Ruthless Series by Karen Clow

Maria Davis, a devout Catholic who has been raised in a convent, was devastated and terrified when at fifteen she was sold to the sadistic self appointed crime boss, Nick Orphanides, by the very people she loved and trusted. After living with sexual dominance, torture, deprivation and sadism at his hands for three years; she believes her prayers have finally been answered when Jimmy Dixon wins her in a poker game... moreMaria Davis, a devout Catholic who has been raised in a convent, was devastated and terrified when at fifteen she was sold to the sadistic self appointed crime boss, Nick Orphanides, by the very people she loved and trusted. After living with sexual dominance, torture, deprivation and sadism at his hands for three years; she believes her prayers have finally been answered when Jimmy Dixon wins her in a poker game. Yet despite Jimmy being one of Nick’s crew, it soon becomes apparent that Nick isn't about to let him keep her and a feud soon develops between the two men. Leaving Maria once again fearing for her life, she knows too much about Nick’s criminal activities outside of London, including his secret links with the Russian mafia. If Nick can’t buy her back he’ll silence her permanently, along with Jimmy and anyone who stands in his way. Although certain that she’ll be forced to return before anyone is killed, Maria finds herself falling for the charms of sexy bad boy Jimmy. Slowly he brings her into the erotic world of true desire and love making; but it isn't long before she realises that he too has a darker side. A deep rooted sadistic uncontrollable anger connected to his childhood. less

Compelling, Brutal and stretching every boundary of Love and loyalty to its limits; Maria’s Journey will leave you wondering how she ever survived and remained the lady she is.Continuing to chart the turbulent lives of Jimmy, Maria and Mickey, once again it delves into London’s violent, depraved, criminal underworld. Despite the fairytale wedding when she married Jimmy, Maria soon learns that life is not easy being his wife... moreCompelling, Brutal and stretching every boundary of Love and loyalty to its limits; Maria’s Journey will leave you wondering how she ever survived and remained the lady she is.Continuing to chart the turbulent lives of Jimmy, Maria and Mickey, once again it delves into London’s violent, depraved, criminal underworld. Despite the fairytale wedding when she married Jimmy, Maria soon learns that life is not easy being his wife. Having to contend with his terrible bouts of jealousy and violent outbursts, she soon realises that her life is easier when she simply agrees to all his demands. Having experienced his darker side and his dominant sexual aggression, she struggles to maintain her balance in an increasingly violent world. She has to deal with the heartbreak of a stillbirth, the bloody and bitter rivalry between Jimmy and his nemesis Dave Sheridan. Then, when the unimaginable happens, she has to face her own personal demons as she spirals into the depths of depression. It’s only with the unfailing support of Jimmy’s closest friend Mickey, her faith and her love of life that she manages to battle through.Maria's Journey is the second book in the RUTHLESS series. less