Ruthless Betrayal

Gallo Famiglia Series #2

by Brooke Summers

He was the light at the end of the tunnel.
My one escape from the life that had broken me.
I thought I'd found my happiness.
But he betrayed me.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Mafia Romance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Summers is a Mafia Romance author and is best known for her Made Series.


Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.

Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: This world that Brooke created and is building is not an easy world. It is so far out of the realm of easy that I’m making sure to tell you that it can be triggering. I never pay attention to those things because I know life isn’t always rainbows and gumdrops and if I want to read realistic fiction, there at times it might get a little dark and gritty. This is pitch black. Do with that information what you will.

When it comes to this genre, Brooke Summers is one of the best, in my opinion. I don’t shy away from reading dark romances, so I’ve read many author’s works in the past and Brooke always stands out. She’s not even a little bit shy about getting down and dirty with her stories. They are raw and gritty, graphic, heartbreaking, horrifying at times and usually an uphill battle for her characters. Ruthless Betrayal was all that and then some. It was extremely well developed, and it took the wind right out my sails! I did not read this story in one sitting; more like a lot of days LOL but in the end, it was worth it!

I’d like to say that the story could have used a bit less darkness here and there but honestly, no it couldn’t. This was a perfect story for Inessa & Nic and I wouldn’t change a single thing! Looking forward to what Brooke has in store for us with Portia & Dario!

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I keep letting Brooke hurt me and then thanking her for it but here we are again. Dual POV. Age gap (she’s just 18 with the MMC and he’s 39). Another great story but this one is also pretty dark. Also, men are so stupid (looking at you Nico). She’s a child about half of the time (15-17) and the other half barely legal and terrible things are being done to her so if you pick this up, make sure you’re in the right headspace for that and check out the CWs. But if you are, prepare to hurt a lot and then enjoy the payback and then comment on how stupid men are (must run in the family 😂). Very much the, man majorly screws up and she continues to be hurt by others and then him (though in different ways) and then he realizes he screwed up and how hurt she is and has to deal with that so…amazing.
CW: rape (graphic), pedophilia, physical abuse, self harm, drug use, death, but go to brookesummersbooks dot com/content-warnings For a full list

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTH!!!! Men are beyond stupid and major assholes too. Niccolo, that is absolutely directed at you. How could you do that to Inessa after everything she's been through???? You punk. I'd call him worse names, but I'm really trying to be not so mean, like him. I can't believe the hell that Inessa lives through. How??? How did she do that? Understand to a degree why Niccolo did what he did, but he knew what Inessa was/went through, so he should have never done it. I know I know I'm not making any sense to anyone. That's on purpose because I don't want to give anything away from this story. Read the book, and you'll understand. I'm confused about a couple of things that I really never got the answers to. I'm not sure why, though. Anyway, my main suggestion for anyone who is going to read this book is that heed the trigger warning it gets pretty bad. Otherwise, I absolutely recommend this book.

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are very formulaic. Basically the same heroine. I think l like Nic even less than Elio though.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew fear. I thought I knew what pain and suffering was. But nothing compares to this. I’m in Hell, and there’s no escape.

Betrayed by the two people who should have protected you.
Bleeding on the floor by those who control your every move.
Wishing for an escape…even if it brings you pain.

Inessa Koskava's life was ripped away from her and now the demons are coming to collect her innocence.

I’m dead inside. There’s no hope, no love, no spark.

Growing up within the Bratva has been brutal for Inessa, leaving in fear and suffering through each day. With a promise each week of seeing her friend Chiara is the only thing that keeps her going, her friendship away from the Bratva but, soon their friendship is pulled as their paths force them apart.

With the upcoming doom creeping forward, Inessa has no choice but to accept that she is in the deadly hands of another man now…he may just be as worse as her “father”. Together they see to it that Inessa is nothing more than a doll for them both to use and abuse.

Her faith.
Her spirit.

Is slowly being sucked from her soul and each hit is damaging her body in every possible way.

That is, until He appears. Like a dark knight Niccolo` Chiara's father is her only saving grace and Inessa's feelings are starting to grow for him…as are his.

The one thing I hadn’t planned on was falling for her too. But the difference between Inessa and I is that I can turn off my emotions.

Walking along the knife edge is a deadly game and sooner or later someone is going to fall. Question is, will you fall into waiting loving arms or hidden thorns that cut you deeper than you ever imagined?

I’m going to be free, and there’s nothing that Niccolo` can do to stop that from happening.

If you’re looking for fluffy or a touch of grey…then keep on searching as this book is full of darkness and beautifully brutal with no holdbacks.

Being in Inessa chapters you felt what she was going through, she suffers a hell of a lot from a young age and knowing how her life could proceed if she remains trapped within the Bratva…but, she has no choice and as the story unfolds you find that she is slowly drowning. Inessa is a strong female character, a survivor as she fights each day-sometimes just being able to breathe is effort for her. Nothing was written lightly and gave the story a more powerful effect for her character.

Niccolo`, we found him in the previous story and now we get to dive in deeper with the timelines crossing. He really does have a heartbreak and is seeking revenge, the only way for him to get it is by taking Inessa and breaking her too. Grief is really clouding his judgement, this was really well written and yes at some points you want him to finally see the signs of what is really happening…but that would be too easy.

I really enjoyed the flow of this story, the scenes are full of detail and the pure raw emotions are flying high. This story touches on a lot of elements of real life, all are written with care with clear messages. It’s harsh, brutal and very dark…yet there is love hidden slowly growing and the bond of loyalty that you can feel between all of the characters.

This isn’t her deceiving me. This is pain, and so fucking much of it.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent and addictive book from Brooke! If you love dark mafia with some pretty heavy triggers and men who do cruel and inexcusable things and really have to grovel, then this book is definitely worth reading!
Niccolo has been hell bent on avenging his daughters death and is out for anyone he thinks is involved or who he thinks should have helped her. And that unfortunately involves Inessa. He blames Inessa because she was her best friend and he feels she should’ve kept his daughter safe. But what he fails to realize is his role in his daughters downward spiral. He allowed his thirst for vengeance to prevent him from seeing not only his actions but the abuse and suffering Inessa was being dealt. Even as his plans were coming together just as he wanted, and she was falling for him, he was also falling for her too. Yet he was determined to crush her, to completely destroy her.
My heart broke for Inessa. From the very beginning of her life she had no one. She was just an object for others to abuse and use. And when she finally thought she found love with Niccolo he turned on her too. This girl suffered serious abuse and had no one to help her. But damn was she was a fighter. Inessa was a true Phoenix, she went through hell and rose above everything she’d been dealt and came out so much stronger.
There were so many times I wanted to jump in and strangle Niccolo! He was so blinded and couldn’t see the truth of things. And I really wanted to punch Gio when he told Niccolo how messed up the Bratva’s ways were for their treatment to children, yet it was him and Niccolo planning their revenge that involved Inessa- who was technically a child! What a contradiction.
This was truly an incredible book. I was hooked immediately and finished it in a couple hours! I can’t wait for Dario’s story next. Something tells me he’s met his match with the feisty Portia!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every single book in this series and this one is no less amazing!! Their is so much action, adventure, danger, lies, betrayal, loss and love that brings all these outstanding characters story to fruition!!

Inessa has lost so much and now she’s discovery the real truth behind her best friend’s fate and she is not okay. She’s been to hell and back and then back down again so she has every right to question and demand answers from Niccolò!!

Niccolò can’t trust her but he wants her with everything he is but until the truths can be uncovered and unpacked they will never be able to trust and love one another.

This is another amazing read and you will be sucked in from the first page. The best-friend dad and age-gap mafia romance hits perfectly and their love story is epic! Happy Reading!

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gritty emotional dark and twisted story that hurt my heart talk about heartbreak! This one is brutal it’s raw and there’s triggers galore but I devoured it! I can’t wait to see what this author does next in this world!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gallo Famiglia series and it’s fair to say it’s a very serious subjects and an emotional read. Please be aware of your triggers, Brooke Summers is a genius at writing about dark and dangerous characters and does not shy away from depicting very graphic scenes. There is horror, heartbreak, action, secrets, lies, misunderstandings and ruthless retribution. This is my ARC review, it was definitely a difficult read, but that being said I was hooked from the first page.

This book focuses on Inessa Koskava who has grown up in the Russian Bratva, sold to them when she was three days old and Niccolo Caruso Underboss of the Gallo Mafia. This is an age gap story with Inessa’s 18 to Niccolo’s 39. You can definitely read this as a stand-alone but with a large ensemble cast of characters from previous books it would enhance the storytelling experience to read the other books in Brooke’s Made series universe.

Inessa has lived a life of hurt and pain left to the mercy of sadistic and violent men. Her only respite when she was growing up was her friendship with Chiara Nico’s daughter. But when Chiara’s demons catch up with her it sets off a chain of events that set Inessa firmly in Niccolo’s crosshairs. Inessa has endured a horrific life at the hands of the Bratva, used and abused from an early age and emotionally she’s cut herself off from what she’s experienced with a very dangerous coping mechanism. She thought she’d found someone who saw her, wanted her and let her defences down when she let Nico in… but Niccolo is out for vengeance and Inessa is at the heart of his plan. Despite all she has endured Inessa keeps going, she may be worn down by all she has endured but she’s stronger than she knows. Inessa is utterly loyal to those she loves but only has herself to rely on but she is such a resilient woman.

Niccolo is a man out to destroy anyone who had a hand in his daughter’s death and he is utterly ruthless in his goal. To Nico family, especially children are everything and should be protected at all costs. But Nico is consumed by his grief and vengeance, it’s fair to say that there were more than a few occasions where I would gladly give him a whack on the back of the head, for a smart, capable man he can be incredibly dense. He’s focusing his anger on the wrong person and while he has a plan he’s also drawn to Inessa, the chemistry between them was intense but the hurt he causes her has far reaching and long lasting consequences so can Nico move forward with his plans while hurting the one person he loves.

I devoured this book, yes it was a hard read given all that Inessa experienced and Niccolo’s actions but I loved Nessa’s resilience and how the Gallo’s and Gallaghers may be mobsters but their Code and utter ruthlessness means you get on their bad side at your peril. I loved this book and this series is seriously addictive and I can’t wait to see what Brooke Summers comes up with next.

[Christina Nash · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Spoilers**

I really like the Gallagher series, but the Gallo series not as much. The Gallo men are a**holes. They do everything they can to hurt their women emotionally. No cool is the worst. To blame a 16 yo child for the death of his daughter is ridiculous. There were so many times he could have saved The girl,but he just keeps adding to her misery. And for all of the Gall omen to just leave her when they find her being raped! I mainly finish these books to find out how the fmc recovers because honestly, I think the are too far gone to be forgiven.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUTHLESS BETRAYAL is the second instalment in Brooke Summers’ contemporary, adult GALLO FAMIGLIA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series set in the author’s MADE series, with characters introduced in the author’s FURY VIPERS MC series. This is Niccolo Caruso, and Inessa Koskava’s story line. RUTHLESS BETRAYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Niccolo and Inessa) RUTHLESS BETRAYAL spans several years focusing on the abuse and betrayal of our story line heroine. At three days old, Inessa Koskava was handed over to the Russian Bratva for protection payment but at four years of age, her life would change with the blink of an eye. Years of abuse at the hands of Bratva Pakhan Aleksei Belyaev, and his second in command Sergei Turgenev left Inessa a shell; a broken child who would be left alone by someone she trusted, left alone to die. Her would-be rescuer’s emotional abuse of a then eighteen year old Inessa would continue for months, abuse meant to punish for sins of the past. Enter Niccolo Caruso, underboss of the Italian Mafia, and the man who would perpetuate the ongoing abuse of our story line heroine. What ensues is the building but acrimonious and questionable relationship between Niccolo and Inessa, and the potential fall-out as Inessa struggles to move on from the past with issues of trust that grow deeper with every betrayal.

The world building focuses on the abuse perpetrated against our story line heroine; her rescue and recovery only to be emotionally abused at every turn; from the proverbial frying pan into the fryer, Inessa’s inability to trust in the face of ongoing emotional abuse and betrayal is heart breaking and painful. The one light in her life is the only reason she is willing to carry on.

The relationship between Inessa and Niccolo is questionable: emotionally abusive, threateningly traumatic directed at a young woman who has suffered at the hands of Bratva since the age of four. Used and abused, Inessa is unable to escape fearing for the life of someone she loves, and in doing so, is blamed for the perpetuation of the inflicted atrocities . Niccolo Caruso’s ‘rescue’ is not out of sympathy or love, but a need for revenge in the face of perceived betrayal against someone he loved. As the story line progresses, the reality of what happened barely registers with our dark story line hero but the true meaning of fear comes with the realization of Inessa’s continued pain. The $ex scenes between Niccolo and Inessa are passionate but intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom are controversial and problematic. We are reintroduced to Elio and Teagan (Ruthless Arrangement 1)-Teagan is empathetic having suffered a similar fate as our story line heroine: Teagan’s friend Portia; Jade and Rocco (Explosive Union/Made Series 7), Rocco’s brother Dario The requisite evil has many faces. Portia and Dario’s story is next.

RUTHLESS BETRAYAL is a dark story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and heart break, forgiveness and recovery. The premise is gritty, emotional, haunting and raw; the characters are broken, struggling yet powerful and strong; the romance struggles in the face of ongoing issues of trust, betrayal and pain.

Again, you have been warned about the triggers-they are numerous and graphic.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Betrayal is book two in Gallo Famiglia Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a HEA. A brilliantly written story with broken characters and fueled by revenge plotline that that grabs you at the heart with gut-wrenching pain, sorrow and abuse and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages until the mind-blowing conclusion. A dark, twisted raw, and sadistic story filled with darkness, madness, fear, lies, surprises, trauma, twists and turns, suspense, mystery, drama, danger, debauchery, hurt, Dub-Con, debasement, death, loss, emotions, tension, resentment, revenge, betrayal, trust, survival, mental, physical verbal, and emotional abuse, grief, redemption, power play, power and control, heartaches, torture, threats, bloodshed, hope, chaos, best friend dad, captivity, captive-to-captor relationship, age gap trope, forced proximity, taboo, self harm, pedophilia, drug use and addiction, repeatedly rape, brutality, savagery, rough intense sexual scenes, deception, passion and so much more. This is Niccolo and Inessa story.
Inessa has had rough life going from one Bratva leader to another mafia where she brutally use and abuse from an early age. The has suffered un imageable things at the hands of the Bratva from a young age that no human being should have to go through to the point where it has become a norm for her. She a slave to the Bratva. At eighteen Inessa married evil and monstrous Bratva boss who treated her inhumane her only solace was her best friend Chira. But she was taken away from her after undergoing drug addiction treatment at a rehab facility. This story was dark, gut-wrenching and heartbreaking I found it hard without it bring up biles in my stomach. Nico is struggling after the death of his and on quest for vengeance to those who are responsible. His daughter was the only thing that had mattered to him so after he loss her, he became, savage, ruthless, shattered, sadistic and unhinged. After years of abuse Inessa thought that Niccolo was her knight and shining armor but she soon find out that he was just as evil as the situation that she had just escape. He was so driven by hate and revenge that he couldn't see that he was hurting the one person that didn't deserve his wrath because she's a victim and struggling with pain as much as he was. However, once he realize his errors he would protect and care for Inessa and the two would finally find healing in their dark world.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was dark, with 2 characters who are everything that Brooke writes about! I fell in love with Inessa immediately and eventually with Niccolo (once he came to his senses)! Inessa has been in nothing but pain her whole life, she truly broke my heart. Niccolo is in pain and hides it being angry with people he shouldn't be upset with. When Niccolo enters Inessa's life I think he's going to be great for her until his plan comes into play. Yet, he doesn't take actual feelings into consideration when planning everything and realizes Inessa means more to him then he could have ever imagined. Inessa is good at keeping her own secrets too and can keep what's important to her hidden. She has dealt with so much pain in her life that being tortured for infomation doesn't affect her. Niccolo finally gets a wakeup call when it comes to Inessa and reminded me a lot of a scene from Ruthless Arrangement and what Elio deals with. I was happy when we got to see a different side of Niccolo and what became important. When both Inessa and Niccolo got honest with each other and didn't keep any secrets their lives changed so much for the better.
I can promise this book will be an experience. I couldn't put it down, which I feel that way about all of Brooke Summer's books. The way she writes sucks you in as soon as you start reading and I don't want it to end. She has to write some of the most descriptive reading. This book along with others of this author are on my top lists and I enjoy rereading! The best part is when characters from other books always makes an appearance. The dedication "Never worry about what could have been...Always dream of what can be.." was a perfect way to start off this book.

Inessa has this to say about Niccolo at the beginning: "I have a feeling that he's going to flip my world upside down. Whether that's a good thing for a bad thing is yet to be known."
I loved it when Gio finally looked at Niccolo and told him he had finally seen the light, when referring to his feelings for Inessa and what was really in his heart.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trishaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOD! Last I checked I have never cried over a book this much. Yes, the first book in the series did make me cry but then this one has hurt me in an entirely different level. I was not able to put the book even while I had go and grab a tissue for myself.

Inessa - This woman is for sure a warrior in the male dominated world. I just wanted to kill everyone of them who was responsible for her miserable life. She didn't deserve that pain in such an young age. The childhood trauma are not a joke and before she gets a way out of tat, her life is messed up because of those stupid men who should be her care-taker but end up doing the worst with her. Given a chance I would kill myself to protect her. Because that's how much I feel for her.

Niccole - Losing your daughter is never easy and this man felt responsible for her death. He did blame her best friend (Inessa) but when the truths were revealed he felt like he was responsible for his daughter's drug addictions until when the actual Villain is brought in front of him. This powerful man who was also ruthless had a heart for his girl and her daughter who then was officially adopted by him.

Fav Scene.... I did love all the scenes in this book. That one scene which made me break down for Niccole and Inessa was when he took his wife to the grave, showing her the tombstone of their dead child who died in her womb was not able to see the world with them.

I cried and live with the characters. If you have a strong heart just read it. The characters are worth al my tears and I already last count of re-reading the book. Don't you please miss the book. MUST READ for all Mafia lovers looking for a strong female lead in the male dominated world.

Thank you so much for the ARC of this splendid book @Booksprout and @Brookesummers I binge-read the book and got a heart-felt satisfaction. Excellent work by the author, I am an addict to this series who is counting her days read the next book.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 to 4 stars

First of all: trigger warnings for this book - Rape, Domestic Violence, Unexpected pregnancy, drug use, self harm, revenge, torture, miscarriage, blood, murder, explicit Sex and Conditioning

If you have a tough time with any of this topics please look out for yourself. This book is not a light one and should be only read if you feel ready for it.

This story is about Inessa who grew up and is owned up by the bratva. She is living an extremely tough life until she‘s marrying an underboss of the italian mafia and her best friends father, Niccolò. Unbeknown to Inessa his biggest goal is not marriage but seeking revenge.

It’s tough, it can be triggering and it’s for sure an highly emotional read. What happens to Inessa is awful and not for the faint of heart. Her character is strong despite her very young age. I loved about her how kind she often was even with having been through so much and the love she gave the people she cared about.

Niccolò on the other end… I didn‘t have much positive words for him up until near the end of the book. While I understand he didn‘t have it easy either how he treated Inessa was bad. He ignored people telling him to be careful with her and I had a bunch of times where I burried my head in my pillow over him being an idiot. I like how he got it right in the end but I just wish he would have been less of an idiot.

Inessa and Niccolò had some really good moments but sometimes I felt like I was missing some information between them. Especially how Nic got closer to Inessa shortly before their marriage (but that could totally be on me!).

I think they have one of the toughest stories I have ever read and I love how they finally got their happy end. Especially for Inessa not only having Niccolò but getting a whole family like she wanted.

Thank you to Brooke for the arc!❤️

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inessa's parents gave her to the Bratva when she was 3 days old to pay off their debt. She has spent her whole life as the property of the Bratva, She has been repeatedly beaten and starved. The only person in her life that cares about her is her friend Chiara from school. Inessa keeps her problems to herself. When they turn 16, their lives are turned upside down. Chiara sees something that she shouldn't and ends up getting addicted to drugs to deal with the pain. Inessa finally is given to the Bratva leader's second in command and is raped by both him and the leader. She is kept prisoner in the basement for the next two years until her forced marriage with her rapist. She becomes pregnant with her daughter who is the only light in her life. She would do whatever it takes to protect her daughter. Then Nico, Chiara's dad starts appearing at her place and makes her fall in love with him. He rescues her before the wedding and marries her himself. She thinks her life is set then she learns that he blames her for the death of his daughter. Then pain gets too much for her to deal with.

Niccolo was a top member of the mafia. He married in an arranged marriage and had a daughter that he loved. Then he learns that his teenage daughter has been targeted by the Bratva who sent a boy to make her fall in love her and use her. He eliminates the boy but Chiara witnesses it. She goes into a spiral but Nico doesn't realize it until she becomes addicted to drugs. He works hard to get her clean and it is successful for a short time. Then she escapes and takes an overdose. Angry, he swears to get revenge on the Bratva and Inessa, Chiara's best friend who is in with the Bratva. People around him try to convince him not to make Inessa a target but his revenge blinds him.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Domi ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating:4.5⭐

This is the second book in the Gallo Famiglia series, and it is a profoundly emotional read that deals with very important issues. This is another excellent work by Brooke, but it was difficult to read at points. So keep an eye out for trigger warnings. Because the book is incredibly vivid and depicts the worst of humanity.

Tropes:
✔️ Mafia
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Abused herione

The story revolves around Nicollo (H), the Gallo Mafia's underboss, and Inessa (h), who was sold to Bratva when she was three days old.

Inessa has lived a dreadful life at the hands of the Bratva, being abused and mistreated from a young age, and she's mentally walled herself off from what she's been through with a risky coping technique. Her main solace as she grew up was her bond with Chiara Nico's kid. Nico blames everyone in Bratva, including Inessa, for Chiara's death and plots vengeance against everyone. He intends to make Inessa fall in love with him, then shatter and ruin her.

I enjoyed the story, but I got angry at Nico's treatment of Inessa, his misplaced anger, and his failure to help her at the first opportunity. For the love of God, she was a child who was beaten and abused from a young age. Several times throughout the novel, my heart broke for her. Even when she was shattered, she was such a strong character who would do anything and suffer for everyone she cared about. I'd want to see Nico grovels more, and I'm not sure I'd be as forgiving in Inessa's place, but I get the notion that everyone deserves a second chance, and she loved him very much despite everything he did.

I'm looking forward to the next book in either Brooke's mafia world or the MC world; she's an immediate click author for me, and I'll read everything she writes.

[Alyx Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke writes exceptionally strong characters. Her female main characters are strong, intelligent and determined women, who often have to face and overcome the worst life has to throw at them. Brooke doesn’t shy away from dark topics, rape, pedophilia, self-harm, drug abuse, or trafficking. All of these become fodder for her dark imagination, the world she creates showcases both the ugliest brutality humanity is capable of. But she also shows the reliance, hope and love of family, made or blood, as well as that of intimate kind, how those bonds are capable of, building the foundation and support for healing all kinds of trauma.

Ruthless Betrayal is a dark look at mafia and bratva crime families at war. What price vengeance really exacts, and who the victims of revenge ultimately are. Vengeance never just touches the sinners.
Inessa and Niccolo both need healing from trauma, but they go about it in different ways. Nico chooses a way that wrecks a path of destruction that ends up including Inessa, something he will end up regretting. Inessa struggles, with her trauma, memories, Nico’s betrayal.

To be perfectly honest, probably my most loved thing about Brookes writing, her ability to write bad @ss snarky women and the stooped men who fall in love with them. Who, somehow always seem to screw up in the most epic way imaginable. It’s the best plot twist, ALWAYS! Who needs some evil nefarious bad guy showing up, when our MMC is perfectly capable of screwing up all by himself!?!?

I cannot wait for Dario and Portia’s story, Dario might just be the dumbest Gallo yet.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Niccolò and Inessa
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Sub Genre- Mafia and Bratva
Heat- I have mixed feelings about this. The main couple does the thing and names the parts, but by that time there has been so much S. A. that it makes even the consensual scenes not particularly hot.
Series? Y
Safety: N. There’s no cheating and no cliffhanger, but there is S. Violence.
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- this book has more triggers than a weapons convention. Graphic and detailed S. A, Domestic Violence, Graphic Violence (including Torture), Self-Harm, Substance Abuse, Death, Unaliving People, Explicit Sexual Content, Conditioning, Forced Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, Blood, Gore.
Tropes- Best Friend’s Father, Captive, Vengeance Is Mine, Adorable Moppet, Do-Si-Do With The Mafioso, Guest Starring The Bratva.
What I thought- not gonna lie, this was a very hard book to read. The abuse that the heroine suffered was intense and shown in detail. The story felt absolutely hopeless and depressing for at least the first half. The triggers upset me and made me uncomfortable.
That being said, this book was very well written. The author really pulls the reader into the story. I can’t say that I felt neutral about it at any point. It made me feel. I admire books that make me feel and think. This is not a book that doesn’t make the reader invested in the outcome. For these reasons, although it wasn’t the book for me, I gave the book four stars. It’s unforgettable and thought-provoking. I can see where a lot of readers would love this book. Just make sure you consider the trigger warnings.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Ruthless Betrayal by Brooke Summers is a very emotional book. It had me in tears and feeling all the feels. I thoroughly loved this book from beginning to end. I couldn't stop turning the pages so I could read what would happen next. There is drama, action, mystery, and heartbreak, and angst. Everything I love in a dark mafia romance. This book has dark themes and dark subjects. If you have any triggers, please read with caution. This is the second book in the Gallo Famiglia series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I love this series and the world that Brooke Summers has created. The storyline is original, gritty, and nail-biting. The characters are complex and have chemistry together along with the other characters in this book. I have to say that I have not been so obsessed with a series since probably the Twilight book series lol. I love this whole world that she has created. All the stories are interconnected and have character crossovers from the other books.

Inessa is a strong, determined, and loyal woman. My heart just broke for her in this book. I loved her growth through this book. Niccolo was a total Alpha. He was dark, broody, and angry. He was loyal to the people he cared for most. I loved his ruthlessness when it came to his daughter and Inessa.

This series is addicting and I binge-read her other series that crossover each other in about a week. the storylines are captivating and gritty.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. 5 freaking stars- Brooke

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRIGGER WARNING!!!
This is a DARK enemies to lovers! S*xual assault, assault, drug use, death, torture. See full list on author's web page.
Get ready for a high octane, emotional ride!!!
Nessa's life has literally been a nightmare and the really sad part is, she's used to it. She lives in the dark underworld of the Bratva as a slave. Since she was a newborn, she's not even been treated like a human but as a thing, while they are just waiting for the chance to come so they can "Use" her.
Niccolo has a wife who could care less and a daughter he loves and is desperately trying to save . He had to do something that sent her into a dark tale spin but it was for the good of the Famiglia. And he's all about the Famiglia.
When he loses her, all he wants is revenge on all who hand a hand in her neglect, drug use and death. He's merciless in his in his anger and the killer in him want to take over so he lets him out!
When he finds the ones responsible, he finds that all is not as it seems. He wants her to pay yet, he can't stop the burning desire he has for her. So he hatches a plan to have and then ruin her.
Nessa is so afraid to trust, to want. It's not about her though so she'll do whatever is necessary to save the ones she loves!
Lies, secrets,Betrayal, lust and lover had me turning pages like a blur! It's a LONG road for Inessa but she does get her HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Betrayal is book two in the Gallo Famiglia Series by Author Brooke Summers. This book is told in dual POV and is Niccolò and Inessa’s story. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! This is a mafia romance, there is violence, a lot of it… and Brooke doesn’t ease you into it. She smacks you in the face with intense situations that will break your heart. This is not an easy read. If you’ve read anything from Brooke, you know she doesn’t pull punches. Ruthless Betrayal is written in a way that will drag you in and not let you go. Elio and Teagan’s book gutted me, and this one is on par with their story. My heart absolutely broke for Nessa. She endured things no one should have to. She is a survivor and a warrior and I freaking love her. Nico… holy cannoli.. if morally grey is your favorite color, Nico is your man. He’s violent, and brutal and a lot scary. You want to hate him, but you kind of see where he’s coming from. The relationship between these two is rocky and complicated, but the chemistry is insanely hot. It may take these Made Men a long time and a reality check to admit they are in love, but boy is the character growth and redemption top notch when it happens. This is a hard earned HEA, and this book is full of twists and turns, eye opening situations and the full range of emotions. I fell in love with most of these characters in the Made series and I am loving this spin off. Must read, I couldn’t put it down!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another very dark book, so please check the trigger warnings. Inessa was sold to the Bratva at 3 days old, she spent her like being tortured and abused. When she reached 16, she was told that she'd marry Sergei, a ruthless bratva boss when she turned 18. Once she went home, things got so much worse. She only had 1 friend, Chiara, who disappeared after getting clean from a drug addiction.
Niccolo wanted revenge for his daughter's death, he was going to take down everyone in the Bratva who was involved in her overdose, including her best friend. What he didn't see coming was that everything he thought about Inessa was wrong.
I love when Brooke Summers writes mafia, this story touches on a lot of dark, but her FMCs are always strong and resilient. Inessa was no exception, despite years of abuse as a child and r@pe as an adult, Inessa wasn't going to let Niccolo break her more after finding out about his deception. Meanwhile, Niccolo's grief had blinded him to what was really happening to Inessa... even if he was in denial about his feelings for her. I read this book in a couple of hours, I want to reiterate that if you have triggers: r@pe, child abuse, self harm, drug overdose, miscarriage or murder, this book isn't for you.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another dark, depraved story by Brooke Summers, but also another great story by Brooke Summers. Her books have a tendency to break your heart but also put it back together and show the good in these mafia men.

Niccolo Caruso is just as dark and dangerous as the men that he works for, the Gallo's. He's also a man that will break the young girl that he believes to be the person that could have saved his daughter, but he doesn't realize how broken she already is.

Betrayed by the two people that should have cherished and protected her, Inessa finds herself going from one tragic filled life to another when she is taken from the Bratva by Niccolo Caruso to make her pay for her best friends life. Little does Nicco or Inessa know that their worlds are about to be turned upside down by the other.

I love Brooke's books and her characters. While the books are dark, gritty, and full of danger, and twists, they are also action packed, page-turning, and full of wonderful characters that show their strength from the tragedy they've survived. These women are not victims, they are survivors and their strength shines when they are given the chance by the one man that can hold them up and stand beside them to conquer the depravity they've survived.

[Jazzysmum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read this one and book 1 - Ruthless Arrangement in the Gallo Familiga Series and then have sat pondering how I was going to review them..

Basically it is the same story told with different circumstances - young girl 3 years in the first and 3 days in the second taken into an environment of continual physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse - Book 1 - Bikers and Book 2 Bratva.
Both girls are rescued by members of the Gallo Mafia family after many years. Even though people associated the family knew about the situation and did nothing.

Both MFC end up married to a family member - MMC -who continues emotional abuse as they blame the girl he ends up with for something they either didn't do or had no knowledge of - or both.
The abuse continues until MFC makes a suicide attempt and then everyone is "OH NO! Why didn't we help." And the MMC is all " I've got it wrong, I love her."
Counselling is given, the nasties disposed of and everyone is happy joy, joy.


I would assume from hints given in these two books the preceding series Made Men is on the same theme and the 3rd book in this series is the same as the MFC is already emotionally abused.

My problem is why keep writing the same plot? And don't majorly change it?
A wee pet peeve of mine.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Betrayal was a dark and trigger filled story that did not make for easy reading. The heroine Inessa had been brutalised all her life by the Bratva in every manner both physically and sexually that you could possibly imagine. She had given up on ever escaping and merely existed until one day she thought her prince had come to rescue her but girls like Inessa don’t get the fairy tale ending and Nico was only using Inessa to wreck his revenge on the Bratva for the loss of his daughter. I don’t think I’ve hated a hero as much as I did Nico, even by the end of this book I still wanted to hurt him. He raged about the Bratva abusing women and children, but he left Inessa as their captive for years despite knowing that she was being raped and beaten on a regular basis and he was aware of her age given the fact that she had been his daughter’s friend. I finished this book wishing that once her abusers were dead, Inessa had walked away on her own and started afresh away from everything and everyone that had hurt her. She proved that if she could survive everything that had happened, then she didn’t need any man.

[Neeru Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to start the read as Brooke is one of my favourite authors and I have fallen in love with this crazy but amazing world she has created. Just as expected the complete read was an emotional whirlwind and I was emotionally drained by the time I finished the read. This read isn't for the weak hearted. I was intrigued by Niccolò and wanted to know more about him and his vengeance. I was in awe with Innesa for her strength and resilience. My heart broke for everything they both went through. There were moments were I could not control my tears. Despite everything going on they cannot deny the pull they have towards each other. I understood Nico but there were times I wanted to bang his head for the hurt he was causing Innesa. The whole time I was rooting for them to get together and get the happiness they both deserved. Having my favourite Gallagher's and Gallo's was the icing on the cake. The read is dark and gritty yet tugged at my heart strings. Once again Brooke wrecked my heart and mended it back together. Please read the TW/CW as some instances might trigger. Thanks to Brooke for the advanced copy of this mind-blowing read.

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Betrayal is the second book in the Gallo Famiglia Series. It is a m/f, mafia, age gap, arranged marriage, dark romance with dual POV and many triggers, so please check the warnings.

This story will put you through the emotional wringer. It is a profound story of abuse, revenge, and ultimately, love. Inessa and Nikolai are incredible characters and I loved them together. Their chemistry is sizzling and their journey to love is full of obstacles. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to ruin or spoil any of this awesome read for you all.

The writing, flow, storyline, storytelling, characters, character development, relationship development, and world development are all amazing. This book can be read as a standalone, but as always, it’s even better if you’ve read the previous stories.

This is a very dark story, and with that being said, I did skip scenes that included SA, as they are triggering for me. I do not feel that this lessened my enjoyment of the book whatsoever. If you love a great dark romance then I would definitely recommend this book. I’m very excited to see what comes next from this author.

[Brenda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brutally disturbing
Some spoilers...
I was not prepared for the abuse in this book, although the author did leave trigger warnings on her website they were insufficient the abuse was so relentless I had to skip through most of it hoping that it would get better however 75% of This Book Is Nothing But physical emotional and sexual abuse of the MFC starting at age 5. Almost all the men in this book abused this poor girl in one way or another. It was so upsetting that I had to take a break. This author is a good writer and knows how to draw you in so I wanted to finish this book. There is very little romance in this book and so much abuse and pedophilia that I kept taking points away. I would not recommend this book to anyone who wants to sleep at night this book leaves you feeling angry and emotionally drained. I read a book for escape and I know the mafia romances are going to a little dark. This book was hard to get out of my head. Therefore I would not recommend this book. The author is talented and I wish she would write a book that was actually more of a erotic romance than abuse and pedophilia.

[Titania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nessa has known nothing but pain. She had two bright spots in her life...her daughter and Nico. Nico burn with grief and vengeance. Those responsible for the death of his daughter will pay even if it costs him his heart.
Ruthless Betrayal is the latest in Brooke Summers Gallo Famiglia series. I will admit this was a tough read. Nessa's life was filled with pain and Ms. Summers hid none of it. And knowing the degradation she suffered made it hard for me to like Mico. I could understand his pain but Nessa did not have much of a life. But I will say that Ms. Summers does a wonderful job of redeeming him in my eyes. I love the journey Nico and Nessa took together. When they were honest with themselves and each other. Ms. Summers gave us a story full of pain and hope. The journey was painful but well written. If felt organic and real. She made me root for happiness for bot Nico and Nessa, hopefully together. I can't wait to see what Ms. Summers has in store for us next in this world she has created.