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Massimo
My job is simple: extract Lucy Taylor from the clutches of her twisted family and bring her under our protection. But Lucy isn’t what I expected. She’s cautious but fierce in protecting her son. She doesn’t trust me yet, but she will. Lucy Taylor and her son are mine. And I protect what’s mine, even when the secrets that are about to come to light make her question everything.

Lucy
I’ve been kidnapped by strangers claiming to be my family. Then Massimo Caruso shows up, promising safety. He says I have people who want to protect me from the chaos I’ve been dragged into. But Massimo is part of that chaos, so how can I trust him? Every time I try to push him away, he pulls me deeper. Chipping away at my walls with teasing smiles and calming words and doting on my son. I have to make a choice--run from the man who claims I’m his, or trust him to keep us safe?

514 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2025

243 people are currently reading
235 people want to read

About the author

Emily Rose

29 books563 followers
I live in New Brunswick, Canada with my husband and our two dogs,
Remi and Sako (pronounced Say-co). When I’m not writing, I’m
playing fetch with the dogs, talking to my parents for endless amounts
of hours, annoying the crap out of my husband, or just enjoying life
with my friends.
Writing has been a part of my life since I was about 12. I started
out just writing short stories or silly knock-offs of my favorite shows
or movies. Soon, though, I realized just how much I loved to write.
How often my mind would wander and think of characters and where
they could go. They became real to me, and I would start to write. I
used to fill up notebooks and pads of paper when I got an idea. It
would be an obsession, almost, to get on paper. Then, when I was old
enough to have a computer, I started there.
Now, I’m 28 years old and I finally hit that button. The one that
I’ve thought about it over and over again for the past 16 years. There is
no greater joy, or fear, at realizing you’ve just accomplished something
that you’ve wanted to do for so very long. That is my greatest accomplishment
and I look forward to hitting that button on many more.

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5 stars
228 (53%)
4 stars
135 (31%)
3 stars
49 (11%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
1,239 reviews14 followers
December 3, 2025
It dragged on and on as they constantly strategised. Loads of plot mistakes, and spelling mistakes.

Oh boy. I’m so disappointed as I was really looking forward to this one, but it was terrible. It felt like when I was at school and I was writing an essay and it started off really then then I got bored and the ending was really rushed!! I think the author got bored of the plot and the war between the families and rushed through it all. What a shame. It’s been a while since the last book and too be honest I’d forgotten who everyone was. The author did put a family tree at the front of the book, but when you’re in the middle of reading it I didn’t want to keep skipping back and forth!!! It would have been better if it had been written into the book, explaining who they all are.

Lucy is the youngest sister of Sienna and Gia, and has been kidnapped by her biological father and brothers. Massimo and Zeno are sent to rescue her. That part was really good, until they pick her adopted sister up and she was really really annoying. The timelines really don’t match up for Lucy. Lucy has a six weeks old baby boy, her husband died nearly a year ago, and she was early in on the pregnancy. Which is a big stretch. Yet later on she tells Massimo that her husband didn’t like her putting weight on, and how poorly she was at the beginning of her pregnancy. 🤔 For the first half of the book NOTHING HAPPENS! They have loads of meetings, talking endlessly about Giovanni and Leonardo and their sons, and that’s it! At 58% Massimo and Lucy start getting closer and I was so relieved as FINALLY there’s a bit of romance. Then they went back to the frigging meeting. 😡😡😡😡 Nico is being his usual evil self and is horrid to Lucy at first. He does make it up to her later.

There are so many issues with the plot in this one.
🔵 WHY DO THE FATHERS OF THE WOMEN WANT THEM??? It doesn’t make sense. Sienna is nearly thirty (I think.) In those families she’s way too old to sell off. The same as Gia in the first book, she was 25 and wasn’t married. This whole plot never made any sense.
🔵 Why are all the families so desperate to get into Nico’s house? Again not explained.
🔵 Again we have the tunnels not sealed up at all the entrances. AAAARRRGHHH! Not doing it in the first book was a mistake. Not doing it by the second book is stupid, and it’s still not done in the fourth!
🔵 Lucy’s husband was a dom and apparently he used make Lucy do things (S*xually.) by putting ‘his dom voice’ on. 😂😂😂😂 Lucy didn’t realise he was doing it. ERM DID HE HYPNOTISE HER??? HOW COULD SHE NOT REALISE???
🔵 Lucy and her sister never thanked Massismo and Zeno for rescuing them. Instead they’re horrid to them.

I don’t think I’ll bother reading the last book as there’s no point.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,644 reviews
December 1, 2025
2.5⭐️ much like Alessio and Sienna’s book this one had a whole lotta filler. Sure, there were small bits of info that kept me reading but for the most part it dragged on for me. It did start to pick up approximately around the last 100 pages or so. I’m probably in the latter here when I say that I didn’t care for Massimo and Lucy’s story. I was hoping for some big reveal with all the clues leading up to this book. Unfortunately, it just fizzled.

Oh well 💁🏻‍♀️, not every book can be a winner for me.
70 reviews
November 21, 2025
From Little Mouse to Little Deer, I was hooked on every single book. So much so, that before reading Little Deer I had to do a reread of the previous books in the series. Not because they weren’t memorable, but because I wanted to experience the progression of each character as they happen throughout the series. And it was so worth it when I got to Little Deer. Lucy needed the help of Gia, Sienna & Amara to guide her into this new life she knows nothing about. Lest not forget about Rori, Sofia & Kida. It was endearing seeing these women stand together against their evil family. Then we’ve got Massimo, who wasn’t looking for a relationship, never mind a relationship with a woman who has a baby. But he surpassed all my expectations in his undertaking of winning Lucy over. And dang it, I can’t wait for Rori & Alonzo’s story!!!
1,571 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2025
This series is so captivating and will keep you turning the pages. It just keeps getting better and better and these Mafia men keep getting hotter and hotter. Lucy has had a lot going on in her life first she loses her husband, then has a son and gets kidnapped and beaten. When Massimo and crew show up and save her she doesn't know what to think The wild story they tell her that she is a long lost Deluca Sister makes her question everything. Lucy is a very strong woman who likes to figure things out. While her adopted sister comes in hot to fight first, think later. Massimo is a caring sweet man who is protective and possessive and when he falls he falls hard and fast for both Lucy and her son Soren. He claims them both as his. This story is set at a great pace and really gives us an amazing story. I love that each book really incorporated all the past characters and ones that we are still waiting for their books while still giving us a couple that you truly get to see how they fall in love. It's full of secrets and twists and action. We did find out some things revolving around the Deluca sisters but the story is still left open for more. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,251 reviews61 followers
November 30, 2025
Emily Rose does it again. Where one book ends in The Lost DeLuca Sisters Series, readers are left hanging on by their fingernails, desperate for more of what is fast becoming one of the best dark mafia series out there.

Little Deer (Book 4) is another fast-paced, gritty instalment packed with raw emotion and a suspense thread that winds tighter with every chapter. Each couple may find their HEA, but the danger never lets up—and this book proves it.

Single mum Lucy is unexpectedly dragged into the mafia world when she’s kidnapped… then rescued by Massimo Caruso. From that moment on, secrets begin to unravel, twists hit from every angle, and the chemistry between Lucy and Massimo builds into a slow, bubbling burn you feel.

Massimo is the calm to Lucy’s storm, drawing out emotions she’s kept buried for years. And the way he is with her baby boy? Swoon, swoon, swoon. Protective. Gentle. Irresistibly alpha.

The Caruso and DeLuca families stand together—fierce, loyal, unbreakable—but every truth revealed uncovers another shadow. And as Little Deer ends, readers are left gasping, already craving the next book.

Dark. Addictive. Emotional. Emily Rose has readers in a chokehold… and we’re not letting go.
482 reviews
November 17, 2025
Wow! Another great book in the Lost DeLuca Sisters Series. This book features Gia and Sienna’s lost, now found, sister Lucy and one of the Caruso brothers Massimo. I’m definitely thinking that Massimo is quickly becoming a favorite. He’s calm, caring and sweet and he falls hard and fast for Lucy…and her sweet baby boy Soren…yep Lucy comes with an adorable son. Lucy also has a sister, Kida, from her adopted family who comes along for the ride too. This is lucky for us because hopefully we’ll be getting her story sometime soon too…Massimo’s baby brother, Zeno, is quite enamored with her…when they aren’t fighting. This book gives us new and fun characters while letting us revisit the couples from previous books. It’s filled with excitement and thrills and quite a bit of humor. Alessio is still making Nico’s life miserable…his little Boo Bear…cracks me up! I’m pumped for Rory and Alonzo’s story and Zeno and Kida, but I also think that the dad’s, Pietro and Aurelio need stories too…they’re older…not dead. Honestly can’t wait for what happens next…great job Ms. Rose…please write quick!
Profile Image for Krystina K.
49 reviews
November 30, 2025
Series gets better and better …

Rate: 4.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️

I’m a huge fan- and I keep getting sucked in to this plot and characters and the amazing mash up family.

But babyyyy in this book!? The plot thickens!! Each De Luca sister/cousins story is convoluted in its own way but the addition of Soren was a very welcome surprise. We got to see another side of everyone as they embraced Lucy and her son and that was heart warming. I don’t recall Massimo really being on my radar in the other books because he was always so chill and in the background- to see him as the MMC with his quirks , insecurities but determination to love Lucy and Soren so thoroughly was heartwarming. I’m still team Alessio but Massimo may be a close second.

But the twist!????? My jaw is still on the floor and it set up so perfectly for book 5, I am clenching my firsts that I have to wait 4 months.

Great work!
Profile Image for SammyJ.
27 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2025
I absolutely love this series. I can not wait to see where the next installment Little Bear takes us.

I read this in one sitting i just couldnt put it down.

I have read the 3 books before this one so many times as they are fantastic.

Massimo the eternal playboy falls so hard for Lucy in this book. I love how he accepts her son as his amd is very clear with his want to be a family pretty much from the start.

Lucy is taken at the beginning of this book by her bio family the De Luca's and it is Massimo and his brothers her rescue her. She knows nothing about her heritage as she was put in to care as a baby so at first the whole situation has her wanting to run.

I love the little side story of her adopted sister and Zeno and I love the over arching story line from the previous books and hownthat flows through this book.

if you are looking for a series with Spice but such good plot then this will be for you. Start with Little Mouse you will devour all 4 books
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,609 reviews237 followers
November 30, 2025
Emily has taken me on quite the rollercoaster journey with this series, and it is not over yet. To say that I am invested would be an understatement. I am OBSESSED!! There are so many twists that I can't get enough.

All I can say is that I want to be one of the long, lost DeLuca sisters. They get all the morally gray, Mafia men. Massimo falls fast and hard for Lucy. Lucy is one tough momma. She can hold her own when she has to. Luckily, she has a sister that has really good aim to throw things at Mafia men. I laughed.

Massimo and Lucky were bringing all the heat. I lapped up every steamy scene between these two. As the story progressed, it was not just about Massimo and Lucy but finding and saving all of the DeLuca sisters. I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the final book in this series.
Profile Image for Natanya.
64 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2025
Emily does it again with another amazing read!! She has a way of bring her characters to life. You have the rough and tough Mafia man in Massimo but at his core for the right woman and her little boy he shows his softer but protective side.

Lucy hasn't had it easy with the lost of her husband then being taken. With Massimo and the family she didn't even know existed she is thrust into a world of unknowns.

This book has twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. That ending really has me anticipating the next book. As usual the book could be read as a stand alone but it is highly recommended to read from the beginning of the series. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Emily for another amazing read.
Profile Image for Vanessa LeBlanc.
472 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2025
I will never get over the details that this series has. Not just the backstory for each character but the side characters and the house and all of it is just purely amazing. Emily Rose does an amazing job at making sure our brain gets the full picture.

Lucy and Massimo were perfect for one another. Massimo truly listened and understood her. He was Alpha only when needed. And when that side came out to play ohh did it ever 🥵.

If you’ve fallowed this series so far, not to take away from Lucy and Massimo but THE ENDING omg 😮🫣 I thought I was excited before for Rori and Alonzo. Jesus now I feel like bribing Emily just to get my hands on their story 🤣💸

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
99 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2025
OMG I am so in love with series and just when I think Emily can not possibly weave a better story she proves me wrong!!
I am obsessed with Massimo!! He swoops right in a rescues Lucy and quickly became my favorite book boyfriend :)
He claims both Lucy and her infant son as his and I have no doubt that Soren (their son) will never know anything but love and protection!!!
In this book some of the pieces of the Deluca Sisters series come together and yet Emily leaves the door wide open for the next book and it can NOT get here soon enough
1,573 reviews27 followers
December 2, 2025
This is Massimo & Lucy's story, Massimo is a giant, teddy bear who is top at being a Dom!!
Lucy is the newcomer, her and her son Soren and just like her sister's, she's not had it easy this past while.

There is instant chemistry but Lucy has been burned before plus she has her adorable son to think of so she's adamant to ignore their connection - we all know that's not gonna happen 😏

It's a long book, and finishes with some twists and turns which I liked.
I'm looking forward to Rori and Alonzo's story!
3.5/4
13 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2025
The latest installment of Emily Rose’s The Lost DeLuca Sisters series, Little Deer, is engaging, enthralling, and engrossing. And definitely unputdownable. Add to this the ongoing ‘love affair’ Alessio has with his Boo Bear, and you had to see the tension break! And in the middle of all this, the discovery of the 4th missing DeLuca daughter, the mayhem, and the shocking twist of a couple of curveballs, well, all I can say is don’t start this when you’re getting ready for bed or have to get up early the next morning — a definite winner to add to Emily Rose’s library, and yours.
6 reviews
December 8, 2025
First off, I am so thankful I get to ARC this series! This book was amazing from start to finish. I loved how protective Lucy was not only for her son but also her sister and everyone around her. Massimo fell hard and fast but he let Lucy take her time. He was a safe space for her to figure out what was going on and how she was going to handle it.
The twist in this book was hands down fantastic! My jar dropped to the floor.
Loved that we still got a few "boo bear" moments.
So excited for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Allie Felske.
56 reviews
November 16, 2025
I did not realize that this was the last book in the series. I was not ready for it to end but it ended so beautifully. Lucy has every reason to be so cautious of the situation she’s found herself in. She has so many emotions, doubts and fears going through her mind and seeing how Massimo navigates those makes him just that much better! Lucy and Massimo are officially my favorite couple in the De Luca sisters series!
Profile Image for Sarah Louise.
46 reviews
November 20, 2025
a must read 📚 I loved this book it was a hard job to put it down , and hated everything that made me have to put it down. I loved Lucy's story and massimo was everything I hoped he would be and more Emily pulled out all the stops lots of twists that had me gasp an clutch my pearls so to speak 🤣 a must read for anyone who is invested in all the sisters . and again im great full to be part of Emily's ARC Team .🫶🫶
Profile Image for Evy.
748 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
This was again a great story in this series. The details each backside story of each character has, is golden. You’re hooked from the very first book until the last. Massimo was fantastic, a very attentive listener but also an alpha man when needed, wowsie! Lucy is a very strong woman and was perfect for him.
Each story also incorporates past characters and some things never change like Alessio’s Boo Bear! I received a copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. I cannot wait to read Rori and Alonzo’s story! So exciting!!!
4,260 reviews52 followers
November 29, 2025
Massimo is the guy that is easy to fall for even though he is in the Mafia. And falls just as hard and fast for Lucy and her baby Soren. In a short time they fall for each other. He becomes her protector and her and her son are his. This has action, suspense, strong connection of loyalty and a retribution. Then the twists and mystery surrounding some of the characters. Can't wait to see what will come in the next book.
9 reviews
November 30, 2025
All right. 4 for 4- how do they keep getting better? Massimo and Lucy are so perfect together, she really brings out his heart, as well as his protective streak. She struggled with the new "family" dynamic from the start, but Massimo understood and really helped her work through it.

Of course, in true Emily fashion, that ending...OMG! We're in for a truly ending worthy finale to this series. Bring it on!
2,352 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2025
Little Deer by Emily Rose is the story of Massimo and Lucy. He has a job…and she’s only ancillary to that job. But, Lucy is nothing like he expected! She is completed blindsided by her ‘family’. Now, she has to decide…for both herself and her son.

Things become more and more dangerous and confusing for everyone involved. So many danger filled situations, surprises, secrets, and unexpected developments!!! Loved this story so much!!! Enjoying the entire series!!!
16 reviews
December 7, 2025
Mind blown!!! was in such a reading slump untill I read Little Deer , it was such a thrilling read , more secrets were revealed, twists and turns that were unexpected and the plot just thickened to the point that blew my mind. It was such a good escape from reality that it reminded me why books are amazing! The end was so unexpected that it had me screaming looking like I was insane. I cannot wait to see what's next. I don't want to wait until next year but the wait will definitely be worth it.
Profile Image for ChapterChaser1 .
278 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2025
Another perfect book for a perfect series.
Full of tense moments, funny parts that will have you laughing. This book is a page turner.
I also think the author makes the spicy scenes really hot and classy.
I enjoyed getting to know Massimo some more and I think he Is the sweetest male character of them all. Falling for a single mother and her child.
Beautifully written and I can't wait for more books from this author.
Profile Image for Dada.
43 reviews
November 17, 2025
What I enjoyed the most was how Emily Rose balances tenderness with tension. There is a softness to her writing, but also a deep emotional impact that stays with you even after you finish the book. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your mind and heart. I’m so grateful I got an ARC, and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.
Profile Image for Mrs J.
426 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2025
The search for the missing DeLuca girls is in full swing. Lucy is the latest to be found, she along with her baby capture Massimo’s interest and he is the one who falls hard.

Emily has given us another fantastic page turner. It’s action packed with mystery, suspense, danger, secrets, twists you don’t expect and an ending that left me shocked and desperate for the next. Loved it.
Profile Image for Vicki .
140 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2025
What a way to start a story! If you have not read the description of this book or the Lost De Lucas Sisters series, you should! So much happens! I want to tell you but I don't know where to begin without spoiling it. I found it EPIC! Massimo and Lucy are the couple for this book but there is so much more. Gah! Go read the series!! I love this author!!
1,773 reviews34 followers
November 20, 2025
An excellent read, this is an amazing series. I absolutely loved Massimo and Lucy’s story ❤️❤️❤️ These are such strong, capable characters, loving a Mafia man can’t be easy but the way they love makes the journey worth it. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
443 reviews20 followers
November 20, 2025
***ARC REVIEW***
Five stars hands downs!!!

Can’t believe this series has come to an end but can’t wait to read Alonzo & Rori story!!!

The plot twist in this story had me gasping! Like I sure did not expect that. Loved the amount of action!! Plus let’s not forget about the spice!!! Like dammmmm!!! This series sure did not disappoint.
8,846 reviews63 followers
November 24, 2025
Lucy is another missing Deluca woman found, and shes not alone with her son in tow, and both capture Massimos interest  but Lucys going to need her sisters help to navigate this new world she never knew she was a part of but Massimo wont let anything happen to his lil family. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more a great addition to the series
844 reviews
November 28, 2025
Little Deer kept me turning the pages. From the first page until the very last, it kept my interest. This book has action, suspense, the mafia, family, steam, and love. I enjoyed watching Lucy and Massimo's relationship evolve from where it started into love and a happy ending. These two were perfect for one another. Little Deer was a good read. I look forward to the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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