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Ruthless Daddies #3
Grudge
Can their love grow stronger than a twelve year old grudge?
Mitch spent the last twelve years dreaming about his plans when he gets out of the slammer. The last thing he expects is to be abducted the same day he’s released from prison. And sure as hell not by the boy who’s responsible for his criminal record. But Cesare is no longer the sniveling, pathetic, abused boy Mitch protected that day. He’s the Boss of the Lacovelli family. And one glimpse of the onesie beneath the boy’s expensive suit is enough to make Mitch’s knees go weak.
Cesare never forgot the man who saved his life at the expense of his own freedom. When he abducts Mitch to get close to him, he doesn't count on the sight of Mitch to affect him so much. It doesn’t take long for his teenage crush to turn into full blown love. As Cesare and Mitch grow closer, how can Cesare be sure of Mitch’s feelings when he forces Mitch to stay by his side out of a sense of duty?
Grudge is a part of the Ruthless Daddies multi-author mafia collab and a complete standalone. Expect to find an age gap romance with an ex-convict Daddy, a trigger happy Mob Boss boy, and a sweet HEA. Want more deliciously morally gray Daddies and boys? Grab the whole series!
Mitch spent the last twelve years dreaming about his plans when he gets out of the slammer. The last thing he expects is to be abducted the same day he’s released from prison. And sure as hell not by the boy who’s responsible for his criminal record. But Cesare is no longer the sniveling, pathetic, abused boy Mitch protected that day. He’s the Boss of the Lacovelli family. And one glimpse of the onesie beneath the boy’s expensive suit is enough to make Mitch’s knees go weak.
Cesare never forgot the man who saved his life at the expense of his own freedom. When he abducts Mitch to get close to him, he doesn't count on the sight of Mitch to affect him so much. It doesn’t take long for his teenage crush to turn into full blown love. As Cesare and Mitch grow closer, how can Cesare be sure of Mitch’s feelings when he forces Mitch to stay by his side out of a sense of duty?
Grudge is a part of the Ruthless Daddies multi-author mafia collab and a complete standalone. Expect to find an age gap romance with an ex-convict Daddy, a trigger happy Mob Boss boy, and a sweet HEA. Want more deliciously morally gray Daddies and boys? Grab the whole series!
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2022
262 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Gianni Holmes
108 books1,328 followersGianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 21, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Grudge is a complex love story between a young Mafia Don and his bodyguard. This is a surprisingly complicated love story, that begins in a very hostile way, due to an impression of betrayal. This betrayal has many layers to it, that eventually thaws into something completely sincere and romantic.
Grudge is an emotional read that touches on many dark topics that I think are handled with care and help explain certain kinks for the main characters. One of my favorite aspects of this story is the devoted nature of the bond between Mitch as the protector and Cesare as the one needing protection. Their bond is completely earnest and true, making for a fantastic second chance mixed with enemies to lovers.
Overall this is another fantastic entry in this series that left me in awe of the complex depth of both of these characters, who are utterly perfect for one another.
Grudge is a complex love story between a young Mafia Don and his bodyguard. This is a surprisingly complicated love story, that begins in a very hostile way, due to an impression of betrayal. This betrayal has many layers to it, that eventually thaws into something completely sincere and romantic.
Grudge is an emotional read that touches on many dark topics that I think are handled with care and help explain certain kinks for the main characters. One of my favorite aspects of this story is the devoted nature of the bond between Mitch as the protector and Cesare as the one needing protection. Their bond is completely earnest and true, making for a fantastic second chance mixed with enemies to lovers.
Overall this is another fantastic entry in this series that left me in awe of the complex depth of both of these characters, who are utterly perfect for one another.
November 12, 2023
3.5 Stars
When they had sex under the dying man I died
"“Enjoying the view?” Mitch asked as we watched the man’s body give its final twitch."
I loved this book but the sadism made me uncomfortable still it was a great read.
When they had sex under the dying man I died
"“Enjoying the view?” Mitch asked as we watched the man’s body give its final twitch."
I loved this book but the sadism made me uncomfortable still it was a great read.
August 4, 2022
Well... this one was a disappointment considering that I never understood where half of the feelings where coming from?
I mean, he kidnaps u, and then u mad, but then u ok with it? And yes is a mafia story, but then don't sell the dude as one with morals??
I was so confused. 🤯🤯
I mean, he kidnaps u, and then u mad, but then u ok with it? And yes is a mafia story, but then don't sell the dude as one with morals??
I was so confused. 🤯🤯
March 13, 2026
This was an ambitious story, and I have to give props to the author for creating such a complex and interesting character with Cesare. His relationship with Mitch was everything I should've loved in a gritty mafia story like this. Unfortunately, making their relationship feel convincing required more buildup than the story offered.
I saw them dancing around each other, the attraction was there, and them ending up together was a given. My problem is that it happened too quickly for them to have been parted for twelve years. So much had happened to Cesare, and Mitch had wanted nothing to do with his family when he was released. There was no indication that he'd been pinning for Cesare while he was in prison and when he was released the first thing Cesare does is kidnap him and force him back into a position he never wanted to be in again.
The story could have worked if it was a little longer. Cesare was a sadist and Mitch's acceptance of that part of him wasn't unreasonable. It just felt rushed with minimal conversation; all of the negative manifestations of his trauma conveniently glossed over. Overall, this was a disappointment, mainly because of how good it could have been. 2 stars
I saw them dancing around each other, the attraction was there, and them ending up together was a given. My problem is that it happened too quickly for them to have been parted for twelve years. So much had happened to Cesare, and Mitch had wanted nothing to do with his family when he was released. There was no indication that he'd been pinning for Cesare while he was in prison and when he was released the first thing Cesare does is kidnap him and force him back into a position he never wanted to be in again.
The story could have worked if it was a little longer. Cesare was a sadist and Mitch's acceptance of that part of him wasn't unreasonable. It just felt rushed with minimal conversation; all of the negative manifestations of his trauma conveniently glossed over. Overall, this was a disappointment, mainly because of how good it could have been. 2 stars
July 28, 2022
Okay this was really... interesting. I liked how different it was and the complexity of Cesare's character but I am also a little confused. I think it was a little too much and some things could have been explored more but it wasn't bad🙃
February 14, 2024
I feel like I just read a story where the author hit the "random plot idea generator" a dozen times and decided to put the most absurd prompts into one book 🤷♀️
July 22, 2022
This was an excellently dark and gritty read. Prepare to heed the trigger warnings, but it’s a pretty great ride.
Twelve years ago, Mitch did the right thing by protecting Cesare. It cost him greatly. Little does he know, Cesare is waiting patiently to reclaim him as his own. In the beginning, when Mitch is bodyguard to 5 year old Cesare, I found him so incredibly sweet. You could see how a bond would form between the two. It ends up getting a little twisted, but it was so fun to watch.
Cesare is now a mafia don and always in control. I found him fascinating. This need for control and to be controlled in such different ways. Being a switch made him so versatile in his wants and needs. I liked how Mitch was ready, willing and able to accommodate Cesare’s needs. Going from sadist to little was so interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever read an MC quite like Cesare. He and Mitch seemed so well suited.
This was dark. Very dark. But it definitely worked for Cesare and Mitch. I did find the Dario and Mitch’s dad connection a little bit of a reach, but hey, it all worked out in the end. I really love Holmes writing style. The story just flows and you don’t realize the passage of time. This one worked for me in big ways.
Twelve years ago, Mitch did the right thing by protecting Cesare. It cost him greatly. Little does he know, Cesare is waiting patiently to reclaim him as his own. In the beginning, when Mitch is bodyguard to 5 year old Cesare, I found him so incredibly sweet. You could see how a bond would form between the two. It ends up getting a little twisted, but it was so fun to watch.
Cesare is now a mafia don and always in control. I found him fascinating. This need for control and to be controlled in such different ways. Being a switch made him so versatile in his wants and needs. I liked how Mitch was ready, willing and able to accommodate Cesare’s needs. Going from sadist to little was so interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever read an MC quite like Cesare. He and Mitch seemed so well suited.
This was dark. Very dark. But it definitely worked for Cesare and Mitch. I did find the Dario and Mitch’s dad connection a little bit of a reach, but hey, it all worked out in the end. I really love Holmes writing style. The story just flows and you don’t realize the passage of time. This one worked for me in big ways.
July 19, 2022
How can you love a mob boss, a murderer, a bad guy? Just read this book! Cesare has been through so much horror & it gave him the backbone to become the mob boss he needed to be. The only thing missing was Mitch. Kidnapping him to get him back doesn't seem like the smartest move, but these two are just stubborn enough to find each other under all the anger & hurt to make it work. Mitch & Cesare are more than a Daddy & his boy, they are the epitome of a trust & love found in difficult circumstances and held onto until forever.
July 25, 2022
3.5/5 rounded up
This gripped me from the start. I loved the intensity, the drama, and the angst that naturally comes with two hurting people reunited. This was a much more plot-driven story than many daddy/boy books and as such, there was a decent amount of suspense, even if the villain reveals were kind of anti-climatic. I also loved the twist on the daddy/boy relationship this book offered, with the boy, Cesare, being a "switch"- meaning that he takes on both dominant and submissive roles. I wish the kinks had been explored a little more in depth, but what we got was a nice introduction. Overall, while some of this story felt rushed, and some of the emotional intensity faded a bit, I did mostly enjoy it.
September 20, 2022
Another masterpiece with a delicious dynamic between the two leads and a wonderfully dark and interesting split personality in Cesare, the mafia don.
The plot lacks a bit of elaboration, I think there could have been a few more explanations. But well, I guess in this case it's not that dramatic. The focus of the book is definitely on the relationship between Cesare and his bodyguard Mitch. And this one is gritty and filthy and the dynamics are very compelling. The relationship is the embodiment of trust and love. Cesare is quite unique as a Switch - Little/Dom. As a boy he is incredibly playful and in his role as a sadist so very different, but at the same time so loving. 😍😍😍
Well, and besides all that, note that this is a book full of violence and sex, soooo good:
“You promised me a rim job. And it’s my absolute favorite, Daddy, so make your little boy happy.”
I’d make him so fucking happy he would want to live permanently on my face.
“Spread for me.”
The plot lacks a bit of elaboration, I think there could have been a few more explanations. But well, I guess in this case it's not that dramatic. The focus of the book is definitely on the relationship between Cesare and his bodyguard Mitch. And this one is gritty and filthy and the dynamics are very compelling. The relationship is the embodiment of trust and love. Cesare is quite unique as a Switch - Little/Dom. As a boy he is incredibly playful and in his role as a sadist so very different, but at the same time so loving. 😍😍😍
Well, and besides all that, note that this is a book full of violence and sex, soooo good:
“You promised me a rim job. And it’s my absolute favorite, Daddy, so make your little boy happy.”
I’d make him so fucking happy he would want to live permanently on my face.
“Spread for me.”
September 29, 2023
2.75⭐
I'm starting to realize this series might not be for me. At this point I have absolutely no problems with the Daddy, Daddy/boy, Daddy/Little trope, but the delivery somehow doesn't work for me, I've really liked one book so far (#5).
🟡 #3 in the Ruthless Daddies series
🔵 Mafia romance; mafia son/boss and bodyguard
🟢 Age gap - 15 years
🟠 Prison time
🟣 Teenage crush
🌶️ Good spice; Dom/sub, Daddy/Little
I've read 2 books from this author so far and they were both great, but I can't say the same about this one. A quick read, nothing special, it didn't touch or move me and I wouldn't read it again.
The story was quite average, not memorable, although I liked both MMCs, but their dialogues and the way their relationship evolved wasn't working for me .
Cesare was 5 when he met Mitch, his new bodyguard, who was 20 at the time. Mitch was a safe place for Cesare for 10 years, they formed a pretty close friendship, one where Mitch always took care of Cesare and later on saved him from his father by killing him.
When Mitch comes out of prison 12 years later, Cesare naturally wants him by his side, so with a few hiccups, Mitch decides to stay working for Cesare and in the process they begin a romantic relationship.
I was really intrigued, but I think Mitch and Cesare go so quickly from barely knowing each other now, when Cesare is an adult, to an intimate relationship. Cesare also has a lot of baggage, so I think the Little and the Sadist aspect had less on-page time than it should've had.
"I think our relationship will work because we talk things out beforehand, and he's willing to try my kinks."
"He allowed you to go all sadistic on his ass?"
"Not yet, but I think he might."
The homophobia was kicking in with these mafia bros and everyone had a problem with Cesare being gay.
"You're not competent. You disgrace the family name. How dare you turn our strip club into a hedonistic venture?"
The plot.
"Vic has offered me a place right by him." He smiled up at uncle Vic. "Isn't that true, Daddy?"
"I'm sorry, puppet, but that's not likely to happen. You see, I just used you to get to Cesare."
The fierce bodyguard.
"He doesn't have a guardian angel protecting him. He has the devil, and if your hand slips on that trigger, Vic, I'll cut you open myself and leave you for dead in an open field for vultures to feed on your organs."
It's a fast, low angst read, but it's sadly not for me.
I'm starting to realize this series might not be for me. At this point I have absolutely no problems with the Daddy, Daddy/boy, Daddy/Little trope, but the delivery somehow doesn't work for me, I've really liked one book so far (#5).
🟡 #3 in the Ruthless Daddies series
🔵 Mafia romance; mafia son/boss and bodyguard
🟢 Age gap - 15 years
🟠 Prison time
🟣 Teenage crush
🌶️ Good spice; Dom/sub, Daddy/Little
I've read 2 books from this author so far and they were both great, but I can't say the same about this one. A quick read, nothing special, it didn't touch or move me and I wouldn't read it again.
The story was quite average, not memorable, although I liked both MMCs, but their dialogues and the way their relationship evolved wasn't working for me .
Cesare was 5 when he met Mitch, his new bodyguard, who was 20 at the time. Mitch was a safe place for Cesare for 10 years, they formed a pretty close friendship, one where Mitch always took care of Cesare and later on saved him from his father by killing him.
When Mitch comes out of prison 12 years later, Cesare naturally wants him by his side, so with a few hiccups, Mitch decides to stay working for Cesare and in the process they begin a romantic relationship.
I was really intrigued, but I think Mitch and Cesare go so quickly from barely knowing each other now, when Cesare is an adult, to an intimate relationship. Cesare also has a lot of baggage, so I think the Little and the Sadist aspect had less on-page time than it should've had.
"I think our relationship will work because we talk things out beforehand, and he's willing to try my kinks."
"He allowed you to go all sadistic on his ass?"
"Not yet, but I think he might."
The homophobia was kicking in with these mafia bros and everyone had a problem with Cesare being gay.
"You're not competent. You disgrace the family name. How dare you turn our strip club into a hedonistic venture?"
The plot.
"Vic has offered me a place right by him." He smiled up at uncle Vic. "Isn't that true, Daddy?"
"I'm sorry, puppet, but that's not likely to happen. You see, I just used you to get to Cesare."
The fierce bodyguard.
"He doesn't have a guardian angel protecting him. He has the devil, and if your hand slips on that trigger, Vic, I'll cut you open myself and leave you for dead in an open field for vultures to feed on your organs."
It's a fast, low angst read, but it's sadly not for me.
July 21, 2022
Mitch is the bodyguard of Cesare, the Lacovelli heir since the boy was five. Ten years later he’s thrown behind bars for twelve years, because he did his job, protecting the boy’s life.
Cesare changed in those twelve years, now a full-grown man, ruthless head of the Lacovelli family. He wants Mitch back, but Mitch doesn’t trust him. The Lacovelli’s put him in the clink.
In private Cesare is different, and not only a boy with needs, there are other things he yearns for. No one can know, he only trusts Mitch.
Not all family members are happy with Cesare being gay. They think it makes Cesare look weak, little do they know what Cesare is capable of ha!
Threats are coming from different corners, who are they and what do they want?
I liked the story but it felt a bit dragging, a long way in the story nothing exceptional happened, we get to know some more about the last twelve years, and see Mitch and Cesare connect in the now, it took a while until I did! I still hoped for more hurt comfort, especially between the two main. But that’s on me of course. Somehow I couldn’t fully connect with the main characters.
What I really loved was the unexpected dynamic between Mitch and Cesare. It was innovative! The whole story was captivating and entertaining, the author knows how to write mafia stories with a good and solid plot!
So overall a positive verdict, lol.
Cesare changed in those twelve years, now a full-grown man, ruthless head of the Lacovelli family. He wants Mitch back, but Mitch doesn’t trust him. The Lacovelli’s put him in the clink.
In private Cesare is different, and not only a boy with needs, there are other things he yearns for. No one can know, he only trusts Mitch.
Not all family members are happy with Cesare being gay. They think it makes Cesare look weak, little do they know what Cesare is capable of ha!
Threats are coming from different corners, who are they and what do they want?
I liked the story but it felt a bit dragging, a long way in the story nothing exceptional happened, we get to know some more about the last twelve years, and see Mitch and Cesare connect in the now, it took a while until I did! I still hoped for more hurt comfort, especially between the two main. But that’s on me of course. Somehow I couldn’t fully connect with the main characters.
What I really loved was the unexpected dynamic between Mitch and Cesare. It was innovative! The whole story was captivating and entertaining, the author knows how to write mafia stories with a good and solid plot!
So overall a positive verdict, lol.
June 14, 2025
Somewhere between 3.5 to 4 stars - I really ended up enjoying this mafia romance.
This was my first age play & ABDL romance, and I would have liked to see a little bit more of the age play - that playroom with a rock wall sounded like a lot of fun. I found the consent and check ins between the leads to be an awesome addition, and liked the variety of kinks the heroes were exploring together. Shibari, check. Breath play, check. Suckling, check and check. It was fun.
The plot also stayed prevalent throughout the story, which was great. Sometimes the plot tends to dissolve once the leads get together, and this one managed to have plenty of things to keep you on your toes. Granted, at times there was a bit of cheese and I managed to guess some of the mysteries, but overall it was enjoyable. (It's dark and mafia, so check the authors note beforehand with all CW's.)
Also want to throw out that I really appreciated a mafia romance where neither of the leads focused on internalized homophobia or kink shaming. It was great being thrown into the story with two leads that both were well versed in their preferences and enjoyment. Refreshing that the homophobia wasn't in their relationship (there are some homophobes throughout the book.) Having a full team of queer bodyguards was a great touch, and I enjoyed the exploration in the daddy/boy world where the boy needed control at times with sadism.
I received an ARC copy of this book from GRR.
This was my first age play & ABDL romance, and I would have liked to see a little bit more of the age play - that playroom with a rock wall sounded like a lot of fun. I found the consent and check ins between the leads to be an awesome addition, and liked the variety of kinks the heroes were exploring together. Shibari, check. Breath play, check. Suckling, check and check. It was fun.
The plot also stayed prevalent throughout the story, which was great. Sometimes the plot tends to dissolve once the leads get together, and this one managed to have plenty of things to keep you on your toes. Granted, at times there was a bit of cheese and I managed to guess some of the mysteries, but overall it was enjoyable. (It's dark and mafia, so check the authors note beforehand with all CW's.)
Also want to throw out that I really appreciated a mafia romance where neither of the leads focused on internalized homophobia or kink shaming. It was great being thrown into the story with two leads that both were well versed in their preferences and enjoyment. Refreshing that the homophobia wasn't in their relationship (there are some homophobes throughout the book.) Having a full team of queer bodyguards was a great touch, and I enjoyed the exploration in the daddy/boy world where the boy needed control at times with sadism.
I received an ARC copy of this book from GRR.
September 12, 2022
4.25 stars story
July 19, 2022
Yes! Gianni has done it again.
I love daddy/little kink IF done in a way where there is a clear line between when they are playing and real life situations. This book had an ongoing story line, likeable MCs and the slide from one of the MCs being a little to being a bad ass crime boss was effortless.
Cesare and Mitch together were so beautiful and you would think considering Cesare was only young when they met that it would be weird but it has been written in a way that them being together and in love just makes so much sense.
I read the first few chapters on Patreon and it was PAINFUL having to wait to read the next because this is a book you could easily read in a sitting it is that exciting.
Also there is a very kinky steamy scene at the end that just did it for me
I love daddy/little kink IF done in a way where there is a clear line between when they are playing and real life situations. This book had an ongoing story line, likeable MCs and the slide from one of the MCs being a little to being a bad ass crime boss was effortless.
Cesare and Mitch together were so beautiful and you would think considering Cesare was only young when they met that it would be weird but it has been written in a way that them being together and in love just makes so much sense.
I read the first few chapters on Patreon and it was PAINFUL having to wait to read the next because this is a book you could easily read in a sitting it is that exciting.
Also there is a very kinky steamy scene at the end that just did it for me
August 12, 2022
Ahhh... One can always expect Gianni Holmes to deliver when one is in a mood for something dark, twisted and kinky. Sometimes, the fact that I enjoy these books so much makes me wonder about my own morals, but oh well. No one is perfect.
Okay, self reflection aside, this was pretty good. Totally sick, twisted and beyond dark, but still good. I like the dual POV, it makes their emotions more real and engaging, because it is easier to understand why they do what they do. While characters do lack some moral maturity, they make up for it with wickedness and the torture. Rumor has it, loyalty is everything in such families, and boy oh boy is it true in this one.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
Okay, self reflection aside, this was pretty good. Totally sick, twisted and beyond dark, but still good. I like the dual POV, it makes their emotions more real and engaging, because it is easier to understand why they do what they do. While characters do lack some moral maturity, they make up for it with wickedness and the torture. Rumor has it, loyalty is everything in such families, and boy oh boy is it true in this one.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
August 31, 2023
I read this book again because I couldn't remember reading it and the blurb intrigued me. After I got into it, I began to remember why it wasn't more than a 2.5 to 3 star read. The action is good and I liked the characters well enough, but I didn't care for the Little-who-is-also-a-sadist spin and it was strange how much Cesare really changed over the years. I definitely understand why people like this one, but out of many books I've read by this author, it really wasn't even close to being one of my favs. 🤷
July 24, 2022
Mitch and Cesare's story was wild, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming, but I couldn't tear myself away until I knew for sure that they'd get their happy ending. It didn't take more than a couple of paragraphs for me to get swept into the chaos and complicated history of these two men, and boy was their journey full of ups and downs. Cesare was a man with so many hidden layers to him, and I'll admit that sometimes I struggled to understand his wants and needs. Was he the soft, stuttering boy who looked up to Mitch with hero worship in his eyes or the dominant mafia leader who was unafraid to punish those who'd wronged him? The more I pulled back his layers, the more I realized that Cesare was kinda all those things and more, and it made for a fascinating dynamic with Mitch. The way they could switch their dynamic back and forth spoke to their years of learning each other and understanding each other, and I can genuinely say that I don't think anyone else could have been a better fit together. Yes, their relationship pushed and strained at the boundaries I wanted to set for it, and I was caught off guard more than once by their scenes, but somehow despite all that, Mitch and Cesare just worked together. The two of them rode a fine line between morally grey and totally chaotic, and I never knew what to expect from the plot points throughout this book. At times I did find the storyline to be too much--too many surprise enemies, too many unexpected betrayals, too many shocking reveals--but despite the information overload I can't deny it was captivating for me. Cesare and Mitch strayed far from the conventional romantic conclusion, but if anything it felt more fitting for their happily ever after to be a little twisted and unexpected.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 2, 2022
I have to admit I had a bit of a hard time with this one. I found it really intriguing with how different and complex Cesare's character seemed, but there was just too much going on at once in this story for me.
Mitch and Cesare had a lot of history between them and I loved the little snippets of the past included in their story, and while I really liked Cesare’s character, I had a harder time with Mitch. I loved how open and vulnerable Cesare could be with Mitch, and Mitch in his turn was quite protective and possessive of Cesare which was hot. The complexity of Cesare’s character totally intrigued me and I was looking forward to seeing more of it, but I felt like a lot of it was left unexplored. Overall there were quite a few things in the relationship that I would have loved to see explored and more in depth. The steamy scenes were really intense, kinky and hot with these guys though!
Through the story there were so many situations to deal with and there wasn’t a lot of time or space for the relationship to develop between Mitch and Cesare. I was expecting more of a connection between them and I felt like their relationship came a bit out of nowhere. I think this would have been a great read for me if it had focused more on the relationship and not had quite as much going on at the same time. Despite all the different events going on, I have to give it to the author for managing to neatly wrap things up in the end, and there were some twists I didn’t see coming at all!
I really thought I’d love this one, but sadly it didn’t quite work for me. However, if you’re into morally grey characters, dark mafia stories and Daddy kink with age play, I’d recommend giving this one a try!
Mitch and Cesare had a lot of history between them and I loved the little snippets of the past included in their story, and while I really liked Cesare’s character, I had a harder time with Mitch. I loved how open and vulnerable Cesare could be with Mitch, and Mitch in his turn was quite protective and possessive of Cesare which was hot. The complexity of Cesare’s character totally intrigued me and I was looking forward to seeing more of it, but I felt like a lot of it was left unexplored. Overall there were quite a few things in the relationship that I would have loved to see explored and more in depth. The steamy scenes were really intense, kinky and hot with these guys though!
Through the story there were so many situations to deal with and there wasn’t a lot of time or space for the relationship to develop between Mitch and Cesare. I was expecting more of a connection between them and I felt like their relationship came a bit out of nowhere. I think this would have been a great read for me if it had focused more on the relationship and not had quite as much going on at the same time. Despite all the different events going on, I have to give it to the author for managing to neatly wrap things up in the end, and there were some twists I didn’t see coming at all!
I really thought I’d love this one, but sadly it didn’t quite work for me. However, if you’re into morally grey characters, dark mafia stories and Daddy kink with age play, I’d recommend giving this one a try!
July 24, 2022
This book was a lot more than I expected, in the best way. When Cesare's kink are first introduced, I wondered how it would work out. But I shouldn't have doubted, Ms. Holmes has a way to make the unexpected work wonderfully. Cesare and Mitch's relationship starts off sweet with Mitch being Cesare's bodyguard/protector and confidant until they're separated. Upon Mitch 's release, neither is the same person and many things have changed. Both suffered in different ways, but each was left carrying pain and guilt in their souls and heart. Slowly they begin to heal their broken souls and overcome their inner demons. The relationship evolves from boy crush to true love with a lot of heat 🥵. Their relationship roles are defined but with many grey areas, making them even steamier. The change of status in their relationship was well written and believable.
The suspense of who was trying to hurt Cesare had me glued to the book and at the edge of my seat, needing to know if my suspicions were correct. And in a way I was right but in another way I was completely wrong. What a twist thrown in there by the author.
This was a great addition to the Ruthless Daddies series....a dark, wild ride full of betrayal, action, suspense, dark and sweet moments, humor, and raw emotions.
The suspense of who was trying to hurt Cesare had me glued to the book and at the edge of my seat, needing to know if my suspicions were correct. And in a way I was right but in another way I was completely wrong. What a twist thrown in there by the author.
This was a great addition to the Ruthless Daddies series....a dark, wild ride full of betrayal, action, suspense, dark and sweet moments, humor, and raw emotions.
July 25, 2022
Daaang this book ended with a bang... literally the most effed up but sweetly fitting (sexual) bang I have read in a long time. I will say that I used to not be able to read a book with any little/ ABDL play in it. As I have read more Daddy kink books I have expanded my horizons and I actually enjoyed the couple of little scenes that were in this book. These two characters were super effed up and their relationship was borderline taboo. I think the fact that Mitch was in prison for 12 years kept on just this side of being too much for me. This was definitely dark and gritty so heed the TW's that are listed in the blurb. These characters are a pretty dark shade of gray and I loved it. Great read and I am excited to see what the next installment in the series brings.
July 26, 2022
Grudge was simply put excellent!! Grudge is raw, dark and full of grit! Caesar is a young mafia Dom. Mitch was his bodyguard until he killed Caesar’s father twelve years ago protecting Caesar, he goes to jail. When he gets out, Caesar has him picked up and informs him he’s resuming his duties as his bodyguard. Mitch tries to fight the attraction he feels but Caesar gets his way. Overall, a raw and gritty read that is darker that the authors normal reads. Well written with fantastic pacing that will hook you!
August 11, 2022
Mitch had been Cesare's bodyguard and promised to do everything to keep him safe. Well, doing everything involved Mitch serving 12 years in jail, while Cesare went on to become the boss of his family. On the day he got out of jail, Cesare arranges to kidnap Mitch, because Mitch is the only person he can trust.
I felt really sorry for Cesare because he was working hard on his family, but he still had to hide part of himself away. He really needed Mitch for so many reasons.
I hated Mitch's dad so much. And Cesare's for that matter.
I felt really sorry for Cesare because he was working hard on his family, but he still had to hide part of himself away. He really needed Mitch for so many reasons.
I hated Mitch's dad so much. And Cesare's for that matter.
July 23, 2022
Gianni Holmes books are a guaranteed read for me. However, I think this was my least favorite. Not because of the triggers, although please make sure you read her warnings first, but because to me the relationship between the two MCs just came out of no where. I guess I just had a hard time believing it.
It was still a well written book and one to read if you're looking for Mafia/daddy/boy vibes!
It was still a well written book and one to read if you're looking for Mafia/daddy/boy vibes!
July 24, 2022
Wow! This is one dark and complicated love story that is somehow also a tad bit sweet! Mitch and Cesare are brutally hot together! And I mean that literally. There is some sadism here so be prepared. that is all I will give away! You will get a Mob boss boy and his daddy bodyguard, so expect the unexpected! I read an arc and all the more I want to tell you is that this is a unique and well written daddy boy book with an age gap and lots of kink!
February 12, 2023
2.5 rounded up.
Gianni Holmes is not an author that tends to work for me but this book had a couple of tropes I was looking for so I gave it a try. And it worked a lot better than I expected. Especially the first half.
The second half is where it lost me a bit. They go from hate to love way too quickly. I wasn’t that keen on how some of the trauma is handled. Plus I really didn’t like the idea that he is only a sadist due to the trauma he suffered.
Gianni Holmes is not an author that tends to work for me but this book had a couple of tropes I was looking for so I gave it a try. And it worked a lot better than I expected. Especially the first half.
The second half is where it lost me a bit. They go from hate to love way too quickly. I wasn’t that keen on how some of the trauma is handled. Plus I really didn’t like the idea that he is only a sadist due to the trauma he suffered.
August 20, 2023
I’m so addicted to this author❤️ Not as good at daddy’s little deviants series but I enjoyed it as well!
February 2, 2024
I like this!
I liked the longing. I loved the tension and darkness. Cesare is a spitfire in all of the ways. And Mitch is just simply the perfect daddy
I liked the longing. I loved the tension and darkness. Cesare is a spitfire in all of the ways. And Mitch is just simply the perfect daddy
August 12, 2022
3.5 stars
Better than the first 2 for sure
I know each book is a standalone written by a different author so the next books in this series might be better but I honestly can’t be bothered
Maybe one day I’ll read the rest of the books maybe not idk
Better than the first 2 for sure
I know each book is a standalone written by a different author so the next books in this series might be better but I honestly can’t be bothered
Maybe one day I’ll read the rest of the books maybe not idk
August 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much. The plot, the srtting, the characters, the romance, the dynamic between the characters. Just everything in this book worked for me.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
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