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Dark
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106 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2024
9 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Maretti
8 books70 followers I've been writing all my life but took the plunge into professional writing in 2022. As an avid romance reader, I'm all about the spice, but it has to come with a solid plot. On average, I devour about one hundred books a year.
My writing style is what I like to call 'mood writing.' I'm all about crafting super spicy romances that span across various subgenres—mafia, dark, small-town, and even paranormal. I believe in creating stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, with just the right amount of romance and a solid plot.
When I'm in my writing zone, you'll find me in my cozy office/sunroom, surrounded by plants and snuggled up with my six furry friends. Yes, I'm a proud dog mom to six adorable pups! And who says six dogs are too many? Depending on my mood, you might catch me listening to Fleetwood Mac, classic R&B, '80s rock, or even New Kids on the Block. (Shoutout to my fellow lifelong blockheads!)
Born in New York and having moved to Vermont as a child, I now call the beautiful green mountains home. I'll be hitting the big 5-0 this April, but I like to think of 50 as the new 35. I still feel like I'm in my thirties and excited to share this milestone with my wonderful readers. When I'm not lost in a book or working on my latest manuscript, you'll probably find me tending to my flower gardens or crafting wedding flowers. I've been a professional wedding florist for nearly thirty years.
Join my newsletter for free books, updates, special events, and more!
https://author-lm-maretti.mailchimpsi...
My writing style is what I like to call 'mood writing.' I'm all about crafting super spicy romances that span across various subgenres—mafia, dark, small-town, and even paranormal. I believe in creating stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, with just the right amount of romance and a solid plot.
When I'm in my writing zone, you'll find me in my cozy office/sunroom, surrounded by plants and snuggled up with my six furry friends. Yes, I'm a proud dog mom to six adorable pups! And who says six dogs are too many? Depending on my mood, you might catch me listening to Fleetwood Mac, classic R&B, '80s rock, or even New Kids on the Block. (Shoutout to my fellow lifelong blockheads!)
Born in New York and having moved to Vermont as a child, I now call the beautiful green mountains home. I'll be hitting the big 5-0 this April, but I like to think of 50 as the new 35. I still feel like I'm in my thirties and excited to share this milestone with my wonderful readers. When I'm not lost in a book or working on my latest manuscript, you'll probably find me tending to my flower gardens or crafting wedding flowers. I've been a professional wedding florist for nearly thirty years.
Join my newsletter for free books, updates, special events, and more!
https://author-lm-maretti.mailchimpsi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 5, 2024
This book is a fast-paced novella with a bad-ass FMC
This book is a great read if you want a short but action packed,fast-paced,dark mafia based book.
It is a spicy read 🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book also contains abit of female empowerment when it comes sex, sexuality that makes the FMC even more bad-ass in my opinion.
There were some scenes where I wish I had abit more information for example the FMC past but overall it was a really good read and would recommend to anyone
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a great read if you want a short but action packed,fast-paced,dark mafia based book.
It is a spicy read 🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book also contains abit of female empowerment when it comes sex, sexuality that makes the FMC even more bad-ass in my opinion.
There were some scenes where I wish I had abit more information for example the FMC past but overall it was a really good read and would recommend to anyone
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2024
Victoria Dark is running for her life. She finally found a place she feels safe. Onyx Falls is that place. She can set down roots and open a business. Her business caters to desires. She fulfills her fantasies there as well. There is one thing missing. Sebastian Valentino and his brother, Tony, have been keeping Victoria safe. Unfortunately, danger is knocking on her door again. Her brother has found her and the only way to keep her safe is to take her away from everything she knows.
Victoria and Sebastian have a love/hate relationship. Sebastian tries to stay away and watch her from afar because he can't handle anyone else touching what is his. He can't stay away any longer. They sent a message that cannot be ignored. Victoria is not one to sit around and play the victim. She will end this. Everything her family put her through will fuel the anger building up inside of her. What will happen when Victoria finally comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare? Will she cower or will she fight? I loved how strong Victoria was and I loved how she submitted to Sebastian. Submission does not mean the loss of strength. Victoria proved that time and time again. This book is fairly short and gets right to the point. Readers will not feel like they needed more the story is complete and exactly what was needed.
Victoria and Sebastian have a love/hate relationship. Sebastian tries to stay away and watch her from afar because he can't handle anyone else touching what is his. He can't stay away any longer. They sent a message that cannot be ignored. Victoria is not one to sit around and play the victim. She will end this. Everything her family put her through will fuel the anger building up inside of her. What will happen when Victoria finally comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare? Will she cower or will she fight? I loved how strong Victoria was and I loved how she submitted to Sebastian. Submission does not mean the loss of strength. Victoria proved that time and time again. This book is fairly short and gets right to the point. Readers will not feel like they needed more the story is complete and exactly what was needed.
April 28, 2024
This is a fast-paced spicy Mafia-based novella with a strong female lead.
Victoria, the Mafia daughter, had fallen in love at the tender age of 16 with someone who didn't follow suit with family traditions. Because of that, she was subjected to her father's temper.
She promised herself never will she be weak again.
Until Sébastien..
Someone is taunting her again. It scares her.
Will Sébastien and his brother be able to save her, or will her past come back for her and it be too late.
I have read all of L.M. Marretti's books and this book. Is well-written and easy to read. It has the right amounts of spicy, not too bold but just right for a novella.
I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Victoria, the Mafia daughter, had fallen in love at the tender age of 16 with someone who didn't follow suit with family traditions. Because of that, she was subjected to her father's temper.
She promised herself never will she be weak again.
Until Sébastien..
Someone is taunting her again. It scares her.
Will Sébastien and his brother be able to save her, or will her past come back for her and it be too late.
I have read all of L.M. Marretti's books and this book. Is well-written and easy to read. It has the right amounts of spicy, not too bold but just right for a novella.
I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
February 7, 2024
This is a new Author's work I checked out and was really pleased with their interpretation of the world of Mafia family inspired romance storytelling. Wonderfully created characters with the typical emotional and physical scars that seem synonymous of a life growing up in a Mafia family. This sense of "darkness" seems to permeate in so many avenues of the characters lives but incredibly gives them this drive of resiliency and strength that for me really captures my interest. Loved the lead female, Victoria because she was a character that I have not often witnessed in the books I've read. She was a true survivor bent on living her life and how she wanted, kinks and all. A well devised plot nicely balanced with action, dramas, sexual tensions and provocations, the typical good verses bad, family betrayals and belief of possession and tradition of the standing of a daughter's duty bound to a family name. But there are also the triggers that do arise throughout that readers need to be aware of too! An easy to read story that really captured my interest from the start right to the very end.
February 4, 2024
**ARC** Well I can definitely understand why this book was titled this way! I can say without a doubt that the writing was impeccable and the passion felt real. Also add in a mental health rep? Please and thank you!
January 30, 2024
Really interesting book. It’s a short read, with a sexually liberated female main character, Victoria, who is likable, relatable, and intense.
I liked the plot, I loved Sebastian, and I’m always excited for someone out for revenge/blood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the plot, I loved Sebastian, and I’m always excited for someone out for revenge/blood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2024
This book is a fabulous short spicy story. I really enjoyed this quick read. It had everything I wanted in a book, spice, mystery, past trauma and more.
February 5, 2024
This was such a good book
April 2, 2024
Spicy, dark, twisty and a relatively quick read!
A young woman struggling to regain her life after having suffered severe trauma at a young age. She’s fed up with men who think they can control women, so she becomes the one who controls others. She hardens her heart and there’s only one man who can crack those walls. Only one man that can make her submit. One man who wants to protect her above all else. But her brother finds her and her life is at stake. Who wins in this twisted family feud? - plenty of spice, dominant fmc, threesome, FF action, DP, brief depiction of attempted suicid£, death, blood, etc.
A young woman struggling to regain her life after having suffered severe trauma at a young age. She’s fed up with men who think they can control women, so she becomes the one who controls others. She hardens her heart and there’s only one man who can crack those walls. Only one man that can make her submit. One man who wants to protect her above all else. But her brother finds her and her life is at stake. Who wins in this twisted family feud? - plenty of spice, dominant fmc, threesome, FF action, DP, brief depiction of attempted suicid£, death, blood, etc.
February 11, 2024
Dark was fun but, even for a novella, I felt that there wasn't much substance to the story. The premise was that a woman, Victoria Dark, was in hiding due to controlling or maybe dangerous family and family connections.
Though the story wasn't very deep, the character development was multidimensional, at least on the part of Victoria. She is a businesswoman who has become successful. She is strong yet feels vulnerable at times. I guess this makes it easier to create a story with a strong female and strong male character, But, as with many romances with strong female characters, when it came down to it the male character was stronger. Something very different between the two characters was that she was a very sexual woman and very body-positive, all very progressive, and he did not seem as much of a sexual being.
The culminating event was a disappointment. It was very short and there were missed opportunities for action and suspense. Overall, the ending was pretty flat. I know that this is a novella but I'm not sure where this series will go based on this book. Hopefully future books will make the novella deeper or create a better story based on the novella. If all the books are to be novellas with this amount of substance, I’m not sure I would recommend reading further.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Though the story wasn't very deep, the character development was multidimensional, at least on the part of Victoria. She is a businesswoman who has become successful. She is strong yet feels vulnerable at times. I guess this makes it easier to create a story with a strong female and strong male character, But, as with many romances with strong female characters, when it came down to it the male character was stronger. Something very different between the two characters was that she was a very sexual woman and very body-positive, all very progressive, and he did not seem as much of a sexual being.
The culminating event was a disappointment. It was very short and there were missed opportunities for action and suspense. Overall, the ending was pretty flat. I know that this is a novella but I'm not sure where this series will go based on this book. Hopefully future books will make the novella deeper or create a better story based on the novella. If all the books are to be novellas with this amount of substance, I’m not sure I would recommend reading further.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2024
Verrrry quick read and the vibe was intriguing especially in the beginning, but it that wasn’t enough to save the entire story for me.
It wasn’t fleshed out and I couldn’t get into the story or care enough for the characters. It was bland but I get what it was trying to do, it all fell short for me though. Even the steamy scenes weren’t enough of an incentive to rate this higher since those fell flat too 😭
Thanks for the free copy.
It wasn’t fleshed out and I couldn’t get into the story or care enough for the characters. It was bland but I get what it was trying to do, it all fell short for me though. Even the steamy scenes weren’t enough of an incentive to rate this higher since those fell flat too 😭
Thanks for the free copy.
March 9, 2024
Had to do a double take. This one will have screaming ..
After Victoria runs away from her mafia family. She has her club and anything she desires. Expect the one that got away. Noe she’s in trouble. Sebastian has always watched after her. Even when he walked away from her years ago. Now she’s in trouble. So he’s here to take care of her. The problem? Well she can take care of herself. Sebastian is a man that likes control. Victoria does too. A battle of the wills. Sometimes you need a man on ur side. Not in front to take care of you. Epic book.
After Victoria runs away from her mafia family. She has her club and anything she desires. Expect the one that got away. Noe she’s in trouble. Sebastian has always watched after her. Even when he walked away from her years ago. Now she’s in trouble. So he’s here to take care of her. The problem? Well she can take care of herself. Sebastian is a man that likes control. Victoria does too. A battle of the wills. Sometimes you need a man on ur side. Not in front to take care of you. Epic book.
February 16, 2024
An okay read. Interesting spicy aspects. I didn’t really get emotionally invested in the characters though
March 7, 2024
This was short, spicy, and to the point! I absolutely loved this short spicy dark mafia romance!!! 🥰 The climatic chemistry between the MMC and FMC was incredible! I couldn't get enough!!!!
February 27, 2024
This is a quick read that was spicy and to the point. Dark mafia romance that I couldn’t get enough of. I would recommend this book for a spicy dark romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2024
Dark by LM Maretti is a hot, spicy, and deliciously dark erotica novella. This is the perfect book to curl up with and devour in one sitting. The characters are passionate, and the storyline will leave you feeling satisfied in the end. The biggest compliment that I can give to the author is that this book is too short, and I need to see so much more of Sebastian!
Victoria is a strong powerful female who likes to be in control of every aspect of her life now that she has escaped from the clutches of her mafia family who tried to dominate her. No man will ever control her again......Sebastian has always looked out for her, whether or not she wanted his protection. He is everything that she doesn't want, and yet, she can't stop thinking about him. When these two reunite, the tension in the air is palpable and the sparks fly.
Sebastian is the perfect morally gray man that will haunt your dreams and have you searching to find out where the small town of Onyx Falls is so you can plan a trip to visit. He is really just perfection- hard but soft, controlling but vulnerable, demanding but gentle. Thank you LM Maretti for introducing us to this fine specimen, and please feel free to show us more of him!
Victoria is a strong powerful female who likes to be in control of every aspect of her life now that she has escaped from the clutches of her mafia family who tried to dominate her. No man will ever control her again......Sebastian has always looked out for her, whether or not she wanted his protection. He is everything that she doesn't want, and yet, she can't stop thinking about him. When these two reunite, the tension in the air is palpable and the sparks fly.
Sebastian is the perfect morally gray man that will haunt your dreams and have you searching to find out where the small town of Onyx Falls is so you can plan a trip to visit. He is really just perfection- hard but soft, controlling but vulnerable, demanding but gentle. Thank you LM Maretti for introducing us to this fine specimen, and please feel free to show us more of him!
February 12, 2024
Despite the strong female lead, it seems Victoria needed a big, tough man to come to her rescue. Argh! Sometimes I find these types of books so frustrating. Not only does the male lead take over her life (obviously not for the first time), but he keeps her in the dark (no pun intended) about the dangers that threaten HER life and then gets frustrated when she makes a break for freedom. Okay, so sometimes it was a stupid move on Victoria’s part when she knew there were dangerous people out looking for her, but a little communication from Sebastian made have made her think twice. While there were some sparks between the two main characters, Sebastian didn’t strike me as the strong, dominant type, given how many times he’d let Victoria push him away, while Victoria enjoyed a smorgasbord of sexual partners. With all the hype and build-up, I was looking forward to an explosive finale, but it all seemed to end with a pop and fizzle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2024
Dark by L.M. Maretti is a quick, easy read that dives into the world of dark romance erotica. It's the perfect palate cleanser for those craving a steamy escape.
The book's strength lies in its fast-paced narrative, keeping you hooked on the intense romance between the characters. Admittedly, there are a few moments of déjà vu as certain themes are revisited, but it doesn't overshadow the overall enjoyment.
The characters bring the heat, and the shift from foes to passionate lovers is well-executed, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Maretti's writing style is on point, creating an immersive experience that pulls you into the sensuous atmosphere of the story.
In a nutshell, Dark is a satisfying, spicy read that delivers on its promise of a quick and steamy escape into the world of dark romance erotica.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book's strength lies in its fast-paced narrative, keeping you hooked on the intense romance between the characters. Admittedly, there are a few moments of déjà vu as certain themes are revisited, but it doesn't overshadow the overall enjoyment.
The characters bring the heat, and the shift from foes to passionate lovers is well-executed, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Maretti's writing style is on point, creating an immersive experience that pulls you into the sensuous atmosphere of the story.
In a nutshell, Dark is a satisfying, spicy read that delivers on its promise of a quick and steamy escape into the world of dark romance erotica.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2024
So this was unexpected for me. With dark romances you never kmow what you're going to get. Without spoilers the incident that happens with an employee bothered me but not enough to stop reading. I was intrigued for sure. Hurt people, hurt people and I wanted to understand her past to see why she ticked the way she did. With that being said, Sebastian is definitely the only person who can handle her. I loved his devotion to her and their passion for one another was so HOT! The suspense and twist were nice and I'd love to read more of Victoria and Sebastian's story 💜 This is a new author for me but I really loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
This was a much different take on most of the books I've read by L.M but I was not disappointed. I've only recently started getting into the darker romances so I was not sure how I would like this, but as always L.M does a terrific job building her characters. Her world building is incredible. It was a short a read but I demolished it very quickly.
Dark is very fast paced and steamy. Please be sure to check TWs and thanks for letting me read early!
Dark is very fast paced and steamy. Please be sure to check TWs and thanks for letting me read early!
February 16, 2024
Victoria and Sebastian's story is amazing! This author has stepped up to the next level with this one and I want more!
Dark, delicious, super spicy with a ton of steam and suspense that had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down!
I loved them and wanted more and hope she writes more of these books and hope you all do yourself a favour and read them! You won't be sorry you did!
Dark, delicious, super spicy with a ton of steam and suspense that had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down!
I loved them and wanted more and hope she writes more of these books and hope you all do yourself a favour and read them! You won't be sorry you did!
March 10, 2024
After living all her life having her father, then her brother control her life, Victoria broke free. Always having to run because he kept trying to bring her back.
Sebastian would never let her go back to her brother. He helped her escape him. He also loved her. But this time it will take everything they have to keep her away. Can he get through her walls and show her that he wants more for her than control?
If you have any triggers, please check out this list before reading.
Sebastian would never let her go back to her brother. He helped her escape him. He also loved her. But this time it will take everything they have to keep her away. Can he get through her walls and show her that he wants more for her than control?
If you have any triggers, please check out this list before reading.
June 30, 2024
Thrilling, dark, seductive romance.
🔸️Both FMC and MMC are morally grey.🖤 She is strong, confident, hot tempered and uninhibited on top of that.
He is possessive, obsessed, control freak.
🔸️There is a huge steamy tension and spicy attraction between them. There is a battle of wills and constant push&pull.
🔸️Well written. Smooth and fast to read.
🔸️Great introduction to larger universe and series.
🔸️Both FMC and MMC are morally grey.🖤 She is strong, confident, hot tempered and uninhibited on top of that.
He is possessive, obsessed, control freak.
🔸️There is a huge steamy tension and spicy attraction between them. There is a battle of wills and constant push&pull.
🔸️Well written. Smooth and fast to read.
🔸️Great introduction to larger universe and series.
October 1, 2024
Main characters Victoria, Sebastian, and Tony. Victoria is in charge of this night club where she has sexual meetings whenever she has anger. Unfortunately her family has been looking for her to be part of their mafia. Sebastian and tony are her protectors, one night someone had smeared “blood” on her home and she thought it was her brother, turns out he had hired someone to do his dirty work….. at the end she get her happy ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
I have enjoyed this Authors other books. This one really stepped up the spice and complexidy of the characters. Amazing storyline, characters, constantly having my attention. The book just grabbed me invited me in to a world I did not want to leave. I can't wait to read more of this world. A must read.
February 16, 2024
WOW! I really enjoyed this book. It is truly a dark mafia romance. This is a wonderful spicy romance. Once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down. If you enjoy dark mafia books, I would recommend reading this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2024
This is a dark mafia romance, check your triggers. I'm not really a fan of short stories or novellas, but I am a fan of dark romances so I figured I'd give it a shot. It was quick but decent overall.
The authors team provided me the opportunity to read this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review
The authors team provided me the opportunity to read this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review
May 12, 2024
I thought this book was wonderfully written. You definitely got a little bit of everything in this book from family issues, trauma, romance and mystery. Victoria definitely had a hard life and tried many things to hide from all her issues. My heart really went out to her in this book but she was a very strong person. Well worth the read.
January 14, 2024
This book was entirely intriguing from the start. It's a short little novella that brings a rich and in-depth story to life. I could actually picture scenes and the characters! I was rather impressed it felt action-packed and full of suspense.
January 26, 2024
This book was a short mafia dark romance. Victoria has run from her male dominating mafia family and has started her own business on Onyx falls. She learns that her brother is still trying to find her and that some people from her past have been protecting her. She's a very strong, stubborn fmc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews