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Sweet Atonement #2
Dark Endures
Is it wrong to fall for a guy’s pet before you fall for him?
Mindy
Life’s hard, and that’s just the way it is. So, I’m going to party even harder and pretend for a little while that the world isn’t collapsing in around me. My first job doesn’t pay enough to cover my bills. With a second job walking dogs in the evenings, I just about skimp by. That is, until my landlord decides to up the rent. There’s not enough time in the day for a third job. And there certainly isn’t time for me to moon over the guy I ran into at the best bakery in the world. It’s not that he’s the living embodiment of dangerously sexy. Or that his watch is probably worth more than everything I own. Not to mention he owns the coolest piebald snake that I’ve ever seen. It’s the fact that he’s got ‘player’ written all over that flirty face of his.
Maddox
There’s a rat in my gang who seems to have forgotten that rats get fed to the snakes lining the walls of my office. Finding the rat should be my focus. Except a woman walked into my neighborhood, and now she’s all I can think about. It doesn’t help that she knew I was carrying a piebald python around my neck, and instead of passing out or screaming, like most women do, she fawned over it. This isn’t the time to allow myself to be distracted or let weakness pull me away from the task at hand. There are way too many souls who rely on me to be cold, cynical, and ruthless when it comes to protecting Willow Street. This place is more than just a neighborhood. It’s my mission in life. Only Mindy makes me forget about everything but her.
Any kind of relationship with Mindy could put her life at risk. That’s something I’m not willing to even consider.
Dark Endures is a no spice dark suspenseful romance, featuring steamy kisses with a decided lack of cursing and violence.
Mindy
Life’s hard, and that’s just the way it is. So, I’m going to party even harder and pretend for a little while that the world isn’t collapsing in around me. My first job doesn’t pay enough to cover my bills. With a second job walking dogs in the evenings, I just about skimp by. That is, until my landlord decides to up the rent. There’s not enough time in the day for a third job. And there certainly isn’t time for me to moon over the guy I ran into at the best bakery in the world. It’s not that he’s the living embodiment of dangerously sexy. Or that his watch is probably worth more than everything I own. Not to mention he owns the coolest piebald snake that I’ve ever seen. It’s the fact that he’s got ‘player’ written all over that flirty face of his.
Maddox
There’s a rat in my gang who seems to have forgotten that rats get fed to the snakes lining the walls of my office. Finding the rat should be my focus. Except a woman walked into my neighborhood, and now she’s all I can think about. It doesn’t help that she knew I was carrying a piebald python around my neck, and instead of passing out or screaming, like most women do, she fawned over it. This isn’t the time to allow myself to be distracted or let weakness pull me away from the task at hand. There are way too many souls who rely on me to be cold, cynical, and ruthless when it comes to protecting Willow Street. This place is more than just a neighborhood. It’s my mission in life. Only Mindy makes me forget about everything but her.
Any kind of relationship with Mindy could put her life at risk. That’s something I’m not willing to even consider.
Dark Endures is a no spice dark suspenseful romance, featuring steamy kisses with a decided lack of cursing and violence.
- GenresClean RomanceRomance
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
63 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 23, 2025
If you’re into he falls first, romantic suspense, and a spice-free mafia romance, this one’s for you! In Book 2, we reconnect with characters from "Dark Love" and learn more about Willow Street...especially how they give back to their community.
Maddox is all work, no time for love that is until Mindy joins the team. She slowly works her way into his guarded heart and is his perfect match… if only she’d let him in. But Mindy’s dealing with things she’s not ready to share, and when danger comes knocking, Maddox is ready to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, not just now, but for the future.
Another unique story from Rora Noir! The suspense/mystery kept me guessing, and the chemistry between Maddox and Mindy was my favorite part. There were even a few surprises I didn’t see coming. I will say the dual POV was a little hard to follow at times, and the storyline got a bit confusing at times as well... but overall, still a good read. I’m excited to see what’s next in the series!
I received a free copy, and this is my honest review.
Maddox is all work, no time for love that is until Mindy joins the team. She slowly works her way into his guarded heart and is his perfect match… if only she’d let him in. But Mindy’s dealing with things she’s not ready to share, and when danger comes knocking, Maddox is ready to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, not just now, but for the future.
Another unique story from Rora Noir! The suspense/mystery kept me guessing, and the chemistry between Maddox and Mindy was my favorite part. There were even a few surprises I didn’t see coming. I will say the dual POV was a little hard to follow at times, and the storyline got a bit confusing at times as well... but overall, still a good read. I’m excited to see what’s next in the series!
I received a free copy, and this is my honest review.
June 13, 2025
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for the third book! The slow burn with sweet kisses romance has me hooked! If you are looking for a new book to start this one is fun! A clean mafia romance series that has action, romance and funny moments.
*thank you to the authors for a complimentary copy, all thoughts are my own.
*thank you to the authors for a complimentary copy, all thoughts are my own.
May 22, 2025
This is book 2 in the sweet atonement series, but both can be read as a standalone.
When I say I’m OBSESSED with this series I’m not kidding. I’m shut the world out, stay up till 1am, kick my feet and shout out loud obsessed.
This soul crushing story follows Mindy, hiding from something when she’s offered a job by Maddox. Maddox is the ultimate “everybody fears him but he’s actually a marshmallow and takes care of everyone” boss man. What’s Maddox going to do when he makes sure everyone is safe, knows Mindy is in danger, but she refuses to let him help her.
This no spice, dark-romance had me shouting the line “Who did this to you” and trading more reading time for sleep.
Please read it, I need more people to talk to about this book ❤️
June 1, 2025
Okay… So, I was excited to see where else this story would go. I really liked the first book, as I had never read a clean dark romance before (though I’ll admit, I was morally torn by Vex’s very much morally grey-ness for a while. lol)
(PS- You also get to see Dalia and Vex quite a bit 🤭)
This book feels like it was written by a completely different author. It’s half the length of Book 1 and I can tell you why…… it seems she was like, “I’ll write all the dialogue and internal thoughts and fill in descriptions later!”
… But she forgot to fill in the descriptions. There were many a time when I either didn’t know where I was and then something magically appeared out of nowhere, because “oh, tada! We’ve been in this kind of room the whole time!”or there was a scene where Maddox was kneeling and the next paragraph he was *leaning down* to hug Mindy…
(I went back and reread it to make sure I hadn’t missed a description of him changing positions, but… nope. Nothing there 🤷♀️)
And have mercy! There were so many time skips within chapters (sometimes more than 3 or 4) that I feel like I was just being *told* something, not getting to experience it first hand. The show-don’t-tell rule of writing did not come in to play much with this book.
I’m sorry, I’m not usually negative and I don’t often write reviews like this, but I was legitimately surprised by the lack of detailing that had been showcased in Book 1 and completely disregarded for Book 2.
If you like the world and characters from Book 1, then yes. Go right ahead and read the book. You will still read things that you love in it! Even with the negative side of my review, I still highlighted great/sweet/funny moments throughout the book 🙂
I’m not completely turned off from the series. I’ll check out Book 3 when it comes out, but I’ll also see where it stands as far as writing quality goes before buying it most likely.
(PS- You also get to see Dalia and Vex quite a bit 🤭)
This book feels like it was written by a completely different author. It’s half the length of Book 1 and I can tell you why…… it seems she was like, “I’ll write all the dialogue and internal thoughts and fill in descriptions later!”
… But she forgot to fill in the descriptions. There were many a time when I either didn’t know where I was and then something magically appeared out of nowhere, because “oh, tada! We’ve been in this kind of room the whole time!”or there was a scene where Maddox was kneeling and the next paragraph he was *leaning down* to hug Mindy…
(I went back and reread it to make sure I hadn’t missed a description of him changing positions, but… nope. Nothing there 🤷♀️)
And have mercy! There were so many time skips within chapters (sometimes more than 3 or 4) that I feel like I was just being *told* something, not getting to experience it first hand. The show-don’t-tell rule of writing did not come in to play much with this book.
I’m sorry, I’m not usually negative and I don’t often write reviews like this, but I was legitimately surprised by the lack of detailing that had been showcased in Book 1 and completely disregarded for Book 2.
If you like the world and characters from Book 1, then yes. Go right ahead and read the book. You will still read things that you love in it! Even with the negative side of my review, I still highlighted great/sweet/funny moments throughout the book 🙂
I’m not completely turned off from the series. I’ll check out Book 3 when it comes out, but I’ll also see where it stands as far as writing quality goes before buying it most likely.
May 27, 2025
Dark Endures by Rora Noir is a mafia book that you just have to get your hands on.
It is hard to find a clean dark romance author, but Rora is one of them. This book gripped me with the complexities of the characters, from Mindy who was seen in the previous book and grated me the way in that one, this one showed me another side of her. Her inner thoughts were hard to decipher and kept me curious. Maddox was an honorable man who put duty and love first when it came to it.
Where can I get myself a Maddox who would drop so many things for those important to him. This book really delved deeper into the conflict that Dark Love (the previous book) opened. We saw the characters that we loved and we got introduced to more lovable characters. The drama held me on the edge of my seat and I am curious as to where the next book will be taking us!
If you want a clean mafia romance, this book is for you!
Thank you Rora Noir for the free book.
It is hard to find a clean dark romance author, but Rora is one of them. This book gripped me with the complexities of the characters, from Mindy who was seen in the previous book and grated me the way in that one, this one showed me another side of her. Her inner thoughts were hard to decipher and kept me curious. Maddox was an honorable man who put duty and love first when it came to it.
Where can I get myself a Maddox who would drop so many things for those important to him. This book really delved deeper into the conflict that Dark Love (the previous book) opened. We saw the characters that we loved and we got introduced to more lovable characters. The drama held me on the edge of my seat and I am curious as to where the next book will be taking us!
If you want a clean mafia romance, this book is for you!
Thank you Rora Noir for the free book.
September 17, 2025
Glad I found this series. This was a cute story . Possible trigger warnings for this serious, human trafficking, drugs, and abuse. There is no spice and if there is language, I don't remember it being bad.
July 25, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I'm getting more invested in this series, and now want to check out the series that precede this!
I really enjoyed Dahlia and Vex in Dark Love, as well as several aspects of that book. Though admittedly, there were times it felt a bit long. Dark Endures is significantly shorter and a bit faster-paced, but I don't feel like I've lost any content as a result.
The dialogue is quick and to the point, especially with Mindy being so secretive and Maddox being a man of few (though well-thought-out) words. I really enjoyed all the inner thoughts and quips between dialogue, and with this book being dual POV, we get those inner thoughts from both Mindy and Maddox.
I was flying through this book! In a good way. It was easy to lose track of time while reading, which is especially impressive since I was walking and reading at the same time -- usually I'm checking my watch to see how much longer I have to walk.
This series does have some darker themes, though it avoids gruesome details. I enjoy dark romance, but it can be so hard to find dark romance that isn't just smut with a dash of plot. I love that we have this dark romance series with billionaire mafia alpha males, and it's no/low spice! And even with the sexy, broody, overprotective men and all the dark business, I still found myself cackling and busting out laughing several times!
Looking forward to more in the series!
⚠️ No cursing, no gore or gratuitous violence
🫑 Kisses only
Thank you so much to the authors for the chance to ARC read!
I'm getting more invested in this series, and now want to check out the series that precede this!
I really enjoyed Dahlia and Vex in Dark Love, as well as several aspects of that book. Though admittedly, there were times it felt a bit long. Dark Endures is significantly shorter and a bit faster-paced, but I don't feel like I've lost any content as a result.
The dialogue is quick and to the point, especially with Mindy being so secretive and Maddox being a man of few (though well-thought-out) words. I really enjoyed all the inner thoughts and quips between dialogue, and with this book being dual POV, we get those inner thoughts from both Mindy and Maddox.
I was flying through this book! In a good way. It was easy to lose track of time while reading, which is especially impressive since I was walking and reading at the same time -- usually I'm checking my watch to see how much longer I have to walk.
This series does have some darker themes, though it avoids gruesome details. I enjoy dark romance, but it can be so hard to find dark romance that isn't just smut with a dash of plot. I love that we have this dark romance series with billionaire mafia alpha males, and it's no/low spice! And even with the sexy, broody, overprotective men and all the dark business, I still found myself cackling and busting out laughing several times!
Looking forward to more in the series!
⚠️ No cursing, no gore or gratuitous violence
🫑 Kisses only
Thank you so much to the authors for the chance to ARC read!
December 22, 2025
First book I’ve read in the sweet atonement series and I loved it (I just wish there was no extra drama in the end, not a breakup, a kidnapping).
Best quotes: “Barb nods and walks out the door. I walk back to find Mindy asleep. Her steady breaths calm my soul. There can never be a repeat of today again. My heart just can’t handle it. I can see why Vex wants to wrap Dahlia up and carry her around with him everywhere. A future without Mindy in it isn’t one I’d want to live in.”
“I’m scared of all this. What we are. What we aren’t. I can’t even handle the rest of that. I’m just trying to figure out the here and now.” “So, let’s figure it out together.” I reach out and take her hand in mine. “Okay, but after we finish eating.”
“I’m not giving my whole heart to a woman who’s too afraid of tomorrow to give me her own. For now isn’t good enough. I want to spend all of my tomorrows with you. And when things get tough, I don’t want you to give up on me. I want you to fight for our forever like I will be. That can’t happen if you’re planning our end.”
“Maddox leans down as he takes me into his arms. “I think we’ll go with a passionate one this time.” “Only one? How can I be sure it’s real if you only kiss me once?” “True. I’ll have to kiss you every day for the rest of our tomorrows, so you always know my love for you is real.” He sweeps me into his arms, tipping our bodies into the perfect passionate kiss. This is real.”
Best quotes: “Barb nods and walks out the door. I walk back to find Mindy asleep. Her steady breaths calm my soul. There can never be a repeat of today again. My heart just can’t handle it. I can see why Vex wants to wrap Dahlia up and carry her around with him everywhere. A future without Mindy in it isn’t one I’d want to live in.”
“I’m scared of all this. What we are. What we aren’t. I can’t even handle the rest of that. I’m just trying to figure out the here and now.” “So, let’s figure it out together.” I reach out and take her hand in mine. “Okay, but after we finish eating.”
“I’m not giving my whole heart to a woman who’s too afraid of tomorrow to give me her own. For now isn’t good enough. I want to spend all of my tomorrows with you. And when things get tough, I don’t want you to give up on me. I want you to fight for our forever like I will be. That can’t happen if you’re planning our end.”
“Maddox leans down as he takes me into his arms. “I think we’ll go with a passionate one this time.” “Only one? How can I be sure it’s real if you only kiss me once?” “True. I’ll have to kiss you every day for the rest of our tomorrows, so you always know my love for you is real.” He sweeps me into his arms, tipping our bodies into the perfect passionate kiss. This is real.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
I’d never tried a dark romance before - but I’d heard AMAZING things about this series from bookstagrammars I trust… so I gave this book a try and LOVED it! 🥰
Is it dark? Yes, because the MMC in this book fights against the darkness in this world to protect innocent lives, especially women and children. However, he does it in an extrajudicial and permanent way. (Expect a high body count). That being said, none of the descriptions are graphic or gory.
Please see my content warnings before jumping in.
If you love very protective MMCs, you’ll adore Maddox. He will move heaven and earth to protect the people he loves. He is thoughtful, passionate, determined, and very adamant about respect for women.
Mindy is independent, strong, loyal, hardworking, and has never seen true love… until now. ❤️
Expect:
💜 He falls first
💜 Matchmaking & fake dating
💜 Practice kissing
💜Touch her and ☠️
💜 Morally gray MMC
💜 Who did this to you?
💋Kisses only
🚫 No profanity
⚔️ Mild descriptions of violence (no gore or graphic details) but the types of violence are dark
Parts I loved:
❤️ She talks to his pet snakes 🐍
❤️ Chess matches ♟️
❤️ He makes sure she gets delicious food she loves
❤️ He takes care of her and rescues her
❤️ The lessons he gives to his brothers teach respect for women.
❤️ The way he will do anything to save and protect children.
I could not put this book down. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
Is it dark? Yes, because the MMC in this book fights against the darkness in this world to protect innocent lives, especially women and children. However, he does it in an extrajudicial and permanent way. (Expect a high body count). That being said, none of the descriptions are graphic or gory.
Please see my content warnings before jumping in.
If you love very protective MMCs, you’ll adore Maddox. He will move heaven and earth to protect the people he loves. He is thoughtful, passionate, determined, and very adamant about respect for women.
Mindy is independent, strong, loyal, hardworking, and has never seen true love… until now. ❤️
Expect:
💜 He falls first
💜 Matchmaking & fake dating
💜 Practice kissing
💜Touch her and ☠️
💜 Morally gray MMC
💜 Who did this to you?
💋Kisses only
🚫 No profanity
⚔️ Mild descriptions of violence (no gore or graphic details) but the types of violence are dark
Parts I loved:
❤️ She talks to his pet snakes 🐍
❤️ Chess matches ♟️
❤️ He makes sure she gets delicious food she loves
❤️ He takes care of her and rescues her
❤️ The lessons he gives to his brothers teach respect for women.
❤️ The way he will do anything to save and protect children.
I could not put this book down. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
September 5, 2025
I want to start by saying I received a ARC of this book to read. This is a closed door mafia romance book. The main characters are Maddox and Mindy. Mindy is needing a third job and ends up getting one working for Maddox. Maddox is drawn to Mindy when she doesn’t freak out when seeing a snake around his neck. Mindy is hiding something and Maddox has a rat in his gang. Will Mindy open up to Maddox and let him help her? Will Maddox find the rat in his gang? When danger comes will they both make it through alive? Will Maddox be able to keep Mindy safe? Will Mindy give in and open her heart to Maddox and give him a chance? I loved watching them together. Maddox was a tough guy but also a sweetheart. I love books with a protective MMC. I loved how his gang protected women and children. I was nervous at first when I saw he is in a gang as I wondered how they could turn a book like that into a clean romance. The suspense in this book was great. If you follow me you know I love books with suspense. The romance was great. The side characters were great. I myself am not crazy about snakes but it was great for this book. I will say I am not as brave as Mindy. Overall, this was a good book for the first mafia romance I have ever read. If you love mafia, closed door, and suspense then you may like this book. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
May 30, 2025
All my favorite things packed into one book:
- Morally gray
- Touch her & di*
- Slow burn
- Gang leader/mafia vibes
- Swoony without the spice
- Mystery/intrigue
- The intertwining of my favorite characters
If you haven't experienced Urbium/Willow Street, you absolutely should. Wherever you start with Rora Noir/Aurora Darklight's books, just know that they will suck you in to this beautiful world filled with billionaires, mafia bosses, gang leaders, and three crazy old ladies that keep everything running.
Maddox and Mindy are a great pair. I like to describe Maddox as a spicy cinnamon roll. He is so sweet and thoughtful with Mindy, doing everything to love and care for her well, but as soon as someone steps out of line with her he's rolling up with guns blazing.
Mindy is as jaded as they come, completely turned off by the idea of forever. But the series of unfortunate events that is her life forces her to let go of some of that control she's clinging to.
Not only do you get amazing new characters to know and love, but the mystery that is the Darklight world continues to develop in amazing ways!! IYKYK (and if you don't you should.)
All of Aurora Darklight/Rora Noir's books are 5 star reads for me, automatic buys. Once you start connecting the dots, reading and highlighting their books becomes addictive.
- Morally gray
- Touch her & di*
- Slow burn
- Gang leader/mafia vibes
- Swoony without the spice
- Mystery/intrigue
- The intertwining of my favorite characters
If you haven't experienced Urbium/Willow Street, you absolutely should. Wherever you start with Rora Noir/Aurora Darklight's books, just know that they will suck you in to this beautiful world filled with billionaires, mafia bosses, gang leaders, and three crazy old ladies that keep everything running.
Maddox and Mindy are a great pair. I like to describe Maddox as a spicy cinnamon roll. He is so sweet and thoughtful with Mindy, doing everything to love and care for her well, but as soon as someone steps out of line with her he's rolling up with guns blazing.
Mindy is as jaded as they come, completely turned off by the idea of forever. But the series of unfortunate events that is her life forces her to let go of some of that control she's clinging to.
Not only do you get amazing new characters to know and love, but the mystery that is the Darklight world continues to develop in amazing ways!! IYKYK (and if you don't you should.)
All of Aurora Darklight/Rora Noir's books are 5 star reads for me, automatic buys. Once you start connecting the dots, reading and highlighting their books becomes addictive.
May 30, 2025
So much mystery. So much intrigue. So much wondering if they’ll ever find each other.
One of the slowest of slow burns, but Maddox most certainly fell first. And he fell pretty hard. I loved that he wanted to wait for marriage, that he wanted to protect her, to provide for her. I mean, he’s the perfect man. Okay, he might do some bad stuff on the side, and he owns way too many snakes. But if you need a “who did this to you” man, Maddox is your guy.
Mindy has some secrets. Urbium has some secrets. And some of their secrets are intertwined. Poor Mindy has lived a painful life, and pushes herself to the max just to feel secure.
I loved watching Mindy learn to trust Maddox, and especially learning to believe that she is lovable. Her little sisterhood was adorable, and I love how they stood up for her. The twists and turns in this book shook me a little bit! I did not see them coming. I’m looking forward to the bad guys being caught and justice being served!
Thanks to the Darklight sisters for my advanced copy!
One of the slowest of slow burns, but Maddox most certainly fell first. And he fell pretty hard. I loved that he wanted to wait for marriage, that he wanted to protect her, to provide for her. I mean, he’s the perfect man. Okay, he might do some bad stuff on the side, and he owns way too many snakes. But if you need a “who did this to you” man, Maddox is your guy.
Mindy has some secrets. Urbium has some secrets. And some of their secrets are intertwined. Poor Mindy has lived a painful life, and pushes herself to the max just to feel secure.
I loved watching Mindy learn to trust Maddox, and especially learning to believe that she is lovable. Her little sisterhood was adorable, and I love how they stood up for her. The twists and turns in this book shook me a little bit! I did not see them coming. I’m looking forward to the bad guys being caught and justice being served!
Thanks to the Darklight sisters for my advanced copy!
May 20, 2025
This was an easy five star read for me!!! I became obsessed with this world that Rora Noir created and I couldn’t wait for the next couple’s story!
It had so many twists and turns and I loved seeing familiar faces from book one!
I fell so hard for Mindy and Maddox’s love story! It’s so different than Vex and Dahlia’s but it is just as good! His care and devotion and her learning how to trust and depend on him was everything.
Please go back and read Dark Love and then explore the other series these talented sisters have written. There are hints weaved throughout each book and you will be able to notice other familiar characters from them! It was like seeing old friends all over again! I loved that!
Deep emotions , secret pining, who did this to you, and so much more is all wrapped up in this amazing book!
“Dark Endures is a no spice dark suspenseful romance, featuring steamy kisses with a decided lack of cursing and violence.”
ARC Review
It had so many twists and turns and I loved seeing familiar faces from book one!
I fell so hard for Mindy and Maddox’s love story! It’s so different than Vex and Dahlia’s but it is just as good! His care and devotion and her learning how to trust and depend on him was everything.
Please go back and read Dark Love and then explore the other series these talented sisters have written. There are hints weaved throughout each book and you will be able to notice other familiar characters from them! It was like seeing old friends all over again! I loved that!
Deep emotions , secret pining, who did this to you, and so much more is all wrapped up in this amazing book!
“Dark Endures is a no spice dark suspenseful romance, featuring steamy kisses with a decided lack of cursing and violence.”
ARC Review
May 30, 2025
Maddox and Mindy were perfect together. After everything Mindy went through, I loved how gentle and caring Maddox was—just what she needed. In Dark Love, Dahlia needed Vex’s protection, similarly, in Dark Endures, Mindy needed Maddox’s tender care.
One of my favorite things about both books is the way Rora Noir gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the thoughts of the characters. It makes the emotional growth feel so real. Maddox gave me so many heart eyes—he’s such a natural caregiver and truly saw past Mindy’s fake smiles and deflections to her heart. His determination to love her in the way she needed most was beautiful to watch. I loved seeing Mindy slowly let down her guard and begin to believe that love could actually be safe.
The appearances from Vex and Dahlia, Fiona, and especially the hilariously scary Mrs. Wright were such a treat! I love this whole cast of characters and how their stories connect. Another great addition to the series!
One of my favorite things about both books is the way Rora Noir gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the thoughts of the characters. It makes the emotional growth feel so real. Maddox gave me so many heart eyes—he’s such a natural caregiver and truly saw past Mindy’s fake smiles and deflections to her heart. His determination to love her in the way she needed most was beautiful to watch. I loved seeing Mindy slowly let down her guard and begin to believe that love could actually be safe.
The appearances from Vex and Dahlia, Fiona, and especially the hilariously scary Mrs. Wright were such a treat! I love this whole cast of characters and how their stories connect. Another great addition to the series!
May 30, 2025
Maddox and Mindy’s story is packed full of love, pain and happiness. Maddox is the leader of the Blackadders and loves his snakes both venomous and none venomous. Mindy starts as Maddox’s new snake carer but he soon realises that he likes her on a deeper level and although it takes him a while to admit he's falling in love with her. Mindy works 3 jobs and needs somewhere to live after her building gets sold but she doesn’t expect that her roommate is just using her. Mindy goes through some awful situations for her to finally realise her feelings for Maddox and that he is her future and will never let her down. I love all the characters in this book and being introduced to them makes me excited to read the next books that are coming so I can get to know them more and get some answers to the questions left over from this book.
June 1, 2025
You know those books that are just so good you really don’t want them to end? That how this book was for me! I was so sad it had to end🥹
Dark Endures is the second book in the Sweet Atonement Series and is an absolutely fantastic addition to it! I definitely recommend reading book 1 before picking up this one as the same characters are shown in both books!
I fell in love with Maddox and Mindy in this story! Maddox is so caring and I love the morally grey character that he is😍 I was so happy that Mindy got her own book! After meeting her in book 1, I was really hoping she would🫶🏼
Also I just want to point out how absolutely ✨stunning✨ the book covers of this series are🙌🏼 They are so Beautiful💖💖
💜He Falls First
🐍Morally Grey MMC⛓️
☠️Touch Her and Die
🛌One Bed
⛓️Protective MMC
💞Fake Dating
🥰Swoony Cinnamon Roll MMC
Dark Endures is the second book in the Sweet Atonement Series and is an absolutely fantastic addition to it! I definitely recommend reading book 1 before picking up this one as the same characters are shown in both books!
I fell in love with Maddox and Mindy in this story! Maddox is so caring and I love the morally grey character that he is😍 I was so happy that Mindy got her own book! After meeting her in book 1, I was really hoping she would🫶🏼
Also I just want to point out how absolutely ✨stunning✨ the book covers of this series are🙌🏼 They are so Beautiful💖💖
💜He Falls First
🐍Morally Grey MMC⛓️
☠️Touch Her and Die
🛌One Bed
⛓️Protective MMC
💞Fake Dating
🥰Swoony Cinnamon Roll MMC
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5/5)
Review in brazilian portuguese 🇧🇷
O livro conta sobre Maddox e Mindy e a vida que eles levam.
Tem vários gatilhos como tráfico humano, abuso e violência sexual. Devo destacar que tudo isso é off Page. E NÃO tem cenas sexuais. Tem beijos somente após 85% do livro. Não chega nem a ser closed door. Porque não tem nada de cena assim
Entretanto, não deixa de ser um livro dark, porque trata de assuntos bem pesados, como mencionei anteriormente.
Eu até que gostei do livro. Li em algumas horas. Maaaaas, ficou cansativo. Dá metade para o final.
Lembrando que contém morally grey characterS.
Quero sim ler o outro livros do personagens secundários. Creio que vai lançar em novembro ou dezembro.
Quando eu li, estava disponível em inglês no Kindle unlimited.
Review in brazilian portuguese 🇧🇷
O livro conta sobre Maddox e Mindy e a vida que eles levam.
Tem vários gatilhos como tráfico humano, abuso e violência sexual. Devo destacar que tudo isso é off Page. E NÃO tem cenas sexuais. Tem beijos somente após 85% do livro. Não chega nem a ser closed door. Porque não tem nada de cena assim
Entretanto, não deixa de ser um livro dark, porque trata de assuntos bem pesados, como mencionei anteriormente.
Eu até que gostei do livro. Li em algumas horas. Maaaaas, ficou cansativo. Dá metade para o final.
Lembrando que contém morally grey characterS.
Quero sim ler o outro livros do personagens secundários. Creio que vai lançar em novembro ou dezembro.
Quando eu li, estava disponível em inglês no Kindle unlimited.
June 2, 2025
Closed door Mafia romance? What's that??- Me, before reading this book.
Me after reading this book? Very invested, waiting for the next book to come out.
I enjoyed this book so much, I didn't even know when I got to the end. Enjoyed watching Maddox fall for Mindy, enjoyed the dynamic between all those gangs committed to keeping their people safe. Enjoyed the fact that one can be morally grey but still altruistic, and I was sat, attentively, for the 'touch-her-and-die' because that just gets me in my feels.
I loved every aspect of this book. If you want dangerous men doing dangerous things and falling in love while at it (without the gritty language and explicit scenes), you should read this book.
Me after reading this book? Very invested, waiting for the next book to come out.
I enjoyed this book so much, I didn't even know when I got to the end. Enjoyed watching Maddox fall for Mindy, enjoyed the dynamic between all those gangs committed to keeping their people safe. Enjoyed the fact that one can be morally grey but still altruistic, and I was sat, attentively, for the 'touch-her-and-die' because that just gets me in my feels.
I loved every aspect of this book. If you want dangerous men doing dangerous things and falling in love while at it (without the gritty language and explicit scenes), you should read this book.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 Stars!
I really REALLY enjoyed this book! It was quite difficult to put down. The main characters carried over from book 1 and take you on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end! The ending wrapped up surprisingly quickly with no cliffhanger!
Maddox is a brooding, protective MMC while Mindy is a fiery, independent FMC. They mesh together so well and their chemistry flies off the page!
🌶️ Spice: Closed Door / Only Kisses
🤐 Language: None
‼️ There is violence, death, murder, assault, and trafficking is discussed.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading book 1 first so you have a good idea of who everybody is!
5/5 Stars!
I really REALLY enjoyed this book! It was quite difficult to put down. The main characters carried over from book 1 and take you on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end! The ending wrapped up surprisingly quickly with no cliffhanger!
Maddox is a brooding, protective MMC while Mindy is a fiery, independent FMC. They mesh together so well and their chemistry flies off the page!
🌶️ Spice: Closed Door / Only Kisses
🤐 Language: None
‼️ There is violence, death, murder, assault, and trafficking is discussed.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading book 1 first so you have a good idea of who everybody is!
May 30, 2025
In this dark romance you follow the morally gray but swoon worthy Maddox. A man who loves his snakes more than people. Then you have Mindy, the stubborn, prideful, yet loyal FMC. Both trying to make it one day at a time.
Dark Endures is a dark, no spice, suspenseful romance. You have:
🖤Banter
🖤Twists
🖤He falls first
🖤Hidden Identities
🖤Mafia vibes
🖤Slow Burn
You will find in this book murder, abuse, sex trafficking, drugs. They are mentioned but never graphic or praised.
I didn’t think I was into Mafia romances until I started reading Rora Noir books and now I’m in love. I can’t wait for Book 3!!
Dark Endures is a dark, no spice, suspenseful romance. You have:
🖤Banter
🖤Twists
🖤He falls first
🖤Hidden Identities
🖤Mafia vibes
🖤Slow Burn
You will find in this book murder, abuse, sex trafficking, drugs. They are mentioned but never graphic or praised.
I didn’t think I was into Mafia romances until I started reading Rora Noir books and now I’m in love. I can’t wait for Book 3!!
August 7, 2025
Having grown up fascinated by snakes, I absolutely loved that Maddox and Mindy bonded over their shared interest in snakes! I loved how their dynamic changed and developed throughout the story, and that we got to dive deep into how Willow street operates and see more of characters that appeared back in Dark Love.
This book can still be read as a standalone, though.
Highly recommend if you want a adult story with darker themes, mafia vibes, and morally gray men who would kill for their lady without spice or a ton of gore. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in this series!
This book can still be read as a standalone, though.
Highly recommend if you want a adult story with darker themes, mafia vibes, and morally gray men who would kill for their lady without spice or a ton of gore. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in this series!
May 27, 2025
This is a contemporary romance that’s a bit darker than my typical reads. Our hero Maddox is morally grey and runs a sort of gang that takes care of an entire area of the city and they focus on taking care of kids and women - and those that injure those precious souls are fed to the snakes. Our heroine Mindy is in need of a third job after loaning her brother money and she is referred to Maddox to watch over his snakes - the non spicy kind. This book gives us some history for our characters and follows much of their time when they aren’t occasionally seeing each other around the snakes. The romance really took a back seat for much of this book. After a bit we started to see the suspense bleed in along with Maddox’s “killer” side. This was a good book but some areas just felt a little disjointed. There were some family issues, a continuation of some troubles from book 1, and more. I’m interested in the next book. This is a just kisses romance though there was some innuendo and non spicy talk about activities.
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2025
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
This book was truly expected. I normally don't read a lot of suspense novels, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. Even though this book two in the series, the author wrote the characters in way that I was not confused by who was who. They were all well developed and written. The plot was engaging, making this book a page turner. The ending felt a little rushed in the wrap up but was still a satisfying ending. As this is a dark suspense novel, please check out content warnings. The author was very respectful when writing hard topics.
This book was truly expected. I normally don't read a lot of suspense novels, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. Even though this book two in the series, the author wrote the characters in way that I was not confused by who was who. They were all well developed and written. The plot was engaging, making this book a page turner. The ending felt a little rushed in the wrap up but was still a satisfying ending. As this is a dark suspense novel, please check out content warnings. The author was very respectful when writing hard topics.
June 5, 2025
Favorite Quote:
“My hands didn't shake this badly when I was defusing a bomb. Then again, a bomb can only kill me. This woman could shatter me.“
Y’all…. What is it about morally grey men having me in a puddle the entire time they’re on the page??? Because holy cow! Maddox Locke had me in a puddle the entire time he was on the page!
The way that man loves his woman!😍🫠
I want to be just as sassy as Mindy. 😂
🚨-While this is a clean romance, it does handle topics like kidn@pping, human tr@fficking, and violence.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
“My hands didn't shake this badly when I was defusing a bomb. Then again, a bomb can only kill me. This woman could shatter me.“
Y’all…. What is it about morally grey men having me in a puddle the entire time they’re on the page??? Because holy cow! Maddox Locke had me in a puddle the entire time he was on the page!
The way that man loves his woman!😍🫠
I want to be just as sassy as Mindy. 😂
🚨-While this is a clean romance, it does handle topics like kidn@pping, human tr@fficking, and violence.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 30, 2025
thankyou for my ARC copy!
i LOVEDDD this!! At first I was comparing this couple to Vex and dahlia (from book 1) but after a chapters..wellll let's just say Maddox has given Vex a run for his money!
He's just the sweetest!! And I loved Mindys chaotic mind she was hilarious.
Clean, dark romance I definitely reccomend! I cannot wait for the rest of the series, This one has more mystery sprinkled in which I really enjoyed
Trigger warnings:
Mentions of SA, abuse, trafficking, murder.
i LOVEDDD this!! At first I was comparing this couple to Vex and dahlia (from book 1) but after a chapters..wellll let's just say Maddox has given Vex a run for his money!
He's just the sweetest!! And I loved Mindys chaotic mind she was hilarious.
Clean, dark romance I definitely reccomend! I cannot wait for the rest of the series, This one has more mystery sprinkled in which I really enjoyed
Trigger warnings:
Mentions of SA, abuse, trafficking, murder.
June 27, 2025
This mysterious dark romance was an absolute joy to read! I loved the morally gray, main male character, Maddox, and how he falls first for the beautiful yet stubborn, main female character, Mindy. This unlikely couple was able to bond over chess, snakes, and food, which is a unique combination to say the least. The plot twists were amazing, the characters were lovable, and the pacing was brilliant. I truly can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
May 21, 2025
A great continuation of the Sweet Atonement series. It was so fun to get to know Mindy and Maddox better. They are such interesting and lovable characters. While you could probably read this as a stand alone, I would very much recommend reading "Dark Love" first! Once again, a great book from Rora Noir!
June 23, 2025
Maddox and Mindy and their chemistry is what I really loved about this book
If you love a He falls first romance this book is definitely for you, I liked it very much. I love how this author can mesh romance and thriller crime so well in this book. This is the second book of a saga. Mind you this is a dual POV
If you love a He falls first romance this book is definitely for you, I liked it very much. I love how this author can mesh romance and thriller crime so well in this book. This is the second book of a saga. Mind you this is a dual POV
June 30, 2025
Overall, if you are looking for a clean mafia book, this could be the one for you. I liked it, I just didn't love it.
I had trouble matching up the mafia vibes to the clean vibes this time. Things I thought I remembered from book 1 didn't follow into book 2. As much as I loved book 1, I was hoping for the same for book 2. It just didn't work out that way for me.
I had trouble matching up the mafia vibes to the clean vibes this time. Things I thought I remembered from book 1 didn't follow into book 2. As much as I loved book 1, I was hoping for the same for book 2. It just didn't work out that way for me.
August 3, 2025
What a good second book to this series. It felt a bit slower to start with than Vex & Dhalia’s story in Dark Love. Nonetheless Mindy & Maddox’s story was a cute one, reminding the reader that fear has no place in love. We got some more details about some of the side plots from the first book which was good. Especially understanding how Willow Street works. Looking forward to the 3rd story.
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