Pretty Deadly

by KyAnn Waters

He’d keep me or he’d kill me. Either way, he wasn’t going to let me go.

Eric Spade
Lust and a beautiful woman can make a man weak. Pretty deadly. She makes me question my purpose. She’s in bed with my enemy. To take down a king, sometimes you have to sacrifice his queen.

Nalini Bryan
Fear is my constant companion. I’ve been held hostage by the Kyng of the cartel until a stranger takes me, stealing me from my nightmare. I thought he had come to rescue me. I was wrong.

This is dark romance with morally gray characters. Contains violence, drug use, and graphic language. Some readers may find content disturbing.

Genres: Dark

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

love a good stalker + cartel romance 😩🤲🏼 this one was quick asf but still packed such a punch !! i flew through this so fast i literally hated myself for it

definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading cartel romances, stalker vibes, enemies to lovers, kidnapping, revenge, survival, trauma, and healing 🖤

nalini and spade barreled into each other’s lives without even realizing it. she’s his enemy’s greatest weakness and he’s the enemy’s greatest threat. they are driven by revenge and to do whatever they can to survive. freedom is all that’s on their minds. they work together to bring down madden who is the cartel’s kingpin and ruined nalini’s life, having her hooked on drugs and controlling her. spade’s hatred for madden runs deep. he thought long and hard about the day he brings down madden’s empire.

i enjoyed this so much and wish it was longer !! ugh i could literally die for a full novel on this because the plot is soooo good 🤩

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate this book up!

Now im more of a chunky book girlie but these short stories by Kyann hook me every time, this author knows how to character build so well that even in her shorter reads you feel like you've known these main characters all your life, and of course this newest book was no different. I instantly connected to Nalina and was rooting for her revenge / happy ending after from the start and when I finally finished I felt like we had been friends for years.

Now let's talk tropes because Waters never fails to incorporate my favourite ones! Not only do we get a stalker romance but there's also insta love and some forced proximity that is oh so sweet. And of course this is a dark romance which you know is my favourite, these were all mixed so well into the plot and when I say I devoured in under five hours....im not kidding. This story just flows and is packed with action every chapter so you never feel like you can look away.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nalini (h) has spent years trapped under the thumb of cartel kingpin Madden, keeping her addicted to drugs and using her to fulfill his dark desires and maintain control over his empire. But when Spade (H), a stranger with a dark agenda of his own, storms into her life, she sees a chance at escape. Spade’s vendetta against Madden runs deep, and he’s ready to use any means necessary to bring down his empire, including making Nalini his reluctant ally. Bound by a shared hatred and a desperate need for freedom, they hatch a dangerous plan to take Madden down from within. As they navigate a world of violence, betrayal, and addiction, Nalini and Spade discover they might be each other’s only shot at survival. Hot and steamy dark revenge romance, exploring love, connection, vengeance, violence, trauma, and healing.

[Kristal Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot dark romance 🖤🔥

She's his enemies greatest weakness, and he's the enemies greatest threat. Spade & Nalini are brought together in a common goal while caught in a web of attraction, addiction, and revenge. Gritty and dark, Author Waters brings this story to life with her words and will have you on the edge of your seat, while hoping for a happy ending for this broken couple. Read it if you love dark romance.

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brief narrative was remarkably concise yet filled with depth. It revolves around a malevolent individual being pursued by another man who has suffered a personal loss due to drug-related issues. The antagonist kidnaps a woman he mistakenly believes to be the partner of his pursuer. The story quickly escalates with numerous confrontations, leading both characters to realize their desire to be together. Ultimately, the resolution features an intriguing twist regarding the antagonist's alibi.

Give me another book from this author please.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SpiderMam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very spicy romance story that certainly didn’t start in a place of romance. The stalker gets the girl and The girl gets revenge on the man who has ruined her life. Although this was a short story, the details were so descriptive that I was easily immersed in the story. The characters were believable and I loved the way they took revenge on the villain and he got what he deserved. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves our stalker romance and seeing the villain taken down.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madden Kyng is the ruthless kingpin of a drug cartel, and for years he’s kept Nalini as his prisoner to use and abuse at his whim. But when Spade, a man with a dark agenda of his own, snatches her from Madden’s club, Nalini dares to hope this might be her chance freedom. Little does she know, she’s stepping straight into the fire. Spade is hell-bent on vengeance, and Nalini is just a pawn in his game; a means to lure Madden into a deadly trap. Yet, the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes Nalini isn’t the willing accomplice he assumed. She’s a survivor, trapped in a nightmare not of her own choosing. As Spade helps her through the agony of drug withdrawal, the spark of attraction between them ignites, fueled by their shared hatred for the man who destroyed them both. What follows is a gripping journey of revenge and redemption as they hatch a plan to take down the Kyng once and for all. Despite its short length, this story delivers a powerful punch, painting a vivid picture of passion, danger and justice served cold. And that little twist at the end was just the fist-pumping cherry on top! 😊
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark twisted suspense filled thriller that will leave you breathless.You will be on the edge of your seats and the characters will captivate you. Spade wanted to kill Madden Kyng .He was the wrist of the scam he dealt with a drug kingpin.He had his reasons for wanting Kyng dead.First he had to steal the queen Making then draw king into his trap.Malibu didn't feel right she didn't know what Madden had given her but she hated the way it made her feel.When Spade got his chance he grabbed Nalini an he planned to use her to get Madden to try an get her back.Nalini was a mess he asked her what she took an she said I don't know what he gave me.There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted til the very last page.Will Spade fall for Nalini after he finds out the true?Will she help him take down Kyng?I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She belongs to the cartel. She made a mistake years ago that left her their prisoner to use and abuse. He is determined to bring them down and he thinks that she is just the tool to use. He kidnapped her expecting to use her but soon realizes she’s been a victim all along and plans change. This is a high drama fast paced story. It is short story format so you don’t usually expect to get detailed character development or complicated plot lines however, I would say you do get both with this. You have a strong sense of the characters and how they got to where they are and also what attracts them to each other. It is high intensity and fast paced. It isn’t necessarily a lot of romance per se, more a combustion of people who find what they need in each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author to me, and one that I have enjoyed. It's not often you find a short, dark book that is also pretty good. But this is it. This was dark, twisty, sexy, gory perfection. It is quite dark, so I would say be careful if you have triggers. Or, if you are like me and triggers make you happy, concave some fun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 Broken FMC owned by mafia
🌟 Stalker MMC
🌟 Revenge
🌟 Twists and turns
🌟 🌶🌶🌶🌶

"A gilded cage, but still a cage. The perfect place for a broken bird, too damaged to fly free."

"For a moment, I could only stare at her. Crusted blood covered her arm. Bruises turned her skin purple and red, yet she was beautiful. Pretty deadly."

Wow wow wow. I've never seen a novella written so descriptive and captivating. This was dark and made me sweat, but IN THE BEST WAY. I LOVED THIS.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He was savagely beautiful. Full of vengeance and hate."

This was definitely a page Turner for me. Action from page one. Dr. Spade is grieving the death of his girlfriend and decides to avenge her. Through his revenge he meets Nalini, who is also a victim of the kingpin that killed his former girlfriend. He kidnaps her. Sparks fly, revenge, chaos, and obsession ensues. Dr. Spade delivers poetic justice in the most beautiful way.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nalina was captive to the cartel King, a Monster of a man, butbshe finds herself taken once more this time by Eric believing she meant something to his enemy but turns out she starts to become something to him. Well written engaging, emotion, dark themes, captive romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica Solgonick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It sounds weird that this is the book to bring me out of my reading slump but it did! And it was so good! I am so glad I chose this book because I almost didn’t…I thought it was the perfect amount of dark romance with morally gray hero *chefs kiss*.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and quick read that is addictive. The story is about Nalini, Spade, freedom and a mutual hate/vendetta against Madden. She has been abused and trapped by Madden for years. Spade is on a mission of destruction and will use any means possible. This is a dark and steamy read with violence, danger, suspense, vengeance, trauma, passion, healing and much more.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book!! I love a good dark romance and this one fits right in. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. I had to find out what was going to happen next right then. You just can't help but cheer Nalini on. Great book that I recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric had one desire to take down the man who supplied his girlfriend, which led to her death. His plan to take him down is to kidnap his queen. Nalini is not what Eric first thinks, she is just a pawn in the man's game.

He never expected the chemistry he feels for Nalini, he cannot sacrifice her to get what he wants. He will need to protect her. I did not expect the twist in the end.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, dark romance book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. Characters are well written with depth to their personalities and steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ “To kill the king, I’d take his queen. The one thing he couldn’t live without.”★

Spade did not know what he did when he kidnapped the woman who was supposed to be the weak link for his enemy, but how could he believe anything she says? Nalini's kidnapper does not know exactly what she has been through. This was a dark and engrossing read!

[Smutty Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author to me, but it did not disappoint. Even though it is a short story, many details are taken into account and it is a pleasant read. Chemistry and spice between the characters was to die for. Definitely recommended

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Poetry Magic

I loved this novella by Kyann Waters. Her writing is emotional and beautiful. I adored Eric and his vigilante sense of justice and how protective he is of Nalini. Great twist at the end. Highly recommend if you love dark romance.

[Nicolle Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nalini has been held captive by the cartel since they lured her in years ago. Spade wants to go against the Kyng, so he decided to take his queen. He soon realized that the life he thought Nalini had was wrong.

Really liked the twist at the end.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original.

This is quite an unlikely couple. I found the characters intriguing. Though this is filled with standard tropes, it is twisted just enough to be fresh and original. Excellent writing for this often maligned genre.

[Bre E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you think your life couldn't get worse, then Eric kidnaps you. But honestly, everyone wants to be Nalini!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella 1 hr read
He kills people with drugs, she has been taken and used by a drug lord. He saves her to get to the drug lord and she helps him kill the dug lord.

[The Bou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only good writers can infuse so much in such a short story!

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a short fun read! This was cute and sweet with a hea!! I may have a very skewed definition of cute and sweet but I enjoyed the read.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Enjoyed reading this dark romance thriller.
Spade & Nalini's relationship starts off extremely dark and rocky but has a beautiful story line with spice and plot - has Nalini escaped one prison only to be in another?

Please check the triggers before reading.

🌟 Broken FMC owned by mafia
🌟 Stalker MMC
🌟 Revenge
🌟 Twists & turns