and since it's the conclusion of Nico and Shaye's duet, I really recommend that you read Screwing the Mob (Book 1) FIRST! I've seen it said that you don't need to, but seriously, in order to really understand all the players in the suspense factor, yeah, don't skip Book 1. Now, this story picks right back up after some crazy things happened in the first book, and while Nico & Shaye have decided to be together, he's pulling away from her all over again. Yeah, they are seriously hot in the sack, so sexy times light the sheets on fire, but they also have deep feelings, and he's so sure that she needs to be away from him to stay safe. And that's where the twists come in, as Nico is having all kinds of problems confronting the danger that stalks them both, and all I could do is drop f-bombs, because seriously? The cast of secondaries were all suspect in my eyes, so I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the grand finale. The talented Kristen Luciani penned a highly addictive duet, and I'm definitely ready for more in this series asap, so I'll just keep this short & sweet and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Jessica Cox.
697 reviews13 followers
September 17, 2018
Nico and Shaye are back thank goodness I loved these two in the first book and felt like their story wasn't done. I also really enjoyed seeing more of a playful side to Max, Shaye's big bro, and I loved all the little snippets with him and Solane. In this book we see Nico pulling away from everyone this man is about to combust with how much pressure and stress he is under. Poor Shaye is the one that is most effective, she is trying to be his rock but that man is too afraid to show his feelings thinking that everyone will think he is weak. I really loved how Shaye really grow up and started taking matters in her own hand, visiting the club, her and Kat. And what a surprise to know that Shaye is a little freak who likes to be watched.(get it girl) I did find the read a bit drawn out most of the book was just a n internal battle with Nico and his head and how stressed he was.
I am so ready for more and now my mind is spinning with all the characters that I have a feeling are going screw Nico over.
1,465 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2018
Shaye & Nico are beautiful together. The Mob Lust series is my favorite for 2018. I want more now! I need Max and Sloane’s story and Rocco and Kat’s story. This writer will keep you on the edge of your seat and looking over your shoulder with each page you turn.

Nico is faced with someone who is seeking revenge and is responsible for the people he loves and are loyal to him. How does he protect those close to him while trying not to get himself killed?

Shaye loves Nico and she knows the life they lead isn’t normal. It’s brutal and unforgiving but she is ready to face it with Nico. She’ll do whatever it takes to get his attention and bring him back to her, emotionally and physically.

Ruling the Mob is thrilling and relentless in holding your attention. Pick it up now and fall into the world of this mob family.

This is book two of a series, so I strongly encourage you to read Screwing the Mob first.
Profile Image for Talia C..
461 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2021
Good but has some loose ends.

So in this one, Nico is really stuck in his head. And with what happened in the last book, I get it. But he can’t ever just speak his mind and tell Shaye why he is being distant. So that’s irritating.

There are also loose ends in this one that shouldn’t have been left the way they were. First one is Shaye in the club when the creep is hitting on her. She doesn’t even mention it to Nico. The second is where things left off with her professor. I want to know if he is scared to talk to her after what happened. Third is the weird thing going on with Sloane and Max. That came out of no where ! And fourth thing, is what actually happened between Nico and Luca. There isn’t much of a story there and I’m still left with questions.

This one was action packed though. Made me sit straight up a couple times like “OMG”. So, hopefully the next book ties up those loose ends.
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