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Made for the Mafia #2
Ruthless Sinner
Dark, dangerous mafia soldiers like Marco Russo were made men, but luckily for me, they weren’t made for marriage. Which made my job of seducing him so much easier.
It was supposed to be a simple undercover operation. One that required me to work in a strip club in order to get close to Marco and do whatever it took to coax him to spill his family’s secrets. Our attraction was undeniable, so establishing a relationship with him was the easy part. Enticing him to share sensitive information took far more finesse.
But during all those steamy nights we shared I learned enough to take down his family. I also made the stupid mistake of falling for the enemy and now I was going to have to make a choice.
My head or my heart.
My job or my love.
My end or my beginning.
Because once Marco realized who I was and how I’d deceived him, he’d have a choice to make, as well.
To let me live . . . or to kill me to prove his loyalty to his family.
It was supposed to be a simple undercover operation. One that required me to work in a strip club in order to get close to Marco and do whatever it took to coax him to spill his family’s secrets. Our attraction was undeniable, so establishing a relationship with him was the easy part. Enticing him to share sensitive information took far more finesse.
But during all those steamy nights we shared I learned enough to take down his family. I also made the stupid mistake of falling for the enemy and now I was going to have to make a choice.
My head or my heart.
My job or my love.
My end or my beginning.
Because once Marco realized who I was and how I’d deceived him, he’d have a choice to make, as well.
To let me live . . . or to kill me to prove his loyalty to his family.
6 pages, Audible Audio
Published June 29, 2022
181 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Erika Wilde
98 books1,851 followersErika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 10, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Deception/undercover
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Ruthless Sinner is the first book I've read by Erika Wilde and I absolutely loved it! The story is super fast paced with tons of action and twists and contains one of my most favorite tropes: the undercover female cop/FBI agent paired with the mafia man /fan self. Kennedy aka Jewel goes undercover as a stripper to get close to Marco in order to take down his family. The problem, of course, is the closer she gets to Marco, the more she likes him. I absolutely adored Marco. Kind of the goof off of his family, he's the ultimate player that gets sucked in by Kennedy and completely falls for her. Her body, her brain, and the way she builds him up and makes him feel about himself. Super quick read. Do I wish it was a bit longer? Absolutely! But absolutely no hate because despite it being quick, the story and character development are all there so you don't feel like the story cut corners.
Ruthless Sinner is the second book in the Made for the Mafia series by Erika Wilde and can be read as a standalone, but I do wish I read the first book beforehand. It is told in first person, in dual perspective.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Trope: Deception/undercover
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Ruthless Sinner is the first book I've read by Erika Wilde and I absolutely loved it! The story is super fast paced with tons of action and twists and contains one of my most favorite tropes: the undercover female cop/FBI agent paired with the mafia man /fan self. Kennedy aka Jewel goes undercover as a stripper to get close to Marco in order to take down his family. The problem, of course, is the closer she gets to Marco, the more she likes him. I absolutely adored Marco. Kind of the goof off of his family, he's the ultimate player that gets sucked in by Kennedy and completely falls for her. Her body, her brain, and the way she builds him up and makes him feel about himself. Super quick read. Do I wish it was a bit longer? Absolutely! But absolutely no hate because despite it being quick, the story and character development are all there so you don't feel like the story cut corners.
Ruthless Sinner is the second book in the Made for the Mafia series by Erika Wilde and can be read as a standalone, but I do wish I read the first book beforehand. It is told in first person, in dual perspective.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
August 3, 2022
Ruthless Sinner is not working for me. I am expecting more darker mafia romance. Miss Wilde turned what is expected into a circus. The characters, the plot, the conversation is just off.
The plot does not any depth into it. The characters are cold and distant. Their chemistry is foreced and off. Too much Insta lust. In such short time, the heroine is willing to sacrifice herself for the hero. While listening to the audiobook, I do not feel the tingling feeling. Where is that sensual burn? The conversation is more like on streoid. The hero spends most of the story being agitated and angry.
Nope.
2 stars
The plot does not any depth into it. The characters are cold and distant. Their chemistry is foreced and off. Too much Insta lust. In such short time, the heroine is willing to sacrifice herself for the hero. While listening to the audiobook, I do not feel the tingling feeling. Where is that sensual burn? The conversation is more like on streoid. The hero spends most of the story being agitated and angry.
Nope.
2 stars
April 13, 2024
4 solid stars!
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/13/2024)! 🎁
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/13/2024)! 🎁
May 11, 2022
Ruthless Sinner is the second book in the Made for the Mafia series. Introducing Marco Russo, the middle son of a high-ranking mafia family. He has been called and known as many things such as a soldier, playboy, ruthless and loyal to his family. Now let's meet Kennedy Lancaster a.k.a. Jewel. She is intelligent, cunning, brave, a loner and planted to infiltrate and take down the Russo family.
Masquerading as a stripper she catches the eye of Marco. She soon finds herself intertwined in his world. The longer she remains undercover the more she discovers that everything that she held of value may be dirty and deceitful.
This is a tale of forbidden love filled with action, lies, betrayal and amazing chemistry between Marco and Kennedy.
~~Michele McMullen~~
Masquerading as a stripper she catches the eye of Marco. She soon finds herself intertwined in his world. The longer she remains undercover the more she discovers that everything that she held of value may be dirty and deceitful.
This is a tale of forbidden love filled with action, lies, betrayal and amazing chemistry between Marco and Kennedy.
~~Michele McMullen~~
May 10, 2022
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Nook / Apple Books / Kobo / Google Play
Kennedy "Jewel" Lancaster has lead Marco on a merry chase but the time has come for her to give into his obvious interest, and let him have the private dance he wants. He doesn't realize she's not just a stripper, but an undercover FBI agent tasked with uncovering info on him and his family, to take them all down. She figured it would be just a job, but the more time she spends with Marco has her realizing he's more than just a soldier in his family business, he's more than just a playboy. But if her secret ever gets out, she knows what will happen. In this dangerous world, betrayal is not met with forgiveness. When Kennedy has to choose between betraying her agency, or betraying the man she's falling for, which will she choose?
Marco has been drawn to the beauty he first saw on stage since he laid eyes on her. After the first time they give into the simmering tension between them, he realizes he only wants more. He's not sure what's going on with him because wanting more than one time is not his usual way. Falling for her seems highly unlikely, but that's what's happened and he's all in. But when her biggest secret comes to light, will he do things the way his family always does? Or is there a way for them to be together in the face of ruthless families and the government?
This Mafia world Erika has created just keeps getting better! So much suspense and heat and love. Love of family and the kind of love that brings protective men like the the Russos to their knees. Marco is so layered, so much more than just what he portrays on the surface. I loved him and how hard he fell for Kennedy, displayed loyalty even in the light of her betrayal. When he fell, he was all in and I totally understood the decision Kennedy made. I know Dante's story is up next and I can't wait to see how the lawyer's story plays out.
ARC provided by author for an honest review.
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May 10, 2022I knew something was wrong, there was more happening behind the scenes -
Little miss double-crossing Jewel was tasked with acquiring information to assist with the takedown of the family
She was told to use any means necessary to acquire the information
Only her mark - he isn't the easy target everyone thought
Turns out Marco, the meathead muscle is oooohhhh so much
more than anyone gives him credit for.
Now Kennedy aka Jewels must choose between her job and her life
I enjoyed the pace of this. The fire between these two was quick to ignite and burned 🔥 hot from beginning to end.
The drama and suspense were a slow build -
Kept me on edge, flipping pages to see what happened next
There were areas I wish were more drawn out? Detailed?
Greedy I know but devils in the details and all that
Will our young lawyer be the next to fall?
Little miss double-crossing Jewel was tasked with acquiring information to assist with the takedown of the family
She was told to use any means necessary to acquire the information
Only her mark - he isn't the easy target everyone thought
Turns out Marco, the meathead muscle is oooohhhh so much
more than anyone gives him credit for.
Now Kennedy aka Jewels must choose between her job and her life
I enjoyed the pace of this. The fire between these two was quick to ignite and burned 🔥 hot from beginning to end.
The drama and suspense were a slow build -
Kept me on edge, flipping pages to see what happened next
There were areas I wish were more drawn out? Detailed?
Greedy I know but devils in the details and all that
Will our young lawyer be the next to fall?
May 10, 2022
This was a brand-new author for us, and an enjoyable read. Loved the characters. What we really loved the most about this particular story is that it took a nice break from the guts and gore and the darkness these mafia novels have in them, don't get us wrong, love those too but, this story concentrated on the couple making go of a relationship neither saw coming. The story had enough suspense to keep you intrigued, waiting for the ax to fall upped the suspense factor.
Marco was a man in which his vices made him a mark but, as the man whore himself, he met or saw something different in Kennedy, a challenge perhaps or was it the easy camaraderie between them? Love when men like Marco met the one, and they get all out of sorts and shaken up a bit, makes these dangerous men more human like and love seeing a bit of the vulnerability they like to keep under wraps.
Kennedy was the bomb, loved her sense of humor and her clever mind, and loved that she figured out something's about Marco that so many others had missed. Kennedy was playing a dangerous game and her life a ticking time bomb but, boy did she planned to make the most of her time getting down and dirty with the elusive Marco.
Marco and Kennedy's chemistry off the charts, loved their banter and just the small things they did together, some of those situations end up being hotter the hell but, we got the impression these things were new experiences for both of them. We loved them as a couple and were rooting for them.
Overall loved the mystery suspense and characters and the series has me intrigued, would definitely read this author again and plan on catching up on the series.
Marco was a man in which his vices made him a mark but, as the man whore himself, he met or saw something different in Kennedy, a challenge perhaps or was it the easy camaraderie between them? Love when men like Marco met the one, and they get all out of sorts and shaken up a bit, makes these dangerous men more human like and love seeing a bit of the vulnerability they like to keep under wraps.
Kennedy was the bomb, loved her sense of humor and her clever mind, and loved that she figured out something's about Marco that so many others had missed. Kennedy was playing a dangerous game and her life a ticking time bomb but, boy did she planned to make the most of her time getting down and dirty with the elusive Marco.
Marco and Kennedy's chemistry off the charts, loved their banter and just the small things they did together, some of those situations end up being hotter the hell but, we got the impression these things were new experiences for both of them. We loved them as a couple and were rooting for them.
Overall loved the mystery suspense and characters and the series has me intrigued, would definitely read this author again and plan on catching up on the series.
May 5, 2022
These two are really hot and steamy together. The only downside to it was that she was an undercover FBI agent sent in to take him and everyone he loves down. But to get to that point Jewel aka Kennedy had to get close to Marco. What she didn't see coming was his layers that were hidden to the outside world. The more time she spends in his company the more she's falling in love. Soon enough she's not sure which side is the right one, straight and narrow FBI life or her mafia life with Marco.
Marco was such a playboy person to the outside world, but deep down he has depth that he's not letting people to see. But when Kennedy finally gives him the chance and for the first time someone sees him for him and not an extension of his family. When the truth comes out he will stop at nothing to make sure she's safe and in his arms.
This series is getting more and more interesting. But somehow I'm sure that the youngest among the Russo family will be the icing on the cake and I'm here for it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Marco was such a playboy person to the outside world, but deep down he has depth that he's not letting people to see. But when Kennedy finally gives him the chance and for the first time someone sees him for him and not an extension of his family. When the truth comes out he will stop at nothing to make sure she's safe and in his arms.
This series is getting more and more interesting. But somehow I'm sure that the youngest among the Russo family will be the icing on the cake and I'm here for it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
May 13, 2022
I LOVE Erika Wilde's writing so much that I can't even fathom what I did before coming across her talent LOL! Ruthless Sinner is definitely a story with extreme amounts of heat so have the fan at the ready, but that wasn't even my favorite part, nope, it was the suspense that did it for me. See, we have our "goofy" mafia man, Marco, who isn't trusted to do anything important for his powerful family, nope, they made him a soldier instead. Little did anyone know that there's so much more to him than meets the eye. However, he is a ladies man, but he doesn't go to the same place more than once, so when he becomes obsessed with Jewel (aka Kennedy), he can't figure out why it's never enough. They have serious chemistry but little does he know that she's undercover to take down his family so there's more to her than meets the eye. Seriously, this type of lying made me super anxious since it's a betrayal that won't be tolerated whatsoever. Of course there's also that whole point of her getting too attached since it won't be tolerated in her world either. To see how it all plays out, you'll have to hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 13, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely fantastic book to read, this story sucked me in from the start. The twist and turns in this Mafia story all the action, suspense, secrets, violence, betrayal, lies, truth, rivalry, jealousy, happiness, passion, lust and love, the love for family. Russo family are a dangerous Mafia family and Marco has loose lips so the FBI sent in an undercover agent to get Intel on the Russo family, so they ended up sending FBI agent Kennedy she was sent in as a stripper Marco loves the strippers he only has them for one to two nights then moves on can Kennedy interest him more than two nights to get the information the FBI need. I loved reading this story and would recommend buying the book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely fantastic book to read, this story sucked me in from the start. The twist and turns in this Mafia story all the action, suspense, secrets, violence, betrayal, lies, truth, rivalry, jealousy, happiness, passion, lust and love, the love for family. Russo family are a dangerous Mafia family and Marco has loose lips so the FBI sent in an undercover agent to get Intel on the Russo family, so they ended up sending FBI agent Kennedy she was sent in as a stripper Marco loves the strippers he only has them for one to two nights then moves on can Kennedy interest him more than two nights to get the information the FBI need. I loved reading this story and would recommend buying the book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
Ruthless Sinner by Erika Wilde is book Two in the Made for the Mafia Series. This is the story of Marco Russo and Kennedy Lancaster "Jewel". Marco is the middle son and solider in the Russo Crime Family. In addition he is a playboy that loves the chase but the excitement ends when he catches the lady. But at the strip club their is a new Stripper named Jewel who has caught his eye. Jewel leads him on such a chase but things are different now he has 'caught' her. Kennedy is a undercover FBI agent playing the part of a stripper to get information on the Russo family. Kennedy is out to use Marco for this information but the more she is around him the harder it is to deceive him. Enjoyed this book and loving the series.
May 11, 2022
Marco was the middle child of the Russo mafia family and the wild one. He never stayed with a woman long, they always bored him. Once he put eyes on Jewel/Kennedy at the strip club, he wanted her. I felt bad for Kennedy that both her parents were dead and she had no family or friends. Plus she was working undercover for the FBI to take down the Russo’s through Marco. I loved that Kennedy saw the real Marco and built him up. It was crazy wanting the fed to stay with the mafia guy. I really didn’t like her boss who didn’t seem to have a caring bone in his body. I liked how Kennedy stood up for Marco with his brother and father. That was a calculated risk with a mafia family! It got really suspenseful at the end. If you like mafia stories with suspense and a lot of bedroom scenes, you will want to read this book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
May 6, 2022
Ruthless Sinner is Book 2 in the Made for the Mafia Series by Erika Wilde. I really enjoyed book one and was very excited for book 2.
This is the steamy story of Jewel aka Kennedy and Marco. These two are fire on the page. They connection and chemistry between this is so good and well done. But there is a down side. Kennedy/Jewel is a undercover FBD agent send to turn Marco against his family and take down the family.
I am really enjoying this series. I am a huge fan of the author and can not wait for the next in series. While I think this book can be read as a standalone you do miss some small nuances and previous character dynamics. I think this is a series best read in order.
Full review at https://Bookcaseandcoffee.com
This is the steamy story of Jewel aka Kennedy and Marco. These two are fire on the page. They connection and chemistry between this is so good and well done. But there is a down side. Kennedy/Jewel is a undercover FBD agent send to turn Marco against his family and take down the family.
I am really enjoying this series. I am a huge fan of the author and can not wait for the next in series. While I think this book can be read as a standalone you do miss some small nuances and previous character dynamics. I think this is a series best read in order.
Full review at https://Bookcaseandcoffee.com
May 8, 2022
Made for the Mafia😍
Ruthless Sinner is the second book in the Made for Mafia series and features Marco, the Russo playboy and Kennedy, local stripper or better known as Special Agent Lancaster😳
Kennedy has been sent undercover to gather information about the Russo family by seducing Marco, who is known to reveal secrets to his partners in bed😬 Unfortunately, neither accounts for the fact that their attraction is possibly more than lust and real feelings soon intrude…now Kennedy has to decide what her next step is after she goes to the Russo wedding with Marco🤭
A great story which I loved and I also really enjoyed getting to know Marco and discovering more about Kennedy, they really are the perfect couple together with an intriguing story of how it all began for them❣️I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
Ruthless Sinner is the second book in the Made for Mafia series and features Marco, the Russo playboy and Kennedy, local stripper or better known as Special Agent Lancaster😳
Kennedy has been sent undercover to gather information about the Russo family by seducing Marco, who is known to reveal secrets to his partners in bed😬 Unfortunately, neither accounts for the fact that their attraction is possibly more than lust and real feelings soon intrude…now Kennedy has to decide what her next step is after she goes to the Russo wedding with Marco🤭
A great story which I loved and I also really enjoyed getting to know Marco and discovering more about Kennedy, they really are the perfect couple together with an intriguing story of how it all began for them❣️I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
May 11, 2022
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout 4.5 stars
Ruthless Sinner is book 2 in Made for Mafia series by Erika Wilde with lots of chemistry, secrets, suspense, undercover agent and so much more.
Up next is Marco Russo, middle son, loyal, doesn’t make trouble, womanizer who enjoys the chase, and wants Jewel. Jewel (Kennedy Lancaster) is an FBI undercover agent who has been planted to take down his family.
Ruthless Sinner is book 2 in Made for Mafia series by Erika Wilde with lots of chemistry, secrets, suspense, undercover agent and so much more.
Up next is Marco Russo, middle son, loyal, doesn’t make trouble, womanizer who enjoys the chase, and wants Jewel. Jewel (Kennedy Lancaster) is an FBI undercover agent who has been planted to take down his family.
May 4, 2022
When undercover FBI agent Kennedy finally has a chance at mafia bad Marco, she finds he is not at all what she expected. And she is definitely not prepared for the heat that is between them!
I read mafia romances all the time, and this definitely has made it into my top 10! Had four out of five chili peppers for spice, but that doesn’t overshadow the chair gripping suspense in this novel.
This is my first book by this author, and I immediately downloaded the first book in this series to read Vincent and Marla’s story!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mafia romance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read mafia romances all the time, and this definitely has made it into my top 10! Had four out of five chili peppers for spice, but that doesn’t overshadow the chair gripping suspense in this novel.
This is my first book by this author, and I immediately downloaded the first book in this series to read Vincent and Marla’s story!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mafia romance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
Kennedy and Marco were fire and loved the chemistry between them. The story is intense, real, raw, and so sexy. I was sucked in from the beginning and I don't think I blinked once.
October 16, 2023
2.5 🤷🏻♀️
October 6, 2024
3⭐️ (Audiobook)
April 21, 2024
4 Solid Stars
It was good, not great, I guess for me everything happened too fast and oddly would have liked a bit more of a build-up and for goodness sakes...when you are giving the milk away for practically free so quick...ehhhhhh for me just not a turn on. I did enjoy all of the characters but their storyline, for me, could have been far better for my personal liking. That's just me lol
It was good, not great, I guess for me everything happened too fast and oddly would have liked a bit more of a build-up and for goodness sakes...when you are giving the milk away for practically free so quick...ehhhhhh for me just not a turn on. I did enjoy all of the characters but their storyline, for me, could have been far better for my personal liking. That's just me lol
May 15, 2022
RUTHLESS SINNER is the second instalment in Erika Wilde’s contemporary, adult MADE FOR THE MAFIA erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-three year old, Mafia soldier Marco Russo , and undercover FBI agent Kennedy ‘Jewel’ Lancaster’s story line. RUTHLESS SINNER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as the characters make references to previous events.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Marco and Kennedy) RUTHLESS SINNER follows the building relationship between thirty-three year old, Mafia soldier Marco Russo , and undercover FBI agent Kennedy ‘Jewel’ Lancaster. Kennedy Lancaster is a rookie FBI agent, working undercover as a stripper at the Mafia run nightclub The Cozy Bunny. Her assignment-to get up close and personal with Marco Russo, the second born son of the Russo Crime family, in an effort to ferret out information to feed to the local DA but all does not go according to plan as Kennedy finds herself falling for her mark, a man who is considered a manwh*re and write off to the Russo family. Marco Russo has lusted after ‘Jewel’ since the first night he saw her but Marco never expected to fall for the beautiful and intelligent woman who is currently working at The Cozy Bunny club. Marco is not respected or well liked by his father or his brother Vincent, and in this, he is desperate to prove he is worthy of respect, love and his own happily ever after but when Marco’s latest job places a target on ‘Jewel’s back, Marco quickly discovers that his family considers ‘Jewel’ the price of doing business. What ensues is the building relationship between Kennedy aka Jewel and Marco Russo, and the fall-out as betrayal and power threaten the life of the woman Marco loves.
Kennedy Lancaster was only doing her job but apparently she wasn’t getting the information the FBI or the DA needed. Left to the proverbial wolves, Kennedy discovers that something is wrong, when the people in charge refuses to protect our story line heroine. Marco Russo struggles in the face of his family’s determination to push him down but losing Kennedy means more than the acceptance of the people in charade.
The relationship between Kennedy and Marco is one of instant attraction but an attraction predicated upon a lie. Marco is a means to an end for our story line heroine but Kennedy never considered a jump to the dark side until the line between light and dark became blurry and indistinct. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.
The secondary and supporting characters include Kennedy’s handler FBI Agent Johnson, as well as the return of Marco’s brothers: Vincent Russo and Marlo Preston (Heartless Sinner 1), and Dante Russo, as well as their father Antonio Russo.
RUTHLESS SINNER is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and love. The fast paced premise is riveting and entertaining; the romance is provocative and steamy; the characters are energetic, charismatic and impassioned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Marco and Kennedy) RUTHLESS SINNER follows the building relationship between thirty-three year old, Mafia soldier Marco Russo , and undercover FBI agent Kennedy ‘Jewel’ Lancaster. Kennedy Lancaster is a rookie FBI agent, working undercover as a stripper at the Mafia run nightclub The Cozy Bunny. Her assignment-to get up close and personal with Marco Russo, the second born son of the Russo Crime family, in an effort to ferret out information to feed to the local DA but all does not go according to plan as Kennedy finds herself falling for her mark, a man who is considered a manwh*re and write off to the Russo family. Marco Russo has lusted after ‘Jewel’ since the first night he saw her but Marco never expected to fall for the beautiful and intelligent woman who is currently working at The Cozy Bunny club. Marco is not respected or well liked by his father or his brother Vincent, and in this, he is desperate to prove he is worthy of respect, love and his own happily ever after but when Marco’s latest job places a target on ‘Jewel’s back, Marco quickly discovers that his family considers ‘Jewel’ the price of doing business. What ensues is the building relationship between Kennedy aka Jewel and Marco Russo, and the fall-out as betrayal and power threaten the life of the woman Marco loves.
Kennedy Lancaster was only doing her job but apparently she wasn’t getting the information the FBI or the DA needed. Left to the proverbial wolves, Kennedy discovers that something is wrong, when the people in charge refuses to protect our story line heroine. Marco Russo struggles in the face of his family’s determination to push him down but losing Kennedy means more than the acceptance of the people in charade.
The relationship between Kennedy and Marco is one of instant attraction but an attraction predicated upon a lie. Marco is a means to an end for our story line heroine but Kennedy never considered a jump to the dark side until the line between light and dark became blurry and indistinct. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.
The secondary and supporting characters include Kennedy’s handler FBI Agent Johnson, as well as the return of Marco’s brothers: Vincent Russo and Marlo Preston (Heartless Sinner 1), and Dante Russo, as well as their father Antonio Russo.
RUTHLESS SINNER is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and love. The fast paced premise is riveting and entertaining; the romance is provocative and steamy; the characters are energetic, charismatic and impassioned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 12, 2022
When I started reading Ruthless Sinner I will say I did not care for it. And I think the reason I didn't care for it in the beginning was that I just didn't know how it was going to work out with Kennedy being an undercover FBI agent and Marco being the second son of a mafia Don. I just wasn't seeing how it would turn out between them with such a huge obstacle between them. But as I read on I saw that Kennedy and Marco were somehow building a real relationship despite the secrets and lies, so I began to root for them. Though I will say I was very conflicted as to whether I wanted Marco to turn his back on his family and become a mole for Kennedy or if I wanted Kennedy to become a dirty cop for Marco.
When Kennedy "Jewel" Lancaster joined the FBI she didn't expect to be assigned to go undercover so quickly, and she certainly didn't expect her handler to ask her to whatever it takes to get the job done. With that pressure on her she goes undercover as Jewel, a new dancer at a strip club that Marco Russo, the son of the local Don, frequents. From what the FBI has gathered Marco is the family idiot and has a loose tongue after hooking up with different women at the club. But as soon as Kennedy catches his eye and the undercover work truly begins she soon realizes that he isn't as dumb as he pretends to be, he's actually quite smart and he prefers to be underestimated by everyone, even his family. But soon Marco wants her to be his girlfriend and her job gets infinitely harder because she starts to wants all the lies between them to be real...
Marco Russo is used to being thought of an idiot and just a low level soldier to his family and everyone around him, he prefers it that way. But when he meets Jewel he knows he wants to make her his, so much so that he soon is asking her to only dance at the club from now on, no more side hustle and when she tells him her real name, Kennedy, he feels like they might be building something real between them. He's willing to go against his father in order for Kennedy to be his forever, he just needs to convince Kennedy to let him in completely and for her to trust him with all her secrets first...
When Kennedy "Jewel" Lancaster joined the FBI she didn't expect to be assigned to go undercover so quickly, and she certainly didn't expect her handler to ask her to whatever it takes to get the job done. With that pressure on her she goes undercover as Jewel, a new dancer at a strip club that Marco Russo, the son of the local Don, frequents. From what the FBI has gathered Marco is the family idiot and has a loose tongue after hooking up with different women at the club. But as soon as Kennedy catches his eye and the undercover work truly begins she soon realizes that he isn't as dumb as he pretends to be, he's actually quite smart and he prefers to be underestimated by everyone, even his family. But soon Marco wants her to be his girlfriend and her job gets infinitely harder because she starts to wants all the lies between them to be real...
Marco Russo is used to being thought of an idiot and just a low level soldier to his family and everyone around him, he prefers it that way. But when he meets Jewel he knows he wants to make her his, so much so that he soon is asking her to only dance at the club from now on, no more side hustle and when she tells him her real name, Kennedy, he feels like they might be building something real between them. He's willing to go against his father in order for Kennedy to be his forever, he just needs to convince Kennedy to let him in completely and for her to trust him with all her secrets first...
May 18, 2022
My first Erika Wilde book is a forbidden romance between an undercover FBI agent and a Mafia soldier. It definitely sounds like a recipe for disaster, but love is a funny thing.
Marco Russo is the irresponsible one in the Russo family so he has been given the role of mafioso soldier. It's a bit of an insult, but he's a rebel who performs his job with precision and deadly intention. Marco is also a playboy who owns a strip club. Having women at his disposal is a plus though he doesn't keep them around for long. Enter the exquisite and self-assured Jewel who is not bothered by his 24/7 job and his late-night duties. A woman who is going to break all his rules.
FBI Special Agent Kennedy "Jewel" Lancaster is on assignment to bring the Russo's down. Going undercover as a stripper at Marco Russo's strip club wasn't her favorite mission, but rookies like her don't have much of a choice. Pretending interest in Marco is a conflict of interest and desires. Luring him into a false sense of security to spill his family secrets is her job, but she is drawn to the complex and vulnerable man who is misunderstood by his family. Will she stay loyal to the man she loves or give him up?
As Kennedy finds herself intertwined in Marco's world she discovers that good and bad are not always what they seem. She is smart, brave, and alone in a world where she needs to stay true to herself and make a life-or-death decision that changes everything. Her courage and loyalty to a man who could have walked away are badass and I'm glad he saw it that way. Marco is loyal to his mafioso family though he has been relegated to a soldier due to his recklessness and pillow talk. However, it's Kennedy who shows him how valuable he is to his family and she sticks up for him as well. Something he has never experienced from anyone. Marco and Kennedy's love story seems bleak, but they come through for each other.
If you like fast-paced forbidden mafia romances with well-developed characters, give this book a try. I certainly plan to keep reading this series.
Thank you to Ms. Wilde for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Marco Russo is the irresponsible one in the Russo family so he has been given the role of mafioso soldier. It's a bit of an insult, but he's a rebel who performs his job with precision and deadly intention. Marco is also a playboy who owns a strip club. Having women at his disposal is a plus though he doesn't keep them around for long. Enter the exquisite and self-assured Jewel who is not bothered by his 24/7 job and his late-night duties. A woman who is going to break all his rules.
FBI Special Agent Kennedy "Jewel" Lancaster is on assignment to bring the Russo's down. Going undercover as a stripper at Marco Russo's strip club wasn't her favorite mission, but rookies like her don't have much of a choice. Pretending interest in Marco is a conflict of interest and desires. Luring him into a false sense of security to spill his family secrets is her job, but she is drawn to the complex and vulnerable man who is misunderstood by his family. Will she stay loyal to the man she loves or give him up?
As Kennedy finds herself intertwined in Marco's world she discovers that good and bad are not always what they seem. She is smart, brave, and alone in a world where she needs to stay true to herself and make a life-or-death decision that changes everything. Her courage and loyalty to a man who could have walked away are badass and I'm glad he saw it that way. Marco is loyal to his mafioso family though he has been relegated to a soldier due to his recklessness and pillow talk. However, it's Kennedy who shows him how valuable he is to his family and she sticks up for him as well. Something he has never experienced from anyone. Marco and Kennedy's love story seems bleak, but they come through for each other.
If you like fast-paced forbidden mafia romances with well-developed characters, give this book a try. I certainly plan to keep reading this series.
Thank you to Ms. Wilde for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
May 9, 2022
*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
Marco Russo is the middle son, a loyal soldier for the Russo Crime Family, does what he’s told, tries not to make trouble. He loves women but he loves the chase more. Once he’s caught one, they enjoy their time together for a short while until someone new catches his eye. That new someone is a dancer at the local strip club named Jewel.
What he doesn’t know if that Jewel’s real name is Kennedy Lancaster, an undercover FBI Agent planted in the club to get close to Marco, so she can help take his family down. After a few weeks of playing hard to get, “Jewel” makes her move and hooks her bait. From their first encounter, Marco and “Jewel” are hot together.
Kennedy knows that she’s playing a dangerous game, because if she’s caught, she knows nothing good can come from it. But the more time she spends with Marco, the more she knows he’s more than meets the eye. Which leads to the inevitable… she starts to fall for him. Surprisingly, Marco’s starting to feel the same way and invites her to his older brother, Vincent’s wedding.
This is where things go sideways, but I’m not here to spoil anything more. As I said in my review for Heartless Sinner, the first book in this series, I haven’t read many mafia stories, but I’m really enjoying these. Erika Wilde knows how to bring the steam, spice and all things electric in her couples. Can’t wait to see what she has brewing for the youngest son in the next book.
Marco Russo is the middle son, a loyal soldier for the Russo Crime Family, does what he’s told, tries not to make trouble. He loves women but he loves the chase more. Once he’s caught one, they enjoy their time together for a short while until someone new catches his eye. That new someone is a dancer at the local strip club named Jewel.
What he doesn’t know if that Jewel’s real name is Kennedy Lancaster, an undercover FBI Agent planted in the club to get close to Marco, so she can help take his family down. After a few weeks of playing hard to get, “Jewel” makes her move and hooks her bait. From their first encounter, Marco and “Jewel” are hot together.
Kennedy knows that she’s playing a dangerous game, because if she’s caught, she knows nothing good can come from it. But the more time she spends with Marco, the more she knows he’s more than meets the eye. Which leads to the inevitable… she starts to fall for him. Surprisingly, Marco’s starting to feel the same way and invites her to his older brother, Vincent’s wedding.
This is where things go sideways, but I’m not here to spoil anything more. As I said in my review for Heartless Sinner, the first book in this series, I haven’t read many mafia stories, but I’m really enjoying these. Erika Wilde knows how to bring the steam, spice and all things electric in her couples. Can’t wait to see what she has brewing for the youngest son in the next book.
May 8, 2022
This is book two in q Made For The Mafia Series and it is Marco and Kennedy's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Marco is a mafia son and he didn't do relationships or commitments but he did love the thrill of the chase when it came to women and he could also get any woman that he wanted but the type of job that he did meant he was on call twenty four hours and he loved the adrenaline rush that came with it but at the moment he had his eyes on Jewel who was a stripper and she was different from the usual ones but he was determined to get her how ever long it took. Kennedy is a FBI federal agent and undercover at the club as Jewel so that she could get on Marco's radar so that she could get the information needed to take down and infiltrate the Russo family but what she hadn't counted on was the strong attraction and intense chemistry between Marco and Kennedy but she still had a job to do before she could walk away and hopefully not get caught. There are twists and turns along with betrayal, anger, kidnapping, hope, love and some very difficult and emotional situations that had me in tears. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner and so addictive that it kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what the outcome would be for them all and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
May 9, 2022
4.5 stars
This book kept me on my freaking toes at all times! This is the 2nd book in the series and focuses on Marco and Kenneday (aka Jewel).
Marco is in he mafia and is well known as a playboy and to never go back for seconds. He is a whirlwind in bed and leaves women wanting more. Most of the women I speak of work at the local mafia strip club. That is where he sets his sights on Jewel a newer dancer that he has been watching for weeks. He is starting to become slightly obsessed with her and is determined to get her in his bed at all costs.
Jewel is Kennedy - an undercover FBI agent that has been sent into this evil den of lust as a stripper and is told to "do whatever it takes" to get into his close circle. So Kennedy does exactly that!!! But it wasnt done lightly. Normally she would never fall into marks beds but there is something about Marco that is like drawing a moth to a flame.
I dont want to give up too much about their steaming interludes but lets just say that not everything about the mafia is what it seems and Kennedy finds out that the FBI has other things in mind for her. Now its up to Marco and Kennedy to take the information they have found out and decide what to do with it. Both of their lives depend on it.
This was a great book, quick read with some super steamy scenes. The two characters attraction was smoking and you could feel their chemistry. Definitely recommend!!
May 4, 2022
Ruthless Sinner is a mafia romance but with a little bit of a twist. I liked that it wasn't similar to a lot of mafia books I have read. Jewel is a dancer in a strip club strictly visited by made men, but that is really just her cover. In real life, she is Kennedy, an FBI agent who is working to gain information about Marco and his family.
Marco is a soldier for his mafia family. He does what he is told and when when it comes to work, but for fun, he likes to visit the Cozy Bunny. While no one can usually keep his attention for too long, there is just something about Jewel that is different.
This was my first book by this author. The story line was intriguing and the book was well written. I liked both Kennedy and Marco as the main characters and enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and as their relationship progressed. I enjoyed reading as Marco became more and more enamored and protective of Kennedy and as he opened himself up to her. They very much complemented each other. I did find a little bit of the book regarding the Russians and Chinese confusing or not explained well enough, but it is possible I may have just missed something along the way. Overall it was a very engaging read and I look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series as well as continuing with the next book in the series.
Marco is a soldier for his mafia family. He does what he is told and when when it comes to work, but for fun, he likes to visit the Cozy Bunny. While no one can usually keep his attention for too long, there is just something about Jewel that is different.
This was my first book by this author. The story line was intriguing and the book was well written. I liked both Kennedy and Marco as the main characters and enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and as their relationship progressed. I enjoyed reading as Marco became more and more enamored and protective of Kennedy and as he opened himself up to her. They very much complemented each other. I did find a little bit of the book regarding the Russians and Chinese confusing or not explained well enough, but it is possible I may have just missed something along the way. Overall it was a very engaging read and I look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series as well as continuing with the next book in the series.
May 9, 2022
Feels 2
Storyline 4.5
Steam 3.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This book kept me on my freaking toes at all times! This is the second book in the series and focuses on Marco and Kennedy (AKA Jewel). Marco is a mafia playboy who never goes back for seconds. He is a whirlwind in bed and leaves women wanting more. Most of the women work at the local mafia strip club. He sets his sights on Jewel, a dancer that he's been watching for weeks. He becomes slightly obsessed with her and determined to get her in his bed at all costs.
Jewel is Kennedy...an undercover FBI agent that has been sent into this evil den of lust as a stripper and told to "do whatever it takes" to get into his close circle. Kennedy does exactly that! Normally she would never fall into a mark's beds but there is something about Marco. Like a moth drawn to a flame. I don't want to give up too much about their steamy interludes but let's just say that not everything about the mafia is what it seems. It's up to Marco and Kennedy to take the information they have found and decide what to do with it. Both of their lives depend on it. This was a great book. A quick read with some super steamy scenes. The two characters' attraction was smoking and you could feel their chemistry. Definitely recommend!
Storyline 4.5
Steam 3.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This book kept me on my freaking toes at all times! This is the second book in the series and focuses on Marco and Kennedy (AKA Jewel). Marco is a mafia playboy who never goes back for seconds. He is a whirlwind in bed and leaves women wanting more. Most of the women work at the local mafia strip club. He sets his sights on Jewel, a dancer that he's been watching for weeks. He becomes slightly obsessed with her and determined to get her in his bed at all costs.
Jewel is Kennedy...an undercover FBI agent that has been sent into this evil den of lust as a stripper and told to "do whatever it takes" to get into his close circle. Kennedy does exactly that! Normally she would never fall into a mark's beds but there is something about Marco. Like a moth drawn to a flame. I don't want to give up too much about their steamy interludes but let's just say that not everything about the mafia is what it seems. It's up to Marco and Kennedy to take the information they have found and decide what to do with it. Both of their lives depend on it. This was a great book. A quick read with some super steamy scenes. The two characters' attraction was smoking and you could feel their chemistry. Definitely recommend!
May 18, 2022
I could not put down Vincent and Marla’s amazing story Ruthless Sinner by Erika Wilde, book two in the Made for the Mafia series; a hot story about mafia family members. Marco Russo, the middle son in the Russo crime family, has been called and known as many things: soldier, playboy, ruthless and loyal to his family. Marco is a playboy who loves the chase, but the excitement ends once he catches the lady. Kennedy Lancaster, a.k.a. Jewel, is an intelligent, brave, loner who is an undercover FBI agent playing the part of a stripper in order to get information to take down the Russo family. Masquerading as a stripper she catches the eye of Marco. It didn’t take long for her to find herself involved in his world. The longer she is undercover the more she discovers that everything that she held of value may be dirty and deceitful.
Ms. Wilde wrote an amazing, sizzling story; filled with off the chart sizzling chemistry, magnetic attraction, and intense situations that should not be missed. This story does deal with violence, forbidden love, filled with action, lies, betrayal and amazing chemistry, before Marco and Kennedy find a true, trusting, and loving relationship. I highly recommend Ruthless Sinner to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Wilde wrote an amazing, sizzling story; filled with off the chart sizzling chemistry, magnetic attraction, and intense situations that should not be missed. This story does deal with violence, forbidden love, filled with action, lies, betrayal and amazing chemistry, before Marco and Kennedy find a true, trusting, and loving relationship. I highly recommend Ruthless Sinner to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 4, 2025
“My wolf”
Wow….i never saw that ending coming….i wondered how Kennedy would be accepted into the Russo family when her cover was blown…but never imagined that.
Marco was the playboy of the family. He didn’t really have responsibility since he was a “soldier” for the family and he loved to indulge in women..until Jewel…Kennedy…
Kennedy was an undercover FBI agent used to take the Russo family down. After 2 brothers go “missing” from a lower shelf family, the FBI was blood thirsty to put away the Russo family on anything…but murder being the main charge.
Marco fell hard…Kennedy was an itch he couldn’t scratch enough. Kennedy was torn between her devotion to her job and her growing love for Marco. When everything is laid out at the end, it showed that only a mafia family was honorable and loyal in taking care of their people. Marco finally got the chance to show that he was loyal to his family and to his woman.
The only negative I have about the book is the word “shivered” it was used so much and to me, shivering is scared..not attraction…and when it’s used more than once in ONE sentence…it’s just too much. But that’s a “me” thing. Otherwise, I’m loving this series!
Wow….i never saw that ending coming….i wondered how Kennedy would be accepted into the Russo family when her cover was blown…but never imagined that.
Marco was the playboy of the family. He didn’t really have responsibility since he was a “soldier” for the family and he loved to indulge in women..until Jewel…Kennedy…
Kennedy was an undercover FBI agent used to take the Russo family down. After 2 brothers go “missing” from a lower shelf family, the FBI was blood thirsty to put away the Russo family on anything…but murder being the main charge.
Marco fell hard…Kennedy was an itch he couldn’t scratch enough. Kennedy was torn between her devotion to her job and her growing love for Marco. When everything is laid out at the end, it showed that only a mafia family was honorable and loyal in taking care of their people. Marco finally got the chance to show that he was loyal to his family and to his woman.
The only negative I have about the book is the word “shivered” it was used so much and to me, shivering is scared..not attraction…and when it’s used more than once in ONE sentence…it’s just too much. But that’s a “me” thing. Otherwise, I’m loving this series!
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