Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance / Mafia Romance
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Forced
Marriage, Mafia Romance, Irish Mob x Greek Mob, Voyeurism, Touch Her and Die,
Possessive Alpha, Family Rivalry
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
– High spice, explicit scenes
Format: eBook / Audiobook
Series: Dark Hearts Book 1
Neve knows spying on her new neighbor in the adjacent skyrise is a bad idea. Especially when that neighbor is her family’s sworn enemy. But honestly—if he didn’t want to be watched, he should invest in curtains. Or at least clothes.
When her uncle calls a family meeting, Neve discovers that the “enemy” isn’t quite what she thought. The Irish mob and the Greek mob factions in the United States have decided the best way to prevent war and expand their empires is through a literal union. A marriage. Whether she agrees or not.
This is a dark contemporary enemies-to-lovers arranged
marriage mafia romance, and I loved it. The political maneuvering between the
Irish and Greek crime families adds depth beyond just the romance. The mystery
element (“who did it?”) is strong, and the tension builds steadily.
At first, Neve and her sister seem somewhat sheltered from
the darker realities of their families’ businesses, but as the story unfolds,
layers peel back and reveal something far more complex. I expected it to go
even darker than it did, but the balance between romance and brutality worked
well for this story.
Ares was phenomenal. Once he decides Neve is his, he is
unwavering. Protective. Devoted. Fully committed. I especially loved that he
believed her without hesitation when accusations could have easily been twisted
against her. That unwavering loyalty? Chef’s kiss.
That said, Ares’ sister might have been my favorite
character. Her arranged marriage situation sounds genuinely awful, and I
desperately hope she gets her own story—and her freedom.
🎧 Audiobook
Recommendation:
I highly recommend the audiobook. The narration elevates the
experience, and I will absolutely continue the series if the same narrator
returns. His voice adds an entirely new layer of intensity to Ares’ character. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I will listen to anything Ryan West narrates.
📚 Availability:
Available on Kindle Unlimited, or purchase on Amazon for
$4.99 by clicking here.
⭐ You’ll love this book if you
enjoy:
- Mafia romance with political tension
- Arranged/forced marriage dynamics
- Enemies-to-lovers with voyeur tension
- Possessive, loyal alpha MMCs
- High-spice dark romance
- Interconnected crime family series
