Showing posts with label Mafia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mafia. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Book Review for His Darkness by Angel Rayne




Title: His Darkness
Series: His Confession Trilogy Book 1
Author: Angel Rayne
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Release Date: March 21, 2024
Cover Design: Dar Albert at Wicked Smart Designs





I’m not a villain. I’m something much, much worse…

People have called me many things over the years.

Cold. Violent. Monster. Psychopath.

Only the last one is incorrect.

I’m actually a sociopath.

But my lack of feelings never hurt me. In fact, it helped me survive the brutal torture of my upbringing. Made me one of the best mafia enforcers in the business.

So, I’m…content with my life. Or I was, at least.

Until I saw her.

Luna Wilde is the property of one of my boss’s men. Untouchable. Forbidden. I’ve been ordered to keep my distance.

But for the first time, I don’t give a single fu*k about my orders.

I’m obsessed. Ready to stalk her to the ends of the earth and destroy anyone who stands between us.

I hope she likes the dark.

Because that’s where she’ll stay now that she’s mine…

Angel Rayne's His Darkness is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat from the very first page and refuses to let go. It's a high-octane dive into the lives of two profoundly damaged individuals, Luna and Tristan, whose pasts are etched with unimaginable pain and torture. Yet, amidst the darkness, a powerful connection ignites, forcing them to confront their demons and discover solace in each other's brokenness.

 The Heart of the Story

 At its core, His Darkness explores themes of survival, resilience, and the unexpected places love can bloom. Luna and Tristan, despite vastly different traumatic experiences, find a profound commonality that draws them together. The plot masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, mystery, and sheer obsession, keeping us on the edge of our seats with shocking twists and turns that are as compelling as they are gut-wrenching. 

What Shines Bright 

Rayne's writing is an undeniable strength, delivering a pace that is nothing short of relentless. The characters, particularly Tristan, are masterfully crafted. He's a complex, dark, and potentially dangerous figure, yet Rayne possesses a remarkable talent for making him utterly captivating and, dare I say, lovable. The emotional depth and raw vulnerability of both Luna and Tristan are palpable, making their journey of healing and connection incredibly moving. And yes, it's a very, very hot read, with a palpable intensity that adds to its allure. Where the Shadows Linger: While the intensity is a significant draw, some readers might find the sheer darkness of the characters' pasts and the resulting psychological impact to be quite heavy. The narrative leans heavily into tortured souls, which, while expertly executed, might not be for everyone's palate.
 
Who Will Be Drawn In?

 His Darkness is a must-read for fans of dark romance and intense psychological thrillers. If you appreciate complex, morally grey characters, a plot brimming with suspense and mystery, and a love story that defies conventional norms, then this book is for you. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will linger long after you've turned the final page.

 The Verdict:

His Darkness is a powerful and unforgettable start to a series. Angel Rayne delivers a story that is both heartbreaking and exhilarating, showcasing a remarkable ability to craft deeply flawed yet utterly magnetic characters. If you're ready to embrace the darkness and find a flicker of light within it, then dive into this captivating read.







I checked the window to see if it was wired to a security system. There were no visible magnets or transmitters, and the frame looked old. Out of curiosity, I pulled the screen off and hid it behind one of the bushes. Then I tested the window. The lock was an old-fashioned mechanism that wiggled when I tried to raise the window. Glancing behind me to confirm none of the guards had wandered over this way, I braced my palms on the glass and shoved upward. 

The lock moved, but it wasn’t quite enough to break it. 

Pulling a knife out of the pocket of my black cargo pants, I jimmied it under the frame between the upper and lower panes and managed to move the latch into the unlocked position. I put my knife away, placed my palms on the glass again, and shoved upward. This time, it moved. 

Raising it a few inches, I waited, listening. The shower was still running, but I didn’t hear anything else. Seconds ticked by. When no guards came running into the room to investigate, I opened it all the way and crawled inside, leaving the window open, just in case I had to make a quick escape. 

The room smelled like Luna. I closed my eyes as I inhaled deep. Walking over to the bed, I picked up her pillow and pressed it to my face, breathing her in. It smelled like her shampoo. Pantene, if I wasn’t mistaken. I remembered the scent from Enzo’s wedding when she’d swung her head around to talk to me and all that long, dark hair had tumbled over her shoulder and down her back. I clenched the pillow in my fists, wishing I could feel her hair. 

Something tickled my face. Putting the pillow down, I ran my hand over it again and came back with a few strands of her hair. I wrapped them around my index finger and rubbed them with my thumb. Soft. Like I knew they would be. Grabbing a tissue from the box on the nightstand, I carefully folded it around the strands and put it in my pocket.

I walked over to the closet, my boots silent on the ugly green and white area rug covering the wood floors. It matched the comforter on the bed, but that was about all that could be said for it. Both were ugly, and unsuitable for a woman as radiant as Luna.

A variety of dresses and shoes, all high-heeled, filled the closet. I scanned the clothes until I found the blue dress Gino must’ve been talking about. But he was wrong. It wasn’t the same color as her eyes. This dress was bland. The color muted. Luna’s eyes were luminous, a multi-dimensional cobalt blue edged with a ring of black. I could stare into her eyes forever.

I took the dress from its spot and hung it at the front of the row, then crept back into the bedroom. In the top drawer of her dresser, I found all manner of silky things and a few more sensible cotton items. I picked up one of each and decided I preferred the cotton. They seemed more real. More like her. The silk was something she wore when she was pretending to be someone she wasn’t. 

Remembering the hamper I’d seen in the closet, I returned to it, plucked out a pair of striped cotton underwear, and brought them to my face. The warm, sweet smell of Luna filled my nose and sent blood rushing to my cock. I groaned aloud, crumpling them up and shoving them into the front pocket of my pants. 

The water was still running, but she would probably be done soon. I should leave. Yet I couldn’t make myself go. Not yet. Instead, I went over to the bathroom door and carefully turned the knob. The slight creak of the door was disguised by the sound of the fan as I cracked it open and peered inside.

In the mirror, I could see Luna through the clear glass door of the shower. My heart stuttered in my chest, and for a moment, I wondered if I’d ever be able to breathe again. Swallowing hard, I drank in the perfection of her body as she closed her eyes and raised her arms over her head to rinse her long hair. Milky, pale skin contrasted with her black hair. Her nipples matched the color of her lips. The alluring shadow of hair between her legs made it clear she didn’t shave or wax herself bare. Good. I wasn’t into little girls. I liked women to look like women.

Would the hair there be as soft as the hair on her head? I’d never touched a woman intimately, so I had no idea what to expect. I’d never even been curious before. But with Luna, I was desperate to know.

She finished rinsing her hair and turned around, shutting off the water. I allowed myself a quick glance at the graceful length of her back, the curve of her hips, and the roundness of her ass before I slowly eased the door shut again.

I stood staring at the white wood in front of me, breathing through my mouth as I listened to her dry herself off. Forcing myself to move, I went back out the window and carefully closed it.

But I didn’t leave. 

Instead, I waited, watching through the window from the shadows. A few minutes later, she came out wrapped in a towel. Her hair was dry and pulled back into a simple ponytail, and makeup brightened her eyes and lips. Makeup she didn’t need to look beautiful. A picture of her face with her lipstick smeared and mascara running down her cheeks made my already hard cock painfully swollen. She grabbed some underthings from the top drawer of the dresser—silky ones—and disappeared into the closet. I smiled when she came out wearing the required blue dress and heels. 

Back in the bedroom, she stopped, looking around, her expression anxious yet resigned. I shrank back out of view when her eyes skimmed over the window. With a slight frown, she reached just inside the closet door and pulled out a small purse with a long strap. Holding it in her hand, she schooled her expression, lifting her chin and setting her shoulders before leaving the room, pulling the door closed behind her. 

Once I was sure she was gone, I returned the screen to the window and made my way back to the car I’d left parked about a half a mile down the road, easily evading Gino’s guards. 

Tomorrow.

I would see her again tomorrow.



Hi! My name is Angel Rayne and I write dark, delicious romance with antiheroes who would burn down the world to save the woman they love. I never understood why the villains never win the girl, and so I decided to write them their own love stories where they do.

Here are a few other odds and ends about me…
-Music inspires my stories and I make playlists for every book.
-I am not a fast writer. My stories take time to write. They need to brew in my head. To have book releases close together I have to write ahead. But I would much rather take the time the stories need to be the best they can be than try to rush them out. Trust me on this one.
-I love the rain, and I'm happiest when I'm sitting in a coffee shop with my laptop as it storms outside.
-I prefer to go watch movies alone, with one of those fancy coffees hidden in my purse. (Yes, I really do this.)
-My husband calls me his "little bird" because anything that sparkles catches my eye.
-I will never have enough soft blankets. Ever.
-I love ALL THE DRAMA…at least in books.
-I will forever re-watch The Phantom of the Opera with the hope that by some miracle, this time she will choose correctly.

Thank you for reading my stories, and I always love to hear from you! You can reach me at: angel@angelrayne.com

Monday, September 29, 2025

Blitz & Giveaway for Blind Devotion by Addy Anders

Blind Devotion: A Dark Mafia Romance: Letters of Ruin
Addy Anders
(Letters of Ruin, #1)
Publication date: September 29th, 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Mafia, Romance

PERSETTA

Lost until HIM
I thought the night fate brought us together was the worst night of my life.
I was wrong.
Blinded and with no memory, how was I supposed to know any better?
He’s cold-blooded, cunning, and dangerous—the head of the French mafia.
He’s everything I shouldn’t want in a man, but I do.
For my safety, I have to seduce him.
Instead, with every threat, he’s the one who draws me further into his web.
It’s so easy to fall into his arms as my demons slowly release from their cages.
I feel safe with him.
Until I remember the truth.

ADRIEN

Broken until HER
I walled off my shredded soul and black heart long ago.
No one ever gets in anymore, and yet my guard lowered for her.
She stole away on my boat, injured and with no memories.
The only clue to who she once was—a tattoo on her calf.
This woman. She’s my past. My present. My future.
The one who got away, in more than one sense.
Years ago, I broke our families’ alliance and turned my back on her.
Last night, I was hired to kill her.
My little survivor. My butterfly. If only I recognized her…

Goodreads / Amazon




EXCERPT:

Just like yesterday, his palm pressed against my throat, but this time he didn’t squeeze. His thumb brushed up and down over my pulse point. His skin trembled against my own—warm, firm, unyielding, and yet somehow vulnerable too. Maybe that was what drew me to him, because it wasn’t rational how much I wanted him closer, his arms around me, his body against mine.

We were suspended like that for seconds…minutes. It could have been hours. Somehow deep inside, I felt protected for the first time in forever. It didn’t make sense. It didn’t have to, but in my jailer’s arms, in this moment, the void melted away and lightness spread. I wanted more, but the instant I reached for him, before I even touched him, he jerked away.

He cleared his throat.

“Never ask that of me again.”

“Or what?”

He stomped across the room and threw the door open so hard it crashed against the wall and skittered back in scattered croaks.

A strangled laugh choked out of me. Pain shot up my side, and tears seeped under my eye dressings. None of this was funny, but his switch in moods was giving me whiplash, especially after the lightness of that memory.

“You don’t possess a touch of sunshine, do you? You’re angry. Tormented, so you hide behind violence thinking it makes you so tough, but you’re nothing but a big ol’ grump, trying to spread his own misery.”

“You know nothing about me.”

He didn’t stick around for my rebuttal. The door battered the frame on his way out, and the lock clicked loudly into place. His absence left me lonelier than before, and I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that. One thing I was almost certain of though. He didn’t really want to kill me. The next time I saw him, I’d put that to the test.

Author Bio:

Addy Anders writes dark romance meant to tug hard on your heartstrings and never let go. Her books deliver deliciously possessive anti-heroes, strong heroines, a touch of angst to set you on edge, and a cocktail of spice.

Addy loves to travel, preferably outside of major cities. When she’s not writing or out in the wilderness, she can be found with her kindle and a very large cup of tea surrounded by her very supportive husband, two kiddos, and two fur babies.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok


GIVEAWAY!

Blind Devotion Blitz



Monday, January 27, 2025

Release Blast for QUEENS & MONSTERS by Aleatha Romig



QUEENS & MONSTERS

Aleatha Romig

Release Date: January 27


Blurb


Reinaldo RorĂ­guez

Emiliano Ruiz

Both are dangerous, deadly, and powerful. Both are second-generation soldiers proving themselves in the RorĂ­guez cartel.

Both want me.

Of course, I wasn’t told until it was too late. That’s the way things work in the famiglia. My fate is up to Dario Luciano, my guardian.

He doesn’t care the way the men make me feel. How when I’m near them, the air crackles and my skin warms with stinging electricity, stirring something deep inside me that never before existed.

One fills me with desire, twisting my insides.

The other recognizes my need to be loved, filling me with a comfortable warmth.

By the time I learn that both have requested my hand, a deal has been brokered.

Neither man from the RorĂ­guez cartel will have me.

I’ve been promised to another, the son of Dario’s sworn enemy.

Will I have any say in my future?

What will happen to the alliance between the Luciano famiglia and the RorĂ­guez cartel when tragedy strikes?

Have you been Aleatha’d?

QUEENS AND MONSTERS is a stand-alone dangerous Mafia/cartel romance in the “Brutal Vows” series. Each arranged-marriage story is filled with the suspense, intrigue, and heat you’ve come to expect from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.

Grab Your Copy!

https://books2read.com/u/br0Y9W


Rei & Jasmine 
Our thoughts

We enjoyed this mafia romance full of danger, suspense, intrigue heartbreak, love, and family.

Rei is a swoony character, he is bold, sexy, dark, and dangerous, clear with something he wants, and will do everything to have it. We loved how protective and possessive he was with Jasmine, gentle, kind, and patient with her. We loved how safe she felt with him.

Jasmine is a character who has lived a sheltered life, and just once wants to know what it is like to be normal, she feels stifled and wants to spread her wings. From the moment we started turning the pages we were hooked. Jasmine is caught between a rock and a hard place, but she is not giving up on the man she has chosen for herself, only one man makes her feel things she has never felt before. Jasmine may be sheltered but, she is not naive.

This story took you on one heck of a ride with its twists and turns, and surprises. All is not what it seems. The chemistry between Rei and Jasmine is off the charts, we were rooting for them from the very beginning as they were perfect for one another. We loved that Rei never gave up on Jasmine and went to great lengths to protect her and make her his, yes, we will say it again, swoony character.
 
We were left with some unanswered questions concerning Jasmine's mom, and hopefully, we will get them throughout the series, but, as it stands now, it looks like she is playing a very dangerous game. We thoughly enjoyed this one.




Meet Aleatha Romig:

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams! 

Keep up with Aleatha Romig and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.aleatharomig.com/contact

To learn more about Aleatha Romig & her books, visit here!

Connect with Aleatha Romig:

https://www.aleatharomig.com/contact

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