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Rapture & Ruin #2

Stolen Princess

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“You are a monster, Max.”

Max Ferrara warned me that he was a monster, but I didn’t want to believe him. I wanted to heal the scarred mafia prince and surrender to the fiery chemistry we shared.

Until he crushed my heart, and then I finally understood. He’s loyal to his criminal family, no matter how much I wish he were a good man.

I dug too deeply into the Ferraras’ crimes, and now I have their attention. And the Bratva conspiracy Max warned me about? I’m starting to fear that it might be true.

On the awful night he betrayed me, I told Max that we were done. But he won’t leave me exposed and vulnerable to his Russian enemies. Or his own brutal family.

I can’t escape my dark protector’s strong arms, and I’m no longer certain if I want to…

Note: This story was previously released under the title Torment & Temptation.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2022

57 people are currently reading
198 people want to read

About the author

Julia Sykes

137 books2,028 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

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5 stars
118 (47%)
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93 (37%)
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30 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
January 26, 2022
The continuation of Allie and Maxs story was as addicting as the first one. Max is stalking Allie, mostly for himself but given that she’s seeing his enemy there’s no way he’s letting her go unprotected. Can’t wait to see how it continues to unfold
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,625 reviews56 followers
January 24, 2022
Max 😍😍😍

AHH.. First off, I have to say how much I love love Max. There's just something about this man who might be physically strong and one scary looking dude, but the scars he bears on his face are nothing compared to the emotional ones he carries and inspite of all the darkness he has seen, he has this inexplicable vulnerability to him that makes you want to be close to him.

After, Max breaks off with Allie because of his family, Allie is now with Nikolai Ivanov, going on dates with him, the fact which irked Max and makes him want to kill Nikolai. He might have broken off with her but he stills hovers in the shadows, always there to protect her.

Allie is heartbroken over Max but she wants to move on and hence agrees to go out with Nikolai. But even after the couple of dates they have been together, Allie still doesn't feel that sparks flying that she did with Max.

Then there's also the fact that Allie is still researching to find truth of what Max told her about her the reality behind her mother's demise. Then there's her bully, Gavin whom she can't report because of his father's connections to her father's political career.

No matter how much ever Max might stay away, I melted over the fact that he is always there to protect her. When she's attacked or when she's been harassed or possibly in danger, he always comes to her rescue.

Ahhh... The Chemistry between these two.. No matter how much ever Max tries to resist, when they come together time and again it was freaking fire unlike anything. Even though moments when Max is trying to stay in the shadows but grabs her for a kiss unable to resist her and Allie melting into his arms everytime was so hot and sweet too.

And. That. Ending. Oh my.. Things are going to get all the more complicated and dangerous for sure. I freaking can't wait for the next book. Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
January 25, 2022
TORMENT & TEMPTATION by Julia Sykes is book Two in the Rapture & Ruin Series. This continues the story of Alexandra Fitzgerald 'Allie' and Max Ferrara that started in the previous book 'Rapture & Ruin'. So, you will need to read the previous book to fully enjoy this book. Max had sadly used Allie and now as we learned in the previous book has discarded her but he still tries to protect her since forcing her into his world. But he is slowing learning that he has made a grave mistake in throwing away Allie because she means more to him than he thought. This book does end with another cliffhanger... I can't wait for it.


Profile Image for Renee.
5,222 reviews73 followers
January 25, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Max Ferrara warned me that he was a monster, but I didn't want to believe him. I'd wanted to heal from the scarred mafia prince and surrender to the fiery chemistry we shared. Until he crushed my heart, and then I finally understood. He's loyal to his criminal family , no matter how much I wish he were a good man. I dug to deeply into the Ferraras' crimes, and now I have their attention. And the Bratva conspiracy Max warned me about? I'm starting to fear that it might be true. On the awful night he betrayed me, I told Max that we were done. But he wouldn't leave me exposed and vulnerable to his Russian enemies. Or his own brutal family. I can't escape my dark protector's strong arms and I'm no longer certain if I want to.

Oh gosh!!!! I am not even really sure how to review this book. The first thing I should tell you is that you need to read Rapture and Ruin first. Trust me you are going to love that book too. In this book we begin to with Allie and Max split, but he can't help but to watch out for her. After all he is the one that put her smack dab in the middle of his world when he kidnapped her and she's immersed in that world. The two families are also close to war and poor Allie is about to be caught in the middle of it all. But she is still on a mission to find out all she can about her mothers death. She needs to know if her father was involved and to get over Max the best way she sees to do that is to go out on dates with his enemy Nikolai Ivanov. But we can never forget about the bully from work and their at it again, who would she call? Heck who would you call? I don't even know. But I do know that I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. Now I need the third book in my hands to find out what going to happen!!

Profile Image for Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats).
1,219 reviews26 followers
August 10, 2022
I was excited to dive right into the second of Julia Sykes Rapture & Ruin series, however it left more questions than answers. That last chapter will make you go hmmm and definitely will make you want to read book 3. I will say again, this series is dark romance, but on the lighter side. There isn’t anything overtly dark or violent that happens in the book. It’s more of a coming of age for the two main characters as they figure out that life isn’t as straightforward as it seems and that parts of their pasts were built on lies.

Unable to stay away, Max lurks in the shadows keeping his distance, but always has Allie in his sight. Allie begins dating Nikolai and though he’s handsome, he doesn’t hold a candle to how she feels for Max despite his hurtful words and betrayal. She also once again commits to finding out more about her dad’s supposed connection to the Bratva and the Ferrara case.

I will say overall that the second book made it clear that this series is a little more NA that I would prefer. I found Allie’s character to act much younger than I did at her age and though she is repeatedly referred to as strong, I did not perceive her that way at all. She seemed to struggle with events in the book and was a bit emotionally fragile, often crying or not being able to put on a brave face when you are falling apart inside. That is the mark of a strong woman. She was a character I had trouble identifying with. Overall, this was a good book, but one that probably wasn’t for me. I think the characters are a little young and thus I had trouble connecting with them. The story is compelling and I look forward to finding out how all the loose ends tie up in the conclusion of the series.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,131 reviews15 followers
July 23, 2022
Stolen Princess is the second book in the Fallen Mafia Prince series and despite himself Max is on full on stalker mode as Ally goes out with his mortal enemy Nikolai Ivanov several times. Stalker might seem a harsh term as his timely appearance has saved Ally on more than one occasion, perhaps he’s more of a guardian angel as trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes. She’s also attracting the wrong kind of attention as she looks deeper into Max’s allegations about not only her father’s involvement with the Bratva but the cover up surrounding her mother’s death. Max is drawn to Ally almost like a moth to a flame . He knows he’s putting her in danger from his family if they’re seen together but can’t see any other way to protect her.

I honestly don’t know what it is about Ally but whatever she has she should bottle it and sell it. She’d make a fortune as despite her naïveté and innocence she now has two mafia heir apparents desperately determined to protect her from their respective fathers. Max and Nikolai may have more in common than they realise, not only are they both afraid of standing up to their fathers they’re both attracted to the same woman! If I’m being honest though personally I’m leaning more towards Nikolai at this time. Be warned this book does end on another cliffhanger, not a dramatic one but more of the “oh Max you are just digging a deeper hole for yourself” variety.
Profile Image for GA Bookaholics.
271 reviews22 followers
July 31, 2022
The saga continues and what a good saga it is! Book 2 in the Rapture & Ruin series, Stolen Princess, was just as entertaining as the first for me! I love the back and forth pull of Allie’s feelings for Max. She knows that she shouldn’t care about him so much but she can’t help how she feels. I also appreciated Max’s turmoil throughout the book not wanting to damn Allie to a life centered around the mafia but also knowing he’ll never find another woman that he feels as strongly about as Allie. I love that Max continues to be the protector we all want to have. I love that Allie is persistent and won’t let things go. I like that she’s intrigued by Niko, but also still sees through his BS. In book 1, I felt like Allie was a little naive and through this book, I really feel like she’s starting to take her self appointed blinders off and see her world for what it really is. I hope in the final book we continue to see this growth in her character as a strong young woman fighting to find the truth and share her love with those she cares about. Max, on the other hand, at the end of this book has made me want to shake him. I am hoping he finds a way back to my good graces in book 3 as I am thoroughly frustrated with some of his choices in this book. Regardless, I cannot wait to read more about this book family and see how everything ends up!! Come on, book 3!!
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,143 reviews20 followers
July 31, 2022
Ugh again Julia Sykes leaves us hanging and boy still many questions left unanswered. For an author she is quite good at teasing us making us anxious to see what Max will do. Two people, both gone through heartache and pain yet when it comes to love they have a hard time. We see Max struggling to be the son his father wants but still be the man Allie see's and not the monster his father made him to be. Allie is perfect for him by showing him he can have a life pass the scars, hate and pain it is quite beautiful in many ways. These two when they come together not only bring out the good and bad in one another but we see Max's heart yearning for love at last. Julia Sykes clever imagination in bringing Nikolai was perfect because really no man likes competing for the heart of his woman and boy Max sure needed a kick in the butt to see he needs Allie. All in all it feels like Julia likes having her readers on the edge of our seats with how Max will handle everything and Allie fighting to be the woman she is destined to be, his. Loved it and oh my god still so much to see in the next book cannot wait.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
899 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2022
Book 2 in the Fallen Mafia Prince trilogy. Allie has been left reeling from events in book 1. Max, has left her and now shes dating the Russia Mafia bosses son, the tall handsome Nikolai. There's some problems with this, firstly Max cannot get Ali off his mind and continues to stalk her (albeit in the dark so he can't been seen) and Allie can't forget Max. Then there's the paparazzi, along with Nikolai's father planting stories in the press aluding to Nikolai and Allie being in a relationship. Max can't help himself and puts himself back on Allies radar when he comes to her rescue again, not once but twice. Allie just can't stop looking into the circumstances surrounding Max's family being sent to prison and her own mothers death. Then that sizzling chemistry come back into play, Max and Allie just cannot resist each other, but with that comes huge risks. Now, Allies life is at real risk from Max's family. The question is can Max keep Allie safe from his family? The problem lies that his family is not the only risk .......... Bring on part 3
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
979 reviews22 followers
January 23, 2022
Tell me you're mine, I'm yours...

Allie and Max had broken up, Max kept her away so she would remain safe from her family, but their attraction and connection couldn't keep them away from each other.

Max has everything he wanted, he's been initiated back into his Mafia family but the lines are becoming blurred for Max. Max has betrayed Allie, the woman he loves, he used her, lied to her, all for power to get back in with his family. He wanted to prove he was worthy to his family but he has now realised the mistake he has made and that is he will never be worth of Allie.

Max thinks he is keeping her safe as he is preparing to take down her dad but what he doesn't know is that Allie is about to be betrayed by her dad and they will not see this one coming.

Cannot wait for the last book in this trilogy Sins & Salvation to see how this all plays out.
109 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the trilogy. I recommend reading the 1st book before this one so you can understand the intensity of Allie and Max's relationship. II enjoyed Allie & Max from the 1st book and this continuation didn't disappoint. Should she be with Maximus and the Italian Mob or Nikolai and the Russian  Bratva? Either way, she's too innocent to know the power of the men in her life. The passionate, intimate scenes are very fiery but not overdone. In this story she learns more about her family secrets. Her relationship with her friends is the most trustworthy. I had trouble putting this book down. Anticipation of what would happen next had me racing through it. I don't want to let these characters go when the series ends but I hope the 3rd and final story comes soon. I absolutely recommend this book & the series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review.
1,282 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2022
After Max Ferrara broke Allie's heart by advising that her father set the fire to her childhood house to cover up her mother's murder...she didn't...couldn't believe Max who also said that Russian Bratva involved. At the present time, she is dating Max's enemy, Nikolai Ivanov, son of her father's biggest mayoral campaign contributor, Mikhail Ivanov...but on getting to know more about Niko, learned that his grandfather made his money in aluminum mining in Russia....but her reading states that this industry was rife with criminal elements, so are the Ivanov's criminals also??? Of course Max is still stalking Allie since she is seeing Niko, but can he really stay away from the woman who sees the real him??? You will need to read this suspense filled thriller to see what happens. I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Basak.
762 reviews42 followers
January 25, 2022
The second book in the R & R Trilogy Torment and Temptation lives up to its name. It tormented me to no end with all the anticipation and anxiety over will they/won’t they and the temptation to find myself a Max was at an all time high. If you haven’t had a chance to start the series, I suggest you do so because it is full of mystery, murder, deception, trauma, passion, and scorching hot intimacy🔥🔥🔥. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t wish for a man like Max Ferrera who is fiercely protective and possessive over Allie. His hard past is messing with his moral compass at times but a single touch by his “Bambi” (I am swooning 😍) grounds him and soothes his roaring heart. All the naysayers and all the circumstances strive to push them apart but who can truly tear away soulmates? Well, hopefully no one. I hope the final book of the trilogy comes out sooner rather than later🙏🏻.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
July 30, 2022
This is the second book in this incredible trilogy, and Max and Allie’s story continues. Max may be a ruthless and damaged mafia prince, but he will protect Allie at all costs. Allie is heartbroken when Max’s loyalty to his family precedes everything else, and she is in danger as she has drawn the attention of Max’s brutal family and the Bratva by snooping into their dealings. This is a well written story which has explosive and undeniable chemistry, loyalty, betrayal, suspense, danger, intrigue, twists, emotions, family, drama, and love, which leads to a thrilling and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading the final part of this phenomenal series, and I highly recommend this talented author’s work.
I received a free copy of this book via Valentine PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Obsessive Reader.
250 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2022
Allie and Max have split, but he can't help but watch out for her. He dragged Allie into his world when he kidnapped her, and now she's immersed in it. The Ferrara's and the Ivanov's are close to war, and Allie may be caught in the middle.

While Allie is still trying to find out the truth about her mother's death and whether her father was involved, she is trying to get over Max by dating his enemy, Nikolai Ivanov. But when her bully from work harrasses her again, who does she call?

The romance heats up in book 2 of the Rapture & Ruin trilogy by Julia Sykes. I can't wait for the conclusion, as this one ended in another cliffhanger.

I received an ARC of this book from the author, and am leaving an honest review.
3,327 reviews70 followers
January 26, 2022
Torment And Temptation is the second installment in the ( Rapture and Ruin Series by Julia Sykes .this is the continuation of Alexandra ( Allies ) and Max’s journey . If you have yet to read the first book it definitely needs to be read first . It’s not often I found a story that holds my interest the way this series has The characters are just so likable and relatable , the intrigue just keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time . It’s a story that’s filled with emotionally charged moments, that will pull at your heartstrings so completely, the steam , the off the charts chemistry, and so many twists and turns you will not be expecting. It’s the perfect blend of everything you could ever want in a romance
a few seconds
194 reviews
July 22, 2022
This is the second book and a continuation of the story from Fallen Prince. Max’s family forbids him from seeing Allie and Max is forced to break Allie’s heart. Despite this, Max stays in the background to watch over her. Allie continues to gather information about the conviction of mafia members and her father’s relationship to the Russians. Max continues to protect Allie and their love grows despite all the danger. The story is full of betrayal, mystery, deception and steamy love scenes. I love how Allie fights to overcome her anxiety and the bullying she receives. I enjoyed this story and these characters and can’t wait for the conclusion of the series. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
August 2, 2022
4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Fallen Mafia Prince series and it is not a standalone. It picks up where the first book leaves off and I will caution those with triggers to proceed with caution. Allie is enthralled with Max until he does the unthinkable which leads her to ask more questions into some secrets that need to stay buried. Nico, who may be part of a Russian Bratva, is tasked with keeping an eye on Allie under the guise of dating her. When Max finally realizes his mistake, will it be too late to get Allie back? Overall, this storyline flows well and is full of twists and turns that will keep you engaged all the way through. Once again, it ends in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Sykes takes these characters when the final book is released.

Profile Image for Avephoenix.
1,088 reviews
February 5, 2022
5 Shining Stars!!

Torment & Temptation is book 2 into the Rapture & Ruin series and just let me tell you that the story is gotten unbelievably intense, dangerous, emotional, and captivating. Allie is trying to uncovered the truth about her mother's mysterious death, and other lies she has been told. Is a dangerous path but she's determine to do what she most with the help of her friends.

For now Max and Allie are torn apart, each one on a mission, but would it be possible for this couple to find their way back together and live their HEA after all? OMG, can't wait for the conclusion to this addictive story!!

Profile Image for Jessie.
80 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2022
Aaaaahhhh Max such a good bad boy! I love his stalker tendencies lol Max comes back to save Allie yet again and I love that about him. Their story continues to unfold and more secrets are revealed in this second installment. Allie’s affection for Max is undeniable. Even when he walked away from her he consumes her thoughts. Max is trying to decide wether to follow his family’s wishes or be with the woman he is falling for. The turmoil these two face oh it is just so good!! The writing pulls me in and I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Kerri Lightle.
997 reviews17 followers
July 29, 2022
You thought you would get answers after book one well in some ways you do but in others we have totally vered off track running in a new direction. Max and allies story gets more entwined in this book but so to do the truths that she never knew.

Allie has had her world shaken and well nicoli is there to pick up the pieces or so was thought. But that's not the way this story goes but her dark savour is there for her again when the bully comes knocking on the door. But that's just where one of a few new twist happen

Their story isn't done yet so I can't wait to see what next in the series
Profile Image for S.
1,552 reviews40 followers
July 29, 2022
4.5 Stars ⭐️

This is the second book in the Fallen mafia prince trilogy. It’s a continuation of Max and Allie’s story. Max has used Allie and let’s her go however he is still attracted to her and is trying to protect her. He has realized he has made a mistake by pushing her away. Allie starts going out with Max mortal enemy Nikolai . The story is gripping and full of twist and turns. It kept me hooked. It ends on another cliffhanger and I just can’t wait for the final book to read how the story would unfold.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,307 reviews46 followers
July 30, 2022
This is the second book in the Fallen Mafia Prince Series. The drama continues between Max and Allie. She put herself in danger by snooping around and he has to let her go for her safety. She is hurt and gets even by dating his enemy. Drama and more drama. Things get more intense in this book. More twists just when you think you have the plot figured out. Well written and a page turner that ends on another cliffhanger. The third and final book is available soon. I read an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Little Blue Butterfly.
509 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review

I’m so happy Max and Allie are back 😍 I loved the beginning of their story, in Fallen Prince, and it just keeps getting better 🖤 I loved the addition of Nikolai!! I can’t wait to see what happens in Book 3!!
Max had taken Allie, to try to use her against her father, however they fell in love ♥️ He decides to let her go to save her life. He doesn’t want her in danger due to his mafia ties. Allie is heartbroken 💔 However Nikolai, one of Max’s biggest enemies, is there to comfort Allie…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🖤💙
410 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
good, not great!

I gave this book four stars instead of five stars because I thought this book was a little slow. It took too long to get to the meat and I found myself wishing this book would hurry along.
I loved interaction with Allie and Max though. That was outstanding. I even like the way he stalked after her ensuring her safety. I like the way Max was always there to protect her from all predators. It just doesn’t seem as though he’s protecting her from the mafia even though he did protect her from his cousins.
Profile Image for Nikole.
958 reviews
May 16, 2024
I really hope there is a book on Nico. I would love to read more about him.
I am sure he's going to end up killing his dad. lmao

Max Max Max... how could he do that to her????
REALLY?
It's going to cost him, watch.


I couldn't stop reading. As soon as I finished this I jumped RIGHT into book 3.
I had to know what was going to happen, I wasn't disappointed.
I really enjoyed their story.
I really loved the way Max loved Ally though.


Spice 1/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional .5/5
World building 3.5/5
Overall 4/5
1,059 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2022
I am so glad there is only one more book in this series! The mind boggling suspense and the deep, soulful emotion is just heart pounding and I am waiting on the edge of my seat to finally read what the conclusion will be. This story pulled me in from the beginning. While I have loved every moment, I will be very critical of the progression and finality of Max and Allie's story.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
Profile Image for Christine Morgan.
732 reviews4 followers
Read
January 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that Allie and Max can't seem to stay away from each other because they have such a strong connection. Max and Allie's pasts with their mothers play a big part in this book and it was interesting to see all the pieces coming together. There was so much going on in this book it was such a rollercoaster of a read! Lots of twists and turns and I can't wait to find out what happens in the final book!
Profile Image for Alex S.
10 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
A quote from this book sums up the whole story “You want to be worthy, but no worthy man would betray the woman he loves in exchange for power.” This is the struggle Max is going through. He’s already betrayed Allie in order to gain the loyalty of his family back. How far will he go? But that’s not his only battle… the billionaire Russian, Nikolai, is on his heels and wants Allie to himself. We won’t know what happens until book three and I’m already wondering how this will all play out!
5,593 reviews
July 23, 2022
The continuation of Max and Allie's story is so satisfying!

This series is my first foray into Ms. Sykes writing and I'm loving the heck out of her stories!

I've been pulled in, and even the cliff-hangers are not bothering me, as they provide pent up excitement to see where this will go!

Love the angst and cannot wait to see Max in more action! Swoon!

Can't wait for book three!
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