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The Marino Family #1
Blood & Lace
Keep your friends close. And your next hit closer.
Onyx is more than a pretty face. He's a nightmare wrapped in silk. A face in the shadows. The one that New York calls The Black Widow. Young, handsome, and charming, the world is at his feet. And his last three husbands? Six feet under.
But he doesn't just stop at husbands. Anyone on his list can go. He does it quietly, he does it well, and then he's on to the next.
When Lucero Marino lands in his lap as his next target? He's more than happy to remove scum from the Earth. But things don't go as planned.
Because Lucero only wants one thing in life. Onyx. And he'll do anything to have him.
Including forcing him down the aisle with a smile.
Onyx is more than a pretty face. He's a nightmare wrapped in silk. A face in the shadows. The one that New York calls The Black Widow. Young, handsome, and charming, the world is at his feet. And his last three husbands? Six feet under.
But he doesn't just stop at husbands. Anyone on his list can go. He does it quietly, he does it well, and then he's on to the next.
When Lucero Marino lands in his lap as his next target? He's more than happy to remove scum from the Earth. But things don't go as planned.
Because Lucero only wants one thing in life. Onyx. And he'll do anything to have him.
Including forcing him down the aisle with a smile.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
336 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
About the author
Brea Alepoú
57 books1,886 followersBrea Alepoú realized her dream was to write and tell stories after spending five years in college getting a degree. She has since been writing and letting her imagination free. She thought she would only write contemporary at first but soon found her love for making worlds. So now she writes it all. With her wild imagination, expect lots of different stories, from fairies ruling to vampires killing everyone, to the sweet loving between two men, passion between two fierce women, or the love of multiple partners. She believes that everyone deserves love even if not all of her characters get it right away. Love is passionate, hot, needy, confusing, painful, fulfilling, and all-consuming.
(pnr, contemporary, fantasy, erotica, romance, shifter mpreg, & rh)
There will be a book for everyone.
Insanity is Contagious.
Brea Alepoú
(pnr, contemporary, fantasy, erotica, romance, shifter mpreg, & rh)
There will be a book for everyone.
Insanity is Contagious.
Brea Alepoú
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
November 7, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5 — Love and devotion so intense it should come with a restraining order and a body bag. 💀❤️🔥
🌶 4/5 — Collar, leash, mirror sex, and a 7ft2 simp on his knees? Yeah, it’s that kind of holy experience. 🔥🔗🧎🏻♂️
💭 My Rambling 💭
I swear, every time Brea Alepoú and Skyler Snow drop a new book, my brain cells pack up and leave because I know I’ll be useless till I finish it. 🫠 The Vitale Brothers already owned me, but now? They gave me Lucero and Onyx and said, “Here, choke on this obsession.” 😭🧎🏻♀️
What pulled me in was that ✨️GLORIOUS ROLE REVERSAL✨️—and baby, it delivered. 🤌🏻💋 Lucero completely stole my heart and my last functioning neuron. 💘 I NEED MY OWN LUCERO, STAT. 😫 I devoured this book like it owed me money and still wanted seconds. Also, if the next book is Damian’s, I’m already feral. ❤️🔥
🔫🕷 The MCs 🔫🕷
Onyx — a strict, dominant, power-bottom, vigilante assassin wrapped in a 5'6" (168 cm) twink body who could end you with a smile and perfect eyeliner. He’s danger with a capital D and sassier than a drag queen on caffeine. 💉💅🏻
Lucero — my sweet 7'2" (218 cm) mafia himbo, golden retriever energy, all brawn and laser-focused devotion. This man could snap your neck with his bare hands and not blink. The only softness he’s got is reserved for Onyx and his mama, and everyone else? Good luck surviving that beast. 💪🏻🐻
The size difference? ICONIC. The dynamic? Chef’s kiss. 🤌🏻💋 I’ve never seen “Tiny deadly bottom vs giant loyal top” done this right. This is the role reversal of my dreams, and I will die on this hill. 😌✨️
💞 His Devotion Needs a Leash (and Maybe Therapy 💀) 💘🧎🏻♂️
Quote (Lucero's POV):
"I won't stop trying to end your life."
A grin broke out over my face. "Okay, and I promise to make you the happiest man on this earth."
"What—" Onyx put his hand up as if he wasn't really asking. "Your death will make me happy."
I thought about it, but then I'd be missing out on my time with him. It was a hard choice but I was pretty certain I had to deny him. It physically pained me to do so. My chest felt as if it was clenching and my stomach rolled.
"Sorry, I'd die for you, but I can't right now. I want to spend more time with you."
Onyx looked more perplexed than before.
💭 This. This right here is the most Lucero-and-Onyx shit ever. One’s planning murder, the other’s planning date nights—and somehow it works?! 😭 It’s giving “LOVE LANGUAGE: ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE.” 💀 Lucero out here being like, “I’d literally die for you, just… not today, baby, I need more cuddles.” 🥺 The level of unhinged devotion?? 10/10. Give these psychos their own reality show already. 😂
💀 “Till Death Do Us Part” — And Then I’ll Hunt Death Down Myself 💘⚰️
Quote (Lucero):
I couldn't lose Onyx, not now or ever. I knew for a fact I wouldn't be able to go on without him. And I wasn't some sentimental fuck wad who would live on, I'd race to the Grim Reaper in the hopes of finding him again in the next life.
💭 Lucero didn’t just say ”ride or die”, he said ”die and then ride again.” 😭 This man’s definition of love is “If you stop breathing, I’m booking a one-way trip to the afterlife.” SOMEBODY TELL THE GRIM REAPER TO START LOCKING HIS DAMN DOORS, because this golden retriever himbo is coming in hot and emotionally unstable. 🫠❤️🔥💀
🍋🍰 When the Cake Gets More Action Than You Do 💀🤣
Quote (Lucero's POV):
“Try this,” I said as I took a piece of my lemon lavender cake.
Onyx glared at me but the moment his gaze moved over to the dessert, he licked his lips.
I wished he looked at me like that all the time. He leaned forward, parting his pillowy lips and took the food into his mouth. His pink tongue poked out, swiping to collect any remaining crumbs.
Why wasn’t I born a piece of cake?
💭 Lucero, baby… you’re built of pure muscle and deadly, and you’re out here having an EXISTENTIAL CRISIS OVER A SLICE OF CAKE. 😭 This man went from mafia boss to “PLEASE GOD REINCARNATE ME AS DESSERT” in 0.5 seconds. 🤣 He’s got the loyalty of a golden retriever and the thirst of a man stranded in the desert. 😂💕
🌶🔥 Leash, Lust, and Lucero Losing His Damn Mind 🔗🧎🏻♂️
Quote (Onyx's POV):
“You look so good like this,” I admitted. “My giant toy.”
I clicked the leash onto the O-ring. The moment I did, Lucero was a moaning, hip thrusting mess.
“Come on, watch us in the mirror. Just like that. Look how hard you’re holding onto my thigh. Your dick is so big, so purple.” I laughed. “You’re so desperate for me. Say it. Say you’re desperate.”
“I am,” he choked out. “I need you, Master. Need you to breathe,” he whispered, his eyes suddenly shining. Wet. “Need you so fucking bad, Onyx.”
💭 Onyx really said “heel” and Lucero damn near ascended. 😮💨 The man’s built-like-a-fortress body turned into a trembling puddle the second that leash clicked. The leash, the mirror, the begging—yeah, that wasn’t a scene, that was a religious experience. Bless this unhinged devotion and the therapy bill that’ll follow. 😵🔥🖤
🙄 Things That Had Me Grinding My Teeth 😤
😒 The Foreign Language Whiplash 🌍📖
Look, I signed up for blood, lace, and chaos—not Duolingo lessons, okay? 😭 Every few pages I was out here decoding languages like I was in National Treasure: The Mafia Edition. English is already a mental workout for me, I didn’t need bonus levels, thank you very much. 😭
🤨 Onyx, Babe, Tone It Down 😒💔
I get it, he’s dominant, cool, scary, whatever—but calling Lucero “idiot” and “dumb” every other chapter? Nah. My golden retriever giant deserves better. 😠 You can degrade him in bed, sure, but emotionally? Hands off my sweet himbo, mister assassin man. I was this close to starting a #JusticeForLucero campaign. 😤
📝 TLDR 📝
Give this one a go if you’re into:
🖤 Unhinged devotion — man falls so hard he basically orbits his assassin husband like a lovesick moon.
🔗 Collar, leash, power play, and praise kink — it’s filthy but make it tender (and slightly life-threatening 💀).
🏋🏻♂️ The ultimate role reversal — tiny twink assassin owns a 7'2" mafia tank who calls him Master and means it.
❤️🔥 Murder with feelings — bullets, blood, and poetic confessions.
💍 Already married but somehow still pining — if “marital homicide” and “devotion” had a baby, this book is it.
Basically, if you like your romance bloody, beautiful, and a little batshit, this one’s calling your name. 😈💋
-
Quotes: ⚠️ Spoilers ⛔️
There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Onyx Auclair, the Black Widow of New York, would make me whole. He was the piece that I'd been missing. I'd be the muscle and he'd be the calculating genius I'd dedicate my life to.
-
Lucero scooped me up in his arms. I couldn't do anything but stare at him. When he met my gaze, he lit up all over again. Were... were those tears in his eyes? I bristled.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I just found someone even crazier than me.
-
"Of course I have a hard-on for him. He's the reason I breathe. My everything."
Onyx yanked free, but I wasn't letting him go that easy. I grabbed his hips and twisted him around. "That day I got his calling card tattooed on my skin, right here." I touched my chest where the spider tattoo rested.
-
"I need you, please let me have you. I'll give you anything you want. Please." Desperation saturated every word that dripped from between my lips. "Please. I can't go on anymore without you. Please. Please." The more I begged, the more need sank its sharp claws into my psyche. "Please." I licked my lips as if trying to chase the little bit of him I got. It wasn't enough. I doubted there would ever be enough. "Please, bella. I'll make it good for you." My touches grew bolder with every word out of my mouth. "You can do whatever you want to me. Have me any way you desire. I’ll lay down right here, unguarded. Please."
"Careful, Lucero. If you keep sounding so pathetic and needy, I might take you up on the offer. I'd destroy you."
"Please." A ball of air caught in the middle of my chest. "Break me, make me bleed, scream, beg, whatever you want. I want it all as long as it's you."
-
"Do you want to taste me?"
"Yes."
Onyx collected the bead of precum from his tip with his finger and held it out just above my tongue.
Drop. Please.
"Are you going to be a good boy for me?"
"Yes."
-
He slipped his panties off. "Open."
My lips parted on command and he stuffed them into my mouth. The groan that left me bounced off the walls and reverberated back to us.
"Keep them there till we get home. Take them out or drop them, and I will be going to bed with a dildo instead of you." Onyx scraped his sharp nails over my scalp. "Good boy."
Pleasure raced down my spine, and I groaned. I was going to cum before we even made it home.
-
Since when was sorry enough? Apologies were empty, pointless. They were lies spoken when someone had fucked up and just wanted to make you feel worse, as if you should jump up and embrace them because they uttered two little words. No, thank you.
-
“Hey.” Onyx replaced the ceiling and squatted over me. He cupped my face, turning my head. “What’s wrong?”
I went to shake my head but even that wasn’t working for me. “Nothing.”
“Yes, there is.” He wiped under my eyes, and I realized I panicked to the point of tears.
“I thought you left.”
-
“It’s so moist.”
The cake wasn’t the only thing moist. My boxers were going to be a mess by the time we finished eating.
-
“Did you have fun?” Onyx asked.
“Yes, it was a wonderful first date.”
He sighed. “Compared to all the other dates you’ve been on?”
“Never been.” I closed the fridge and tossed the bags away before heading over to a surprised Onyx.
“What do you mean never? I know you’re not a fucking virgin the way you fuck.”
“No, I wasn’t, but I never went out on dates.” I shrugged. “My ma said dating was for the intent to get married. Never wanted to marry anyone until you.”
Onyx stared at me for a long while. “The more you tell me, the scarier you are.”
-
“My own personal human dildo.” He rubbed his palm in circles over my tip. All I could muster were groans and moans as my hips lifted slightly off the bed. “It even leaks like a whore.”
A needy mewl ripped from the middle of my chest as he continued to play with me.
“Look how wet.” He held his fingers up after collecting some of my precum. The sticky fluid dripped between his fingers. He brought them to his lips and slowly licked every drop up.
-
“Bella, my everything.” I scrambled for words. “More. Ruin me like only you can. Don’t stop. Let me cum. I want to fill you with every drop.” I licked my lips, trying to wet them as words poured out of me without restraint. “I’ll be your toy, your pet, whatever you want. Please let me cum. I’ll be so good for you. Only you. Please. Please.”
-
I couldn't fathom the idea of seeing anyone besides Onyx. Since the day I met him, I knew he was the one for me. Now that I’d had him, I was bound to literally lose my mind without him.
-
"Crawl to the bedroom behind me."
I'd do anything for him. If need be, I'd inch into the room like a lowly worm. As long as I got to keep Onyx, I'd do it all.
-
God, if Lucero had a tail, it would be wagging. He sat on the floor, hands planted perfectly on the wood as he stared up at me expectantly. I couldn’t leave without pushing my fingers through his hair. The moment I did, he leaned into my touch.
“Shit,” I groaned. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
“No, I’ll be the life of you. Master.”
-
“I love you, bella. More than anything in this world. Nothing will ever change that.” He walked away and came back with papers. I took them. They were signed. “If you hadn’t changed your mind tonight, I was going to give those to you,” he whispered. “I love you enough to let you go. Even if it would have killed me.”
Staring at the papers, his signature on them bearing my last name, I started crying all over again. I smacked him with them.
“You’re such a fucking idiot!”
He gave me a lopsided smile. “Of course,” he said softly. “Anything for you.”
I turned the papers and ripped them in half. I never wanted to see them again. Lucero, for all his flaws, was my future.
And I was his.
-
“When you said you were coming here to kill me? All I could think was that if you killed me, I would have died happy. Probably would have cum right before I went. Just for you. Only for you, Onyx.”
“Fuck, you’re goddamn insane. But I love you anyway.”
“Love you. Love you so much. So fucking much. Don’t ever leave again, Onyx. Please, bella. Please.”
“Never. Okay? I promise.”
-
“I love you more than life itself.”
Onyx softened in my hold. “Yeah, I know.” He closed his eyes. “Thank you for everything.” He bit his lip and tilted his head back when he opened his eyes. They were glossy. “Thank you for loving me like this.”
“I always will.”
He chuckled. “You better, freak. We’re married, and I only believe in death, not divorce.”
-
⚠️ Detailed spoilers below ⛔️
RC and MCs:
🔫🕷 MM, strict top/bottom
🔫🕷 Lucero Elvis Marino 28yo and Louis Auclair aka Onyx 27yo
🔫🕷 Lucero: Mafia, 2nd oldest of the Marino family
🔫🕷 Onyx: Assassin, The Black Widow of New York, French-American
🔫🕷 Lucero: Needy top, sub, hazel eyes, short dark brown hair buzzed on the sides, dark facial hair, 7ft2/218cm, dad bod-ish with soft belly but muscular arms and pecs, tatted-up, Italian-American
🔫🕷 Onyx: Power bottom, dom, blue-gray eyes, dimple, platinum blonde hair 5ft6/168cm, twink, pale complexion
Genre, tropes, and microtropes:
🔫🕷 MM contemporary romance
🔫🕷 Dark mafia romance
🔫🕷 Himbo mafia/assassin
🔫🕷 Golden retriever/black cat
🔫🕷 Forced marriage
🔫🕷 Top fell first and fell harder (Lucero)
🔫🕷 One-sided insta-obsession/insta-love
🔫🕷 Massive size difference (Lucero is way bigger than Onyx)
🔫🕷 Protective MC (Lucero)
🔫🕷 Found family
🔫🕷 Hurt/comfort
🔫🕷 Forced proximity
🔫🕷 Codependency
🔫🕷 Separation anxiety
🔫🕷 Extremely J/P obsessive MC (Lucero)
🔫🕷 Mine mine mine
🔫🕷 Touch him and die
🔫🕷 Role reversal
🔫🕷 Smaller dom/bigger sub
🔫🕷 Topping from the bottom
🔫🕷 Onyx is a strict dominant power bottom, while Lucero is a needy clingy sub bottom, who's serving per Onyx's dominance
🔫🕷 Family mafia drama and complex interpersonal relationships within a large family
🔫🕷 Lucero has Onyx's calling card black widow tattooed on his hand and chest
🔫🕷 Lucero cooks and hand-feeds Onyx
🔫🕷 Lucero stalks and obsesses over Onyx for 3 years
🔫🕷 Lucero has been celibate for 3 years since the first time he saw Onyx
🔫🕷 Lucero only gets off with Onyx; he doesn't masturbate
🔫🕷 Begging and pleading. So much begging... 🫦🔥
🔫🕷 Pet names: Bella, baby
Safety info:
🔫🕷 Angst: Medium to high
🔫���� OPD: No
🔫🕷 Cheating/sharing: No
🔫🕷 Third act breakup: Yes
🔫🕷 Ending: HEA
🔫🕷 Epilogue: Yes (1 month later)
🔫🕷 POV: Dual, 1st person
🔫🕷 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks:
BDSM, D/s dynamic, power exchange (dominant power bottom/submissive needy top), feminization (Onxy wears lace panties, wedding dress, hair clips, lingerie, dresses), semi-public sex (in an empty warehouse, in the bathroom of Lucero's main family house, no audience), blowjob, throatfucking, fingering, praise (good boy), lace panties in mouth, mild pain play, mild blood play, bondage (handcuffs), bareback, sneaky frisky at public place (in a cafe/bakery), kitchen sex, coconut oil as lube, collaring (with belt, real leather collar + leash etched with their names), sex toys (gag), degradation (whore), marking (bite marks, nails marks, hickeys), rimming, tonguefucking, coming hands-free, mirror sex, vaseline as lube, spit as lube, spit play
CW/TW:
Explicit sexual content, forced marriage and coerced commitment, murder, torture, violence, mention of a family member SA, manipulation, massive size difference, gore, self-hatred, suicidal ideation, sex near a dead body
🌶 4/5 — Collar, leash, mirror sex, and a 7ft2 simp on his knees? Yeah, it’s that kind of holy experience. 🔥🔗🧎🏻♂️
💭 My Rambling 💭
I swear, every time Brea Alepoú and Skyler Snow drop a new book, my brain cells pack up and leave because I know I’ll be useless till I finish it. 🫠 The Vitale Brothers already owned me, but now? They gave me Lucero and Onyx and said, “Here, choke on this obsession.” 😭🧎🏻♀️
What pulled me in was that ✨️GLORIOUS ROLE REVERSAL✨️—and baby, it delivered. 🤌🏻💋 Lucero completely stole my heart and my last functioning neuron. 💘 I NEED MY OWN LUCERO, STAT. 😫 I devoured this book like it owed me money and still wanted seconds. Also, if the next book is Damian’s, I’m already feral. ❤️🔥
🔫🕷 The MCs 🔫🕷
Onyx — a strict, dominant, power-bottom, vigilante assassin wrapped in a 5'6" (168 cm) twink body who could end you with a smile and perfect eyeliner. He’s danger with a capital D and sassier than a drag queen on caffeine. 💉💅🏻
Lucero — my sweet 7'2" (218 cm) mafia himbo, golden retriever energy, all brawn and laser-focused devotion. This man could snap your neck with his bare hands and not blink. The only softness he’s got is reserved for Onyx and his mama, and everyone else? Good luck surviving that beast. 💪🏻🐻
The size difference? ICONIC. The dynamic? Chef’s kiss. 🤌🏻💋 I’ve never seen “Tiny deadly bottom vs giant loyal top” done this right. This is the role reversal of my dreams, and I will die on this hill. 😌✨️
💞 His Devotion Needs a Leash (and Maybe Therapy 💀) 💘🧎🏻♂️
Quote (Lucero's POV):
"I won't stop trying to end your life."
A grin broke out over my face. "Okay, and I promise to make you the happiest man on this earth."
"What—" Onyx put his hand up as if he wasn't really asking. "Your death will make me happy."
I thought about it, but then I'd be missing out on my time with him. It was a hard choice but I was pretty certain I had to deny him. It physically pained me to do so. My chest felt as if it was clenching and my stomach rolled.
"Sorry, I'd die for you, but I can't right now. I want to spend more time with you."
Onyx looked more perplexed than before.
💭 This. This right here is the most Lucero-and-Onyx shit ever. One’s planning murder, the other’s planning date nights—and somehow it works?! 😭 It’s giving “LOVE LANGUAGE: ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE.” 💀 Lucero out here being like, “I’d literally die for you, just… not today, baby, I need more cuddles.” 🥺 The level of unhinged devotion?? 10/10. Give these psychos their own reality show already. 😂
💀 “Till Death Do Us Part” — And Then I’ll Hunt Death Down Myself 💘⚰️
Quote (Lucero):
I couldn't lose Onyx, not now or ever. I knew for a fact I wouldn't be able to go on without him. And I wasn't some sentimental fuck wad who would live on, I'd race to the Grim Reaper in the hopes of finding him again in the next life.
💭 Lucero didn’t just say ”ride or die”, he said ”die and then ride again.” 😭 This man’s definition of love is “If you stop breathing, I’m booking a one-way trip to the afterlife.” SOMEBODY TELL THE GRIM REAPER TO START LOCKING HIS DAMN DOORS, because this golden retriever himbo is coming in hot and emotionally unstable. 🫠❤️🔥💀
🍋🍰 When the Cake Gets More Action Than You Do 💀🤣
Quote (Lucero's POV):
“Try this,” I said as I took a piece of my lemon lavender cake.
Onyx glared at me but the moment his gaze moved over to the dessert, he licked his lips.
I wished he looked at me like that all the time. He leaned forward, parting his pillowy lips and took the food into his mouth. His pink tongue poked out, swiping to collect any remaining crumbs.
Why wasn’t I born a piece of cake?
💭 Lucero, baby… you’re built of pure muscle and deadly, and you’re out here having an EXISTENTIAL CRISIS OVER A SLICE OF CAKE. 😭 This man went from mafia boss to “PLEASE GOD REINCARNATE ME AS DESSERT” in 0.5 seconds. 🤣 He’s got the loyalty of a golden retriever and the thirst of a man stranded in the desert. 😂💕
🌶🔥 Leash, Lust, and Lucero Losing His Damn Mind 🔗🧎🏻♂️
Quote (Onyx's POV):
“You look so good like this,” I admitted. “My giant toy.”
I clicked the leash onto the O-ring. The moment I did, Lucero was a moaning, hip thrusting mess.
“Come on, watch us in the mirror. Just like that. Look how hard you’re holding onto my thigh. Your dick is so big, so purple.” I laughed. “You’re so desperate for me. Say it. Say you’re desperate.”
“I am,” he choked out. “I need you, Master. Need you to breathe,” he whispered, his eyes suddenly shining. Wet. “Need you so fucking bad, Onyx.”
💭 Onyx really said “heel” and Lucero damn near ascended. 😮💨 The man’s built-like-a-fortress body turned into a trembling puddle the second that leash clicked. The leash, the mirror, the begging—yeah, that wasn’t a scene, that was a religious experience. Bless this unhinged devotion and the therapy bill that’ll follow. 😵🔥🖤
🙄 Things That Had Me Grinding My Teeth 😤
😒 The Foreign Language Whiplash 🌍📖
Look, I signed up for blood, lace, and chaos—not Duolingo lessons, okay? 😭 Every few pages I was out here decoding languages like I was in National Treasure: The Mafia Edition. English is already a mental workout for me, I didn’t need bonus levels, thank you very much. 😭
🤨 Onyx, Babe, Tone It Down 😒💔
I get it, he’s dominant, cool, scary, whatever—but calling Lucero “idiot” and “dumb” every other chapter? Nah. My golden retriever giant deserves better. 😠 You can degrade him in bed, sure, but emotionally? Hands off my sweet himbo, mister assassin man. I was this close to starting a #JusticeForLucero campaign. 😤
📝 TLDR 📝
Give this one a go if you’re into:
🖤 Unhinged devotion — man falls so hard he basically orbits his assassin husband like a lovesick moon.
🔗 Collar, leash, power play, and praise kink — it’s filthy but make it tender (and slightly life-threatening 💀).
🏋🏻♂️ The ultimate role reversal — tiny twink assassin owns a 7'2" mafia tank who calls him Master and means it.
❤️🔥 Murder with feelings — bullets, blood, and poetic confessions.
💍 Already married but somehow still pining — if “marital homicide” and “devotion” had a baby, this book is it.
Basically, if you like your romance bloody, beautiful, and a little batshit, this one’s calling your name. 😈💋
-
Quotes: ⚠️ Spoilers ⛔️
There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Onyx Auclair, the Black Widow of New York, would make me whole. He was the piece that I'd been missing. I'd be the muscle and he'd be the calculating genius I'd dedicate my life to.
-
Lucero scooped me up in his arms. I couldn't do anything but stare at him. When he met my gaze, he lit up all over again. Were... were those tears in his eyes? I bristled.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I just found someone even crazier than me.
-
"Of course I have a hard-on for him. He's the reason I breathe. My everything."
Onyx yanked free, but I wasn't letting him go that easy. I grabbed his hips and twisted him around. "That day I got his calling card tattooed on my skin, right here." I touched my chest where the spider tattoo rested.
-
"I need you, please let me have you. I'll give you anything you want. Please." Desperation saturated every word that dripped from between my lips. "Please. I can't go on anymore without you. Please. Please." The more I begged, the more need sank its sharp claws into my psyche. "Please." I licked my lips as if trying to chase the little bit of him I got. It wasn't enough. I doubted there would ever be enough. "Please, bella. I'll make it good for you." My touches grew bolder with every word out of my mouth. "You can do whatever you want to me. Have me any way you desire. I’ll lay down right here, unguarded. Please."
"Careful, Lucero. If you keep sounding so pathetic and needy, I might take you up on the offer. I'd destroy you."
"Please." A ball of air caught in the middle of my chest. "Break me, make me bleed, scream, beg, whatever you want. I want it all as long as it's you."
-
"Do you want to taste me?"
"Yes."
Onyx collected the bead of precum from his tip with his finger and held it out just above my tongue.
Drop. Please.
"Are you going to be a good boy for me?"
"Yes."
-
He slipped his panties off. "Open."
My lips parted on command and he stuffed them into my mouth. The groan that left me bounced off the walls and reverberated back to us.
"Keep them there till we get home. Take them out or drop them, and I will be going to bed with a dildo instead of you." Onyx scraped his sharp nails over my scalp. "Good boy."
Pleasure raced down my spine, and I groaned. I was going to cum before we even made it home.
-
Since when was sorry enough? Apologies were empty, pointless. They were lies spoken when someone had fucked up and just wanted to make you feel worse, as if you should jump up and embrace them because they uttered two little words. No, thank you.
-
“Hey.” Onyx replaced the ceiling and squatted over me. He cupped my face, turning my head. “What’s wrong?”
I went to shake my head but even that wasn’t working for me. “Nothing.”
“Yes, there is.” He wiped under my eyes, and I realized I panicked to the point of tears.
“I thought you left.”
-
“It’s so moist.”
The cake wasn’t the only thing moist. My boxers were going to be a mess by the time we finished eating.
-
“Did you have fun?” Onyx asked.
“Yes, it was a wonderful first date.”
He sighed. “Compared to all the other dates you’ve been on?”
“Never been.” I closed the fridge and tossed the bags away before heading over to a surprised Onyx.
“What do you mean never? I know you’re not a fucking virgin the way you fuck.”
“No, I wasn’t, but I never went out on dates.” I shrugged. “My ma said dating was for the intent to get married. Never wanted to marry anyone until you.”
Onyx stared at me for a long while. “The more you tell me, the scarier you are.”
-
“My own personal human dildo.” He rubbed his palm in circles over my tip. All I could muster were groans and moans as my hips lifted slightly off the bed. “It even leaks like a whore.”
A needy mewl ripped from the middle of my chest as he continued to play with me.
“Look how wet.” He held his fingers up after collecting some of my precum. The sticky fluid dripped between his fingers. He brought them to his lips and slowly licked every drop up.
-
“Bella, my everything.” I scrambled for words. “More. Ruin me like only you can. Don’t stop. Let me cum. I want to fill you with every drop.” I licked my lips, trying to wet them as words poured out of me without restraint. “I’ll be your toy, your pet, whatever you want. Please let me cum. I’ll be so good for you. Only you. Please. Please.”
-
I couldn't fathom the idea of seeing anyone besides Onyx. Since the day I met him, I knew he was the one for me. Now that I’d had him, I was bound to literally lose my mind without him.
-
"Crawl to the bedroom behind me."
I'd do anything for him. If need be, I'd inch into the room like a lowly worm. As long as I got to keep Onyx, I'd do it all.
-
God, if Lucero had a tail, it would be wagging. He sat on the floor, hands planted perfectly on the wood as he stared up at me expectantly. I couldn’t leave without pushing my fingers through his hair. The moment I did, he leaned into my touch.
“Shit,” I groaned. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
“No, I’ll be the life of you. Master.”
-
“I love you, bella. More than anything in this world. Nothing will ever change that.” He walked away and came back with papers. I took them. They were signed. “If you hadn’t changed your mind tonight, I was going to give those to you,” he whispered. “I love you enough to let you go. Even if it would have killed me.”
Staring at the papers, his signature on them bearing my last name, I started crying all over again. I smacked him with them.
“You’re such a fucking idiot!”
He gave me a lopsided smile. “Of course,” he said softly. “Anything for you.”
I turned the papers and ripped them in half. I never wanted to see them again. Lucero, for all his flaws, was my future.
And I was his.
-
“When you said you were coming here to kill me? All I could think was that if you killed me, I would have died happy. Probably would have cum right before I went. Just for you. Only for you, Onyx.”
“Fuck, you’re goddamn insane. But I love you anyway.”
“Love you. Love you so much. So fucking much. Don’t ever leave again, Onyx. Please, bella. Please.”
“Never. Okay? I promise.”
-
“I love you more than life itself.”
Onyx softened in my hold. “Yeah, I know.” He closed his eyes. “Thank you for everything.” He bit his lip and tilted his head back when he opened his eyes. They were glossy. “Thank you for loving me like this.”
“I always will.”
He chuckled. “You better, freak. We’re married, and I only believe in death, not divorce.”
-
⚠️ Detailed spoilers below ⛔️
RC and MCs:
🔫🕷 MM, strict top/bottom
🔫🕷 Lucero Elvis Marino 28yo and Louis Auclair aka Onyx 27yo
🔫🕷 Lucero: Mafia, 2nd oldest of the Marino family
🔫🕷 Onyx: Assassin, The Black Widow of New York, French-American
🔫🕷 Lucero: Needy top, sub, hazel eyes, short dark brown hair buzzed on the sides, dark facial hair, 7ft2/218cm, dad bod-ish with soft belly but muscular arms and pecs, tatted-up, Italian-American
🔫🕷 Onyx: Power bottom, dom, blue-gray eyes, dimple, platinum blonde hair 5ft6/168cm, twink, pale complexion
Genre, tropes, and microtropes:
🔫🕷 MM contemporary romance
🔫🕷 Dark mafia romance
🔫🕷 Himbo mafia/assassin
🔫🕷 Golden retriever/black cat
🔫🕷 Forced marriage
🔫🕷 Top fell first and fell harder (Lucero)
🔫🕷 One-sided insta-obsession/insta-love
🔫🕷 Massive size difference (Lucero is way bigger than Onyx)
🔫🕷 Protective MC (Lucero)
🔫🕷 Found family
🔫🕷 Hurt/comfort
🔫🕷 Forced proximity
🔫🕷 Codependency
🔫🕷 Separation anxiety
🔫🕷 Extremely J/P obsessive MC (Lucero)
🔫🕷 Mine mine mine
🔫🕷 Touch him and die
🔫🕷 Role reversal
🔫🕷 Smaller dom/bigger sub
🔫🕷 Topping from the bottom
🔫🕷 Onyx is a strict dominant power bottom, while Lucero is a needy clingy sub bottom, who's serving per Onyx's dominance
🔫🕷 Family mafia drama and complex interpersonal relationships within a large family
🔫🕷 Lucero has Onyx's calling card black widow tattooed on his hand and chest
🔫🕷 Lucero cooks and hand-feeds Onyx
🔫🕷 Lucero stalks and obsesses over Onyx for 3 years
🔫🕷 Lucero has been celibate for 3 years since the first time he saw Onyx
🔫🕷 Lucero only gets off with Onyx; he doesn't masturbate
🔫🕷 Begging and pleading. So much begging... 🫦🔥
🔫🕷 Pet names: Bella, baby
Safety info:
🔫🕷 Angst: Medium to high
🔫���� OPD: No
🔫🕷 Cheating/sharing: No
🔫🕷 Third act breakup: Yes
🔫🕷 Ending: HEA
🔫🕷 Epilogue: Yes (1 month later)
🔫🕷 POV: Dual, 1st person
🔫🕷 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks:
BDSM, D/s dynamic, power exchange (dominant power bottom/submissive needy top), feminization (Onxy wears lace panties, wedding dress, hair clips, lingerie, dresses), semi-public sex (in an empty warehouse, in the bathroom of Lucero's main family house, no audience), blowjob, throatfucking, fingering, praise (good boy), lace panties in mouth, mild pain play, mild blood play, bondage (handcuffs), bareback, sneaky frisky at public place (in a cafe/bakery), kitchen sex, coconut oil as lube, collaring (with belt, real leather collar + leash etched with their names), sex toys (gag), degradation (whore), marking (bite marks, nails marks, hickeys), rimming, tonguefucking, coming hands-free, mirror sex, vaseline as lube, spit as lube, spit play
CW/TW:
Explicit sexual content, forced marriage and coerced commitment, murder, torture, violence, mention of a family member SA, manipulation, massive size difference, gore, self-hatred, suicidal ideation, sex near a dead body
September 17, 2025
Brea Alepou and Skyler Snow write like no others when it comes to obsessive, unhinged men! This dark mafia romance gave me everything I was craving. It is dark, twisted, and i could not put it down.
Lucero is completely unhinged,crazy, psychotic, a stalker who forces Onyx into marriage, yet he’s utterly whipped by him. Their relationship is messy, violent, deranged & addictive to read. I loved how obsessed Lucero was with Onyx; it was insane, but I ate it up. Knowing he’s a 7'2" powerhouse who melts at every word Onyx speaks just added to the craziness of it all. Fierce & feminine Onyx had no idea what hit him when Lucero entered his life.
The spice in this book is sizzling hot but it doesn’t take anything away from the actual story! I loved the amount of sass Onyx had & the whole Marino family completely won me over. Watching their crazy relationship grow was everything, it was a wild ride of bloodshed, arguments, begging, and lots of spice.
This book was addictive & I can not wait to get more from this series.
Lucero is completely unhinged,crazy, psychotic, a stalker who forces Onyx into marriage, yet he’s utterly whipped by him. Their relationship is messy, violent, deranged & addictive to read. I loved how obsessed Lucero was with Onyx; it was insane, but I ate it up. Knowing he’s a 7'2" powerhouse who melts at every word Onyx speaks just added to the craziness of it all. Fierce & feminine Onyx had no idea what hit him when Lucero entered his life.
The spice in this book is sizzling hot but it doesn’t take anything away from the actual story! I loved the amount of sass Onyx had & the whole Marino family completely won me over. Watching their crazy relationship grow was everything, it was a wild ride of bloodshed, arguments, begging, and lots of spice.
This book was addictive & I can not wait to get more from this series.
September 14, 2025
4.25⭐️
Obsessive love, forced marriage, violence-loving characters, and intense action and spice—all the things you expect from a Skylar and Brea book can be found in Blood and Lace!
Onyx is known as the Black Widow for a reason—his husbands (and a multitude of other targets) end up six feet under. So why is Lucero, a son of the Marino mafia family, so keen to force him into a marriage?
This book wastes no time jumping into the intense relationship between Onyx and Lucero. The plot balances their relationship development perfectly with Onyx’s drive for revenge, and learning to be a part of a real family.
You’re going to get:
-assassin / mafia son
-bossy, dom power bottom / needy obsessive top
-insane size difference (Lucero is 7 feet 2 inches 👀)
-one sided insta-love / obsession
-violence (against bad people 😈)
-family shenanigans
-forced marriage
If you love a character that’s obsessed with their partner, you’re going to eat this book UP! Lucero will do literally anything for his husband. He’s needy and worshipful to the point of it being all-consuming and pathetic. Onyx can do pretty much anything, ask for pretty much anything, say pretty much anything, and Lucero will just say, “Yes, Master.” He’s simple minded, and in this case, it totally works.
Onyx is more complicated and layered, and his development, as well as his relationship with his brother, make him a character you will definitely sympathize with. I LOVE it when a femme character is absolutely badass, and he fits this to a T!
Definitely pick this book up on the 17th when it drops! There’s never a dull moment!
Obsessive love, forced marriage, violence-loving characters, and intense action and spice—all the things you expect from a Skylar and Brea book can be found in Blood and Lace!
Onyx is known as the Black Widow for a reason—his husbands (and a multitude of other targets) end up six feet under. So why is Lucero, a son of the Marino mafia family, so keen to force him into a marriage?
This book wastes no time jumping into the intense relationship between Onyx and Lucero. The plot balances their relationship development perfectly with Onyx’s drive for revenge, and learning to be a part of a real family.
You’re going to get:
-assassin / mafia son
-bossy, dom power bottom / needy obsessive top
-insane size difference (Lucero is 7 feet 2 inches 👀)
-one sided insta-love / obsession
-violence (against bad people 😈)
-family shenanigans
-forced marriage
If you love a character that’s obsessed with their partner, you’re going to eat this book UP! Lucero will do literally anything for his husband. He’s needy and worshipful to the point of it being all-consuming and pathetic. Onyx can do pretty much anything, ask for pretty much anything, say pretty much anything, and Lucero will just say, “Yes, Master.” He’s simple minded, and in this case, it totally works.
Onyx is more complicated and layered, and his development, as well as his relationship with his brother, make him a character you will definitely sympathize with. I LOVE it when a femme character is absolutely badass, and he fits this to a T!
Definitely pick this book up on the 17th when it drops! There’s never a dull moment!
September 26, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ
I pray to whoever listens that these gorgeous women NEVER stop writing together. PLEASE and thank you. 😩🙏🏻
I pray to whoever listens that these gorgeous women NEVER stop writing together. PLEASE and thank you. 😩🙏🏻
October 28, 2025
Read in another buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
This was a return to form for these ladies. The last book I read, which was the last Vitale brothers book (before this last one coming up with their father), didn't go well overall, so diving into this new spin-off series about another upcoming Italian crime family, the Marino's, was something I was perhaps wary of but hoping for the best.
Thankfully this one was firing on all cylinders. I couldn't get enough of this from the beginning, and it was a very easy, fun read.
I loved Lucero and Onyx's connection from the beginning.
Now in true dark romance fashion, we're dealing with murderers here, so their morals are a bit skewed for the most part.
So Lucero met Onyx 3 years prior - although Onyx was very drunk so he does not remember meeting Lucero in turn - and for Lucero it was love at first sight. He became obsessed with Onyx.
Lucero is this big, hulking man (he's freaking 7 feet 2 inches tall 😱) and he's perhaps a bit on the oblivious side sometimes. He gets called dumb, but I don't quite like that description of him. I think he does have intelligence, he just maybe doesn't pick up on social cues as others do, and he might have a learning disability, although the book doesn't go into if he for sure does or not.
He can be pretty brutal when needed, they are the mafia after all. And sometimes he doesn't know his own strength.
But when it comes to his family, and especially when it comes to Onyx? He's a big, sweet loyal puppy dog.
He will do anything and everything for Onyx (except, well...divorce him in any way.) Which - be prepared for this not being normal or healthy, because Lucero basically - not basically, he DOES - kidnaps Onyx, drags him to a church and forces him to marry Lucero.
For Lucero, he's been obsessed and in love for 3 whole years. It doesn't feel crazy to him, because he's been waiting forever to marry Onyx. He's also a total stalker of him and takes a ton of pictures and videos of him, unabashedly - he is a bit embarrassed at first of Onyx finding out he does and did, but once Onyx knows just how insane Lucero is when it comes to him, Lucero just kinda drops the pretense and let's his freak flag fly.
But Onyx isn't ordinary either. He does want a divorce at first - I mean, who wouldn't in the way he was forced to marry Lucero? - but he's also had a really tough childhood and he feels it's better not to fall in love or marry anyone, and being alone is best. He has walls up very, VERY high and very thick.
Lucero, though, is like a bull in a china shop when it comes to Onyx. He will not be swayed, he comes in determinedly and immovably - as in he's not going anywhere, no matter what. He's devoted to Onyx in every sense of the word.
Any normal person would be scared out of their minds of Lucero and freaked the fucked out. Onyx might be a bit like "what the fuck?" (okay, a lot) but he also can't help but like Lucero's devotion and loyalty and sweetness. He can't help but love his fierce protectiveness and that he would do anything, absolutely anything for Onyx.
Their chemistry was off the charts good, and I LOVED their dynamic. Onyx is only 5'6", so Lucero is almost 2 feet taller than Onyx - that's huge - and Onyx is the strict bottom, but he's totally and completely the dominant one in their relationship. Lucero is totally at Onyx's mercy at every turn, even as he is the one to top Onyx.
I absolutely loved that dynamic. It totally, one hundred percent fit their characters, and nothing ever felt forced, and so their sex scenes were always top notch, and sexy as fuck. Onyx totally fit the dominant image while taking it up the ass and Lucero would always be submissive to Onyx no matter what, while sticking his cock up Onyx's ass.
*chef's kiss* Perfection!
There's some bit of angst, with Onyx's brother and by extension Onyx's father, who is a bastard and he's in town trying to stir up shit. I won't say more to keep that up to reader's finding out all that mess on their own, but let's just say that once Onyx has Lucero and Lucero's family at his back, no one is messing with him or his brother ever again.
I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series. I liked Nash and wonder who will turn his head. (He's an adopted brother of the family so if we happen to get an adopted brother, pseudo-incest romance...I wouldn't be opposed, just saying!) If not Nash and a brother, then another adopted brother...justtty saying ladies (The Marinos have a few biological children, Lucero is one of them, but they also have quite a lot of adopted children as well).
I also can't wait to someday get Adam's story is well. Did we get a hint that his LI might be Dominique? (one of the Marino brothers) Well, guess we'll see...
Until then! 😘
This was a return to form for these ladies. The last book I read, which was the last Vitale brothers book (before this last one coming up with their father), didn't go well overall, so diving into this new spin-off series about another upcoming Italian crime family, the Marino's, was something I was perhaps wary of but hoping for the best.
Thankfully this one was firing on all cylinders. I couldn't get enough of this from the beginning, and it was a very easy, fun read.
I loved Lucero and Onyx's connection from the beginning.
Now in true dark romance fashion, we're dealing with murderers here, so their morals are a bit skewed for the most part.
So Lucero met Onyx 3 years prior - although Onyx was very drunk so he does not remember meeting Lucero in turn - and for Lucero it was love at first sight. He became obsessed with Onyx.
Lucero is this big, hulking man (he's freaking 7 feet 2 inches tall 😱) and he's perhaps a bit on the oblivious side sometimes. He gets called dumb, but I don't quite like that description of him. I think he does have intelligence, he just maybe doesn't pick up on social cues as others do, and he might have a learning disability, although the book doesn't go into if he for sure does or not.
He can be pretty brutal when needed, they are the mafia after all. And sometimes he doesn't know his own strength.
But when it comes to his family, and especially when it comes to Onyx? He's a big, sweet loyal puppy dog.
He will do anything and everything for Onyx (except, well...divorce him in any way.) Which - be prepared for this not being normal or healthy, because Lucero basically - not basically, he DOES - kidnaps Onyx, drags him to a church and forces him to marry Lucero.
For Lucero, he's been obsessed and in love for 3 whole years. It doesn't feel crazy to him, because he's been waiting forever to marry Onyx. He's also a total stalker of him and takes a ton of pictures and videos of him, unabashedly - he is a bit embarrassed at first of Onyx finding out he does and did, but once Onyx knows just how insane Lucero is when it comes to him, Lucero just kinda drops the pretense and let's his freak flag fly.
But Onyx isn't ordinary either. He does want a divorce at first - I mean, who wouldn't in the way he was forced to marry Lucero? - but he's also had a really tough childhood and he feels it's better not to fall in love or marry anyone, and being alone is best. He has walls up very, VERY high and very thick.
Lucero, though, is like a bull in a china shop when it comes to Onyx. He will not be swayed, he comes in determinedly and immovably - as in he's not going anywhere, no matter what. He's devoted to Onyx in every sense of the word.
Any normal person would be scared out of their minds of Lucero and freaked the fucked out. Onyx might be a bit like "what the fuck?" (okay, a lot) but he also can't help but like Lucero's devotion and loyalty and sweetness. He can't help but love his fierce protectiveness and that he would do anything, absolutely anything for Onyx.
Their chemistry was off the charts good, and I LOVED their dynamic. Onyx is only 5'6", so Lucero is almost 2 feet taller than Onyx - that's huge - and Onyx is the strict bottom, but he's totally and completely the dominant one in their relationship. Lucero is totally at Onyx's mercy at every turn, even as he is the one to top Onyx.
I absolutely loved that dynamic. It totally, one hundred percent fit their characters, and nothing ever felt forced, and so their sex scenes were always top notch, and sexy as fuck. Onyx totally fit the dominant image while taking it up the ass and Lucero would always be submissive to Onyx no matter what, while sticking his cock up Onyx's ass.
*chef's kiss* Perfection!
There's some bit of angst, with Onyx's brother and by extension Onyx's father, who is a bastard and he's in town trying to stir up shit. I won't say more to keep that up to reader's finding out all that mess on their own, but let's just say that once Onyx has Lucero and Lucero's family at his back, no one is messing with him or his brother ever again.
I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series. I liked Nash and wonder who will turn his head. (He's an adopted brother of the family so if we happen to get an adopted brother, pseudo-incest romance...I wouldn't be opposed, just saying!) If not Nash and a brother, then another adopted brother...justtty saying ladies (The Marinos have a few biological children, Lucero is one of them, but they also have quite a lot of adopted children as well).
I also can't wait to someday get Adam's story is well. Did we get a hint that his LI might be Dominique? (one of the Marino brothers) Well, guess we'll see...
Until then! 😘
September 25, 2025
5.0 ⭐️ | 3.75 🌶️
-forced marriage
-mafia x hired killer
-himbo top x power bottom
-strict
- found family
-a little bit of feminization
Sweet, spicy and sexy. Definitely a popcorn read, Lucero is all kinds of whipped and obsessed mafia member and he has me laughing out loud. He's like a giant killer teddy bear. Partnered with Onyx, his sassy, hot and also unhinged male wife and you got yourself a romantic action comedy story. I love the Marino family, they may a little bit rough around the edges but their no sense of personal space is what makes their family so adorable.
TW: r@pe, blood, pedophilia, guns
-forced marriage
-mafia x hired killer
-himbo top x power bottom
-strict
- found family
-a little bit of feminization
Sweet, spicy and sexy. Definitely a popcorn read, Lucero is all kinds of whipped and obsessed mafia member and he has me laughing out loud. He's like a giant killer teddy bear. Partnered with Onyx, his sassy, hot and also unhinged male wife and you got yourself a romantic action comedy story. I love the Marino family, they may a little bit rough around the edges but their no sense of personal space is what makes their family so adorable.
TW: r@pe, blood, pedophilia, guns
September 24, 2025
This couple was so wackadoodle man. You have a tiny little assassin with some major black cat energy thats caught the eye and heart of a ginormous mafia man. And that's it. Poor Lucero is so far gone for Onyx that there is nothing in the world that will stop him from claiming him as his own. Now, that sounds like the making of a dark and seedy romance but not so fast, because our Lucero is an absolute puppy. I mean, at times it was borderline sad how much abuse he took from Onyx. To be fair though, he brought it upon himself!
I almost put the book down for that reason, but I was so curious that I had to keep on and I am glad I did because as the story unfolds we learn the reasons behind Onyx and his venom and it makes total sense. So the slow emotional burn (well one side anyway) of these two was very satisfying to read, so that by the end when feelings are felt, you are estatic. You are rooting for Lucero like no other.
The family dynamics are great, and its a big family so I am excited to see who gets the next story and where its gonna go. I have a feeling its gonna be a lot of fun, just like that Vitale series.
Contemporary MM
Forced Marriage
One Sided Obsession
Needy & Possessive
Massive Size Difference
Possessive/Protective
Found Family
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I almost put the book down for that reason, but I was so curious that I had to keep on and I am glad I did because as the story unfolds we learn the reasons behind Onyx and his venom and it makes total sense. So the slow emotional burn (well one side anyway) of these two was very satisfying to read, so that by the end when feelings are felt, you are estatic. You are rooting for Lucero like no other.
The family dynamics are great, and its a big family so I am excited to see who gets the next story and where its gonna go. I have a feeling its gonna be a lot of fun, just like that Vitale series.
Contemporary MM
Forced Marriage
One Sided Obsession
Needy & Possessive
Massive Size Difference
Possessive/Protective
Found Family
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
September 17, 2025
We do it better!...
Yes you did, way better, love this book I need a Lucero in my life ❤️ he so endearing love him and Onix was so good for him, glad that they workout so well....
Yup I'm already a fan of The Mariano Family...
Yes you did, way better, love this book I need a Lucero in my life ❤️ he so endearing love him and Onix was so good for him, glad that they workout so well....
Yup I'm already a fan of The Mariano Family...
September 24, 2025
WHERE CAN I GET ME A LUCERO!?
Omg this was so freaking perfect! Lucero is my new favorite character. That man needs to be protected at all costs.
I know it’s probably concerning that I’m fangirling over a man who kidnapped, forced married the man hired to kill him and loved and doted on him. How dare he? GASP
Lucero Marino fell head over heels in love with Onyx Auclair. A deadly twink serial unaliver who took out the NYC trash. His mission was to rid the city of the men who hurt those who couldn’t help themselves.
One of his missions was to unalive Lucero who was targeted as pedo. Onyx’s Achilles heel. He despised them the most and wouldn’t even think twice about getting rid of them.
What Onyx didn’t expect was to be kidnapped and force to marry the mountain of a man. Much less fall in love with him. Lucero Marino was everything Onyx didn’t dare to want. His guilt wouldn’t allow him to be happy.
Lucero saw the real Onyx. The man who wanted to protect and get justice for those who were hurt. He knew his Bella deserved all the love and attention and he was more than happy to provide it.
Not only did he make sure Onyx ate right, but he also wouldn’t allow him to engage in self-hate talk. He made sure Onyx knew how wonderful and beautiful he was. And that alone made me love him more.
“I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU”
God, the way he kept telling Onyx he loved him all the time, even if he wouldn’t say it back, just showed how much Lucero really loved Onyx.
I’m so in love with this story. Love unhinged men that would burn the world for their lover. Lucero knew Onyx was his forever and even though his methods were a “bit” unorthodox, in the end he was right. Onyx needed him just as much as Lucero needed Onyx.
K1llers that K1ll together, stay together. Who said romance was dead?😆
Omg this was so freaking perfect! Lucero is my new favorite character. That man needs to be protected at all costs.
I know it’s probably concerning that I’m fangirling over a man who kidnapped, forced married the man hired to kill him and loved and doted on him. How dare he? GASP
Lucero Marino fell head over heels in love with Onyx Auclair. A deadly twink serial unaliver who took out the NYC trash. His mission was to rid the city of the men who hurt those who couldn’t help themselves.
One of his missions was to unalive Lucero who was targeted as pedo. Onyx’s Achilles heel. He despised them the most and wouldn’t even think twice about getting rid of them.
What Onyx didn’t expect was to be kidnapped and force to marry the mountain of a man. Much less fall in love with him. Lucero Marino was everything Onyx didn’t dare to want. His guilt wouldn’t allow him to be happy.
Lucero saw the real Onyx. The man who wanted to protect and get justice for those who were hurt. He knew his Bella deserved all the love and attention and he was more than happy to provide it.
Not only did he make sure Onyx ate right, but he also wouldn’t allow him to engage in self-hate talk. He made sure Onyx knew how wonderful and beautiful he was. And that alone made me love him more.
“I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU”
God, the way he kept telling Onyx he loved him all the time, even if he wouldn’t say it back, just showed how much Lucero really loved Onyx.
I’m so in love with this story. Love unhinged men that would burn the world for their lover. Lucero knew Onyx was his forever and even though his methods were a “bit” unorthodox, in the end he was right. Onyx needed him just as much as Lucero needed Onyx.
K1llers that K1ll together, stay together. Who said romance was dead?😆
dnf
September 23, 2025I think the premise had potential, but the execution is the reason I am dropping it.
The writting feels juvenile and as if it's trying to be a romcom but turned out a bad one. I don't think comedy and darkish themes have been mixed well here, and it's something I particularly don't like anyway. I couldn't take anything seriously and it made me have a hard time trying to be interested in them because the MCs felt like caricatures.
I was drawn to the idea of a gorgeous witty assassin and a big deranged mafia himbo who worships the ground he walks on. However, the way they interact and how it's barely been like a day since they met and the supossed "fierce and smarter" MC is already feeling lust for the man he doesn't want to be with makes me cringe. It's a no from me.
The writting feels juvenile and as if it's trying to be a romcom but turned out a bad one. I don't think comedy and darkish themes have been mixed well here, and it's something I particularly don't like anyway. I couldn't take anything seriously and it made me have a hard time trying to be interested in them because the MCs felt like caricatures.
I was drawn to the idea of a gorgeous witty assassin and a big deranged mafia himbo who worships the ground he walks on. However, the way they interact and how it's barely been like a day since they met and the supossed "fierce and smarter" MC is already feeling lust for the man he doesn't want to be with makes me cringe. It's a no from me.
October 12, 2025
This one was such a surprise hit for me. It gave me total Vitale Brothers vibes — and since that series already lives rent-free in my brain, this book felt like coming home to the same brand of beautiful chaos.
I really loved Lucero — this big, unhinged, golden-retriever-of-a-man who was completely mesmerized by Onyx. Like, in his eyes, Onyx could do no wrong. He’s beautiful when he’s angry, beautiful when he’s crying, beautiful when he’s plotting murder. The man was basically worshipping him.
Onyx, on the other hand, took his sweet time thawing out. Cold at first, then slowly cracking, melting bit by bit until you could see how deep he was falling for Lucero. And it was so satisfying to watch that shift.
Now, my only real gripe — and the reason this didn’t hit five stars — was the nonstop “you’re so dumb” commentary. Like, we get it, he’s a little slow and sees things differently , but calling him dumb every few pages? Not cute. And Lucero didn’t even seem offended! Meanwhile, I’m sitting there personally offended on his behalf.
Anyway, the rest? 🔥🔥🔥 The steam was steaming. The size difference? Perfect. The dynamic? Deliciously flipped — Onyx is the elegant beautiful sexy and bossy dominant one, and our giant golden retriever is his, drooling mess of a sub.
All in all, this was the perfect kind of weekend horny read — entertaining, spicy, and absolutely worth the time. I was so into it, my fingers were itching to slap that fifth star.
I really loved Lucero — this big, unhinged, golden-retriever-of-a-man who was completely mesmerized by Onyx. Like, in his eyes, Onyx could do no wrong. He’s beautiful when he’s angry, beautiful when he’s crying, beautiful when he’s plotting murder. The man was basically worshipping him.
Onyx, on the other hand, took his sweet time thawing out. Cold at first, then slowly cracking, melting bit by bit until you could see how deep he was falling for Lucero. And it was so satisfying to watch that shift.
Now, my only real gripe — and the reason this didn’t hit five stars — was the nonstop “you’re so dumb” commentary. Like, we get it, he’s a little slow and sees things differently , but calling him dumb every few pages? Not cute. And Lucero didn’t even seem offended! Meanwhile, I’m sitting there personally offended on his behalf.
Anyway, the rest? 🔥🔥🔥 The steam was steaming. The size difference? Perfect. The dynamic? Deliciously flipped — Onyx is the elegant beautiful sexy and bossy dominant one, and our giant golden retriever is his, drooling mess of a sub.
All in all, this was the perfect kind of weekend horny read — entertaining, spicy, and absolutely worth the time. I was so into it, my fingers were itching to slap that fifth star.
September 17, 2025
~*ARC Review Time!*~
Mafia X Assassin-Size difference- Plus size MMC- Obsessive MMC- Trust issues
We are hitting the ground running with the beginning of the Marino family!
I adore this family SO much. They are a giant bunch of chaos goblins and I love it. It makes them a perfect match for our distrustful and beautiful French Assassin.
I really love the dynamic between Onyx & Lucero. It was unexpected for my personally, but I love how sweet, cuddly and puppydog Lucero is for Onyx. He's a big burly and goofy man and the polar opposite of Onyx, which is why it works so well.
Onyx spent most of his life trying to right the wrongs of the world and just needed someone to chose him. Obsessively lol.
The plot of the story really took me for a ride. While I thought it was two different directions it ended up with them going in the same direction. With that said, I think there might be more to the story later on in the series maybe? ( Just my personal thought).
I cannot wait for the Marino siblings to start falling one by one for their parents and see what shenanigans they all get up to.
The spice was very hot, (men in lace panties *swoon*), so you are totally covered on the end. If you are looking for a doting bear of a man to take care of a very deadly beautiful man who can take of himself ( But he doesn't have to anymore *swoon*) then this is totally going to suit you.
With the Marino families new rise to power, there are going to be a lot of people out to take them out and harness the power for themselves.
Mafia X Assassin-Size difference- Plus size MMC- Obsessive MMC- Trust issues
We are hitting the ground running with the beginning of the Marino family!
I adore this family SO much. They are a giant bunch of chaos goblins and I love it. It makes them a perfect match for our distrustful and beautiful French Assassin.
I really love the dynamic between Onyx & Lucero. It was unexpected for my personally, but I love how sweet, cuddly and puppydog Lucero is for Onyx. He's a big burly and goofy man and the polar opposite of Onyx, which is why it works so well.
Onyx spent most of his life trying to right the wrongs of the world and just needed someone to chose him. Obsessively lol.
The plot of the story really took me for a ride. While I thought it was two different directions it ended up with them going in the same direction. With that said, I think there might be more to the story later on in the series maybe? ( Just my personal thought).
I cannot wait for the Marino siblings to start falling one by one for their parents and see what shenanigans they all get up to.
The spice was very hot, (men in lace panties *swoon*), so you are totally covered on the end. If you are looking for a doting bear of a man to take care of a very deadly beautiful man who can take of himself ( But he doesn't have to anymore *swoon*) then this is totally going to suit you.
With the Marino families new rise to power, there are going to be a lot of people out to take them out and harness the power for themselves.
September 16, 2025
This book hooked me the way Lucero was hooked on Onyx completely, obsessively, and without escape...and maybe a collar. >.> Blood & Lace is dark, chaotic, and addictive!!! I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time.
Onyx, the infamous “Black Widow,” is lethal and layered, his past dripping with pain and vengeance. Then comes Lucero the stubborn, lovesick 7'2 giant who storms into his life and refuses to leave. (Honestly, I wouldn't either hehe) Their relationship is messy, violent, and gloriously unhinged, but its also hilarious, tender, and scorching hot. 🥵
Lucero’s obsession is so single minded and all consuming that it borders on pathetic (you idiot haha), yet it works perfectly because he’s exactly what Onyx needs. Meanwhile, Onyx’s walls are sky high, but watching them crack little by little was just as satisfying as the action and bloodshed swirling around them. The Marino family added another layer I loved the banter, the chaos, the sharp edges softened by found-family moments.
This story is violent, twisted, and tender all at once, and I devoured every page. If you love dark M/M romance with obsession, vengeance, humor, and scorching chemistry, Blood & Lace is an absolute must read. I already can’t wait to see what comes next in the Marino family series.
*I received this arc from the authors, all thoughts and opinions are my own*
Onyx, the infamous “Black Widow,” is lethal and layered, his past dripping with pain and vengeance. Then comes Lucero the stubborn, lovesick 7'2 giant who storms into his life and refuses to leave. (Honestly, I wouldn't either hehe) Their relationship is messy, violent, and gloriously unhinged, but its also hilarious, tender, and scorching hot. 🥵
Lucero’s obsession is so single minded and all consuming that it borders on pathetic (you idiot haha), yet it works perfectly because he’s exactly what Onyx needs. Meanwhile, Onyx’s walls are sky high, but watching them crack little by little was just as satisfying as the action and bloodshed swirling around them. The Marino family added another layer I loved the banter, the chaos, the sharp edges softened by found-family moments.
This story is violent, twisted, and tender all at once, and I devoured every page. If you love dark M/M romance with obsession, vengeance, humor, and scorching chemistry, Blood & Lace is an absolute must read. I already can’t wait to see what comes next in the Marino family series.
*I received this arc from the authors, all thoughts and opinions are my own*
January 7, 2025
No idea what it's going to be about or when it's going to be published, but I'm sure I'll love it.
September 15, 2025
Get ready for an amazing story of a man who doesn’t feel worthy of love, and the giant whose life mission is to smother him with it.
Starting with Onyx, he is a gorgeous and dangerous vigilante who works to rid the world of the nastiest of people. When he receives an assignment for a man named Lucero, he goes into the mission confident. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary mission.
Oh Lucero - the giant man in love with his pretty little ser!al unal!v3r. He’d do anything for him. Everyone calls Lucero dumb, and sure he’s not the brightest, but I think his personality is…charming? While Lucero may not understand more of the obvious social cues that the rest of us do, he does know one thing for sure: Onyx is his! It was fun to read about a character with the personality and thought process of Lucero - I feel like I don’t see it that often!
The 7’2 man willing to beg and crawl for his 5’6 man?! PERFECTO! As always, Brea & Skyler know how to write a DANG GOOD SPICY SCENE!!
I am so excited for the rest of this series & I am already invested in the lives of this family. This story was twisted in the best of ways and seeing the dynamic between Onyx and Lucero change over time was so exciting. I definitely recommend this book to any dark romance M/M lover!
Starting with Onyx, he is a gorgeous and dangerous vigilante who works to rid the world of the nastiest of people. When he receives an assignment for a man named Lucero, he goes into the mission confident. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary mission.
Oh Lucero - the giant man in love with his pretty little ser!al unal!v3r. He’d do anything for him. Everyone calls Lucero dumb, and sure he’s not the brightest, but I think his personality is…charming? While Lucero may not understand more of the obvious social cues that the rest of us do, he does know one thing for sure: Onyx is his! It was fun to read about a character with the personality and thought process of Lucero - I feel like I don’t see it that often!
His teeth cut into my forearm. My first love bite from him. Maybe I should get them tattooed.
The 7’2 man willing to beg and crawl for his 5’6 man?! PERFECTO! As always, Brea & Skyler know how to write a DANG GOOD SPICY SCENE!!
I am so excited for the rest of this series & I am already invested in the lives of this family. This story was twisted in the best of ways and seeing the dynamic between Onyx and Lucero change over time was so exciting. I definitely recommend this book to any dark romance M/M lover!
September 19, 2025
I want a Luciano, a big golden retriever that worships the ground I walk on... where can I get one?
Onyx is full of grief and guilt. He guilt is to do with what his brother went through, despite the fact he wasnt involved, he blames himself for not protectimg Adam. His grief, is the loss of trust and sibling relationship. Luci certainly bust through Onyxs walls and barriers and in his own innocent way, provides the bridge for the brothers to reconnect.
I look forward to the coming books
Onyx is full of grief and guilt. He guilt is to do with what his brother went through, despite the fact he wasnt involved, he blames himself for not protectimg Adam. His grief, is the loss of trust and sibling relationship. Luci certainly bust through Onyxs walls and barriers and in his own innocent way, provides the bridge for the brothers to reconnect.
I look forward to the coming books
September 23, 2025
You find men like Lucero on every street corner: Does not listen to you, only cares about his own comfort, turns every word in your mouth, exhausts you so much that you stop bringing stuff up, stomps over every boundary and every request is a steep uphil battle - even if you win you have to lose something else for that.
DNF at 33%, I'm surprised I made it this far.
I loved "Say I Do", the other "marriage bathed in blood"-trope story by the very same authors.
So this one was not my thing at all because of Lucero being that guy, but there have been a few other moments that I didn't love:
For my taste Onyx was too long under the impression to be forced into marriage and physical contact with a serial child rapist. It is clear for the reader, that this is not really the case, but it still felt icky to read from our MC Onyx's perspective.
There is this scene: "Onyx had an endless supply of beauty products in the bathroom. There was shit I hadn't even heard of. [...] Why did he need half this stuff anyway? Didn't he know he was the most beautiful person on the planet?" Where Lucero goes full on toxic masculinity for no reason. Or the reason is that Lucero can't find the cosmetic products hot, in contrast to Onyx's lace panties and feminine outfits. No need to use an army of cosmetics yourself or even know anything about it - but if you are a good partner you should respect your lover's hobbies and interests. Lucero supposedly worships the ground Onyx walks on - and then disregards his interest like that (and in many other ways too to be honest).
The attempt to balance Luceros pushiness and disregards for Onyx's boundaries with him being sexually submissive to Onyx. It just does not work if you think about it. A sub can cross boundaries just as a dom can. A sub can violate consent and coerce a dom.
DNF at 33%, I'm surprised I made it this far.
I loved "Say I Do", the other "marriage bathed in blood"-trope story by the very same authors.
So this one was not my thing at all because of Lucero being that guy, but there have been a few other moments that I didn't love:
For my taste Onyx was too long under the impression to be forced into marriage and physical contact with a serial child rapist. It is clear for the reader, that this is not really the case, but it still felt icky to read from our MC Onyx's perspective.
There is this scene: "Onyx had an endless supply of beauty products in the bathroom. There was shit I hadn't even heard of. [...] Why did he need half this stuff anyway? Didn't he know he was the most beautiful person on the planet?" Where Lucero goes full on toxic masculinity for no reason. Or the reason is that Lucero can't find the cosmetic products hot, in contrast to Onyx's lace panties and feminine outfits. No need to use an army of cosmetics yourself or even know anything about it - but if you are a good partner you should respect your lover's hobbies and interests. Lucero supposedly worships the ground Onyx walks on - and then disregards his interest like that (and in many other ways too to be honest).
The attempt to balance Luceros pushiness and disregards for Onyx's boundaries with him being sexually submissive to Onyx. It just does not work if you think about it. A sub can cross boundaries just as a dom can. A sub can violate consent and coerce a dom.
October 1, 2025
We all deserve a man like Lucero
October 4, 2025
Amazing, brilliant and such good writing!! The author starts the book with enduring us with the MC, member of a mafia family, Lucero, which begins a journey of constant swooning, rooting for the two MC's to fall in love and most likely some tears!
My God did I love Lucero, my everything, the kindest, most swooney hero I've read in a while.
I really trust this author and I find that I never go wrong in choosing her!
My God did I love Lucero, my everything, the kindest, most swooney hero I've read in a while.
I really trust this author and I find that I never go wrong in choosing her!
September 25, 2025
I'm really disappointed with this book. It only got interesting in the last 1/3 of the book. Otherwise, it was just about how Onyx can't let people in and how Lucero is an idiot. I think part of why I wasn't a fan is that Lucero is clearly neurodivergent, but everyone just kept calling him dumb or stupid. I really like these authors usually, but this one was just a no from me. Hopefully Nash's book is better and I'm already excited for Damien's.
September 25, 2025
Lucero was absolutely down bad for Onyx. Loved how obsessed with Onyx Lucero was to the point of his own demise if necessary. Even though this was a massive size difference (Onyx’s 5’6 to Lucero’s whopping 7’2) we all know how holds the leash 😏 in this relationship. Loved all the brothers and Mama Marino. Adam was a sweetheart and hoping he gets a book at some point. These two were fun and crazy and slightly psychotic. I think this’ll be a really fun series to keep reading.
November 2, 2025
RTC if I feel like later but this was laugh out loud amusing as hell. Predictable asf tho but still amusing as hell.
September 17, 2025
Onyx & Lucero
Rating: 5 ⭐️
- Assassin x Mafia Son
- Forced Proximity
- Size Difference
- Obsessive MC
- Hurt/ Comfort
- Touch Him and Die
- Possessive/ Protective
- Trust Issues
Fuck.
Yes.
I'm obsessed.
I'm hyped.
It's obsessive, sweet, thrilling and hot as fuck.
Brea Alepoú and Skyler Snow reached into my mind and created a man like they all should be - and named him Lucero.
But (maybe not) jokes aside - this was again an amazing book.
I'm already in love with the Vitale family, and now there's this.
And it's in the same universe, sooo, they better meet up in the next books!
I couldn't wait, so I bought the early copy of their website, and it didn't disappoint.
The characters are funny and fierce, and I loved them both from the start.
Onyx is a grumpy, deadly little baddie and Lucero is all sunshine, love, violence and submission.
It perfect.
And so, so hot 🔥
You ever wanted a giant man on his knees, begging?
Read this!
Now, I'm sad because I have to wait for the next 😔
Content Warnings:
- murder
- torture
- violence
- mention of family member SA
- manipulation
- size difference
- gore
- self hatred
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ First Person
Breakup: Yes (kind of...)
Cheat: No
Rating: 5 ⭐️
- Assassin x Mafia Son
- Forced Proximity
- Size Difference
- Obsessive MC
- Hurt/ Comfort
- Touch Him and Die
- Possessive/ Protective
- Trust Issues
Fuck.
Yes.
I'm obsessed.
I'm hyped.
It's obsessive, sweet, thrilling and hot as fuck.
Brea Alepoú and Skyler Snow reached into my mind and created a man like they all should be - and named him Lucero.
But (maybe not) jokes aside - this was again an amazing book.
I'm already in love with the Vitale family, and now there's this.
And it's in the same universe, sooo, they better meet up in the next books!
I couldn't wait, so I bought the early copy of their website, and it didn't disappoint.
The characters are funny and fierce, and I loved them both from the start.
Onyx is a grumpy, deadly little baddie and Lucero is all sunshine, love, violence and submission.
It perfect.
And so, so hot 🔥
You ever wanted a giant man on his knees, begging?
Read this!
Now, I'm sad because I have to wait for the next 😔
Content Warnings:
- murder
- torture
- violence
- mention of family member SA
- manipulation
- size difference
- gore
- self hatred
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ First Person
Breakup: Yes (kind of...)
Cheat: No
October 28, 2025
LUCERO MY BABY HE JUST LOVES TOO HARD 😭😭
I ATE this book up! I swear Lucero and Onyx are the most chaotic duo I’ve ever read.
Lucero is this devoted, lovesick menace puppy who’d literally burn the world down just to keep Onyx safe. He’s crazy and dramatic but under all that he’s just a man who loves too much. 🥹
Onyx is cold, distant, manipulative and a BIG TEASE but I swear the moment Lucero's not okay he feels it. They act like rivals but they love like addicts.
Every scene between them is basically Onyx "I might kill you" and Lucero "I'd die for you." 😭
It was so damn beautiful watching two broken men find comfort in each other. They’re both part of this dark underground world full of murder, betrayal, and secrets, but the main chaos is THEM!!
Lucero worships Onyx. Like ACTUALLY WORSHIPS HIM. And Onyx acts like he's over it but YOU KNOW he's just as obsessed.
Also their POWER DYNAMIC?? I WAS NOT READY! The way the supposed bottom literally had the top by his BALLS was straight up badass. Like bro Onyx wasn’t submissive, he was FERAL.
Like I'm done. I could rave about this book for days because I loved it. Just read it yourselves and experience the MADNESS. 🫠
I ATE this book up! I swear Lucero and Onyx are the most chaotic duo I’ve ever read.
Lucero is this devoted, lovesick menace puppy who’d literally burn the world down just to keep Onyx safe. He’s crazy and dramatic but under all that he’s just a man who loves too much. 🥹
Onyx is cold, distant, manipulative and a BIG TEASE but I swear the moment Lucero's not okay he feels it. They act like rivals but they love like addicts.
Every scene between them is basically Onyx "I might kill you" and Lucero "I'd die for you." 😭
It was so damn beautiful watching two broken men find comfort in each other. They’re both part of this dark underground world full of murder, betrayal, and secrets, but the main chaos is THEM!!
Lucero worships Onyx. Like ACTUALLY WORSHIPS HIM. And Onyx acts like he's over it but YOU KNOW he's just as obsessed.
Also their POWER DYNAMIC?? I WAS NOT READY! The way the supposed bottom literally had the top by his BALLS was straight up badass. Like bro Onyx wasn’t submissive, he was FERAL.
Like I'm done. I could rave about this book for days because I loved it. Just read it yourselves and experience the MADNESS. 🫠
October 14, 2025
DNF 89% (marked as read bc i read most of it)
well, that was disappointing. i read Say I Do by Brea and Skyler and i loved it, so i thought i’d give this one a try since it seemed similar in some aspects. i don’t remember any significant typos in Say I Do, but Blood & Lace is definitely suffering. at least once a chapter. did they not proofread or edit this? wtf?
my other problem was the french. i took french in middle school and through high school, and while im not exactly fluent, i can tell you right now french people don’t speak like that. italian is also present but i know jack shit about italian, so i can’t comment on that.
i had a good time up until the end where i surmised the ending and just decided to drop it.
𝜗𝜚 hitman x italian mafia-man
𝜗𝜚 groveling
𝜗𝜚 large family dynamics
𝜗𝜚 forced marriage
𝜗𝜚 horrible meet-cute
TWs: childhood sa (off page, not mc), suicidal ideation (on page, not mc), stalking (on page, between mcs), no kink negotiation
well, that was disappointing. i read Say I Do by Brea and Skyler and i loved it, so i thought i’d give this one a try since it seemed similar in some aspects. i don’t remember any significant typos in Say I Do, but Blood & Lace is definitely suffering. at least once a chapter. did they not proofread or edit this? wtf?
my other problem was the french. i took french in middle school and through high school, and while im not exactly fluent, i can tell you right now french people don’t speak like that. italian is also present but i know jack shit about italian, so i can’t comment on that.
i had a good time up until the end where i surmised the ending and just decided to drop it.
𝜗𝜚 hitman x italian mafia-man
𝜗𝜚 groveling
𝜗𝜚 large family dynamics
𝜗𝜚 forced marriage
𝜗𝜚 horrible meet-cute
TWs: childhood sa (off page, not mc), suicidal ideation (on page, not mc), stalking (on page, between mcs), no kink negotiation
January 19, 2026
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
this book was absolute perfection. everyone needs a lucero because that man will do anything for onyx. his devotion and protectiveness of onyx got me every single time. the whimper and whining ughhhh. yes.
onyx was such a sweet demon baby. i loved him so much and wanted to hug him so many times. my heart broke for him and there were times i just wanted him to give into his feelings for lucero. he definitely got there in the end.
i really enjoyed the storyline and how all the characters intertwine. i’m so excited to see where all the marino brothers go from here and series professes. now back to finishing the vitale brothers series, giancarlo here i come.
dual first person pov
mm romance
mafia romance
size difference
possessive and obsessive
touch him and d!e
forced proximity
3 🌶️
this book was absolute perfection. everyone needs a lucero because that man will do anything for onyx. his devotion and protectiveness of onyx got me every single time. the whimper and whining ughhhh. yes.
onyx was such a sweet demon baby. i loved him so much and wanted to hug him so many times. my heart broke for him and there were times i just wanted him to give into his feelings for lucero. he definitely got there in the end.
i really enjoyed the storyline and how all the characters intertwine. i’m so excited to see where all the marino brothers go from here and series professes. now back to finishing the vitale brothers series, giancarlo here i come.
dual first person pov
mm romance
mafia romance
size difference
possessive and obsessive
touch him and d!e
forced proximity
September 12, 2025
This is not my first time reading Brea and Skyler. I’ve read them before and their books are amazingly good 😊. And this one is no different.
Onyx and Lucero gosh how should I describe them ? They both are something. Luce is stubborn as hell. He’s the one who make me laugh at the same time. His obsession with Onyx know no boundaries. Ready to do whatever it takes to make him his. Onyx wasn’t aware of the storm Luce was bringing to his life. Their size difference 🫣. I’ve also loved all the brothers equally. Their banter, fun, poking each other everything was perfect.
I couldn’t put it down and had to finish it in a one go. This book will won’t let you down. You’ll have everything in this one.
Would 100% recommend this book.
Onyx and Lucero gosh how should I describe them ? They both are something. Luce is stubborn as hell. He’s the one who make me laugh at the same time. His obsession with Onyx know no boundaries. Ready to do whatever it takes to make him his. Onyx wasn’t aware of the storm Luce was bringing to his life. Their size difference 🫣. I’ve also loved all the brothers equally. Their banter, fun, poking each other everything was perfect.
I couldn’t put it down and had to finish it in a one go. This book will won’t let you down. You’ll have everything in this one.
Would 100% recommend this book.
September 17, 2025
I know when I read a Brea and Skyler book I am in for a ride and this one was definitely one! The tension and chemistry between the two main characters was really something and a bit unhinged but just the way I like it.
Onyx is more than a pretty face, he is what New York calls The black widow. His last three husbands are six feet under. Anyone who comes on his list gets to go so when a new person Lucero Marino is on there he takes his shot. But Lucero is not his usual target. He only wants one thing and that is Onyx. Lucero is obsessed and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.
Lucero is really an obsessive man when it comes to Onyx and he will do everything to keep him happy, except leave him alone even though that is what Onyx wants. He never asked for this and is not at all on board with what Lucero is doing. Seeing these two together was really something for sure. Onyx eventually warms up to Lucero as he is a cutie when he wants to be but only for Onyx. I loved the dynamic they had as it was really push and pull.
So if you are looking for a steamy, forced marriage, mafia romance this one is for you!
Thanks to Brea Aleppo and Skyler Snow for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Onyx is more than a pretty face, he is what New York calls The black widow. His last three husbands are six feet under. Anyone who comes on his list gets to go so when a new person Lucero Marino is on there he takes his shot. But Lucero is not his usual target. He only wants one thing and that is Onyx. Lucero is obsessed and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.
Lucero is really an obsessive man when it comes to Onyx and he will do everything to keep him happy, except leave him alone even though that is what Onyx wants. He never asked for this and is not at all on board with what Lucero is doing. Seeing these two together was really something for sure. Onyx eventually warms up to Lucero as he is a cutie when he wants to be but only for Onyx. I loved the dynamic they had as it was really push and pull.
So if you are looking for a steamy, forced marriage, mafia romance this one is for you!
Thanks to Brea Aleppo and Skyler Snow for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
HOT HOT and more HOT!!!!
This is totally what I expected - pure awesomeness! Lucero is like the ultimate mashup of a giant teddy bear and golden retriever, and he's head over paws in love with Onyx and will go beyond what might be considered normal behavior to get him keep him and love him.
Meanwhile, Onyx is like a ferocious kitty with a major bad attitude, razor-sharp claws, and the skills to use them. Onyx may be small, but he's packin' some serious heat. If you loved the Vitale brothers series and who didn't, I've got no doubt you'll be head over heels for this one.
This is totally what I expected - pure awesomeness! Lucero is like the ultimate mashup of a giant teddy bear and golden retriever, and he's head over paws in love with Onyx and will go beyond what might be considered normal behavior to get him keep him and love him.
Meanwhile, Onyx is like a ferocious kitty with a major bad attitude, razor-sharp claws, and the skills to use them. Onyx may be small, but he's packin' some serious heat. If you loved the Vitale brothers series and who didn't, I've got no doubt you'll be head over heels for this one.
September 15, 2025
1st person POV Dual
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Forced marriage
Size difference
Mafia vibes
One sided Enemies to Lovers
I have loved every book I have read by these two and this one isn't any different!
Lucero is a unhinged, insane, not quite all there, HUGE (7'2) golden retriever of a man. who has zero problems getting violent if you get in his way of his man. Onyx is a guarded very standoffish serial killer who Lucero is obsessed with! and it is the perfect match!! and the spice in the book, Lord have mercy! these are explosive and hotter than 5 alarm fire! 🥵
I can't wait for the next book!!
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Forced marriage
Size difference
Mafia vibes
One sided Enemies to Lovers
I have loved every book I have read by these two and this one isn't any different!
Lucero is a unhinged, insane, not quite all there, HUGE (7'2) golden retriever of a man. who has zero problems getting violent if you get in his way of his man. Onyx is a guarded very standoffish serial killer who Lucero is obsessed with! and it is the perfect match!! and the spice in the book, Lord have mercy! these are explosive and hotter than 5 alarm fire! 🥵
I can't wait for the next book!!
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