Roped by Saffron A. Kent

Roped follows the story of Peyton Turner and Radisson King—characters that were previously featured in Branded. This is a direct sequel to that book. I had a lot of hopes for this book, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. I couldn't relate to the characters and found them to be lacking chemistry. There was plenty of sexual chemistry between them, but it was missing the most important factor for me which was the romance. Peyton's character came across as very childish, bratty, and naive. She actually reminded me of Isadora Holmes from Oh, You're So Cold but not as annoying. But the character I was most disappointed in was Rad. I thought I was going to get a sweet and silent yearner who was obsessed with his heroine, but what we got instead was an emotionally tortured stalker and kidnapper. Not quite what I wanted, but I did think he was a much better character than Arsen from Branded though.

“If I'm yours, you are mine. Mine. You belong to me. Every part of you is mine, and even you don't get to take that away from me.”

In the end, while I ended up enjoying Peyton and Rad's story, I had a really difficult time finishing this book and will not be continuing this series. As someone who prefers scenes with active dialogue between the characters that actively move the story, this book was too descriptive of the character's physical attributes and repetitive for me. This actually pulled me out of the story and had me skimming instead. I really wanted to like Peyton and Rad's story, but found the revenge aspect a bit too ridiculous and unbelievable for me. I wanted there to be more development and actual romance between the characters instead of them having sex. The push/pull factor was missing for me, which is typically Saffron Kent's best plot device in her books. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of the stalker romance genre, I would consider readers give this book a try—especially if you liked the first book. I would not recommend starting Roped without first reading Branded since they are interconnected.

*This ARC was generously provided by Netgalley and the author for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★☆☆

The Boss' Rules by Piper Stone

Piper Stone returns with The Boss' Rules, previously published as Tyrant but has been rewritten by the author, featuring an incredibly passionate and spicy romance between two complex characters. Since I had never read that version, I went into this story without any expectations or knowledge about what was going to happen and it pleasantly surprised me. Piper Stone is known to write highly erotic dark romances and she absolutely nailed it with Montgomery and Aspen's story. I really enjoyed this book and was captivated from start to finish, especially when it came to the all-consuming and intense attraction between our two main characters. The love scenes in this book were very spicy and were some of my favorites from the author. Although the focus was primarily on Montgomery and Aspen's enthralling romance, it was also a story about revenge, betrayal, and redemption as well.

“I can’t have you, but I can’t do without you, Aspen. I’ve tried. You are mine. I will ravage you every night, taking every inch of you. You are mine now and you will be forever. Until death do us part.”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Montgomery and Aspen's dark and kinky relationship captured my attention from start to finish. I was always eager to read their scenes because they came alive only when they were together. I especially loved the yearning from Montgomery, who was supposed to be this intense, ruthless, broken, and passionate man shaped by tragedy and desire for revenge. I liked his character because of his darkness and thought he was the perfect match for Aspen. I also liked Aspen as his heroine because all she wanted to do was help Montgomery deal with his trauma. She was the sweet and innocent counterpart to Montgomery's persona. The push and pull relationship, combined with them working together, made for an enthralling read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book to those who are looking for a super spicy romance with plenty of chemistry between it's two main characters.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dodge by B. Sobjakken

B. Sobjakken returns with a short and spicy story featuring Dodge and Autumn—two incredibly likable characters with plenty of chemistry and steamy moments. The love scenes were plenty, super spicy, and tantalizing. This was one of my most anticipated reads by B. Sobjakken. Despite their strong attraction to each other, I loved how their relationship progressed naturally because Autumn did her best to resist Dodge until he made the first move. This book does take place in the world of Claiming the Club Princess. Although it isn't necessary to read that book, it does enhance the story and experience since Gage, Mikayla, and Shaw make an appearance in Dodge and Autumn’s story.

“I know once we cross this line, there’s no going back. She’s going to be mine, and if she tries to fight it, I’ll just have to convince her we’re meant to be. Autumn isn’t what I was expecting, but she’s everything I need in my life and I don’t want to lose her.”

In the end, I had such a fantastic time reading this book and absolutely devoured all of the spicy scenes between Dodge and Autumn. Although I typically don’t read MC romance, I thought the author did an exceptional job explaining the club’s dynamic and how it played a role in their lives. The side characters were also hilarious. I especially loved the interactions between Dodge and his club brothers. I hope B. Sobjakken will expand this world and write stories for these characters in the future. Despite their happy and relatively complete ending, I would have liked to see an extended epilogue of Dodge and Autumn's happily ever after. I specifically wanted to see what life was like with their new extended family member. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to those who are looking for a short, sweet, and spicy story featuring several tropes and kinks including the single dad/nanny trope, breeding kink, and dd/lg.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: Empire of Obsession by Mila Finelli

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Title: Empire of Obsession

Series: New York State of Mafia, Book Three

** Although Empire of Obsession is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. **

Author: Mila Finelli

Genre: Mafia Romance

Release Day: March 10, 2026

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster | @lanefotograf

Model: Anthony Patamisi | @anthonypatamisi

Designer: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs

Tropes: Forced/Arranged Marriage, Obsessed Hero, Serious Spice, Touch Her and Die Vibes, He Cooks For Her, Shy FMC/Outgoing MMC, Good Girl/Bad Boy, He Falls First

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Massimo D’Agostino left the mafia to bury his sins, trading violence for the discipline of a chef’s kitchen. He knows what he is—a monster forged in misery and pain—and he intends to keep that monster caged forever.

Until the night he opens the trunk of a car and finds Lucia Sorrentino bloody, bruised… and breathtaking. The daughter of a powerful don, Lucia is being bartered into a marriage she doesn’t want, a future she can’t escape. Massimo should walk away. Instead, her shy smiles and tempting innocence unlock something around his heart, and he becomes her shield. Her reluctant savior.

When he helps her go on the run, their careful plans shatter. Caught between three powerful families, they’re forced into a marriage neither of them chose—yet neither can deny. And when Lucia’s unhinged former fiancé comes looking for revenge, Massimo must descend back into the violent world he abandoned.

Obsessed to protect what is his, the monster inside him will rise again. And this time . . . he won’t run.

Amazon

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Mila Finelli is the dark romance pen name of USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe.

During the pandemic, Mafia Mistress came to Mila in a fever dream and a series was born. She hopes to never stop writing.

Mila loves all things Italian, coffee, morally gray men, and romance.

        

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Ruthless Game by Piper Stone

Piper Stone returns with a standalone for fans of the fake relationship or marriage and enemies to lovers tropes. Ruthless Game features Christian and Vanessa, two headstrong and independent characters who constantly butted heads with each other. They had previously met, but he does not remember. I actually liked Christian and Vanessa. Although they were unlikeable at first due to their personalities, they eventually grew on me. Christian initially came across as this arrogant and cocky player, but he does go through some character development through the book. The same can be said for Vanessa who disliked Christian for rejecting her attempt at working for his company in the past. I thought it was childish of her for holding such a grudge, but it became clear that she had always been attracted to Christian since the beginning. She just didn’t like that he never gave her a chance.

“You are everything to me. There’s no sunrise as beautiful as your smile, no twinkle of stars able to ignite the fire within like your touch. You’re the air I breathe and in my every thought.”

In the end, this was an enjoyable read for those who like the marriage contract trope. Christian and Vanessa’s type of relationship can be considered cliché at times, but I was mostly reading it for the spice and the author certainly delivered on that. These two characters definitely had chemistry because some of their scenes were super steamy. That window glass scenes? Wow. I also loved the fact that Christian called Vanessa his wildcat because she always wanted to argue with him. Fans of Piper Stone or those who would like to read a spicy palate cleanser will be satisfied with this book. Christian and Vanessa had a lot of pent up emotions and frustrations, which resulted in them "taking it out on each other." Overall, this book had everything I was looking for—it was fun, dramatic at times, romantic, and spicy.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆