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Ruthless Revenge #1
Killer Kiss
A bratva princess needs protection from the man secretly hired to destroy her...Me.
My job was to protect the gorgeous heiress to the Ivankov mafia empire after her parents were murdered.
I thought she’d be naive and innocent like her sisters. I didn’t count on the fiery vixen princess who’d narrowly escaped the third bullet meant for her.
I need to become her savior… before I reveal myself as her devil.
She fights me with all of the anger, distrust, and stubbornness that floods her sinful body, fueling every one of my twisted desires. Her actions beg me for punishment in the form of bound wrists and the sharp sting of my palm against her flesh.
She will learn to obey.
As time goes on, I slowly forget my hatred and shelve all plans for revenge, my obsession with Kristina Ivankov swallowing me whole.
I will not lose.
I will claim my prize.
I will own the princess and her kingdom.
Forever.
KILLER KISS is book one in the RUTHLESS REVENGE trilogy by USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Luciani and the story of Massimo and Kristina. It's an Age-Gap, Forced Marriage, Secret Identity Dark Mafia Romance that fans of Zoe Blake and Nicole Fox are sure to enjoy! This epic family saga follows one couple through a steamy, pulse-pounding trilogy with a guaranteed HEA in book three, EVIL EMPIRE.
Publisher's Note: KILLER KISS contains explicit and mature content and graphic violence that some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
My job was to protect the gorgeous heiress to the Ivankov mafia empire after her parents were murdered.
I thought she’d be naive and innocent like her sisters. I didn’t count on the fiery vixen princess who’d narrowly escaped the third bullet meant for her.
I need to become her savior… before I reveal myself as her devil.
She fights me with all of the anger, distrust, and stubbornness that floods her sinful body, fueling every one of my twisted desires. Her actions beg me for punishment in the form of bound wrists and the sharp sting of my palm against her flesh.
She will learn to obey.
As time goes on, I slowly forget my hatred and shelve all plans for revenge, my obsession with Kristina Ivankov swallowing me whole.
I will not lose.
I will claim my prize.
I will own the princess and her kingdom.
Forever.
KILLER KISS is book one in the RUTHLESS REVENGE trilogy by USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Luciani and the story of Massimo and Kristina. It's an Age-Gap, Forced Marriage, Secret Identity Dark Mafia Romance that fans of Zoe Blake and Nicole Fox are sure to enjoy! This epic family saga follows one couple through a steamy, pulse-pounding trilogy with a guaranteed HEA in book three, EVIL EMPIRE.
Publisher's Note: KILLER KISS contains explicit and mature content and graphic violence that some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2022
483 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Luciani
89 books1,592 followers
Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling romance author, momtrepreneur, and a beauty product junkie with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis. As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 31, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
Trope: revenge
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Kristina has spent the last years of her life in medical school, wanting nothing to do with her family’s Bratva connections. The decision to stay detached is taken from her when her parents die, leaving her in chart of her sisters as well as her father’s businesses to which she had no desire to pursue. With her family’s safety at risk, she reluctantly accepts helps in the form of a bodyguard named Massimo who has been secretly put there to spy on her. Massimo wants nothing to do with his father’s nefarious plans, but has been blackmailed to keep him in line.
I have really enjoyed Kristen Luciani’s books and was really excited for this one, but it really just missed the mark for me. I had a really hard time getting into it and ended up skimming a lot. Just seemed really predictable and the writing seemed off from her usual style. The overall storyline did seem interesting, though, so I will be reading the next book, hopefully it will flow a little better for me. I have to admit, I did not realize this was a trilogy going in, I thought it was going to be an interconnected standalone like her others, so that was a little disappointing as well (but didn’t affect my rating).
Trope: revenge
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Kristina has spent the last years of her life in medical school, wanting nothing to do with her family’s Bratva connections. The decision to stay detached is taken from her when her parents die, leaving her in chart of her sisters as well as her father’s businesses to which she had no desire to pursue. With her family’s safety at risk, she reluctantly accepts helps in the form of a bodyguard named Massimo who has been secretly put there to spy on her. Massimo wants nothing to do with his father’s nefarious plans, but has been blackmailed to keep him in line.
I have really enjoyed Kristen Luciani’s books and was really excited for this one, but it really just missed the mark for me. I had a really hard time getting into it and ended up skimming a lot. Just seemed really predictable and the writing seemed off from her usual style. The overall storyline did seem interesting, though, so I will be reading the next book, hopefully it will flow a little better for me. I have to admit, I did not realize this was a trilogy going in, I thought it was going to be an interconnected standalone like her others, so that was a little disappointing as well (but didn’t affect my rating).
March 9, 2022
3.75 stars-- KILLER KISS is the first instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS REVENGE dark, Mafia, erotic romance series focusing on criminal underworld heirs Massimo and med student Kristina Ivankov. The RUTHLESS REVENGE trilogy is set in the same world as the author’s Reckless Reign and Sinfully Savage worlds. Some of the characters cross over or are mentioned for cohesion and familiarity.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Massimo and Kristina) KILLER KISS follows in the wake of the Mafia style hit on Kristina’s parents Anton and Kira Ivankov. On leave from med school to help celebrate her sister’s eighteenth birthday, Kristina suspects not all is right in her father’s organization but gunfire kills her parents before secrets are revealed, and heroine is left to pick up the pieces. Anton’s ‘business partner’ Savio offers up Massimo, his head of security to help ‘protect’ our story line heroine and her sisters, but Massimo has secrets that threaten everyone involved. What ensues is the building relationship between Massimo and Kristina, and the fall-out as betrayal and lies destroy all trust Kristina has in the people she loves.
Massimo has secrets but our hero has been threatened, and Kristina Ivankov is a means to an end. Not only is Anton’s business partner searching for the truth, but someone else is targeting what’s left of the Ivankov Crime Syndicate. Kristina Ivankov is no shrinking violet, and is capable of defending herself when necessary but she quickly discovers that the fight for power and control is about to become personal, taking aim at our story line heroine. Not only is the Ivankov Crime Syndicate on the precipice of imploding but the Juarez Cartel, and the Leota Commission want to ensure their place at the top.
The relationship between Massimo and Kristina is quick to develop. Kristina hires Massimo as protector and guardian but one man is not capable of being in several places at one time. Believing Massimo is keeping secrets, Kristina attempts to seduce our story line hero, only to find she is the one on the receiving end of seduction. The $ex scenes are intimate erotic and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, powerful and controversial secondary and supporting characters including Kristina’s sisters Sofia and Maria, Quinn Mulligan from the Mulligan Crime Family; Uncle Frank, and mob boss Savio. The requisite evil has many faces.
KILLER KISS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, broken trust and heart break. The fast paced premise is dramatic, dark and gritty; the romance is provocative; the characters are edgy and animated ….but saying that, there is a question of believability in the face of a lack of in-house, personal and property security for the Ivanokov family and its’ organization-questionable on so many levels affecting the believability from the start. KILLER KISS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Massimo and Kristina) KILLER KISS follows in the wake of the Mafia style hit on Kristina’s parents Anton and Kira Ivankov. On leave from med school to help celebrate her sister’s eighteenth birthday, Kristina suspects not all is right in her father’s organization but gunfire kills her parents before secrets are revealed, and heroine is left to pick up the pieces. Anton’s ‘business partner’ Savio offers up Massimo, his head of security to help ‘protect’ our story line heroine and her sisters, but Massimo has secrets that threaten everyone involved. What ensues is the building relationship between Massimo and Kristina, and the fall-out as betrayal and lies destroy all trust Kristina has in the people she loves.
Massimo has secrets but our hero has been threatened, and Kristina Ivankov is a means to an end. Not only is Anton’s business partner searching for the truth, but someone else is targeting what’s left of the Ivankov Crime Syndicate. Kristina Ivankov is no shrinking violet, and is capable of defending herself when necessary but she quickly discovers that the fight for power and control is about to become personal, taking aim at our story line heroine. Not only is the Ivankov Crime Syndicate on the precipice of imploding but the Juarez Cartel, and the Leota Commission want to ensure their place at the top.
The relationship between Massimo and Kristina is quick to develop. Kristina hires Massimo as protector and guardian but one man is not capable of being in several places at one time. Believing Massimo is keeping secrets, Kristina attempts to seduce our story line hero, only to find she is the one on the receiving end of seduction. The $ex scenes are intimate erotic and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, powerful and controversial secondary and supporting characters including Kristina’s sisters Sofia and Maria, Quinn Mulligan from the Mulligan Crime Family; Uncle Frank, and mob boss Savio. The requisite evil has many faces.
KILLER KISS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, broken trust and heart break. The fast paced premise is dramatic, dark and gritty; the romance is provocative; the characters are edgy and animated ….but saying that, there is a question of believability in the face of a lack of in-house, personal and property security for the Ivanokov family and its’ organization-questionable on so many levels affecting the believability from the start. KILLER KISS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 6, 2022
My biggest issue with this one was the writing style. It personally was not my cup of tea and it made it hard for me to get into the actual story. Outside of the writing style, the plot was really good. I loved the main character Kristina. She was strong, fierce, and despite being unprepared for mafia life, she adapted really well and stepped up to the task of protecting her family.
While I liked the banter between Kristina and Massimo, I didn’t feel their connection outside of that and the spice. The spice was also really good, so just from an actual relationship standpoint, it wasn’t there for me.
The plot twist of the story wasn’t all that surprising, but the cliff hanger was, I didn’t see it coming.
Overall, had some issues that kept this from being a five star read. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
Rating: 2.5
I received this arc in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you so much to the author and publishers for providing me this arc!
While I liked the banter between Kristina and Massimo, I didn’t feel their connection outside of that and the spice. The spice was also really good, so just from an actual relationship standpoint, it wasn’t there for me.
The plot twist of the story wasn’t all that surprising, but the cliff hanger was, I didn’t see it coming.
Overall, had some issues that kept this from being a five star read. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
Rating: 2.5
I received this arc in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you so much to the author and publishers for providing me this arc!
May 26, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : Yes
Hero : Massimo
Heroine : Kristina
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 4/10
Heat Rating : 4/10
Overall Opinion :
Kristina and Massimo are here.
This trilogy is addictive in a weird way lmao. I am not very invested but the storyline just keeps pulling me back. The author leaves us hanging with all these questions and therefore I need to have them 🤣🤣
As a dark romance, this trilogy is turning out to be a good one time read.
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May 13, 2022
3.75 stars
This book was so much fun to read. I liked how many twists it had and how the plot kept shocking me at every turns. I was just so invested in this story, and I could not put the book down. This was such a great introduction to the series, and it just made me crave the other books in the series so badly.
I really love deceit in books, I love seeing how it happens and how the characters deal with it and I thought that the deceit in this one was just lovely.
I really loved Massimo and his possessive tendencies. I also adored Kristina. She was so fierce and just the best.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
This book was so much fun to read. I liked how many twists it had and how the plot kept shocking me at every turns. I was just so invested in this story, and I could not put the book down. This was such a great introduction to the series, and it just made me crave the other books in the series so badly.
I really love deceit in books, I love seeing how it happens and how the characters deal with it and I thought that the deceit in this one was just lovely.
I really loved Massimo and his possessive tendencies. I also adored Kristina. She was so fierce and just the best.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 9, 2022
This is the first book in the Ruthless Revenge Trilogy and Massimo and Kristina's story. Kristina, a med student, is home for her sister birthday when her parents are murdered. She has 2 younger sisters and leaves school take care of them. Her father was the head of a bratva family and his "business" partner sends Massimo to be her bodyguard to keep her and her sisters safe. There is a ti=on of drama, betrayal, secrets, twists, turns, action, sizzle, and steam. Kristen Luciani is an outstanding author in this genre and I can't wait to read book 2. Best of all, this series as well as her other mafia/bratva/crime family series are available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited. Great Read
I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
March 3, 2022
Killer Kiss: A Dark Mafia Romance
Killer Kiss is book four in the Mafia Crime Kings series. This is the beginning of Massimo and Kristina's story. We met Massimo in Corrupted Crown and I am glad he is getting his own story. Mass has been hired by Kristina to protect her and her sisters after they witnessed the assassination of their parents. Mass is hiding a secret from Kristina that could ruin things between them. These two are perfect for each other but they are too stubborn to admit.
As usual Kristen has given us another great mafia story full of suspense and I cannot wait to read the rest of their story.
Killer Kiss is book four in the Mafia Crime Kings series. This is the beginning of Massimo and Kristina's story. We met Massimo in Corrupted Crown and I am glad he is getting his own story. Mass has been hired by Kristina to protect her and her sisters after they witnessed the assassination of their parents. Mass is hiding a secret from Kristina that could ruin things between them. These two are perfect for each other but they are too stubborn to admit.
As usual Kristen has given us another great mafia story full of suspense and I cannot wait to read the rest of their story.
March 3, 2022
This book wrecked me slowly from the inside. The way the author kept us on our toes, but didn’t put too much drama and plot in the book. I can’t wait for book two after that cliffhanger. I really hope it doesn’t take to long to release and that it will be as good as this
June 23, 2022
I've been watching a lot of b99 so cop/mafia/agents books are really what I'm looking for right now.
However, this wasn't as good as I was hoping.
First, the blurb lists this as a Forced Marriage - maybe that comes in the later books, but there are ZERO hints of that in this one. I'd make it clear the tags are listed for the trilogy in general, and not just this book.
I'm not 100% sure on how I feel about this, either. I think it goes fast and then drags, but there's never actually any movement for the plot. While reading, I was given the impression things were happening, the plot was moving, bam, bam, bam, but looking back, I realize nothing happened. Sure, there were conversations and the characters moved, but nothing forwarded the plot until the very end to set up the cliffhanger. I haven't read the other two, but I'm wondering if they could have been combined to one or two books maximum, so it doesn't feel like I spent an hour reading about when the time was basically a standstill.
I liked yet also disliked Massimo. He was meant to be this big tough baddie with secrets and whatnot, but he spent the entire book dragged around by his father and some others. He's all bark and no bite: sure, he roughed up Luigi (that's not his name but I've already forgotten and don't care), who could have killed Massimo and Kristen - sorry, Kristina - if he wanted to. I saw no reason for Massimo to be built up as this tough guy who seems like he should be the crime boss instead of the security, but that image was built from his physical appearance and talk.
I'm not buying the romance aspect. The spice was there for sure and I could feel the chemistry, but I don't see any attraction other than physical and unless something changes, I won't ever see anything different.
It wasn't bad, I'm going to read the second one for sure, but sometimes the writing felt off. Like Luciani tried to use a thesaurus for almost every single word, and sometimes what was chosen didn't fit.
Here's to hoping something actually happens in the next one.
However, this wasn't as good as I was hoping.
First, the blurb lists this as a Forced Marriage - maybe that comes in the later books, but there are ZERO hints of that in this one. I'd make it clear the tags are listed for the trilogy in general, and not just this book.
I'm not 100% sure on how I feel about this, either. I think it goes fast and then drags, but there's never actually any movement for the plot. While reading, I was given the impression things were happening, the plot was moving, bam, bam, bam, but looking back, I realize nothing happened. Sure, there were conversations and the characters moved, but nothing forwarded the plot until the very end to set up the cliffhanger. I haven't read the other two, but I'm wondering if they could have been combined to one or two books maximum, so it doesn't feel like I spent an hour reading about when the time was basically a standstill.
I liked yet also disliked Massimo. He was meant to be this big tough baddie with secrets and whatnot, but he spent the entire book dragged around by his father and some others. He's all bark and no bite: sure, he roughed up Luigi (that's not his name but I've already forgotten and don't care), who could have killed Massimo and Kristen - sorry, Kristina - if he wanted to. I saw no reason for Massimo to be built up as this tough guy who seems like he should be the crime boss instead of the security, but that image was built from his physical appearance and talk.
I'm not buying the romance aspect. The spice was there for sure and I could feel the chemistry, but I don't see any attraction other than physical and unless something changes, I won't ever see anything different.
It wasn't bad, I'm going to read the second one for sure, but sometimes the writing felt off. Like Luciani tried to use a thesaurus for almost every single word, and sometimes what was chosen didn't fit.
Here's to hoping something actually happens in the next one.
March 7, 2022
This was a good start to their story. In the first part Massimo is hired to watch Kristina and her sisters. Their parents were killed and now people are trying to kill them too. Of course the two have feelings for each other. However, things are rocky due to secrets. Now we have to wait for the next book to see how things will go.
March 8, 2022
Killer Kiss by Kristen Luciani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
-Mafia
-Age-gap
-Secret Identity
-Dark & Steamy
-Dual POV
-Bodyguard
God, I just love a good mafia man. They’re tough, strong, and spicy in all the right ways just like Massimo. This book is filled with suspense and twists. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I loved Kristina’s character. She’s fierce and adapted really well to the mafia lifestyle. I’m so excited for the next book!
This is also a character spinoff from another one of Kristen’s series, and I am eager to devour those as well, but you can totally read this and understand everything without having read the original series.
And babes, just look at the man on the cover. I’m not big on actual people on covers, but I’m swooning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
-Mafia
-Age-gap
-Secret Identity
-Dark & Steamy
-Dual POV
-Bodyguard
God, I just love a good mafia man. They’re tough, strong, and spicy in all the right ways just like Massimo. This book is filled with suspense and twists. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I loved Kristina’s character. She’s fierce and adapted really well to the mafia lifestyle. I’m so excited for the next book!
This is also a character spinoff from another one of Kristen’s series, and I am eager to devour those as well, but you can totally read this and understand everything without having read the original series.
And babes, just look at the man on the cover. I’m not big on actual people on covers, but I’m swooning.
June 5, 2022
This book had it all from lies, betrayal, danger, and the heat. I couldn't put it down. The chemistry was intense and the story itself kept me riveted.
February 26, 2022
Loving this new series
Love this mafia family
Kristina and Massimo intense emotional heartstopping arrangement
Twisted
Ready for more
Gimme pt 2
Love this mafia family
Kristina and Massimo intense emotional heartstopping arrangement
Twisted
Ready for more
Gimme pt 2
July 17, 2022
3.5⭐
➜ hero - Massimo comes into Kristi’s life unexpectedly. Her life has been turned on its head and she needs help. With her life being in possible danger he becomes her bodyguard, but he has lots of secrets. They are attracted to each other and they try to fight it, but when they cross that line, wow, it is explosively hot. Mass has been hired by Kristina to protect her and her sisters after they witnessed the assassination of their parents. Mass is hiding a secret from Kristina that could ruin things between them.
➜ heroine - Kristina has spent the last years of her life in medical school, wanting nothing to do with her family’s Bratva connections. With her family’s safety at risk, she reluctantly accepts helps in the form of a bodyguard named Massimo who has been secretly put there to spy on her. Massimo wants nothing to do with his father’s nefarious plans, but has been blackmailed to keep him in line.
➜ overall review - The overall storyline did seem interesting, though, so I will be reading the next book, hopefully it will flow a little better for me. I had a really hard time getting into it and ended up skimming a lot. Just seemed really predictable and the writing seemed off from her usual style. Loads of drama, suspense and surprises that will keep you at the edge of your seat. If this is just the beginning I can’t wait for what happens next! These two are perfect for each other but they are too stubborn to admit. Kristen has given us another great mafia story full of suspense, so i have to read another to find out secrets.
➜ smut - 🌶️🌶️/5
📍 No cheating, no OW drama
➜ hero - Massimo comes into Kristi’s life unexpectedly. Her life has been turned on its head and she needs help. With her life being in possible danger he becomes her bodyguard, but he has lots of secrets. They are attracted to each other and they try to fight it, but when they cross that line, wow, it is explosively hot. Mass has been hired by Kristina to protect her and her sisters after they witnessed the assassination of their parents. Mass is hiding a secret from Kristina that could ruin things between them.
➜ heroine - Kristina has spent the last years of her life in medical school, wanting nothing to do with her family’s Bratva connections. With her family’s safety at risk, she reluctantly accepts helps in the form of a bodyguard named Massimo who has been secretly put there to spy on her. Massimo wants nothing to do with his father’s nefarious plans, but has been blackmailed to keep him in line.
➜ overall review - The overall storyline did seem interesting, though, so I will be reading the next book, hopefully it will flow a little better for me. I had a really hard time getting into it and ended up skimming a lot. Just seemed really predictable and the writing seemed off from her usual style. Loads of drama, suspense and surprises that will keep you at the edge of your seat. If this is just the beginning I can’t wait for what happens next! These two are perfect for each other but they are too stubborn to admit. Kristen has given us another great mafia story full of suspense, so i have to read another to find out secrets.
➜ smut - 🌶️🌶️/5
📍 No cheating, no OW drama
March 29, 2022
Whew!! This is sooo good!!
This book is a wonderful example of this author's skills and creativity. Killer Kiss is Massimo and Kristina's story, but honestly, I fell for Massimo in Corrupted Crown (Patrick and Kyla's story). If you haven't already finished that one, I suggest reading that first.
This book has everything we love and need from a Mafia/Bratva read: Family loyalty and betrayals, strong, resilient women, sexy Alpha men, and all the lethal and dangerous situations that keep us furiously flipping pages! I know I was finished with this book quicker than I wanted to be. I cannot wait for the next part of the story!!
I jumped at the chance to get my hands on an advance reader copy of this book, as I am a huge fan of this author and her numerous other books and series. She consistently delivers engaging, steamy and easy to love characters and stories. I recommend reading this book and her other works. It will help your experience if you follow the published reading order. In my opinion, this author writes some of the best books in the Mafia/Bratva genre on the market today.
My free ARC came from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book is a wonderful example of this author's skills and creativity. Killer Kiss is Massimo and Kristina's story, but honestly, I fell for Massimo in Corrupted Crown (Patrick and Kyla's story). If you haven't already finished that one, I suggest reading that first.
This book has everything we love and need from a Mafia/Bratva read: Family loyalty and betrayals, strong, resilient women, sexy Alpha men, and all the lethal and dangerous situations that keep us furiously flipping pages! I know I was finished with this book quicker than I wanted to be. I cannot wait for the next part of the story!!
I jumped at the chance to get my hands on an advance reader copy of this book, as I am a huge fan of this author and her numerous other books and series. She consistently delivers engaging, steamy and easy to love characters and stories. I recommend reading this book and her other works. It will help your experience if you follow the published reading order. In my opinion, this author writes some of the best books in the Mafia/Bratva genre on the market today.
My free ARC came from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 5, 2022
I love KL’s mafia romance , but this one just fell flat. Massimo is such a weak character . He’s supposedly this bad ass with all these bad ass friends , but instead of pooling their resources together to get rid of the threat that is Savio, he allows him to drag him by the balls. For what? The story just made no sense at all. He can threaten and beat up Lugo but can’t get rid of the threat??? It was lame . I just couldn’t get into this .
May 12, 2022
DNF
I wanted to like this but in the end it just came across as forced. The story didn’t draw me in.
I wanted to like this but in the end it just came across as forced. The story didn’t draw me in.
July 5, 2022
Just couldn't get into this!
May 28, 2022
Kristen Luciani hit the nail on the head with this series again! "Killer Kiss" is the first book in the "Ruthless Revenge" trilogy and the second series I have read by her. The first was the "Reckless Reign" trilogy featuring Kyla and Patty's story. This trilogy gives us Massimo and Kristina's story. You must read this trilogy in order, or nothing will make sense.
"Killer Kiss" is a high-impact, high-heat (eyeball sweating) mafia mystery/romance that will keep you guessing until the last word in the final chapter. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how much your heart can handle), Luciani has a way of penning her story arcs where the reader could think they have the mystery figured out. But then another kink or wrench gets thrown into the mix, and there's a whole new mystery to unfold. There were so many times when I was sure I had figured out the story's direction, and then another unknown happened, causing me to rethink everything.
The action for the trilogy starts right away on the first page. The reader eclipses into the story to our sinful bad-boy and main character Massimo, who is getting a frantic phone call from his best friend's sister saying that his best friend, Joey, has been kidnapped. From here, the story doesn't slow down. Massimo has to make a difficult choice that thrusts him back into a life he thought he had left behind - a life where Satan himself is his puppet master, pulling him around like a marionette. Even though he feels hopeless, he meets a woman named Kristina, and Massimo can't wait to get closer to her. She starts to invade his every thought…
"An inexplicable force draws me to her, my fingertips itching with the need to touch. My eyes drink her in, every soft curve from her full breasts to the slope of her hips. Smooth velvety skin, bright eyes that pop against her natural tan, lush, glossy waves that tumble over her shoulders.
Christ, she's gorgeous.
I forget about Savio and Anton and Frank.
I forget my life back in Manhattan.
I forget about everything except my raging hunger for this girl, this stranger whose name I don't even know."
Luciani has a way of eliciting emotions in her writing - like an inhale before a marathon, by adjusting the spacing in her paragraphs - right before a very intense and steamy explosion. She has a way of stringing words together like "raging hunger" and "inexplicable force" that makes them mean so much more. The author truly conveys how Massimo feels about seeing this enigma for the first time when for some unexplainable reason, even nameless, she has implanted in the deepest parts of his soul. He's confused and torn between a feeling that he doesn't quite understand or think he deserves and his duty to his family. I love the way Massimo works through that struggle in these novels and eventually finds common ground with himself.
Something else that Luciani, similar to other authors who also write multi-part trilogies, does as well is pull in past characters and storylines from their previous story arcs. I realize quite a bit of this is about marketing and enticing readers to purchase their other works. However, I love these characters so much and hate to see their stories end - it makes me SO happy to be able to read about their continued lives and interaction with the new characters. We met Massimo in the "Ruthless Revenge" trilogy, where Luciani introduced the reader to this fierce, silent man with dark eyes and an intense need to protect the people he cares about. He was part of Patty Mulligan and Kyla's story, and now they are part of his. The reader gets a view into the lives of past characters and how they have grown into their lives.
Uncle Frank is...probably something I can't write here because Amazon won't allow my review. The author perfectly portrays his scuzzyness and veracity to steer towards himself and his self-interest. I feel a slight recoil every time he comes up. There is a particular scene where Kristina and her sisters are under fire from whoever is trying to kill them, and while Kristina takes it upon herself to shield her sisters from the bullets, Uncle Frank is more worried about his car.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who read and loved the "Reckless Reign" trilogy and anyone who enjoys a good mafia romance. It's dark in the sense that Kristina and Massimo are in a fight for their lives, but the romance aspect isn't dark. It's gritty and hot and so worth it.
Enjoy!
To purchase other books by Kristen Luciani, or to read her bio, visit https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Lucian...
DISCLOSURE: I received an Advanced Reader Copy for free from Hidden Gems. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Killer Kiss" is a high-impact, high-heat (eyeball sweating) mafia mystery/romance that will keep you guessing until the last word in the final chapter. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how much your heart can handle), Luciani has a way of penning her story arcs where the reader could think they have the mystery figured out. But then another kink or wrench gets thrown into the mix, and there's a whole new mystery to unfold. There were so many times when I was sure I had figured out the story's direction, and then another unknown happened, causing me to rethink everything.
The action for the trilogy starts right away on the first page. The reader eclipses into the story to our sinful bad-boy and main character Massimo, who is getting a frantic phone call from his best friend's sister saying that his best friend, Joey, has been kidnapped. From here, the story doesn't slow down. Massimo has to make a difficult choice that thrusts him back into a life he thought he had left behind - a life where Satan himself is his puppet master, pulling him around like a marionette. Even though he feels hopeless, he meets a woman named Kristina, and Massimo can't wait to get closer to her. She starts to invade his every thought…
"An inexplicable force draws me to her, my fingertips itching with the need to touch. My eyes drink her in, every soft curve from her full breasts to the slope of her hips. Smooth velvety skin, bright eyes that pop against her natural tan, lush, glossy waves that tumble over her shoulders.
Christ, she's gorgeous.
I forget about Savio and Anton and Frank.
I forget my life back in Manhattan.
I forget about everything except my raging hunger for this girl, this stranger whose name I don't even know."
Luciani has a way of eliciting emotions in her writing - like an inhale before a marathon, by adjusting the spacing in her paragraphs - right before a very intense and steamy explosion. She has a way of stringing words together like "raging hunger" and "inexplicable force" that makes them mean so much more. The author truly conveys how Massimo feels about seeing this enigma for the first time when for some unexplainable reason, even nameless, she has implanted in the deepest parts of his soul. He's confused and torn between a feeling that he doesn't quite understand or think he deserves and his duty to his family. I love the way Massimo works through that struggle in these novels and eventually finds common ground with himself.
Something else that Luciani, similar to other authors who also write multi-part trilogies, does as well is pull in past characters and storylines from their previous story arcs. I realize quite a bit of this is about marketing and enticing readers to purchase their other works. However, I love these characters so much and hate to see their stories end - it makes me SO happy to be able to read about their continued lives and interaction with the new characters. We met Massimo in the "Ruthless Revenge" trilogy, where Luciani introduced the reader to this fierce, silent man with dark eyes and an intense need to protect the people he cares about. He was part of Patty Mulligan and Kyla's story, and now they are part of his. The reader gets a view into the lives of past characters and how they have grown into their lives.
Uncle Frank is...probably something I can't write here because Amazon won't allow my review. The author perfectly portrays his scuzzyness and veracity to steer towards himself and his self-interest. I feel a slight recoil every time he comes up. There is a particular scene where Kristina and her sisters are under fire from whoever is trying to kill them, and while Kristina takes it upon herself to shield her sisters from the bullets, Uncle Frank is more worried about his car.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who read and loved the "Reckless Reign" trilogy and anyone who enjoys a good mafia romance. It's dark in the sense that Kristina and Massimo are in a fight for their lives, but the romance aspect isn't dark. It's gritty and hot and so worth it.
Enjoy!
To purchase other books by Kristen Luciani, or to read her bio, visit https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Lucian...
DISCLOSURE: I received an Advanced Reader Copy for free from Hidden Gems. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2023
ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝟐 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐨𝐯 (h) always knew she wanted a doctor, but to do she had to distance herself from her family because of what they are involved in. Her father was an active member of the Leota Commision, a crime syndicate in the tri-state area. Since he had enemies, when someone kills her parents, and she inherits everything, she becomes the main target. Now that the Chechen mafia is out for her, the commission attempts to protect her but since she has to take over her father’s share of the syndicate the targets become more frequent. When Savio, introduces 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐨(Last Name ?) (H) as the head of security, he offers his services to protect her family. In reality, Massimo is just there to gain inside information, even if it means betraying Kristina and getting closer to her to do so.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
The banter was good, so I assumed that this book was going to be great but then it flopped. Kristina is a smart girl, but she wasn’t whenever Massimo was around. He lied to her the entire time and he still initiated a “relationship” with her and felt no shame. If he had felt guilt, perhaps he would have told her the truth sooner than later. Kristina had training because of her father, so I wished she would have used it on him because he was an asshole. She didn’t even need him as a bodyguard because he was pretty useless and conveniently never around when something went wrong. They knew each other for a week and she told him she was falling in love with him and he did not reciprocate the sentiment. Frankly, I got second hand embarrassment because I wanted her to realize he wasn’t on her side just yet. He could pretend to have a soft spot for her, but in the end he was just worried about himself. Massimo was a doormat and he pretended to be more powerful than he was because everyone had him on a leash (woof woof)🐶🐾. I don’t care about this series or if he has character development, I am not continuing this because he was that terrible. I wanted to skim every Massimo chapter because he was unlikeable and boring, all he talked about was business. 😴
Kristina and Massimo had no real chemistry, and she deserved better than a doormat like him. He was mediocre at best (not to be harsh), but he was a bland MMC with no backbone. Kristina had plans to be a doctor and was great at analyzing situations, so why couldn’t she figure him out? He is a huge fraud, and nothing that comes from his mouth has real truth to it; I don’t trust him nor care to get to know him in future books. 🫤
*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢
The MMC just needed to do better for himself because he was passive and allowed everyone to walk all over him. I expected more from him, especially with this being a dark romance… there was nothing dark about it. 🥱
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐨𝐯 (h) always knew she wanted a doctor, but to do she had to distance herself from her family because of what they are involved in. Her father was an active member of the Leota Commision, a crime syndicate in the tri-state area. Since he had enemies, when someone kills her parents, and she inherits everything, she becomes the main target. Now that the Chechen mafia is out for her, the commission attempts to protect her but since she has to take over her father’s share of the syndicate the targets become more frequent. When Savio, introduces 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐨(Last Name ?) (H) as the head of security, he offers his services to protect her family. In reality, Massimo is just there to gain inside information, even if it means betraying Kristina and getting closer to her to do so.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
The banter was good, so I assumed that this book was going to be great but then it flopped. Kristina is a smart girl, but she wasn’t whenever Massimo was around. He lied to her the entire time and he still initiated a “relationship” with her and felt no shame. If he had felt guilt, perhaps he would have told her the truth sooner than later. Kristina had training because of her father, so I wished she would have used it on him because he was an asshole. She didn’t even need him as a bodyguard because he was pretty useless and conveniently never around when something went wrong. They knew each other for a week and she told him she was falling in love with him and he did not reciprocate the sentiment. Frankly, I got second hand embarrassment because I wanted her to realize he wasn’t on her side just yet. He could pretend to have a soft spot for her, but in the end he was just worried about himself. Massimo was a doormat and he pretended to be more powerful than he was because everyone had him on a leash (woof woof)🐶🐾. I don’t care about this series or if he has character development, I am not continuing this because he was that terrible. I wanted to skim every Massimo chapter because he was unlikeable and boring, all he talked about was business. 😴
Kristina and Massimo had no real chemistry, and she deserved better than a doormat like him. He was mediocre at best (not to be harsh), but he was a bland MMC with no backbone. Kristina had plans to be a doctor and was great at analyzing situations, so why couldn’t she figure him out? He is a huge fraud, and nothing that comes from his mouth has real truth to it; I don’t trust him nor care to get to know him in future books. 🫤
*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢
The MMC just needed to do better for himself because he was passive and allowed everyone to walk all over him. I expected more from him, especially with this being a dark romance… there was nothing dark about it. 🥱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2022
Killer Kiss is book one in the Ruthless Revenge Trilogy. It's an Age Gap Trope, Forced Marriage, Secret Identity Dark Mafia Romance, and Bratva princess. This is Massimo and Kristina story. Bravta princess Kristina Ivanko and her sisters loss her parents to the life of crime by a rival crime family and now she's the head of the Ivanko crime family. Kristina and her sisters are in danger from the same people who kill her parents because they want her empire. She needs protection and she can think of only one person who can help her to be her bodyguard Massimo. Massimo was task with protecting the beautiful heiress, his mistake was thinking that she was naive and inexperience like her sisters. Massimo wasn't counting on Kristina being so sassy and strong after she had barely escaped that third bullet that was meant for her. He must prove to her that he can be her savior before the truth is revealed that he's the devil.
He became her bodyguard but he harbors a lot of dark secret that could threaten Kristina life even further. They're attracted to each other but she fights him at every turn with distrust, anger, and stubbornness that floods her sexy body fueling everyone of Massimo carnal desires. Massimo and Kristina succumb to their attraction and it was sexplosive and orgasmic. Anton business partner is in search of the truth as well as other nefarious character who wants to see the demise of the Ivanko empire. They are betrayals, lies, deception, secrets, revenge rivalry danger, violence, passion, power struggles, retaliation, murder, bloodshed, doubts, survival, anger, twist and turns and so much more. The story is fast paced captivating and well developed with related characters and a great storyline that captures your interests from the start to end.
I received an advanced copy from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
He became her bodyguard but he harbors a lot of dark secret that could threaten Kristina life even further. They're attracted to each other but she fights him at every turn with distrust, anger, and stubbornness that floods her sexy body fueling everyone of Massimo carnal desires. Massimo and Kristina succumb to their attraction and it was sexplosive and orgasmic. Anton business partner is in search of the truth as well as other nefarious character who wants to see the demise of the Ivanko empire. They are betrayals, lies, deception, secrets, revenge rivalry danger, violence, passion, power struggles, retaliation, murder, bloodshed, doubts, survival, anger, twist and turns and so much more. The story is fast paced captivating and well developed with related characters and a great storyline that captures your interests from the start to end.
I received an advanced copy from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
EXCEPTIONAL
Yes, this ends with a cliffhanger. But WHOA what a story!!! Estrangement, attempted reconciliation, murder, attempted murder, kidnappings, betrayal, all for what. Massimo and Kristina have no clue. Massimo is Kristina's bodyguard after her parents are murdered. He also guards her two younger sisters Sophia and Maria.
I was intrigued by Kristina. Her father's mother was Italian and his father was I believe Russian. Her mother I believe is also Russian. Kristina takes after her Italian grandmother in body frame, olive skin color and attitude; to give comfort to others. While her grandmother used food Kristina was studying to be an MD in trauma/ER. She wanted to help others and with the death of her parents that hope is gone. She must take over her father's mafia legacy.
Death constantly knocks on Kristina's door in this action filled dark mafia story. It is just not a romance but a peek into the lives of people in the Mafia.
Massimo suffered so much abuse when he was younger. His mother abandoned him. his father wanted a clone of himself. Massimo took off at sixteen and made his own family and empire. Now Savio, his father has tricked him back into his mafia and is pulling his strings. Massimo hates him but will suffer to his bidding until he finds a way to get back at the b@stáɼɗ and kill him.j
Massimo and Kristina embark into a sɛxùăʟ relationship. At first it was lust. When the danger ramped up so did the steamy relationship. Except for Kristina it felt more like love. For Massimo he knew he did not want to be without Kristina but he felt unworthy and felt when it was all over he would walk away. (I hope not. But we shall see.)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily and freely leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Yes, this ends with a cliffhanger. But WHOA what a story!!! Estrangement, attempted reconciliation, murder, attempted murder, kidnappings, betrayal, all for what. Massimo and Kristina have no clue. Massimo is Kristina's bodyguard after her parents are murdered. He also guards her two younger sisters Sophia and Maria.
I was intrigued by Kristina. Her father's mother was Italian and his father was I believe Russian. Her mother I believe is also Russian. Kristina takes after her Italian grandmother in body frame, olive skin color and attitude; to give comfort to others. While her grandmother used food Kristina was studying to be an MD in trauma/ER. She wanted to help others and with the death of her parents that hope is gone. She must take over her father's mafia legacy.
Death constantly knocks on Kristina's door in this action filled dark mafia story. It is just not a romance but a peek into the lives of people in the Mafia.
Massimo suffered so much abuse when he was younger. His mother abandoned him. his father wanted a clone of himself. Massimo took off at sixteen and made his own family and empire. Now Savio, his father has tricked him back into his mafia and is pulling his strings. Massimo hates him but will suffer to his bidding until he finds a way to get back at the b@stáɼɗ and kill him.j
Massimo and Kristina embark into a sɛxùăʟ relationship. At first it was lust. When the danger ramped up so did the steamy relationship. Except for Kristina it felt more like love. For Massimo he knew he did not want to be without Kristina but he felt unworthy and felt when it was all over he would walk away. (I hope not. But we shall see.)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily and freely leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
March 6, 2022
Killer Kiss is the first book in the Ruthless Revenge trilogy and the story of Massimo and Kristina. While not required to follow along, I'd suggest reading the Sinfully Savage series and the Reckless Reign series before reading this book. Each book from the previous two series provides insight into the characters and their lives, as well as the backstory of their connection(s).
When he is building his empire and doing well, an unfortunate choice made by Massimo’s best friend puts them both in jeopardy. Because of this, he is led back to someone he left behind to ask for help.
After tragedy strikes, Kristina finds herself as the head of a crime family. Several events lead up to her hiring Massimo to protect her family. Massimo helps Kristina navigate her new life until the walls of their relationship come crumbling down. Will Massimo be able to redeem himself in her eyes and get out alive? Will she be able to survive her enemies inherited by her father? Only time will tell.
I enjoyed this story. The integration of previous characters and the continued world-building was well done. I found myself rooting for Kristina and Massimo and wanted a win for Kristina. Kristina is one of my new favorite heroines of this combined world. From the moment she learned of her ascension, she gave up her life ready to take care of her family. She reminded me of Heaven in that she was a no-nonsense badass who was not afraid to jump in, BUT she knew when to listen and fall back. Massimo was always one of my favorite male characters, so it was nice to read his story finally. I cannot wait to see what happens next for them both.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of BookSprout and the author, Kristen Luciani.
When he is building his empire and doing well, an unfortunate choice made by Massimo’s best friend puts them both in jeopardy. Because of this, he is led back to someone he left behind to ask for help.
After tragedy strikes, Kristina finds herself as the head of a crime family. Several events lead up to her hiring Massimo to protect her family. Massimo helps Kristina navigate her new life until the walls of their relationship come crumbling down. Will Massimo be able to redeem himself in her eyes and get out alive? Will she be able to survive her enemies inherited by her father? Only time will tell.
I enjoyed this story. The integration of previous characters and the continued world-building was well done. I found myself rooting for Kristina and Massimo and wanted a win for Kristina. Kristina is one of my new favorite heroines of this combined world. From the moment she learned of her ascension, she gave up her life ready to take care of her family. She reminded me of Heaven in that she was a no-nonsense badass who was not afraid to jump in, BUT she knew when to listen and fall back. Massimo was always one of my favorite male characters, so it was nice to read his story finally. I cannot wait to see what happens next for them both.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of BookSprout and the author, Kristen Luciani.
March 22, 2022
This was good. I love this mafia world that Kristen has created. Killer Kiss brings us Massimo and Kristina. Two second generation mafia members, one who was blackmailed into it and the other inherited the position. They’re story is intertwined but there are secrets playing against them. They have outside dangers to face but will they face them alone or together? They’ve a lot to lose but so much to gain in this fiery and suspenseful mafia romance.
Finally finished it. I surprisingly had a hard time keeping myself into this book. I usually don’t have this problem but I dont know if I just wasn’t into it right now or something was just off, or both. Aside from that, there were still things that I enjoyed enough to finish the book. The first part being it’s a continuation of a mafia world that I really enjoy reading. It has Patty and Quinn Mulligan who are part of a whole other series and it makes me look forward to possibly seeing more characters from other series’ in the next book. I enjoyed this new side of the mafia princess, being someone who wanted to be outside of the life, and I enjoyed the wonderful sister bond. Like usual, there’s great friendships and sometimes great family bonds in Kristen’s books. I kind of disliked Massimo and Kristina’s relationship, or maybe their initial get together. The connection did just seem as in-depth or as intense as it seems to have been in her other books. They had great steamy scenes, but their relationship just seemed to fall flat in all the other areas. Overall I still really enjoyed it, especially enough to look forward to the next book. Definitely worth a read!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Finally finished it. I surprisingly had a hard time keeping myself into this book. I usually don’t have this problem but I dont know if I just wasn’t into it right now or something was just off, or both. Aside from that, there were still things that I enjoyed enough to finish the book. The first part being it’s a continuation of a mafia world that I really enjoy reading. It has Patty and Quinn Mulligan who are part of a whole other series and it makes me look forward to possibly seeing more characters from other series’ in the next book. I enjoyed this new side of the mafia princess, being someone who wanted to be outside of the life, and I enjoyed the wonderful sister bond. Like usual, there’s great friendships and sometimes great family bonds in Kristen’s books. I kind of disliked Massimo and Kristina’s relationship, or maybe their initial get together. The connection did just seem as in-depth or as intense as it seems to have been in her other books. They had great steamy scenes, but their relationship just seemed to fall flat in all the other areas. Overall I still really enjoyed it, especially enough to look forward to the next book. Definitely worth a read!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
March 7, 2022
Cliffhanger 😖
Killer Kiss is the first book in a new Bratva trilogy that is fast paced, action packed romance that ends with a cliffhanger.
The story starts with a bang, literally, thrusting Kristina into a world that she had been trying to escape. So instead of finishing her medical degree she is now trying to keep her sisters safe and figure out why her parents were killed leaving her running the family business.
Massimo has worked hard to distance himself from his abusive father, establishing his own identity and businesses when he is pulled back in by his father to keep watch on Kristine and report back on any information that might shed light on the reason her parents were killed. His father is establishing control over his life that he has worked hard to avoid by threatening those close to him.
My thoughts: I looked forward to this new book having just finished her Savage series. So I was a bit disappointed in this storyline. The beginning of the book seemed very familiar and predictable. Massimo’s self recriminations became repetitive. Kristina paid little attention in trying to learn her father’s business, which seemed very odd for a mafia/Bratva story. It should have been foremost in her priorities along with keeping her sisters safe.
On the other side, I want to read the next book to see how Massimo delivers revenge on his father and hope that Kristina starts running the business.
Killer Kiss is the first book in a new Bratva trilogy that is fast paced, action packed romance that ends with a cliffhanger.
The story starts with a bang, literally, thrusting Kristina into a world that she had been trying to escape. So instead of finishing her medical degree she is now trying to keep her sisters safe and figure out why her parents were killed leaving her running the family business.
Massimo has worked hard to distance himself from his abusive father, establishing his own identity and businesses when he is pulled back in by his father to keep watch on Kristine and report back on any information that might shed light on the reason her parents were killed. His father is establishing control over his life that he has worked hard to avoid by threatening those close to him.
My thoughts: I looked forward to this new book having just finished her Savage series. So I was a bit disappointed in this storyline. The beginning of the book seemed very familiar and predictable. Massimo’s self recriminations became repetitive. Kristina paid little attention in trying to learn her father’s business, which seemed very odd for a mafia/Bratva story. It should have been foremost in her priorities along with keeping her sisters safe.
On the other side, I want to read the next book to see how Massimo delivers revenge on his father and hope that Kristina starts running the business.
March 8, 2022
HOLY EVER LOVIN' HELL! Kristen Luciani has seriously did my head in with the cliffhanger ending since I don't often see it from her, and I'm dying inside that's for sure. Kristina is a girl determined to become a surgeon, and she's spent her life getting to this point. She learned something about her dad which had her staying away from home for a cool minute because she couldn't handle the fact of some of his actions. She finally comes home & the birthday of her sister ends up in tragedy as she's left to take care of them & her father's empire. Massimo has busted his behind to build his own empire far from his shady AF father, and very few know that he's actually related to this horrible man, but he's been pulled back into that world with threats & blackmail. See, he's been tasked to guard Kristina & her sisters while getting info on her for his father, and you already know this won't end well, especially since Kristina can't stand his father. Kristina & Massimo have a ton of sparks flying so it's not too long before they're setting the furniture on fire, but he's got that horrible secret hanging over his head, and we all know secrets tend to come out. There are twists coming from every direction as someone is trying to take Kristina out because of her being left everything, so I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and now I NEED THE NEXT BOOK! And I believe you'll feel the same after hitting those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
March 3, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Killer Kiss is book one in the Ruthless Revenge Trilogy by Kristen Luciani. This is my first book by this author. I am hooked. Massimo is forced into being security for Kristina and her sisters. This story is wrought with secrets, lies and plots. The story is tight and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Kristina is sidetracked from becoming a doctor when her parents are killed. She has two younger sisters to take care of. Now someone wants them dead as well. Kristina is a firecracker. She is smart and pretty fearless considering everything that is going on.
Massimo is forced into doing things to protect those people he considers his family. Kristina and her sisters are getting closer to him every day. He is full of secrets and conflicted over locking down his emotions and what is growing for Kristina. When they are together, there is plenty of steam.
Killer Kiss does end on a cliffhanger and as part of a trilogy it is expected. This story is ripe with twists that will keep you guessing. I am anxiously awaiting part two.
Killer Kiss is book one in the Ruthless Revenge Trilogy by Kristen Luciani. This is my first book by this author. I am hooked. Massimo is forced into being security for Kristina and her sisters. This story is wrought with secrets, lies and plots. The story is tight and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Kristina is sidetracked from becoming a doctor when her parents are killed. She has two younger sisters to take care of. Now someone wants them dead as well. Kristina is a firecracker. She is smart and pretty fearless considering everything that is going on.
Massimo is forced into doing things to protect those people he considers his family. Kristina and her sisters are getting closer to him every day. He is full of secrets and conflicted over locking down his emotions and what is growing for Kristina. When they are together, there is plenty of steam.
Killer Kiss does end on a cliffhanger and as part of a trilogy it is expected. This story is ripe with twists that will keep you guessing. I am anxiously awaiting part two.
March 5, 2022
Book one in Mas & Kristina's story. The world is familiar, and it is one that I love coming back to time and again.
We met Massimo in Patty and Kyla's story (if you have not read them, you don't have to, to enjoy this, but theirs is a great story too!) and I have been hoping to get more from him. A guy with a huge heart when it comes to the kids in the program, but just enough dark/foreboding edges to make a girl stand up and take notice. Kristina is the oldest of 3 sisters taking med school by storm until the unimaginable happens and her world as she knows it is turned on its axis. These two have an immediate connection that they can't deny no matter how they try.
To say this story is filled with suspense and secrets, danger and deception, lies, lust and loyalty and everything in between is an understatement. There are so many questions running through my head right now, gut feelings I just can't shake, answers I need, all while maneuvering the lethal twists and turns we've come to love from this author. While some things have been revealed, there is still so much more to be sorted, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
We met Massimo in Patty and Kyla's story (if you have not read them, you don't have to, to enjoy this, but theirs is a great story too!) and I have been hoping to get more from him. A guy with a huge heart when it comes to the kids in the program, but just enough dark/foreboding edges to make a girl stand up and take notice. Kristina is the oldest of 3 sisters taking med school by storm until the unimaginable happens and her world as she knows it is turned on its axis. These two have an immediate connection that they can't deny no matter how they try.
To say this story is filled with suspense and secrets, danger and deception, lies, lust and loyalty and everything in between is an understatement. There are so many questions running through my head right now, gut feelings I just can't shake, answers I need, all while maneuvering the lethal twists and turns we've come to love from this author. While some things have been revealed, there is still so much more to be sorted, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
March 2, 2022
Kristen continues to amaze me with her ability to produce such steamy, thrilling romance! Massimo and Kristina’s story begins a new series in which I am ecstatic to continue. As with her recent series, Corrupted Crown, her creativity shines through once again with her skills to completely engage the readers mind.
I absolutely loved the loyalty aspect, mixed with another hot, alpha man (which I was fortunate to meet in Corrupted Crown) and of course, a volatile woman. As with most mafia stories, there’s betrayal, with a dangerously lethal twist that will have you turning the pages searching for answers.
Kristen became a go-to author of mine when needing my usual mafia fix. Her knowledge of this genre is off the charts and definitely appreciated. Her constant deliverance of steamy, lovable characters will contribute to her continued success. Though, as expected, she killed my emotions with that cliffhanger
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved the loyalty aspect, mixed with another hot, alpha man (which I was fortunate to meet in Corrupted Crown) and of course, a volatile woman. As with most mafia stories, there’s betrayal, with a dangerously lethal twist that will have you turning the pages searching for answers.
Kristen became a go-to author of mine when needing my usual mafia fix. Her knowledge of this genre is off the charts and definitely appreciated. Her constant deliverance of steamy, lovable characters will contribute to her continued success. Though, as expected, she killed my emotions with that cliffhanger
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2022
Can someone please tell the author the meaning of the expression, "crocodile tears", and that it shouldn't be used to describe heavy, emotional grieving cries of people who have just lost both of their parents. Thank you.
Also, please tell the author that heartbeat is a singular word, when used as a (compound) noun and there shouldn't be a space between the two words. When written as "heart beat(s)" it tells about a heart beating, which apparently, mine does so in high trepidation as I tried to edit this book as I read it. Such a pain to read, ngl. Props to the author for the dedication, though, and the support of the people who enjoyed this book.
Also, please tell the author that heartbeat is a singular word, when used as a (compound) noun and there shouldn't be a space between the two words. When written as "heart beat(s)" it tells about a heart beating, which apparently, mine does so in high trepidation as I tried to edit this book as I read it. Such a pain to read, ngl. Props to the author for the dedication, though, and the support of the people who enjoyed this book.
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