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Ruthless Retribution
Lilyana has been held hostage for years. She misses the life she had before with her boyfriend, family and friends. Her life was just beginning, she has now accepted that she will never have the happy life she once had.
Salvatore has not been the same since Lilyana, his angel has been killed but he keeps himself busy with being the consigliere of Italian Mafia Boss. When Salvatore finds the woman who owns his heart, things have changed in the years she was gone.
She is not the same woman she once was, but he is also not the same man either. Salvatore finds out what she went through while she was kidnapped.
They don’t call him the Angel of Darkness for nothing. He will get retribution for his family once and for all.
Salvatore has not been the same since Lilyana, his angel has been killed but he keeps himself busy with being the consigliere of Italian Mafia Boss. When Salvatore finds the woman who owns his heart, things have changed in the years she was gone.
She is not the same woman she once was, but he is also not the same man either. Salvatore finds out what she went through while she was kidnapped.
They don’t call him the Angel of Darkness for nothing. He will get retribution for his family once and for all.
- GenresSecond ChanceDark
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
6 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Annalynn Nicole
18 books333 followersAnnalynn Nicole is a mother of two autistic boys and a wife to her high school sweetheart. Every day she is determined to be the best wife and mother for her family. Even though our life is different and unique, our house is full of love. In her free time she emerges herself in writing her books of strong heroine characters with crazy plots.
Annalynn Nicole is a dark mafia romance author who loves to keep her reader's on the edge of their seat as she takes them on an emotional rollercoaster.
**Annalynn Nicole's books are filled with trigger warnings**
Annalynn Nicole is a dark mafia romance author who loves to keep her reader's on the edge of their seat as she takes them on an emotional rollercoaster.
**Annalynn Nicole's books are filled with trigger warnings**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
July 31, 2024
Giving this one 4/5 overall for plot and all the de Lucas. Salvatore really shows up and now we all know why he’s the angel of darkness. Our man is protective and is looking for that retribution and everyone supports him as they should.
Book 2 was an emotional roller coaster watch Salvatore and Lilyana come back together after such trauma and grief. I don’t want to be overly spoiler but this was a fun great read.
For those that are sensitive to triggers lol mind your triggers and read them before jumping in!
Book 2 was an emotional roller coaster watch Salvatore and Lilyana come back together after such trauma and grief. I don’t want to be overly spoiler but this was a fun great read.
For those that are sensitive to triggers lol mind your triggers and read them before jumping in!
October 20, 2022
Salvatore lost his love five years ago and hasn’t been the same. When they go to rescue Emilia who is his brother’s wife , Salvatore gets the biggest surprise I his life. Lilyana was kidnapped and abused she was also pregnant. When she sees Salvatore the love of her life, she’s shocked because she was told he was dead. Things have changed in the five years they have been apart except for their love for each other. While trying to get to relearn each other people are trying to kidnap Lilyana. Great characters and storyline. Amazing Book Love Salvatore and Lilyana. All the gang is back Emilia, Matteo, Vincenzo, Juliet, Alessia, Nonna, Nonno, and Pa. Love these characters. Annnalyn knows how to write the spice with an amazing storyline with twists and turns. Can’t wait for the next book
May 18, 2023
Ughhh damn this series just keeps getting better and better.
At the end of Reign of Vengeance, we find out that Lilyana wasn't actually killed five years ago. She is alive and reunited with the dark angel himself Salvatore.
Salvator is defiantly a De Luca... Alpha hole, crazy, overprotective, and wildly in love with Lilyana. As Lilyana deals with her trauma, she is also looking for their long-lost daughter, and learning what it is like to be in the real world again.
The way Annalynn writes the children's characters in this series has bawling my eyes out. Each one has had a traumatic start to life that makes you want to protect these babies from everything ugly in this world, but you see the De Luca family become the village it takes to help their babies be the best that they can be.
The family dynamic will always be one of my favorite's parts of this series. Weather it's Nonna with her wooden spoon, Emilia and Lilyanna sneaking out and making it hard for Sal and Mat.
These books keep you on your toes and takes by surprise every time.
Each book is about one of the De Luca men, but the beauty that keeps your drawn in and wanting to read more is the dynamic between the family. And wanting to know more about each family member.
At the end of Reign of Vengeance, we find out that Lilyana wasn't actually killed five years ago. She is alive and reunited with the dark angel himself Salvatore.
Salvator is defiantly a De Luca... Alpha hole, crazy, overprotective, and wildly in love with Lilyana. As Lilyana deals with her trauma, she is also looking for their long-lost daughter, and learning what it is like to be in the real world again.
The way Annalynn writes the children's characters in this series has bawling my eyes out. Each one has had a traumatic start to life that makes you want to protect these babies from everything ugly in this world, but you see the De Luca family become the village it takes to help their babies be the best that they can be.
The family dynamic will always be one of my favorite's parts of this series. Weather it's Nonna with her wooden spoon, Emilia and Lilyanna sneaking out and making it hard for Sal and Mat.
These books keep you on your toes and takes by surprise every time.
Each book is about one of the De Luca men, but the beauty that keeps your drawn in and wanting to read more is the dynamic between the family. And wanting to know more about each family member.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
Ruthless Retribution is the second book in the De Lucan Mafia series, and this time we follow Lilyanna and Salvatore through a story built on loss, survival, and an unexpected reunion.
Six years ago, Lilyanna was kidnapped and forced to live among the De Lucan family’s enemies. Salvatore believed she was dead—and Lilyanna believed the same of him and his entire family. When she’s found alive at the end of book one, this sequel picks up the emotional fallout and the slow, intense rebuilding of their connection.
Nicole blends dark, violent moments with sharp, witty banter that genuinely lightens the tension. Lilyanna is a strong, resilient heroine who stands toe‑to‑toe with Salvatore’s natural authority, and their dynamic is one of the book’s biggest strengths.
There is some repetition, but the plot stays engaging and fast‑paced. Nicole leaves several threads from the first book unresolved, ensuring that even with a happy ending for Lilyanna and Salvatore, readers are left eager for the next installment.
If you enjoy mafia romances, fierce heroines, and stories of trauma, healing, and loyalty, this series is absolutely worth continuing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
Lilyana and Salvatore story, if second chances exist. Lilyana was thought to be dead the last 5 years, that is until Emilia runs from the De Luca home to save her nephew and his mother Kelly back in the sates. Salvatore had become a shell of his former self full of darkness and rage. The pair can’t believe it when they are finally reunited and join together with family to find their lost daughter, and make up for lost time and find their places in this new beginning. There’s a lot of overlap which made me skip around some and hard to keep my interest though I loved seeing another De Luca man find his better half. Spice level: 3.
May 4, 2024
Amazing Dark Mafia Read!
This is book 2 in this series and is the story of Lilyana and Salvatore. Salvatore believed that Lilyana was dead and my heart ached for him in Reign of Vengeance. This is their story of reunification and healing. This book was fully of action and high heat! I love the world building and can’t wait to read more from the DeLuca clan!
This is book 2 in this series and is the story of Lilyana and Salvatore. Salvatore believed that Lilyana was dead and my heart ached for him in Reign of Vengeance. This is their story of reunification and healing. This book was fully of action and high heat! I love the world building and can’t wait to read more from the DeLuca clan!
March 6, 2024
This was another Awesome book. This is the second book, in this series. Please read, the first book, in the series, (Reign Of Vengeance), you will meet them there. Please read the triggers warning, in the book. 💓 this book. 💓 Salvatore, Lilyana and their daughter. 💓 this author, she's my new favorite author. Annalynn, writes these characters, even the kids, so beautifully. Felt like, I was there looking in, when it enfold.
This book family has twists and turns, Mateo, Emilie and their kids, Nonno and Nonna, and her spoon😂😂, emotions, all over the place entertaining, second canabe, its crazy, so much Hot Spice, secrets comes out, cry (good and sad), kidnapped, kidnapped child, wonderful characters. killing, torture, family is so awesome, keep you on your toes, reunion, And So Much More. Can't Wait, for the Nexus book!!!
This is A Must Read book and series.
I Definitely, recommended this book and series.
This book family has twists and turns, Mateo, Emilie and their kids, Nonno and Nonna, and her spoon😂😂, emotions, all over the place entertaining, second canabe, its crazy, so much Hot Spice, secrets comes out, cry (good and sad), kidnapped, kidnapped child, wonderful characters. killing, torture, family is so awesome, keep you on your toes, reunion, And So Much More. Can't Wait, for the Nexus book!!!
This is A Must Read book and series.
I Definitely, recommended this book and series.
March 23, 2024
The second book in this series had me in my feelings from page one. I was a sobbing mess. I am head over heels for all these characters. It's easily my most favorite mafia series after two books. All the drama of a great mafia family with all the steamy scenes to fog up your windows. Strong female characters, morally grey hot men and a family so loyal they will burn the world down for each other. Lock your door with a box of tissues. Get cozy and enjoy this rollercoaster of emotions.
September 6, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the series. Great book. I love how all the characters in the first book were in this one. I love how it started with Lilyana and Salvatore. So glad she was rescued. She went through a lot being kidnapped and the baby taken away. When she told Salvatore what happened when she was there they made a plan to find out what they could about the baby. They finally got a great lead 8 months later and found where she was. She was a tough little girl and had it rough growing up. When she was finally reunited with her mom after Salvatore rescued her. The surprise was they got married without any of the family there. This is a tight knit Italian family so they were upset but especially Nonna and she made Salvatore her sidekick for shopping and planning for the new baby they were going to have. Everyone was ecstatic about the new baby and Serenity being home. Lilyana turned out to be just as willing to do whatever was necessary to protect her kids and family. She took care of Zaira from the first book for what she did to her. It was great. She is just as ruthless as Emilia and I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next book to see where this goes. I love how Salvatore is so protective over Serenity and when she brought the boy home it was hilarious. He grew up with her since he was Salvatore’s friends son and Salvatore still told him how it was going to go. If he hurt his daughter he would have to pay up. When his father and Salvatore talked in the office with the kids he couldn’t help but laugh about it. Since he would be the same way if he had a little girl.
January 19, 2026
Angel of Darkness...
This book is emotionally charged, delivering a gripping love story forged through survival, devastating loss, ruthless devotion, & the brutal lengths one family will go to protect their own.
⚠️ HEADS UP PSA
Pregnancy. Kidnapping. Murder. Torture. Brutal revenge. Emotional devastation. If you need tidy timelines & calm vibes—abort mission now 🚨🖤 This book is chaos, pain, & family loyalty wrapped in blood-soaked love. Proceed with caution...
🚻 MEET 'N' GREET
🔥 Lilyana O’Milloy De Luca? Fierce, snarky, zero doormat survivor energy. Pregnant, shot, kidnapped, presumed dead, & still standing 🙌
🖤 Salvatore De Luca? The Angel of Darkness. Devoted husband. Ultimate girl-dad. Caveman-protective to the extreme 🔫
👨👩👧👦 The De Luca Family? Ride-or-die, chaotic, loyal, & lethal when it comes to their own.
🫶 MVP Favs? Vincenzo = unhinged humor king 😂 Mateo = broody, strategic, & funny as hell 😏
📚 FULL DETAILED REVIEW - SPOILERS AHEAD ⬇️
This book picks up right where Book 1 left off—and then immediately rips your heart out & stomps on it just to make sure you felt it.
Salvatore is finally happy. Lilyana is pregnant. Life feels steady…and then everything explodes 💥 A car wreck. Lily taken. Sal spiraling into devastation. And then—Maxim Ivanov shoots her in the chest while Salvatore watches.
WTF 😭
As if that wasn’t enough, Anna—Sal’s mother—is murdered, delivering a brutal one-two punch of grief. Watching Salvatore break during this stretch is heavy & raw.
A year later, Maxim is captured & tortured—only to reveal he was paid to kill Lilyana & Anna. And his son, Alexei (ya he's back 🖕), becomes a long, festering thread of unfinished business.
Fast forward five years & we’re back in the Book 1 timeline. Lilyana is alive. Dante is safe & reunited with Damiano. And then—
💥 Lily tells Salvatore they have a daughter.
Alexei forced her to give the baby up at birth.
Mateo & the boys go full hunter mode & get their girl back. Salvatore as a father is perfection—soft, devoted, & deadly. Papa Sal will end you without blinking.
But peace never lasts long. 👀
Enter French mafia trash fire Xavier, who attempts another kidnapping. Lily ends up in a coma—terrifying, especially since she’s pregnant again. Damn, this girl just can't catch a break. 🤦♀️
The betrayal deepens when it’s revealed Elena (yes, her again 🙄) hired Xavier in a failed attempt to free Alexei. The audacity of this woman 🤬
Salvatore goes full lockdown caveman. Lilyana snaps.
She sneaks out with Emilia, tortures Zaira for answers, & kills her—then has to face Sal afterward 😬 Um..I love you, honey?!
Retribution comes when Mateo devises a plan that ends with Pa shooting Alexei dead in front of everyone to send one clear message—mess with our family & ☠️
War is declared. Go ahead, bring it Frenchee 🇫🇷🔪
And because this book refuses to chill—
🚨 Lily goes into labor during their departure
🛟 Roadside delivery via Emilia
👼🏻 Another daughter joins the chaos
Rapid fast forward and…SEVEN kids later.
Yes. Seven. (I needed a moment too 🥴)
The book wraps with full-circle chaos & humor:
🤯 Vincenzo bolting from the room after shocking news
😂 Salvatore nearly shooting Dante when he learns Dante and Serenity are together
Daddy Sal was NOT okay 🔫🤦♀️🤭
💬 REAL TALK (THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY)
❌ Slow start & messy middle
❌ Chaotic pacing & timeline jumps
❌ Massive cast can be hard to track
📛 Ending felt rushed
BUT—
✔️ Non-stop action 🏃♂️💨
✔️ Emotional devastation lands
✔️ Ride-or-die family loyalty & banter = GOLD 😂
✔️ Lilyana’s strength & resilience shine
✔️ Salvatore’s unwavering love & devotion is top-tier 🫶
✔️ Solid plot + spice balance 🌶
💯 The family dynamics & humor save this story.
⚠️ TROPES & TW's:
🔹️ Dark Mafia Romance
🔹️ OTT Possessive, Obsessive, Morally Grey MMC
🔹️ Fierce, Resilient, Sassy FMC
🔹️ Long Lost Love
🔹️ Pregnancy
🔹️ Kidnapping
🔹️ Missing Daughter
🔹️ Murder/Torture/Revenge
🔹️ Trauma/Grief/Loss
🔹️ Burn the World for Her, Touch her & ☠️
🔹️ Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5
🎙 FAV QUOTES:
🖤 “Time for the Angel of Darkness to come out to play.”
🖤 "Hey, how come he gets to hug her, & I got a punch to my jaw?”
“Because, dickhead, you were trying to hit on her."
🖤 “Lilyana Marie O’Milloy, whatever you went through...we will deal with it together."
🖤 "If he doesn’t calm his caveman act down, I will take things into my own hands & go buy a battery-operated husband. He can go back to using his hand."
🖤 “Alright, let’s get out of here before my niece tries to evacuate Lilyana’s vagina here.”
🖤 "No one is worthy of her.”
“You are right, but you also know that I would keep her safe until my dying breath.”
“That dying breath is coming sooner than you expect.”
🖤 "So I hear you pointed a gun at my son.”
“Yes, the cocky little shit came in my office holding my butterfly’s hand & when I told him to let go, he said he will not let go of his future wife’s hand.”
“Cocky fucker, isn’t he?”
“Yes he is.”
“So is he leaving with a bullet hole?”
“No, I promised Serenity I won’t.”
🎬 FINAL VERDICT:
3.9⭐️'s | Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Ruthless Retribution is emotional carnage wrapped in mafia chaos. It’s messy, heavy, & sometimes hard to follow—but it’s also gripping, intense, & packed with heart. Lilyana is a fighter. Salvatore is devastatingly devoted. The family banter is unmatched.
Now excuse me while I sprint to Vincenzo & Gabriela’s book, because that man is hands-down my favorite De Luca 🙌🖤
ARC received; opinions are my own.
This book is emotionally charged, delivering a gripping love story forged through survival, devastating loss, ruthless devotion, & the brutal lengths one family will go to protect their own.
⚠️ HEADS UP PSA
Pregnancy. Kidnapping. Murder. Torture. Brutal revenge. Emotional devastation. If you need tidy timelines & calm vibes—abort mission now 🚨🖤 This book is chaos, pain, & family loyalty wrapped in blood-soaked love. Proceed with caution...
🚻 MEET 'N' GREET
🔥 Lilyana O’Milloy De Luca? Fierce, snarky, zero doormat survivor energy. Pregnant, shot, kidnapped, presumed dead, & still standing 🙌
🖤 Salvatore De Luca? The Angel of Darkness. Devoted husband. Ultimate girl-dad. Caveman-protective to the extreme 🔫
👨👩👧👦 The De Luca Family? Ride-or-die, chaotic, loyal, & lethal when it comes to their own.
🫶 MVP Favs? Vincenzo = unhinged humor king 😂 Mateo = broody, strategic, & funny as hell 😏
📚 FULL DETAILED REVIEW - SPOILERS AHEAD ⬇️
This book picks up right where Book 1 left off—and then immediately rips your heart out & stomps on it just to make sure you felt it.
Salvatore is finally happy. Lilyana is pregnant. Life feels steady…and then everything explodes 💥 A car wreck. Lily taken. Sal spiraling into devastation. And then—Maxim Ivanov shoots her in the chest while Salvatore watches.
WTF 😭
As if that wasn’t enough, Anna—Sal’s mother—is murdered, delivering a brutal one-two punch of grief. Watching Salvatore break during this stretch is heavy & raw.
A year later, Maxim is captured & tortured—only to reveal he was paid to kill Lilyana & Anna. And his son, Alexei (ya he's back 🖕), becomes a long, festering thread of unfinished business.
Fast forward five years & we’re back in the Book 1 timeline. Lilyana is alive. Dante is safe & reunited with Damiano. And then—
💥 Lily tells Salvatore they have a daughter.
Alexei forced her to give the baby up at birth.
Mateo & the boys go full hunter mode & get their girl back. Salvatore as a father is perfection—soft, devoted, & deadly. Papa Sal will end you without blinking.
But peace never lasts long. 👀
Enter French mafia trash fire Xavier, who attempts another kidnapping. Lily ends up in a coma—terrifying, especially since she’s pregnant again. Damn, this girl just can't catch a break. 🤦♀️
The betrayal deepens when it’s revealed Elena (yes, her again 🙄) hired Xavier in a failed attempt to free Alexei. The audacity of this woman 🤬
Salvatore goes full lockdown caveman. Lilyana snaps.
She sneaks out with Emilia, tortures Zaira for answers, & kills her—then has to face Sal afterward 😬 Um..I love you, honey?!
Retribution comes when Mateo devises a plan that ends with Pa shooting Alexei dead in front of everyone to send one clear message—mess with our family & ☠️
War is declared. Go ahead, bring it Frenchee 🇫🇷🔪
And because this book refuses to chill—
🚨 Lily goes into labor during their departure
🛟 Roadside delivery via Emilia
👼🏻 Another daughter joins the chaos
Rapid fast forward and…SEVEN kids later.
Yes. Seven. (I needed a moment too 🥴)
The book wraps with full-circle chaos & humor:
🤯 Vincenzo bolting from the room after shocking news
😂 Salvatore nearly shooting Dante when he learns Dante and Serenity are together
Daddy Sal was NOT okay 🔫🤦♀️🤭
💬 REAL TALK (THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY)
❌ Slow start & messy middle
❌ Chaotic pacing & timeline jumps
❌ Massive cast can be hard to track
📛 Ending felt rushed
BUT—
✔️ Non-stop action 🏃♂️💨
✔️ Emotional devastation lands
✔️ Ride-or-die family loyalty & banter = GOLD 😂
✔️ Lilyana’s strength & resilience shine
✔️ Salvatore’s unwavering love & devotion is top-tier 🫶
✔️ Solid plot + spice balance 🌶
💯 The family dynamics & humor save this story.
⚠️ TROPES & TW's:
🔹️ Dark Mafia Romance
🔹️ OTT Possessive, Obsessive, Morally Grey MMC
🔹️ Fierce, Resilient, Sassy FMC
🔹️ Long Lost Love
🔹️ Pregnancy
🔹️ Kidnapping
🔹️ Missing Daughter
🔹️ Murder/Torture/Revenge
🔹️ Trauma/Grief/Loss
🔹️ Burn the World for Her, Touch her & ☠️
🔹️ Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5
🎙 FAV QUOTES:
🖤 “Time for the Angel of Darkness to come out to play.”
🖤 "Hey, how come he gets to hug her, & I got a punch to my jaw?”
“Because, dickhead, you were trying to hit on her."
🖤 “Lilyana Marie O’Milloy, whatever you went through...we will deal with it together."
🖤 "If he doesn’t calm his caveman act down, I will take things into my own hands & go buy a battery-operated husband. He can go back to using his hand."
🖤 “Alright, let’s get out of here before my niece tries to evacuate Lilyana’s vagina here.”
🖤 "No one is worthy of her.”
“You are right, but you also know that I would keep her safe until my dying breath.”
“That dying breath is coming sooner than you expect.”
🖤 "So I hear you pointed a gun at my son.”
“Yes, the cocky little shit came in my office holding my butterfly’s hand & when I told him to let go, he said he will not let go of his future wife’s hand.”
“Cocky fucker, isn’t he?”
“Yes he is.”
“So is he leaving with a bullet hole?”
“No, I promised Serenity I won’t.”
🎬 FINAL VERDICT:
3.9⭐️'s | Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Ruthless Retribution is emotional carnage wrapped in mafia chaos. It’s messy, heavy, & sometimes hard to follow—but it’s also gripping, intense, & packed with heart. Lilyana is a fighter. Salvatore is devastatingly devoted. The family banter is unmatched.
Now excuse me while I sprint to Vincenzo & Gabriela’s book, because that man is hands-down my favorite De Luca 🙌🖤
ARC received; opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
Omg so good
This book was so good I cried in a bunch of parts of this book and laughed in some especially the wooden spoon gets me every time can't wait to read the next book
This book was so good I cried in a bunch of parts of this book and laughed in some especially the wooden spoon gets me every time can't wait to read the next book
June 22, 2023
RUTHLESS RETRIBUTION by @author.annalynn.nicole
Book 2 in the De Luca Mafia Series, and yall know me, I LOVE mafia novels.
PLOT: The plot was very interesting from the very beginning, we start with a flashback and then the book takes off where we were left in Book 1 (Reign of Vengence). Throughout the whole novel, you really are at the edge of your seat!
CLIFFHANGERS: We were left with so many cliffhangers, even this book ends with a cliffhanger. Very smart of Anna, you want us all to go ahead and read the series. But seriously tho, the cliffhangers had my jaw tightened in anticipation.
SPICE: It is Annalyn Nicole, hello! Her spice is just spicy and I loved them spicy scenes. I won't go into details, go read them hoo-ha melters yourself.
DETAILS: The author did the bestest job portraying all the details needed. I specifically loved her descriptions of my new book daddy Salvatore De Luca. If you guys are like me, I like my men dark, like this guy.
EMOTIONS: Yea, my heart broke so many times in this novel, I can't even count! I cried so many times. I was a sniffling mess at some point and I tried so hard to not blame the book scene...but it was the book scenes.
This book was an absolute favourite! I love how the author represents the characters in such a realistic way, that I genuinely thought for a few moments they were real. They are real to me. I usually hate reading book series, but I have made an exception for many authors, and they happen to deliver and I fall in love even more. I can't wait to read book 3, I mean, we were left on a cliffhanger you guys!
One of my favourite things about this book was the extra bonus chapters we got! And it had me kicking my feet in the air. (feet kicking scenes are secretly my favourite)
What are you guys waiting for?! Head over to Anna's bio and purchase these bad boys! Cuz whew, get ready for some badass men and women and power, with steam and laughs to last you hours.
Book 2 in the De Luca Mafia Series, and yall know me, I LOVE mafia novels.
PLOT: The plot was very interesting from the very beginning, we start with a flashback and then the book takes off where we were left in Book 1 (Reign of Vengence). Throughout the whole novel, you really are at the edge of your seat!
CLIFFHANGERS: We were left with so many cliffhangers, even this book ends with a cliffhanger. Very smart of Anna, you want us all to go ahead and read the series. But seriously tho, the cliffhangers had my jaw tightened in anticipation.
SPICE: It is Annalyn Nicole, hello! Her spice is just spicy and I loved them spicy scenes. I won't go into details, go read them hoo-ha melters yourself.
DETAILS: The author did the bestest job portraying all the details needed. I specifically loved her descriptions of my new book daddy Salvatore De Luca. If you guys are like me, I like my men dark, like this guy.
EMOTIONS: Yea, my heart broke so many times in this novel, I can't even count! I cried so many times. I was a sniffling mess at some point and I tried so hard to not blame the book scene...but it was the book scenes.
This book was an absolute favourite! I love how the author represents the characters in such a realistic way, that I genuinely thought for a few moments they were real. They are real to me. I usually hate reading book series, but I have made an exception for many authors, and they happen to deliver and I fall in love even more. I can't wait to read book 3, I mean, we were left on a cliffhanger you guys!
One of my favourite things about this book was the extra bonus chapters we got! And it had me kicking my feet in the air. (feet kicking scenes are secretly my favourite)
What are you guys waiting for?! Head over to Anna's bio and purchase these bad boys! Cuz whew, get ready for some badass men and women and power, with steam and laughs to last you hours.
March 17, 2023
“Just remember when to unleash the monster but then also remember when it is time to cage it.” – Adriano De Luca.
The second book in the De Luca Mafia Series is here!!! Ruthless Retribution! This book is about Salvatore and Lilyana. Lilyana was kidnapped five years ago and presumed to be dead when Xavier shot her on a live video stream in front of Salvatore. What he didn’t know was that she survived the shot. Lilyana was held captive and abused by Xavier, and she was told that the whole De Luca family was dead. The only thing that kept her going was her daughter Serenity. When Salvatore went on a mission with Mateo to rescue Emilia, he didn’t know that he was getting his whole life back. Five years changes a person and both Salvatore and Lilyana are not the same but their love stands stronger than ever. Add in a whole lot of emotions, drama, a wicked mother, and a loving family, and you’ll find yourself in an onslaught of tears, joy, and love!
I loved this book! I honestly love the whole De Luca family and don’t believe that I will forget them anytime soon. Annalynn Nicole is truly talented and deserves an award for her awesome writing skills! The way she explains each character’s growth, love, and life is amazing! I especially enjoyed how Serenity’s health was explained throughout the story and wasn’t added as one scene then miraculously became healthy again. The steps everyone took to ensure that she becomes healthy are heartwarming.
My heart broke when I read the scene of Vittorio. I didn’t believe it and stopped reading to absorb what happened but then ended up in tears. We can’t forget the torture scenes as well, especially when Lilyana showed Salvatore how much of a badass she is when she tortured Zaira.
This book was sent as an ARC to me and I am so happy to have had this opportunity!
The second book in the De Luca Mafia Series is here!!! Ruthless Retribution! This book is about Salvatore and Lilyana. Lilyana was kidnapped five years ago and presumed to be dead when Xavier shot her on a live video stream in front of Salvatore. What he didn’t know was that she survived the shot. Lilyana was held captive and abused by Xavier, and she was told that the whole De Luca family was dead. The only thing that kept her going was her daughter Serenity. When Salvatore went on a mission with Mateo to rescue Emilia, he didn’t know that he was getting his whole life back. Five years changes a person and both Salvatore and Lilyana are not the same but their love stands stronger than ever. Add in a whole lot of emotions, drama, a wicked mother, and a loving family, and you’ll find yourself in an onslaught of tears, joy, and love!
I loved this book! I honestly love the whole De Luca family and don’t believe that I will forget them anytime soon. Annalynn Nicole is truly talented and deserves an award for her awesome writing skills! The way she explains each character’s growth, love, and life is amazing! I especially enjoyed how Serenity’s health was explained throughout the story and wasn’t added as one scene then miraculously became healthy again. The steps everyone took to ensure that she becomes healthy are heartwarming.
My heart broke when I read the scene of Vittorio. I didn’t believe it and stopped reading to absorb what happened but then ended up in tears. We can’t forget the torture scenes as well, especially when Lilyana showed Salvatore how much of a badass she is when she tortured Zaira.
This book was sent as an ARC to me and I am so happy to have had this opportunity!
January 13, 2026
"even if it is a speck of light in this world, we need to cherish it, no one wants to live in a dark world.’”
“We all need a bit of darkness in us to survive this cruel world.”
If you haven't read Reign of Vengeance yet you have to read that one first. These aren't standalones they definitely need to be read in order ♥️
This one follows Salvatore and Lilyana. Lilyana was presumed to be dead after being kidnapped 5 years ago. She was pregnant at the time of her kidnapping. Salvatore- full of rage, grief and basically an empty shell. Trust me when I say that is just the tip of the iceberg for the plot of this book. Soo much happens.
Ahhh!! This book started exactly where I hoped it would! Which is having the author wasting zero time and having my heart bleeding for Salvatore and Lilyana 😭 To see this alpha Mafia MMC so soft, and vulnerable 🥹 just does something to me. He never stopped loving her. 😢
I have to give Annalynn Nicole credit she knows how to layer things on thickly. Just piling the plot up so heavily! I also loved the transitioning, and time hopping in this. I thought it flowed really well and intertwining with book 1. Some questions I had from the first one got answered in this one. New questions have risen and I know those will will be answered soon. The whole timeline and flow is just so smooth and keeps you engaged.
This is full of emotion, drama, torture, love, surviving the unthinkable, healing, very intense and powerful. it's quite the rollercoaster! Looking forward to the next book!
✔️Dark romance
✔️ Vengeful
✔️Long lost love
✔️Kidnapped for years
✔️Overprotective MMC
✔️ Sweet/ sassy FMC
✔️Pregnancy
✔️Spicy
“We all need a bit of darkness in us to survive this cruel world.”
If you haven't read Reign of Vengeance yet you have to read that one first. These aren't standalones they definitely need to be read in order ♥️
This one follows Salvatore and Lilyana. Lilyana was presumed to be dead after being kidnapped 5 years ago. She was pregnant at the time of her kidnapping. Salvatore- full of rage, grief and basically an empty shell. Trust me when I say that is just the tip of the iceberg for the plot of this book. Soo much happens.
Ahhh!! This book started exactly where I hoped it would! Which is having the author wasting zero time and having my heart bleeding for Salvatore and Lilyana 😭 To see this alpha Mafia MMC so soft, and vulnerable 🥹 just does something to me. He never stopped loving her. 😢
I have to give Annalynn Nicole credit she knows how to layer things on thickly. Just piling the plot up so heavily! I also loved the transitioning, and time hopping in this. I thought it flowed really well and intertwining with book 1. Some questions I had from the first one got answered in this one. New questions have risen and I know those will will be answered soon. The whole timeline and flow is just so smooth and keeps you engaged.
This is full of emotion, drama, torture, love, surviving the unthinkable, healing, very intense and powerful. it's quite the rollercoaster! Looking forward to the next book!
✔️Dark romance
✔️ Vengeful
✔️Long lost love
✔️Kidnapped for years
✔️Overprotective MMC
✔️ Sweet/ sassy FMC
✔️Pregnancy
✔️Spicy
December 7, 2025
Book Review
Ruthless Retribution is an emotionally charged, darkly compelling mafia romance that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. The story follows Lilyana, a young woman who has spent years in captivity, stripped of her identity and hope. By the time she is finally found, she’s a survivor—but one who believes the life she had before is gone forever.
Enter Salvatore, the man who once loved her and was told she had died. His transformation in her absence is one of the most fascinating parts of the book. Now the cold, calculating consigliere to a powerful Italian mafia boss, he’s hardened by grief and fueled by purpose. When he discovers Lilyana is alive, the shift in his character is both heartbreaking and riveting. Neither of them are the same people they were before, and the author handles this emotional distance with impressive nuance.
Their reunion is anything but simple. Lilyana’s trauma is handled with empathy, and Salvatore’s reaction to learning what she endured is where the story becomes truly gripping. His descent into vengeance feels both terrifying and strangely cathartic—after all, they don’t call him the Angel of Darkness for nothing.
The book blends dark romance, emotional healing, and mafia retribution with a satisfying balance of tension and tenderness. It’s a story about love surviving unthinkable horrors, and about a man willing to burn the world down for the woman who still holds his heart. Fans of intense, character-driven mafia romances will find this a powerful, addictive read.
Ruthless Retribution is an emotionally charged, darkly compelling mafia romance that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. The story follows Lilyana, a young woman who has spent years in captivity, stripped of her identity and hope. By the time she is finally found, she’s a survivor—but one who believes the life she had before is gone forever.
Enter Salvatore, the man who once loved her and was told she had died. His transformation in her absence is one of the most fascinating parts of the book. Now the cold, calculating consigliere to a powerful Italian mafia boss, he’s hardened by grief and fueled by purpose. When he discovers Lilyana is alive, the shift in his character is both heartbreaking and riveting. Neither of them are the same people they were before, and the author handles this emotional distance with impressive nuance.
Their reunion is anything but simple. Lilyana’s trauma is handled with empathy, and Salvatore’s reaction to learning what she endured is where the story becomes truly gripping. His descent into vengeance feels both terrifying and strangely cathartic—after all, they don’t call him the Angel of Darkness for nothing.
The book blends dark romance, emotional healing, and mafia retribution with a satisfying balance of tension and tenderness. It’s a story about love surviving unthinkable horrors, and about a man willing to burn the world down for the woman who still holds his heart. Fans of intense, character-driven mafia romances will find this a powerful, addictive read.
June 22, 2023
After reading Book #1 in the De Luca Mafia series I was extremely excited to read Ruthless Retributions. I fell in love with Salvatore and Lilyana In this book, and continued my love of Mateo, Emilia, Nonna, Pa, Vincenzo and the rest of the De Lucas from the previous book. How can you not fall in love with possessive, protective, scary and super sweet mafia men with completely domineering and beautiful women!
The books in the De Luca Mafia series overlap in time and story lines, you definitely need to read them in order. Annalynn Nicole likes to take her readers on an emotional roller coaster, so make sure you have tissues and your sense of humor at the ready while reading Ruthless Retribution. I enjoyed the medium amount of action and medium amount of spice in Salvatore and Lilyana's story. Unfortunately, the poor editing issues that book #1 suffered from is still evident in book #2, causing confusion several times on what was going on in the plot, including back to back chapters numbered differently but are the exact same. I was able to train my mind to autocorrect the grammatical errors, which allowed me to soldier through and remain completely wrapped up in the De Lucas story, I will definitely read the rest of the books in the series, hoping grammar and editing will improve!
I recommend this book (and series!) to anyone that likes creative violence and a lot of spice in their Mafia Romance reads!
The books in the De Luca Mafia series overlap in time and story lines, you definitely need to read them in order. Annalynn Nicole likes to take her readers on an emotional roller coaster, so make sure you have tissues and your sense of humor at the ready while reading Ruthless Retribution. I enjoyed the medium amount of action and medium amount of spice in Salvatore and Lilyana's story. Unfortunately, the poor editing issues that book #1 suffered from is still evident in book #2, causing confusion several times on what was going on in the plot, including back to back chapters numbered differently but are the exact same. I was able to train my mind to autocorrect the grammatical errors, which allowed me to soldier through and remain completely wrapped up in the De Lucas story, I will definitely read the rest of the books in the series, hoping grammar and editing will improve!
I recommend this book (and series!) to anyone that likes creative violence and a lot of spice in their Mafia Romance reads!
May 5, 2023
Loving all the De Luca men!
So many things I have enjoyed about this series and the authors writing. I liked the plot, the character development and growth thru the story were just awesome. When I started Reign of Vengeance I fell in love with Mateo and Emilia and with both stories I love how these strong and powerful men fall head over heels for their women. And Mr. Salvatore did not disappoint. Something else that I love about the writing is that Annalynn still incorporates previous characters in the new book story so you can still follow on what they are up to.
Now let me just give you a heads up that you will need to have a box of tissues right next to you while you read this book because Annalynn likes to keep your emotions all over the place. She will have you walking on clouds one minute and then boom she makes you cry when she decides to do a twist in the story. What I mean by that is that she gives very good attention to all characters, even side characters that you find yourself even liking and getting to know the guards!!! Like that's so cool in my opinion. I'm so invested in this series it is going to be torture waiting for the next books to come out lol.
Oh and don't get me started on the banter going on. I freaking love it. Had me laughing and giggling way too many time.
So many things I have enjoyed about this series and the authors writing. I liked the plot, the character development and growth thru the story were just awesome. When I started Reign of Vengeance I fell in love with Mateo and Emilia and with both stories I love how these strong and powerful men fall head over heels for their women. And Mr. Salvatore did not disappoint. Something else that I love about the writing is that Annalynn still incorporates previous characters in the new book story so you can still follow on what they are up to.
Now let me just give you a heads up that you will need to have a box of tissues right next to you while you read this book because Annalynn likes to keep your emotions all over the place. She will have you walking on clouds one minute and then boom she makes you cry when she decides to do a twist in the story. What I mean by that is that she gives very good attention to all characters, even side characters that you find yourself even liking and getting to know the guards!!! Like that's so cool in my opinion. I'm so invested in this series it is going to be torture waiting for the next books to come out lol.
Oh and don't get me started on the banter going on. I freaking love it. Had me laughing and giggling way too many time.
July 31, 2024
This is a Dark Mafia Romance, so I highly suggest reading the trigger warnings. This is book two in a series, can be a standalone but highly suggest reading in order to get the bigger picture.
This book involves a lot of tragedy, and explains everything prior to Lilyanna's disapearance. It is an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt so bad for Salvatore. There is bonding between Emilia and Lilyanna, over trauma.
There are so many point of views, I am going to list them differently than I usually do:
Salvatore: Don's cousin, runs the pews
Lilyanna: Irish, kidnapped by the Russian Mafia, thought dead
Adriano: Salvatore's dad
Unknown: has Salvatore and Lilyanna's daughter
Elena: Alexei's mistress, forced to marry French Mafia Don's cousin
Abramo: Mateo's dad
Vincenzo: Salvatore's cousin, known to sleep around
Sebastian: French Mafia Don's cousin, married to Elena
Xavier: French Mafia's Don
Emelia: Italian Don's Wife
Out of all these point of views, the two main characters are Salvatore an Lilyanna, talking about their story.
"To all my dark romance readers, who ignore all the red flags and question their sanity after reading a dark book. And who like their men dark and dirty with a filthy mouth that makes you run for your BOB. This is for you."
This book involves a lot of tragedy, and explains everything prior to Lilyanna's disapearance. It is an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt so bad for Salvatore. There is bonding between Emilia and Lilyanna, over trauma.
There are so many point of views, I am going to list them differently than I usually do:
Salvatore: Don's cousin, runs the pews
Lilyanna: Irish, kidnapped by the Russian Mafia, thought dead
Adriano: Salvatore's dad
Unknown: has Salvatore and Lilyanna's daughter
Elena: Alexei's mistress, forced to marry French Mafia Don's cousin
Abramo: Mateo's dad
Vincenzo: Salvatore's cousin, known to sleep around
Sebastian: French Mafia Don's cousin, married to Elena
Xavier: French Mafia's Don
Emelia: Italian Don's Wife
Out of all these point of views, the two main characters are Salvatore an Lilyanna, talking about their story.
"To all my dark romance readers, who ignore all the red flags and question their sanity after reading a dark book. And who like their men dark and dirty with a filthy mouth that makes you run for your BOB. This is for you."
December 22, 2025
Book 2 of De Luca Mafia Series.
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: Oct 4, 2022
Mafia Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This started off where the first book ended, with Emilia finding Liliana and saving her along with Dante. After 5 years Salvatore was broken and going through so much grief and when he finds out that Lilyana didn’t die, he did everything to get her back and would go to the ends of the earth for her. Both of them finally get a second chance at love and life again and this was emotional and we get to see the different trauma’s that happen to different characters. After being kidnapped from Salvatore all those years ago and she was very traumatized by being pregnant and being a*used. Kinda the same thing that Emilia went through in the first book but Emilia wasn’t pregnant. I won’t give much spoilers but I loved this book just like the first! Salvatore and Lilyana get their long lost daughter back too, so they all help Serenity because of her trauma as well. I love Nonna too omg her and her spoon dude. These men are so afraid of her lol! I just love the heavy family ties and omg I’m so glad some characters got what was coming to them…great plot and great characters. Just minor gradual errors but don’t let that take away from the story
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: Oct 4, 2022
Mafia Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This started off where the first book ended, with Emilia finding Liliana and saving her along with Dante. After 5 years Salvatore was broken and going through so much grief and when he finds out that Lilyana didn’t die, he did everything to get her back and would go to the ends of the earth for her. Both of them finally get a second chance at love and life again and this was emotional and we get to see the different trauma’s that happen to different characters. After being kidnapped from Salvatore all those years ago and she was very traumatized by being pregnant and being a*used. Kinda the same thing that Emilia went through in the first book but Emilia wasn’t pregnant. I won’t give much spoilers but I loved this book just like the first! Salvatore and Lilyana get their long lost daughter back too, so they all help Serenity because of her trauma as well. I love Nonna too omg her and her spoon dude. These men are so afraid of her lol! I just love the heavy family ties and omg I’m so glad some characters got what was coming to them…great plot and great characters. Just minor gradual errors but don’t let that take away from the story
March 30, 2023
I really liked the storyline and all the things that were depicted. It was a true Mafia book, and I loved very second of it. I'm so invested in the characters. I loved how real the struggles were shown in the book. I wanted to see more of Serenity's struggles, but I loved it anyways.
Lilyana is such a sweet and angelic character. She was not overly badass, but she had her stubborn moments which I absolutely adored. I couldn't stop reading. She had gone through a lot but she came out stronger. She went through so much more after being reunited with Sal but she kept pushing. I loved her relationship with the other members, especially the other women of the family.
Salvatore was so over the top, and I loved it. The bonds between his Pa and everyone else are so strong and just pleasurable to read about. Absolutely loved him. Oh, and the spice was so good but I liked that the book was more story oriented than spice. The book had so much to uncover and was a heavy one but I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend it to anyone who like Mafia romance and overbearing men.
- bookishfrag
Lilyana is such a sweet and angelic character. She was not overly badass, but she had her stubborn moments which I absolutely adored. I couldn't stop reading. She had gone through a lot but she came out stronger. She went through so much more after being reunited with Sal but she kept pushing. I loved her relationship with the other members, especially the other women of the family.
Salvatore was so over the top, and I loved it. The bonds between his Pa and everyone else are so strong and just pleasurable to read about. Absolutely loved him. Oh, and the spice was so good but I liked that the book was more story oriented than spice. The book had so much to uncover and was a heavy one but I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend it to anyone who like Mafia romance and overbearing men.
- bookishfrag
September 14, 2023
Ruthless Retribution by AnnaLynn Nicole is book two in the DeLuca Mafia Series. After reading the first book I couldn’t wait to read this one, I absolutely loved Mateo and Emilia. This book did not disappoint as I once again lost time while reading this book. I see a pattern forming because I once again read this book in one sitting. I was so invested in this story from the opening chapters until the end. Once again my heart went through an emotional rollercoaster. It broke then was put back together. AnnaLynn Nicole is a fabulous writer with a gift to transport you into the world they created. Again, check your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. The banter in this book is some top tier stuff. Gosh, the character development that was written was freaking amazing. I found myself loving this couple as well… Lilyana and Salvatore and their love was fantastic. I loved him being so protective. The family dynamics is so well done it’s a character in its own right. I seriously love pretty much everything about these books. Absolutely one of my favorite series.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
March 26, 2024
This is Book 2 of the DeLuca Mafia series and is the story of Lilyana and Salvatore. This is the story of love, surviving, family and retribution.
Lilyana was kidnapped years ago and Salvatore saw her die when her kidnapper sent a video to him. What makes this even more tragic is that she was pregnant. Flash forward to present time and the DeLuca gang is breaking into a Russian compound to save the wife of his brother and what do they find? Lilyana. This woman went through h31. She was beaten, t0rt^r3d and had her baby taken away from her.
Her reunion with Salvatore was amazing. Salvatore never stopped loving her even though he thought she was unalived. He vows to retribution on those who held her hostage and who took his child.
I love this family’s dynamic. Their banter and bl00dthirsty need for revenge will keep you smiling. Their devotion to each other and the love of their lives is undeniable. While they live in a morally gray world, you cannot help but fall in love with them.
This author has built a wonderful world, and I am so happy to see there is another book in this series as I do not want my time with this family to end.
Lilyana was kidnapped years ago and Salvatore saw her die when her kidnapper sent a video to him. What makes this even more tragic is that she was pregnant. Flash forward to present time and the DeLuca gang is breaking into a Russian compound to save the wife of his brother and what do they find? Lilyana. This woman went through h31. She was beaten, t0rt^r3d and had her baby taken away from her.
Her reunion with Salvatore was amazing. Salvatore never stopped loving her even though he thought she was unalived. He vows to retribution on those who held her hostage and who took his child.
I love this family’s dynamic. Their banter and bl00dthirsty need for revenge will keep you smiling. Their devotion to each other and the love of their lives is undeniable. While they live in a morally gray world, you cannot help but fall in love with them.
This author has built a wonderful world, and I am so happy to see there is another book in this series as I do not want my time with this family to end.
January 31, 2026
Lilyana and Salvatore’s story is overflowing with emotion, heartbreak , powerful second chances and it completely pulled me back into the De Luca world.
Lilyana was believed to be dead for five long years… until everything unravels when Emilia escapes the De Luca home to save her nephew and his mother, Kelly and flees back to the States. From that moment on, the story is packed with revelations and long-buried truths.
Salvatore is no longer the man he once was grief and rage have shaped him into something darker, harder and more dangerous. Seeing him reunited with Lilyana was intense and emotional, and watching them come together with their family to search for their lost daughter and reclaim the life stolen from them was incredibly satisfying.
I loved seeing another De Luca man finally find his other half, and the family dynamics truly shine throughout the story. The emotional depth, strong connections and sense of redemption make this a compelling and memorable addition to the series.
If you enjoy emotional reunions, fierce family bonds, and second-chance romance wrapped in darkness and danger, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
Spice level: 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lilyana was believed to be dead for five long years… until everything unravels when Emilia escapes the De Luca home to save her nephew and his mother, Kelly and flees back to the States. From that moment on, the story is packed with revelations and long-buried truths.
Salvatore is no longer the man he once was grief and rage have shaped him into something darker, harder and more dangerous. Seeing him reunited with Lilyana was intense and emotional, and watching them come together with their family to search for their lost daughter and reclaim the life stolen from them was incredibly satisfying.
I loved seeing another De Luca man finally find his other half, and the family dynamics truly shine throughout the story. The emotional depth, strong connections and sense of redemption make this a compelling and memorable addition to the series.
If you enjoy emotional reunions, fierce family bonds, and second-chance romance wrapped in darkness and danger, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
Spice level: 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 4, 2023
Oh this book was a ringer for me. I finished book 1 and jumped right into book 2. This family is by far one of my favorite book families. If I could find and be adopted into this family while dragging my family with me. Oh the crazy that would happen. But no really this book is a really good book. It of course is starred around another couple from book 1 but hell they are just as amazing as the couple from book 1. I absolutely love how this book plays out though. I love me a badass female and the alphahole male who needs to learn a few things. There are a few members in this book that I would love to throat punch or worse. Oh but the ending of this book. What the hell. I was not ready for it to end but it sets up perfectly for the next book. I just have to wait for book 3 to be released to read it. I will say this book series and the family within it will live rent free within my head for a very long time. If you have any thoughts about reading this series. JUST DO IT. You wont regret it that is for sure.
March 18, 2024
If you want to read a series with strong, intense, commanding women, then this series is for you. Ruthless Retribution is book two of the De Luca Mafia Series.
Lilyana has been presumed dead for the past few years. Salvatore saw her get shot in the chest and everyone assumed she was dead.
Lilyana has been presumed dead for the past few years. She has been held hostage and treated horribly by the enemy. Once Salvatore discovers she is alive he is overjoyed as he has been living as a shadow of himself since Lilyana has been gone from his life. She really struggles to try to get back into the groove of being with Salvatore. There are a bunch of people who try to sabotage their relationship and causes a lot of drama. But Salvatore is there the whole way making sure he doesn't lose Lilyana again.
This was a great read about reuniting with someone from your past. These two were stronger together and they showed who needed it that they would not be separated and would take down their enemies when they needed to. Definitely a great read about overcoming obstacles and trauma.
Lilyana has been presumed dead for the past few years. Salvatore saw her get shot in the chest and everyone assumed she was dead.
Lilyana has been presumed dead for the past few years. She has been held hostage and treated horribly by the enemy. Once Salvatore discovers she is alive he is overjoyed as he has been living as a shadow of himself since Lilyana has been gone from his life. She really struggles to try to get back into the groove of being with Salvatore. There are a bunch of people who try to sabotage their relationship and causes a lot of drama. But Salvatore is there the whole way making sure he doesn't lose Lilyana again.
This was a great read about reuniting with someone from your past. These two were stronger together and they showed who needed it that they would not be separated and would take down their enemies when they needed to. Definitely a great read about overcoming obstacles and trauma.
August 12, 2024
This is the second book in the Deluca mafia series and this series just keeps getting better and better. This is Salvatore and Lilyana's story and it's an emotional journey. This is a second chance romance as Lilyana was taken and by chance she was found years later. Salvatore struggled while she was gone and took a destructive turn to deal with his pain. Lilyana goes through so much trauma that will make your heart break for her. This book is emotional at times and will tear your heart out get some tissues you will need them. It is full of torture, action, drama, Steam, betrayals, twists and so much more that it will keep you at the edge of your seat. I love how these women have gone through so much but come out so strong, they will go to the ends of the earth to protect their families, while keeping their alpha husbands on their toes. You also get the interconnected characters that you become enthralled with and the family bond that keeps them all together fighting for each other. Another exceptional read from Annalynn Nicole. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
November 25, 2024
When I tell you that I didn’t want to put this book down, I mean it! It takes me longer than I wish to read books because I’m in college and busy.
This book was beyond amazing!
The plot was just so good and the story was amazing!
You get the characters coming into both books and the ability to be kept on your toes the entire time!
Characters of this book’s story line:
Lilyana: she was pronounced dead but luckily survived and ended up returning to Salvatore. She is a badass and managed to become the best version of herself throughout this story. Her character growth is phenomenal!
Salvatore: crazy possessive human that is overprotective of his family. He became whole again when Lilyana came back to him. He became an amazing father.
Serenity: Salvatore and Lilyana’s daughter: this baby didn’t deserve the beginning of her life to be the way it was. She was reunited with her parents and learned what love was. She became the best big sister!
I 10/10 recommended this series!
The spice was spicing 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😉
This book was beyond amazing!
The plot was just so good and the story was amazing!
You get the characters coming into both books and the ability to be kept on your toes the entire time!
Characters of this book’s story line:
Lilyana: she was pronounced dead but luckily survived and ended up returning to Salvatore. She is a badass and managed to become the best version of herself throughout this story. Her character growth is phenomenal!
Salvatore: crazy possessive human that is overprotective of his family. He became whole again when Lilyana came back to him. He became an amazing father.
Serenity: Salvatore and Lilyana’s daughter: this baby didn’t deserve the beginning of her life to be the way it was. She was reunited with her parents and learned what love was. She became the best big sister!
I 10/10 recommended this series!
The spice was spicing 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😉
October 19, 2022
I had been waiting for this book to come out and I was seriously not disappointed. It had lots of twists and turns like the first one. It made me cry, laugh, and cry some more throughout the whole book. I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling what they felt and going through everything with them. Lilyana had been kidnapped and held for 7 years while Salvatore thought she was dead. Their story was heartbreaking as they both thought the other was dead only to find one another again. Salvatore never stopped loving his Angel. Together they come together again. Lilyana gave Salvatore hell for being so protective now that he found her again. I literally couldn't put this book down until I finished reading it as it held my attention from beginning until the end. I loved seeing several of the other characters from the first book again in this one and I can't wait to see where this series goes from here.
August 10, 2023
What I really loved about this story is the parallels between Persephone and Hades. If anyone knows that webtoon story, It's one of my favorites. I was expecting this story to be a sequel for more Mateo and Emilia, because Mateo had my heart, but now we have Salvatore and he's... well he's hot obviously. And that's fine that it's not a sequel because it brings in other characters with the help of Mateo and that's great too! I'm a fan of thrillers and this story is one of those, especially that ruthless video of Lilyana getting shot and Salvatore thinking she's dead but then being held captive was crazy! Annalynn knows how to write a compelling story that keeps you flipping through the pages. I loved this book I think more than the previous actually. I can really tell that the writer got more comfortable with her talent as she dived into the next book. Absolutely loving the De Luca family, and thank you again for the read!
April 12, 2024
This is a second chance story like no other. Lilyana was presumed dead and Salvatore has held onto his grief and undying love for five years. When he finds her alive and not so well from years of abuse and the worst kind of trauma, he is determined to make everyone involved pay and Lilyana is strong enough to be right by his side to accomplish this.
You will need a lot of tissues as this is a heart wrenching story of two people who love each other through everything and will fight and claw their way through their demons to get the HEA that was stolen from them years ago while discovering how much they have both changed while separated.
I loved Salvatore in the first book, and this story just dug him deeper into my heart. I love the direction this series is taking and it's just building up and getting better and better! There are definite trigger warning, so please be aware of them before you start reading.
You will need a lot of tissues as this is a heart wrenching story of two people who love each other through everything and will fight and claw their way through their demons to get the HEA that was stolen from them years ago while discovering how much they have both changed while separated.
I loved Salvatore in the first book, and this story just dug him deeper into my heart. I love the direction this series is taking and it's just building up and getting better and better! There are definite trigger warning, so please be aware of them before you start reading.
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