Angel of Darkness

Lords of The Commission - New York #4

by Stephanie Amaral

Blurb coming soon

Angel of Darkness is the first book in a duet , written in dual POV with open door steamy scenes. The completed duet can be read as an interconnected stand-alone romance novel that ends with a guaranteed HEA.

For the complete experience please be sure to read the second book of the duet Angel of Light.

This is the forth book in the Lords Of The Commission – New York series and it’s a lighter shade of Mafia romance, featuring arranged marriage and friends to enemies to forbidden lovers tropes amongst others. There are dark subjects throughout, but it can’t be considered an overly dark story. Content warnings do still apply.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Forbidden Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Hi. I'm Stephanie, big dreamer and self-confessed accidental writer. This corner of the internet is where my big dreams and my “accident” meet.
Welcome!
What started as a way to push my boundaries and keep myself busy, turned into something I never expected when I clicked on a button with the word “publish”.
Fast-forward a year and I have three books to my name: Beyond Temptation, Beyond Deception and Beyond Redemption.
The Beyond Series.

For news and exclusive content, sign-up for my newsletter:

https://www.stephanie-amaral.com/

I promise not to spam.

Love
S.

Reviews

[Mihaela Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what an amazing story!

This is a must read! Like seriously if you read one book this year this must be it. The writing and storytelling is absolutely exquisite and refined. The characters are really interesting and the world is well built.
The h is so so real. Alison Battaglia is funny, free, conscious of the role she has in her family but loves her life as freely as possible. She is not afraid to take what she wants and control her destiny, but at the same time under that strong and tough exterior she is a woman with fears and weaknesses just like everyone else. I can’t wait to see how she grows. Equally, the author managed to intrigued me with the men in the story, one more delicious than the other and while Max is a clear favourite for me, Vincenzo, Jax and Victor are definitely interesting to observe. I really can’t wait to see where this story will go! Well done Stephanie! I can’t wait for book 2. I highly recommend this book.

[Brianna Blanzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I said that I shouldn’t, not that I wouldn’t.”

Truthfully, mafia romances are some of the books I’ve read the least of. So when I began reading Angel of Darkness I wasn’t sure what to expect but boy did it make me want to read more mafia romances. Throughout this book I continuously was saying “wait what?!” So many good twists and turns. The men in the book are 🥵 so good. I can’t wait to read more of Allison’s story!

[Toxic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh Stephanie, queen of banter, highest in book writing and forever will I bow at her feet for another book.

Here we go again with another instalment of the LOTC series and it does not disappoint.

Our FMC, Alison, is a strong soul. A beauty inside and out and one who wants to do right by her family. But she doesn’t want anyone else except Max.

Our MMC, Max. I’m not his friend. I know he loves her but it took me ages to adjust to the fact it’s a book in two parts and I have to wait for him to sort his life out for her. He’s got a lot of making up to do with Alison.

Will she get out of the situation that took a serious turn, the turn namely being a super friendly and not-at-all-violent cartel member? Who knows, you’ll have to wait like the rest of us 😒

Too good Stephanie. I’m so glad I know you as an author. You’re literally the best thing since sliced bread 🖤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mafia, touch her and 💀
Slow burn
Hilarious
Cliffhanger

[. · Rating 1 out of 5]

i didn’t like this, max was getting on my nerves, jax isn’t doing anything for me, but the ones i do like are victor and vincenzo and they are not even the mmc’s

max is an asshole and alison has no spine whatsoever, every time she says something regarding max it flies out the window the moment he appears and i get that she’s in love with him but he said some things and he would apologise and all would be forgotten, it was exhausting and we were just going in circles

so all in all i didn’t like it and i wouldn’t recommend it

[Sarah K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was very lucky to be offered the chance to ARC read the 4th book in the Lords of the Commission - New York Series. Although reading the first three books is not essential to enjoy Alison and Max’s story, it definitely helps in the understanding of the New York Italian Mafia. There is character crossover throughout the books. This 4th one centres around Don Battaglia’s younger sister Alison - Alison doesn’t involve herself in her brothers business operations - but is well aware of the world he thrives in and the men he surrounds himself with. Enter stage right - Max. The forbidden fruit - brothers right hand man and most trusted soldier. They could never be together - he’s a no one and she’s a mafia Princess, but they’re inexplicably drawn to each other. They can’t be together - it would be a death sentence for Don Battaglia’s most trusted soldier. Hurt and upset by all the push and pull their dynamic offers Alison ends up embroiled in an engagement to another Don. What else could possibly go wrong? This book throws you around - not viciously. 😆 but enough that the drama just keeps rolling - right up until the cliffhanger of an ending. When is book 5 out? 😆

[Shelby Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie is my favorite mafia romance writer!! She’s brilliant with her story line. Plus, She knows how to write her characters! Irritating, annoying and insufferable! But also devoted, devastating, and strong! I love how Alison is finding her own way in this book no matter what. And max is finding his balls.
Max and Alison are long awaited in this book but KEEP WAITING!!! Bc this ends on a cliffhanger! And a hell of a cliffhanger at that!


Favorite quotes
“It’s because of men like you that every damn woman I know would choose the fucking bear.”

“Don’t ever look away from me,”

“Maybe this is my path, my cobbled road to happiness. I just needed to walk barefoot for a couple of miles, hurt as it may.”

[Kayla Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super excited to have been able to get an ARC copy of this book! This is the first in a duology, but fourth in a series! It can be enjoyed on its own or with the others.

Alison and Max.. fun, flirty, and dangerous! The mafia/forbidden love storyline is enticing, the spice is *chef’s kiss*, and the burn is slow. You get just a little taste at the beginning that leaves you wanting more! Any other rendezvous fall flat. She needs more and she knows he’s the only one that can give it to her.

Alison is a woman determined to figure out who she is. She is constantly defined by the men around her and their titles and accomplishments. So-and-so’s daughter.. So-and-so’s sister.. She is so much more than Max’s “best friend’s younger sister.” And he is so much more than her “brother’s best friend.” She knows it. He knows it. Why does it have to be so complicated?

Being in the mafia, *everything* is complicated. Is love worth the risk? The sacrifice?

The cliffhanger will definitely have you impatiently waiting for the next book!

[Ashley Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Un futtotu angelo..." A fucking angel.

This was my first time reading an ARC for Stephanie & I loved every second of it. Even the cliffhanger that made me say some selective words...
The FMC, Alison, is a strong willed, passionate woman who stands up for herself & makes sure she is getting the best out of her life. The MMC, Max, is a broody, touch her & you die man who would burn the world, including himself to the ground to protect her and her heart.

This book can be read as a standalone in its own as part of the Beyond Redemption Duet or can be read in sequence with the other Lords of the Commissions books.

Releasing January 30th, 2025.

[Francheska · Rating 5 out of 5]

LORDS OF THE COMMISSION- BOOK 4- ** ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER**

TROPES
----------
bodyguard
brothers best friend
mafia
V FMC
mental health struggles
dub-con
c warming
br33ding


Allison, mafia princess, youngest sister of the Bataglia family... She knows her duty ... but she has a soft spot for Max. he is her brother's best friend , one of the men entrusted to keep her safe. every single touch lights her body on fire... makes her skin light up ...

Max ... from the first look he was mesmorized with her... He takes her innocence and ever since that day he has been fighting his feelings for her ... He cant stand when another man is in her presence ... but his duty to the world keeps him fighting his demons ...

Love isn’t something you can fake … everyone can see the sparks between these 2 but they will fight each other at every single turn !

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Maybe this is my path, my cobbled road to happiness. I just needed to walk barefoot for a couple of miles, hurt as it may.”

4 very solid stars! Stephanie is a clear naturally talented writer, with the story skilfully unfolding through the read. Allison is a well-developed character as are most of the other primary characters in the book! I think it can be tricky including multiple key characters. There was one in particular that I was left wondering about as the book progressed; however, as this is a duet, I may find my answers in the next book! I would not consider this book an overly dark read (which was my initial impression going in) but again, there may be more to come in the next book.

Triggers/content disclosure of interest for some may include multiple love interests and perceived cheating

Looking forward to book two!

[TERESA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Author

Fire! Her books keep you on edge to see what happens next! Must reads! All her books are sooo good!

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Stephanie Amaral’s writing style. I’ve read all of the LOTC series, and every single one has hooked me—this one included.

But OMG, this book frustrated the life out of me! The chemistry between Alison and Max (Maxy Max!) is tangible. It practically jumps off the page. So why can’t they just be together?! Miss Amaral, the tangled webs you’ve woven in this book are diabolical. Max refuses to let Alison get close—supposedly for her own safety—so he acts like a complete arse and treats her like trash. It’s honestly cruel at times. Clearly, he has a deeper story—what is it?! I need answers!

Alison has her own emotional struggles, and while I sympathized with her, the amount of OM drama was a bit much for my personal taste. It pushed my limits to the point where I had to put the book down—it was affecting me that much.

But here’s the magic: I couldn’t stay away. One minute I was yelling at the book, and the next I was up in the middle of the night, desperate to find out what would happen next.

Stephanie Amaral knows how to pull readers in—even when we want to scream! And that’s the sign of a powerful storyteller.

Bring on book 5—I need it NOW.

[Lianne Scheepers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow…this was really really good! The story was such an emotional rollercoaster, and it had me hooked from the first page to the last. The pace is absolutely perfect, never a dull moment.

I loved getting to know Max and Alison better. Alison is fun and sassy, but there is so much more to her then she lets others see. Max is moody and selfish. There is a darkness clinging to him like a second skin and you just know there is trouble brewing beneath that stoic façade. He’s also kind of an asshole and I wanted to punch him in the pace, several times.

Their forbidden romance is dangerous, but their chemistry is to die for. The build-up and anticipation every time those two are near each other made it impossible to put this book down. Add the danger of the mafia life to it all, and you might just pull an all -nighter.

To say I was highly anticipating this release would be a major understatement, and now the anticipation for the next book is even higher. Because THAT ENDING!! Stephanie! How can you do this to us! (Still love you though, you’re allowed to break my heart. 😉)

[Lisa Gilfillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book for my honest review!

Let me start by saying i need the next book like now 🫣

Allison and Max are made for each other but life just wont allow it! The angst in this book is wonderfully frustrating. At times - ok most of the time i wanted to strangle Max but l absolutely love him too! And he is the tortured bad boy and just oh so yummy!! 🔥🔥

“I said i couldn’t, i didn’t say i wouldn’t” 🔥🔥

Allison is always the light in a room but the writing beautifully captures how the happiest people can be the loneliest. The backbone she has with her family is great, she will not let the big bad mafia Don boss her around, she stands her ground. I look forward to seeing more of that in the next book.

The curveball about Max! I did not see coming 😳 LOVED IT!

And based on the ending of Book 3 - Matt and Fran, i Knew what was coming but ahhhh i need the next book 🫣 bring on more Allison and Max and cameos from the rest of the fam!

Reading the first 3 books is not necessary but it does set this one up great and they are also amazing so i would recommend reading them first - clear your diary though as once you start you wont put them down!!

So happy i came across the blurb for this book and the arc sign up as that convinced me to read the series and I’m so happy i did.

[Lucy Saints · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this series has me in a chokehold it not even realistic anymore.
When you finish a book you think it cannot get better, then Stephanie goes: "Hold my drink" and gives us a new book that just blows your mind.
We know the main characters from previous books and I was delighted to start their story.
This book gave it all: great story line (as with all the other books), banter, a push and pull between the characters that made me go "Oh come on!" quite a few times.
Stephanie would not be herself if she did not give us a few plot-twists that gave me whiplash and cliffhanger that left me in pain. Yes I know she will make it up to us with the second part but still: AUW.
If you have not entered this world then I highly and strongly reccomend you step into it.

[Maurisa Risareads221 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️

You want a good mafia story those are the ones!! This is Allison and Max’s story.

Talk about a slow burn. These two have been longing for each other forever. But Allison gets sick of the push and pull and agrees to an arrangement for her family. She will wed and leave for California and get a fresh start. But why is mad trying to stop her now? And is it too little too late?

I LOVE these books! So well done but those cliffies gut me every time!! I cannot wait for the next book!

#angelofdarkness
#tornbyhonor #stephanieamaral
#lordsofthecommission
#darkromance #mafia #booksta #bookworm #reader #booklover #lovetoread

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been eagerly awaiting this book and Alison's story! As the mafia princess kept away from the family business, she agrees to an arranged marriage to support her family. On the surface, Vincenzo seems like a good match—but Alison's heart belongs to someone else.

The tension between Alison and Max had me hooked. The constant push and pull, the will-they-won’t-they dynamic—it was impossible not to root for Max to finally give in to his feelings. And in true Stephanie fashion, she leaves us hanging with a suspenseful cliffhanger!

I can’t wait to see where this story goes next. What is Vincenzo really involved in? What secrets is Max hiding? And most importantly, will Alison get the happily ever after she doesn’t think she deserves?

[Amanda Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ REVIEW.

This one is it. This whole series has been it. I was hooked from the beginning.

Alison and Max have chemistry, fire, banter, it's all there. Alison is the protected mafia princess who has been kept out of all things family business until she isn't. Until she's asked to marry another Don to save her family and she agrees. This doesn't settle well with Max and all hell breaks lose. Max has hidden secrets and demons he has to work through to finally admit what he has been fighting for 3 years.

4.5⭐️
3🌶️

I cannot wait for part two of this duet after the MASSIVE cliffhanger @Author Stephanie
Amaral likes to leave us with.

[Nicole A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Mafia romance!

This book had it all - intrigue, plot, characters, smutty times, love. I really like that the mafia is central to the story, and Stephanie doesn’t back away from the betrayal, violence and misogynistic views of made men. There are a lot of interesting characters. Alison is a mafia princess, however she is strong, feisty and sarcastic, with a sense of honour and family loyalty. She is such an interesting character that evolves as the story unfolds. And the men in her life, from Victor, a man who knows all and still cares for her, to Jax, who is mafia turned police officer and has an unrequited live for Allison, to Max, who is the love of her life and who broke her heart. There is so much emotion and angst playing out in this story and so many obstacles in the way of Allison’s happiness. There are other players in this story, all with nefarious games they are playing and violence that comes with mafia. This book ends on an explosive cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read on!

[Kerrie Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a delightfully twisty mafia romance. Not as dark as my usual fare but incredibly engaging and with enough unanswered questions to have you second guessing yourself every time there's another clue (for the record I say Miss Scarlet not Colonel Mustard :) )

The idea of a mafia princess who isn't actually a princess nor technically affiliated to the mafia really caught my interested and Stephanie plays it out well. Giving Alison just enough knowledge to keep things running but plenty of deniable plausibility. I loved that she has her own life and doesn't put up with being strung around even if that's not as easy as she might like!

Max is so my kinda guy. Dark dominant but with that slight gentle side. My oh my does he talk the talk in the very best ways. I have so so many questions after that ending though!! Just as I thought I had an idea what was happening it all gets thrown in the air again.

[Valencia N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden romance slow burn

Wow just wow. What a rollercoaster of emotions this book put me through. Let me start by saying this definitely falls under a slow burn romance for myself but well worth the read. I was sucked in to this book from the very first chapters. I love our FMC Alison and how she really shows her emotions throughout the whole book. She doesn’t hide from her feelings but she is trying to find herself. I do wish we would’ve gotten a little more POV from Max our MMC but overall he is a well written character. Max is fighting with a lot of inside demons he has but he is trying to be the good guy and stay in his place. The emotions are raw in this book and I love them all! While I do appreciate some Max I have to say I love myself a good side character. I really want to see some more of Victor, Vincenzo, & Jackson they all have my eyes locked on them and waiting to see if they make another appearance in the next book!

[Aldina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first ran into Stephanie’s books on another platform when the pandemic hit. She is the best thing that happened to the book world! I am so glad she decided to take the plunge into the writing world. This may be her first published book but it is written so well you’d think you’re reading a veteran author’s work. Alison Battaglia is the youngest sibling of the Battaglia clan. She is not new to the Mafia world, but she now has first hand experience with a deal. She is given a year of freedom before becoming a wife to Don of another family. What will she discover during her last year of freedom? Will she break even further or will she pick up the pieces and put herself together? Or will someone do it for her? Will she have her knight in shining armor? Give this book a chance you will not regret it!

[Chrissy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brand new author to me. I learned about them through a book group I am in. After learning what the book was about I became interested to read and give an honest opinion. This book was really well written for a first book. The book had some minor grammatical errors, but over all it was really good. I loved the push and pull between Max and Alison. The chemistry is there, but there is always something stopping one of them. Now we have a book with a crazy ending that leaves me wanting more and I have to wait for the next book to come out. The cliffhanger at the end, ugh I need to know what happens next! Thank you Stephanie for writing this book. I am not usually a fan of mafia romance, but you've sucked me into this world and now I need more.

[YuYu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woww what a book!

This is my first book from stephanie and it delivered hard!

The book is so well written and i cant wait for a part two.

Alison has my hart she goes through so much and is such a strong and kind person.

Max had me in a chokehold from the beginning. The tension when these two are together is insane.
And im silently rooting for him.

I heard stephanie likes to gives us rollercoasters and cliffhangers and this book definetly deliverd!!

Can't wait to read the next book🖤

[zayy · Rating 1 out of 5]

what a waste of time honestly. She had more chemistry with the side characters than the actual mc. It was so slow and I was reading the same thing over and over again, thinking that it was going to get better and it didn’t….

[Just Virginie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg I'm a big Fan of the lord of commission series!
This book is amazing just like al the other! Alisons story's got me hooked. Will Max step up?

[Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, what an amazing story! If you read one book this year, let it be Angel of Darkness. Stephanie Amaral delivers an exquisite and refined tale filled with intrigue, love, and unforgettable characters.
The heroine, Alison Battaglia, is a breath of fresh air. As the youngest sibling in a mafia family, she balances the weight of her responsibilities with a fierce determination to control her destiny. Alison is strong and feisty, but beneath her tough exterior, she is vulnerable and real, making her a relatable and dynamic character. Her journey is captivating as she navigates her role in a male-dominated world while trying to stay true to herself.
The men in this story are just as compelling. From Max, the love of Alison’s life who broke her heart but remains her weakness, to Victor, the steady and caring enigma, and Jackson, the mafia-turned-cop with unrequited love for Alison, each character adds depth to the narrative. The relationships are complex, full of angst and emotion, and leave you rooting for resolution while keeping you guessing.
The mafia backdrop is brilliantly woven into the story. Amaral doesn’t shy away from its dark, gritty elements—betrayals, violence, and power plays—making the world feel authentic and high-stakes. Alison’s year of freedom before her arranged marriage to a mafia Don provides the perfect setup for twists, turns, and unexpected discoveries.
This book had it all—romance, suspense, action, and just a slight amount of spicy moments. The slow-burn romance and the raw emotions pull you in, and the explosive cliffhanger ensures you’ll be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
While the first few chapters took a bit to pick up, once the story unfolded, it was impossible to put down. Amaral’s talent as a writer shines through in her ability to develop such a rich, engaging story that feels like it’s written by a seasoned author.
If you love mafia romances or even if you’re new to the genre, this book is a must-read. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, fascinating characters, and a story that stays with you long after the final page. Bravo, Stephanie Amaral—bring on book two!


🖤Length: 349 Pages
🖤Genre: Mafia Romance
🖤Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🖤Violence: 🔥🔥🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: Lords of The Commission
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[xbebex78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read !!!!

Alison was the Mafia princess, and her mother was trying to hook her up with suitable men’s. She didn’t want Alison with some Mafioso. But Alison didn’t want that, so she was going to use Max. The bodyguard of her brother Matt, as a decoy to get to the men’s that were not suitable to her. But that went wrong when the Don( her grandfather) got them. Now Max will go through some torture because of his betrayal. She comes to his rescue but he is forbidden to touch the princess again. But that didn’t last, she went to take care of his wounds the next day. But that led to Max being her first, he didn’t know she was a virgin. That was three years ago, that he kept his distance. Now his back and watching over her and still working for her brother. He was there for her when her grandfather was killed. But after a few months she had a booty call name Jax. He and Matt used to be best friends. He was her first crush but she was off limits. Now max Is keeping an eye on her, Jealousy? Protector? Maybe since he saw her with the enemy. Alison heard her parents talk and she heard her father say something that broke her heart. She ran and locked herself in her car, until someone knocked on her window. It was Max,he saw how she was and he drove her home. They had a small moment but he back off and left. Alison wasn’t understanding why he left, what’s going on with him. He rescues her at her brother club from a creep that didn’t want to take no for an answer. Then they had another small moment but max back away. But now his going to show her who he really is, to see if she backs off. But she surprised him, because she was a Mafia princess. She didn’t back off or run. But life has a way of changing things for her now. Because her brother just asked her for something that will change her life. Which she excepted due to the betrayal she saw with Max. She will be marrying Don Massimo, to help out her family. But the connection between Max and her was still confusing her. They both were in love with each other but couldn’t be together. They had up’s and downs but still their love was killing them in side. But there’s betrayal, lies, and hurt in all this. There is a part in this book that will leave you shocked, I know I was. Can’t wait to read what’s next.

[Sammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (release date 30th Jan 2025)

I don’t know what Stephanie puts in her books, but I eat it up every time. My first ever ARC review was for the first book in Stephanie’s Lords of the Commission series – Savage Temptation. A mafia romance series that absolutely hooked me immediately. I have since read and reviewed every new release.

Angel of Darkness is the 4th book in the series and follows Alison Battaglia – a mafia princess, whose brothers try to shield her from the life to protect her as much as possible. She has been promised to a Don from another family as part of a business arrangement however can she forget how she truly feels about another.

To truly appreciate this book I recommend reading the previous books in the series. This will not only give you a deeper understanding of the backstory but will completely hook you on the characters.

This book is part one of a duet following Alison in a forbidden lovers, arranged marriage, bodyguard, mafia romance. Alison was introduced initially in the first book, befriending Jamie at work. In the first 3 books you get an idea of Alison’s personality and character – she’s loyal, strong, straight talking and doesn’t back down or take sh’t from anyone! In this book you get to know her on a deeper level, you see her insecurities and vulnerabilities, whilst still seeing her as a strong FMC. I really connected with Alison and her fears in this book and my heart was breaking for her throughout.

The MMC has also been introduced in previous books and we have seen glimpses of their connection, however now we get to see it in full, along with their personal POVs.

The one thing I absolutely love in a romance book is dual POV and this series delivers that! You get to see the MMCs absolutely lose their minds over the FMCs, the obsession, the possessiveness, the raw emotions. I just can’t get enough of it.

This series is a perfect if you want to start your journey in to mafia romance. I wouldn’t class it as dark romance but it does come with dark themes so make sure you check those trigger warnings. It is an open door romance so there is spicy scenes in all the books. All in all I give every book in this series 5 stars!

[Lauren R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars|⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|&| Spice|🌶🌶

✍️🏼Author|Stephanie Amaral

📚Pages|349

👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏼Characters|Alison🙎🏻‍♀️|Max🙍🏼|Jackson🙎🏻‍♂️ |Vincenzo🙎🏻‍♂️|Victor🙎🏻‍♂️
*fmc has multiple love interests, however, all whilst she is single and figuring out if Max shares any feelings for her

📢Quote - "Alison’s eyes were dark while I released a small chuckle, watching her intently. Jesus, I wanted to kiss the living hell out of her right now. How did this go from showing her my darkness to hers shining through and blinding me like a glare straight toward the sun?"

🔍Troupes| Arranged marriage, brothers best friend, forbidden attraction, Mafia families, daddy issues

Angel of Darkness is the fourth book instalment in the Lord of the Commission series. This story follows Alison, the youngest sister of Liam and Matteo Battaglia. She is a Mafiosi princess who doesn't like to wear her crown. This story starts prior to the ending of the third book but is told through Alison and Max's eyes. Max is her brothers right-hand man, his top soldati, and his most trusted friend, and he falls for Alison the moment he sees her at her birthday party. Their mutual attraction is forbidden, and subsequently, there is a lot of push and pull between them throughout their story. 

Alison's character has made me laugh since the series began, with her witty humour and her playful essence, which shines through even in tough situations. However, it's only when reading Angel of Darkness that you realise she has depths that have not yet explored until now. There is one scene in particular involving her parents, which was so relatable it left me broken for this girl I could now understand on a personal level. Max has always had that brooding man hidden in the shadows vibe watching from afar. During AOD, you finally get an insight into his inner dialogue, and things start to make sense about his character. He is flawed and fighting to keep Alison safe, but his intentions cut deep in ways I don't think even he could forseen.

Going into this book, I was expecting it to pick up where book three left off, so it took me a moment to set aside Torn of Honor and focus on Alisons's story. I quickly forgot that the previous story ended on a cliffhanger and enjoyed getting to know Alison and Max on a deeper, more intimate level. 
The story doesn’t follow expected genre norms, and I loved that about this book. It is indirectly a Mafia Romance because Alison herself is not actively participating in the family business. The romance is also a slow burn, push pull, and forbidden attraction situation. So don't go into this book expecting the "A typical" fairytale because thats not the pathway they are currently on. The ending has me now desperate for book two in this duet Angel of Light, and I can wait to see where this journey leads next. Overall, I rate this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ with 🌶🌶