Chiara was raised into the mafia world the hard way. Enduring the assault at the hands of her father until she was kidnapped and forced to marry a mob boss. One she’s sure is even worse than her father.Ricca never backs away from a challenge. When the woman he kidnapped sneers he would never own her, he’s more than happy to prove her wrong. It doesn’t matter he is being forced into this marriage … into this marriage by The Syndicate, to cover-up the kidnapping.
An enemy is forging a plan to take Ricca down. Can a marriage, even one forced by the decision of others, turn into a solid band of trust, loyalty, and eventually love? Or will either one—or their enemy—rip out their heart to stop it from beating? Dive into this Mafia Romance where the value of human life is worth less than loyalty.
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As you know, Ricca is Andy’s older brother and the head of their mafia gang. Andy is Afon’s woman, just in case some of you don’t know. As we learn, Ricca had to sign a contract of an arranged marriage after kidnapping the evil and disgusting pig who wanted to make Andy be his wife to form an alliance of two empires and due to all of that, Ricca took matters into his own hands but hey, not everything is all bad because it actually led him to the love of his life and his match in every single way 🙂
Of course, this story, Ricca and Chiara do not fall instantly for one another because their meeting was through Ricca kidnapping her and let’s just say, the tension is thick but also there’s sexual tension they won’t be able to ignore for long 😉
Chiara, that poor girl, I felt for her, I truly did. But, she’s so strong, she had to be, especially with the type of despicable father she had. The things she had to endure made her the strong and determined woman she was when she finally meets her match, Ricca.
These two are dynamite together. Their chemistry, their intensity for one another is palpable throughout the story and as you keep on reading it, you read them fight their feelings, feelings they’ve never experienced before and you get to read the progression of their blooming love for each other and by the end, your happy as hell, well, as least I was 🙂
The secondary characters are awesome! Ricca’s three best friends since childhood are ride and die friends and they gave me so many moments of laughter. They really completed this story and I really hope they get their own story as well and see the women who will tame these three alpha males 😉
Now guys, this is a dark read and even though there’s no description of what happened to Chiara, this does contain certain triggers so some of you who do mind these triggers, proceed with caution, and those who don’t mind, by all means, read this because even with the dark elements, this story was fantastic and hot 😉
“—respect and trust works both ways.”
I’ve been struck by another case of #CoverLust that led me to a badass book I might have missed out on otherwise. I’m guilty of having an endless TBR list and though I’ve purchased several books by this author, I’ve not read her work until now. Yup, you guessed it. I’m kicking my own ass for not doing it sooner.
Ricci says it all with, I’m a notorious bastard who will always get what he wants.” He wanted her, so he kidnapped her. Why mess around, right? Well, he got much more than he bargained for with his unwilling bride.
Being raised in the mafia lifestyle Chiara is no shrinking violet. She’s got plans to turn the tables on her arrogant groom. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans, right? “Shit. I have a feeling my ‘power in the bedroom’ plan is failing drastically when all my body wants is to hand over said power and follow his every demand.”
I’m a big fan of dark and dirty drama. Give me an alpha asshole with muscles, tattoos, and a filthy mouth and I’m in heaven. Throw in a badass female who can go toe-to-toe with trained mafia men and I’ve got a girl crush. Add some colorful support characters and some witty banter and you couldn’t pry my Kindle out of my hands with a crowbar. I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It was funny and sexy and suspenseful. I don’t know if this is the beginning of a series or not, but I sure hope so. I’d love to spend some more time with Ricca’s men and the lucky women they end up with. The line forms here…
Wow! kidnapped and forced into a marriage all in one day, that’s without anything else that happens. This is not just a Mafia book but its hope and learning to trust above all else, respect and love. A chance at a decent life and being treated well. There are a few surprises and twists to keep you glued, there is also humour and some fabulous supporting characters with great banter. I loved this book and the characters, Esther is an author I automatically one-click, she never leaves me unsatisfied. If I recommend any author to other readers then she is top of my list. There is graphic violence and sexual content, all of which is relevant to the story, and is hot and steamy. This left me in awe that Esther can still continue to amaze me and still have me wanting more.
I’m so happy to finally read Ricca and Chiara’s story! I read a little snippet of these two not knowing how their story wi end up. Both went through some bad things that’ll scar them for life but having each other make it more amazing, and no one can never come between
Wow, just wow!! I have absolutely loved this series. Each book gives you an alpha male who will protect what is his to the death and a strong woman who has overcome so much. These women are badass!!!
Ricca and Chiara is no different, what starts off as a kidnapping, you know, just the usual! Lol! It grows into so much more.
When Ricca finds out more about his new wife, he and his closest will burn the freaking world down……whilst Chiara helps!
I feel slightly bereft now I have finished this series but I have enjoyed every single word!!
This story is a stand alone but has characters from some of Esther’s other stories!!
In this story Esther takes us on an emotional roller coaster. You are never really sure what will happen next. This is a story that stands on traditions but somehow they get twisted.
I could not put this short fast paced read down.
Loved it. Great ending
Surprise opening and the ending ins “romantic”
loved it, what a fun sexy book,
I love a good book that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I can honestly say Ricca and Chiara’s story did just that for me.
Regardless of how ruthless Ricca is, he has a baseline of rules and morals. You either dedicate yourself or you find yourself truly screwed if you cross him. Chiara was a test of those rules in many ways. In a moment of battle, he makes a decision that changes everything and turns starts an all-out war.
Chiara knows what the mafia life is all about. She’s a mafia princess who has been brought up to be a certain way, at all costs. She understands the line of loyalty that must be drawn in order to keep yourself and your family safe. When the battle begins she believes she’s been traded from one monster to another. When the war finally comes through, it’s fight or fall.
The two of them together is the perfect play of fierce, strong but also incredibly tender. They must figure out if they can be united in the worst of times.
This is a fabulous, binge-worthy, emotional ride of a book that will keep you talking to yourself and your e-reader! Loved every bit of it!
Holy Smoke I freaking love Mafia Books. It is freaking awesome.
Only in a mafia book can you kidnap a women and then fall in love in with her. Chiara was freaking amazing. Total badasss. For someone who was put through so much by her father, she didn’t let that hold her back.
Ricca oh man #sigh. Loved him. Total Alpha male tough and takes no prisoners, but underneath it all, man freaking softie. Being the head of your family and looking out for everyone that takes a lot and makes you tough and hard, but man he definitely showed that he can be both tough and sweet.
A rough start for them both but definitely one that is the best thing that has ever happened for them.
Everything about this book was awesome, the romance, the darker side, their chemistry. I hope there is more in this series, as I love this type of books!
Esther E. Schmidt is a new, to me author but not anymore. OMG, this book was ridiculously good. Ricca and Chiara are two ends of different mafia families. They do NOT see eye to eye, but when we start this book it is their wedding day. So you can imagine that it is not a totally happy occasion.
Don’t think Chiara is just going to lay down and take it though. This is one hard ass chick. She comes from a family of a tough mafia and her father made sure that she could handle it. But she also has had a horrible childhood, so you will see a soft side of her too. Will Ricca be able to handle his new wife and his mafia brothers?
This is a must read book! I am hoping there is more to come!!
Mafia Starts off bloody (and sexy) and doesn’t let up! Woohoo! A couple that tortures together stays together! And what an exciting, sexy couple Ricca and Chiara make. This woman gives better than she takes and that’s saying something in this f’d upped mafia world. Off to a dubious start with Ricca, Chiara soon earns his respect and then his love. And how could she resist the sexy beast that is Ricca? He’s a panty melter! Set to take over and change out the old guard in his vile world, Ricca has enemies coming at him. Who can he trust? Is his wife really with him? So many questions abound in this riveting mafia story that’s a little different than most but in a good way. I love a kickass heroine and Chiara is more than just kickass. Killer all the way with a soft spot for her husband. Maybe. Great secondary characters in Ricca’s trusted friends. Terrific writing and fantastic characters makes this a great mafia read. I hope we get more stories from this violent but spectacular world this author has gifted to us. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
Ricca (In Loyalty Lies Trust)
I absolutely loved this book and was hooked from page one. Another hit and a must read from the talented and amazing author Esther E. Schmidt. This book is about Ricca and Chiara, a smashing and very well written Mafia story. The plot is a dark drama with smart, strong and funny characters, an arrange marriage, a kidnap, crime, suspense, lies, romance and a lot more. It’s a fast pace read but IT’S WORTH IT!!!I really enjoy reading it!!!
Ricca is the first book by this author that I have read, and I enjoyed reading it. I loved following Chiara and Rica’s story as they go from enemies to love. Chiara is a strong character who give as good as she gets because of how she was raised. This makes her the perfect woman for Ricca. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mafia romances.
Review for: Ricca, In Loyalty Lies Trust
Written by: Esther E. Schmidt
Stars: 4
Ricca is the very first book by Esther Schmidt that I have read and it will not be my last. I enjoyed reading this book, I truly believe you will as well.
It started off a little slow, but not for long, the story line picked up and I was pleasantly surprised and had to keep going to see what happened next.
This book is about Ricca and Chiara and a journey into their life. He is the Mafia boss and she is the daughter of an associate. An arranged marriage is set up by him for Chiara.
They may start off as an arraignment but it changes into something more. This book has everything from romance, crime and everything in between, to keep you turning the pages.
I recommend reading Ricca. You will enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading.
I received an ARC for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty Blog for my honest review.
Go and one click, download from what ever eReader you use.
Reviewed by Patti Marden Craft
For Nerdy Dirty & Flirty Blog
I loved this book!! I devoured it in one sitting!! Ricca is the perfect mix of hard and soft just like all of Esther’s men! Chiara is a survivor and is Ricca’s perfect counterpart. Esther’s writing has never been tighter!! The torture scene makes me wonder a little bit… Ricca’s with the rest of Esther’s men and I think I’ll need to seperate all these Alpha’s soon!!
Ok so I am going so glad I’ve read this book. It is not my first book by this author, but it is my first mafia read by her.
I’ve decided when I grow up I want to be just like Chiara. She is a strong independent woman that really knows how to take care of business. The way she was raised is unconventional to say the least. She learned at a young age that you need to keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Trust and respect is something you don’t give away freely and must be earned.
Now Ricca was a strong alpha male that appears to have a heart of stone, but underneath the tough exterior is a man with a huge heart. He became the boss at a young age after his parents were taken from him and his sister. He is known for being a hothead and acting before things are completely thought through. Doesn’t mean that is a bad thing, but I’m his line of work one really needs to be careful.
Their story is one that starts out rough, but they both soon see that what started out as revenge is really the best thing that has happened to both of them. The secondary characters aka the 3 ducklings were hilarious and helped this story flow. The way they took to Chiara even if she did frighten them from time to time. I really could go on and on about this story, but I’m afraid I will let something slip and I don’t want to give any spoilers.
What can I say Ricca and Chiara are a match made in blood if I do say so myself. These two are perfect for each other it just takes a little time for them to know it. Chiara is a beautiful but deadly woman if push comes to shove and Ricca is definitely a pusher. Together they are a unstoppable force of nature which you never want to be left alone with. This book made me smile but also gave me chills I enjoyed it tremendously and can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
Now this is delicious! Killer husband and wife that was a forced marriage?! Some of this authors best work to date! I absolutely love this storyline.
Chiara is fierce and definitely scary.
Ricca demands loyalty and trust. In the mafia that is always number one.
These two are completely explosive when they get in a room together. If it’s arguing or just the chemistry, they have a strong bond.
It’s a novel you can read over and over and leaves you wanting more!