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Love At FIRST Sight: A Dark Interracial Mafia Romance
HE’S SOMEONE SHE’S NEVER MET. SHE’S THE ONE HE’S NEVER FORGOTTEN.
No longer appeasing, GRACE SOONG is now successful, well-connected, and revered, both in the legal and illegal world. Her secret is to build walls around her heart and her life.
Which is why it’s unnerving when one of the most powerful self-made mafia leaders sweeps in to save her.
He claims to be repaying a debt. But if that’s all there is, why does it get hard to think whenever he’s close? Why does his touch carry something that shouldn’t be there?
When her ally asks for help, Grace has to choose between an ally she knows and a man she doesn’t.
***
Cold and calculative, STEPAN IVANOV leads with steel efficiency. He’s vengeful and unforgiving, choosing to doubt over giving any benefit of doubt.
One night, he saw her working under the moonlight, oblivious to his presence. She did something that intrigued him, and he’d never stopped thinking about her since.
Six years later, he saves her, and expects to forget about her right after. But she’s become a drug he needs a higher dose of, a thought that still dominates his mind.
She’s put him at a distance, and her ally is the least of his problems.
Stepan will not only have to battle against suspicions but also generational power. Timing is crucial, and there’s no telling whether he’ll get to the bottom of things before losing her for good.
[This book contains mature themes. Reader discretion is advised.}
No longer appeasing, GRACE SOONG is now successful, well-connected, and revered, both in the legal and illegal world. Her secret is to build walls around her heart and her life.
Which is why it’s unnerving when one of the most powerful self-made mafia leaders sweeps in to save her.
He claims to be repaying a debt. But if that’s all there is, why does it get hard to think whenever he’s close? Why does his touch carry something that shouldn’t be there?
When her ally asks for help, Grace has to choose between an ally she knows and a man she doesn’t.
***
Cold and calculative, STEPAN IVANOV leads with steel efficiency. He’s vengeful and unforgiving, choosing to doubt over giving any benefit of doubt.
One night, he saw her working under the moonlight, oblivious to his presence. She did something that intrigued him, and he’d never stopped thinking about her since.
Six years later, he saves her, and expects to forget about her right after. But she’s become a drug he needs a higher dose of, a thought that still dominates his mind.
She’s put him at a distance, and her ally is the least of his problems.
Stepan will not only have to battle against suspicions but also generational power. Timing is crucial, and there’s no telling whether he’ll get to the bottom of things before losing her for good.
[This book contains mature themes. Reader discretion is advised.}
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
112 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Stina's Pen
10 books169 followersWhen Stina is not writing, she can be found reading anything that piques her interest, accidentally buying books on accidental visits to bookstores despite the shelves of unread novels at home. Always a daydreamer, she often fantasizes about what could unravel if something that didn’t happen happened. She is also prone to buying stickers and washi tapes (by complete accident) and then wondering what to do with them.
With a goal of inspiring others and hoping they draw strength from her characters, she wishes to write in a way that makes everyone’s days a little brighter, that allows them to appreciate who they are and fall in love with the magic they add into the world.
With a goal of inspiring others and hoping they draw strength from her characters, she wishes to write in a way that makes everyone’s days a little brighter, that allows them to appreciate who they are and fall in love with the magic they add into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Stina's Pen for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
Stephan and Grace's chemistry is spicy hot. The plot and pace are amazing. I was hooked from the first paragraph. I read this book in one sitting.
If y'all like a great Mafia Romance, y'all will love this book. Can't hardly wait for book 2.
Stephan and Grace's chemistry is spicy hot. The plot and pace are amazing. I was hooked from the first paragraph. I read this book in one sitting.
If y'all like a great Mafia Romance, y'all will love this book. Can't hardly wait for book 2.
September 13, 2025
This the first book in this series which I enjoyed reading. It is a great start and I look forward to seeing more from this series. I enjoyed this author ability to pull me into the character's world from the start. Their writing skills and attention to details made the story engaging and realistic. This is a darker mafia story that may have some triggers but if you get past them you will find an engaging story that you won't soon forget. This is a story about Grace and Stepan. I enjoyed both of these characters and how supportive the secondary characters were to them. Their attraction and chemistry is something that you won't soon forget. I also enjoyed watching their growth throughout which made it easy to turn pages to see what would happen next. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I enjoyed reading. I highly recommend this book.
August 21, 2025
Informative writing..
Was this a romance book or a manual on different gang life? I learned a lot about how gang evolved and survived but I wanted to be entertain and not study. This was not a romance but a learning read. Excessive on the monologues and information dumped. Boring and not my type of book. The idea of the plotline seemed interesting but the execution wasn't. No emotional pull with lots of telling. The heroine was in early thirty but yet seemed younger. Lost interest and got tired of learning about gang life. First time reading this author and last time I guess. DNF..
Was this a romance book or a manual on different gang life? I learned a lot about how gang evolved and survived but I wanted to be entertain and not study. This was not a romance but a learning read. Excessive on the monologues and information dumped. Boring and not my type of book. The idea of the plotline seemed interesting but the execution wasn't. No emotional pull with lots of telling. The heroine was in early thirty but yet seemed younger. Lost interest and got tired of learning about gang life. First time reading this author and last time I guess. DNF..
April 15, 2025
Very good
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are superb and the sizzling attraction between the main characters is very sexy. The story is excellent introducing you to many characters some being quite comical. I liked the fact that the book is exciting, gruesome in parts but is expected with gangs and mafia wars. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a very good read. Well done!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are superb and the sizzling attraction between the main characters is very sexy. The story is excellent introducing you to many characters some being quite comical. I liked the fact that the book is exciting, gruesome in parts but is expected with gangs and mafia wars. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a very good read. Well done!
July 9, 2025
I love the plot of this story and how the author was able to describe the characters. I did have a lot of time with the amount of detail in the book. It reminded me of how I feel about Stephen King books. I love the story but got bored reading it after awhile because of the amount a detail.
If this book is ever made into a movie it would succeed for this reason. Just like Stephen King, which I like watching them.
If this book is ever made into a movie it would succeed for this reason. Just like Stephen King, which I like watching them.
April 9, 2025
Love the Story!
The author always amazed me on her storyline. She delivers and not disappoint. I kept re-reading this book too and it didnt tire me but easily got engrossed with the story. It aroused curiousity and indulged me in ways that i need to finish reading it. Can't wait for Book 2.
The author always amazed me on her storyline. She delivers and not disappoint. I kept re-reading this book too and it didnt tire me but easily got engrossed with the story. It aroused curiousity and indulged me in ways that i need to finish reading it. Can't wait for Book 2.
September 4, 2025
Wow
This book was so good. I really enjoyed reading it. Started back to work so took me awhile to finish but so glad I read this. Loved the characters and the intrigue and mystery of the story. Loved how the FL doesn't really need a man but softens to have one by her side. So sweet!
This book was so good. I really enjoyed reading it. Started back to work so took me awhile to finish but so glad I read this. Loved the characters and the intrigue and mystery of the story. Loved how the FL doesn't really need a man but softens to have one by her side. So sweet!
September 13, 2025
She has risen in both the legal and illegal world but she is about to become the center of his world. He saved her once and he thought he would forget her but it is too hard. Life is going to get very interesting for them both so see where they will take you
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
September 14, 2025
I voluntarily review an ARC.
I loved this book. But have to warn you. If you value your sleep, don't start it. This story is highly addictive and it's not a short one.
I loved the very different characters, each with their own flaws and strengths.
I'm not the biggest fan of Mafia books, but the slowly building heat/love and devotion is awesome.
Absolutely recommended.
I loved this book. But have to warn you. If you value your sleep, don't start it. This story is highly addictive and it's not a short one.
I loved the very different characters, each with their own flaws and strengths.
I'm not the biggest fan of Mafia books, but the slowly building heat/love and devotion is awesome.
Absolutely recommended.
September 15, 2025
A captivating and spicy mafia story, with characters oozing chemistry and excellent secondary characters with unexpected twists and turns and lots of action. A very well written story, with intense and wonderful characters that convey an incredible vibrancy.A fast paced story, you enjoy it, gobble it up and it leaves you wanting more, waiting for the 2nd in the series. A good recommendation.
January 1, 2026
This was a wickedly delicious mafia romance. Stepan and Grace were fire. This book grabbed me, tied me to my chair, and said stay put until I’m finished with you. And I complied. Sooooo glad I did.
I liked the different elements that were introduced in this. I even laughed at a few parts. I thought this was really good overall and enjoyed reading it.
I liked the different elements that were introduced in this. I even laughed at a few parts. I thought this was really good overall and enjoyed reading it.
December 10, 2024
Very good!!
I love strong FMCs like Grace. Stepan is everything and the perfect mafia book boyfriend… Stepan isn’t afraid to be soft and pursuant of Grace. This romance novel was good and highly detailed.
I love strong FMCs like Grace. Stepan is everything and the perfect mafia book boyfriend… Stepan isn’t afraid to be soft and pursuant of Grace. This romance novel was good and highly detailed.
October 6, 2025
stina's pen love at FIRST sight
The beginning is gruesome. I almost quit. Too many characters with strange names. But then the plot held as did the love story. More gruesome close to the end but ends happily ever after
The beginning is gruesome. I almost quit. Too many characters with strange names. But then the plot held as did the love story. More gruesome close to the end but ends happily ever after
January 24, 2026
An interesting love story
Amazing point of views from two people involved in the Mafia as self-made leaders of their groups who are leery of the plans of other Mafia leaders and allies. A lot of blood letting happens during the courtship keeping everyone on their toes.
Amazing point of views from two people involved in the Mafia as self-made leaders of their groups who are leery of the plans of other Mafia leaders and allies. A lot of blood letting happens during the courtship keeping everyone on their toes.
August 14, 2025
I need a bad boy.
Love conquers all. Dark is nor always darkest days but the stars that light the night. Thank you very much.
Love conquers all. Dark is nor always darkest days but the stars that light the night. Thank you very much.
September 13, 2025
It was so good I love the characters. I enjoyed it. I was given an arc and i choose to give a honest review.
September 16, 2025
OMG!!!!! So freaking good. Detailed well written storyline. Lots of secrets and plot twists. Characters were relatable. Their chemistry was sizzling. Couldn't put this book down. It was way better than five stars.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews