Gilded Smoke

by Sierra Mackenzie

QUINN
An accident of birth. A spurned 'half-breed'. I'm denied a so-called 'normal' life due to the mixed blood running through my veins. My soul is tainted, and the only chance I have for redemption is to become a modern-day Robin Hood with the demonic royals as my targets. Yet the hand of Fate intervenes in the form of a golden-eyed demon who wants to own my soul.

ASHER
If there's one rule you should abide by, it's this: Never cross a demon. Especially if they belong to the demonic royal family. So when a mixed-blood temptress diverts my attention from conquering angel territory by stealing from me? This naughty little bird is about to learn a lesson she'll never forget. That is, if she survives.

** This book is intended for readers 18+ and contains mature subjects. Please see the author's note at the start for more information on specific subjects and themes depicted **

530 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2024

About the author

Sierra MacKenzie is an urban fantasy author turned dark romance, her muses inspired by the very books she reads. Be prepared. They're also eager to branch out into omegaverse and horror!

Reviews

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Smoke (Aeternus Book 1) by Sierra MacKenzie is a paranormal romance novel. Another book I say I gobbled right up. This had a unique plot and I really enjoyed it. The book itself was almost a paranormal mafia romance and that made even more interesting.
The two main characters were excellent together with enough chemistry to fire up the room. Of course at first they would much rather spend spend their time bantering back and forth adding to the humor of the story.
I really enjoyed this story! I can not wait for book 2. i definitely hope it won’t be a long wait, hint hint!

[Smut Cartel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My soul is tainted, and the only chance I have for redemption is to become a modern-day Robin Hood with the demonic royals as my targets.

A fast paced and unique mixture of Paranormal and Mafia Romance, with great world building and character development throughout, I could not put this down!
Asher and Quinn together = HOT! Both their characters are so well written but when they come together, they set the world on fire!
Cannot wait for Book 2, because this ends on a cliffhanger!!

Tropes:
- Found family
- Fated mates
- Paranormal
- Mafia Romance

[Morgan Constantin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you how much I enjoyed this freaking book! I am definitely a star whore, I’ll admit I give them easily. But I really enjoyed this book. The smut scenes were hot! I the story line was great. The character development was even better. I was worried for a little that I felt little development on Asher, but trust me, it’s there and I’m in love. I do love me a main man who will burn the world down! And Quinn! I absolutely love who she is growing into. This book does end on a cliffhanger, don’t worry, I’ve already shared my grievances. But I highly recommend. This is just an all around fun read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so freaking good!
But that freaking ending?! Oh. My. Goodness. 😱
I definitely, definitely need book 2 now and I cannot wait for it!

I devoured this book so quickly. I was in a chokehold from the very beginning.

I can't wait to read more of Asher and Quinn 😍😍

This was a fast-paced, well flowing story throughout the entirety of it and those spicy scenes?!?!?! So delicious 🥵😍
The banter, humour, fated mates and found family definitely made this so good.

I'm definitely going to be stalking 😉 Miss Mackenzie for updates on book 2 because I definitely need to know what happens next!

This is an ARC review and is my honest opinion.

[Felony Rose PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

……….. let me try and compose my self enough to get this review out!! ……

This book had me in a chokehold so strong from the start. I DEVOURED this book in 9 hours and left me feeling so empty and needing more of Quinn and Asher.

The plot flowed very well and flowed well into the smut scenes very well. And can we talk about those yummy scenes? Yes yes yes I mean I think I can speak for everyone we all need us some Asher 🤤🥵

I look forward to more from this author and this series

[Evelyn M Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read in this type of spice and my oh my. I enjoyed the storyline throughout the entire book. In my opinion, it was a fast-paced book. Compared to other spicy books, this one was 5 chiles in spice!
This was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible! It is one of those books you must pick up and read!


I loved it! I am giving it 4 out of 5 simply because mafia romance is not my favorite, but for those who do, it will be a 5 of 5!

[Nikita Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fast-paced intense read

A great start off to the series, this book is action packed in many ways and has a compelling plot.

This supernatural mafia romance does depict some heavy themes so check the content warnings!

This is a well-developed story that has banter, spice, humor, found family, fated mates and great foreshadowing for what’s to come!

You’ll absolutely want to know what comes next after being on the edge of your seat!

This is certainly a highly enjoyable read!

[Sabrina Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh Asher my new book boyfriend do yourself a favor and read this book run don’t walk to get it I’ve been telling my friends non stop about it I couldn’t put it down I can’t wait for the next book I was honestly hooked from the first page this is a instant top 5 book for me since I started it it’s been living rent free in my mind 10/10 recommend

[Dolores Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREAKIN EPIC! Every single second, I was grasping this book, needing to know more, to learn more, and to experience more! It was definitely a wild and spicy ride. I literally couldn't put it down. The plot is spectacular, and so is the character growth. I will warn it ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger, but it is worth every second spent devouring it. The author did an incredible job bringing this to life!

[Alimay · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE!
I was swept away on an exhilarating roller coaster of a story crafted by the talented Sierra MacKenzie. With a masterful touch, our author took me on a journey filled with fiery twists and turns that left me craving more. Through skillful storytelling, she artfully introduces warmth and intrigue into her characters, all while weaving in a demonic twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is writing at its finest—a five-star book that excels in world-building, character development, and sheer excellence that will leave you yearning for the next installment.

[Daniela Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ASHHHERRRRRR, they don’t do them like you anymore!!! He’s definitely up there on my list of book boyfriends!! There is so much suspense to keep you in and wanting more!!! It was my first dab into the paranormal romance and it is definitely not my last 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[Jessika Roque · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was spicy and supernatural. I loved it. What I didn’t like was the MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER YOU LEFT ME ON. lol how am I supposed to wait for the second book after that ending. I mean I was on the edge of my seat and you did me like that lol.

[Madi Sunderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much suspense to keep the reader wanting even more or not wanting to stop reading at all! Character development is amazing. I can’t wait for the next book to be released!

[goodgirl_meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. 😍

Such a unique combination of paranormal and mafia! I loved the world building and character development, so good! AND. The spice? Let’s just say our MMC has some unique attributes that he EXPERTLY handles. 🔥

I can’t wait for more in this world! I was drawn in from beginning to end and am only mad because I can’t go binge the rest of the series right now.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god that ending!! Wow, this book was straight in and going from the start. Fantastic story of a war brewing between demons and angels while a fast burn romance unfolds between Quinn and Asher. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Sarah Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Aeternus series starts off with a bang... quite literally. You enter a world where demons and angels are in an all out war and humans are merely pawns in their intrigues. That is, until the demon prince finds himself inescapably drawn to a human-demon hybrid. This action-packed adventure will leave you breathless. I cannot wait for the next piece of this saga!

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥀🖤 ARC BOOK REVIEW 🖤🥀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“The full weight of that power left me suddenly willing to turn my back on everything I had believed in. Whatever he asked, I would give him”

“Sometimes it just takes us a little bit longer to make peace with our past and let it go”

Attention all my dark spicy romance lovers-this is the one for you!! So many interesting characters, super spicy moments, plot twists, betrayals, and a huuuge cliff hanger ending that will leave you wanting more to see what happens next! Watching Asher and Quinn grow and evolve both individually and together as a couple was everything; I really loved seeing the softer sides of Asher!
Special shoutout to my favorite parts: the wine making scene at the restaurant and all the circus chapters. Also Emersyn was EVERYTHING!

Keep in mind, this is a DARK romance with very dark themes. Make sure to check out all of the TW before diving in 💜

Thank you to Sierra for sending me this arc and allowing me to be a part of this with you!! 🖤

Gilded Smoke is available NOW on Kindle Unlimited 🥀💜

[Whitley Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so different from what I was expecting! Right from the very start, this book is action-packed! The general basics are: this is a universe where demons and angels reign supreme! Both factions are fighting for control and territory but, who will come out on top?! Honestly, this book is like 3-books in one and I'm not mad about it! It had paranormal, it was giving mafia vibes, and then on top of it all was some top tier spicy scenes! This is definitely a dark book and I would really suggest double checking TWs if you're on the fence. Sierra's writing is so interesting and really takes the reader right in to the story to experience. This book is definitely one I can't wait for the sequel to come out!

[April Tankersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book with one HELL of a cliffhanger!!! (see what I did there since this book has demons in it? LOL) I loved everything about this book. Surprises at every turn, action, and of course the unsuspected love. You have a demon prince that takes a half human as a pet only to find out later what her other half really is and he was NOT expecting it! Of course when there are demons there must also be angels somewhere, only these particular angels are not very angelic at all! There is a war coming for the demon prince, so now the question is can he win and will his pet be by his side??? 110% highly recommend!

[Karesha Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supernatural Dark Romance with Mafia vibes! Ummmm yes please.

Be and sure and check your trigger warnings as this book check a few of those boxes.
This story drew me in from the start. We meet Quinn (our FMC) who goes through the perfect character development. I want to blush and squeal over Asher (the MMC). He is everything you want in a dark romance book boyfriend. Sigh. Those spicy scenes are scorching and let me tell you that Asher has unique umm attributes that he knows how to handle with ease and expertise.

You will not regret reading this book. Be warned this ends in a cliffhanger and I am dying for book 2.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Smoke is book one of the Aeternus Series. This is a very interesting paranormal mafia romance. It started out a little slow for me, but once you got in a bit, boy was it an amazing story. The spice between Quinn and Asher is off the charts, hot, hot, hot. Like who doesn't want a hot demon prince all to themselves?

The development of both characters was really good. We see a lot from Quinn, but it does take a bit to see any development from Asher. But once you do, you will fall in love with him, if you haven't already. Trust me, it is awesome!

[Beverley Pownall · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

This was the first book I read by Sierra Mackenzie and I absolutely loved it! Quinn and Asher are such great characters. The development and growth of their relationship had me on an emotional Rollercoaster at some points and I love that from a book. Quinn and her boldness and stubborn mind had me screaming "yes girl!" at my phone as I read through. Asher is so hot, the spicy is without a doubt 5 chili peppers. Many scenes had me questioning Mt own desires lol. And cliffhanger, give me book 2 now please!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read my previous reviews, you know I don't read summaries before jumping right in. I had no idea where this book was going. I just jumped right in and was pleasantly surprised. Quinn Rossi knew she was a half-bred but did not know what exactly she was mixed with. Her life had been spent growing up with a mother that despised her. She just wanted to survive. It was a feat because of her other half she does not age. She has to live in the shadows. Living in the shadows working against the royal demon family, brought Quinn face to face with the demon prince, Asher Aeternus.

There was something about Quinn that drew Asher in. Her feisty demeanor begs to be subdued. Asher is just the demon to do it. He has to own her completely, especially after their first encounter. This turned this book from a book about survival to a book about self-discovery. Both Asher and Quinn are on this journey. Both discovering things about themselves that will change their lives forever. I can't imagine what the next book in this series will be about but I am here for it. Ms. Mackenzie has found a fan.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn is a human rebel in a world controlled by demons and angels. However, she and her team are betrayed and captured. Quinn is now owned by the demon prince himself, but after the prince meets her, things take an unexpected turn.

Gilded Smoke is a very spicy, paranormal mafia romance. The spice level is definitely 5 chili peppers! The romance was instalust, but the relationship does evolve into more as the story goes on. There is a lot of backstabbing and betrayal to keep the reader in suspense waiting to see what will happen next. And the angel/demon rivalry is an interesting twist on mafia romance. I enjoyed the book, but it's not my favorite type of romance so 4 stars from me!

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow
It picked up so much
Like the first chapter was a good background for everything to learn and catch on to present events but it’s done and I’m crying. It was so good I don’t have enough words to share about the love, action, twists, character development just like how is the book done?? I need the next. This is a new favorite of mine. I can’t even explain how much I loved this! Everything was so good. Spicy, funny, interesting, it just sucked you in

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god you have no idea how much I love this fricken book. I don’t mind giving stars when they are deserved and they were definitely deserved here. The book was well written and the smut scenes were hot, and I completely enjoyed every moment of this book. Trust me you want to add this to your TBR you won’t be disappointed.

[Rebecca Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

All I can Say is, God Damn ASSHHHHEERRRRRR!! OMFG🤯

It was a fast-paced intense read, the plot is Spectacular and so was the character growth. I Can't stop reading it and that Cliffhanger at the end was mind blowing🤯 Can I get the next book PLS!!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! Lived this unique story

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝔄𝔯𝔠 ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴

𝔊𝔦𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔡 𝔖𝔪𝔬𝔨𝔢

I NEED more of Asher and Quinn ASAP rocky!

Gilided Smoke is a fast paced, dark, mafia supernatural romance. It is packed with action, spice and Italian demons 🥵 You definitely need to add this to your TBR list!!! It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat with all the plot twists.

The development between Asher and Quinn is just 🤌🏻

Asher will burn the entire whole down for Quinn and boy did I eat that up! He has now been added to the book boyfriend list 🤭

The cliffhanger… OH BOY 🥲 I literally CANNOT wait for the next one!

[KassiKayC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hotness. I need an Asher. "This one is Mine" Hot Prince mated to an avenging robin hood. Horrible Uncles and family trees. The cliff hanger tugs at your heart but you know Asher will not rest until his future queen is back with him. Lord help us.