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Clean Conscience
Lucio, a biker with a cold exterior and a dominant presence, lives a dangerous life. Entangled in the criminal underworld, he and his friends do the dirty work no one else dares to do. When Lucio crosses paths with Alaïa, a woman struggling to escape from the shadows of her past, he finds himself drawn to her in ways he never expected. As Alaïa fights to regain control of her life, she becomes increasingly involved in Lucio’s world of intrigue, suspense, and forbidden desire—where the lines between danger and passion blur with every encounter. Can she trust him, or is he just as dangerous as the forces she’s running from?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
About the author
Alyssa Cross
2 books6 followersAlyssa Cross writes dark, sizzling stories where desire and danger collide. Her debut, Clean Conscience, launches The Cleaners Series – a gripping saga that pulls readers into a world of hot, dangerous motorcyclists who also happen to be criminals, tangled in forbidden desires and moral dilemmas.
Her books are laced with tension, emotion, and spice, unafraid to explore the shadows and push boundaries. Alyssa believes that stories are the most powerful way to break silence, challenge limits, and remind readers they are never truly alone.
When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her with a Penelope Douglas book in hand, snackies within reach, and battling writer’s block like it’s her sworn enemy.
Follow Alyssa for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and news on upcoming releases – and step into the world of The Cleaners, if you dare.
Her books are laced with tension, emotion, and spice, unafraid to explore the shadows and push boundaries. Alyssa believes that stories are the most powerful way to break silence, challenge limits, and remind readers they are never truly alone.
When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her with a Penelope Douglas book in hand, snackies within reach, and battling writer’s block like it’s her sworn enemy.
Follow Alyssa for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and news on upcoming releases – and step into the world of The Cleaners, if you dare.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 24, 2025
so many feelings in this book such a rollercoaster ride but honestly had my jaw dropping at each pivotal point and all of the love and admiration from the MMC is outstanding and yes the spice was very much spicing had me giggling like a little school girl I honestly loved this book and I can't wait for more ♡
August 30, 2025
What a wild read 📚
Alaia is the FMC i have been waiting for. She is witty, feisty, and the perfect woman for Luci! They both have tragic and heartbreaking pasts, but that only made their love story all the more intense 😍. Alyssa had my hooked and escaping my adult duties just to grab my fix of Luci and Alaia. Alyssa, I've said it before, and I will say it again, you are a genius 🔥
Alaia is the FMC i have been waiting for. She is witty, feisty, and the perfect woman for Luci! They both have tragic and heartbreaking pasts, but that only made their love story all the more intense 😍. Alyssa had my hooked and escaping my adult duties just to grab my fix of Luci and Alaia. Alyssa, I've said it before, and I will say it again, you are a genius 🔥
August 24, 2025
very fun read, recommend to all the dark romance readers who are looking for a new book boyfriend
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May 14, 20263.5 ⭐️
I was honoured to be reached out to by Alyssa to read and review this book, Clean Conscience— book one of The Cleaners Series.
Let me first of all start by saying that the names of the characters in this book suit so well! Alaïa and Lucio go so well with the vibes of each MC.
This book to me resembles a FMC trying to come into her own, and express her own power and emotions in a healthy way, and a MMC who is obsessed with her and would do anything to help her be the best version of herself, as they navigate the uncharted waters of emotional connection together.
Also, Lucio and Brody have a friendship that made me smile, laugh, and kick my feet like a damn lovesick teenager🤣. I love when a book has a good level of bromance between male best friends, it’s not represented enough in a banter filled way as it is with the female characters in books in my opinion, so this was good to see!
Alaïa is such a relatable character, from getting drunk on rosé far too often, stealing and scoffing her mans food, and her struggles to find where she truly belongs, and her purpose— trapped in a cycle of numbness and uncertainty.
However, in my personal opinion, I’d loooove to see more of a build up when it comes to romance, and more internal monologue during these scenes. Description is EVERYTHING when it comes to creating images in my head, and I did sometimes find myself getting lost at how we’d progressed from one scene to the next, without much build up 🫣.
I did appreciate the scene with Lucio, Alaïa and Lily (IYKYK) though, and can’t say I expected it at first 🤭.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! The drama, variation of different scenes, from fighting, to love, to friendship, this book definitely hooked me in the more it progressed. The ending was so wholesome and sweet too, and showed that even if the cards we’ve been dealt are less than ideal, only we can choose how and if we can turn it into something beautiful. The only things I’d amend for a higher rating, as I mentioned, would be more build up, slow burn, and painful yearning. After all, a man who yearns is a man who earns 😉.
I was honoured to be reached out to by Alyssa to read and review this book, Clean Conscience— book one of The Cleaners Series.
Let me first of all start by saying that the names of the characters in this book suit so well! Alaïa and Lucio go so well with the vibes of each MC.
This book to me resembles a FMC trying to come into her own, and express her own power and emotions in a healthy way, and a MMC who is obsessed with her and would do anything to help her be the best version of herself, as they navigate the uncharted waters of emotional connection together.
Also, Lucio and Brody have a friendship that made me smile, laugh, and kick my feet like a damn lovesick teenager🤣. I love when a book has a good level of bromance between male best friends, it’s not represented enough in a banter filled way as it is with the female characters in books in my opinion, so this was good to see!
Alaïa is such a relatable character, from getting drunk on rosé far too often, stealing and scoffing her mans food, and her struggles to find where she truly belongs, and her purpose— trapped in a cycle of numbness and uncertainty.
However, in my personal opinion, I’d loooove to see more of a build up when it comes to romance, and more internal monologue during these scenes. Description is EVERYTHING when it comes to creating images in my head, and I did sometimes find myself getting lost at how we’d progressed from one scene to the next, without much build up 🫣.
I did appreciate the scene with Lucio, Alaïa and Lily (IYKYK) though, and can’t say I expected it at first 🤭.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! The drama, variation of different scenes, from fighting, to love, to friendship, this book definitely hooked me in the more it progressed. The ending was so wholesome and sweet too, and showed that even if the cards we’ve been dealt are less than ideal, only we can choose how and if we can turn it into something beautiful. The only things I’d amend for a higher rating, as I mentioned, would be more build up, slow burn, and painful yearning. After all, a man who yearns is a man who earns 😉.
October 10, 2024
Loved it so fucking much!
October 10, 2024
Exciting. Very good story! Recommended
September 18, 2025
ARC E-READ🩷
Plot: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firstly, I ate this book up so quickly because it was such a short read. It flowed really well and kept me on my toes. I fell in love with the characters instantly due to the mystery of both their lives.
At first I was a bit hesitant about trusting the MMC Lucio, but he was such a gentleman and I loved his character and how caring he was. The FMC Alaïa, is a badass who is so broken on the inside.
I loved the characters instantly due development of both characters and how they opened up and showed more vulnerability throughout the book.
The plot was really good and enjoyable and I liked that it was so dark and deep.
As for the writing of the book, in the first couple chaptersI felt a bit confused because I couldn’t figure out their backstory and I felt it could’ve been more descriptive, but as the book went on, the writing got better and better and the descriptions and details improved massively.
I think this author has massive potential for future books because her writing is inspired and motivated.
I can’t wait for the next book of this series!!🥰🥰
Plot: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firstly, I ate this book up so quickly because it was such a short read. It flowed really well and kept me on my toes. I fell in love with the characters instantly due to the mystery of both their lives.
At first I was a bit hesitant about trusting the MMC Lucio, but he was such a gentleman and I loved his character and how caring he was. The FMC Alaïa, is a badass who is so broken on the inside.
I loved the characters instantly due development of both characters and how they opened up and showed more vulnerability throughout the book.
The plot was really good and enjoyable and I liked that it was so dark and deep.
As for the writing of the book, in the first couple chaptersI felt a bit confused because I couldn’t figure out their backstory and I felt it could’ve been more descriptive, but as the book went on, the writing got better and better and the descriptions and details improved massively.
I think this author has massive potential for future books because her writing is inspired and motivated.
I can’t wait for the next book of this series!!🥰🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Clean Conscience completely pulled me in from the very first chapters. Alaïa and Lucio are a couple that will stay with me for a long time, their chemistry, their pasts, and the way they slowly found their way to each other were truly beautiful to follow.
I really loved Alaïa’s personality. Her strength mixed with vulnerability gave her so much depth, and she quickly became one of my favorite female characters. And Lucio? He instantly earned a spot on my list of book boyfriends. He’s tough and dangerous, yet the kind of character you just know would do anything for the people he loves.
The spicy scenes were definitely some of my favorites.They were written so well, vivid, authentic, and full of tension that perfectly captured their connection. But I also adored the softer moments, especially when they shared their stories with each other. It felt like they emotionally opened up right in front of the reader.
Overall, I loved the entire atmosphere of the book: the darker vibes, the suspense, the emotional depth, and the smooth writing style. It had the perfect mix of danger, passion, and tenderness.
For me, it was an amazing read and definitely a book I’ll return to someday. 💗
I really loved Alaïa’s personality. Her strength mixed with vulnerability gave her so much depth, and she quickly became one of my favorite female characters. And Lucio? He instantly earned a spot on my list of book boyfriends. He’s tough and dangerous, yet the kind of character you just know would do anything for the people he loves.
The spicy scenes were definitely some of my favorites.They were written so well, vivid, authentic, and full of tension that perfectly captured their connection. But I also adored the softer moments, especially when they shared their stories with each other. It felt like they emotionally opened up right in front of the reader.
Overall, I loved the entire atmosphere of the book: the darker vibes, the suspense, the emotional depth, and the smooth writing style. It had the perfect mix of danger, passion, and tenderness.
For me, it was an amazing read and definitely a book I’ll return to someday. 💗
September 7, 2025
I was truly amazed when the author reached out to me to read her book. I’m so grateful for her trust and for allowing me to experience such a beautiful story.
It may be a shorter read, but the weight of the story inside is undeniable. Lucio and Alaïa’s pasts and presents are heartbreaking, yet as their lives intertwine, they discover a happiness that had been missing for so long.
This book does touch on heavy topics, so I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before starting.
I finished it in just two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. From the very first pages, the author throws you straight into the deep end, and while I was left catching my breath at first, everything gradually fell into place.
Lucio has completely stolen my heart. Alaïa is such a fierce and resilient woman it’s unbelievable how she didn’t break after everything she went through. And Lucio’s friends deserve a mention as well, they’re truly wonderful characters.
Overall, this was such a powerful yet quick read, and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m already looking forward to the next book.
It may be a shorter read, but the weight of the story inside is undeniable. Lucio and Alaïa’s pasts and presents are heartbreaking, yet as their lives intertwine, they discover a happiness that had been missing for so long.
This book does touch on heavy topics, so I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before starting.
I finished it in just two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. From the very first pages, the author throws you straight into the deep end, and while I was left catching my breath at first, everything gradually fell into place.
Lucio has completely stolen my heart. Alaïa is such a fierce and resilient woman it’s unbelievable how she didn’t break after everything she went through. And Lucio’s friends deserve a mention as well, they’re truly wonderful characters.
Overall, this was such a powerful yet quick read, and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m already looking forward to the next book.
September 14, 2025
I was super excited when Alysa reached out to me about reading this book. It is different than the books I normally read, so I was excited to dive in.
First, this is different than a lot of the books I normally read, but I did enjoy diving into something new. The spicy scenes were definitely 🔥, but I would have enjoyed a little bit more character development and build up before the romance. While I do love a good whirlwind romance, it would’ve been nice if there was some more internal monologue and relationship development.
The book did cover some tough topics, and really made you think about the hands people are dealt. It was nice to see the characters grow from their hardships and find love and a purpose.
I also enjoyed the friendships in the book, especially the one that took a spicy turn.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read!
First, this is different than a lot of the books I normally read, but I did enjoy diving into something new. The spicy scenes were definitely 🔥, but I would have enjoyed a little bit more character development and build up before the romance. While I do love a good whirlwind romance, it would’ve been nice if there was some more internal monologue and relationship development.
The book did cover some tough topics, and really made you think about the hands people are dealt. It was nice to see the characters grow from their hardships and find love and a purpose.
I also enjoyed the friendships in the book, especially the one that took a spicy turn.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read!
May 24, 2026
The first book in the cleaner series is where you will meet Luci and Alaia. He saved her from a man trying to hurt her after he drove her off the road while she was on her motorcycle. Everything from there is a winding road of lust between the two of them. They're both afraid to fall first, but they still both end up obsessed with each other. I loved reading their story, especially when he gave her the better life she deserved. Since this is a dark romance, I’ve decided to rate it on a dark scale of how dark the book is, and I’m rating it a shade of morally gray. It’s not too dark and not too light; the best type of starter dark romance for those who are just getting into the dark romance genre. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting to get into the dark romance genre and to those who have read dark romance for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
This was my first dark romance book, I'd just like to preface that.
I thought that the pacing was little off in some places, making it seem like we were rushing through the story and it felt a little choppy in some areas.
However, I loved Alaïa and reading her journey through this book. And I loved her friendship with Lily, her best friend.
Lucio. He just didn't really do it for me. I felt like we were only brushing the surface with his character and I wanted a little more from him.
But I think we can expect some good things from the author in the future, and I'm very grateful to have been sent a copy.
I thought that the pacing was little off in some places, making it seem like we were rushing through the story and it felt a little choppy in some areas.
However, I loved Alaïa and reading her journey through this book. And I loved her friendship with Lily, her best friend.
Lucio. He just didn't really do it for me. I felt like we were only brushing the surface with his character and I wanted a little more from him.
But I think we can expect some good things from the author in the future, and I'm very grateful to have been sent a copy.
June 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this debut. The concept was compelling, the pacing kept me engaged, and the dynamic between the FMC and MMC was a highlight. I love dark romance that explores tragic pasts where the main characters are afraid to fall for one another, yet can’t quite resist it. There were a few areas where some plot points didn’t feel fully resolved, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I would still recommend it, especially for anyone interested in stepping into the world of dark romance. I’m hoping some of those threads will be explored further in book two, which I’m looking forward to reading.
May 15, 2026
I am obsessed!!!
The way the book was written impressed me cause I normally don’t go for this style but ( applause to the lovely writer Alyssa) I became HOOKED.
The book started strong without being heavy or too much and the plot builds up withe every chapter. I loved how the inner monologues of the MC’s added depth to the characters and made it more enjoyable.
The emotional scenes had me on my toes and I enjoyed er second of it.
To say the least it is now in my top 3 fav books and I really enjoyed the book and I can’t wait to reed the next one!!
The way the book was written impressed me cause I normally don’t go for this style but ( applause to the lovely writer Alyssa) I became HOOKED.
The book started strong without being heavy or too much and the plot builds up withe every chapter. I loved how the inner monologues of the MC’s added depth to the characters and made it more enjoyable.
The emotional scenes had me on my toes and I enjoyed er second of it.
To say the least it is now in my top 3 fav books and I really enjoyed the book and I can’t wait to reed the next one!!
September 12, 2025
★★★★★
Thank you so much to Alyssa for this ARC! 🖤
I loved this book!! I really couldn't put it down and flew through the pages! I absolutely adored Alaïa and Lucio, and the spice was so spicy 🫠🫠
It does deal with some heavy dark topics, so please keep that in mind if you plan to read it.
Overall, this was such a fun read, and if you're looking for your next dark romance, this one would be perfect!!
Thank you so much to Alyssa for this ARC! 🖤
I loved this book!! I really couldn't put it down and flew through the pages! I absolutely adored Alaïa and Lucio, and the spice was so spicy 🫠🫠
It does deal with some heavy dark topics, so please keep that in mind if you plan to read it.
Overall, this was such a fun read, and if you're looking for your next dark romance, this one would be perfect!!
September 16, 2025
“Clean Conscience” by Alyssa Cross had me hooked from the first chapter—I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Lucio and Alaïa was so intense, and I loved how their story was both dark and emotional at the same time. It definitely gave me all the feels, and I’m still thinking about it after finishing.
September 22, 2025
Thank you so much for the ARC!
I'm so grateful to have received an ARC copy from Alyssa, since I'm a small creator.
I really enjoyed this book, the variation in scènes had me saying "Okay 1 more chapter" before going to bed, I just didn't want it to end.
I absolutely loved the MMC Lucio, his character was very well written.
The spice was very much spicing, chefs kiss 😌
I'm so grateful to have received an ARC copy from Alyssa, since I'm a small creator.
I really enjoyed this book, the variation in scènes had me saying "Okay 1 more chapter" before going to bed, I just didn't want it to end.
I absolutely loved the MMC Lucio, his character was very well written.
The spice was very much spicing, chefs kiss 😌
April 21, 2026
This book was so good I couldn’t get myself to stop reading. I finished it in 2 sittings!
Would definitely recommend to all dark romance readers who like their bookboyfriend a little toxic ;)
But be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
Would definitely recommend to all dark romance readers who like their bookboyfriend a little toxic ;)
But be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
October 10, 2024
Its a thrilling book that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and makes you want to keep reading and i dont want to spoil but damn it's hot
September 23, 2025
Thank you soo much Alyssa for writing such a wonderful book, I loved it soooo much. I loved Lucio and Alaïa together, this book was spicy as hell and I definitely LOVED every moment of it, and I also fell in love with Lucio, Dante, Brody and Devin's friendship especially when Dante gave Lucio advice on how to fix his relationship. Definitely can't wait for book 2!!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews