Ruin (Songs of Corruption Book 2)

Theresa Drazen was pure, innocent, all class; until Antonio Spinelli blew into her life... into her world. Now the heiress is dropping the façade of perfection and allowing her love for her capo strip her bare. Antonio saw something in Theresa that held a glimmer of hope for a life that he handed over years ago, a life he gave up in the name of vengeance. But that life that he thought he would never want again is the one thing he can’t live without. As Antonio tries to protect Theresa from his life, from the filth that will taint her; Teresa is bound to protect him, even if that destroys them both. Ruin a love story tangled in the web of impossible, a story of two people who love so deeply that not even the threat of death can stop it. --- “I prayed God would forgive me for loving her, and feared only the devil would answer.” --- Love is not easy. It’s not clean. The fight that you undertake when the world is against you leaves you tarnished and stained. The story of Antonio and Theresa is pure grit and determination. It is a beautifully told tragic love story. A love story that makes you want to believe in the fairy tale ending, even though you know that reality means that the glass slipper doesn’t always fit, and the kiss from your prince doesn’t really hold the healing powers to wake you from your slumber. But it gives you hope. It gives you chills and so much emotion that you feel like you are about to burst in to tears. Because it’s so beautiful that it hurts to look at it, because it’s so tragic that you aren’t sure that it can end in any way but devastation. I started my journey in discovering the writing of C.D. Reiss with Beg. The first of the Songs, with Jonathan and Monica. I’ve journeyed through their love story, met the Capo and his Contessa and was introduced to a girl so broken that I wanted to weep. Having experienced all of those stories allowed some insight into the timeline of this story. But the incredible thing was that it didn’t lessen the story or the feelings that I was experiencing. The foreshadowing of things to come ensured that the tension I felt was kept taut. There was no relenting, no moment where I relaxed into the story or felt content. Antonio Spinelli is not a good man. He’s done bad things. His hands have blood on them. But I don’t know if I’ve encountered a character that loved so deeply. A punishing love, one that shattered you into nothing but dust. A love that that was more powerful than the purist of loves. The rawness. The intensity. The kind of love that is worth the destruction that it will bring, even if it means it only touches you for a second. Because that second brings you more to life than a thousand years of living could ever do. --- “I’d been his long before that moment. He owned me the first time he put his body on mine, since the first thrash of violence on my behalf. He owned me the minute he wanted me, even before I wanted him.” --- There are a lot of words that can describe well played sex scenes. But the intense is the one description that my mind has landed on. There was a brutality to it, pure animalistic and lust driven passion, but with every diving thrust you felt like he was trying to f*** his love and devotion into her. If he could get just an inch deeper she’d truly feel just how much he loved her. With the very heavy feel of this story, there were some moments of levity. Antonio’s humor, even when solely sexual broke up a few of the more intense scenes. It was nice to see this side of him, he had so much filling his head that a few candid moments of laughter were welcomed. And Theresa... she came into her own. She embraced the life that he breathed into her. There were these moment where Teresa owned it. She stood her ground and gave it back ten times better. She ventured far from the woman in the buttoned up blouse and pearls. And I loved every moment of it. The writing is flawless. The choice of words are just as much a part of this story as any plot or character. The beauty isn’t just found in the characters, their words or the way their coupling is described. It’s found in the way the skyline is described. The way a handful of words are handpicked out of millions to paint the purest of pictures. “His mouth was shaped for a different language, and the lines around his eyes were somehow unset, reversible.” This simple sentence says so much more. It paints a picture that appears in your mind. It creates a movie reel that plays along in your head as your eyes scroll over the words on the page. Antonio’s desperation was felt in every moment of this story. There is no doubt that Ruin was his story. A story where a man with unclean hands dreamed that the innocence of someone like Theresa Drazen could save him, but the reality of his life was that there was no way to leave her untainted. A capo corrupted her and his love ruined her. But for Theresa, being reduced to rubble was her rebirth. In Antonio’s arms she came alive. I loved Songs of Submission and Songs of Perdition has held me captive with the story of Fiona, but Songs of Corruption... this book just catapulted this series into its own world. Move over Romeo & Juliet because there is a new tragic love story in town. A special treat for us that know all the players in these series are little bits and pieces that are mentioned about the siblings. Untold stories implied but never confirmed. Enough to tease us and to begin spinning new conspiracies. And a return of our Jonathan for a few moments in the care of his family, unguarded moments. I can’t recommend this author enough. Reading is about experiencing emotion. Being able to be pulled so deep into a story that you escape the realities of your life. There are no bill collectors calling, no screaming child in the other room, no husband to feed... just you and a book. Thousands of words that have the power to erase the stress of a day. There are few books out there that have the power to stop time. C.D. Reiss has this ability. Her books allow reality to seep into nothingness and the only thing that exists is the world that she is giving you. The lives of the characters. Their pain. Their emotion. It becomes yours. For a few hours, she lends you a key into her kingdom and welcomes you inside. If you haven’t picked up a C.D. Reiss book yet, you need to. The story lines might all be different, but the writing is the constant.

I wasn't disappointed with this novel because this author always outdo in the writing and it is always unique and impeccable. Theresa and Antonia story was gritty, dirty, passionate and romantic. This story displayed how two different people from two different lifestyle handle trouble and struggle to make their relationship work even in the time of destruction. I will be looking forward to the next novel. Great Job

“Antonio, the catalyst of my dissolution, the destroyer of my façade.” Songs of Corruption is the whirlwind saga of alleged mobster Antonio Spinelli and Theresa Drazen. It’s a sequel series to Songs of Submission and Songs of Perdition and thus most enjoyed if read after and in order: Book 1: Spin Book 2: Ruin Book 3: Untitled In SPIN (book 1) heiress, socialite, part-time script supervisor and former head of accountingTheresa Drazen, Tink aka Contessa met a man who rocked her world and gave her an excuse to break out of her good-girl-mold. Attorney, business owner and “alleged” mobster, money launderer and murderer Antonio Spinelli, Spin aka Capo wasn’t looking to complicate his life, but Theresa intrigued him. With little in common and much to lose they couldn’t seem to stay away. Story went on to follow Antonio and Theresa as they fought their attraction and managed to get themselves linked and entwined with the darker side of Hollywood’s organized crime, corruption and politics and making enemies all around… RUIN (book 2) opens up to the aftermath of decisions made in book 1. The intensity of their attraction and sexual chemistry is fierce. But they are worlds apart with everything stacked against them. It’s like two parallel universes; them in a cocoon of hot, steamy intense and angry sex and then the outside world filled with secrets, betrayal, jealousy, treachery, ambition, corruption and danger. Much of story focuses on events and developments that only underscore how hopeless their future is. But neither Antonio nor Theresa have gotten to their respective places in life by being easily deterred. Along the way they come to an understanding of what needs to be done. Follow them, in their against-all-odd’s love, as they attempt to take control of a high-stakes game while the worlds of cut-throat politics, competitive movie industry and ruthless organized crime collide for Songs of Corruption. “The only way out is through.” ANTONIO SPINELLI, SPIN aka CAPO: 35 years/Italian/$$$$/Attorney/Biz owner/Alleged mobser, money launderer & murder/Black hair/Black eyes/6’. Antonio Spinelli, Spin aka Capo opens up in this story, and getting his POV was beyond exhilarating. That said the complexity of this man and his emotions still made me feel like we only scratched the surface. Eight words to describe Antonio: Captivating, loyal, commanding, conflicted, enigmatic, elusive, possessive and ruthless. “God, that piece of meat between his legs was a beautiful sight.” THERESA DRAZEN, TINK aka CONTESSA: 34 years/American/$$$$/Heiress & socialite/Former head of client accounting/Part-time movie script supervisor/Red hair/Blue eyes/Petite & curvy/Jonathan’s sister. Theresa Drazen, Tink aka Contessa is breaking away from her good-girl image, but I suspect there is much more to come. Eight words to describe Theresa: Poised, compassionate, smart, ambitious, loyal, gutsy, restless and graceful. “She could rule the world. She already ruled me.” RUIN offers the very best of sex, danger, intrigue and suspense where only the villains seem to come out ahead. Be prepared to for some painful and heartbreaking sacrifices along the way. This roller-coaster of emotions ends with certainty amongst chaos and significant ties to Songs of Submission series. It is my recommendation to read that series before reading book 3 in this series. I am looking forward to much more complications in book 3 before the conclusion of their saga. Spellbinding storytelling! Brilliant plot! Intense, dirty and scorching sex scenes! Well developed and complex characters! Larger-than-life Antonio Spinelli! “More than wanting you for myself, I want you to have a good life.” *** Hero rating: 5+ stars Heroine rating: 4 stars Sexual tension rating: 5 stars Sex scenes rating: 5 stars Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars Plot rating: 5 stars Dialogue rating: 5 stars Storytelling rating: 5 stars Story ending rating: N/A Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A ************************************************ Overall rating: 5 stars Would I recommend this series: Yes. Would I re-read this series: Yes. Would I read future books by this author: Yes. A gifted copy was provided to me by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Words make the books & C.D. Reiss makes words like non other. Teresa Drazen & Antonio Spinelli make an explosive entrance & the end is the same. I was taken on their journey with them ( it certainly felt like it) holding my breath- smiling - a bit jealous in parts 😱- wondering - heart in mouth . It's worth way more than 5 stars .

The Capo is back and "Antonio Spinelli is RED HOT in Book Two of Songs of Corruption 2"! Hell yeah, he is! The Capo is back and fights for his Contessa. The Prince has found his worthy Princess. My head is SPINning and my heart is RUINed after finishing the second book in the Songs of Corruption. And what a PHENOMENALLY written second book that is! CD Reiss' writing captivates you from the first to the last word. The ride in between is more than bumpy and covered with blood, sweat, tears, anxiety and lust. Antonio and Theresa are two very strong characters that are still growing and getting stronger. As expected in book one, there are close people around they can't trust and play an ugly game. With his love for Theresa Antonio has to fight even harder for his position, his integrity and status amongst his people. He knows this love makes him vulnerable - something he can't afford. And yet, he can't and doesn't want to stay away from the one good thing in his life. He starts question this life he was born to live and more and more finds himself thinking about an out. But we're talking mafia here - there's no living way out. Theresa doesn't question her love for Capo, but the life she has to live. With some convincing from her part, she starts to get back in touch with family and friends. Her relationship with a bada** mafia man hasn't gone unnoticed by them. She finds herself confronted, followed by her own sister that was always more a mother to her than her own, and on the hot seat by her ex striving for the major position. Of course he wants to take the Capo down. When he goes after her best friend, he learns not to mess with Theresa. As it seems the whole world is against them, they only have each other. They cling to each other in passion and need it to feel alive, a reason that the whole mess is worth it. And damn are they red hot passionate together! PHEW!!!! *there wen't the panties* Missing people, deaths, shootings, arranged marriages, health issues, mafia wars and the growing idea to get out of all this. Reading this phenomenal, awesome, stunning book had me on the edge with the last chapters and already anxious of what these two will have to go through in book 3. Crossing my fingers that their love is strong enough to get them out of this all...alive and still together. MUST! READ!

Ruin (Songs of Corruption #2) by CD Reiss 5 stars!! “She was going to be the death of me, and I was suicidal. I would kill for her, or I’d be killed by her, but no matter what, someone was getting anointed in oil and put in a pine box . God willing, it would be me and not her.” OMG!! What have I just read!! I have to say that Ruin has been the best CD Reiss book I have read. I was totally smitten after Spin but I am now totally RUINED after Ruin. Capo has taken over my heart and my head. Antonio “Capo” Spinelli…how can I describe him to do him justice…he is gorgeous, he is sexy as hell, he is fiercely protective, he is one hot alpha, he talks and f**ks dirty, he is one badass but he is my Capo. He oozes sex appeal, he leaves puddles where he walks and poor Theresa did not stand a chance with our Mafia man. But and this is a big BUT…he didn’t stand a chance either. These two were destined to be together and even He thought so too. The chemistry between these two is palpable, my kindle could have literally combusted with the words that I was reading, these two are unmistakably perfect for each other, and they say opposites attract but these two were fused, they were one. The intense sexual chemistry that these two exuded was inferno hot, but not only that, their emotional connection was intense, stunningly powerful and virtually indestructible. “He was erect in less than a minute, and when he carried me to the bedroom, I fell into a suit of armor.” Theresa… their back grounds could never have been more different. Coming from money and a super-rich family with connections, she would never have wanted for anything. She was as straight laced as they came until she met her Capo. There was no brain washing going on here, she went into this with her eyes wide open. She knew the risks and she was willing to shed her Miss Perfect title and do whatever was needed to keep her and her Capo together. This was one of those unconditional loves, it was pure, it was raw, it should have been toxic, but it wasn’t, it was just beautiful. The change in Theresa in Ruin is huge, long gone is our number crunching DA’s fiancée…in Ruin we have a woman fit to be Mafioso’s wife. She shows a cunning side, she is a planner, fiercely loyal, fiercely protective and fiercely devoted. She was willing to go to the dark side for her Capo, things that could have never been undone, but things that showed just how dedicated and trustworthy she was and this did not go unnoticed by Antonio. “She was my hope, that woman, standing so straight as she crossed the street. She could rule the world. She already ruled me.” Antonio was forever fighting inner demons and outside factions, he did not want his Contessa sullied, he wanted to keep her pure and clean, keep her on the periphery. Antonio was unprepared for what a fire cracker he had unleashed, with every turn she surprised him. Her determination, her grit and her faith in him and them as a couple was unwavering, she was in it for the long haul and no matter what he did or said, her Capo was her future and she was never going to stand in the shadows, she was going to stand by his side. “I love you. You are my only, my one and only. And if I have to turn my life upside down, or go to hell to be with you, so be it.” “That’s not to be undertaken lightly.” “It never was. Never,” I cannot convey into words how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing style is phenomenal. So beautifully and descriptively written you felt that you were there, I was living the life, and the pages swallowed me whole and transported me into the life of Capo and Contessa. CD Reiss’s words are so powerful that you cannot help but be swept away in her prose, the emotions, the suspense, the intrigue, the fear, living on the edge dreading the next word in case it is not what you want to hear. I felt like the characters were tangible, I just needed to put a hand in, I could almost smell and taste, so vivid and descriptive were her words. I lived and breathed this book and I didn’t want it to end. Totally and utterly consuming, but totally and utterly perfect. I cannot wait for the next book in this series; these two still have a long way to go and a lot to overcome. I have no fear when it comes to these two though, so strong are they as a unit that I feel in my heart of hearts that they can do it. These two are survivors as long as they have each other, apart they are targets, they are vulnerable; if separated these two cannot function, so strong is their connection and their constant need for each other. “My destiny is to destroy.” “Maybe I was destined to be destroyed.” CD Reiss, I take my hat off to you, I have loved every word and I cannot wait for more.

If you have never read a CD Reiss novel, what are you waiting for? This is the second in her Songs of Corruption series and it's absolute brilliance!! Her writing is poetic, beautiful and deep and her characters are layered, flawed, real and magnetic. If you love a great romance story with suspense, intrigue, action and of course, all entwined in deceit, subterfuge and corruption - you HAVE TO READ this book! The story of Theresa Drazen, a wealthy Irish Catholic socialite and Antonio Spinelli, a mob boss from the old country is like Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather. Riveting and Captivating!!

It felt authentic in terms of the mafia set up and that was intriguing. Sometimes I got a bit lost as the style of the characters conversations and thoughts were retrospective. Very much enjoyed it would definitely buy the third book had hoped it would be available already.