Monday, February 16, 2026

Book Review: Deviant Hearts by by Jagger Cole (Dark Hearts Book 1)

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. 

πŸ“š 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


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