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: ★★★★☆

Corrupted Memories by B. Sobjakken

B. Sobjakken returns with Corrupted Memories, the second book in the Made Men of Manhattan series, featuring Sebastian and Gianna. Sebastian was one of the side characters in Rian and Isabelle's story, and he was somewhat of a morally gray character who I thought was interesting. In this latest installment, readers are able to explore his intense obsession for the woman he was never able to forget. I enjoyed Sebastian and Gianna's relationship because it was full of animosity, uncertainty, longing, and tension. We're given a few glimpses of their past together, which were all really sweet and romantic, until she ran away from him that one night and never came back. Since then, he did everything he could to find and chase her. It's clear that Sebastian and Gianna had some deep communication issues. I was frustrated with their dramatics because she should have communicated with him instead of making assumptions, while he was deluding himself into thinking that he was never in love with her.

“Gianna is my obsession. I can’t get her out of my mind. They aren’t healthy or loving thoughts. My body physically burns for her. It craves her to survive, but I know it isn’t love. I don’t know what it is, but it’s not that.”

In the end, I enjoyed this one and was satisfied with Sebastian and Gianna's relationship. The story did get a bit repetitive in the later half since Gianna kept asking Sebastian to confirm his feelings for her. He never told Gianna that he loved her, which played a central role in her insecurities and was one of the reasons why she ran away from him. The whole Jeremy situation was awkward and weird, so I wasn't a fan of it. At least their love scenes were incredibly spicy. I did wish there was more to their relationship since it felt more physical than emotional at times. They entered in a “relationship contract,” but Sebastian was unwilling to let Gianna go so the threats were unnecessary. The situation between the Irish and Italians are ramping up. It also looks like we might be getting books for Luca as well as Gio and Matt who are Gianna’s brothers. Fans of mafia romance and dark romance will certainly enjoy this book—especially if you like heroes who are possessive and obsessive with their heroines.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger

J.T. Geissinger returns with a brand new story and take on the gothic horror romance genre. I was completely enthralled by Blackthorn's story and characters—even if they frustrated me at times with their distrust of each other. I understood it, but I also wanted them to move on from their past and reconcile as well. Nevertheless, Maven Blackthorn and Ronan Croft's romance was toxic but also incredibly sexy. Fans of the author will be happy to know that the banter between the main characters was simply hilarious and they constantly bickered with each other. There was tension, chemistry, and deep longing between these two. This had everything I wanted in a second chance romance and enemies to lovers type of story. In addition to the romance, there were many twists and turns throughout the book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I also really loved the mysterious and creepy atmosphere of the book because it made it seem like Maven and readers were descending into madness together. This book was a wild ride that centered around the question, “real or not real?”

“I know I’ll never be able to extricate myself from him. No matter how far I might run or how eloquently I might lie, my heart belongs to this man. I love him.”

In the end, we’re given a “happy for now” ending for Maven and Ronan, but some mysteries and questions remain unresolved. For the sake of spoilers, I won't say it in this review, but I'm hoping the author will write another book for this incredibly interesting and unique world that she has created. I also would have liked more scenes of Maven and Raven’s past. I wanted to know their entire history and what they were thinking. Instead, we only got brief glimpses of their past relationship and what transpired. In addition, more of Ronan’s POV would have been appreciated. He was such a mysterious and contradictory character. I couldn’t make sense of him and why he loved Maven so much but ended up disappointing her. Perhaps to him, she was different from everybody else and was the only one who made him feel something. Overall, I enjoyed this creepy and mysterious take on the dark romance genre. Fans of J.T. Geissinger will absolutely love this book because it has all the banter, spicy love scenes, and tropes that the author is known for.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Branded by Saffron A. Kent

Saffron Kent returns with a brand new release that tells the story of a young and naive woman who falls hopelessly in love with a bad man. It's a tale as old as time. However, the author adds unexpected twists and turns to the story including mistaken identities, letter exchanges, revenge, and finding love with the most unexpected person. While I enjoyed Branded, I thought that Arsen Grayson and Reverie Bell's relationship could have benefited from more time and connection between the two. I loved that Reverie was sassy to Arsen, but he would always end up having the last word. This made me struggle to connect with the characters and relationship because while they were growing closer, it was all built on lies. Reverie hid her identity from Arsen to protect her best friend, but he continued to contradict himself at every turn by telling false truths. There were a lot of misunderstandings and "fighting" between Arsen and Reverie—much of it would lead to an intense and dirty moment for them. Nevertheless, I did really love the letters that Arsen and Reverie exchanged with each other in the beginning. It brought a lot of insight into their characters and built a good foundation for their potential romance—unfortunately, that all shattered when they met and he kidnapped her for revenge. 

“Love is an adventure. It has highs and lows. It scares you. It makes you feel safe. It’s reckless and thoughtful. It’s the biggest contradiction there is. Love is you. Because you’re the biggest contradiction of my life.”

In the end, Branded was a revenge story that eventually became a love story. The animosity between the Grayson's and Turner's was interesting, but I would have liked more lore and additional context as to why they became enemies in the first place. I also really liked the secondary characters and found them to be more interesting than Arsen and Reverie. Radisson and Peyton will make for a dynamic couple and I can't wait to read their story. Also known as the Quiet Mustang, Rad is this brooding, silent, and protective cowboy who fell in love with the outspoken, sassy, and troublemaker that is Peyton Turner. I'm also looking forward to reading about Marsden and Haven's strange but interesting marriage. They didn't seem like a married couple at all. Fans of Saffron Kent will absolutely enjoy this new and world and series that has all of her tropes and sexiness. Although the love scenes were not as explicit as A Wreck, You Make Me, they still made for some erotically charged moments between Arsen and Reverie.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Release Blitz: A Wreck, You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent

Title: A Wreck, You Make Me

Author: Saffron A. Kent

Genre: Dark Forbidden Romance

Tropes: Bully Romance, Blackmail, Forced Proximity

Morally Grey Hero, Praise/Degradation Kink, Soccer

Release Date: August 8, 2025

BLURB

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve. 

He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club. 

Our paths aren’t meant to cross. 

Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun. 

Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape. 

Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback. 

He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next. 

He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg. 

What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good. 

But it has to end. 

Because I have a secret... 

That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave. 

Even his revenge.

Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / ALL LINKS

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Saffron A. Kent is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary and New Adult romance.

She has an MFA in Creative Writing and she lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, along with a million and one books.

WEBSITE

A Wreck, You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent

Saffron A. Kent returns with a provocative tale of toxic obsession, manipulation, and an all-consuming forbidden love that burned up the pages. I was completely enthralled by Shepard and Jupiter's rollercoaster of a romance—even if it did frustrate me at times. I had been highly anticipating their story ever since Stellan and Isadora's book, and the author did not disappoint. Shepard was previously portrayed as this nonchalant and charming playboy but he was so much more than that. As the last Thorne sibling to get his happily ever after, it was shocking to realize that he was just as broken, if not more, than Ledger or Stellan. I was also surprised by how unhinged and insane he was when it came to Jupiter. Their hot and cold relationship was off the charts dirty and kinky. That hotel scene will forever live rent free in my head. Shepard and Jupiter's sexual chemistry and tension was so intense and palpable—Saffron simply excels at writing this. The lengths that he went through to keep an eye on his Little Strawberry… the man was completely crazy and manic, possessive and obsessed over her. Jupiter may have been Shepard's stalker but he became hers. While I felt so bad for Jupiter when Shepard was being intentionally cruel to her, she also made him suffer too.

"I know nothing about love. Not one thing. I can’t even recognize it for what it is so it’s safe to say I have no idea how to love someone. All I know is I want to. I want to love her because I do love her. She’s it for me. She’s my sweet dream and my dark desire. She is my lost bird and my good girl. She’s my Little Strawberry."

In the end, I enjoyed Shepard and Jupiter's toxic romance because even though they kept hurting each other, they were also two pieces of a puzzle made whole together. This was a true cat and mouse relationship because Jupiter loved to run away from Shepard, which would always trigger him to chase after her. Also, I absolutely can't wait for Ark and and Byron's book. These two amused me to no end when they were giving Shepard advice on Jupiter. I highly recommend reading Stellan's book, Oh, You're So Cold, because it's a direct sequel to this book and will provide a lot of context as to why Shepard is the way he is. Overall, I loved seeing everything come full circle between Shepard and Jupiter. Fans of Saffron A. Kent and those looking forward to Shepard and Jupiter's book will absolutely love and devour this one because it has all of the tropes, sexiness, and insanity that the author is known for. I thought Ledger was unhinged but Shepard absolutely took his crown and made it his own. Although their journey was a long and difficult one, Shepard and Jupiter were truly made for each other and I was completely satisfied with their ending.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Pre-order Blitz: A Wreck, You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent

Title: A Wreck, You Make Me

Author: Saffron A. Kent

Genre: Dark Forbidden Romance

Tropes: Bully Romance, Blackmail, Forced Proximity

Morally Grey Hero, Praise/Degradation Kink, Soccer

Release Date: August 8, 2025

BLURB

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve. 

He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club. 

Our paths aren’t meant to cross. 

Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.

Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape. 

Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback. 

He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next. 

He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg. 

What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good. 

But it has to end. 

Because I have a secret... 

That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave. 

Even his revenge.

Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown

ADD TO GOODREADS

PRE-ORDER LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / ALL LINKS

PRE-ORDER INCENTIVE

READ AN EARLY EXCERPT

AUTHOR BIO

Saffron A. Kent is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary and New Adult romance.

She has an MFA in Creative Writing and she lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, along with a million and one books.

WEBSITE

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

Joanna Shupe returns with a riveting tale of mistaken identities, secrets, betrayal, and a heartfelt romance inspired by the movie Anastasia—all within the backdrop of the Gilded Age. While this did read more like historical fiction than romance, Shupe still manages to add plenty of spice and angst to Leo Hardy and Josie Smith's relationship. The story begins with a prologue providing additional context on what happened to the Pendleton's missing daughter. Soon, readers are suddenly thrust into Leo Hardy's POV and learns that he has been struggling to support his family. Inspired by the character Dimitri, Leo is a swindler and often takes on unsavory jobs to swindle ordinary people of their money. He holds an intense dislike of the Pendletons because of they dismissed his father and ruined his family. Leo ultimately lays eyes on Josie Smith on the streets and is immediately captivated by her stark resemblance to the missing Pendleton heiress. He soon devises a plan to become her manager while wanting to swindle the Pendletons for their reward money. However, what Leo didn't take into account for was falling head over heels in love with Josie in the process.

“I'm never letting you go. It's you and me until the very end, sweetheart.”

In the end, I enjoyed this captivating story inspired by Anastasia and "doomed" relationship from the start—especially since Leo lied to Josie while the both of them were falling in love with each other. Their relationship was quite angsty near the end, which I appreciated, because Leo finally realized the error of his ways and did everything in his power to gain Josie's love again. I liked that Josie was independent and wanted to becoming a singer no matter what. Even after finding her parents again, she was still determined to follow that dream through. There were a few spicy scenes, but I was left wanting more. Nevertheless, they were still incredibly impactful for our main couple and laid the stage for Leo and Josie's love to blossom. Fans of Joanna Shupe and historical romance in the Gilded Age will enjoy this book because it features an unrepentant and mischievous hero who goes through character development to become the the loving and stable man to win Josie's love—a wonderful heroine who had strong convictions and a desire to do good. I loved that these two were able to eventually find a home in each other.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Punish Me, Daddy by Sara Fields

Punish Me, Daddy by Sara Fields continues the Boston Kings series and features Nikolai Morozov—one of Maxim's brothers, a character who was prominently featured as one of the side characters at the beginning of the series. Nikolai has been matched with Sloane Kingsley, a new character in this world. I was quite surprised by her character since she came across as this bratty, arrogant, and spoiled princess but she was completely the opposite inside. She needed a firm hand and as a result, Nikolai has decided to task himself with disciplining and making her his. I really enjoyed the push and pull between Nikolai and Sloane. It made for some interesting and intense scenes between these two as they tried to fight each other's pull. These two had a very sexual relationship at first, but it didn't take long for them to start having feelings for each other. Their love scenes were incredibly dirty, explicit, and super steamy—which I appreciated.

“I wanted to look a man in the eyes and know he could break me—and trust that he wouldn’t unless I asked him to.”

In the end, this was another solid book from Sara Fields because it features her tried and true tropes and kinks featuring a firm and dominant hero and a prideful heroine who didn't know what she wanted until it forcefully came into her life and shattered all of her expectations. I do have to admit that it took me awhile to warm up to Sloane because she was bratty and came across as childish and manipulative. However, it didn't take long for readers and Nikolai to realize that her misbehavior was a direct result of her loneliness and need for someone to claim her. Nikolai shattered her life and expectations and she was already his by the time he entered her life and laid claim to it. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and fans of Sara Fields won't be disappointed by this sexy read. It looks like the next books will featuring the two remaining Morozov brothers, Ivan and Sergei.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Beg For Me by J.T. Geissinger

J.T Geissinger returns with a highly anticipated sequel that tells a powerful story of new beginnings, personal growth, and finding love again featuring two incredibly endearing characters. Beg For Me is Carter McCord's book and I have to be honest and say that this book surprised me. I never saw Sophia coming and she was the perfect woman and complement to Carter's vulnerability and sunshine personality. Unlike his brothers Callum and Cole, Carter wasn't broody and moody—he smiled often, made jokes, and was super sweet and romantic in general. He was such a green flag and golden retriever of a man—I simply loved his honesty, obsession, and neediness when it came to Sophia. Their love scenes were super steamy but also interesting as well since Sophia was older than Carter. They had an equal but also not power dynamic. At times, Sophia was in control but then Carter would switch it up and take the reins instead. It certainly made for some exhilarating scenes between the two.

“You’re everything I didn’t know I needed. I won’t doubt you again. So please be careful with me, Carter, because I’m giving you my heart. I’m trusting you not to break it.”

In the end, this was an excellent sequel to the Morally Gray series. I loved seeing Callum again and his interactions with Sophia were hilarious. Sophia's mother was another amazing character who made me laugh out loud because of her outrageous antics and behavior, especially when interacting with her daughter and granddaughter. Carter's past broke my heart and I loved that Sophia was not only there for him when he told her but she understood and accepted all of him. Even though Carter was broken, he was made whole by his love for Sophia and the same can be said for her as well because of her past relationship with her horrible ex-husband. There's no denying that Sophia and Carter had undeniable chemistry and I especially loved how they communicated with with each other—it was fun, flirty, honest, but also emotional as well. I highly recommend this series and fans of J.T. Geissinger will absolutely enjoy and be surprised by this reverse age gap romance.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Bartered Innocence by B. Sobjakken

Bartered Innocence is B. Sobjakken's full-length novel and I absolutely devoured this one because of the romance and smut. While this your typical standard mafia romance with an arranged marriage, I loved that it primarily focused on the developing romantic relationship between Rian and Isabelle. The man was completely possessive and obsessed of his wife and I liked that she felt the same way. The story begins with a one night stand between Rian and Isabelle that ultimately turns into something more between them. After their night together, Isabelle leaves Rian wanting more until he comes across an image of her as one of his potential brides. Following their reunion and marriage, Isabelle and Rian are forced to navigate not only their sexual attraction for each other but also their growing feelings while trying to find the traitor in their midst.

“It breaks a little inside me, as if he’s stealing a piece I won’t get back. He’s looking at me like he found something precious, and I hate it because we can never be anything after tonight.”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it was incredibly spicy and sexy. Even though I was frustrated with Isabelle and Rian at times, I appreciated the fact that they were able to resolve their issues quickly. I do have to say that I am rather curious about Sebastian and Gianna's story. Sebastian is the strange man who ended up becoming allies of sort with Rian. There was also the mystery of why Gianna ran away from Sebastian. We're giving a brief chapter of the next book but it's safe to say that I am looking forward to their story and future ones with the rest of Rian's brotherhood. I wonder if Luca will also redeem himself as well. I'm hoping the author will write books for the rest of the side characters because they were all endearing to me. If you are looking for a super steamy and quick mafia romance, I highly recommend this one!

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dark Prince's Mate by Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls

Dark Prince's Mate is the conclusion to Aruan and Elsie's story. This was an excellent sequel that not only captivated my attention—due to all of my burning questions, but Anna Zaires and Charmaine Paul also gave us some incredibly spicy and heartfelt scenes for their journey's end. I want to note that this book picks up immediately after Dark Prince’s Captive so I recommend reading that first before picking up this one. Although Aruan and Elsie still had their issues in the first half of the book, the way they were able to resolve it and come to terms with their growing feelings for each other made for a satisfying conclusion to their story. However, it was still frustrating to see Elsie continue to fight her feelings for Aruan but he was also at fault for being too uncompromising when it came to her safety. Their unwillingness to talk to each other made me want to shake them both. Thankfully, I was relieved when Aruan began to slowly change his ways and make concessions for Elsie's happiness.

“The man cradling me in his arms has a terrifying, godlike power, yet I’m not afraid of him. I see him for what he is: dangerous and beautiful, violent and imperfect. And mine. Above all, mine.”

In the end, Aruan made compromises that ultimately won him Elsie's heart. I thoroughly enjoyed their super steamy moments and seeing them "make up" after an argument. The love scenes were spicy and plentiful—which I appreciated because Aruan and Elsie's first time left them and readers disappointed. Prior to the completion of their bond, Aruan was extremely overprotective, overbearing, and stubborn. This clashed with Elsie's personality because she was independent, stubborn, and had modern sensibilities. Nevertheless, I was happy to see them finally talk and learn to love one another. The second half of the book was my favorite because we finally learn who the true mastermind of the kidnappings and attacks was. It made for an exciting turn of events, which also led Elsie to realize her feelings for Aruan and complete their mate bond. I highly recommend this duet to fans of Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls, especially if you like reading about the dark, brooding, and possessive hero and his feisty and highly independent heroine with plenty of spice as well.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dark Prince's Captive by Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls

Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls have written a fantastical and exciting new world full of action, romance, and danger that will certainly captivate your attention and leave you wanting more. I found the world of Zerra, a parallel world to Earth, completely fascinating and hope the authors will provide more background information about it in the next book. Due to the short nature of this book, it did feel more like an introduction to Elsie and Aruan's story and the world of Zerra. Our heroine, Elsie, starts off on the brink of death but ends up being transported to a completely new world that's similar but unlike her own. After getting kidnapped by these strange and terrifying creatures, she is saved by a mysterious and handsome man who calls himself her mate. Bewildered and scared, Elsie has to not only navigate her confusing new feelings for Aruan but also this magical world and her growing dormant powers. I loved that this had all of the tried and true tropes we all know and love in a romantasy but with the hint of darkness and traits of Charmaine and Anna's obsessive and possessive heroes. However, Aruan has a lot of groveling and explaining to do after the events of this book—to which I look forward to reading.

“I can feel the pull of her being. It’s like a dragon’s claw has hooked itself deep into my chest, but instead of pain, there’s an ache, equal parts sweet and terrible, an exquisite longing that permeates everything I am.”

In the end, this was an incredible start to a brand new series and entry into their romantasy era from Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls. I want to know more about Elsie's past and who exactly sent her to Earth to die. Her newfound powers also piqued my interest and I can't wait to see what she'll do with it. On the other hand, Aruan was a very intense, powerful, and dominant character. Although there were times where I felt like he was too high-handed when it came to Elsie, I appreciated that he was already completely obsessed and possessive of her. I'm hoping that the authors will further flesh out Aruan and Elsie's characters and build more on their relationship that currently consists more of lust than love right now. Their consummation was incredibly sexy but frustrating at the same time because of what happened after. Another point that I found interesting was Aruan as the prophesied crown prince who will destroy the world because of his mate. How did this prophecy even come about and what will this mean for Elsie? Is Aruan's mother the villain of this book or someone else? I'm also curious about Aruan's siblings—Gaia, especially Kian who left an impression on me, and Vitai—and hope they will getting their own books. I highly recommend reading Dark Prince's Mate immediately after because this one does end in a heartbreaking cliffhanger due to a miscommunication between Aruan and Elsie.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆