Luca and Alexis

by Shantee' A. Parks (Posey Parks), Posey Parks

My main priority as the mafia boss is protecting my queen.
When I first laid eyes on Lexis as a boy those dark brown eyes and her pretty brown skin drew me in.
I had to meet her.
Get close to her.
Remain close to her.
We became best friends.

I consoled her when she felt abandoned by her mother.
My father dropped a bomb in my lap when I was sixteen.
I learned I’d become the next mafia boss of the Esposito’s.
Dad said I needed to let her go.
Her grandmother told her to run away from me and don’t look back.
She had no idea I sank my teeth into the mahogany beauty a long time ago.
She’s mine.

There wasn’t a chance I’d ever give her up.
Then the unexpected happened.
Lexis ran.
Why would she run away from our life?
If any of my enemies were behind her leaving they will pay.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

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Posey Parks a.k.a Shantee' A. Parks is an Amazon best selling author and the owner of Posey Parks Publishing.
Billionaire alpha romance suspense series: Relentless Chase, Not Giving Up, and Samantha Posey Love three book series, (Love Unfolded, Love Reveals, and Love Conquers) are filled with betrayal, drama, kidnapping, assassins, and Steamy Hot romance. The characters cross over into other series.
The Set Dilemma is a sexy historical romance standalone. Hidden Witness is a second chance mafia romance series sure to keep you hooked. The deeply captivating Billionaire's Stripper Virgin romance is a tantalizing must read.

Posey Parks will always give an unexpected Plot-twist in all of her books.

She's from Detroit, Michigan living in Atlanta, Georgia. Traveling is her other passion. She has visited London and Paris and would love to some day travel to Italy.

When not taking care of her family she is reading or writing "HOT & STEAMY" romance stories.
A happily ever after (HEA) is always important to her. She needs it as much as her readers do. Sometimes she can leave a cliff hanger, but she always gives an HEA at the end of either a stand alone or series!

Reviews

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate cliffhangers

It's a good thing I already have book 2 or I'd be really PO'd right now. I take that back, I am PO'd. Book 2 is listed as a "Want To Read" but had not been released yet. This is why I hate cliffhangers. It gets one all wound up and then BOOM... nothing!

The one who betrays you is the one who is closest to you. That's why the betrayal hurts so bad and is a total shocker. My heart just goes out to Lexis. She is caught between a rock and a hard place. Just when everything is going so well for she and Luca's relationship, the world fades to black for Lexis, and Lucas is stuck holding the bag trying to figure out why.

[Schanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexis 4 eva!!

I enjoyed this book, total page turner!! Two childhood best friends fall in love, but will his family business get in the way of love???? I just love how the two lovers face their challenges together. Lexis is a tough cookie!! She doesn't back down from Luca or anyone who tries to intimidate or threaten her. She's brave, smart, independent and is in love with Luca as much as he's in love with her. The love between Lexis and Luca is so palpable. Their connection spills off the pages at each stage of their relationship 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Yes, Luca is a mafia boss, obsessive, possessive, but he loves his woman fiercely. That love is tested, and I'm sooo shocked... what will happen next!!!

[Erika Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good

Let me start by saying the storyline was *chefs kiss* but I’m so disappointed at the lack of detail. It felt like I was reading a very rough draft, almost like a bullet point list hence the 4 stars.

[Cammyjoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Obsession

Lexis was Luca’s biggest weakness, since the age of 7 and Alexis was 5 . There isn’t a thing that he won’t do for her and Lexis knows it. But what happened when you cozy up with evils and you call them friends, they envied and coveted what you cherish and they could never have?! Well, find out what happened to Lexi and Luca ???
I don’t want to leave spoilers, so I leave you with this: Awesome read! and I am dying for book 2

[B.J. Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense!

This started out being a sweet childhood romance and quickly escalated into an intense mafia thriller. The action, intrigue and deception kept me on the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to Lexis' revenge. An exciting story.

[BookKraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding

I am speechless! This book is heart-racing, mind-blowing, spine-tingling, breathtakingly GOOD. This story is incredible, and I can't wait for part two. Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger.

Alexis and Luca have been in love all their lives. They grew up together and knew exactly what their future held until it all came to a screeching halt. Yup, someone in their inner circle betrays them and does the unthinkable (trigger warning).

Ruthless Mafia Boss has everything and more. Secret pregnancy, friends to lovers, childhood friends and first love.

Damn!!! This story is sexy! Both Alexis and Luca are jealous possessive and only have eyes for each other.

If you enjoy slightly dark, interracial romance without relationship drama, I highly recommend reading this book.

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I already knew this book was gonna be 🔥🔥🔥because of the authoress that wrote it. Reading this book had me on the edge of the seat of my wheelchair. Every page was so descriptive and vivid that at times I felt like it was being played out before my very eyes. Posey Parks has such a way with storytelling. The drama and chemistry between Luca and Lexis was so deep and frustrating at the same time. At one point I wanted to smack Lexis and say "wake up!" And others I called her a bad bi***. There are some triggers that didn't bother me. But they did have me cussing and saying someone's gonna die when this gets out. No spoilers! You'll just have to read the book. Granted this book has a cliffhanger. But knowing this author there are books in between book 1 of Ruthless Mafia Boss that will tie into Ruthless Mafia Boss book 2. I've followed this author for a long time. And her books never disappointed me. Take a chance. This book is definitely a must read! Most definitely deserves 5⭐'s or higher. I totally recommend it!

[Yibiola Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cow

I love this story. I can't wait for the conclusion. Luca is going to rip someone a new one. I can't wait for these two to get back together.

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action Packed!!

Ill admit I loved most of it, but was not a fan to all of it. I definitely didn't agree with how Lexis handled things. But I guess that's for more drama in book 2

[Cameron Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

TW: SO much violence, so many consent issues, and on page rape.

UH. WTF was this?????? This was not the vibe. I cannot be reading the same book that everyone else here has been... I don't know what compelled me to finish this book, but I did, and I will rant.

I respect the idea of dark romance. I understand mafia romances. I understand morally grey characters. I understand, and often times enjoy, books where the heroine falls in love with a villain. This book contained all that in the worst of ways.

Luca one day, at 7 years old, decided that this girl belonged to him and has been unnervingly obsessed (the only word used to describe his feelings for her) with the poor girl. The entire book chronicles the events that occurred due to the decision he made at ONLY 7 YEARS OLD.

Growing up, he would deter her from having connections with other, because of his odd obsession. He would threaten people who tried to interact with her, beat to pulp anyone who flirted with her. He even went as far as choking his brother when he wanted to play with her. Possessive heroes can be hot, but this time it didn't hit right. He was plain ol' creepy with it. Lexis didn't even really get much of a say in their relationship either. He completely dictated when they were together, with barely any input of what she may want in a relationship. Their relationship in general had a lot of consent issues, in my humble opinion.

My second problem with the story is: Where the hell is the plot? Was this meant to be different snapshots of their relationship over time? The book was just filled with things that happened to them. There was a moment toward the last quarter, when the mafia war was beginning, that I thought the plot would thick, but I though wrong. Then Lexis got raped (That scene was so left field, and appalling).

Problem three: The entire situation with Milo was not needed. I understand the plot need some big betrayal, and hurting Lexis one was betray Lucas, but Milo's character did not need to rape Lexis to betray Lucas. Mykel is another antagonist, and he could have secretly been a double agent, or could have stole a bunch of cash. Hell, shoot someone. I feel like in this case the author relied on a heinous act to get the point across that Milo is a different level of bad/ evil.

And When Lexis decided to run away, I was like... huh? All of a sudden Milo's threat is scarier to you than what Luca would do? THIS is what you decide you don't want Luca to hear about??? Haven't y'all both killed others for less?????? I mean I guess when faces with trauma one doesn't make the best decisions, but I'm not sure if it was an intentional choice the author made because of what Lexis just experience, or the author just needed some excuse for more drama, and have Lexis run away.

OH! And the fact that a lot of the boo took place when they were minors did not sit right with me. They did not read as children. I had to keep reminding myself that Lexis was in middle school for good portion of the book. And the sex scene when she turned sixteen was not need either. I do know that teens have sex, but I'm not interested in reading about the details of it.

All that being said, I will probably give the next book a try. I just want to see if the story ends up going anywhere. Also, are they setting up a book for Marco? That has the potential for being interesting too, if a bit more though is put into creating a plot.

[ANGEL-A- · Rating 1 out of 5]

THESE bks are silly and beyond juvenile this author knows jack shit abt mob life

[Roxana Lozano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is ridiculously cringe at some parts and the writing is just, well not the. But had me laughing
Luca and Lexi’s became best friends at the age of five and he was seven. He was obsessed with her and never let other guys get closed to her. She would cook and he would taste all her dishes even if he became sick from them. As they got older they would cook dinner together. Once she started high school he wanted them to start dating but Lexi told him to date other girls that she wasn’t ready to date him. She had confessed that she loved him but needed time to deal with the fact that he would become the Dom once he turned twenty five. She has also just learned that her dad was the medical doctor for the mafia family. Her grandmother had told her how she and her husband were in debt with the Espositos since Luca’s grandfather had saved their lives when two men attacked them and tried to kill the while she was pregnant with Lexi’s dad. Her grandfather wanted her to stay away from Luca and for the family alliance to end with her dad. But Lexi was in love with Luca and she couldn’t stay away from him. He dated other girls in high school until she was 15 then he kind of force her to accept their relationship by announcing it to the whole school that they were together. After that Lexi was trained by her nanny, who happened to be a trained assassin and was order to work for her father to keep her and her dad safe. Lexi became a skilled fighter, an assassin. They stayed together, went to college together and supported each other. They were always women after Luca but he never pay attention to them because his obsession with Lexi was beyond anything. He also made sure all other men that show any interest in her would know she belonged to him and he would cut them if they didn’t stay away from her. After brutally being raped by Luca’s best friend Milo she left Luca because he threatened to kill her dad and best friend. She ran to Minnesota and a few weeks later found her mother and told her she was raped.

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars. (BW/WM). This is a free Audible audiobook raid by vitual voice for five hours.
SETTING: Current time period in Jersey City NJ and Charleston SC.
TROPE: Childhood best friends with crushes that developed into teenage and adult romantic love.
CHARACTERS:
1. Lucas Esposito, JR., male lead, is the eldest son of an Italian mafia family who will ecome the Don when he comes of age and his father turns the reigns over to him. Lucas fell in love with Alexis when they met, she was age five and he was age seven.
2. Alexis ” Lexis” Shepard, female lead, has been in love with Lucas in some capacity since she was five-years-old and she knew she loved to cook and wanted to become a chef. She had abandonment issues because her mother never wanted children and left her and her dad.
3. Mr. & Mrs. Esposito are Luscas’ parents.
4. Marco is Lucas’ younger brother by two years.
5. Dr. Shepard is Alexis’ father and indentured physician made to treat the Esposito family due to the indebtedness of his father.
6. Georgina is Alexis and Dr. Shepards's housekeeper/bodyguard, a former hit woman for the Esposito family.
7. Nickulas and Vincenzo are friends of Lucas since childhood.
8. Milo was considered a best friend of Lucas; however, Lucas suspected him of having a crush on Alexis and promised him death.







This story told each event from the perspectives of Lucas and Alexis making the story redundant and longer than it needed to be. The repetition is made worse by Alexis being of two minds about openly acknowledging that she and Lucas as a romantic couple. By the end of this installment, Alexis kills Berlina, a rich socialite who openly sort a sexual hook-up with Lucas; leaves Lucas and is raped and battered by Milo; is cared for by her mother and finds out she's pregnant but questions whether the father is Lucas or Milo.

[Chassity Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what did I just read. I'm so late to the game, this is my first read by Posey. Luca is incredibly intense, but in the absolute BEST ways. We see that his obsession with Lexis is instant, and they grow in love through their childhood until eventually takes over his rightful place as Mafia Don. Posey did a great job making me feel their angst and chemistry through the pages. You rooted for them, the whole time, knowing that inevitably they would be endgame.

Lexis is strong, and I loved her journey. She isn't a heroine to played with and will do anything for the people she loves. There are some definite twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. Even some gasp out loud moments. Posey was excellent in her world-building. I felt immersed in this New Jersey syndicate. NO ONE messes with Luca, or anything that belongs to Luca. The side characters make this story even more addicting. I'm intrigued by Marco, and loved how loyal he is to his brother.

This story left me so ready for more. You will crave to know what will happen next. Lexis has truly persevered, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Posey gave us a tease at the end of this story for Book 2. I'm thirsty for more Luca... he's coming for his Lexis!

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Magnificent

This so Fantastic! I really enjoy this series, the characters are awesome with sizzling chemistry. Which is captivating and this couple burn up pages with their passion it's so hot. The women are independent but lovable and men makes you want to melt. What a powerful combination for a heartfelt romance. This is a another book in this series that has given me a pleasurable experience and I know that you will definitely enjoy it also.I have totally devoured this story and feel that this one out of the park. But I do have one warning and that's the this story has a part that's dark but in whole it's so enjoyable and beautiful that you can overcome this emotional and hard to read part. Plus I want to say when I finished reading the last page, I still wanted more! I am always so absorbed into how their relationship is, because it's never rushed and believe me when I say this again the stories are so captivating that you will want to read them more than once.This story is a great love affair that gives you that happy feeling and sometimes the couple you are reading about to struggle with love . I have really enjoyed this series because it's written with such extraordinary imagination that makes them such a pleasure and beautiful stories to read. I hope as you read this you will enjoy it as much as I did there is a cliffhanger but it makes you excited to read part two.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romance is my favorite trope and I love it, even more, when the H and h have known each other and have been in love from an early age. Like Phoenix in The Holy Ghost or Nikita in the Glazov series. So when someone recommended this book, I knew I had to read it. And it does not disappoint: H is smitten when he meets h for the first time as children. He claims her right there as his own and they grow up together knowing they will be together and marry. It takes awhile before the action starts because this books is in reverse of course, it starts with them already in a good place and we watch them growing up. I sort of felt like the majority of the book was just setting the stage for the actual development which will probably all happen in book 2.

Warnings:
Ends in a CH (not sure if I knew that going in)
R@pe not by H when H and h are already together
Also, I was thrown off by all the grammar mistakes.
I felt it could use another good editing.

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca and Lexis

Their love is one of a kind. It is truly eternal. It’s beautiful and a little twisted but they’ve done life together as one forever - literally inseparable since the ages of 7 and 5 and on into adulthood. Luca knew that she was his at a very young age with his strong feelings. Lexis didn’t put anyone above Luca, he was always her everything. How their relationship spanned time and developed into to more early in their lives was amazing.
The last few chapters you tried to take me out tho Mrs Posey. My heart was in my throat. I have to read book two because the end of this one devastated me and I didn’t see it coming. I know in Marcos book it eluded to Luca and a special woman from his past that he couldn’t shake his feelings for but I never imagined this was their story and the reasons why. So worth the wait.
Awesome read!

[Patty Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish it…

There were a couple confusing parts that I blame on editing and a lack of proofreading (like the transitioning between scenes when Lexis’ grandmother told her the story of how their family became indebted to Luca’s family). I could have overlooked these because the author has put out a book or two that I enjoyed. However, I decided to give up on finishing this book because I couldn’t get past Lexis being a few years younger than Luca. I have no problem with adults 20s, 30s and up with this dynamic but Luca was turning 16 when Lexis was 12. Even when she got to high school (9th grade), a 14 year old and a boy about to graduate. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but that gave me an ick factor that I couldn’t get past. I gave it 3 stars because I like the author, but I can’t recommend this one.

[HoBee Initiatives · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needed a lot of editing that I was willing to overlook until the very end when the plot took a nose dive. The choices the characters made at the end weren't reflective of a couple that have loved each other for as long and as deeply and as obsessively as they did. The heroine went through something horrible and did not communicate and instead decided to just leave cos of a *threat*. Absolute bullshit. the hero made no immediate effort to chase or bring her back when she disappeared but waited years later. If you read the book you'll see their choices make no sense. I hate when an author makes their characters act completely different to drive a plot. And the book just ended awkwardly. I wish I hadn't read this book yet. I'm irritated.

[Bel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book's second part...

Unfortunately second book is a mess.



If you went into book 2 thinking the MMC would stay untouched, celibate, and desperately chasing the FMC like some romantic hero—oh babe, prepare for heartbreak. The moment the Fmc vanishes and OW shows up? That man folds like a lawn chair 😤
Of course the MMC comes crawling back to the FMC for “answers” after five years of getting endless blowjobs, unprotected sex, and cozy cuddles from the OW 🙄 because apparently that’s how healing works. And don’t worry, the FMC’s still out there serving main character energy with zero brain cells...

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Milo was not a good person! I can't wait to see how Luca will destroy him for hurting Alexis and making her run away!!! I can't believe that he would do this to Alexis and especially Luca but also I could tell he wasn't a good person when we were introduced to him and especially in high school. I thought that he could change but like the saying goes a leopard doesn't change his spots. Some people can change but a lot of people don't. And Milo is one of them.

P.S. it didn't take me long to read this book once I started it. It just took me a while to be ready to dive into this book and finish the series I was currently reading at the time.

[Trinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!!

Posey Parks is an amazing Author; however she outdid herself on this one...

The story of Luca and Lexis is a love story one often wishes for.

Luca's love would not deterred....Alexis was his, and only his!!!

However, jealousy breeds envy and unfortunately rears it ugly head in the worst form of betrayal.

The Author's storyline captivate you from the first page and holds your attention until the last page.

Can't wait for Book 2!! Some heads will roll when Luca discovers the truth....

[Susana Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luka and Lexis grew up in the same neighbor. Luka was going to be the next mafia boss of Esposito's and Lexis father was the on call doctor for the current boss. They been in love since childhood and was their first in everything growing up. They were ruling together but Luka bestfriend Milo hurt Lexis and threaten her love ones so she ran without telling anybody and made it seems as if she didn't love Luca anymore. Luka became ruthless to people who betrayed him and was having one night stands.

[Dona Brown-Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanging on the edge of my seat

I’m sooooo waiting for more Luca and Lexis. Their story has it all beginning at ages 5 & 7. Luca has been in love with Lexis since childhood, and she has loved him back.
But what happens when the boy turns into a Don, and the girl whose stayed by his side grow up their fairytale life gets shaken by Mafia life and betrayal of the worst kind. The enemy from within strikes and all hell breaks loose. Will their love overcome the obstacles that are placed in front of them through no fault of their own? I don’t know but I can’t wait to find out!!!

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca and Alexis!! 🔥🔥🔥

I’ve had this book for awhile and I am kicking myself for just now reading it! This book was fire!!

Talk about childhood friends growing up and loving each other! That was Luca and Alexis! They had a tumultuous relationship on one hand and a love you forever one on the other!! This was filled with a lot of drama and chaos, but, man, was it good!! I was very surprised with the ending, but I’m headed on over to Book 2 hoping for revenge and redemption!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! Kudos, Posey!! 💜

[Erin N · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is time for Luca's (Marco's Brother) book!. Lexis and Luca met at a young age and from then on, they were hooked on each other's hip. You get their story, how they both felt in love, loyalty and respect. When Luca wants something, He is D*MN sure to get it and keep it. With this book, you get to laugh, cry and get mad at things within the book. Some other characters make a surprise appearance. If you LOVE Posey Parks books, this one here needs to be in your Kindle!!!

[Elizabeth Rogers? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn!!!!

Posey I thought we were cool but , I really wasn’t ready for this ! Lucas is going to flip out once he finds out about the betrayal that was caused against him and Alexis.Heaven help the guys who destroyed their love .I really don’t want to go to into details because I don’t want to give too much away but I can’t wait to read book 2 because I want front row seats when Lucas meet the man that killed his dreams and broke his heart for years.

[Charlene Silvernail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca and Lexis - Not ruthless to her

Great book! Little disappointed I couldn’t find Book 2 yet! This book was intriguing, scary. Luca was always loving to Lexis. SPOILER ALERT- I felt for Lexis being beaten, broken nose and ribs. I know when Luca finds out why she left and that she had been beaten, he is going to kill the guy who touched her. Ms Posey, Please don’t make me wait to long to continue reading about Luca and Lexis!

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTF??!!!

The most juvenile, messed up and highly annoying shite I’ve read in a while. I will not be reading anything else from this author. Wish I could get my wasted time back.

That r@pe scene on the FMC is entirely unnecessary. Put triggers on your books FFS!!!! Where the deck did that come from?? Whole plot makes 0 sense I can’t even be bothered to explain the stupidity. Awful awful awful!!!!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posey Parks writes such a sweet and spicy BWWM friends-to-lovers story. I love it when the couple grows up together and knows they are meant for each other; however, in this case, Luca’s family is part of the mafia. He understands that if Lexis is involved with him, her life must also be protected. And Luca is very protective. “Ruthless Mafia Boss” was fast-paced with some intense themes, leading to a cliffhanger.