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Gallo Famiglia Series #1
Ruthless Arrangement
All I want is my freedom. He’s out for vengeance.
My life has been plagued by never ending pain and suffering.
He’s fueled by anger and hate.
Elio Gallo is the underboss to the famiglia.
He’s determined to knock down my walls and shatter me.
Marrying him was the only chance I had to survive.
Being his wife just may be my breaking point.
When an enemy rears their head. My life crumbles around me.
As danger starts to close in, the darkness surrounds me.
Can the mafia man let go of his thirst for revenge to save me?
My life has been plagued by never ending pain and suffering.
He’s fueled by anger and hate.
Elio Gallo is the underboss to the famiglia.
He’s determined to knock down my walls and shatter me.
Marrying him was the only chance I had to survive.
Being his wife just may be my breaking point.
When an enemy rears their head. My life crumbles around me.
As danger starts to close in, the darkness surrounds me.
Can the mafia man let go of his thirst for revenge to save me?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2023
343 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Summers
56 books703 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Summers is a Mafia Romance author and is best known for her Made Series.
Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.
Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.
Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
June 20, 2025
A serious lack of trigger warnings. If the author wants to write dark, fine, but give a freaking head's up.
Just too much rape/gang bang rape as well as flashback rape in graphic detail for me. I don't need to read the extent of what orifice is raped and how the bad guys humiliate and debase the heroine. I could have spared the author a 1 star if I had known. Ironically, while the author has no problem describing the pain the heroine goes through, I don't recall much written about the death of the bad guys. Now they deserved a painful death.
A revenge marriage is one thing, but the H emotionally abuses the heroine, and the author uses good sex as a means of therapy. I have a hard time buying that a young girl that was gang raped and tied to a pole for years is going to enjoy sex the first time she has "real sex" no matter how magical the hero's penis is.
Just too much rape/gang bang rape as well as flashback rape in graphic detail for me. I don't need to read the extent of what orifice is raped and how the bad guys humiliate and debase the heroine. I could have spared the author a 1 star if I had known. Ironically, while the author has no problem describing the pain the heroine goes through, I don't recall much written about the death of the bad guys. Now they deserved a painful death.
A revenge marriage is one thing, but the H emotionally abuses the heroine, and the author uses good sex as a means of therapy. I have a hard time buying that a young girl that was gang raped and tied to a pole for years is going to enjoy sex the first time she has "real sex" no matter how magical the hero's penis is.
May 25, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: Forced marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥.5
Teagan Mitchell has lived a devastatingly tragic life and just can't seem to catch a break. Used and abused by the people who should have taken care of her, she manages to escape her hell only to be used as a pawn in a game of revenge. Elio never had the chance to exact revenge on the man that beat and physically scarred him because someone else stole his chance for vengeance. Instead, Elio's going to settle on forcing that man's daughter into a loveless marriage, because surely she knew what her father was doing. Elio never counts on the Teagan's truth and the profound way it will hit him when it all comes out. Elio can own his mistakes, but is everything too far gone for them to move forward together?
Such a fabulous start to the series! This is a dark and intense storyline that's filled with physical and emotional pain and abuse, but ends in triumph for both characters. I would definitely read and heed the trigger warnings if you are a sensitive reader. Elio is definitely a flawed hero that has been shaped by his own trauma and isn't handling it in the best of ways. He is definitely not nice to Teagan before he learns the truth, but owns up to his mistakes and does whatever it takes moving forward. Teagan is definitely the epitome of a broken heroine and her journey toward finding her own strength is moving. I liked how Brooke took her time with their relationship development and didn't rush things. Definitely appropriate given the circumstances. Super excited to see where Brooke goes next in this series!
Ruthless Arrangement is the first book in the Gallo Famiglia and is a standalone told in the first person, from dual perspectives. It would best be enjoyed when read after Brooke's other series: Made and Fury Vipers MC since multiple other characters show up in the story, but it's definitely not necessary.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: Forced marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥.5
Teagan Mitchell has lived a devastatingly tragic life and just can't seem to catch a break. Used and abused by the people who should have taken care of her, she manages to escape her hell only to be used as a pawn in a game of revenge. Elio never had the chance to exact revenge on the man that beat and physically scarred him because someone else stole his chance for vengeance. Instead, Elio's going to settle on forcing that man's daughter into a loveless marriage, because surely she knew what her father was doing. Elio never counts on the Teagan's truth and the profound way it will hit him when it all comes out. Elio can own his mistakes, but is everything too far gone for them to move forward together?
Such a fabulous start to the series! This is a dark and intense storyline that's filled with physical and emotional pain and abuse, but ends in triumph for both characters. I would definitely read and heed the trigger warnings if you are a sensitive reader. Elio is definitely a flawed hero that has been shaped by his own trauma and isn't handling it in the best of ways. He is definitely not nice to Teagan before he learns the truth, but owns up to his mistakes and does whatever it takes moving forward. Teagan is definitely the epitome of a broken heroine and her journey toward finding her own strength is moving. I liked how Brooke took her time with their relationship development and didn't rush things. Definitely appropriate given the circumstances. Super excited to see where Brooke goes next in this series!
Ruthless Arrangement is the first book in the Gallo Famiglia and is a standalone told in the first person, from dual perspectives. It would best be enjoyed when read after Brooke's other series: Made and Fury Vipers MC since multiple other characters show up in the story, but it's definitely not necessary.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
July 26, 2023
I was so, so disappointed in Elio (Rocco, Dario, and Jade) and how the story line unfolded with him and Teagan. I've read my fair share of marriage of revenge in the mafia plot so I get the asshole attitude, but he went too far. He was married to her for months before he say the scars on her body. When he finally does, he asks one questions and then proceeds to treat her like a whore. Having sex with her but not really touching her, then just rolling over and going to sleep. Even though something doesn't add up and sit right with him, he continues to be so horrible to her. My heart broke for Teagan and how she was treated by everyone. I loved Jade in all the Made books but she disappointed here. She could have easily told Elio what happened to Teagan (since she did any way), but no, she let him keep treating her the way he was. Same goes for all the Gallo brothers, especially after they know how Ade and Jade suffered abuse, they should have done better. Reading about Teagan feeling so lost, unloved, and alone that she attempted to take her own life - that was hard, but so well written. All of a sudden Elio is rethinking his actions and care for her once he finds out her past. I will say, mental health was addressed and something different to read about (in the best way) for me.
Elio was a total turn off for me. He did not grovel enough in my opinion and Teagan forgave him/moved on way too fast. She should have left him and tortured him with her absence. Teagan deserved better.
Elio was a total turn off for me. He did not grovel enough in my opinion and Teagan forgave him/moved on way too fast. She should have left him and tortured him with her absence. Teagan deserved better.
May 25, 2023
Brooke Summers delivers once again an explosive, addictive, dark (seriously kids), intense, and completely tragic and tortured journey that even I found hard to get thru at times. I’m not a reader one would consider sensitive but I know when subject matter is sensitive and the story of Elio & Teagan goes beyond that. The circumstances, especially with Teagan, that surround them both are not just told to us but shown. They’re not just talked about. We get first hand knowledge. So yeah, be careful jumping into this story.
I’m not going to give you details about Teagan and Elio because so much that happens in this story is pivotal in their journey. Other than understanding the warnings set by the author, I’d recommend that you begin this journey blind. I went in completely blind, and I feel my experience was that much better for it. I was tortured by all the lows right along with everyone in the story and I also felt the triumphs along with them as well. For as much turmoil as this story possesses, it also has its share of peace, heart, and hope.
Teagan and Elio walk thru metaphorical fire to get to the sweet spot and it is a ride full of emotion, both heartbreaking and hopeful, twist and turns, despair, miscommunications, lies, deceit, unbelievable rage and yes, love :) It is one broken road but that sweet spot is all the more beautiful for it!
I’ve seen some reviews that say this book ends in a cliffhanger and that’s not really the case. The story ends in a set-up to the next story in this universe that Brooke has created, but not a cliffhanger. Just a tine view of what’s to come :)
I’m not going to give you details about Teagan and Elio because so much that happens in this story is pivotal in their journey. Other than understanding the warnings set by the author, I’d recommend that you begin this journey blind. I went in completely blind, and I feel my experience was that much better for it. I was tortured by all the lows right along with everyone in the story and I also felt the triumphs along with them as well. For as much turmoil as this story possesses, it also has its share of peace, heart, and hope.
Teagan and Elio walk thru metaphorical fire to get to the sweet spot and it is a ride full of emotion, both heartbreaking and hopeful, twist and turns, despair, miscommunications, lies, deceit, unbelievable rage and yes, love :) It is one broken road but that sweet spot is all the more beautiful for it!
I’ve seen some reviews that say this book ends in a cliffhanger and that’s not really the case. The story ends in a set-up to the next story in this universe that Brooke has created, but not a cliffhanger. Just a tine view of what’s to come :)
July 15, 2023
bad. like really bad.
July 4, 2025
ridiculous plot. he want her to suffer because her father tried to kill him so he marries her 🤔😒😒 dnf ,of course
May 9, 2023
First, heed the author’s warning. Because she doesn’t shy away from anything here, and honestly, I wouldn’t want her to. I’ve been along for her ride since the first Union book, and I can affirm that she has honed her craft and found the perfect balance of misery, angst, revenge clouding feelings, hopelessness, love, and then hope peeking around the corner.
Teagan will break your heart. She’s strong but broken, tired of fighting and certain she shouldn’t be here, and yet so very much a survivor that she just can’t let go. Not even when it’s her fondest wish. And Elio contributes to that misery while attempting to run from his feelings for his wife. When the secrets all come out and it’s almost too late, he steps up in a huge way. He’s brutal to many, but does have the patience and determination to prove his love also. And he’s exactly who Teagan needs in her life, by her side, and in her heart.
This book will make you feel so much. You’ll feel the hopelessness dripping from the pages. But you’ll also feel the love and hope. Then, you’ll be really angry when you hit the epilogue. Not because it’s bad (it’s quite the opposite), but because that means you have to wait for the next tale of revenge that may bring love with it. And I’m 100% here for it.
Teagan will break your heart. She’s strong but broken, tired of fighting and certain she shouldn’t be here, and yet so very much a survivor that she just can’t let go. Not even when it’s her fondest wish. And Elio contributes to that misery while attempting to run from his feelings for his wife. When the secrets all come out and it’s almost too late, he steps up in a huge way. He’s brutal to many, but does have the patience and determination to prove his love also. And he’s exactly who Teagan needs in her life, by her side, and in her heart.
This book will make you feel so much. You’ll feel the hopelessness dripping from the pages. But you’ll also feel the love and hope. Then, you’ll be really angry when you hit the epilogue. Not because it’s bad (it’s quite the opposite), but because that means you have to wait for the next tale of revenge that may bring love with it. And I’m 100% here for it.
June 24, 2025
Ruthless arrangement by Brooke Summer is full of grit and totally addictive. It’s morally grey and contains themes of rape, violence and revenge.
Teagan lives with the Dirty Demons. Her father is a member and she is the clubs for them to do with as they please. Her life is rough.
Elio is part of the powerful Gallo family. He is attacked by the Dirty Demons and wants revenge. When he can’t get it from Teagans dad he seeks her out to claim it from her. He wants a Ruthless Arrangement, a marriage of hate not love. He doesn’t know what Teagans been through when he forces her to make a deal with him.
Elio has Teagan all wrong. Their connection doesn’t feel like hate right from the start. Can marriage be more than an arrangement?
Part of the morality grey RARE challenge.
Teagan lives with the Dirty Demons. Her father is a member and she is the clubs for them to do with as they please. Her life is rough.
Elio is part of the powerful Gallo family. He is attacked by the Dirty Demons and wants revenge. When he can’t get it from Teagans dad he seeks her out to claim it from her. He wants a Ruthless Arrangement, a marriage of hate not love. He doesn’t know what Teagans been through when he forces her to make a deal with him.
Elio has Teagan all wrong. Their connection doesn’t feel like hate right from the start. Can marriage be more than an arrangement?
Part of the morality grey RARE challenge.
May 29, 2023
Arranged Marriage for Revenge
My rating: 3.5
Tropes: Mafia - Abuse - Dark - Arranged Marriage
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 6/10
Interest: 6/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
Triggers: Abuse - Rape - Violence
"Ruthless arrangement" is a dark story with high level of abuse.
I didn't really connect to the MCs, i couldn't feel the emotions.
There is action, steam and suspense.
I have read more books from the author, in my opinion, this one wasn't one of the best.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating: 3.5
Tropes: Mafia - Abuse - Dark - Arranged Marriage
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 6/10
Interest: 6/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
Triggers: Abuse - Rape - Violence
"Ruthless arrangement" is a dark story with high level of abuse.
I didn't really connect to the MCs, i couldn't feel the emotions.
There is action, steam and suspense.
I have read more books from the author, in my opinion, this one wasn't one of the best.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2023
Everything about this book was flipping phenomenal!!!!
Elio and Tee have their own special place in my heart.
Brooke is the queen of writing mafia stories and I can’t recommend her books enough 🖤
Elio and Tee have their own special place in my heart.
Brooke is the queen of writing mafia stories and I can’t recommend her books enough 🖤
September 27, 2025
This book needs trigger warnings. The poor h suffers an excessive amount. I’m not sure most people could come back from that.
May 6, 2023
We met Elio in Vengeful Union, Book 6 of the Made series. While that book does not focus on him, I think it might be helpful to read it to get more background on Jade and Rocco, who both play prominent roles in this book. It may also be helpful to read Pyro, Book 5 of the the Fury Vipers MC series which also serves as a crossover to the Made series and somewhat an introduction/preview to the Gallo Famiglia series since we get more background on why Elio is out for revenge. However, if you haven’t read those yet, I think it’s okay to start here and then go back (which you really should since those books/series is just as good!). Now for the review!
Teagan! She is such a strong character. Growing up, she’s never had anyone to look out for her and went through so much emotional and physical abuse. We see that she toughens overtime and cares fiercely for others when she meets Nella and Portia, who become her sisters and they look out for one another, but she also still is haunted by her past and the nightmares that follow her. She puts on a brave face but does succumbs to her emotions, including when she struggles with her mental health.
Elio. He is a loving brother and loyal to the Gallos. He respects the Gallaghers but he was hurt really badly by the Demon MC and so is out on a vendetta which ends up blinding him to what’s right in front of him. While he does have lines he will not cross, his actions push Teagan to the edge. We do see a very protective and caring side to him though, and once he gets past his rage we see that he will move mountains for the people he loves and has a sweet, supportive, and affectionate side as well as a ruthless side to those who cross him or those whom he cares for.
These two! They definitely start in a rough patch. Teagan doesn’t fight Elio and just wants to live, while Elio keeps her at arms length emotionally. He tends to cause her whiplash which further exacerbates her mental health given what she’s been through. In turn, Elio goes through his own anguish and Teagan is able to help him cope (once we lets her in of course). You really have to be patient as this couple goes on an emotional journey. Be prepared to have tissues too as we see so much hurt and sadness, but we also get through it and come out with happiness and contentment. They do make an adorable couple once we get past all the angst.
As mentioned before, we see the return of members of the Gallos and Gallaghers, and see detestable villains. The story is suspenseful as the Gallos are trying to figure out who’s behind certain attacks and there’s hints of the next story in the Gallo Famiglia. That not to say we don’t get a HEA here, which we do, but with all of the author’s work, we get bread crumbs of what to expect next.
Overall this story is definitely an emotional one (please heed any triggers) and touches on important topics like mental health. I definitely was to hug the characters here, especially Teagan, and will be thinking of this story long after it’s ended. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Gallos.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Teagan! She is such a strong character. Growing up, she’s never had anyone to look out for her and went through so much emotional and physical abuse. We see that she toughens overtime and cares fiercely for others when she meets Nella and Portia, who become her sisters and they look out for one another, but she also still is haunted by her past and the nightmares that follow her. She puts on a brave face but does succumbs to her emotions, including when she struggles with her mental health.
Elio. He is a loving brother and loyal to the Gallos. He respects the Gallaghers but he was hurt really badly by the Demon MC and so is out on a vendetta which ends up blinding him to what’s right in front of him. While he does have lines he will not cross, his actions push Teagan to the edge. We do see a very protective and caring side to him though, and once he gets past his rage we see that he will move mountains for the people he loves and has a sweet, supportive, and affectionate side as well as a ruthless side to those who cross him or those whom he cares for.
These two! They definitely start in a rough patch. Teagan doesn’t fight Elio and just wants to live, while Elio keeps her at arms length emotionally. He tends to cause her whiplash which further exacerbates her mental health given what she’s been through. In turn, Elio goes through his own anguish and Teagan is able to help him cope (once we lets her in of course). You really have to be patient as this couple goes on an emotional journey. Be prepared to have tissues too as we see so much hurt and sadness, but we also get through it and come out with happiness and contentment. They do make an adorable couple once we get past all the angst.
As mentioned before, we see the return of members of the Gallos and Gallaghers, and see detestable villains. The story is suspenseful as the Gallos are trying to figure out who’s behind certain attacks and there’s hints of the next story in the Gallo Famiglia. That not to say we don’t get a HEA here, which we do, but with all of the author’s work, we get bread crumbs of what to expect next.
Overall this story is definitely an emotional one (please heed any triggers) and touches on important topics like mental health. I definitely was to hug the characters here, especially Teagan, and will be thinking of this story long after it’s ended. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Gallos.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2023
Off To A Flying Start
This is book one in Brooke’s all new Gallo Family Series.
We first meet some of these characters in her Made Series, and like that series this one certainly packs a punch with the best blend of lightness/darkness love/hate. Elio & Teagan are both damaged characters just fighting to survive life through revenge but one event changes that and through despair there is hope and love.
The rest of this series is going to be epic
This is book one in Brooke’s all new Gallo Family Series.
We first meet some of these characters in her Made Series, and like that series this one certainly packs a punch with the best blend of lightness/darkness love/hate. Elio & Teagan are both damaged characters just fighting to survive life through revenge but one event changes that and through despair there is hope and love.
The rest of this series is going to be epic
January 20, 2025
Excessive child abuse and rape, unnecessary…2 chapter was struggling with author plotting car wreck scene, how did MMC’s arms get pinned in seat belt? Did his passenger get in floor in front of seat then be in a seat belt when they crashed? It’s the little details that trigger my obsession for plot holes the size of the Grand Canyon..thankfully I got the book on one if the free stuff your kindle days otherwise I would be severely pissed to pay for this drivel….
March 22, 2024
I had to beg for this book to be over because I cannot dnf a book to save my life
May 29, 2023
You are going to love this new series from Brooke Summers. The Gallo Famiglia is going to take refugee in your head and it will be hard to forget them!
Book 1 we meet Emilio (Elio) and the entire Gallo Famiglia who all play vital roles in their organization! The Dirty Demons MC are full of scumbags, rapists, and horrible human beings but for our poor Teagan it’s the only life she knows. She has been abused her entire life and now she is being forced to do unspeakable things with men she knew as a child. She is beyond shattered and she doesn’t know if she’ll ever escape them.
Teagan has a long road to recovery but with Jade Gallagher providing her a new start she has to try and make it work. Elio is looking for revenge and he’s going to get it. He never expected someone like Teagan is hell bent on revenge and he sees Teagan as a way to take it. She’s going to be his wife. He knows nothing of her past but now that’s she here he has to figure out what that all means and if he can keep her safe & protecting even sometimes from himself!!
You will devour this story. There are so many twist and turns. This story is very emotional and you won’t be able to put it down because you want to know how it’s all going to come together. You will get emotional through this story. You will cry for Teagan and for her strengths and power that she is trying to find in a world full of darkness. She’s a strong amazing character and you will thoroughly love the way Elio does everything in his power to make her happy. His transformation is powerful and you’ll find your opinion of him has changed completely. Happy Reading!!
Book 1 we meet Emilio (Elio) and the entire Gallo Famiglia who all play vital roles in their organization! The Dirty Demons MC are full of scumbags, rapists, and horrible human beings but for our poor Teagan it’s the only life she knows. She has been abused her entire life and now she is being forced to do unspeakable things with men she knew as a child. She is beyond shattered and she doesn’t know if she’ll ever escape them.
Teagan has a long road to recovery but with Jade Gallagher providing her a new start she has to try and make it work. Elio is looking for revenge and he’s going to get it. He never expected someone like Teagan is hell bent on revenge and he sees Teagan as a way to take it. She’s going to be his wife. He knows nothing of her past but now that’s she here he has to figure out what that all means and if he can keep her safe & protecting even sometimes from himself!!
You will devour this story. There are so many twist and turns. This story is very emotional and you won’t be able to put it down because you want to know how it’s all going to come together. You will get emotional through this story. You will cry for Teagan and for her strengths and power that she is trying to find in a world full of darkness. She’s a strong amazing character and you will thoroughly love the way Elio does everything in his power to make her happy. His transformation is powerful and you’ll find your opinion of him has changed completely. Happy Reading!!
May 22, 2023
First of all please check the trigger warnings because there is no sugar coating when it comes to the trauma of the FMC!
Teagan really went through hell and back. I felt so sorry for her through the entire book. She just wanted someone to love her and care for her.
Elio really was an asshole at first though he kinda redeemed himself later. BUT only after she hit rock bottom and he definitely did not grovel enough in my opinion. At least he knew he acted like a bastard and Teagan finally got the help she needed to work through her Trauma. That part I loved because she’s really working through everything and it’s very emotional.
I love that she finally had friend and a family to really stand by her and be there for her.❤️
I especially loved Jade because she seems like a boss bitch and she has Rocco by the balls.😂
Also she called Elio out for his bullshit and I’m just gonna say she speaks for me. Love her. I will definitely read her book.
Overall it was a good enemies to lovers but I think at times it was a bit too fast paced.
I received an ARC of this book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Teagan really went through hell and back. I felt so sorry for her through the entire book. She just wanted someone to love her and care for her.
Elio really was an asshole at first though he kinda redeemed himself later. BUT only after she hit rock bottom and he definitely did not grovel enough in my opinion. At least he knew he acted like a bastard and Teagan finally got the help she needed to work through her Trauma. That part I loved because she’s really working through everything and it’s very emotional.
I love that she finally had friend and a family to really stand by her and be there for her.❤️
I especially loved Jade because she seems like a boss bitch and she has Rocco by the balls.😂
Also she called Elio out for his bullshit and I’m just gonna say she speaks for me. Love her. I will definitely read her book.
Overall it was a good enemies to lovers but I think at times it was a bit too fast paced.
I received an ARC of this book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2025
On the dark side
Check the trigger warnings before you decide if you would like to read the book.
Tehran has been abused her whole life once she moves in with her Father. Once married her husband isn't any better until he finds out what she's been though. It a rocky ride with betrayal in it.
Check the trigger warnings before you decide if you would like to read the book.
Tehran has been abused her whole life once she moves in with her Father. Once married her husband isn't any better until he finds out what she's been though. It a rocky ride with betrayal in it.
May 26, 2023
Ruthless Arrangement by Brooke Summers is the First book in the Gallo Famiglia Series. This is the story of Teagan Mitchell and Elio Gallo. Teagan hasn't had a easy life at all. Teagan just wants peace and to move forward. Elio is the under-boss to the famiglia who wanted revenge on the man that beat him and left him scared. But, someone else did that but now his focus is on the man's daughter...Teagan to get his revenge. This is a dark read with some trigger issues possible. I really enjoyed this book and i hope to read more from this author and series.
May 30, 2023
I always love to read about a broken character becoming strong and win their fears and Ruthless Arrangement by Brooke Summers definitely had that. This enemies to lovers, forced marriage mafia romance about sins and redemption. And all the stars are for Teagan.
This book has many triggers specially sexual abuse and trauma and mental health issues so read responsibly. Teagan was taken in by her father after death of her mother and she was basically turned into Dirty Demons MC's property from the age of 18. Then the Gallagher and Gallo mafia family took the MC down for messing up with them. And Elio Gallo needs more revenge because he was hurt badly. He finds out Teagan who was rescued by the mafia family and who ran away from fear..and forces her to get married to him. But he doesn’t know how broken she is.
Ok first I love antiheroes. I love their morally broken ways. I love their violent life and their alpha dominating ways. But Elio was absolutely Ruthless with Teagan. He literally pushed her to the worst situation without trying to know the truth that she tried to tell him. He got to know early that she wasn't part of the MC s evil plans and she made it clear that there is no love lost between her father and her. She dropped enough hints to make him aware about her trauma. And the worst, his sister in law was the one who rescued Teagan and she knew everything. But he just pushed her and torturer her and broke her again and again. I honestly read till the end for Teagan. I love how strong she is even after all the pain. Yes she is scared and she has nightmares and a thousand scars but she fought and fought. Elio did his best to redeem himself but not before he almost lost her. I am not saying he deserves Teagn because she is a saint with so much beauty but he did make her feel protected and he did give her happiness and safety..a place to call her own, a home, a family, a life full of possibilities.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
This book has many triggers specially sexual abuse and trauma and mental health issues so read responsibly. Teagan was taken in by her father after death of her mother and she was basically turned into Dirty Demons MC's property from the age of 18. Then the Gallagher and Gallo mafia family took the MC down for messing up with them. And Elio Gallo needs more revenge because he was hurt badly. He finds out Teagan who was rescued by the mafia family and who ran away from fear..and forces her to get married to him. But he doesn’t know how broken she is.
Ok first I love antiheroes. I love their morally broken ways. I love their violent life and their alpha dominating ways. But Elio was absolutely Ruthless with Teagan. He literally pushed her to the worst situation without trying to know the truth that she tried to tell him. He got to know early that she wasn't part of the MC s evil plans and she made it clear that there is no love lost between her father and her. She dropped enough hints to make him aware about her trauma. And the worst, his sister in law was the one who rescued Teagan and she knew everything. But he just pushed her and torturer her and broke her again and again. I honestly read till the end for Teagan. I love how strong she is even after all the pain. Yes she is scared and she has nightmares and a thousand scars but she fought and fought. Elio did his best to redeem himself but not before he almost lost her. I am not saying he deserves Teagn because she is a saint with so much beauty but he did make her feel protected and he did give her happiness and safety..a place to call her own, a home, a family, a life full of possibilities.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
August 19, 2023
0.3/5
It's just really boring and pointless... (mini spoilers ahead, though, generally, I don't recommend this book at all. You're not missing out on much, dw). I hope I can save you by telling you to stay far away from this garbage.
Yea it took me a long time to read this book because it's genuinely sooooo boring like oh my god the writing is so bad. There is no plot, and it's so confusing. Like the progression of the characters makes no sense, and I really cannot stress how bad the writing is. Characters do things you don't expect, like Jade... She didn't approve of the marriage, yet the next chapter she goes "let's go shopping for your wedding!!!" Or when MMC didn't let FMC's homeless friends stay in the apartment until he suddenly just did? Not to mention the trauma FMC went through literally had no impact on her character... like she just got the whole deal with sexual and physical abuse just for it to not influence her character at all. It feels like page filler at this point, which is awful because abuse shouldn't be used as just page filler...
Also randomly people just cry when they see her? Like at least two people so far (I'm 38% through) have just cried when they saw her... like okay... realistic, realllllyyyy realistic... so cringe "I can tell you're traumatized" HAH like okay
She also said the MMC has eyes that make him look worse than Crunk. Mind you, Crunk is a rapist. So, I don't really know what she's trying to say here when the MMC has been pretty gentle all things considered. Which he shouldn't be? Like the whole reason he wanted to marry FMC was to not be nice to her and to "torture" her, but his character just forgets about it. It's so funny, like the author is allergic to character development or something. Pro tip: If you're going to introduce something, don't just throw it away--total cop out! Oh, and the MMC says things like "Oh rape is bad I would never do something so bad," which is such a slay until you realize he literally murders people... like I'm glad you have a line, I'm just confused where you draw it.
You can also tell the author wanted to make the FMC a strong character so bad. But, instead of showing us how strong she is, the author literally makes the FMC narrate how strong she is!! Like wowwww, such a strong woman who isn't like other girls... you know the pink, feminine, docile girlies out there!!! ... I thought this was a show not tell, but I guess bad writing just doesn't work out that way. Also, to make FMC a "strong character," the author just makes her really vulgar and she swears at everyone. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS A SIGN OF INDEPENDENCE AND STRENGTH! But, it also just doesn't make sense with a character who is traumatized. Teagan is a bipolar girly, one second she's like wowww this is a beautiful wedding dress, then the next second she starts screaming and "hissing" at jade (she hisses so much in this book, I bet her breath stinks too... like I can't imagine she has much hygiene). Anyway, stop hissing, babes!
AND THE WHOLE PREMISE OF THE BOOK? "Marry me or get a bullet through your head"? That was basically what the MMC told the FMC and she just goes "okay then". Like what? WHAT?? HOW IS IT SO POORLY EXECUTED, I CANNOT. She's supposed to be strong, yes? And she says how she doesn't care if she dies multiple times, but then later says how she does in fact care. Okaaaay, pick a side girly.
She also complains a few times that if MMC asks her what her past is, then she'd tell him all the trauma she's endured. But when he does ask her, she literally runs in a towel- like that's lowkey embarrassing, so contradictory, hate FMC's character, very annoying. MMC also, despite saying he'd never stop to SA, does in fact SA the FMC (times when she does not consent!).
ANNDDD one thing that really annoys me is the issue with realism... so there's a fancy little gala (why? I don't know why, there just is... I guess the mafiosos like their fancy balls) and her homeless friends are invited. Am I missing something here? I don't remember that being commonplace. It's literally just for plot convenience and to deliver the most benign, boring, cheesy lines ever; the "you're family, don't push us away" even though they've been friends for like 2-3 months. Also, the fact that Teagan gets jealous whenever Elio talks to another woman? Like what part of your relationship screamed exclusivity and monogamy? Babe, he threatened to kill you if you didn't marry him, and he literally said he'd make your life a living hell. I don't understand what part of the dynamic changed. OH! and the awful, unrealistic portrayal of suicide. So insensitive.
I also want to address the transitions, or lack-thereof. Things are just pasted together and it's so annoying to read. The writing is reallllllyyyy horrendous. And since I'm writing this as I'm reading, I literally have to fight off the urge to type about how bad the writing is every two seconds. IT'S A STRUGGLE Y'ALL, BECAUSE THE WRITING IS SO SOOSO OSO SOSO SO BAD OH MY GOD!
TL;DR: Don't read this book, it has bad writing, no plot, no intrigue, NOTHING! It's good if you want to completely waste your time :)
It's just really boring and pointless... (mini spoilers ahead, though, generally, I don't recommend this book at all. You're not missing out on much, dw). I hope I can save you by telling you to stay far away from this garbage.
Yea it took me a long time to read this book because it's genuinely sooooo boring like oh my god the writing is so bad. There is no plot, and it's so confusing. Like the progression of the characters makes no sense, and I really cannot stress how bad the writing is. Characters do things you don't expect, like Jade... She didn't approve of the marriage, yet the next chapter she goes "let's go shopping for your wedding!!!" Or when MMC didn't let FMC's homeless friends stay in the apartment until he suddenly just did? Not to mention the trauma FMC went through literally had no impact on her character... like she just got the whole deal with sexual and physical abuse just for it to not influence her character at all. It feels like page filler at this point, which is awful because abuse shouldn't be used as just page filler...
Also randomly people just cry when they see her? Like at least two people so far (I'm 38% through) have just cried when they saw her... like okay... realistic, realllllyyyy realistic... so cringe "I can tell you're traumatized" HAH like okay
She also said the MMC has eyes that make him look worse than Crunk. Mind you, Crunk is a rapist. So, I don't really know what she's trying to say here when the MMC has been pretty gentle all things considered. Which he shouldn't be? Like the whole reason he wanted to marry FMC was to not be nice to her and to "torture" her, but his character just forgets about it. It's so funny, like the author is allergic to character development or something. Pro tip: If you're going to introduce something, don't just throw it away--total cop out! Oh, and the MMC says things like "Oh rape is bad I would never do something so bad," which is such a slay until you realize he literally murders people... like I'm glad you have a line, I'm just confused where you draw it.
You can also tell the author wanted to make the FMC a strong character so bad. But, instead of showing us how strong she is, the author literally makes the FMC narrate how strong she is!! Like wowwww, such a strong woman who isn't like other girls... you know the pink, feminine, docile girlies out there!!! ... I thought this was a show not tell, but I guess bad writing just doesn't work out that way. Also, to make FMC a "strong character," the author just makes her really vulgar and she swears at everyone. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS A SIGN OF INDEPENDENCE AND STRENGTH! But, it also just doesn't make sense with a character who is traumatized. Teagan is a bipolar girly, one second she's like wowww this is a beautiful wedding dress, then the next second she starts screaming and "hissing" at jade (she hisses so much in this book, I bet her breath stinks too... like I can't imagine she has much hygiene). Anyway, stop hissing, babes!
AND THE WHOLE PREMISE OF THE BOOK? "Marry me or get a bullet through your head"? That was basically what the MMC told the FMC and she just goes "okay then". Like what? WHAT?? HOW IS IT SO POORLY EXECUTED, I CANNOT. She's supposed to be strong, yes? And she says how she doesn't care if she dies multiple times, but then later says how she does in fact care. Okaaaay, pick a side girly.
She also complains a few times that if MMC asks her what her past is, then she'd tell him all the trauma she's endured. But when he does ask her, she literally runs in a towel- like that's lowkey embarrassing, so contradictory, hate FMC's character, very annoying. MMC also, despite saying he'd never stop to SA, does in fact SA the FMC (times when she does not consent!).
ANNDDD one thing that really annoys me is the issue with realism... so there's a fancy little gala (why? I don't know why, there just is... I guess the mafiosos like their fancy balls) and her homeless friends are invited. Am I missing something here? I don't remember that being commonplace. It's literally just for plot convenience and to deliver the most benign, boring, cheesy lines ever; the "you're family, don't push us away" even though they've been friends for like 2-3 months. Also, the fact that Teagan gets jealous whenever Elio talks to another woman? Like what part of your relationship screamed exclusivity and monogamy? Babe, he threatened to kill you if you didn't marry him, and he literally said he'd make your life a living hell. I don't understand what part of the dynamic changed. OH! and the awful, unrealistic portrayal of suicide. So insensitive.
I also want to address the transitions, or lack-thereof. Things are just pasted together and it's so annoying to read. The writing is reallllllyyyy horrendous. And since I'm writing this as I'm reading, I literally have to fight off the urge to type about how bad the writing is every two seconds. IT'S A STRUGGLE Y'ALL, BECAUSE THE WRITING IS SO SOOSO OSO SOSO SO BAD OH MY GOD!
TL;DR: Don't read this book, it has bad writing, no plot, no intrigue, NOTHING! It's good if you want to completely waste your time :)
June 28, 2025
This is not a book for everyone as it is DARK. The themes, the events, the story and the plot are incredibly descriptive. This book will emotionally destroy you!!
Brooke Summers captivates the emotions of her characters so well. Reading this book felt like reading a biography with the way things were written at times. From the first page till the last, Ruthless Arrangement will break you apart, make you shed ugly tears and slowly but surely sow you back together with a happy ending. This was my first ever book by Brooke Summers and it did not disappoint. It pulled at every fibre of my being. I’ve not been an emotional mess over a book in a long time.
This will leave you questioning the world, the cruelty that lives within it and amongst us all. You’ll have tears, small victory cheers, more tears, feel absolutely defeated and then slowly you’ll be sown back together for a happy ending.
Teagan
This poor girl has been through so much, the almost unimaginable cruelty. Having been raised within a biker club. Used and abused for their personal gain the moment she turned 18. Her defeat when the horror world she knew came to an end. It will absolutely shatter your heart and that was only the start of it.
I wanted to give this girl a hug and not let her go. She needed one.
Elio
I’d say I have a personal vendetta with this asshole, because WHAT WAS HE THINKING! He doesn’t think for himself, he’s handed information and jumps straight in without asking any questions. It’s left me wondering if there have been instances that weren’t resolvable with the way he handled things. In the end I’m glad he was able to admit his mistakes and right them, but honestly it still wasn’t enough. He should’ve groveled until his knees bled and then some.
After a series of unfortunate events and once freed from the shackles, Teagan finds herself homeless. Having run from Jade and Kelvin, who seemed to have had her best interests at heart. Though she’s afraid, unsure and doesn’t trust either of them. Teagan finds herself homeless and befriends Nell and Portia. Even I was a little sceptic of these women, hoping they wouldn’t take advantage of Teagan. Turned out, they wouldn’t.
It’s at the shelter that Teagan eventually gets cornered by our MMC Elio and his brother Dario. Her given ultimatum doesn’t leave much room for discussion and it’s also here you’d feel your heart plummet and hope Elio won’t execute the plan he’s come up with.
Teagan agreed a little too fast without too much fuss to the deal Elio made her. And honestly, I would’ve loved being a fly on the wall the moment Teagan told Dario and Elio she didn’t have any clothes and was good to go to her captive chamber, even though their faces were a priceless mental image, the truth is actually saddening as she doesn’t know how to take care for herself and trying her best with the way Nell and Portia are showing her to get by on the streets.
Where I doubted Jade’s motives a little throughout the book, she recovered and showed up when it was most needed. Her consistency in showing up for Teagan was really nice to see, allowing Teagan the time and space she needed to gain back trust. Her warnings towards Elio and then nonna firing off the same warning that he better not hurt Teagan.
Even though it wasn’t satisfying in this story, it was a nice thought that the MC members all got what they deserved. Though I would’ve loved for Teagan to be given her own closure there.
Personal preferences
Teagan agreed to Elio’s “proposal” for this arranged marriage quickly that it didn’t really make sense at all.
After 2 days of taking Teagan in, Elio wasn’t able to think straight anymore. A little quick.
The English translations after the Italian sentences in the book really pull you out of the story. As a reader I’d rather have to look it up the translation than having the translation in brackets behind the phrase.
I missed backstory on Rocco and Jade and how they became a couple, there might be a book out there for them, I will definitely look for it. I loved them as a couple and how their dynamic worked for one another - even if others seemed to disagree strongly with it.
If you like a dark book that will emotionally destroy you and leave you staring at the wall after it’s finished this is definitely the book for you.
I loved every road, journey and twist in this book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Brooke Summers captivates the emotions of her characters so well. Reading this book felt like reading a biography with the way things were written at times. From the first page till the last, Ruthless Arrangement will break you apart, make you shed ugly tears and slowly but surely sow you back together with a happy ending. This was my first ever book by Brooke Summers and it did not disappoint. It pulled at every fibre of my being. I’ve not been an emotional mess over a book in a long time.
This will leave you questioning the world, the cruelty that lives within it and amongst us all. You’ll have tears, small victory cheers, more tears, feel absolutely defeated and then slowly you’ll be sown back together for a happy ending.
Teagan
This poor girl has been through so much, the almost unimaginable cruelty. Having been raised within a biker club. Used and abused for their personal gain the moment she turned 18. Her defeat when the horror world she knew came to an end. It will absolutely shatter your heart and that was only the start of it.
I wanted to give this girl a hug and not let her go. She needed one.
Elio
I’d say I have a personal vendetta with this asshole, because WHAT WAS HE THINKING! He doesn’t think for himself, he’s handed information and jumps straight in without asking any questions. It’s left me wondering if there have been instances that weren’t resolvable with the way he handled things. In the end I’m glad he was able to admit his mistakes and right them, but honestly it still wasn’t enough. He should’ve groveled until his knees bled and then some.
After a series of unfortunate events and once freed from the shackles, Teagan finds herself homeless. Having run from Jade and Kelvin, who seemed to have had her best interests at heart. Though she’s afraid, unsure and doesn’t trust either of them. Teagan finds herself homeless and befriends Nell and Portia. Even I was a little sceptic of these women, hoping they wouldn’t take advantage of Teagan. Turned out, they wouldn’t.
It’s at the shelter that Teagan eventually gets cornered by our MMC Elio and his brother Dario. Her given ultimatum doesn’t leave much room for discussion and it’s also here you’d feel your heart plummet and hope Elio won’t execute the plan he’s come up with.
Teagan agreed a little too fast without too much fuss to the deal Elio made her. And honestly, I would’ve loved being a fly on the wall the moment Teagan told Dario and Elio she didn’t have any clothes and was good to go to her captive chamber, even though their faces were a priceless mental image, the truth is actually saddening as she doesn’t know how to take care for herself and trying her best with the way Nell and Portia are showing her to get by on the streets.
Where I doubted Jade’s motives a little throughout the book, she recovered and showed up when it was most needed. Her consistency in showing up for Teagan was really nice to see, allowing Teagan the time and space she needed to gain back trust. Her warnings towards Elio and then nonna firing off the same warning that he better not hurt Teagan.
Even though it wasn’t satisfying in this story, it was a nice thought that the MC members all got what they deserved. Though I would’ve loved for Teagan to be given her own closure there.
Personal preferences
Teagan agreed to Elio’s “proposal” for this arranged marriage quickly that it didn’t really make sense at all.
After 2 days of taking Teagan in, Elio wasn’t able to think straight anymore. A little quick.
The English translations after the Italian sentences in the book really pull you out of the story. As a reader I’d rather have to look it up the translation than having the translation in brackets behind the phrase.
I missed backstory on Rocco and Jade and how they became a couple, there might be a book out there for them, I will definitely look for it. I loved them as a couple and how their dynamic worked for one another - even if others seemed to disagree strongly with it.
If you like a dark book that will emotionally destroy you and leave you staring at the wall after it’s finished this is definitely the book for you.
I loved every road, journey and twist in this book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 5, 2023
One day, I’ll be free. I just hope that it won’t be because I’ll be dead.
Abandoned so young only to be taken in by many.
Never free to leave the decaying walls that surround her.
Until the time comes and she is drowning in darkness.
Trapped, chained and harmed by those who should be protecting her.
Daddy’s little girl…is turned into daddy’s little whore…
I know that there will come a time when that numbness fades, and when it does, I’ll crumble.
After years of wasting away, her bare skin covered in terrible memories and losing the fight just praying now for the darkness to consume her once and for all, Teagan finally made a deal with fate…but, it seems fate has other ideas wanting to bring her into the light and breathe in clean air.
All her life Teagan knows that she can’t trust anyone, no matter the smiles they wear and gentle hands that want to help her. Given her first opportunity she runs and finds herself meeting women like her on the streets. Her guard is up, but these women allow her to accept their help and through it they form a close bond…something Teagan has never experienced before-friendship.
“So this is a ruthless arrangement. I marry you or I die?”
One night though Teagan life is thrown into the storm and even though she has been hidden away all her life, the family name Gallo sends a shiver down her spine and when she comes face to face with the imposing deadly Elio, well it seems her fate is going to be sealed…one way or another.
It’s not a deal.
It’s not a bargain.
It’s not even a threat….
But, a promise that her life is now his and bonded by marriage…the perfect revenge against her late father. Unbeknown to Teagan a war has been battling on and after Elio was viciously attacked he’s seeking his own revenge…and what better way than taking it out on his enemy daughter?
This woman is a fucking devil. I'm fighting everything in me. One minute I hate her, hate who she is and what she represents, and the next, I want her more than I need air.
As time goes on though, it’s clear that they are both struggling with their emotions and even though Teagan is keeping everything inside, her past that she doesn’t want to share with him and Elio, set to only use her yet treats her with respect….these two are soon fighting their own battles.
One is about to lose all faith and the other might be too late to realise their love could bring them back…awakening a strength in both of them.
But, it also seems that destroying The Dirty Demons MC was only the start of things to come…
I want to be free of all the chains that are holding me down, and my memories are one of those chains.
Brutally beautiful…this story is jam packed full of emotions and heartwarming characters.
I am a new reader and have not read the crossover series that this new series links with. That being said, everything is clearly detailed of events/characters of information that now relates to this new series. I’m sure previous readers are going to be overjoyed with this new addition.
I’m a lover of detail, setting the scene and getting inside the characters head…my goodness this book does not disappoint! It is very detailed, touching and holds nothing back-which I really enjoyed that nothing was lightly gone over and it felt real and true to the characters going through emotions within the story as it progressed.
This wasn’t how I expected the story to go with Elio & Teagan, it was different and very raw. They each have there breaking points, you can see them struggling with each other and themselves too. You’ve got to be all in with this story, allow it to play out and watch how it all comes together in a unique way.
Teagan has a different kind of strength from a female main character, her past has changed her and she has more of an inner strength.
It’s a fairly steady yet full of emotion read & flips up the tempo with what could be coming next. A great start to this new and exciting series, it’s going to be very interesting to see what else this story will bring…and how Teagan & Elio will grow as a couple.
I like Elio Gallo. I am so damn screwed.
Abandoned so young only to be taken in by many.
Never free to leave the decaying walls that surround her.
Until the time comes and she is drowning in darkness.
Trapped, chained and harmed by those who should be protecting her.
Daddy’s little girl…is turned into daddy’s little whore…
I know that there will come a time when that numbness fades, and when it does, I’ll crumble.
After years of wasting away, her bare skin covered in terrible memories and losing the fight just praying now for the darkness to consume her once and for all, Teagan finally made a deal with fate…but, it seems fate has other ideas wanting to bring her into the light and breathe in clean air.
All her life Teagan knows that she can’t trust anyone, no matter the smiles they wear and gentle hands that want to help her. Given her first opportunity she runs and finds herself meeting women like her on the streets. Her guard is up, but these women allow her to accept their help and through it they form a close bond…something Teagan has never experienced before-friendship.
“So this is a ruthless arrangement. I marry you or I die?”
One night though Teagan life is thrown into the storm and even though she has been hidden away all her life, the family name Gallo sends a shiver down her spine and when she comes face to face with the imposing deadly Elio, well it seems her fate is going to be sealed…one way or another.
It’s not a deal.
It’s not a bargain.
It’s not even a threat….
But, a promise that her life is now his and bonded by marriage…the perfect revenge against her late father. Unbeknown to Teagan a war has been battling on and after Elio was viciously attacked he’s seeking his own revenge…and what better way than taking it out on his enemy daughter?
This woman is a fucking devil. I'm fighting everything in me. One minute I hate her, hate who she is and what she represents, and the next, I want her more than I need air.
As time goes on though, it’s clear that they are both struggling with their emotions and even though Teagan is keeping everything inside, her past that she doesn’t want to share with him and Elio, set to only use her yet treats her with respect….these two are soon fighting their own battles.
One is about to lose all faith and the other might be too late to realise their love could bring them back…awakening a strength in both of them.
But, it also seems that destroying The Dirty Demons MC was only the start of things to come…
I want to be free of all the chains that are holding me down, and my memories are one of those chains.
Brutally beautiful…this story is jam packed full of emotions and heartwarming characters.
I am a new reader and have not read the crossover series that this new series links with. That being said, everything is clearly detailed of events/characters of information that now relates to this new series. I’m sure previous readers are going to be overjoyed with this new addition.
I’m a lover of detail, setting the scene and getting inside the characters head…my goodness this book does not disappoint! It is very detailed, touching and holds nothing back-which I really enjoyed that nothing was lightly gone over and it felt real and true to the characters going through emotions within the story as it progressed.
This wasn’t how I expected the story to go with Elio & Teagan, it was different and very raw. They each have there breaking points, you can see them struggling with each other and themselves too. You’ve got to be all in with this story, allow it to play out and watch how it all comes together in a unique way.
Teagan has a different kind of strength from a female main character, her past has changed her and she has more of an inner strength.
It’s a fairly steady yet full of emotion read & flips up the tempo with what could be coming next. A great start to this new and exciting series, it’s going to be very interesting to see what else this story will bring…and how Teagan & Elio will grow as a couple.
I like Elio Gallo. I am so damn screwed.
September 22, 2025
You can read my review of Ruthless Arrangement on my blog, here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2....
This is a spoiler-free review! Please read trigger warnings - reader discretion is advised.
My past discretions from a Stuff Your Kindle day downloading haze have come back to bite me. I genuinely felt like I was being put through the wringer while reading this book - every single turn of the page ended up with Teagan being smacked around or abused, or someone literally not taking the time of day to understand that this girl is traumatized!! The author describes a number of abuses she endures in graphic detail, and considering she made it out alive is an achievement in itself. I wish it did not take until being two thirds into the book to really see how she was dealing with everything that she had to go through when she was living with the Dirty Demons.
Elio as the male lead made me want to scream externally into the sky - there was not a single thing he did that made me want to root for him except for the fact that he had Teagan go to therapy. That is the only nice thing he ever did for her that actually warranted a good reaction out of me. The entirety of their relationship is based on the fact that her father wrong him and his family, and he seeks revenge by taking Teagan and forcing her to be his bride. The girl has never left the house in over eighteen years and somehow Elio thinks this is the perfect torture for her - she literally has only ever known torture and abuse, so this ends up being just another Tuesday for her, trapped with a mob family and revenge-obsessed Elio.
I did not love the glamorization of Elio and Teagan's relationship at all. It felt as though he was keeping her as a sex slave - which he basically was - and using her as a toy. Sure, his plan all along was to basically torture this girl for the rest of her days, so why would he treat her with any form of respect? Even his entire family was like dude what are you getting out of doing this to a girl who does not even know the extent of what her father did outside of what he allowed people to do to her? The brothers were much more enjoyable to read about when they appeared on page, and even the two friends Teagan had made before being "taken" by Elio were better entertainment than the man himself.
The most intriguing plot line of this entire book was when Teagan was being sought out by another mob family - it provided actual stakes to the game and showed the dangers that waited for her outside of Elio's home, even though Elio's home was basically a danger in its own right. Those scenes of Teagan being pulled between two rival families were the only times that I was actually locked into the book - I frankly did not care about her and Elio's relationship because I simply could not stand Elio at all. Even when he was "turning a corner" and realized what he was putting Teagan through was wrong, it still left a sour taste in my mouth. Maybe it is because the book is not marketed as taboo and instead just a dark mafia romance - if it was something they were both into from the start, then my opinion may have ended differently. The set up for the next book has me intrigued - I may find myself back into this series if the timing presents itself.
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May 24, 2023
4.25stars--RUTHLESS ARRANGEMENT is the first instalment n Brooke Summers’ contemporary, adult GALLO FAMIGLIA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series set in the author’s MADE series, with characters introduced in the author’s FURY VIPERS MC series. This is underboss Elio Gallo, and twenty-two year old Teagan Mitchell’s story line. RUTHLESS ARRANGEMENT can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading PYRO, book 5 in the FURY VIPERS MC series where we are first introduced to our story line heroine. Some of the events cross over with, and run parallel to the above mentioned story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Elio and Teagan) RUTHLESS ARRANGMENT follows in the wake of the torture of our story line hero. Elio Gallo was burned and tortured by an unknown assailant, and while in recovery discovered the Dirty Demons MC were responsible for the assault, and with the help of his crew, took down the entire MC, leaving no one standing but Elio was unaware of a missing young woman, the daughter of the president who was no longer alive. Swearing retribution, Elio hunted down Teagan Mitchell, intending to seek vengeance against our story line heroine. Believing Teagan was just as culpable as every member of the Dirty Demons MC, Elio set into motion a plan to destroy and break the woman with whom he would fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous and emotionally abusive relationship between Elio and Teagan, and the potential all-out as Teagan is targeted for the sins of the father.
Teagan Mitchell has been abused, used, tortured and r*ped for as long as she can remember. From the age of three, Teagan has never known love, support, freedom or care, having lived her life in a cell, an abused plaything of the Dirty Demons MC but upon her release, Teagan runs for her life, only to find herself living in a homeless shelter rather than at the mercy of the Mafia Famiglia. Elio doesn’t do relationships love but he was determined to claim Teagan as his wife and his mate. There was no love, no gentleness when it came to Elio claiming Teagan as his own, and Teagan would pay the price when Elio pushed her too far.
The relationship between Teagan and Elio is turbulent and tumultuous. Elio is determined to make Teagan pay for the sins of the father but Teagan is as much of a victim, if even more yet Elio doesn’t take the time to discover the truth about her past. As Teagan and Elio’s relationship begins to grow, someone else is taking aim at our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are aggressive, erotic and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dynamic and problematic secondary and supporting characters including Jade and Rocco (Explosive Union/Made Series 7), Hayden and Adelina Gallagher (Cherished Union/Made Series 8), Chloe Gallagher (Fury Vipers MC 5), as well as Elio’s brother Dario, several members of the Famiglia, Dirty Demons MC, and Teagan’s friends Nell and Portia.
RUTHLESS ARRANGEMENT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and torture, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The dramatic premise is emotional, raw, dark and tragic; the romance struggles in the face of misunderstanding, a lack of communication, and years of torture and abuse; the characters are broken, desperate and edgy. RUTHLESS ARRANGEMENT ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
Once again, heed the trigger warnings.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Elio and Teagan) RUTHLESS ARRANGMENT follows in the wake of the torture of our story line hero. Elio Gallo was burned and tortured by an unknown assailant, and while in recovery discovered the Dirty Demons MC were responsible for the assault, and with the help of his crew, took down the entire MC, leaving no one standing but Elio was unaware of a missing young woman, the daughter of the president who was no longer alive. Swearing retribution, Elio hunted down Teagan Mitchell, intending to seek vengeance against our story line heroine. Believing Teagan was just as culpable as every member of the Dirty Demons MC, Elio set into motion a plan to destroy and break the woman with whom he would fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous and emotionally abusive relationship between Elio and Teagan, and the potential all-out as Teagan is targeted for the sins of the father.
Teagan Mitchell has been abused, used, tortured and r*ped for as long as she can remember. From the age of three, Teagan has never known love, support, freedom or care, having lived her life in a cell, an abused plaything of the Dirty Demons MC but upon her release, Teagan runs for her life, only to find herself living in a homeless shelter rather than at the mercy of the Mafia Famiglia. Elio doesn’t do relationships love but he was determined to claim Teagan as his wife and his mate. There was no love, no gentleness when it came to Elio claiming Teagan as his own, and Teagan would pay the price when Elio pushed her too far.
The relationship between Teagan and Elio is turbulent and tumultuous. Elio is determined to make Teagan pay for the sins of the father but Teagan is as much of a victim, if even more yet Elio doesn’t take the time to discover the truth about her past. As Teagan and Elio’s relationship begins to grow, someone else is taking aim at our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are aggressive, erotic and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dynamic and problematic secondary and supporting characters including Jade and Rocco (Explosive Union/Made Series 7), Hayden and Adelina Gallagher (Cherished Union/Made Series 8), Chloe Gallagher (Fury Vipers MC 5), as well as Elio’s brother Dario, several members of the Famiglia, Dirty Demons MC, and Teagan’s friends Nell and Portia.
RUTHLESS ARRANGEMENT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and torture, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The dramatic premise is emotional, raw, dark and tragic; the romance struggles in the face of misunderstanding, a lack of communication, and years of torture and abuse; the characters are broken, desperate and edgy. RUTHLESS ARRANGEMENT ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
Once again, heed the trigger warnings.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 28, 2024
3⭐️
I got this on the stuff your kindle day.
Teagan has lived her whole life as a prisoner in her dads mc club, she’s physically abused by her dad her whole life and then when she turns 18 he allows her to be chained in the basement and used by the mc members whenever they want. This goes on for 4 years.
Elio was ambushed and scarred by the h’s dad and his MC and when he couldn’t get revenge on them because someone else got there first, he decided to force Teagan into marriage to answer for the sins of her father. I fucking hate when innocent people are the pawns for revenge for something they had no part in.
Elio doesn’t know about her past or cares to learn about it, treats her like absolute shit and she tried her best to keep going everyday until one day she breaks and tries to end it all.
From then it’s all about the h and her healing and the H feels like shit for how he treated her and tries to be a real husband now and supports her through her recovery.
There’s loads of mafia shit too but this was my 1st book by this author so there’s a lot of mentions of mafia stuff, other families and characters that I didn’t have a clue about even though this was book 1 in a series so I think her series must be very interconnected.
Dual pov
Dark
Mafia
Forced marriage
No real owd/omd- there’s an ow who’s supposed to be styling the h or something and she makes comments putting the h down, h tells her to get out and the H backs her up. Then at a gala the same woman is talking to the H and the h is upset but then when h is talking to om the H comes straight over to insert himself because the h and om looked like they knew each other (it was innocent, the om was there when she was rescued from the mc and was concerned about her wellbeing) Then at the end of the book the same ow tries to interrupt their date to say hello to the H and he tells her she was warned never to approach him or his wife again, has her removed from the restaurant and tells her she’s blacklisted from working in any Gallo owned city again. Then tells the h not to worry about her, he’s never been with her in any way, and he hasn’t been with any woman since he met her. But we also know he hasn’t been with any woman since before he was scarred- which happened before he met the h, his brothers had commented on it.
HFN ending for the h & H and the story ended by setting up for book 2
I got this on the stuff your kindle day.
Teagan has lived her whole life as a prisoner in her dads mc club, she’s physically abused by her dad her whole life and then when she turns 18 he allows her to be chained in the basement and used by the mc members whenever they want. This goes on for 4 years.
Elio was ambushed and scarred by the h’s dad and his MC and when he couldn’t get revenge on them because someone else got there first, he decided to force Teagan into marriage to answer for the sins of her father. I fucking hate when innocent people are the pawns for revenge for something they had no part in.
Elio doesn’t know about her past or cares to learn about it, treats her like absolute shit and she tried her best to keep going everyday until one day she breaks and tries to end it all.
From then it’s all about the h and her healing and the H feels like shit for how he treated her and tries to be a real husband now and supports her through her recovery.
There’s loads of mafia shit too but this was my 1st book by this author so there’s a lot of mentions of mafia stuff, other families and characters that I didn’t have a clue about even though this was book 1 in a series so I think her series must be very interconnected.
Dual pov
Dark
Mafia
Forced marriage
No real owd/omd- there’s an ow who’s supposed to be styling the h or something and she makes comments putting the h down, h tells her to get out and the H backs her up. Then at a gala the same woman is talking to the H and the h is upset but then when h is talking to om the H comes straight over to insert himself because the h and om looked like they knew each other (it was innocent, the om was there when she was rescued from the mc and was concerned about her wellbeing) Then at the end of the book the same ow tries to interrupt their date to say hello to the H and he tells her she was warned never to approach him or his wife again, has her removed from the restaurant and tells her she’s blacklisted from working in any Gallo owned city again. Then tells the h not to worry about her, he’s never been with her in any way, and he hasn’t been with any woman since he met her. But we also know he hasn’t been with any woman since before he was scarred- which happened before he met the h, his brothers had commented on it.
HFN ending for the h & H and the story ended by setting up for book 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
This is book one in The Gallo Famiglia series and it is Elio and Teagan’s story and what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Reagan has had a cruel and abusive life since her mother died and she went to live with her father who was the leader of the demons, a vile, cruel, abusive, dangerous and evil club who just took what they wanted regardless of what or who it was because they thought that they were better that anyone else but after going after the wrong person they have all been killed and now Teagan just wants to try and forget about her past life and try and move forward as best as she can after everything that she had been through but trust is an big issue so she wants to try and blend in and become invisible or disappear. Elio is angry, and fuming after being attacked and burned and now he wants to take revenge from the only person that is left from the demons and that is Teagan who is the daughter of the leader and he is determined to find her and make her pay. Elio and Teagan are on a rollercoaster journey but danger is just around the corner watching and waiting for the right time to strike and Teagan is the one with a target on her back after hearing a conversation that she shouldn’t have and now to keep her alive they will have to find out who the traitors are and eliminate them and the threat if they are all to het out alive. Wow my heart completely shattered for Teagan and everything that she had gone through and endured at the hands of the monsters through no fault of her own and I was in absolute tears with how she had been treated and then there is Elio who is so relentless of revenge that he can’t seem to see what is in front of him and he needs to wake up and communicate with Teagan before it is too late and he ends up losing everything. There are twists and turns along with danger, killings, abuse, brutality, drama, betrayal, suspense, emotional situations, great characters, hope, tragedy, family and a storyline that will pull you in right from the start and would not let you go as it was totally addictive and kept your attention throughout and I was unable to put this book down and I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.
May 25, 2023
Je remercie Brooke Summers pour ce SP.
Je commencerai d'abord par avertir: c'est une dark romance, pas une petite. Dans ce 1er tome du spin off de la famille Gallo, il est question de viols, viols collectifs, très décrits et de tentative de suicide. Donc à ne pas lire si vous êtes sensibles, c'est détaillé.
Ce 1er opus signe donc la nouvelle série, on retrouve les gallagher bien sur.
Je vais commencer par Elio, qui est un membre de la mafia italienne, qui a été blessé suite à l'enlevement de Chloé et qui réclame vengeance.
Lors du sauvetage de Chloé, Jade a trouvé Teagan.
Teagan n'a pas eu une enfance très heureuse. Arrivée à l'âge de 3 ans chez son père, elle fut violentée, violée à répétition par les membres du gang de bikers de son père. Elle n'a jamais connu l'amour et lors du sauvetage, elle s'attendait à être enfin en paix, à mourir en paix.
Or tout ne s'est pas passé comme elle le voulait, elle a voulu disparaitre préférant être sans abri, elle s'est fait 2 amies et malheureusement Elio l'a retrouvé.
Sa vengeance: l'épouser. Même si elle n'a rien fait, même si elle n'était pas dans les affaires de son père, Elio la voulait.
Elle a quitté une prison pour en retrouver une autre. Lui ne veut rien savoir de son passé, il ne s'interresse pas à elle. Il est son nouveau bourreau.
Teagan n'a pas eu le temps de se remettre de son pass, de toute façon qui pourrait.
Alors que dans les autres tomes nous avions des femmes bad ass, malgré leur vécue, ici Brooke nous donne envie de croire en la reconstruction. Elle a beau être entourée de ses amies, elle se sent seule. Elle n'est pas heureuse, il l'utilise dans un seul but et elle aimerait que pour une fois elle compte pour quelqu'un. J'ai été très émue par son histoire, quine le serait pas.
Oui j'ai détesté Elio qui ne voit que la vengeance et même lorsque leurs vies sont en danger, même s'il veut la protéger, il ne veut pas apprendre à la connaître. Lui qui ne voulait pas être comme son père, il y a des limites à ne pas franchir. Or, il devra se poser les bonnes questions car il pourrait la perdre un jour ou l'autre.
Je ne peux pas trop vous en dire plus sinon je vous résumerai tout le livre. Mais sachez une chose, j'ai adoré et pleuré. J'ai hâte de lire la suite.
Je commencerai d'abord par avertir: c'est une dark romance, pas une petite. Dans ce 1er tome du spin off de la famille Gallo, il est question de viols, viols collectifs, très décrits et de tentative de suicide. Donc à ne pas lire si vous êtes sensibles, c'est détaillé.
Ce 1er opus signe donc la nouvelle série, on retrouve les gallagher bien sur.
Je vais commencer par Elio, qui est un membre de la mafia italienne, qui a été blessé suite à l'enlevement de Chloé et qui réclame vengeance.
Lors du sauvetage de Chloé, Jade a trouvé Teagan.
Teagan n'a pas eu une enfance très heureuse. Arrivée à l'âge de 3 ans chez son père, elle fut violentée, violée à répétition par les membres du gang de bikers de son père. Elle n'a jamais connu l'amour et lors du sauvetage, elle s'attendait à être enfin en paix, à mourir en paix.
Or tout ne s'est pas passé comme elle le voulait, elle a voulu disparaitre préférant être sans abri, elle s'est fait 2 amies et malheureusement Elio l'a retrouvé.
Sa vengeance: l'épouser. Même si elle n'a rien fait, même si elle n'était pas dans les affaires de son père, Elio la voulait.
Elle a quitté une prison pour en retrouver une autre. Lui ne veut rien savoir de son passé, il ne s'interresse pas à elle. Il est son nouveau bourreau.
Teagan n'a pas eu le temps de se remettre de son pass, de toute façon qui pourrait.
Alors que dans les autres tomes nous avions des femmes bad ass, malgré leur vécue, ici Brooke nous donne envie de croire en la reconstruction. Elle a beau être entourée de ses amies, elle se sent seule. Elle n'est pas heureuse, il l'utilise dans un seul but et elle aimerait que pour une fois elle compte pour quelqu'un. J'ai été très émue par son histoire, quine le serait pas.
Oui j'ai détesté Elio qui ne voit que la vengeance et même lorsque leurs vies sont en danger, même s'il veut la protéger, il ne veut pas apprendre à la connaître. Lui qui ne voulait pas être comme son père, il y a des limites à ne pas franchir. Or, il devra se poser les bonnes questions car il pourrait la perdre un jour ou l'autre.
Je ne peux pas trop vous en dire plus sinon je vous résumerai tout le livre. Mais sachez une chose, j'ai adoré et pleuré. J'ai hâte de lire la suite.
May 28, 2023
Elio is the younger brother of the Gallo Famiglia. When one of his close friends and men were killed by an MC, Elio wanted revenge but the famiglia allies had a stronger claim because one of their daughters were kidnapped and assaulted. Their allies killed off the whole MC leaving Elio feeling empty. Then he learns that the daughter of the MC leader, Teagan survived. Still determined to get his revenge, he approaches her at a homeless shelter. He tells her that he expects her to marry him or else he will hurt everyone she cares about. She unhappily agrees and the two marry. Elio is surprised by Teagan. He expected a spoiled MC princess but she seems independent and strong. He is torn between wanting his revenge and wanting Teagan to be his.
Teagan was the product of the MC leader spending a night with one of the hanger-ons. When her mother was pregnant, she was driven away to have Teagan on her own but she listed the MC leader as the father on the birth certificate. When Teagan's mother died when she was three years old, she was sent to her father who wanted nothing to do with her. He treated her as property of the club and mostly kept her locked in her room when he wasn't beating on her. When she got her period, she was given to the MC to be their toy. She was raped, beaten, branded and kept chained up for several years until people came and took down the MC. They freed her and tried to help her but she doesn't trust anyone and escaped. She went to the shelter and met two women who helped her survive the streets. For the first time she has people that she cares about. She agrees to marry Elio to protect her new friends. She believes that he will hurt and probably kill her but she wants to keep him away from her friends. After marrying Elio, she is frequently confused. He treats her kindly even as he says he wants revenge. She is starting to have feelings for him which scares her. When he turns his back on her, all her trauma and depression has her giving up and attempting suicide. Is it too late for Elio and Teagan?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Teagan was the product of the MC leader spending a night with one of the hanger-ons. When her mother was pregnant, she was driven away to have Teagan on her own but she listed the MC leader as the father on the birth certificate. When Teagan's mother died when she was three years old, she was sent to her father who wanted nothing to do with her. He treated her as property of the club and mostly kept her locked in her room when he wasn't beating on her. When she got her period, she was given to the MC to be their toy. She was raped, beaten, branded and kept chained up for several years until people came and took down the MC. They freed her and tried to help her but she doesn't trust anyone and escaped. She went to the shelter and met two women who helped her survive the streets. For the first time she has people that she cares about. She agrees to marry Elio to protect her new friends. She believes that he will hurt and probably kill her but she wants to keep him away from her friends. After marrying Elio, she is frequently confused. He treats her kindly even as he says he wants revenge. She is starting to have feelings for him which scares her. When he turns his back on her, all her trauma and depression has her giving up and attempting suicide. Is it too late for Elio and Teagan?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2025
Ruthless Arrangements delivers a gritty and emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into trauma, revenge, and the possibility of redemption. Teagan’s life was shaped by cruelty, where she was abused and broken by those who were meant to protect her. She’s left with scars both visible and buried deep. When her father’s gang is taken out for kidnapping and crossing the wrong woman, Teagan doesn’t expect mercy—she expects death. Instead, she’s released into a world she doesn’t understand, landing in a shelter where, for the first time, she finds genuine friendship.
Elio, scarred and driven by vengeance, sees Teagan as nothing more than a pawn in his quest for justice. Marrying her to punish her for her father’s sins, he plans to break her, but Teagan has already endured hell. The real question is, can she survive Elio’s version of it too?
Despite his cruel intentions, Elio finds himself drawn to her, pulled by a chemistry he doesn’t want to acknowledge. But every time Teagan begins to hope, he reminds her she’s nothing more than a duty. When she finally reaches her breaking point, she plays her final card, one that shakes Elio to his core and forces him to face the damage he’s done. Is it too late to save their fractured marriage? Can forgiveness be earned, and can love grow from the ruins of pain?
The story is intense and gripping, filled with emotion, angst, and moments that had me rooting hard for their happily ever after. However, there were a few things that didn’t quite sit right. Given Teagan’s traumatic past, her emotional recovery felt a bit too fast and glossed over at times. One key detail, the branding, was introduced as something significant, but surprisingly, Elio never acknowledged or reacted to it. That felt like a missed opportunity for deeper emotional connection or understanding between them. Still, despite these inconsistencies, the emotional stakes were high, and the writing kept me turning the pages. I felt the pain, the anger, and the slow-burn desire that simmered between them. If you enjoy dark romance with themes of redemption and healing, Ruthless Arrangements is a ride worth taking.
Elio, scarred and driven by vengeance, sees Teagan as nothing more than a pawn in his quest for justice. Marrying her to punish her for her father’s sins, he plans to break her, but Teagan has already endured hell. The real question is, can she survive Elio’s version of it too?
Despite his cruel intentions, Elio finds himself drawn to her, pulled by a chemistry he doesn’t want to acknowledge. But every time Teagan begins to hope, he reminds her she’s nothing more than a duty. When she finally reaches her breaking point, she plays her final card, one that shakes Elio to his core and forces him to face the damage he’s done. Is it too late to save their fractured marriage? Can forgiveness be earned, and can love grow from the ruins of pain?
The story is intense and gripping, filled with emotion, angst, and moments that had me rooting hard for their happily ever after. However, there were a few things that didn’t quite sit right. Given Teagan’s traumatic past, her emotional recovery felt a bit too fast and glossed over at times. One key detail, the branding, was introduced as something significant, but surprisingly, Elio never acknowledged or reacted to it. That felt like a missed opportunity for deeper emotional connection or understanding between them. Still, despite these inconsistencies, the emotional stakes were high, and the writing kept me turning the pages. I felt the pain, the anger, and the slow-burn desire that simmered between them. If you enjoy dark romance with themes of redemption and healing, Ruthless Arrangements is a ride worth taking.
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