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The Dark Elite #2
Ruthless Knights
“Lies are still lies, no matter how prettily they’re wrapped in promises.”
How can the four men who stole me from my life be the same men who saved my life? And in the aftermath of that terrible night, where do we go from here?
I don’t know what to believe anymore.
I don’t know who to trust.
All I know is that someone wants me dead. Someone is plotting in the shadows.
The men vow they’ll keep me safe, but all of them are bound by duty to deliver me to Damian Novak, no matter what the consequences.
Hale, Ciro, Zaid, and Lucas. Are they my captors or my protectors? My enemies or my lovers?
And when all the cards are on the table, when lies and truths are revealed, will it even matter?
How can the four men who stole me from my life be the same men who saved my life? And in the aftermath of that terrible night, where do we go from here?
I don’t know what to believe anymore.
I don’t know who to trust.
All I know is that someone wants me dead. Someone is plotting in the shadows.
The men vow they’ll keep me safe, but all of them are bound by duty to deliver me to Damian Novak, no matter what the consequences.
Hale, Ciro, Zaid, and Lucas. Are they my captors or my protectors? My enemies or my lovers?
And when all the cards are on the table, when lies and truths are revealed, will it even matter?
266 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2020
1881 people are currently reading
3469 people want to read
About the author
Eva Ashwood
49 books6,215 followersEva Ashwood has been a reader her whole life and a writer for several years. She loves telling stories of alpha males and the fierce women who bring them to their knees.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
January 17, 2021
Did anyone else realise that the only female character in both book 1 and 2 is the heroine? The syndicate had a party to celebrate some successful deal, still it was like she was the only woman there. I wonder if this was intentional or other females in everyone's lives were that inconsequential. Which would be weird because it sounded like she had been involved in or at least been exposed to the mafia activities since she was a kid. Then my question would be, why her and not every other woman in the mafia men's lives? I mean the premise of the story is that she might have been privy to her father's dealings/plans that's why they took her. Even though she and her dad left the mafia world when she was 16.
Few other things don't make sense
Few other things don't make sense
September 26, 2022
HOLY FUCKING SHIT THIS WAS SO GOOD. Tho I'd be lying if I said that I didn't suspect that lil plot twist at the end😏
August 19, 2024
4 guys and 1 girl 🙄🙄🙄🫣🫠 Storyline didn't hold my interest. I'm reading just for the sake of reading the series. This book was one of those who she going to be with and basically she sleeps with all them and she is with all of them at the end of the series but what I do know there is always a good as cliffhanger in the second book that makes you keep reading and this book is making me do that but if it didn’t have it I bet it would be hard to finish this series where i will force myself so yeah in my option these aren’t my kind of stories and don’t get me wrong I like mafia books but not like these.
This mafia romance is too soft. The men are giant teddy bears. This is sweet and all, but dark and angsty is my preference.
Online audiobook 🎶
This mafia romance is too soft. The men are giant teddy bears. This is sweet and all, but dark and angsty is my preference.
Online audiobook 🎶
February 3, 2021
yep. still here for the boys. honestly, grace? GRACEFULLY WALK AWAY AND LET A QUEEN HANDLE THIS. my eyes keep ROLLING off my face with this woman.
my boys - i want revenge for my boys
does this author live to torture me?
(not the f m/c - cause i can't even with her)
stop torturing my babies!
just kidding oof
March 21, 2022
I wish this was longer. Ruthless picks immediately off from the first and it went by way too quickly. It just wasn't enough! I really love the chemistry between Grace and her Knights and I feel like there is still so much left as far as the relationship aspect. I worry that it's not going to be enough in the final book as far as everyone getting equal time together and a solid HEA. Then again, that's just me assuming and you know what they say about those who assume.
On top of loving the characters, I'm enjoying the storyline and there was quite a curve ball thrown in the end, which I don't think anyone can suspect, but it wasn't overly unfathomable as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how things get resolved with that twist, but more than that, I hope more time is spent on Grace and her relationship with the guys.
On top of loving the characters, I'm enjoying the storyline and there was quite a curve ball thrown in the end, which I don't think anyone can suspect, but it wasn't overly unfathomable as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how things get resolved with that twist, but more than that, I hope more time is spent on Grace and her relationship with the guys.
September 4, 2020
Mafia + RH = good shit
This is a quick and fun read with the kind of story I would love to see a movie or TV show.
I love that they knew each other growing up so there's flashbacks and a good foundation for a realtionship. There's also a mystery with a few twists so I can't wait to see where it goes in the third book in November!
This is a quick and fun read with the kind of story I would love to see a movie or TV show.
I love that they knew each other growing up so there's flashbacks and a good foundation for a realtionship. There's also a mystery with a few twists so I can't wait to see where it goes in the third book in November!
Want to read
June 24, 2021🎁 Part of The Dark Elite: Complete Series Box Set which is FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2021)! 🎁
August 21, 2021
As curious as I am about the ending, I will not be finishing this series. I found it extremely boring. And a lot happening with nothing of actual substance to drive the plot forward. I didn't care for any of the characters as there was not substance and no depth to any of them. The only one who had any history was Ciro. And he was barely interesting. I usually love the mafia books and the writing, but this one I just couldn't care about any of them. I really wish there was more background and meat to the story to propel it forward. There were just no explanation about why things were happening or how they were happening
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
3.5 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Ruthless Knights☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “You betrayed me. And I know that you'll never feel sorry. For the way I hurt, yeah” 🎶
How can the four men who stole Grace from her life also be the ones who saved it? In the aftermath of that bloody night, she no longer knows what to believe or who to trust. Someone wants her dead, and while the men promise to protect her, their loyalty still belongs to Damian Novak, the man they are sworn to deliver her to.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´THOUGHTS ﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
[Ciro]
We’ll never truly know the extent of the trauma Ciro suffered, but he’s trying so hard to be affectionate with her, even when it’s difficult. He wants to, but his body keeps betraying him. Grace is so patient and gentle with him. She understands him in a way no one else can, guiding him and reminding him that it’s okay. She initiates touch slowly and always goes at his pace. She never treats his trauma as a weakness or something to be ashamed of, even when he feels broken. Grace shows him over and over that he isn’t 💌💖❤️💘. She makes him feel worthy of love and appreciation, even when he avoids her or pulls away. She never holds it against him, and her understanding nature is what makes her so special. Ciro feels again when he’s with her. After being shut down for so long, she makes him remember what it’s like to feel alive. He deserves every bit of love in the world, and he deserves someone like Grace 🥺💗💌🤍. Ciro deserves to heal.
[Hale]
He’s a secret softie who even stood up to his father to protect her 💖💌💗🤍. He wants her to feel like she belongs with them and does everything he can to keep her safe. Out of grief, he accused her of being involved, but Grace saw his pain for what it was and didn’t take it personally. My love. She’s proven her loyalty to him and cares for him deeply. Even though he still had ties to his father, that never stopped him from wanting to protect her. At first, she felt like an outsider, but he made sure to show her that she was one of them and that she belonged by their side.
[Zaid and Lucas]
They don’t care about having to confront Hale about their feelings for Grace. They want her, and they’ve started showing it more openly in front of the others 💗💖🤍💌💘. They keep reminding her that she belongs with them, but they also want her to choose them freely, not out of pressure. They invite her to spend time with them and gently encourage her to join in because they want her to feel like she’s one of them, not like she’s being kept there. They go out of their way to make her feel included and part of the group.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´OVERALLﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
Her mom being the traitor behind all of this? HMM. That twist got me. I feel so bad for Grace because that was the whole reason she left her old life behind, and now finding out her mom is the one behind everything and the reason Hale lost his father makes the betrayal hit even harder.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Ruthless Knights☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “You betrayed me. And I know that you'll never feel sorry. For the way I hurt, yeah” 🎶
How can the four men who stole Grace from her life also be the ones who saved it? In the aftermath of that bloody night, she no longer knows what to believe or who to trust. Someone wants her dead, and while the men promise to protect her, their loyalty still belongs to Damian Novak, the man they are sworn to deliver her to.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´THOUGHTS ﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
[Ciro]
“It doesn’t matter now,” he says quietly. He turns his head a little, looking at my feet instead of his own. “I don’t need you to feel sorry for me. I just wanted you to know… I understand what it’s like. To wish you could change things. To feel trapped.”
We’ll never truly know the extent of the trauma Ciro suffered, but he’s trying so hard to be affectionate with her, even when it’s difficult. He wants to, but his body keeps betraying him. Grace is so patient and gentle with him. She understands him in a way no one else can, guiding him and reminding him that it’s okay. She initiates touch slowly and always goes at his pace. She never treats his trauma as a weakness or something to be ashamed of, even when he feels broken. Grace shows him over and over that he isn’t 💌💖❤️💘. She makes him feel worthy of love and appreciation, even when he avoids her or pulls away. She never holds it against him, and her understanding nature is what makes her so special. Ciro feels again when he’s with her. After being shut down for so long, she makes him remember what it’s like to feel alive. He deserves every bit of love in the world, and he deserves someone like Grace 🥺💗💌🤍. Ciro deserves to heal.
[Hale]
“I owe Hale my life,” I find myself saying, my voice steady despite my racing pulse. “But how I feel about him… goes beyond that. He’s learned to trust me, and I’ve learned to trust him too. I would never betray him—not because of a debt owed, but because I care about him. Even if he hadn’t saved my life, I would never do anything to hurt your son.”
He’s a secret softie who even stood up to his father to protect her 💖💌💗🤍. He wants her to feel like she belongs with them and does everything he can to keep her safe. Out of grief, he accused her of being involved, but Grace saw his pain for what it was and didn’t take it personally. My love. She’s proven her loyalty to him and cares for him deeply. Even though he still had ties to his father, that never stopped him from wanting to protect her. At first, she felt like an outsider, but he made sure to show her that she was one of them and that she belonged by their side.
[Zaid and Lucas]
“This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It doesn’t have to be that way,” Zaid murmurs as if reading my mind. “In a technical sense, in Damian’s books, yes. But not to us, Grace. You’re not a prisoner to us.”
They don’t care about having to confront Hale about their feelings for Grace. They want her, and they’ve started showing it more openly in front of the others 💗💖🤍💌💘. They keep reminding her that she belongs with them, but they also want her to choose them freely, not out of pressure. They invite her to spend time with them and gently encourage her to join in because they want her to feel like she’s one of them, not like she’s being kept there. They go out of their way to make her feel included and part of the group.
—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ﾟ｡´OVERALLﾟ☁︎｡`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—
Her mom being the traitor behind all of this? HMM. That twist got me. I feel so bad for Grace because that was the whole reason she left her old life behind, and now finding out her mom is the one behind everything and the reason Hale lost his father makes the betrayal hit even harder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
Plot:4 stars
Smut:3.75 stars
You know what though I'll trade some spice for actual plot. I'm quite enjoying where this plot is going! And all the men in this RH are likeable. I also liked Grace more in this installment. My only quip is that I think this series could have just been one book. That being said I do enjoy a quick mindless read.
Smut:3.75 stars
You know what though I'll trade some spice for actual plot. I'm quite enjoying where this plot is going! And all the men in this RH are likeable. I also liked Grace more in this installment. My only quip is that I think this series could have just been one book. That being said I do enjoy a quick mindless read.
July 7, 2022
Great read
I really enjoyed reading this, it didn't have the most outrageous plot twists which I actually loved, there's as much attention for the characters and relationships as there is for the plot and it kept me invested in these characters and their story.
I really enjoyed reading this, it didn't have the most outrageous plot twists which I actually loved, there's as much attention for the characters and relationships as there is for the plot and it kept me invested in these characters and their story.
June 27, 2022
Much better than book 1!!
The plot was more interesting and we learned a lot more about the syndicate. I liked the glimpse of Hale’s softer side and Ciro’s vulnerability. Damian’s role was unexpected and I nice surprise thrown in there. Book 3 here we go.
The plot was more interesting and we learned a lot more about the syndicate. I liked the glimpse of Hale’s softer side and Ciro’s vulnerability. Damian’s role was unexpected and I nice surprise thrown in there. Book 3 here we go.
July 7, 2020
Eva Ashwood has done it again. In book two of the Dark Elite Series we find Grace back with the guys. Hale, Zaid, Lucas and Ciro have shown that they still have feelings for her. She knows that a shift has happened in all of their relationships. But Grace's future is still unknown, she still has to meet with Hale's father. He has the power to get rid of her and she knows it. But there are other things Grace has to be looking out for than the obvious. There is danger lurking in the shadows, just waiting for their opportunity.
Guys I serieously cannot tell you how good this was. I was on pins and needles the whole time reading this book. Twists and turns, several "Yes Finally" to " Nooooo this cannot be happening".
Eva has done an excellent job of keeping the pace fast, the plot so damn interesting and the characters lovable. If you like big strong alpha men, with maybe one that makes you want to wrap him up and hug him. These are dangerous men, but they will do anything for Grace. You got to love that.
Grace is such a strong character, and so freaking likable. Her mouth and wit just crack me up. She is strong and knows when to be mouthy and when to not be. She is a mafia princess after all.
Overall, this series is one of the best mafia RH out there and I really need to have Savage Queen ASAP, because that ending!!!!!!
Guys I serieously cannot tell you how good this was. I was on pins and needles the whole time reading this book. Twists and turns, several "Yes Finally" to " Nooooo this cannot be happening".
Eva has done an excellent job of keeping the pace fast, the plot so damn interesting and the characters lovable. If you like big strong alpha men, with maybe one that makes you want to wrap him up and hug him. These are dangerous men, but they will do anything for Grace. You got to love that.
Grace is such a strong character, and so freaking likable. Her mouth and wit just crack me up. She is strong and knows when to be mouthy and when to not be. She is a mafia princess after all.
Overall, this series is one of the best mafia RH out there and I really need to have Savage Queen ASAP, because that ending!!!!!!
July 8, 2020
I mean, there is not anything that EA could do wrong. I’m positive. Well maybe not finishing a series. That could make me go loco. But this book? Ok. Twin sammich. Need I say more?? The twists. The turns...sweet mother, the hotness. The guys. Grace. It’s almost too much to handle. I’m sure your kindle/e-reader will ignite as you read the book. I need the next book last year already. Come on, Eva. I’m dying here.
December 17, 2021
The repetitiveness of this book was beginning to irritate me by the 50% mark, but I pushed through because I hoped that it would get better. It didn’t, lol.
Anyway, shout-out to fucking twin brothers sis cause I would’ve done the same 🤪.
Anyway, shout-out to fucking twin brothers sis cause I would’ve done the same 🤪.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
It's great to see the fellas let down their guard with Grace. And our poor baby Ciro was breaking my heart. The ending certainly threw a wrench in things!
August 25, 2023
Book: Ruthless Knights
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Eva Ashwood
Narrator: Chloe Ryan and Daniel James Lewis
Genre: Mafia, Reverse Harem, Dark Romance
Main Characters: Grace, Hael, Lucas, Ciro and Zaid
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Book 2 of the Dark Elite Series.
Lets start by saying I love Eva ashwoood, but sometimes I find myself getting a bit lost in her stories.
And this one I got lost a few times and had to go back to the start of the chapter again.
Family isn’t decided by blood. It’s decided by the people who take care of you and who you care for.
Now I struggled a lot with book 2, I wasn’t interested and the storyline was boring. I had to push though constantly. And even read a boo in-between to help me get though.
“You wanted to know what would’ve happened, kitten,” he murmurs quietly. Lucas’s lips brush the shell of my ear, his body hot and hard behind mine. “So we’ll show you.”
The spice was great but the storyline didn't grab me at all.
Ciro is still my no.1 man. He he def the type of guy I would chase in real life.
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Eva Ashwood
Narrator: Chloe Ryan and Daniel James Lewis
Genre: Mafia, Reverse Harem, Dark Romance
Main Characters: Grace, Hael, Lucas, Ciro and Zaid
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Book 2 of the Dark Elite Series.
Lets start by saying I love Eva ashwoood, but sometimes I find myself getting a bit lost in her stories.
And this one I got lost a few times and had to go back to the start of the chapter again.
Family isn’t decided by blood. It’s decided by the people who take care of you and who you care for.
Now I struggled a lot with book 2, I wasn’t interested and the storyline was boring. I had to push though constantly. And even read a boo in-between to help me get though.
“You wanted to know what would’ve happened, kitten,” he murmurs quietly. Lucas’s lips brush the shell of my ear, his body hot and hard behind mine. “So we’ll show you.”
The spice was great but the storyline didn't grab me at all.
Ciro is still my no.1 man. He he def the type of guy I would chase in real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
The story begins with a murder that triggers a series of chaotic events. In the second book, we are introduced to the characters Hale, Luca, Zaid, and Ciro, and we learn how they met and the reasons behind their strong friendship, which is shaped by their tumultuous family backgrounds. When Grace enters the picture, it creates a reverse harem dynamic that is definitely worth reading. The ending is highly suspenseful and takes an unexpected turn
April 24, 2025
Like the prior book in the series, I finished it in about 12 hours. I can definitely tell this was one of her earlier series and she improves in her books with each series!
I loved the guessing and back and forth. I definitely didn’t see that ending coming!!!!
I loved the guessing and back and forth. I definitely didn’t see that ending coming!!!!
May 9, 2023
I’m loving this series!!
November 15, 2024
A good story continuation. Not amazing but compelling all the same.
April 26, 2022
I just don’t know how to scrub my brain after this. I mean let’s start with Ciro. He was such a good damaged character and he could’ve really made this story great. But no he just had to be obsessed with Grace as well as all of the other boys. However I did appreciate that he turned into more of a friend or brother in the end of the book. Grace. She was so annoying one of the worst MCs of my life. Every time one of her chapters came around I wished for it to be over. I like how Hales dad died the same way that Graces did. But like also in the end is Grace not Hales and if so. Wtf is she kissing Zaid. Also are we not going to talk about how there was not 1 but 2 threesomes. My fucking eyes while reading I tell yah. Tbh I would’ve really liked this story had there not been so much fucked up sexual relationships. Liked I thought the whole Brian plot twist was great. Knowing myself I’ll probably read the third book. Cause low key Eva knows how to write a cliffhanger. But after that I will happily never touch these books again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
Rücksichtslose Ritter ist der 2 Band der Reihe der direkt am Ende vom Band 1 anknüpft. Nachdem mehr als fiesen Cliffhanger war ich froh wie es weiter geht. Ohne zu spoilern kann ich sagen das es spannend weiter geht. Es werden weitere Intrigen geschnürt. Wer steckt hinter alle dem, wer will ihnen schaden? Sind es die eigenen Reihen oder kommt es ganz woanders her? Die Bindung der einzelnen Charaktere verfestigt sich nochmal. Einige Dinge werden gelüftet, aber noch stehen sie vor vielen Scherben. Ein guter 2 Band, der den 1 nochmal übertroffen hat.
January 3, 2022
Damn
What an emotional rollercoaster ride this book was. It captivates from the first page and you just can’t put it down.
The truths that come to light, the betrayals that are surfaced and let’s not forget the deaths and comebacks from the dead.
I love this series so much. I literally can’t put it down.
1000000000000000000000/10
All of the ⭐️’s
Here’s my favorite quotes from this book
I pretend I don’t notice how the four men who escorted me into the room fall into position around me. Zaid and Lucas stand at either side while Ciro stays behind me, Hale’s body creating a temporary barrier of safety between myself and Damian. ~Grace
Hale’s lips twitch, and I see a flash of pride in his eyes too. Grace hasn’t been in our world for over six years, but she’s a fucking natural at the politics of power. In a subtle way, she just showed Damian that she’s looking to his son for guidance through all of this, that she’ll defer to Hale’s judgement, not Damian’s. ~Zaid
Because as much as I want this beautiful, fierce woman in our lives, I want her there by choice.
I want her to choose us. ~Zaid
Lies are still lies, no matter how prettily they’re wrapped in promises. ~Grace
Goddammit. I hate how much he hurts, even if he tries to hide it. I hate that he tore open a wound inside himself just to try to make me feel better, to let me know I’m not alone.
But I love him for it a little bit too. ~Grace
If she were causing me pain, I might not even notice the proximity. It’s the gentleness that fucking kills me. I don’t know how to handle it. ~Ciro
“Well, you are. You’re one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen. Your tattoos. Your gorgeous jawline. Your lips. But more than that, it’s your eyes. It’s what I see inside them. It’s you.” ~Grace
His blue eyes meet mine as his lips leave my skin, and I can see something in them that tells me this is no longer just about Ciro. It’s about me and Hale too. Maybe even about all three of us.
“The most terrible thing about trust, Grace,” Damian says, looking at me closely, “is that the more deeply it’s earned, the worse it is when it is broken.”
“I owe Hale my life,” I find myself saying, my voice steady despite my racing pulse. “But how I feel about him… goes beyond that. He’s learned to trust me, and I’ve learned to trust him too. I would never betray him—not because of a debt owed, but because I care about him. Even if he hadn’t saved my life, I would never do anything to hurt your son.”
What an emotional rollercoaster ride this book was. It captivates from the first page and you just can’t put it down.
The truths that come to light, the betrayals that are surfaced and let’s not forget the deaths and comebacks from the dead.
I love this series so much. I literally can’t put it down.
1000000000000000000000/10
All of the ⭐️’s
Here’s my favorite quotes from this book
I pretend I don’t notice how the four men who escorted me into the room fall into position around me. Zaid and Lucas stand at either side while Ciro stays behind me, Hale’s body creating a temporary barrier of safety between myself and Damian. ~Grace
Hale’s lips twitch, and I see a flash of pride in his eyes too. Grace hasn’t been in our world for over six years, but she’s a fucking natural at the politics of power. In a subtle way, she just showed Damian that she’s looking to his son for guidance through all of this, that she’ll defer to Hale’s judgement, not Damian’s. ~Zaid
Because as much as I want this beautiful, fierce woman in our lives, I want her there by choice.
I want her to choose us. ~Zaid
Lies are still lies, no matter how prettily they’re wrapped in promises. ~Grace
Goddammit. I hate how much he hurts, even if he tries to hide it. I hate that he tore open a wound inside himself just to try to make me feel better, to let me know I’m not alone.
But I love him for it a little bit too. ~Grace
If she were causing me pain, I might not even notice the proximity. It’s the gentleness that fucking kills me. I don’t know how to handle it. ~Ciro
“Well, you are. You’re one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen. Your tattoos. Your gorgeous jawline. Your lips. But more than that, it’s your eyes. It’s what I see inside them. It’s you.” ~Grace
His blue eyes meet mine as his lips leave my skin, and I can see something in them that tells me this is no longer just about Ciro. It’s about me and Hale too. Maybe even about all three of us.
“The most terrible thing about trust, Grace,” Damian says, looking at me closely, “is that the more deeply it’s earned, the worse it is when it is broken.”
“I owe Hale my life,” I find myself saying, my voice steady despite my racing pulse. “But how I feel about him… goes beyond that. He’s learned to trust me, and I’ve learned to trust him too. I would never betray him—not because of a debt owed, but because I care about him. Even if he hadn’t saved my life, I would never do anything to hurt your son.”
June 29, 2020
Oh my god... say whaaaat.....?! wowsers what an ending... I was most definetly holding my breath for the last chapter!
Okies let's rewind a little...
This is the second book in the dark elite trilogy series, and directly continues from book one.
We were dragged to hell and back along with Grace in the first book "Vicious Kings".
She went from being almost married to being kidnapped by her past.
In this book the reletionships morph and develop into something new amazing and totally spellbinding.
The brothers who act as one, who think as one, could very well be one but two of them is definetly so much more rewarding!
Ciro is a tortured soul, he's never been the same since he was taken. Touch is his nemesis there is no peace to him not even when he sleeps.
My heart broke for him it really did. To want what he thinks he cant and shouldnt have, brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to put him back together. Fix him, make him whole again.
Hale is the leader of their group, the son, the heir the next inline to carry on the syndicate.
He's brave and determined, controlled and downright sexy through and through.
His love for his men is unconditional and to watch him bring Ciro back my heart was a goner.
These men are everything you could ever want and need, and I feel honoured to of met them and spent time with them.
They are truly deserving of Grace as she is of them and my one hope for the next book is that they are given a slice of peace, and a bit of freedom from their duties, though I know especially now it wont be easy for them to achieve!
All that's left to say is that Eva Ashwood has brought to the table an unforgettable series that five stars doesnt seem enough for.
Okies let's rewind a little...
This is the second book in the dark elite trilogy series, and directly continues from book one.
We were dragged to hell and back along with Grace in the first book "Vicious Kings".
She went from being almost married to being kidnapped by her past.
In this book the reletionships morph and develop into something new amazing and totally spellbinding.
The brothers who act as one, who think as one, could very well be one but two of them is definetly so much more rewarding!
Ciro is a tortured soul, he's never been the same since he was taken. Touch is his nemesis there is no peace to him not even when he sleeps.
My heart broke for him it really did. To want what he thinks he cant and shouldnt have, brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to put him back together. Fix him, make him whole again.
Hale is the leader of their group, the son, the heir the next inline to carry on the syndicate.
He's brave and determined, controlled and downright sexy through and through.
His love for his men is unconditional and to watch him bring Ciro back my heart was a goner.
These men are everything you could ever want and need, and I feel honoured to of met them and spent time with them.
They are truly deserving of Grace as she is of them and my one hope for the next book is that they are given a slice of peace, and a bit of freedom from their duties, though I know especially now it wont be easy for them to achieve!
All that's left to say is that Eva Ashwood has brought to the table an unforgettable series that five stars doesnt seem enough for.
July 7, 2020
Wow. This book was intense, action packed, suspenseful with some mystery, and still heartbreaking at times.There were so many unexpected things happening in this 2nd installment!! I’ll admit, I don’t read a lot of mafia romances. I always expect the FMC to be harmed and treated as a pet or slave, but this series is so refreshing. It is so nice to see all four of the men treat Grace so well, wanting her to be part of their family, and wanting her to feel safe and not like a prisoner in their home. They truly care for her and are willing to do anything to protect her. Those things just made this book so much more enjoyable. I already knew I was going to love this series after reading the first book, but the transition from hateful words and actions to the praise and loving caresses in this book let me know all the great things I have to look forward to. I always love seeing pure alpha men, those that are normally feared, treating the FMC like a queen. The relationship Grace has with all of the guys is so different for each one, but it’s amazing that she can be that something that each needs. The way she is with Ciro, patient and comforting, the way she supports Hale and how he knows he can break down with her without being judged, the way she can be part of the family that Zaid and Lucas are missing. She is all of that and so much more. She developed so much since the beginning of this story and has finally found her place. Grace is a pure ball of determination, willing to do whatever necessary to help the guys find the people responsible for the cleverly calculated deaths surrounding them. She is strong and will only get stronger, but how is she going to handle that whammy of information that we were left with at the end of the book?? Time will only tell.
July 7, 2022
I feel like this series had a lot of potential, but idk… after reading this second book, I’m kind of hesitant to read book three tbh.
I wasn’t as invested in this as the first book. I really feel like not a lot happened. There was a lot of rambling, too many inner thoughts, and more telling than showing. Too much time was spent summarizing things or in the characters heads with them having nonstop monologues about their feelings for each other and feelings about what was happening. I mean that’s cool and all and can help with relationship and character development, but show me, don’t tell me! I found myself wishing for more action, drama, and dialogue. It felt like there weren’t a lot of scenes and instead was at least 60% just thoughts and feelings. Overall, this didn’t do much to move the story forward, which I’m bummed about, because I think the potential was there. There was just so much that was skimmable and repetitive and uninteresting imo, and I didn’t feel that way about book one. Idk the writing and vibes kind of changed. I felt bored.🫤
I still like the MCs, especially the twins and Ciro. The FMC is starting to annoy. And why are there no other females?? Like ever? Anywhere?? Feels a bit sexist imo. C’mon, it’s 2022, people other than cis males can be in gangs lol.
One thing I really HATED in this was the dog scene and references to animal abuse and torture. I felt it was very unnecessary and the threat could have been shown in a different way. Anything about animals is a trigger for me, so as soon as I realized what was happening, I skipped over that part.😢💔
I’m curious about a few things, so I’ll probably give book three a try. (Maybe.) And hopefully it will have more action/suspense, drama, and dialogue!🤞🏻😁🤞🏻
I wasn’t as invested in this as the first book. I really feel like not a lot happened. There was a lot of rambling, too many inner thoughts, and more telling than showing. Too much time was spent summarizing things or in the characters heads with them having nonstop monologues about their feelings for each other and feelings about what was happening. I mean that’s cool and all and can help with relationship and character development, but show me, don’t tell me! I found myself wishing for more action, drama, and dialogue. It felt like there weren’t a lot of scenes and instead was at least 60% just thoughts and feelings. Overall, this didn’t do much to move the story forward, which I’m bummed about, because I think the potential was there. There was just so much that was skimmable and repetitive and uninteresting imo, and I didn’t feel that way about book one. Idk the writing and vibes kind of changed. I felt bored.🫤
I still like the MCs, especially the twins and Ciro. The FMC is starting to annoy. And why are there no other females?? Like ever? Anywhere?? Feels a bit sexist imo. C’mon, it’s 2022, people other than cis males can be in gangs lol.
One thing I really HATED in this was the dog scene and references to animal abuse and torture. I felt it was very unnecessary and the threat could have been shown in a different way. Anything about animals is a trigger for me, so as soon as I realized what was happening, I skipped over that part.😢💔
I’m curious about a few things, so I’ll probably give book three a try. (Maybe.) And hopefully it will have more action/suspense, drama, and dialogue!🤞🏻😁🤞🏻
May 3, 2023
Did I enjoy the book? Yeah, I did. Will I be reading the next and final installment? I'm not sure.
As of now, I'm not really feeling any urge to pick up the next book even with that ending. I think the only thing that really kept me reading was the mystery and when it was revealed at the end, I was like oh that's nice, okay I'm done. That's what it felt like.
This is by no means a bad book. I think I just didn't feel anything towards the characters. They didn't engage me. Grace is fine, she's an okay heroine and I like how she's starting to stand up for herself in this but not in an obnoxious in your face way. I like that she's smart and understands social cues. It would have been better if her struggle for trust in them to have been explored more rather than immediately resolved, I felt like there was no proper build up.
Then there's the guys. They all sound the same except Ciro, you wouldn't miss that broodiness and self loathing from a mile away. But in general, their speech and thinking patterns are the same. It's not awkward but it lacks personality. I struggled so hard with Lucas and Zaid, I get they're twins but they are a exact copy of each other. I always find myself scrolling up to the chapter to remind myself whose monologue I'm reading. Aside from appearance, the only difference the twins have is literally their pet names for Grace.
None of them made me feel. And I think that is really the most important and challenging aspect in creating characters; the emotions, the connection, the growth. They could really have been better.
As of now, I'm not really feeling any urge to pick up the next book even with that ending. I think the only thing that really kept me reading was the mystery and when it was revealed at the end, I was like oh that's nice, okay I'm done. That's what it felt like.
This is by no means a bad book. I think I just didn't feel anything towards the characters. They didn't engage me. Grace is fine, she's an okay heroine and I like how she's starting to stand up for herself in this but not in an obnoxious in your face way. I like that she's smart and understands social cues. It would have been better if her struggle for trust in them to have been explored more rather than immediately resolved, I felt like there was no proper build up.
Then there's the guys. They all sound the same except Ciro, you wouldn't miss that broodiness and self loathing from a mile away. But in general, their speech and thinking patterns are the same. It's not awkward but it lacks personality. I struggled so hard with Lucas and Zaid, I get they're twins but they are a exact copy of each other. I always find myself scrolling up to the chapter to remind myself whose monologue I'm reading. Aside from appearance, the only difference the twins have is literally their pet names for Grace.
None of them made me feel. And I think that is really the most important and challenging aspect in creating characters; the emotions, the connection, the growth. They could really have been better.
September 29, 2022
So, this is a general review of the series, (3 books)
I would say overall, it’s gonna be a 3*.
I went to the end, so I fell less would be unfair, and it was an OK read with some really sexy steamy scenes.
However, I feel a bit lost and can’t connect to the character when after seeing the last relative she had die before her eyes, at her wedding in a bloodbath, she just goes all warm and wet with one (2…) of her kidnappers after 5min being there.
I mean, yes, we read the books for the sex scenes also but it must be a little constructed and not just “at any chance”
This was a bit derouting for me… as well as all the “relation” between Grace and Ciro… I don’t get them together…
Also, it’s mainly a 1 to 1 // 2to 1 sex. I think there is only 1 time in the last book when all 4 boys are with Grace.
For the story now… so, the idea was great.
It’s funny (well I think) but my 8yo always asks me what’s the story I read, so I give him a pitch (rated R ; with no mention of the relationships obviously)
He asked the first time when I was somewhere in book 2; and it was still ok.
The Maffia storyline was ok; I mean, yeah why would they kidnap her when her dad died… but it was ok… plausible? sure
But then I finished book 3, and I had to start by telling him that I was a bit disappointed. I went on and told him the story, and he asked about some plotholes that were bothering me… So yeah, not a fan of how shit goes down
I would say overall, it’s gonna be a 3*.
I went to the end, so I fell less would be unfair, and it was an OK read with some really sexy steamy scenes.
However, I feel a bit lost and can’t connect to the character when after seeing the last relative she had die before her eyes, at her wedding in a bloodbath, she just goes all warm and wet with one (2…) of her kidnappers after 5min being there.
I mean, yes, we read the books for the sex scenes also but it must be a little constructed and not just “at any chance”
This was a bit derouting for me… as well as all the “relation” between Grace and Ciro… I don’t get them together…
Also, it’s mainly a 1 to 1 // 2to 1 sex. I think there is only 1 time in the last book when all 4 boys are with Grace.
For the story now… so, the idea was great.
It’s funny (well I think) but my 8yo always asks me what’s the story I read, so I give him a pitch (rated R ; with no mention of the relationships obviously)
He asked the first time when I was somewhere in book 2; and it was still ok.
The Maffia storyline was ok; I mean, yeah why would they kidnap her when her dad died… but it was ok… plausible? sure
But then I finished book 3, and I had to start by telling him that I was a bit disappointed. I went on and told him the story, and he asked about some plotholes that were bothering me… So yeah, not a fan of how shit goes down
December 16, 2021
I read this one even quicker than the first one and I had a fun time doing it.
Now…what happened in this book? An excellent question because to be completely honest not a TON happened. While there were some pretty big plot points that caused some turning points, this was a lot of building relationships, intimate scenes, and searching for the mole.
We do get to learn more about Ciro and his backstory which was really interesting. I really liked the scenes where he and Grace interact and I ESPECIALLY like the scene where Hale is in the room. Anyway, I like the back story we get but again I’m still wanting more from all the other characters.
This book includes a lot of inner monologues just like the first one and it didn’t bother me but I sometimes it became repetitive especially with Grace. Since there is a lot of inner monologues I wish I would’ve gotten to know the characters a bit more than just on the surface level. As I said, we learn more about Ciro but not so much about the others, especially the twins.
I’m also wanting more personality and badness from Grace but that may just be personal preference at this point.
The cliffhanger at the end has me grabbing for the other book, I’m super excited to read. Again, I think this is a good mafia series for beginners as there’s not a ton of violence or torture.
Now…what happened in this book? An excellent question because to be completely honest not a TON happened. While there were some pretty big plot points that caused some turning points, this was a lot of building relationships, intimate scenes, and searching for the mole.
We do get to learn more about Ciro and his backstory which was really interesting. I really liked the scenes where he and Grace interact and I ESPECIALLY like the scene where Hale is in the room. Anyway, I like the back story we get but again I’m still wanting more from all the other characters.
This book includes a lot of inner monologues just like the first one and it didn’t bother me but I sometimes it became repetitive especially with Grace. Since there is a lot of inner monologues I wish I would’ve gotten to know the characters a bit more than just on the surface level. As I said, we learn more about Ciro but not so much about the others, especially the twins.
I’m also wanting more personality and badness from Grace but that may just be personal preference at this point.
The cliffhanger at the end has me grabbing for the other book, I’m super excited to read. Again, I think this is a good mafia series for beginners as there’s not a ton of violence or torture.
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