A Dangerous Prize

Ruby Realm Duet #2

by Persephone Black

Natalie Miller thought she could gamble with my heart.
But she's about to learn I always make the final play.

Released on bail, I'm a woman on the warpath. But vengeance will have to wait. First I need to reclaim my crown—and outplay my own Family.

But Natalie is a wild card I can't ignore. She fooled me, seduced me, and betrayed me.

I hate her.

Now she’s back, begging for my help to expose the corruption festering in her agency.

I still want her.

We strike a bargain, but every charged encounter blurs the lines between ally and enemy, love and hate. And someone out there is willing to kill to ensure we never uncover their secrets.

To stay alive, I'm forced to put my trust in the woman who destroyed me once already.

And if she tries to play me again?

Natalie Miller had better watch her back.

***

A daring FBI agent returns to a dazzling empire of secrets, shadows, and seduction ruled by a magnetic Mafia heiress in this enemies to lovers, cat-and-mouse Sapphic Mafia romance.

This is a steamy F/F Mafia romance with some dark elements and a lot of angst. Content notes are available on the Copyright page.

Genres: Lesbian, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT, Crime, Dark

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great end to the duet. I love Persephone Black’s books and she’s one of my instant buy authors! Highly recommend giving her books a go if you haven’t before.

This books is written in first person with 2x POV’s. Femme/Femme. Enemies to Lovers. Opposites attract. Forbidden romance. Sapphic Mafia. 4x spicy scenes.

Narrators Quinn Riley and Avery Reid did a fantastic job again!

[Guerunche · Rating 4 out of 5]

These weren’t my favorite of Persephone Black’s Mafia duet books, but they were certainly enjoyable.

While I’m fine suspending disbelief within reason, I just couldn’t imagine an FBI agent making some of the choices Natalie Miller did.

I would call this a lust to love steamy romance because it was all about chemistry and little about true connection. When we did get special moments between them to show more of who they really were outside of the bedroom, those were the highlights.

Quinn Riley narrated Mafia Princess Alessa de Luca beautifully, her work outshining Avery Reid’s Natalie. I was actually sad when the perspective would switch back to Natalie.

Black has a good number of these sexy duets and I look forward to more!

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Book 2 of the Ruby Realm is the perfect accompaniment to book 1. It had more layers to uncover and the thrill of both characters trying to outsmart their own villains made me a nightmare to the people surrounding me because I snapped at anyone who wanted my attention.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content warnings: alcohol, stalking, gun violence (being shot at), mentions of abuse against women, misogyny, toxic men.

Rep: Natalie (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. Alessa (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian.


I'm so glad that the sequel was readily available for me to listen to straight after finishing book 1, because holy heck did I need this.

I think I actually enjoyed this one more than book 1, the stakes felt higher, and the sexual tension between Natalie and Alessa was palpable. This one was such a great sequel.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dangerous Prize picks up seamlessly where An Exclusive Game left off, diving right back into the electrifying tension between Alessa and Natalie. Their relationship crackles with mistrust, unresolved history—and undeniable heat. Despite everything, they manage to set aside their complicated past for a cause that demands their uneasy alliance. The story is gripping from start to finish, packed with sharp dialogue, rich detail, and plenty of steam to keep things sizzling.

Avery Reid and Quinn Riley once again work their magic in the audio performance, bringing every layer of the story to life. Their ability to convey nuance, emotion, and suspense elevates the narrative, adding depth and intensity that takes the experience to another level.

All in all, A Dangerous Prize delivers a thrilling, emotionally charged continuation of Alessa and Natalie’s story. With sharp writing, sizzling chemistry, and standout narration from Avery Reid and Quinn Riley, this installment raises the stakes in all the best ways. It’s a must-listen for fans of high-stakes romance and gripping suspense!

[Tegan Rosenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Thoroughly enjoyable! I couldn’t put it down and blazed through books 1 & 2 in a day each. Super fun and an easy read … with some gloriously hot and steamy scenes!! 🔥

The contrast and conflict of the Mafia Queen / FBI dynamic between Alessa and Natalie was fabulous. And I also enjoyed a couple of surprise plot twists near the end.

I just felt the potential setup from book 1 was sooooo good that the plot and relationship possibilities had huge potential, and although book 2 was good it failed to really take advantage of all that potential. The characters fell through to love just a little too quickly for it to feel believable …

But I loved the read!! 💗 and would definitely recommend both books.

[Jennie Hedges · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series! I read both books in a matter of days and loved every page although the suspense was killing me!!

[kay.grace424 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly loving the altruism, these two are honestly my favorite couple of this universe for that reason and that reason only

[C C Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit

Yes, there is a bit of steam and a lot of passion. I am impressed with the authors writing and a lifelong fan.

[Zayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roles are somewhat reversed in the first half of this story in the sense that Alessa becomes the dog that Natalie, Special Agent Miller, that she was in the first one. But then they work together to deal with threats from both Mafia and helping get another woman out of trouble and to safety, but it is not an easy job. A lot of messy stuff happens along the way, but there is always a chance for happy-endings for these two.
My only problem was that I wished for more action seeing as the others in this Sapphic, Mafia bride universe is very brutal and violent but this one was more subtle and more about the relationship and outside threats trying to push them apart.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sequel to An Exclusive Game, the book picks up after the arrest of Alessa, who is now out on bail and eager to take vengeance on Natalie. Natalie is trying to stay safe but also stay out of the protective clutches of her FBI coworkers, especially when she finds out that Alessa's arrest was a set-up.

This was a strong sequel with good chemistry though Natalie seemed more independent and strong when she wasn't with Alessa, who seemed more of the dominant partner. There's a good twist toward the end as all the pieces fall into place.

[Bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

better than the first

I really enjoyed this one. The yearning was really A+. That being said some things still made me laugh. Like why was Natalie so upset about Alessa not really knowing anything? Also I wish Agent Wright’s obsession was better explained. Lastly a few of the chapters had the wrong POV heading. That being said. It was interesting. Dynamic. The villain turned out to be a semi-subtle little twist (though it was lain on a bit thicker towards the end so I had already guessed). And overall it was just so sweet.

[krystelleyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every damn bit of this book. The story, the characters, the plot, and the twists — was a total “incendiary” as per Alessa de Luca’s words.

I’m not going to lie, I am an avid reader of the mafia books, but when I came across this SAPPHIC MAFIA duet my world literally changed. As a fellow sapphic girl, I didn’t know representation could be read from this kind of trope, and I am never going back.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we got to know Natalie this time. This was a nice read as well. I honestly didn't need the steamy parts. I still find them emotionless and more like out of a bad adult movie especially with the constant talking about it during them doing it. Also the words and sentences used during the scenes are very redundant. I loved all about the outcome. Also Alessa doesn't talk swallen anymore. Enjoyed it very much.

[Chelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Realm Duet

I love these mafia romances by Persephone Black! There is no doubt that I will read them all! The Ruby Realm Duo was awesome - just a few reasons why:

Mafia princess vs. FBI agent
Undeniable attraction
A little cat & mouse play
An undercover operation
Secret dealings/activity to undermind a mafia don
Corruption within the federal agency

I read these two books back to back within a day! So good!

[Stacy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I loved book 1 and book 2. I wish it wasn’t over, I kept trying to figure out who set Alessa up I got one right but I had no idea about the other. These books were on fire. I think I might have to re read these at a later date, now I have to read Juno and Caitlin’s story

[Tammy Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

How the tables have turned. Natalie is so far over head that is just can't help it. She wants to make things right but she is making all the wrong moves. Alessa wants Natalie to fell the pain that she went through but she just can't do it. They form a trust to help each other for the good of helping other women, but what the find is love

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the premise and finding out about all the inconsistencies that were in the 1st book. My perceptions of Wright were dead on, don't like him. I'm glad Natalie and Alyssa could find some common ground and continue to help each other. One twist I didn't see coming was a surprise and I'm glad they got caught! Enjoy

[Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Some editing errors in the book such as the a few chapters have wrong titles as "Natalie" and "Alessa" are swapped.

I love when Natalie realises not everything is black and white and sometimes the law is not enough to ensure justice is served. Alessa is a complex character and so lovable. Can't wait to see them more in the world Persephone Black has created.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Our paths will always be paved with good intentions. Some gray lines are meant for one to get to where they need to be. It takes great sacrifices to find your HEA. If you lead with your heart then nothing can stop you.

[Zureena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow......mindblowing ..😊

What a twist. Angs, 🔥 scenes and second chances, I soooooo Love 😍 this series. Blows my mind and leave me excited and waiting patiently for the next book. Pers, you keep on outdoing yourself with these amazing books. 5🌟 and so much more.

[Brigitte Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy meets romance with a splash of tender

Of all the sapphic mafia romances I've read from this author, this one touches the sentimental and tender side of me, so if you have a sensitive heart leaning on the romantic side mixed with plenty of spice, this book is for you.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Finishing Book 1 I immediately started on this and couldnt put it down until I was finished. I loved this duology and look forward to reading more from Persephone Black going forward, and hopefully maybe see an appearance from Natalie and Alessa in another story.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how the author would go with how the first book ended. I really enjoyed this sequel to the point that once I started it I didn't stop until I finished it.

[Margaritas Cherena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa and Natalie work together to find out who planted the money and drugs. A cute story with a twisted ending. Recommended.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story!

Seriously this whole series is a must read! I hope there is more to come. Persephone Black is an author to follow.

[Gorgianna Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful , love this author and follow and awaiting the next awesome adventure

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, hot and dangerous

Dramatic twists and turns galore make this romantic intrigue a page turner that's impossible to put down. Simply wonderful story.

[Deone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple books

[maiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 they’re so hot 🔥