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Mancini Crime Family #6
Ruthless Rival
My father is a monster. He ruined my life, destroyed my love. All when I was young and innocent.
I’m a grown woman now and I want revenge. I want to see everything he had been so carefully building over the years, all his cartel cobwebs, burn to the ground.
All of it!
And I don’t want just to destroy him. I want the whole so called ‘Castillo cartel legacy’ gone from the face of the earth.
But I know I can’t do it alone, I need an ally. Just as ruthless and powerful as my father is. An ally who hates him just as much as I do.
Alberto Mancini…
The enemy of the Castillos, the Head of the Italian mob family. He is my perfect match.
But he doesn’t know it yet.
I’m Gabriela Castillo. No man can resist my charms and Alberto Mancini is going to fall hard… into my trap.
Ruthless Rival is a standalone MC mafia romance with alpha males who will do everything and anything to protect the women they love. Ruthless Rival is Book Six of the Mancini Crime Family series with HEAs that will have you craving a mafia man of your own!
I’m a grown woman now and I want revenge. I want to see everything he had been so carefully building over the years, all his cartel cobwebs, burn to the ground.
All of it!
And I don’t want just to destroy him. I want the whole so called ‘Castillo cartel legacy’ gone from the face of the earth.
But I know I can’t do it alone, I need an ally. Just as ruthless and powerful as my father is. An ally who hates him just as much as I do.
Alberto Mancini…
The enemy of the Castillos, the Head of the Italian mob family. He is my perfect match.
But he doesn’t know it yet.
I’m Gabriela Castillo. No man can resist my charms and Alberto Mancini is going to fall hard… into my trap.
Ruthless Rival is a standalone MC mafia romance with alpha males who will do everything and anything to protect the women they love. Ruthless Rival is Book Six of the Mancini Crime Family series with HEAs that will have you craving a mafia man of your own!
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
32 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 21, 2025
»Everyone is where they belong.«
»So are you. Right by my side.«
★ ★
❥ 𝑮𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Her characters was interesting although not very well written.
❥ 𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐 ࣪⋆✮
I liked him but I don‘t know if it was the right decision to write his book. I thought he still loves his dead wife and will keep her in memory.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
I really wanted to like this book. The series startet promising, the first two books were very enjoyable but sadly it goes downwards after them.
In this book too the characters felt flat and the story kinda rushed. The love story itself was messy and their dialogue felt cold and unpleasant. The whole vibe was off and I got the feeling the author just wanted to finish this series as soon as possible. The characters from previous books lost their charm as well and I couldn‘t connect to this book at all.
I said this in a review before and I will say it again: in a book this short you should concentrate on the love story rather then the plot. It‘s annoying and unnecessary that the first dialogue between our main characters happens at 22% (page 52 from 200-something).
It started of with a crime family where each member found their partner but from book to book this likeable and chaotic family lost their charm. The idea for this series has a lot of potential and not everything was bad but like I said it goes downwards after the first two books.
But enough with my little rant: I think the author has potential! The writing style overall is fluent and easy to read. Her ideas are great, she just needs to practice and then I think her books will turn out amazing.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
No.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 2/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 2/5
couple/tension: 3/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, forced proximity, mafia, mafia boss x rivals daughter, touch her and die, pregnancy
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Savage Hero ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Brackish Boss ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Relentless Renegade ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Silent Savant ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Haunted Hunter ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#6 Ruthless Rival ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
»So are you. Right by my side.«
★ ★
❥ 𝑮𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Her characters was interesting although not very well written.
❥ 𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐 ࣪⋆✮
I liked him but I don‘t know if it was the right decision to write his book. I thought he still loves his dead wife and will keep her in memory.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
I really wanted to like this book. The series startet promising, the first two books were very enjoyable but sadly it goes downwards after them.
In this book too the characters felt flat and the story kinda rushed. The love story itself was messy and their dialogue felt cold and unpleasant. The whole vibe was off and I got the feeling the author just wanted to finish this series as soon as possible. The characters from previous books lost their charm as well and I couldn‘t connect to this book at all.
I said this in a review before and I will say it again: in a book this short you should concentrate on the love story rather then the plot. It‘s annoying and unnecessary that the first dialogue between our main characters happens at 22% (page 52 from 200-something).
It started of with a crime family where each member found their partner but from book to book this likeable and chaotic family lost their charm. The idea for this series has a lot of potential and not everything was bad but like I said it goes downwards after the first two books.
But enough with my little rant: I think the author has potential! The writing style overall is fluent and easy to read. Her ideas are great, she just needs to practice and then I think her books will turn out amazing.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
No.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 2/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 2/5
couple/tension: 3/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, forced proximity, mafia, mafia boss x rivals daughter, touch her and die, pregnancy
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Savage Hero ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Brackish Boss ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Relentless Renegade ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Silent Savant ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Haunted Hunter ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#6 Ruthless Rival ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 8, 2023
Really enjoyed every heart racing twist and emotional turn. Highly entertaining, emotional and action-packed dangerous adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, memorable dialog, heart racing twists and edge of your seat turns.
November 12, 2022
He rather is a monster a devil that has made her life hell and now she plans on getting evil
Gabriela Castillo grew up with a father that was a monster who had killed the love of her young life in front of her very eyes and then when he discovered that she was pregnant had forced her into an arranged marriage, fortunately he had been a good man although when her twins had been born, he had done nothing to step in and to stop her baby boy and girl being torn out of her hands and she had never seen them again in over sixteen years.
Then her father had ensured that when her husband died, she had been left a widow that had run her own business and continued to try and find her children but up till now had had no success. Her father has continued to ensure that she knows that she is no longer a Castillo and that the rest of the family consider her to be the lowest of the low.
When she hears that her father has decided that he is not only going to continue fighting with the Mancini’s, he hates Alberto and had only just tried to kidnap one of his daughters as well as setting their home on fire whilst they were at their son’s wedding it was a truly low move but Gabriela knew that this was all her father’s doing.
She decided that she was going to finally ensure that her father was finally stopped once and for all, also that now her brother was lying in a coma all because of her father and it was possible he might not recover this was also a reason she had to stop her father from hurting the few people left that actually cared for her.
When she had explained to Alberto who she was and the reason for her revenge on her monster of a father he was horrified at the suffering she endured in his hands and now that she had advised him that her father and his family are planning on killing every member of his family even the babies he knows that he has to step up to the mark and be prepared to do whatever it takes.
His family is his life and if so much as a hair on any of their heads was touched he would burn their lives around them and now that he has Gabriela in his life he has even more to live for.
I guarantee that you will be blown away by this book, it has been written so well and you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the end and discover the outcome.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Gabriela Castillo grew up with a father that was a monster who had killed the love of her young life in front of her very eyes and then when he discovered that she was pregnant had forced her into an arranged marriage, fortunately he had been a good man although when her twins had been born, he had done nothing to step in and to stop her baby boy and girl being torn out of her hands and she had never seen them again in over sixteen years.
Then her father had ensured that when her husband died, she had been left a widow that had run her own business and continued to try and find her children but up till now had had no success. Her father has continued to ensure that she knows that she is no longer a Castillo and that the rest of the family consider her to be the lowest of the low.
When she hears that her father has decided that he is not only going to continue fighting with the Mancini’s, he hates Alberto and had only just tried to kidnap one of his daughters as well as setting their home on fire whilst they were at their son’s wedding it was a truly low move but Gabriela knew that this was all her father’s doing.
She decided that she was going to finally ensure that her father was finally stopped once and for all, also that now her brother was lying in a coma all because of her father and it was possible he might not recover this was also a reason she had to stop her father from hurting the few people left that actually cared for her.
When she had explained to Alberto who she was and the reason for her revenge on her monster of a father he was horrified at the suffering she endured in his hands and now that she had advised him that her father and his family are planning on killing every member of his family even the babies he knows that he has to step up to the mark and be prepared to do whatever it takes.
His family is his life and if so much as a hair on any of their heads was touched he would burn their lives around them and now that he has Gabriela in his life he has even more to live for.
I guarantee that you will be blown away by this book, it has been written so well and you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the end and discover the outcome.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
November 12, 2022
While this is the 6th installment to the Mancini Crime Family, this release is just as addictive as the rest.
Revenge is the name of the game and Gabriella longs to play. Inside these amazingly crafted pages, we learn about the Mafia Don, Alberto Mancini, and Gabriella Castillo, his nemesis.
These two have been through so much in their lives, but they aren't done yet.
Together, they face the devil himself, in the form of her Father; Santiago Castillo. Garnering his trust is something Gabriella longs to do, however having met him she'd like to have his heart and that's all but impossible when these two love to hate each other.
Santiago has destroyed everything that she holds dear and Gabriella is certainly ready to dish out some justice of her own. Falling for Alberto is just the first issue, having his baby is the immediate one at hand. Can he judge her on her own merit, or will he always judge her based upon her last name & Father, just as everyone else has done?
Ms. Lily Adams has quite a gift at storytelling and we are the fortunate recipients. I have had the great pleasure of reading each release to this Series and I strongly recommend reading this book, as well as each installment to the Series, as soon as possible.
If you are a reader that loves Mafia romance which comes complete with an incredibly designed storyline that is fast-paced as well as addictive, then trust me, this is the book for you.
Gabriella has nothing left to lose and has waited more than a decade for this opportunity. Bringing down her Father, the man who is taken everything from her, is all she longs for. That is until Alberto comes along. I encourage all fans of Mafia romance as to devour this release.
Congratulations to Ms. L. Adams for another exquisite release.
I am now impatiently awaiting the next installment; The Mancini Christmas.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Ruthless Rival in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion.
Revenge is the name of the game and Gabriella longs to play. Inside these amazingly crafted pages, we learn about the Mafia Don, Alberto Mancini, and Gabriella Castillo, his nemesis.
These two have been through so much in their lives, but they aren't done yet.
Together, they face the devil himself, in the form of her Father; Santiago Castillo. Garnering his trust is something Gabriella longs to do, however having met him she'd like to have his heart and that's all but impossible when these two love to hate each other.
Santiago has destroyed everything that she holds dear and Gabriella is certainly ready to dish out some justice of her own. Falling for Alberto is just the first issue, having his baby is the immediate one at hand. Can he judge her on her own merit, or will he always judge her based upon her last name & Father, just as everyone else has done?
Ms. Lily Adams has quite a gift at storytelling and we are the fortunate recipients. I have had the great pleasure of reading each release to this Series and I strongly recommend reading this book, as well as each installment to the Series, as soon as possible.
If you are a reader that loves Mafia romance which comes complete with an incredibly designed storyline that is fast-paced as well as addictive, then trust me, this is the book for you.
Gabriella has nothing left to lose and has waited more than a decade for this opportunity. Bringing down her Father, the man who is taken everything from her, is all she longs for. That is until Alberto comes along. I encourage all fans of Mafia romance as to devour this release.
Congratulations to Ms. L. Adams for another exquisite release.
I am now impatiently awaiting the next installment; The Mancini Christmas.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Ruthless Rival in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion.
November 28, 2022
The children are all settled, snuggled tight to their mates. Finally, fate steps in and proves it is not so full of hate. (Sorry, it is the holidays and I could not resist.)
Book Six of the Mancini Crime Family Series, this can be read as a stand alone novel. Personal recommendation is to read it in the series so that it can be fully understood why this was so long awaited.
Houdini Mancini, has been happy to watch his family settle down and find their loves. In the process though, it has occurred to him just how lonely he has become. Alberto deals with the feud with the Castillos on a daily basis watching his sons grow into their own in the business. Then he comes home to an empty house and feels the pain in his heart from losing his beloved wife.
Gabriela Mora, hates her father for all that he has done to her in the past. Her emotional scars run deep and she is determined to take him down. She is going to need help from the one man who can help her, but may not.
Two characters that wrap themselves around your heart. The reader joins them on their journey for the passion and the challenges. A gratifying, page turning read. Action packed with plenty of thrills that only the Mancini's can provide. Beware if you start, you will want to finish in one binge session.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Book Six of the Mancini Crime Family Series, this can be read as a stand alone novel. Personal recommendation is to read it in the series so that it can be fully understood why this was so long awaited.
Houdini Mancini, has been happy to watch his family settle down and find their loves. In the process though, it has occurred to him just how lonely he has become. Alberto deals with the feud with the Castillos on a daily basis watching his sons grow into their own in the business. Then he comes home to an empty house and feels the pain in his heart from losing his beloved wife.
Gabriela Mora, hates her father for all that he has done to her in the past. Her emotional scars run deep and she is determined to take him down. She is going to need help from the one man who can help her, but may not.
Two characters that wrap themselves around your heart. The reader joins them on their journey for the passion and the challenges. A gratifying, page turning read. Action packed with plenty of thrills that only the Mancini's can provide. Beware if you start, you will want to finish in one binge session.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 10, 2022
Revenge and Love
Wow, Lily J. Adams has done it again. This was not at all what I expected. The fire is not the only odd thing that stuck out to Alberto Mancini on the day of his son’s wedding. Mrs. Gabriela Morea, the dark, mysterious beauty on the governor’s arm, stared at him as hard as he stared at her, like she meant to look my way. He has not met her yet, but he definitely wants to. Now that his children all have a partner to love and hold, it is like he is the odd one out. He may be a business man who knows where to get pleasure without having to woo a woman, but are his needs still being met that way? Gabriela Morea needs Alberto’s help to get revenge against her father. What she does not plan on is falling for this powerful mafia man. This is a well written steamy age gap mafia romance that takes a number of twist and turns that kept me riveted till the end. I loved the well developed strong characters of Alberto and Gabriela. I thought this was going to be the end of this series as all the Mancinis have found their partner to love, but much to my delight Lily J. Adam is bringing me more. The advanced snippet has me revved for more.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for voluntarily writing an honest review.
Wow, Lily J. Adams has done it again. This was not at all what I expected. The fire is not the only odd thing that stuck out to Alberto Mancini on the day of his son’s wedding. Mrs. Gabriela Morea, the dark, mysterious beauty on the governor’s arm, stared at him as hard as he stared at her, like she meant to look my way. He has not met her yet, but he definitely wants to. Now that his children all have a partner to love and hold, it is like he is the odd one out. He may be a business man who knows where to get pleasure without having to woo a woman, but are his needs still being met that way? Gabriela Morea needs Alberto’s help to get revenge against her father. What she does not plan on is falling for this powerful mafia man. This is a well written steamy age gap mafia romance that takes a number of twist and turns that kept me riveted till the end. I loved the well developed strong characters of Alberto and Gabriela. I thought this was going to be the end of this series as all the Mancinis have found their partner to love, but much to my delight Lily J. Adam is bringing me more. The advanced snippet has me revved for more.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for voluntarily writing an honest review.
November 11, 2022
Enemies to Lovers? Alberto is the head of the Mancini Crime family and Gabriella is the daughter of his enemy. When she hides her true identity from the man she is hoping to get help from will she still be able to get the help required to take down her father? Will the Mancini's welcome her with open arms? Loved loved loved Alberto's story he was one of those characters I didn't like at first but then he started to grow on me and I fell in love with the head of the Italian Mafia. This is an age gape and Enemies to lovers romance. Will Alberto finally be able to get rid of the Castello Cartel with Gabriella standing by his side? I suggest you start at the beginning of the Mancini series but my biggest suggestion is to at least start at the Rebel Saint's Cutover chapter when Alberto makes his first appearance he is in every book and you slowly get to know the man himself. If you just want to read about his family then you will have to read Storm from Rebel Saint's Cutover as this is where the true Mancini story begins. Lily thank you for another amazing read!!! Love ya girl!
November 15, 2022
The contrast between the Mancini mafia family and the Castello cartel family is vast. Where Alberto Mancini uses violence on his enemies with discretion, Santiago Castello uses violence indiscriminately on all those around him taking sadistic pleasure in it. Having been a victim of her father's sadistic emotional torture all of her life Gabriella Castello is now strong enough and independent enough to strike back ....... and what's better than an alliance with her father's enemy Alberto Mancini! Alberto is attracted and intrigued by Gabriella. A true enemies to lovers story, they must both overcome trust issues, past traumas and family issues to triumph and find love. My heart ached for Gabriella and her traumas and rejoiced at her ensuing strength, tenacity and grit. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.
November 16, 2022
Speechless , mind blowing and on the edge of my seat with my heart beating so freaking fast . That’s exactly how I feel every time I pick up another installment In Lily’s Mancini Crime Family Series . This time we get Gabriella and Santiago’s emotional journey and trust me when I say it’s a emotional rollercoaster In every sense of the word . Both characters ate so wonderfully written, so unique and very multi layered . They have not had the easiest of lives but together they persevered through all the obstacles thrown in the middle of their relationship but came out stronger on the other side . Are you a fan of Dark Mafia romances filled with intensity, intrigue, off the charts chemistry, love , non stop action, twists and turns , second chances , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, tragedy , secrets and so much more , well if so look no further . This is the perfect series for you
November 11, 2022
This is Book 6 in the Mancini Crime Family Series. I have been looking forward to reading Alberto’s story for a long time. I am so happy to see him find love again and get his HEA. He deserves it! This book was not as fast paced as others in this series, but I still liked it. Some things could have been left out to move the story along faster. I don’t really need or care to know what the bartender is wearing or need detailed descriptions every time she puts on makeup and gets dressed. The whole scenes with Gabriela and her friends going shopping, texting or talking on the phone added nothing to the story and could have been left out to make the story pace better. It’s still a good read. I am looking forward to reading Iso’s story next.
November 19, 2022
Gabriela is the daughter of a very nasty Don. She is a commodity to be sold to further his goals. But she fell in love, ran away with her lover, and when they were found, she was forced to watch her lover be killed. Then she found out she was pregnant, was forced to marry and gave birth to twins. Her father took them from her arms at the hospital. She didn't see them for years.
Her goal after her husband died, revenge against her father. And Alberto Mancini is just the man to help. But falling for him wasn't in the plan.
Lily has written an amazing story full on drama, angst, suspense, action, anger, age- gap, enemies to lovers, plot twists and steam. Whew. Give yourself a treat and read this series.
Her goal after her husband died, revenge against her father. And Alberto Mancini is just the man to help. But falling for him wasn't in the plan.
Lily has written an amazing story full on drama, angst, suspense, action, anger, age- gap, enemies to lovers, plot twists and steam. Whew. Give yourself a treat and read this series.
November 26, 2022
A variation on enemies to lovers. Action, tension, hatred, uncertainty, risk, evil, brutality and violence mixed with trust, commitment, tenderness mixed with a touch of steamy romance.
The struggle between the two rival criminal gangs reaches bursting point.
In all this, the vital importance of family loyalty and caring appears - the difference between the warring factions.
And whilst we have a happy for now ending, the story has not finished!
With all of Lily J. Adams’ books that I’ve read, I find the work of a talented and masterful writer who captures her readers’ interest from the outset, and doesn’t let them go until the end!
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
The struggle between the two rival criminal gangs reaches bursting point.
In all this, the vital importance of family loyalty and caring appears - the difference between the warring factions.
And whilst we have a happy for now ending, the story has not finished!
With all of Lily J. Adams’ books that I’ve read, I find the work of a talented and masterful writer who captures her readers’ interest from the outset, and doesn’t let them go until the end!
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
December 3, 2022
Gabriela Mora, formerly Castillo,, now widowed and rich with a desire and plan to take down her father. To destroy Santiago and his cartel, using his enemy Alberto Mancini.
Mancini has never been involved with another woman since the death of his wife, using high end prostitutes as his means of relief, but the woman he met at the wedding intrigues him.
An unlikely coupling personally and professionally, but together a force of power. Love and respect has fuelled their lives goals and pleasures but not without its problems and the cartel is weakened but not necessarily bowed. More questions unanswered
Mancini has never been involved with another woman since the death of his wife, using high end prostitutes as his means of relief, but the woman he met at the wedding intrigues him.
An unlikely coupling personally and professionally, but together a force of power. Love and respect has fuelled their lives goals and pleasures but not without its problems and the cartel is weakened but not necessarily bowed. More questions unanswered
December 5, 2022
This is Book Six of the Mancini Crime Family series but can be read as a standalone. You'll love Gabriela and Alberto's story. It's overflowing with action, danger and drama. They both have a hatred for her dad and they join forces to take him down. He was so ruthless and had her love killed right in front of her then had her twins taken away from her. She and Alberto never planned on love coming into the picture. It was a beautiful second chance for both. No spoiler here but this a great story with an engaging story line that will keep you page turning. This has been an amazing series. I read an advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it
November 11, 2022
This is a steamy romance.
When I first guessed the idea that our head Mancini would be getting a romance I was seriously wary. Number one, who could be good enough for him?! I mean, after all of this suspense, not just any character could fit. But, of course, Adams seriously upped the stakes and went above and beyond with this matchup. Why do I even fret about things?! It was a fast moving book that left you wanting more.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
When I first guessed the idea that our head Mancini would be getting a romance I was seriously wary. Number one, who could be good enough for him?! I mean, after all of this suspense, not just any character could fit. But, of course, Adams seriously upped the stakes and went above and beyond with this matchup. Why do I even fret about things?! It was a fast moving book that left you wanting more.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 12, 2022
One hell of a revenge
I really liked the fact that the heroine Gabriella, is the person who starts this story, to ally herself with Alberto Mancini and destroy the whole family from which she comes after what she suffered with her father.
The story is intense and full of twists and turns, not always cheerful, it's even quite melancholy at first but yet it remains romantic and exciting.
I can't wait for the sequel between them, especially after the partial cliffhanger of this part.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I really liked the fact that the heroine Gabriella, is the person who starts this story, to ally herself with Alberto Mancini and destroy the whole family from which she comes after what she suffered with her father.
The story is intense and full of twists and turns, not always cheerful, it's even quite melancholy at first but yet it remains romantic and exciting.
I can't wait for the sequel between them, especially after the partial cliffhanger of this part.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
November 15, 2022
This was a 4.5 ⭐️ read
Book 6 in the Mancini crime series
What happens when you fall in love with your nemesis?
Gabriella and Alberto have been through so much and together they must face their biggest threat... Santiago Castello.
What happens when you have to decide between family and love?
Once again Lily has given is action, intrigue, suspense and drama... along with some romance.
This series keeps maintaining my interest
Well done... great Mafia read
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
Book 6 in the Mancini crime series
What happens when you fall in love with your nemesis?
Gabriella and Alberto have been through so much and together they must face their biggest threat... Santiago Castello.
What happens when you have to decide between family and love?
Once again Lily has given is action, intrigue, suspense and drama... along with some romance.
This series keeps maintaining my interest
Well done... great Mafia read
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
November 19, 2022
This is now my favourite from the series!
Not only for Gabriela’s story, that was heart breaking, but also for Alberto - a mature man, that still hang to his late wife memory, and dismiss the posibility to love again.
So, their relationship was unexpected for both of them, and this make this story more apealing.
I hate that Gabriela doesn’t have the answers she seek, and cant wait for Iso’s story - not only to find out more about him, but hopefully more about Gabriela’s past.
Ireceived an ARC copy thru Bookfunnel and I left my honest voluntary review.
Not only for Gabriela’s story, that was heart breaking, but also for Alberto - a mature man, that still hang to his late wife memory, and dismiss the posibility to love again.
So, their relationship was unexpected for both of them, and this make this story more apealing.
I hate that Gabriela doesn’t have the answers she seek, and cant wait for Iso’s story - not only to find out more about him, but hopefully more about Gabriela’s past.
Ireceived an ARC copy thru Bookfunnel and I left my honest voluntary review.
December 3, 2022
Gripping page turner, reads as a standalone...
Hold on tight for this one, compelling good length story that drags you in & spits you out on repeat. A monster father of the heroine & her desire to make him pay for his sins & his horrific treatment of her, including taking her twins from her hospital bed, never to be seen again. She needed assistance to get her revenge & sought out Alberto head of the Mancini Crime family, her father's enemies. Can she persuade him to help her in her quest. Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
Hold on tight for this one, compelling good length story that drags you in & spits you out on repeat. A monster father of the heroine & her desire to make him pay for his sins & his horrific treatment of her, including taking her twins from her hospital bed, never to be seen again. She needed assistance to get her revenge & sought out Alberto head of the Mancini Crime family, her father's enemies. Can she persuade him to help her in her quest. Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
November 14, 2022
This is book 6 in the Mancini Crime family saga. This book is centered on Gabriella Castillo and Alberto Mancini. Gabriella and Alberto work together to take down her father. She has so much hatred towards him for all of the horrific things he had made her endure and she wanted her revenge.
Alberto was not expecting to find Gabriella or a second chance at happiness.
Lily Adams gives us so many emotions in this one and I know they will just continue to be just as good!
Alberto was not expecting to find Gabriella or a second chance at happiness.
Lily Adams gives us so many emotions in this one and I know they will just continue to be just as good!
November 20, 2022
The dreaded yet wanted words "NOT QUITE THE END" gives me hope that we will still get our full revenge.
Alberto, the patriarch of the family, finds his person to love, but the worries don't lessen. So much I want to say, yet can't because it would be spoilers.
What I can say is that once again Lily J. Adams has kept me wanting more. More action, suspense, suspicion, revenge, love and even a miracle of love and reconciliation.
This is my honest opinion of a copy I received.
Alberto, the patriarch of the family, finds his person to love, but the worries don't lessen. So much I want to say, yet can't because it would be spoilers.
What I can say is that once again Lily J. Adams has kept me wanting more. More action, suspense, suspicion, revenge, love and even a miracle of love and reconciliation.
This is my honest opinion of a copy I received.
December 2, 2022
Definitely a must read if you’ve been following the Mancini family! Even if you haven’t, I’d recommend starting :)
This book we see Gabriela and Houdini as they both must over come some emotional scars and challenges while at the same time figuring out how to navigate this newfound relationship they have with each other. They definitely are complex characters that complement each other well. It was also great to see returning characters amidst the backdrop of mafia action and suspense.
This book we see Gabriela and Houdini as they both must over come some emotional scars and challenges while at the same time figuring out how to navigate this newfound relationship they have with each other. They definitely are complex characters that complement each other well. It was also great to see returning characters amidst the backdrop of mafia action and suspense.
August 15, 2025
Ruthless Rival: A Mafia Romance (The Mancini Crime Family Series Book 6)
A wonderful and exciting book, full of surprises and love. Many criminal happenings with angst and worrying. Keeping the family safe was the most important thing for the head of the Mancini family above all. The end of this book was a surprise I did not think would happen. I really have been enjoying this series, I hope you all will as well.
A wonderful and exciting book, full of surprises and love. Many criminal happenings with angst and worrying. Keeping the family safe was the most important thing for the head of the Mancini family above all. The end of this book was a surprise I did not think would happen. I really have been enjoying this series, I hope you all will as well.
November 20, 2022
Not my favorite. Gabriela's attitude is not my cup of tea. Her story was a little lack luster and unexciting. I had a hard time starting, reading and finishing the book. As much as I liked the rest of this series, this one just wasn't for me.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
November 21, 2022
This action-packed story had me glued to it and drawn to Gabriella and Alberto. her father is a vicious individual that caused great pain to Gabriella. Alberto loss his wife who was the love of his life and together they work towards taking down her father. I can't wait for the next book! I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
November 23, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 12, 2023
Can two enemies find love with each other?
Alberto Mancini is part of a Mafia crime family in New Orleans. Their direct enemies are the Castillos. There is definitely no love lost between these two families. Sworn enemies, ready to go to war. In walks Gabriela, a Castillo. Alberto is drawn to her. Will they be able to find happiness when their families hate each other so much?
Alberto Mancini is part of a Mafia crime family in New Orleans. Their direct enemies are the Castillos. There is definitely no love lost between these two families. Sworn enemies, ready to go to war. In walks Gabriela, a Castillo. Alberto is drawn to her. Will they be able to find happiness when their families hate each other so much?
August 21, 2023
I thought this was the last book in the series but there's one more.... A Christmas story and I think it's a most trusted bodyguard.
Sometimes you get lucky to find love once but twice is very blessed. First she just wanted help from him with her blood family but she wants him and he she..... There's a few things left to tie up and hopefully we will get all of it in the Christmas book....
Sometimes you get lucky to find love once but twice is very blessed. First she just wanted help from him with her blood family but she wants him and he she..... There's a few things left to tie up and hopefully we will get all of it in the Christmas book....
December 1, 2022
Hot damn this is a extremely exciting book packed to the gills with non stop action, heartache, unexpected love and a war that breaks out between two crime families as a result of Alberto and Gabriel's love. You won't want to put this book down once you start to read it.
January 7, 2023
Ruthless Rival
Action packed, exciting with non stop action, heartache, love and war. Absolutely loved Alberto and Gabriel’s story ❤️❤️❤️ 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action packed, exciting with non stop action, heartache, love and war. Absolutely loved Alberto and Gabriel’s story ❤️❤️❤️ 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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