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Varasso Brothers #2
Cruel Prince
I gave my innocence to a mafia prince...But I haven’t told him that I’m carrying his baby.
My life was mundane before I met Marco.
I didn’t know how dangerous he was until it was too late.
He’d already hired me as his assistant.
Marco has my body… and my heart.
He also holds my career in his hands.
The only way out of this is to run for my life.
Even though I know he’d do everything to hunt me down.
Now, I’ve asked for something impossible.
Would he abandon his mafia family to be with me?
And how would he protect me and his unborn baby if our lives were threatened?
My life was mundane before I met Marco.
I didn’t know how dangerous he was until it was too late.
He’d already hired me as his assistant.
Marco has my body… and my heart.
He also holds my career in his hands.
The only way out of this is to run for my life.
Even though I know he’d do everything to hunt me down.
Now, I’ve asked for something impossible.
Would he abandon his mafia family to be with me?
And how would he protect me and his unborn baby if our lives were threatened?
- GenresDark Romance
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2020
94 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Reed
34 books45 followersDownload my FREE book here:
http://bit.ly/AddictedtotheDark
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Sophia Reed is a former elementary school teacher with a passion for dark romance. Having one of her erotic shorts awarded at a local writing contest motivated her to continue old stories she'd write but never publish. She has since moved to Vegas and spends her days writing in cafes around Sin City.
http://bit.ly/AddictedtotheDark
Join my private Reader Group here:
http://bit.ly/ReederGroup
Sophia Reed is a former elementary school teacher with a passion for dark romance. Having one of her erotic shorts awarded at a local writing contest motivated her to continue old stories she'd write but never publish. She has since moved to Vegas and spends her days writing in cafes around Sin City.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 5, 2020
This is the second book in the series. I loved Marco & Kelly's story. This was a fast-paced & intense read. Good characters. Lots of chemistry. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 8, 2021
Synopsis does not match what I read.
In addition in the box set it is titled incorrectly as, 'Cruel Prince' is listed as the intro. to the series. However, book 1 is titled correctly as, 'Fallen Prince'. Yet, book 2 is titled, 'Devils Pawn' . As noted by my daughter who is currently reading the box set versus individual books, as we both prefer box sets. However, we read at different speeds.
As you can see, it doesn't matter if you are an individual book reader or box set reader, thus far books 0, 1, and 2 can be read in the correct order just under different titles. If you, read box sets and list as individual, as my daughter often does it will be confusing on Goodreads to keep the books straight and in the correct order.
In addition in the box set it is titled incorrectly as, 'Cruel Prince' is listed as the intro. to the series. However, book 1 is titled correctly as, 'Fallen Prince'. Yet, book 2 is titled, 'Devils Pawn' . As noted by my daughter who is currently reading the box set versus individual books, as we both prefer box sets. However, we read at different speeds.
As you can see, it doesn't matter if you are an individual book reader or box set reader, thus far books 0, 1, and 2 can be read in the correct order just under different titles. If you, read box sets and list as individual, as my daughter often does it will be confusing on Goodreads to keep the books straight and in the correct order.
February 24, 2020
Cruel Prince is the second book in the series is Marco Larossa’s story. It is best to read the series in order although they also work well as standalone books.
When Marco Larossa buys Organic Eats bistro he meets Kelly, the ‘cream of the crop’ server. She is brilliant at her job, hardworking and beautiful. When Marco needs an assistant to record all of his business transactions, both legal and illegal, he trains Kelly for the job and gives her a much needed raise. She is totally unaware of anything untoward due to Marco’s representation of the book work. It also means that he is able to be around Kelly in closer proximity. He enjoys her company and for the first time since the Larossa house fire six months ago, during which Marco suffered third degree burns all over his back, Marco is starting to feel again. He hasn’t had the inclination to get involved with any woman since, fearing their repulsion at his scars. But Kelly is kind and compassionate. He fights his attraction to her after their first couple of interactions, but after pulling away from her, he finds he misses her company.
Kelly has taken care of both of her parents for most of her life. Their marriage has involved a lot of screaming at each other after her fathers dishonesty about his redundancy, left the family with a lot of debt and unpaid medical bills. Her mother has had a painful arthritic condition which needed expensive operations, some of which they still can’t afford. Kelly works every shift she can to earn money that she pays the bills with. Due to her promotion and raise, she is now able to start paying off some of her mothers medical debt, and work less hours. Kelly is attracted to Marco despite her police officer brother sharing his opinion of the Larossa family. Marco has shown her nothing but kindness. For the first time Kelly is having feelings for a man and as they get closer, their relationship is taken to the next level. Kelly is kept in the dark by Marco about his family as he wants to keep her untainted by their lifestyle. But after Kelly’s brother sets the wheels in motion to prove to Kelly that Marco isn’t all that he seems, the bubble in which they have been living, bursts.
The story is brilliantly crafted. Marco was born into the mafia and his love for Kelly keeps him living a double life. Their relationship is innocent and you feel for both of the characters. The passion between them is genuine and you are kept guessing as to when it’s all going to come crashing down. All of the relations put in an appearance and the interactions and banter between the brothers a lot calmer since the house fire and changes that Luca has made to the family Sunday gathering. The story ends with a Larossa HEA but does leave a cliffhanger in the wings. Fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Marco Larossa buys Organic Eats bistro he meets Kelly, the ‘cream of the crop’ server. She is brilliant at her job, hardworking and beautiful. When Marco needs an assistant to record all of his business transactions, both legal and illegal, he trains Kelly for the job and gives her a much needed raise. She is totally unaware of anything untoward due to Marco’s representation of the book work. It also means that he is able to be around Kelly in closer proximity. He enjoys her company and for the first time since the Larossa house fire six months ago, during which Marco suffered third degree burns all over his back, Marco is starting to feel again. He hasn’t had the inclination to get involved with any woman since, fearing their repulsion at his scars. But Kelly is kind and compassionate. He fights his attraction to her after their first couple of interactions, but after pulling away from her, he finds he misses her company.
Kelly has taken care of both of her parents for most of her life. Their marriage has involved a lot of screaming at each other after her fathers dishonesty about his redundancy, left the family with a lot of debt and unpaid medical bills. Her mother has had a painful arthritic condition which needed expensive operations, some of which they still can’t afford. Kelly works every shift she can to earn money that she pays the bills with. Due to her promotion and raise, she is now able to start paying off some of her mothers medical debt, and work less hours. Kelly is attracted to Marco despite her police officer brother sharing his opinion of the Larossa family. Marco has shown her nothing but kindness. For the first time Kelly is having feelings for a man and as they get closer, their relationship is taken to the next level. Kelly is kept in the dark by Marco about his family as he wants to keep her untainted by their lifestyle. But after Kelly’s brother sets the wheels in motion to prove to Kelly that Marco isn’t all that he seems, the bubble in which they have been living, bursts.
The story is brilliantly crafted. Marco was born into the mafia and his love for Kelly keeps him living a double life. Their relationship is innocent and you feel for both of the characters. The passion between them is genuine and you are kept guessing as to when it’s all going to come crashing down. All of the relations put in an appearance and the interactions and banter between the brothers a lot calmer since the house fire and changes that Luca has made to the family Sunday gathering. The story ends with a Larossa HEA but does leave a cliffhanger in the wings. Fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2021
Second instalment in the Varasso Brother series and well deserved. A steady flow from book one, so no added pages.
Marco, second eldest received his fair share of 3rd degree burns and struggled for a period of time. Finally being able to contribute to the family business was bringing back the norm to his life. The purchase of the restaurant was another way of laundering illegal funds. What he didn’t expect to find was Kelly Carr. Kelly, the woman who put everyone before her. A soft/loving soul who learnt to love but under what delusional circumstances. As per usual, no spoiling. The synopsis gives you a guide to this read.
On a personal note, the series is becoming addictive. So far, two brothers have had their stories told. Here though, there is a cliffhanger so Marco won’t be forgotten I assume.
Follow the lives of corruption/bribery/illicit circumstances/drugs etc and yes, let’s throw in love. But... what does one need to choose to follow their path to happiness? Or is there happiness in their horizons?
Marco, second eldest received his fair share of 3rd degree burns and struggled for a period of time. Finally being able to contribute to the family business was bringing back the norm to his life. The purchase of the restaurant was another way of laundering illegal funds. What he didn’t expect to find was Kelly Carr. Kelly, the woman who put everyone before her. A soft/loving soul who learnt to love but under what delusional circumstances. As per usual, no spoiling. The synopsis gives you a guide to this read.
On a personal note, the series is becoming addictive. So far, two brothers have had their stories told. Here though, there is a cliffhanger so Marco won’t be forgotten I assume.
Follow the lives of corruption/bribery/illicit circumstances/drugs etc and yes, let’s throw in love. But... what does one need to choose to follow their path to happiness? Or is there happiness in their horizons?
February 24, 2020
A cruel prince can be tamed by his innocent princess
Cruel Prince is book two in the Varasso Brothers series. This is the story of Marco Varasso and his assistant Kelly. He is the second in command of the family and has been dealing with a lot of pain and loss in his life. Kelly is an innocent young woman who is struggling to care for her parents and is hired to be Marco's assistant. Well you can guess that they have an attraction that is off the charts with a lot of sizzling chemistry. But not all is smooth in this family and there is drama, suspense and a whole lot of twists as they fall in love.
This is another really well written books with a solid story-line and characters that have depth and you can care about. I am really enjoying his series and looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Cruel Prince is book two in the Varasso Brothers series. This is the story of Marco Varasso and his assistant Kelly. He is the second in command of the family and has been dealing with a lot of pain and loss in his life. Kelly is an innocent young woman who is struggling to care for her parents and is hired to be Marco's assistant. Well you can guess that they have an attraction that is off the charts with a lot of sizzling chemistry. But not all is smooth in this family and there is drama, suspense and a whole lot of twists as they fall in love.
This is another really well written books with a solid story-line and characters that have depth and you can care about. I am really enjoying his series and looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
February 18, 2020
This is the second book in Sophia Reed’s The Varasso Brothers series and focuses on Marco, the second born son in the Philadelphia Varasso mafia family, and Kelly, who was hired as his assistant and who struggles to take care of her parents. Their love story is full of sweetness, drama, strong family connections, and sizzling chemistry. I recommend this intense book which continues the saga of this mafia family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2020
This is Book 2 in the Varasso Brothers Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a dark romance between Marco Varasso and his assistant, Kelly. It is a romantic adventure full of danger, suspense, steam, and an abundance of action, enemies, twists and turns. The emotions are heartbreaking, frustrating, and bittersweet. The chemistry between the main characters is combustible. An engaging page turner with a happy for now ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2021
Infinitesimally better. Better grammar and pacing. The author is more practiced. Still trash. Character development? Where? Side characters? What was the point? The actual crime? Huh? Family? Who? And then the ending. There was nothing. There. And NO reason for what’s-her-face to be pregnant. Why couldn’t she come to her own conclusions without the pressure of a pregnancy?
So… still garbage. But I bought SIX books. For NINETY-NINE CENTS. TOTAL. I’m reading them all. My recommendations be damned.
So… still garbage. But I bought SIX books. For NINETY-NINE CENTS. TOTAL. I’m reading them all. My recommendations be damned.
February 16, 2020
As this series progresses, we get to learn more about Marco and his life and those around him, including the woman who loves him. This is a really great series and is book 3 which I dived straight into after finishing the prequel and book 1. I am loving this series and really enjoy reading books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2020
This series has me totally hooked in this book we see Marco meet Kelly. After Marco saved his brother Luca months before and left covered with burns. While this takes it toll on Marco and the rest of the family. When they take over another business Marko meets Kelly. With so many twists and turns, heartache and betrayal. With Kelly's brother being a cop and trying to get her to stay away from Marco. Will they overcome everything thrown in front of them. Pick up this baby and find out
July 31, 2020
Cruel Prince was a surprising treat. Marco and Kelly's story was sweet, eventful and so full of love. What started out as just a business venture for Marco turned into so much more for him than he'd ever anticipated. Kelly had nothing going for her aside from work and taking care of her parents. Her and Marco found something in each other that was completely undeniable. Their journey will make you swoon and fall in love with them
February 16, 2020
This is my first reading of the serie. It can be read as a standalone, but it would be even better if I had read Devil s Pawn and Fallen Knight.
I loved the innocence of Kelly and the pure love of Marco, they are great together.
I hope there the story of the others Varasso brothers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the innocence of Kelly and the pure love of Marco, they are great together.
I hope there the story of the others Varasso brothers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2020
Marco is the prince of the mafia family, still feeling the pain of the loss of his wife.kelly is problem they have to deal with and they do. They take kelly under their wing, and what happens next,is drama, mayhem twist and turns, and sex and love . This was a great read ,I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2020
This is the second book in the series, and this is Marco and Kelly’s story. Neither have had an easy time of it and are just surviving day to day. Their story is fast paced with lots of intense chemistry, drama and steam. The characters have lots of depth and the story really draws you in. I loved it!
May 20, 2020
Love this series!
Sophia Reed delivers another wonderful story that deals with so many issues within the lives of her characters. Even though it's about mafia families the violence isn't the main focus, but the relationships they have and the responsibilities of being born into the life is at the forefront. A must read
Sophia Reed delivers another wonderful story that deals with so many issues within the lives of her characters. Even though it's about mafia families the violence isn't the main focus, but the relationships they have and the responsibilities of being born into the life is at the forefront. A must read
July 22, 2020
Mafia men!!
Don't you just love them! All hunky and yummy. Absolutely loved the characters in this book. The story was a love story but with a surprise ending. Did not like her brother but loved his. Very good story.
Don't you just love them! All hunky and yummy. Absolutely loved the characters in this book. The story was a love story but with a surprise ending. Did not like her brother but loved his. Very good story.
February 16, 2020
These book are excellent and there is nothing to complaint! You can't get tired reading anything written by this author!!!
February 24, 2020
Fabulous😍
I'm new to this author , this is my second book and I loved it. I love mafia books 📚 so I'm looking forward to reading more from Sophia. So worth the time.
I'm new to this author , this is my second book and I loved it. I love mafia books 📚 so I'm looking forward to reading more from Sophia. So worth the time.
July 26, 2020
kelly best girl
August 8, 2020
Skim read quite a bit to get to points of interest. It was also a very short read
January 16, 2021
My husband has 3rd degree burns over 70% of his body, so I appreciate the details of what Marco had to endure being accurate.
This story tore me up but I did wish there was a bit more conflict.
This story tore me up but I did wish there was a bit more conflict.
Read
March 18, 2021Dnf
August 8, 2021
The ending was really unpredictable and the book was up to the mark *chef's kiss*
October 14, 2021
Much of the same as the first book. All tell and very little show. I won’t be continuing this story, even though I’ve enjoyed meeting the cast of characters.
September 16, 2022
Wow what a wonderful book, great storyline and characters
June 4, 2023
Marco is soo sweet!
And I've just realised that "unplanned pregnancy" a favourite of this author - I don't mind, I actually love it, the drama it brings is awesome!
And I've just realised that "unplanned pregnancy" a favourite of this author - I don't mind, I actually love it, the drama it brings is awesome!
July 18, 2020
The story of Marco and Kelly is a great read. Reed did a good job in taking a Mafia romance and turning it into something completely different from what has been written to date in this genre. The characters are both engaging and very likable; but both have their personal baggage and issues outside of their growing love story. The story evolves and eventually takes the reader in a different direction than many of these stories do. Marco is a true alpha and Kelly is a strong female character that is a perfect match for Marco. Together they go into territories that few writers in this genre have considered developing. It's a great ride. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews