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Perfectly Imperfect #4
Ruined Secrets
Isabella
Longing,
I’ve wanted him most of my life,
Since the day he saved me from drowning when I was a kid.
But he’s never noticed me,
Never given me a second thought.
To him, I’m just a child.
And now, he’s ordered to marry me.
He doesn't want me,
Not in his heart or in his bed.
But everything is allowed in war and love,
And I am ready to do whatever it takes,
Even lie to a man who doesn't remember his past.
Luca
As beautiful
As she is cunning,
My young wife masterfully guides me,
Through La Cosa Nostra waters,
Making sure no one suspects,
That I’ve had no memory since the accident.
Now, I’m falling hard for a woman I don’t even remember,
The woman who's been lying to me,
Since the moment I opened my eyes,
And I intend to unravel her secrets.
*Ruined Secrets is a full-length novel with several open-door steamy scenes, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the fourth book in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
Longing,
I’ve wanted him most of my life,
Since the day he saved me from drowning when I was a kid.
But he’s never noticed me,
Never given me a second thought.
To him, I’m just a child.
And now, he’s ordered to marry me.
He doesn't want me,
Not in his heart or in his bed.
But everything is allowed in war and love,
And I am ready to do whatever it takes,
Even lie to a man who doesn't remember his past.
Luca
As beautiful
As she is cunning,
My young wife masterfully guides me,
Through La Cosa Nostra waters,
Making sure no one suspects,
That I’ve had no memory since the accident.
Now, I’m falling hard for a woman I don’t even remember,
The woman who's been lying to me,
Since the moment I opened my eyes,
And I intend to unravel her secrets.
*Ruined Secrets is a full-length novel with several open-door steamy scenes, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the fourth book in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,055 reviews
December 15, 2023
i can’t lie the amnesia plot line made me laugh😭
June 19, 2023
I really don’t like how he kept saying that “he can’t be with a teenager” but then proceeds to end up with her???
June 5, 2024
Five "touch her and die" stars ☆☆☆☆☆
this book wasn’t the one that was plagiarized!!!
edit: some of y'all need lives. I'm a grown ass woman & I can read whatever book I want lmaoo. Don't come at me for reading and rating this- if you don't like it, don't read my reviews. Grow the fuck up and mind your own damn business. :) <3
This book was amazing and I'm so surprised by it!! It has several things I don't usually like- hero was married before (but didn't love her), man buns, amnesia, OW drama, and cheating (not between main characters). But damn, I loved it.
Isabella is the granddaughter of the don of the Chicago Family of Cosa Nostra. She's been infatuated (which turns to love) with Luca, the capo of the Family, since she was six years old. He saved her when she was drowning and since then he's been the only man for her.
Fast forward to the present- Luca is married to OW with a seven year old daughter. It was mentioned that the woman trapped him with the baby so he was forced to marry her, but he has no lost love for her. His wife cheats on him with his bodyguard and he kills the man and throws her out- subsequently divorcing her and trying to move on with his life.
Isabella's grandfather is dying. Luca is the capo of the Family and is told he's taking over as Don when the grandfather passes... under one condition, he has to marry 19-year-old Isabella.
They get married and things are super tense. He doesn't want a sexual relationship with her, or really anything to do with her. They live in separate bedrooms. Isabella forms a relationship with his daughter, Rosa, and that helps. She doesn't tell him that she's been in love with him since she was six.
I finally married a man whom I’ve secretly loved for years, and I’ll be damned if I let him sweep me under the carpet. Luca may not care about me now, but I will make him fall in love with me, or I’ll die trying.
There's lots of secrets that are let out eventually. Isabella and Luca have an amazing push-and-pull relationship, it was so amusing and the sexual chemistry between them was off the charts. Isabella tortures him by having "alone time" right in front of him every night. Eventually he gives in and they have amazing sex.
Soon after, someone tries to kill Luca. He's in a car wreck and has head trauma and second-degree burns. He has amnesia and doesn't remember his wife or daughter. Isabella slowly works with him to memorize everything he needs to do- with his daughter, with the Family, and with her. She tells him that they love each other (first mistake lol). They slowly drift into a loving relationship with looots of hot sex.
I'm not going to spoil the rest of it- but damn, Luca is OTT, possessive, controlling, and loving as hell. Isabella is fierce and stands up for herself at every opportunity. They're a match made in heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in Neva Altaj's series.
Length: 277 pages
safety:
virgin heroine (surprise!)
arranged marrage/touch her and die vibes/forced proximity/slow burn
exhibitionism/voyeurism/bdsm/dirty talk/rough sex/bdsm/KINKY
OW drama- ex wife
no cheating/sharing
HEA ♡
this book wasn’t the one that was plagiarized!!!
edit: some of y'all need lives. I'm a grown ass woman & I can read whatever book I want lmaoo. Don't come at me for reading and rating this- if you don't like it, don't read my reviews. Grow the fuck up and mind your own damn business. :) <3
This book was amazing and I'm so surprised by it!! It has several things I don't usually like- hero was married before (but didn't love her), man buns, amnesia, OW drama, and cheating (not between main characters). But damn, I loved it.
Isabella is the granddaughter of the don of the Chicago Family of Cosa Nostra. She's been infatuated (which turns to love) with Luca, the capo of the Family, since she was six years old. He saved her when she was drowning and since then he's been the only man for her.
Fast forward to the present- Luca is married to OW with a seven year old daughter. It was mentioned that the woman trapped him with the baby so he was forced to marry her, but he has no lost love for her. His wife cheats on him with his bodyguard and he kills the man and throws her out- subsequently divorcing her and trying to move on with his life.
Isabella's grandfather is dying. Luca is the capo of the Family and is told he's taking over as Don when the grandfather passes... under one condition, he has to marry 19-year-old Isabella.
They get married and things are super tense. He doesn't want a sexual relationship with her, or really anything to do with her. They live in separate bedrooms. Isabella forms a relationship with his daughter, Rosa, and that helps. She doesn't tell him that she's been in love with him since she was six.
I finally married a man whom I’ve secretly loved for years, and I’ll be damned if I let him sweep me under the carpet. Luca may not care about me now, but I will make him fall in love with me, or I’ll die trying.
There's lots of secrets that are let out eventually. Isabella and Luca have an amazing push-and-pull relationship, it was so amusing and the sexual chemistry between them was off the charts. Isabella tortures him by having "alone time" right in front of him every night. Eventually he gives in and they have amazing sex.
Soon after, someone tries to kill Luca. He's in a car wreck and has head trauma and second-degree burns. He has amnesia and doesn't remember his wife or daughter. Isabella slowly works with him to memorize everything he needs to do- with his daughter, with the Family, and with her. She tells him that they love each other (first mistake lol). They slowly drift into a loving relationship with looots of hot sex.
I'm not going to spoil the rest of it- but damn, Luca is OTT, possessive, controlling, and loving as hell. Isabella is fierce and stands up for herself at every opportunity. They're a match made in heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in Neva Altaj's series.
Length: 277 pages
safety:
virgin heroine (surprise!)
arranged marrage/touch her and die vibes/forced proximity/slow burn
exhibitionism/voyeurism/bdsm/dirty talk/rough sex/bdsm/KINKY
OW drama- ex wife
no cheating/sharing
HEA ♡
January 12, 2025
I will rate it in negative if there would have been an option.
Smut is okay, I am all in.
Hell, BDSM is okay
But this??
You don't sleep without my finger inside you, like really???
They take their daughter and her friends to the movies and he has her finger inside her all the damn time!!!!
I accept we are reading smut but there should be a story, a semblance of one at least. This was Porn, simple in one word, nothing else.
The novel has no story, no character development, nothing. Just a lot of sex scenes.
And when I say a lot I mean it, whenever they are together they are indulged in some kind of sexual activity.
They make pacts like she will be giving him hand jobs every time they drive together and she will wear p**sy plugs whenever he can't have his finger inside her🙄🙄
Insane!!!
Smut is okay, I am all in.
Hell, BDSM is okay
But this??
You don't sleep without my finger inside you, like really???
They take their daughter and her friends to the movies and he has her finger inside her all the damn time!!!!
I accept we are reading smut but there should be a story, a semblance of one at least. This was Porn, simple in one word, nothing else.
The novel has no story, no character development, nothing. Just a lot of sex scenes.
And when I say a lot I mean it, whenever they are together they are indulged in some kind of sexual activity.
They make pacts like she will be giving him hand jobs every time they drive together and she will wear p**sy plugs whenever he can't have his finger inside her🙄🙄
Insane!!!
January 26, 2023
im being generous fr. i hated this book which was so disappointing because i loved the three before this. i think to start off, the age gap actually was weird. 19 and 35?!? okay brah. second there was absolutely no plot to this book just pure smut. and don’t get me wrong i love me some smut but this was like weird. “you don’t sleep without my finger in your pussy” get the fuck out of my face. weird ass hoes. k bye 😊
May 18, 2024
Neva Altaj is literally curing my marriage of convenience romances starvation 🙏🏼
November 1, 2022
4 Stella Mia Stars ⭐
Even as a young girl, Isabella has adored Luca Rossi. The man that would always be too old and completely unattainable. But as a young woman, when alliances are required in the Cosa Nostra, Luca will marry Isabella.
My self-pity party ends here. I finally married a man whom I’ve secretly loved for years, and I’ll be damned if I let him sweep me under the carpet.
With a big age gap, Luca is hellbent on a marriage in writing only. However, he underestimated his young bride. Behind the innocence, is intelligence, maturity and a nymphomaniac just waiting to pounce on her husband. And everyone has a duty and role to play.
“If I see any other man touch you, he will die. It will be a very unpleasant death.” He adjusts the blanket around my shoulders. “And you won’t be satisfying your own pussy anymore. When you need your problem, as you called it, taken care of, you come to me. You got that, tesoro?”
As Isabella finally feels like she has levelled the playing field, a death threat leaves Luca with no memory. Just when she had hoped to know her husband, a new side is revealed. One that's carnal and loving. What happens when things return to normal?
Hand on heart each book in this Perfectly Imperfect series gets better with every release. Ruined Secrets was wonderfully balanced with the right mix of mafia drama and the spicy dynamics between Luca and Isabella. This is great contemporary mafia romance here!
Even as a young girl, Isabella has adored Luca Rossi. The man that would always be too old and completely unattainable. But as a young woman, when alliances are required in the Cosa Nostra, Luca will marry Isabella.
My self-pity party ends here. I finally married a man whom I’ve secretly loved for years, and I’ll be damned if I let him sweep me under the carpet.
With a big age gap, Luca is hellbent on a marriage in writing only. However, he underestimated his young bride. Behind the innocence, is intelligence, maturity and a nymphomaniac just waiting to pounce on her husband. And everyone has a duty and role to play.
“If I see any other man touch you, he will die. It will be a very unpleasant death.” He adjusts the blanket around my shoulders. “And you won’t be satisfying your own pussy anymore. When you need your problem, as you called it, taken care of, you come to me. You got that, tesoro?”
As Isabella finally feels like she has levelled the playing field, a death threat leaves Luca with no memory. Just when she had hoped to know her husband, a new side is revealed. One that's carnal and loving. What happens when things return to normal?
Hand on heart each book in this Perfectly Imperfect series gets better with every release. Ruined Secrets was wonderfully balanced with the right mix of mafia drama and the spicy dynamics between Luca and Isabella. This is great contemporary mafia romance here!
July 26, 2024
This was just pure smut. And the fact that he thought of her as his teenage wife and young wife? Nope. Never. Please never do it again.
I love age-gap romances and I have no problem with 15 or 20 years age-gap between the main characters as long as the mmc didn't knew fmc as a kid because please we have to draw a line somewhere. Luca knew her since she was a baby, he saved her once when she fell in a pool and she was just a six years old girl at that time and she said that she fell in love with a 22 year old man because he saved her and he looked hot? And then she started falling for him over the years basically knowing not a single thing about him. She was in love with the idea of Luca Rossi for over a decade. Luca used to visit her house a lot in the past and he would somehow pick her up and swing her around and treat her like a normal kid, but once she turned 13 years old he even stopped looking at her? Just a little pet on her head? Like he knew that it's bad to even look at a teenager and it's just speaks a lot about his guilty conscience! Because if he didn't had any weird feelings for her then why did he just stop treating her like a kid? It just made me so frustrating. I would've liked this book more had they never knew each other growing up.
The romance was not really romantic. It was just sexual tension and smut scenes which I am fine with but it was overshadowing their emotional intimacy and also the plot of the story.
I kind of liked Isabella in the start but then she just annoyed me with how she behaved. She was mature but behaved so childishly in front of Luca. Atleast she wasn't a doormat but that's never a issue in this series so far. The only thing I liked about her was how she developed her relationship with Luca's daughter.
Luca? We are living in 2024 right? So why the hell this man is trying to control what her wife wears? And she let him do that because that means he's jealous, he cares? Luca and Isabella both need therapy.
I don't really write about the quality of smut scenes in my reviews but I have to for this one. Why is there no talk about safe sex in this book? That's one of my major issues in mafia romances these days. Another one was how she liked to sleep with his fingers in her V? Or how he controlled her with toys for hours? I am sorry what-? That's so weird and let's not forget about hygiene and vaginal health! I like reading about dominant men in books but Luca was weird about all that.
I am so excited for Milene's story though and I only ever heard positive things about that one so let's just keep my fingers crossed.
I love age-gap romances and I have no problem with 15 or 20 years age-gap between the main characters as long as the mmc didn't knew fmc as a kid because please we have to draw a line somewhere. Luca knew her since she was a baby, he saved her once when she fell in a pool and she was just a six years old girl at that time and she said that she fell in love with a 22 year old man because he saved her and he looked hot? And then she started falling for him over the years basically knowing not a single thing about him. She was in love with the idea of Luca Rossi for over a decade. Luca used to visit her house a lot in the past and he would somehow pick her up and swing her around and treat her like a normal kid, but once she turned 13 years old he even stopped looking at her? Just a little pet on her head? Like he knew that it's bad to even look at a teenager and it's just speaks a lot about his guilty conscience! Because if he didn't had any weird feelings for her then why did he just stop treating her like a kid? It just made me so frustrating. I would've liked this book more had they never knew each other growing up.
The romance was not really romantic. It was just sexual tension and smut scenes which I am fine with but it was overshadowing their emotional intimacy and also the plot of the story.
I kind of liked Isabella in the start but then she just annoyed me with how she behaved. She was mature but behaved so childishly in front of Luca. Atleast she wasn't a doormat but that's never a issue in this series so far. The only thing I liked about her was how she developed her relationship with Luca's daughter.
Luca? We are living in 2024 right? So why the hell this man is trying to control what her wife wears? And she let him do that because that means he's jealous, he cares? Luca and Isabella both need therapy.
I don't really write about the quality of smut scenes in my reviews but I have to for this one. Why is there no talk about safe sex in this book? That's one of my major issues in mafia romances these days. Another one was how she liked to sleep with his fingers in her V? Or how he controlled her with toys for hours? I am sorry what-? That's so weird and let's not forget about hygiene and vaginal health! I like reading about dominant men in books but Luca was weird about all that.
I am so excited for Milene's story though and I only ever heard positive things about that one so let's just keep my fingers crossed.
October 17, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC review)
Safety warnings:
- Age gap H 35/h 19
- No cheating (between MCs)
- Mention of cheating
- D*ath/Violence
- No OM/OW drama
- HEA
I loved the push and pull. Luca was so stubborn and could not let go of it while Isabella was consistent in her attempts at making her marriage work and having him fall in love with her.
Isabella shocked everyone with the knowledge she possesses and how she gets them. I was so proud of her for showing Luca how immature she wasn't. She could stand against all the men around her without cowering away and that is who he needed after he takes over.
Without her he wouldn't have been able to navigate the world they are a part of. She was able to stand by his side and help him make sure nobody found out about his little memory problem. The dedication was so wonderful.
I loved watching her try and try again to get him out of his shell and with his memories gone he was able to truly show how much he wanted her without the fears or issues he had with it before.
This one had a bit more steam than previous books and I'm not one to complain about it.
Also LOVED the little cameo we got during the club scene.
We were also introduced to the next MMC and I cannot wait for his story as we got a glimpse into the FMC too and this is going to be explosive!
Safety warnings:
- Age gap H 35/h 19
- No cheating (between MCs)
- Mention of cheating
- D*ath/Violence
- No OM/OW drama
- HEA
I loved the push and pull. Luca was so stubborn and could not let go of it while Isabella was consistent in her attempts at making her marriage work and having him fall in love with her.
Isabella shocked everyone with the knowledge she possesses and how she gets them. I was so proud of her for showing Luca how immature she wasn't. She could stand against all the men around her without cowering away and that is who he needed after he takes over.
Without her he wouldn't have been able to navigate the world they are a part of. She was able to stand by his side and help him make sure nobody found out about his little memory problem. The dedication was so wonderful.
I loved watching her try and try again to get him out of his shell and with his memories gone he was able to truly show how much he wanted her without the fears or issues he had with it before.
This one had a bit more steam than previous books and I'm not one to complain about it.
Also LOVED the little cameo we got during the club scene.
We were also introduced to the next MMC and I cannot wait for his story as we got a glimpse into the FMC too and this is going to be explosive!
May 22, 2024
3.5 Stars.
In the case of mafia romances 'age gap' and 'arranged marriage' make the perfect stories, and this instalment has both.
In the case of mafia romances 'age gap' and 'arranged marriage' make the perfect stories, and this instalment has both.
November 4, 2023
2,5??? I don’t know
Este libro fue una gran decepción para mí. Y es que hasta el momento todos los libros de la serie me habían generado por lo menos cierto entretenimiento a la hora de leerlos. Pero con este libro la autora sí me falló un poco. (Ojo, eso no quiere decir que no vaya a leer los otros).
Simplemente no pude. Ni con los personajes. Ni con la historia. Con nada. Y sinceramente desde las primeras páginas ya sabía que eso iba a ocurrir. Soy consciente de que en los libros de esta serie ha habido cierto age gap, pero el hecho de que en este quisieran resaltarlo cada cinco líneas ya lo convertía en algo incómodo. Sin contar los pensamientos de Isabella al inicio del libro, tipo wtf??? Simplemente no me imagino a una nena pensando así, just no.
Por otro lado, siempre voy a ser hater de que en un libro me pongan un personaje si no van a hacer uso de él. Te juro que cada 30 páginas se me olvidaba que el hombre tenía una hija, o sea???? JAJAJA :|
Y no puedo creer que vaya a decir esto, pero disfrutaba más las intervenciones de Damian QUE NI SIQUIERA ERA UN PERSONAJE PRINCIPAL.
Hubo varias cosas a las que se les pudo sacar potencial, but not.
0 química, les brotó el amor de no sé dónde porque era s3x* por aquí y por allá. Al punto que las escenas ya hasta me las saltaba.
Lo más rescatable para mí fue la segunda parte, porque por lo menos me mantuvo un poco más enganchada. Pero este libro simplemente no fue para mí. Me sigo quedando con Bianca y Mikhail.
Este libro fue una gran decepción para mí. Y es que hasta el momento todos los libros de la serie me habían generado por lo menos cierto entretenimiento a la hora de leerlos. Pero con este libro la autora sí me falló un poco. (Ojo, eso no quiere decir que no vaya a leer los otros).
Simplemente no pude. Ni con los personajes. Ni con la historia. Con nada. Y sinceramente desde las primeras páginas ya sabía que eso iba a ocurrir. Soy consciente de que en los libros de esta serie ha habido cierto age gap, pero el hecho de que en este quisieran resaltarlo cada cinco líneas ya lo convertía en algo incómodo. Sin contar los pensamientos de Isabella al inicio del libro, tipo wtf??? Simplemente no me imagino a una nena pensando así, just no.
Por otro lado, siempre voy a ser hater de que en un libro me pongan un personaje si no van a hacer uso de él. Te juro que cada 30 páginas se me olvidaba que el hombre tenía una hija, o sea???? JAJAJA :|
Y no puedo creer que vaya a decir esto, pero disfrutaba más las intervenciones de Damian QUE NI SIQUIERA ERA UN PERSONAJE PRINCIPAL.
Hubo varias cosas a las que se les pudo sacar potencial, but not.
0 química, les brotó el amor de no sé dónde porque era s3x* por aquí y por allá. Al punto que las escenas ya hasta me las saltaba.
Lo más rescatable para mí fue la segunda parte, porque por lo menos me mantuvo un poco más enganchada. Pero este libro simplemente no fue para mí. Me sigo quedando con Bianca y Mikhail.
July 31, 2023
All books had some questionable and extra jealousy moments but this? oh this was just bad 😭 Idk if it only me but I didn't feel no connection, no chemistry or whatsoever between the couple, because this man wouldn't stop saying "she is a teenager" and acting like he's in his 80s not 35! She was 19 and this was age gap so it is what it is, but second half after he lost his memories? just got bad and weird... This man told her she will only sleep with his finger inside her and my last straw was when they took his daughter and her friends to cinema and he had his finger inside her the whole time 💀 I get the whole controlling what she wears and does part, as she wanted it and they both were into It! But the whole kink in this book felt forced, it was done just so he will stop saying "I can't sleep with my teenage wife"!
November 15, 2024
3 ⭐
I think it was the worst book Neva has ever written, however, as always, her books are addictive and very enjoyable so I never got bored, even though I felt that in some chapters there were only spicy scenes to fill in (in fact I think there were too many spicy scenes, in my opinion)
I thought I wasn't going to like Isabella's character but I thought she was a pretty intelligent MFC and not so childish despite her age. I also liked Luca and I thought that I wasn't going to like this whole amnesia trope and that was what I liked most about the book.
I think it was the worst book Neva has ever written, however, as always, her books are addictive and very enjoyable so I never got bored, even though I felt that in some chapters there were only spicy scenes to fill in (in fact I think there were too many spicy scenes, in my opinion)
I thought I wasn't going to like Isabella's character but I thought she was a pretty intelligent MFC and not so childish despite her age. I also liked Luca and I thought that I wasn't going to like this whole amnesia trope and that was what I liked most about the book.
December 2, 2024
IM FREEEEEE!!!!!!!! WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY FUCKING LIFE
December 1, 2022
“A low, moaning sound reaches me from the direction of Isabella’s room and I look up, staring at the door connecting our rooms.”
Please choose another kind of turn on to the characters this line is getting old. 🤦🏻♀️
Only this was annoying 🤷🏻♀️. I liked everything!
It’s worth the reading.
Please choose another kind of turn on to the characters this line is getting old. 🤦🏻♀️
Only this was annoying 🤷🏻♀️. I liked everything!
It’s worth the reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
If u were to take a shot every time he said “my teenage wife/ young wife” You’d be hammered.
November 6, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely fantastic read! Neva Altaj just seems to tick all of my boxes when it comes to my favorite types of mafia read. We have a great storyline that is well written and moves well. GREAT banter between the two MCs. It's a "dark" read without being too dark. There is just so much push and pull between them and I love the fact that even though Isa is much younger than him, she's a bit of a steamroller and knows how to get what she wants from Luca. The chemistry between them is just super hot and I love how she manages to manipulate him into acting on his attraction with some laugh out loud results. Just another great, entertaining read in what's been a really awesome series.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely fantastic read! Neva Altaj just seems to tick all of my boxes when it comes to my favorite types of mafia read. We have a great storyline that is well written and moves well. GREAT banter between the two MCs. It's a "dark" read without being too dark. There is just so much push and pull between them and I love the fact that even though Isa is much younger than him, she's a bit of a steamroller and knows how to get what she wants from Luca. The chemistry between them is just super hot and I love how she manages to manipulate him into acting on his attraction with some laugh out loud results. Just another great, entertaining read in what's been a really awesome series.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
March 21, 2024
Ruined Secrets is a fun read. Miss Altaj put so much needed sassiness into her story. I like Isabella. She is wicked and cunning. In a good way. And Luca is just delicious.
My only complain is the ending is too short.
4 stars
My only complain is the ending is too short.
4 stars
November 16, 2022
3.5 Stars rounded up.
So I am loving this series of Bratva and Mafia men who have handicaps and the women who love and support them. But this one had a couple missteps for me. I love the concept of Luca losing his memory and not knowing the standing His and Isabella's relationship really is in. I love smart, calculating, and beautiful Isabella. Like they say, behind every great man is good woman. I really loved both Isabella and Luca. They were both so stubborn and watching them in this game of who was gonna break first was so entertaining. But...why did there have to be some weird thing about having to have Luca's finger in her pussy all night to sleep and can't handle not having his finger or cock in her pussy throughout the day. It just got weird. Isa would be sleeping and Luca is read business papers but always has his hand between her legs with a finger in her pussy. Like, huh?!! Then Luca had to buy her a pussy plug, like a butt plug but for her pussy so Isa could get through her day. It just got weird and unbelievable. It kinda ruined this a little for me.
Then, I can't believe I'm saying this lol, but there was too many sex scenes. One after another. It just got repetitive. Okay Luca has to have his finger in her, but then they're turned on and have quick sex, then sex while they clean up, but then he's got to put his finger in Isa so she can sleep. Then in the morning they have sex before he can put the pussy plug in, then she drops by his office to have sex because she's turned on by wearing the plug. It got annoying instead of sexy. It affected my rating.
I really liked story. I love this series so far. This one had some issues that I wish weren't there because it was really good and could of been a five star easily. It is what it is. I am very excited to see what's going down with Salvatore and Milene in the upcoming book. There's been so much mystery around him and we'll finally get some answers.
So I am loving this series of Bratva and Mafia men who have handicaps and the women who love and support them. But this one had a couple missteps for me. I love the concept of Luca losing his memory and not knowing the standing His and Isabella's relationship really is in. I love smart, calculating, and beautiful Isabella. Like they say, behind every great man is good woman. I really loved both Isabella and Luca. They were both so stubborn and watching them in this game of who was gonna break first was so entertaining. But...why did there have to be some weird thing about having to have Luca's finger in her pussy all night to sleep and can't handle not having his finger or cock in her pussy throughout the day. It just got weird. Isa would be sleeping and Luca is read business papers but always has his hand between her legs with a finger in her pussy. Like, huh?!! Then Luca had to buy her a pussy plug, like a butt plug but for her pussy so Isa could get through her day. It just got weird and unbelievable. It kinda ruined this a little for me.
Then, I can't believe I'm saying this lol, but there was too many sex scenes. One after another. It just got repetitive. Okay Luca has to have his finger in her, but then they're turned on and have quick sex, then sex while they clean up, but then he's got to put his finger in Isa so she can sleep. Then in the morning they have sex before he can put the pussy plug in, then she drops by his office to have sex because she's turned on by wearing the plug. It got annoying instead of sexy. It affected my rating.
I really liked story. I love this series so far. This one had some issues that I wish weren't there because it was really good and could of been a five star easily. It is what it is. I am very excited to see what's going down with Salvatore and Milene in the upcoming book. There's been so much mystery around him and we'll finally get some answers.
November 26, 2023
Ciertamente se me acabó la diversión con esta serie porque este libro definitivamente fue espantoso por donde se mire y ahora perdí la fe que tenía a los demás libros.
A ver, los age gap son mi debilidad, pero detesto cuando me ponen a una chica de 18/19 años con un tipo de más de 30 años. No es mi dinámica predilecta para leer, y menos cuando el MMC está todo el rato refiriéndose a la chica como una adolescente pero al mismo tiempo teniendo todo tipo de fantasías con ella, es contradictorio e incómodo.
Además, ¿Cuál se supone que es la personalidad de estos personajes?
Luca me pareció cualquier cosa, para ser el líder de una organización mafiosa, la falta un poco más de presencia. Y la elección de nombre no fue la mejor, justamente existen demasiados Luca en el mundillo de los mafia romance, así que ya por ahí el personaje no resaltaría mucho ni muchos menos sería memorable.
Por otra parte, Isabella me gustó al principio, más cuando estaba haciendo malabares para mantener toda una mentira al mismo tiempo que manejaba a su esposo, ya que este no era capaz de hacer nada sin su ayuda; pero a la mitad del libro me fastidió que todos sus POVs giraran alrededor de su necesidad de tener algo dentro de ella (y esa ridiculez de que no pudiese dormir sin tener el dedo de Luca dentro de ella me pareció la mayor idiotez de todos los tiempos).
En fin, qué ganas de olvidar que leí este libro; y en cuanto a mi top, es obvio quienes estarán de último lugar:
1. Bianca / Mikhail
2. Sergei / Angelina
3. Roman / Nina
4. Isabella / Luca
A ver, los age gap son mi debilidad, pero detesto cuando me ponen a una chica de 18/19 años con un tipo de más de 30 años. No es mi dinámica predilecta para leer, y menos cuando el MMC está todo el rato refiriéndose a la chica como una adolescente pero al mismo tiempo teniendo todo tipo de fantasías con ella, es contradictorio e incómodo.
Además, ¿Cuál se supone que es la personalidad de estos personajes?
Luca me pareció cualquier cosa, para ser el líder de una organización mafiosa, la falta un poco más de presencia. Y la elección de nombre no fue la mejor, justamente existen demasiados Luca en el mundillo de los mafia romance, así que ya por ahí el personaje no resaltaría mucho ni muchos menos sería memorable.
Por otra parte, Isabella me gustó al principio, más cuando estaba haciendo malabares para mantener toda una mentira al mismo tiempo que manejaba a su esposo, ya que este no era capaz de hacer nada sin su ayuda; pero a la mitad del libro me fastidió que todos sus POVs giraran alrededor de su necesidad de tener algo dentro de ella (y esa ridiculez de que no pudiese dormir sin tener el dedo de Luca dentro de ella me pareció la mayor idiotez de todos los tiempos).
En fin, qué ganas de olvidar que leí este libro; y en cuanto a mi top, es obvio quienes estarán de último lugar:
1. Bianca / Mikhail
2. Sergei / Angelina
3. Roman / Nina
4. Isabella / Luca
February 2, 2023
We’re back on track, baby. This book captured a little of the magic that’s been missing since book one.
When the don becomes severely ill, he names Luca as his successor. To ensure a smooth transition, Luca is to marry the don’s 19 (to Luca’s 35) year old granddaughter Isabella.
I do not like amnesia, and this story did nothing to change my preference, but it was GOOD. The amnesia didn’t happen until about halfway through, and while it wasn’t necessary, I adored the push-pull that was happening up to that point.
Isabella is cunning and manipulative (in a helpful way), a perfect don’s wife. At points she became a little immature, but so did Luca, so…balance. Her relationship with Luca’s child was cute enough, but this kid was barely there. She honestly could’ve been taken out of the story and very little would be affected.
Luca’s controlling tendencies are very unappealing—but Isabella likes it, so I guess it’s fine. Everything about him shouldn’t work, but it does. My jaw dropped at how quick he is to kill someone. I seriously think he’d give Sergei a run for his money.
At this point, the big antagonist is always going to be someone crummy from the get-go. This is book four, and we’ve yet to have any heartbreaking betrayal!
With each installation, we learn more about the Families, and the interactions between and within them. These characters and the rumors about them are the best part. Neva Altaj easily has enough established characters to make eight more books.
★★★★
When the don becomes severely ill, he names Luca as his successor. To ensure a smooth transition, Luca is to marry the don’s 19 (to Luca’s 35) year old granddaughter Isabella.
I do not like amnesia, and this story did nothing to change my preference, but it was GOOD. The amnesia didn’t happen until about halfway through, and while it wasn’t necessary, I adored the push-pull that was happening up to that point.
Isabella is cunning and manipulative (in a helpful way), a perfect don’s wife. At points she became a little immature, but so did Luca, so…balance. Her relationship with Luca’s child was cute enough, but this kid was barely there. She honestly could’ve been taken out of the story and very little would be affected.
Luca’s controlling tendencies are very unappealing—but Isabella likes it, so I guess it’s fine. Everything about him shouldn’t work, but it does. My jaw dropped at how quick he is to kill someone. I seriously think he’d give Sergei a run for his money.
At this point, the big antagonist is always going to be someone crummy from the get-go. This is book four, and we’ve yet to have any heartbreaking betrayal!
With each installation, we learn more about the Families, and the interactions between and within them. These characters and the rumors about them are the best part. Neva Altaj easily has enough established characters to make eight more books.
★★★★
October 21, 2022
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
This series just keeps getting better and better for me. I have been continually impressed and this was no different. I love how quickly I get sucked in and how much I come to care for the characters so quickly.
When a romance has a pining heroine, I get really nervous. I just don't love reading a book where the woman has so much on the line like that. Yet, Isabella may have a childlike hero worship for Luca, but when she gets her chance to marry him, she stakes her claim and demands what she wants from her older, more experienced husband. She was a force of nature and I honestly have a girl crush on her.
Luca has a lot on his plate. He catches his wife cheating, and is immediately ordered to marry the don's granddaughter before the ink is dry on his divorce papers. She is WAY too young for him and he plans to keep her far, far away from him. Then, just as he is softening to her want for him.. he loses every part of himself.
I did not expect how this book played out. The Age Gap, Arranged Marriage, and even amnesia tropes were done to perfection. This book also upped the spice factor quite a bit and has some smink-iness that I absolutely LOVED. It made me so happy.
I just adore how Neva Altaj makes these mafia men fall for their women. I can't wait for many more stories to come.
5 stars
4.5 on the spice scale
TW: violence, BDSM, Dynamics, Death of a family member
This series just keeps getting better and better for me. I have been continually impressed and this was no different. I love how quickly I get sucked in and how much I come to care for the characters so quickly.
When a romance has a pining heroine, I get really nervous. I just don't love reading a book where the woman has so much on the line like that. Yet, Isabella may have a childlike hero worship for Luca, but when she gets her chance to marry him, she stakes her claim and demands what she wants from her older, more experienced husband. She was a force of nature and I honestly have a girl crush on her.
Luca has a lot on his plate. He catches his wife cheating, and is immediately ordered to marry the don's granddaughter before the ink is dry on his divorce papers. She is WAY too young for him and he plans to keep her far, far away from him. Then, just as he is softening to her want for him.. he loses every part of himself.
I did not expect how this book played out. The Age Gap, Arranged Marriage, and even amnesia tropes were done to perfection. This book also upped the spice factor quite a bit and has some smink-iness that I absolutely LOVED. It made me so happy.
I just adore how Neva Altaj makes these mafia men fall for their women. I can't wait for many more stories to come.
5 stars
4.5 on the spice scale
TW: violence, BDSM, Dynamics, Death of a family member
August 4, 2023
My first Neva Altaj book and it didn’t disappoint. Another new author for me.
I wasn’t planning to start with this book but after seeing a review in bookstagram I was too intrigued to wait. Marriage of convenience AND mafia romance….. SIGHN ME UP!
This romance have all that hit components- a strong heroine, ‘don’t give a shit’ type obsessed hero, age gap, arranged marriage, possessiveness, tiny suspense, well written, amnesia and beautifully executed.
Loved how their relationship progressed and how they became the power couple. Heroine Isa’s growth was astonishing. I loved how there wasn’t any unnecessary relationship drama in the end.
And I’m a fan of Luca’s Man bun!
Story just flowed and I couldn’t put it down. Strongly recommended.
I’ve one tiny complaint though, initially I thought Isa was too much pushy with Luca. She should’ve given him a little more space and time.
Safety- no mention of hero’s exes though he was in an unhappy marriage before and have a young daughter.
I wasn’t planning to start with this book but after seeing a review in bookstagram I was too intrigued to wait. Marriage of convenience AND mafia romance….. SIGHN ME UP!
This romance have all that hit components- a strong heroine, ‘don’t give a shit’ type obsessed hero, age gap, arranged marriage, possessiveness, tiny suspense, well written, amnesia and beautifully executed.
Loved how their relationship progressed and how they became the power couple. Heroine Isa’s growth was astonishing. I loved how there wasn’t any unnecessary relationship drama in the end.
And I’m a fan of Luca’s Man bun!
Story just flowed and I couldn’t put it down. Strongly recommended.
I’ve one tiny complaint though, initially I thought Isa was too much pushy with Luca. She should’ve given him a little more space and time.
Safety- no mention of hero’s exes though he was in an unhappy marriage before and have a young daughter.
November 2, 2022
I'm not even going to pretend that I've become obsessed with this series.
There's one trope I don't like reading but somehow I really enjoyed the storyline in Ruined Secrets.
There's one trope I don't like reading but somehow I really enjoyed the storyline in Ruined Secrets.
August 9, 2023
4.2 🌟 para Ruined Secrets, cuarto libro de la serie Perfectly Imperfect de Neva Altaj.
📖 De las siete entregas que componen esta saga (hasta el momento), ésta fue sin dudas mi favorita. La disfruté enormemente tanto por su trama como por su pareja protagonista que me encantó. No siempre es bien llevado el trope del age gap, pero en este caso siento que no hay nada para reprocharle a la autora porque desarrolló este cliché de una manera muy consistente y bonita.
◾ Isabella y Luca me parecieron dos buenos personajes con los cuales resulta fácil empatizar desde el comienzo de la historia y me encantaron todas sus interacciones. Además, siento que Isabella fue la protagonista femenina que más me gustó de todas las que componen Perfectly Imperfect. Conecté con ella en todo momento y podía entender sus deseos y su forma de actuar.
➡️ La trama de Ruined Secrets es, asimismo, muy interesante porque Luca pierde la memoria y tiene que fingir con la ayuda de su joven esposa que nada ha cambiado y nada ha sido olvidado para que la mafia no sospeche lo sucedido y actúe en consecuencia. Ese es el eje principal del libro y la verdad es que se sostiene muy bien a lo largo de los capítulos que son super dinámicos y atrapantes. La historia nunca se torna aburrida y el cambio de perspectivas en la narración entre Luca e Isabella otorga una agilidad muy bien construida al igual que en todas las otras novelas de la serie. Lo recomiendo bastante.
📖 De las siete entregas que componen esta saga (hasta el momento), ésta fue sin dudas mi favorita. La disfruté enormemente tanto por su trama como por su pareja protagonista que me encantó. No siempre es bien llevado el trope del age gap, pero en este caso siento que no hay nada para reprocharle a la autora porque desarrolló este cliché de una manera muy consistente y bonita.
◾ Isabella y Luca me parecieron dos buenos personajes con los cuales resulta fácil empatizar desde el comienzo de la historia y me encantaron todas sus interacciones. Además, siento que Isabella fue la protagonista femenina que más me gustó de todas las que componen Perfectly Imperfect. Conecté con ella en todo momento y podía entender sus deseos y su forma de actuar.
➡️ La trama de Ruined Secrets es, asimismo, muy interesante porque Luca pierde la memoria y tiene que fingir con la ayuda de su joven esposa que nada ha cambiado y nada ha sido olvidado para que la mafia no sospeche lo sucedido y actúe en consecuencia. Ese es el eje principal del libro y la verdad es que se sostiene muy bien a lo largo de los capítulos que son super dinámicos y atrapantes. La historia nunca se torna aburrida y el cambio de perspectivas en la narración entre Luca e Isabella otorga una agilidad muy bien construida al igual que en todas las otras novelas de la serie. Lo recomiendo bastante.
March 23, 2023
3.5 Awesome-h ⭐'s
This is the first book I’ve read from the series, it’s sort of a mafia-lite romance. The criminal aspect is there with some violence, but it’s a safe option for readers that don’t appreciate an anti-H or mistresses in their mobster reads. I’m coming off of an 8-book biker binge with cheating A-holes, so this was a refreshing palate cleanser.
This plot has been done before, an arranged marriage between a mafia princess and older man (Isabella is 19 and Luca is 35). She’s loved him forever and he’s not interested in a child bride. What makes this different (and more enjoyable) were the characters… because Isabella is not the standard clueless, immature, whiny wimp that’s spent her time shopping and daydreaming. She’s mature, wise, strong, and has spent years preparing for the role of a mafia wife. She was a true partner/asset and equal to Luca. I LOVED that she contributed to his success and protected him rather than being a pouty puss or damsel. Luca for his part believes she’s too young and tries to distance himself (cuz he’s trying to wait until she’s 21), but he’s not an ass, nor is he out banging gumadas until his wife grows up.
Bottom Line- Quick, easy read. (no heavy feels) I enjoyed it, but it got a smidge repetitive in the middle… but it was sweet, has some kink, and free with KU, so I’m rounding up. I will note there’s a weird finger/pacifier thing going on that was rather strange, but I just went with it. 🤷♀️
This is the first book I’ve read from the series, it’s sort of a mafia-lite romance. The criminal aspect is there with some violence, but it’s a safe option for readers that don’t appreciate an anti-H or mistresses in their mobster reads. I’m coming off of an 8-book biker binge with cheating A-holes, so this was a refreshing palate cleanser.
This plot has been done before, an arranged marriage between a mafia princess and older man (Isabella is 19 and Luca is 35). She’s loved him forever and he’s not interested in a child bride. What makes this different (and more enjoyable) were the characters… because Isabella is not the standard clueless, immature, whiny wimp that’s spent her time shopping and daydreaming. She’s mature, wise, strong, and has spent years preparing for the role of a mafia wife. She was a true partner/asset and equal to Luca. I LOVED that she contributed to his success and protected him rather than being a pouty puss or damsel. Luca for his part believes she’s too young and tries to distance himself (cuz he’s trying to wait until she’s 21), but he’s not an ass, nor is he out banging gumadas until his wife grows up.
Bottom Line- Quick, easy read. (no heavy feels) I enjoyed it, but it got a smidge repetitive in the middle… but it was sweet, has some kink, and free with KU, so I’m rounding up. I will note there’s a weird finger/pacifier thing going on that was rather strange, but I just went with it. 🤷♀️
January 24, 2025
So book 4 had me in all the feels. It covers all its bases nicely.
35 yr old Luca is the Capo, soon to be the Don of the family. Isabella is the 19 yr old underestimated spit 🔥, that has been in love with Luca since she was 6. Deemed worthy by the current and ailing Don, Isabella's Nonno, the marriage between her and Luca has been blessed and arranged to happen. But, it's not the marriage she envisioned it to be..
So this one was just as good as the first 3 books in this series. They all are connected, but very different. Luca is a complex guy, with a major push and pull hang up regarding his new bride. There is lots of mystery here as well as hilarious occurrences. Especially the end of the last chapter 🤣🤣🤣
Though I loved the dynamics here with Luca and Isabella,(emotionally and physically) I was way more intrigued by the influences and dangers surrounding them. And Part II of this book was very intense reading, as well, with all of the happenings after Luca's almost fatal car accident. These were the things that kept me intrigued and reading. Scared to death of what would happen to him, if secrets were revealed.
Another great addition to this series. I would recommend it.
Please read in order.
35 yr old Luca is the Capo, soon to be the Don of the family. Isabella is the 19 yr old underestimated spit 🔥, that has been in love with Luca since she was 6. Deemed worthy by the current and ailing Don, Isabella's Nonno, the marriage between her and Luca has been blessed and arranged to happen. But, it's not the marriage she envisioned it to be..
So this one was just as good as the first 3 books in this series. They all are connected, but very different. Luca is a complex guy, with a major push and pull hang up regarding his new bride. There is lots of mystery here as well as hilarious occurrences. Especially the end of the last chapter 🤣🤣🤣
Though I loved the dynamics here with Luca and Isabella,(emotionally and physically) I was way more intrigued by the influences and dangers surrounding them. And Part II of this book was very intense reading, as well, with all of the happenings after Luca's almost fatal car accident. These were the things that kept me intrigued and reading. Scared to death of what would happen to him, if secrets were revealed.
Another great addition to this series. I would recommend it.
Please read in order.
June 24, 2024
It’s rare for me to rate a book below 3 ⭐️ but I just didn’t like this book. I loved all the books in this series until this one
He’s 35 she’s 19 and she loved him since she was 6…
He was also checking her out before they got married…
I feel like this book was really rushed they got together too quickly.
I got so bored. It was just a 19 year old wanting her husband to touch her and he won’t because she’s young.
And there’s also the Amnesia trope…
He’s 35 she’s 19 and she loved him since she was 6…
He was also checking her out before they got married…
I feel like this book was really rushed they got together too quickly.
I got so bored. It was just a 19 year old wanting her husband to touch her and he won’t because she’s young.
And there’s also the Amnesia trope…
October 29, 2022
So cringey 🥴
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