Roll For Initiative

by Kalia Rose

Cassie
Lucian and Cassie, versus the world. That’s what we have always told ourselves. Best friends until the end. That is until 9 months apart has caused feelings to start stirring inside of me. From the moment he stepped out of the airport, it was like I was drawn to him. Everything about him seems different. I see him as dominating and sexy now, and I want him. But I can’t, if things didn’t work out, I would lose him forever. Is that a risk I am willing to take? To get everything I have ever wanted.

Lucian
9 months. I was away from this woman for 9 months and now it feels like she is consuming every thought and emotion that I have. She’s different, but I don’t know how. She has always been beautiful, but what is different. What is making me want her so badly that it hurts. I want her. No, I need her. Do I show her the man I have become and claim her as mine, or do I keep living a lie. Before I can decide, she is stolen from me and I will do anything to get her back, even if that means losing my soul in the process.

Roll For Initiative is a Dark Romance, friends to lovers story. It involves BDSM, Kink Clubs, Hidden Desires, Mafia, Kidnapping, Murder, and so much more. Please read the content warning page before reading.

Genres: BDSM

496 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

Dark, Dirty, and a little bit Nerdy. Kalia Rose writes characters that you hate to love and love to hate. Her books take you on a rollercoaster of emotions but will leave you oh so satisfied at the end.

When she was a teen, she was obsessed with Stephen King and all horror. She wrote dark poetry and stories to pass the time.

Her debut novel, Roll For Initiative, started as a dare from a friend. "Dare you to write a spicy book," they said. And so she did.

When Kalia isn't writing, she is either playing video games with her husband, taking nature photos, or simply curled up with a new book.

Reviews

[Christy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC review**

While I know nothing about D&D, this story drew me in and held my attention the entire time. There were so many twists. Lots of romance. Definitely a lot of spice. But I love the storyline and the two main characters.

I will say I knew even at the beginning of the book that somehow they would end up together because at the end of the day, it’s a romance novel.

If you like dark romance with some mafia vibes, touch her and die, who did this to you, friends-to-lovers, and so much more, you will want to read “Roll For Initiative.”

[love,care and self - ashlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow the spice in this hits from the get go and the tension between these two best friends is fire 🔥 I have never played D&D before but I love the campaigns and creativity of it and I didn’t feel like an outsider reading about it in this book without knowing the ins and outs 🥰

This book truly takes you on a journey, you feel everything and the twists and turns really keep you gripped, and the characters are just perfect, I can not wait to read book 2 and see what happens next, Kalia you have wrote a wonderful book with all the right elements to create a rememberable story.

[Megan Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to roll to seduce 😉

Love spice? Love DND? This is the book for you. Wow, I need a cold shower and a new campaign because I have ideas.
Cas and Lucian were amazing. I love a friends to lovers book.
This books of multiple POV. Ultra spicy 🥵🔥🥵. There is roleplay, bdsm, and lots of innuendos. I loved the humor and the spice.
I will be putting the rest of this series on my tbr. Great job Kalia Rose. You have a new fan.

[Lyha Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to make you sit on the edge of your seat! Have a kinky Nerd in your life? Get them this book! Kalia Rose, you have me hooked now!

[bookish.and.girlish · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dark romance reader, I really enjoyed the spice level. Reading the story is like riding a roller coaster. My feelings were all over the place especially when it got real dark. But I’m very happy on how the story ends. And I hope there will be another book where Jayme is the MMC! Read this if you like: dual POV, friends to lovers, slow burn & spice!

[Alyssa Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

we LOVE a nerdy, dark, and spicy rollercoaster of a book

What. A. Wild. Ride.

While I quite enjoyed this book and will be eagerly reading the next one, I have to say this book has some DETAILED violence. If you can get past that and enjoy a nerdy, dark, and spicy romance then I recommend you check it out.

If I had to pick a favorite character, honestly I think my mind just goes to Jayme because we love a hot rich bestie who helps those he’s closest too.
Favorite moment in the book? Well… when he who shall not be named gets left for the rats. Ifkyk!

Reasons for four stars and not five:
While I enjoyed the story, the start of the story seemed to be a bit slow for my liking and the I mean this in the nicest way possible, the use of exclamation points kinda made me lose some interest. Just my personal preference because if it’s a conversation or even just an internal thought of the character, I feel like it changed the tone a lot to add “!” At the end of a statement. HOWEVER, other than those two things, I loved the story and will be continuing to see this series to the end because I’m VERY interested to see how Jayme and Ash’s story play out 👹🤪.

[Taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster of a story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶

Firstly, check your triggers! This has lots of DV and SA both on and off the page. Not between MMC and FMC.

The storyline itself is great! I love how they both find themselves in the BDSM world then learn how to find themselves again with each other after always being best friends. For a D/s book there's only mild amounts of smut. There's MFM scene, but it's all about the FMC and nothing MM happens, nor does it go past 4play.

There's the light hearted aspect where they are both D&D nerds...As are their friends, and we see a few scenes they are playing D&D and how the game flows. I love how they are nerds yet not in the conventional sense.

The emotional scenes are heartbreaking and euphoric. We live through the emotions of the MC's and it keeps you on the edge. Whilst reading you don't want to stop, you NEED to know of there's a HEA and that they will all survive. It's totally gripping... No cliffhanger! Bring on book 2! 🫶🏽🖤

[PEIRoxyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the twists and turns

What an amazing read! I stumbled upon Kali Rose as an arc reader for the third book in this series! So while I have been waiting for it to release I am reading the other two books in the series!!! Can I say I am not even the least disappointed that I had to read this one and will read number 2 next!! Kali, has a way of writing that immediately hooked me and I wanted more!!!

What can I say when the first sentence in the first chapter starts out this hot!!!
“”Choke me harder." I moan as he slams into me. The headboard of my bed repeatedly slams into the wall with each thrust.”

🥵🥵🥵well then when this is the first sentence of the first chapter!!! This one says buckle up bitches we’re going for a ride!!!!

Add the twists, the turns, some freaking hot nerds and bam! What an amazing story!! I just hope that in the next books we get to see glimpses into their life as they grow as a couple and as a family!!!!

[Dana 🦋 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶

This felt like 2 different books and I feel confused.
This has the potential to be a good book. However I think it was just too much ideas that weren't well incorporated.
We start with Luc and Cassie who are long time friends who both are into BDSM and haven't told each other. I was okay with that. That storyline was fine and dandy (wasn't a fan of ya instead of yea but maybe that's just me).

Then somehow halfway through the book the Mafia comes in...out of literally no where. Literally out of thin air. That whole kidnapped, rescued storyline had no impact on me due to the confusion (WHERE DID THE FREAKING MAFIA COME FROM)

Then, after going through all of that, at the end Luc decides to be Spanish and starts calling her mi amor all the damn time. Sir you didn't call her that for 3/4 of the book why now? That also confused me.
I was just so very befuddled the entire time. But who knows maybe it was just me.

[Kat Šprem · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, big thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this book. I like it! The whole tensions between Cassie and Luc were delicious! They could communicate a bit better, but hey... the whole mafia thing was maybe a bit over the top, what are the odds to have two mob families accidently coming in the picture? And her not noticing Theo's last name? But okay, it was interesting atleast.. Cassie and Theo, well, I could unfortunately relate to her.. not in that whole extent, but I did and it was so satisfying to read about Theo's punishment and her survival.. the end.. well, okay, they got married really fast, but whole pregnancy thing was maybe a bit too much? Too soon? And that nickname Mi Amor.. not a fan.. and sorry, but I was a bit dissapointed for Luc and Jayme not sharing Cassie, but that's just mine dirty mind.. all in all I enjoyed reading..

[Morgan Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalia Rose is a master of pleasure and pain !! Roll for Initiative is a heart warming tale of friends who reconnect and reveal their true feelings for one another. Laced under the veil of second guessing their heart, behind closed door self pleasure and longing, their love blossoms under the yoke of dominance, frightening mafia Doms and margaritas.

Kalia Rose surprised me in this book to the point I couldn't put it down!! The DnD elements were woven seamlessly as playful background amid heartfelt blossoming love. And the sensuality, eroticism and Dom/sub writings were 'pleasure inducing' to a spicy 5/5. I love the characters, I feel they all have great voice and distinction, and I literally shed tears of joy by the end.

I'm hooked for the series and can't wait for her next one!

[Chad Dulac · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time fantasy reader, this book recommendation came out of nowhere as a spicy dark romance novel that checked every box. Not one to shirk a challenge, I picked up Kalia Rose's book and gave it a try.

To say it is a 'good read' does little justice for the masterfully woven tale of lovers and inspired intimate scenarios that wallpaper this novel. It had me engaged from cover to cover and was so saturated with identifiable characters (and spice) that I was emotionally invested till the end. Make sure you have a pillow on your lap when you read this fellas.

Read the trigger warnings as there are many instances that are not for the timid. Perfect relationship story with exciting room for a sequel. Sign me up!

[brittany behling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the opportunity to ARC read this book and I will be forever grateful because WOW!! I read the trigger warnings, and almost didn’t read because of so much kinkery, but let me say my life has been changed for the better! This book was written SO FREAKING GOOD. The characters, and character building is incredible! Best friend turned to lovers with a great amount of twists! Luc is so sexy! And so is his friend Jayme! And Cassie did not annoy me once. Her feelings were so real and justified, and she is easily one of the strongest female characters I have ever read! I ate this book up! There were absolutely no boring parts, I was on edge multiple times, and the spice?! WHOO SPICY! And it was perfect because there was still plenty of plot to go with it! Don’t sleep on this book!! So good!

[Sam McGlinchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this one on Kickstarter and took a chance, let’s just say I am 100% happy I did. I loved Cassie and Lucian from the get go. Cassie reminds me of me when I was younger and even some times now I can be as spastic. It was nice to have a character I could relate to and see some of myself in. Honestly I felt the build up was what we could expect reality to be. Always second guessing whether you made the right choice or if doing something can ruin things. Instead of being the rash level head that you can find in many books both of our MCs can be a bit of hot heads. Absolutely would recommend this book seeing as I was obsessed and could hardly put it down.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have the words for how amazing this book is! The story is amazing and I love the interactions between Cassie and Luc. If you like D&D and friends-to-lovers tropes, you will certainly enjoy this book! 5 peppers for spiciness!

From page 1, I was hooked and I did not want to put it down! I really enjoyed reading the story from both perspectives as it gave more depth to the entire story. I look forward to reading more by Kalia Rose.

[Megan K · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, 4 stars is really good for me. I hardly rate any book 5 stars. I appreciate the triggers in the beginning, I decided to read it despite seeing some of mine on there. The book was pretty good. I may read the second depending on the story line. I'm not a huge fan of Mafia story lines, but I'm also curious about Jayme and Ash's relationship and what to see where that goes. There are a few editorial errors that I noticed, but nothing major! Overall, it's a good book!

[Heather Jeffreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for nerds!

The story itself is amazing. My only complaint is the editing and how the lack of contractions kind of make what they say seem robotic. I could also go nuts with some grammar corrections (lol), but I can totally overlook it.

If you like D&D and spice, this one is for you. It can definitely be triggering to some, so read the warnings. I almost cried at the end though. So worth it!

[Danielle Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I’ve read by this author and it drew me in! I was first drawn in with her author description when I looked her up… “dark, dirty, and a little bit nerdy”… ALL OF THESE THINGS!! 🥰 The two besties in this book are 🥵 for each other and are trying to navigate how to tell each other… absolute 🔥!! If ever there was a book version of me, it would be Cassie😂 Read triggers and be aware of your mental health but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!!

[Cassandra Nassivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Kalia my girl, the trip you took me through with this book was one for the records. But it was such a beautiful ride. The character building from the start was impeccable, the building of the plot without it getting boring or repetitive, you quite literally made me fall in love with each and every person…well except one. 😂 I’ve already recommended to a handful of friends and needless to say I’ll continue to recommend. & onto the next one!

[Heather ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*


I thoroughly enjoyed "Roll for Initiative."
The story led up to exactly what I thought it would, but there were so many twists and turns to keep me entertained and surprised. I know nothing about D&D but there was enough detail that I fully understood what was happening.

Will be reading again when final print comes out.

[Tracie Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omgoodness I went into this book completely blind, didn’t even read the synopsis! I knew nothing about D&D and I still loved this book! As a dark romance reader I didn’t know what to expect, but with this book the spice level is up there and it does get dark as well! I loved how the story flowed and following the characters through the entire time!

[Dusty Doyle-McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely exceeded the expectations I had for it and for that I'm grateful I had the opportunity to read it. The author herself is an amazing individual so I was more than happy to take my time to read her work.

If you're looking for a quick read that will catch your attention from the first chapter this one is definitely it for you.

[Rhiannon Watterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

This book is amazing! Please read this book! One of the main charohad me crying sad pissed off tears, laughing, crying happy tears. The author gave so much detail of the characters I felt like I knew them. And so much spicy romance! Read this book in 2 days. You will not be disappointed!

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For everyone who fell in love with their nerdy best friend. The Han Solo to their Princess Leia. This one’s for you. "

I aboustly love this story as i was hooked to the beginning. There is so many twists with lots of romance. I couldnt get enough of the main characters as they were perfect for each other .

My favourite sentence was " Such a good girl. My good girl. Mine?"

[Domonique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about best friends finding who they were during their time apart. Then finding they were perfect for each other! I loved this book from the beginning and the plot kept me interested all the way to the end. There were some crazy twist that I didn’t see coming, and it got very dark quickly I was shocked! Overall I really enjoyed this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- plot
🌶️🌶️🌶️-spice

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I know absolutely nothing about D&D, but it still held my attention. It was a good read and was hard for me to put down. I needed to know what was happening next.

LOVED the auction night and kind of wished there was more 🔥

I do hope we get Jayme’s story! 😉

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost thank you Kalia for the ARC. As a big dark romance fan, I loved this book and will be suggesting it for my friends. I didn’t know much about D&D, but that didn’t stop me from really enjoying the book. If you like mafia and friends to lovers with spice, this is one for you.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the D&D references. It was refreshing to see something different and more real life realistic things to relate to in the start of the book. Absolutely tons of twists and turns but love how it turned out. This one definitely sucked me in and kept my attention. I play D&D sometimes so it was kinda cool to see those things in a book. Loved the twists and turns and various hold your breath moments.Plus I’m a sucker for mafia and kink reads as well so this book checked those boxes for sure.

[Laraena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Had some amazing twists and turns as an amazing page turner that I struggled to put down. An amazing strong FMC. Told from duel perspective. Plot was good and the spice was 4/5 although please do read the trigger warnings at the front

[Nathan Bourbina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Lives Revealed

If you like mafia, best friends to lovers and bdsm you'll like this book. I would rate it a mild romance, softer on the sensual and more focused on the relationships.