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Wolves at the Gate

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Assassin Scarlett Fletcher is supposedly dead. Lyssa intends to make it so. Just...not yet.

Lyssa, the Wolf of the Styx Syndicate, has a simple plan. Hide her enemy-turned-uneasy-ally, train her up, and use her to take down Grandmother. Then Lyssa will follow through on the kill order and end the assassin for once and for all.

But nothing to do with Scarlett has ever been simple.

As Lyssa and Scarlett work together to track down the elusive Grandmother, lines begin to blur. Every sparring session just brings them closer together, and it’s getting harder and harder for Lyssa to stay objective.

And when more secrets finally come to light, the Wolf must make an impossible choice.

Will Lyssa stay loyal to the family she swore allegiance to?

Or will she protect the troubled woman who's slowly been stealing her heart?




Wolves at the Gate is part two of the Red Rivals Duet, a twisty, steamy contemporary Sapphic mafia romance based (very) loosely on the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. Reader discretion is advised for this enemies-to-forbidden-lovers story, and content notes are available on the Copyright page.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

113 people are currently reading
283 people want to read

About the author

Persephone Black

15 books304 followers

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5 stars
379 (59%)
4 stars
192 (30%)
3 stars
60 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Sterling Sapphic Reads.
385 reviews456 followers
April 18, 2025
I have officially entered my Black Hole Era—and there is no coming back.

Since diving into Persephone Black’s Sapphic Mafia Universe, I’ve been in a state of absolute blissful captivity. These duets—The Underworld Duet, Bianchi Family Duet, Ruby Realm Duet, and Red Rivals Duet—are the kind of dark, deliciously intense, emotionally layered romances that refuse to let go until you’ve consumed every last word. And then? You hit replay.

Each story feels like its own world, richly built with high-stakes tension, devastatingly compelling characters, and a level of sapphic yearning that delivers—hard. Black doesn’t just write mafia romance—she elevates it. There’s blood, betrayal, forced proximity, forbidden love, vengeance, and ICE QUEENS who will freeze your heart before slowly, achingly melting into puddles of longing and love. I mean, YES please.

From the ruthless mercenary who kidnaps a bride on her wedding day, to a street-racing Irish mob daughter begrudgingly falling for her billionaire enemy, to an undercover fed losing herself in the velvet-laced world of a ladies-only mafia nightclub, to two deadly rivals whose passion burns hotter than the bullets flying around them—every duet is an experience.

And let’s talk about the audiobook narrators, because they are next-level phenomenal. Paige Reisenfeld, Aleksi Graves, Avery Reid, Quinn Riley, Megan Wicks, and Allie Shae—these voices are the characters. They don’t just read the story; they breathe it. It’s sultry, cinematic, and completely immersive. I’ve gasped. I’ve clutched my imaginary pearls. I’ve stared into space mid-scene wondering how I’ll recover (spoiler: I haven’t).

The steam? STEAMING. The sapphics? SAPPHICING. The suspense? Suspending.
These duets are gripping, intoxicating, and—quite frankly—addictive as hell.

What I love most is how Persephone Black crafts these complex women—ruthless yet vulnerable, loyal yet fractured, terrifying yet so damn lovable. The romance always lands with deep emotional payoff. The slow burns burn. The character arcs arc. The tension? Chef’s kiss.

I haven’t binge-read (or binge-listened) an author like this in a long time, and I truly cannot stop myself. This universe has swallowed me whole and I’m not asking for rescue. If you’re even remotely into sapphic romance, mafia drama, or morally grey women who love hard and fight harder—start here.

10/10. No notes. Only obsession.

GIMME MOOOOOOREEEEEE!!!!!
Profile Image for Guerunche.
652 reviews35 followers
July 27, 2025
Yep - definitely my favorite duology by this writer. While you must start with the earlier Bianchi Family Duet books starting with Her Mafia Bride and The Underworld Duet books beginning with Captive of the Crime Queen to fully understand all the players, these two volumes are the best so far. Loved everything about them - the journey of these characters, the chemistry, the strong secondary characters.

Very satisfying listen! Excellent narration by Allie Shae and Megan Wicks.

And it sounds like we can expect more from this universe. I’m in.
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
838 reviews63 followers
July 2, 2024
4.5 Stars

Fully sated after reading Wolves at the Gate. There’s action, vengeance, revenge, love, sex, forgiveness, all the feels. The twist was good. I love how the author turned the tables and made the impossible possible. I’m addicted to this Sapphic Mafia Romance foreverology. Keep em coming.
Profile Image for Tenise.
245 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2024
..I told you I refused to accept the end of book 1! Now that I got that off my chest, I can carry on with my review.

Scarlet killed syndicate members, therefore she must die. Lyssa has known this from jump, it was a direct order from her boss, Hadria. However, the longer she waits, the harder it becomes to off Scarlett. Because somehow the woman has managed to quickly take possession over Lyssas mind, body, and soul. Scarlett has made the Wolf venerable. She's making mistakes. Mistakes that could cost her literally everything.

This one may not have been all hearts and flowers but it didn't bother me in the least bit. It was both thrilling and addictive. I read it in a day. There was blood, violence and mayhem throughout. These 2 are my favorite couple of the 3 we have met over the course of this trio of duets. I cannot wait to see what Persephone Black comes up with next. I'm addicted to all her words and I'm in it for the long haul!
819 reviews19 followers
March 22, 2025
Wow, fantastic carry-on

Wow, fantastic carry-on. I loved the main characters their chemistry was hot, but their connection just kept getting stronger till they were an unbreakable team, a must-read congratulations
Profile Image for Annie the Lesbrarian.
603 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2024
Very fast paced and fun to read. I’m bummed the next series isn’t out yet!
Profile Image for Zara.
204 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2025
I LOVE LYSSA

I felt the start slow but necessary, after the first few chapters, I read the rest in a heartbeat, I didn't like everything but didn't dislike a lot either, so there's not much to say, just QUOTES :P

"Justice? You think you'll get justice for Adam by throwing your own life away?"

"But I hate to think you let your duty override your heart so easily."

"I can put this Scarlett mess behind me and return to how things used to be."
(That never happens)

"I've never really moved on. I grieved you so much and for so long-"
"But you did. You did move on. I watched from outside as you...you went about your life, happy without me."

"In reality, monsters are made, and they can be unmade, too."

"And now, when she needs me most, there's not a damn thing I can do to save her. For all my skills and for all my strength... I'm helpless."

"Doing the good thing doesn't make up for it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SunshineReads23.
305 reviews
July 5, 2024
Quite possibly the best enemies to lovers I've read. Yes it's spicy and yes it's still got such a fantastic plot that it's a perfect mix. Lyssa & Scarlett start fast but the brakes are definitely floored and then it's just the absolutely vicious yet delightful push/pull of a simmering chemistrythat cannot be denied. It's really just a great duet in my opinion. I love the continuation of the Syndicate and Juno, even Alessa. I am excited everytime Black announces a new book because so far- they've all be excellent to me.
493 reviews15 followers
June 29, 2024
Captivating, Thrilling, and Totally Enjoyable

This 2nd installment of the continuing saga is absolutely captivating, thrilling, and totally enjoyable. I couldn't go to bed until I'd finished it, in one sitting!!!
Lyssa and Scarlet are incredible main characters, what awesome chemistry. Hot &sexy just isn't adequate to describe their connection.
Please, read this series. It just keeps up it's pace and intensity. Well written and well developed.
Profile Image for _kenzie_.
248 reviews847 followers
December 18, 2024
4/5🌶️
•sapphic!!
•found family

“we’re two halves of the same whole.”

Lyssa and Scarlett were everything🥹
two broken souls who heal each other. they were so powerful together. they both shared the same traumatic experiences and together defeated what broke them. it was so beautiful. they were perfect for each other & brought out the best in each other.
Seeing Lyssa with her heart completely open for Scarlett was amazing to see. she went against everything she believed in, went against her family, just to protect Scarlett. her character development was amazing. she would have done anything and everything for her.
Found family is one of my fav tropes. Hadria, Aurora, Lyssa, Scarlett etc. they truly make the best family & best team. made my heart so happy🥹

quotes⚔️❤️🔥

“you look like the tastiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen, and later I want to peel that dress off you with my teeth.”

“I’ve never wanted anyone or anything the way I want you,”

“I said I loved you, Scar. But that tiny little word…it doesn’t really do justice to what I’m feeling.”

“You’re mine,” she tells me. “As much as I’m yours.”

“Love makes fools of us all, Wolf. Even stone-cold bitches like us.”

“I gaze up at this woman—this Big Bad Wolf who showed me a way out of the dark forest I was lost in.”

“Catching her eye across the crowd, I wink. She grins back, and I make up my mind then and there to make sure she comes at least three times tonight.”
Profile Image for Sarah.
93 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2024
And the walls came tumbling down…

Wolves at the Gate sees Lyssa facing an impossible choice - the family she’s always known, or the love she’s finally found.

While plotting to bring down Grandmother once and for all - along with a few other demons along the way - Lyssa and Scarlett find themselves unable to resist the bond they developed in Thrown to the Wolves, even when it seems as if the odds against them are insurmountable.

For Lyssa, to pursue her heart means to also risk betraying it - Scarlett stands on one side, Hadria on the other and Lyssa rapidly feels torn between the two, knowing she couldn’t survive loosing either side.

And for Scarlett, she stands on a precipice - surrender to the dark path Grandmother forced her onto, or break away and find peace.

With a style that only Persephone Black can bring to this dark world, these two women battle not only themselves, but the odds against them that threaten to force them apart. I devoured every single word of Wolves at the Gate in a single day, so eager to see how this story would end (although we most certainly have no seen the last of the Wolf, her assassin or the Syndicate) and Persephone did not disappoint. With a plot twist I genuinely didn’t see coming and a satisfying climax, Wolves at the Gate satisfied me on every level.
Profile Image for Heather.
733 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2024
A Worthy Conclusion!

Well! This author’s books just keep getting better and better! I got to say, I just wasn’t seeing how our characters could be redeemed! (Even though as readers we could for who they are but in the syndicate??)

I loved the continued cameos from previous books, nicely done tie ins as well as a sweet ending for Hadria and Aurora. ❤️

Lyssa and Scarlett are so scorching together both as lovers and as fighters!! The way they just bring out the best in each other, like just by being themselves. And Aurora continues being her strong amazing self and finds the greatest way to remind Lyssa what the Syndicate means, I was nearly in tears.

So well done! Loved these books and definitely recommend!!
65 reviews
April 25, 2025
This was a great book 2, badass in its own right and loved the ending. Wish I read the others before to fully understand and feel the gravity of Hades and her father’s relationship, but the story still went hard!

I’m also glad they didn’t kill Scarlett lol and the twist of that other girl who was a bitch to Scarlett (I can’t remember her name) joining AND being the boss’s dead daughter was insane.

Great story, it was well written. The steamy relationship between Scarlett and Lyssa felt a little meh though, the story could’ve existed without their relationship, so that was a little disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,177 reviews
June 12, 2025
An Action Packed Series Of Events Leading Us To Grandmothers House!

We pick up where Lyssa & Scarlett left off. The barn where currently Scarlett is hiding. Lyssa is determined to get Scarlett in shape to be able to handle anyone who gets in their way to kill Grandmother. Having a lot on her mind, the wedding, feeling guilty about not killing Scarlett the assassin, and taking down Grandmother is all pulling at her the same time. But when everything starts to unravel so much more is revealed. This had a few shockers which was cool. Now we move on to the next family who needs help.
Profile Image for Chelles.
659 reviews
July 21, 2025
Red Rivals Duet

I can't help but devour Persephone Black's books! I just finished the Red Rivals Duet and ...😱🤯🥰. I went through all the feels with this one!

Scarlett and Lyssa are both highly trained killers. They are both part of the dark underground world that forces them to be enemies. They should not be attracted to each other. Their story is one of vengeance, loyalty, redemption, rebirth, and, of course, love.

I honestly like the duet format because it seemingly gives you a break in the story... but I've been jumping immediately into the next one every time. They're just that good!
71 reviews
October 7, 2025
Wolves at the Gate

Absolutely wonderful! Black really steps it up in this one. The plot and story line are fabulous and the action is intense. The inner turmoil of the main characters and their relationship is perfect. Not to mention the spice! Hot but not over the top. This is the perfect mix. Only complaint is that the book could use some better editing. A few missing words and a few slips but easy to overlook and continue reading undeterred. I highly recommend this book. The best one of Black’s I have read to date!
13 reviews
July 7, 2024
I just can't get enough of.....

PERSEPHONE BLACK! I've read nearly everything she has written, and I anxiously await further installments from all of the crime families run by powerful women. Women with equal measures of dark AND light ✨️ Not to mention beautiful and so damned
sexy! I LOVE IT! Bring it on Ms. Black, bring it on!

Profile Image for Emma Taylor.
141 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2025
Another fantastically captivating storyline from the mafia queens! This duology has everything - action, twists, turns, romance and spice!

The chemistry between the MCs has depth, builds well and packs a punch! Definitely worth a listen. This author is just smashing it and has quickly become one of my auto purchases when she releases new material!
Profile Image for Maria Magdalena.
742 reviews5 followers
October 31, 2025
Loved everything about Lyssa and Scarlett - the journey of these characters, the chemistry, the strong secondary characters. Loved the whole mafia world that Persephone Black created - was obsessed with them and read all her Mafia books now and cannot wait what else she has in store for us.
Please keep them coming.
Profile Image for Celina.
1,542 reviews67 followers
Read
July 12, 2024
"based (very) loosely on the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale" a tragedy... I feel this intense urge to cry big tears because I remember all that excitement I built within myself about Lyssa while reading, "The Underworld Duet" I am heartbroken.
531 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2024
Slow burn too slow.

Otherwise, it had gripping moments with sexy 🔥 moves from our acsentric FMC's . A 5🌟 all the way and cant wait for more trilling hot Mafia romance to continue.
Profile Image for Bird.
144 reviews
December 14, 2025
4/5

We read about how far Scarlett has come to a new self. And Lyssa is always there with her. So glad these strong women have a happy ending.

I will continue to read every Persephone Black book!
111 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2024
loved it

Love this author! I get excited when I know she has a new book coming out, I can’t wait for the next ones
Profile Image for Lindsay.
130 reviews
July 8, 2024
Addicted to everything Persephone Black! I need more! This has gotta be one of my favorite couples yet.
Profile Image for L.
54 reviews
August 7, 2024
This one was more enjoyable than the first book… and looks like there’ll be another one?? Im intrigued about who’ll be the new main, or if scarlet and lyssa will keep being the central ones.
Profile Image for y &#x1f49e;.
39 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOOOOK SO MUUUUUCHHHH (maybe even more than the first one ngl.....)


[SPOILERS]
I actually hate Sarah/Ariadne. That little bitch can never make me like her sorry not sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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