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UnWholly Angels
Running. That's what I've been doing my whole life, and now my past is chasing me in the form of Rocco Vitale. I have something he wants, and information that would take him down indefinitely.
Now, forced to sell my body for protection I fell into a beautiful, twisted game. He will protect me at all costs, and all he wants in return is my servitude. But I have a better plan.
I intend to teach this man that there's more to life than hockey, sex, and being an outright asshole.
After I’m done with him. Angel Kingston would learn that I don't want or need him to burn the world for me. He would learn to walk beside me through the flames.
Taming the demons in Angel Kingston, forced mine to the surface.
What a dangerous game to play.
She infuriates me to no end. Constantly pushing limits and challenging me every chance she gets. She’s running, scared for her life against the very person who took everything from me, including her. I have to protect her at all costs. My life never held much light, even with my best friend by my side. On and off the ice. Until we were forced together in the worst way after years apart.
Something about the way she says my name spreads fire though my veins, slowly bringing me back to life. This story is about showing her everything I'd always dreamed of. That her body is beautiful, and deserves to be used in every way she pleases. I’ll break her in the way she needs.
It’s about her jarring love that brought me to my knees, crumbling all the walls I’d crafted so carefully around my heart. This is about taking out anything or anyone that comes near Maya Whitlock.
After all…what’s a king without his queen.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
50 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Ramos
6 books164 followersAlicia is a dark romance author was born and raised in Buffalo NY and spent most of her days as a child reading books and enjoying the outdoors. As the oldest of 5, she enjoys spending time with her family including her Daughter and Australian shepherd.
When she isn't writing you can find her enjoying nature or curling up to a good book. Alicia enjoys being part of the community and being involved with causes such as mental health and domestic violence awareness.
Despite being a fiery Saggitarius she is calm at heart, opting to dig out her telescope and look for worlds far away or lay on the grass letting music speak to her. She travels frequently using her sense of adventure and love of history to research and find inspiration for her writing.
Her hope in writing is for her readers to not only find entertainment but in some cases to find healing and spread awareness within its pages.
When she isn't writing you can find her enjoying nature or curling up to a good book. Alicia enjoys being part of the community and being involved with causes such as mental health and domestic violence awareness.
Despite being a fiery Saggitarius she is calm at heart, opting to dig out her telescope and look for worlds far away or lay on the grass letting music speak to her. She travels frequently using her sense of adventure and love of history to research and find inspiration for her writing.
Her hope in writing is for her readers to not only find entertainment but in some cases to find healing and spread awareness within its pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was 3.0 stars. The spice was good. It’s definitely dark so check TWs prior to beginning reading it.
Plot line was a little chaotic. I think better transitions in chapters were needed and from one chapter to the next. There wasn’t a lot of sports included for it to be considered a dark hockey romance. I expected more. It would better be characterized as a dark romance where one of the mcs happens to be an athlete.
Both mcs could have used more present day character development. It was clear how their past was contributory to their actions but the present day personalities were a little all over the place.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review! Thank you for the opportunity!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was 3.0 stars. The spice was good. It’s definitely dark so check TWs prior to beginning reading it.
Plot line was a little chaotic. I think better transitions in chapters were needed and from one chapter to the next. There wasn’t a lot of sports included for it to be considered a dark hockey romance. I expected more. It would better be characterized as a dark romance where one of the mcs happens to be an athlete.
Both mcs could have used more present day character development. It was clear how their past was contributory to their actions but the present day personalities were a little all over the place.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review! Thank you for the opportunity!
July 29, 2025
Wow! This book was dark, heartbreaking, beautiful, unhinged, and beautifully broken. Of course please read all warnings before reading this book.
This book mainly focuses on Riley and Maya who met when they were just children. And after a horrible night they were split apart for several years where he was left to believe she was dead. But now she was back and so was his feelings he never stopped feeling for her.
Riley has a few different sides to himself. With Maya he is Riley and she is the only one who is allowed to call him by his first name. On the ice and to everyone else, he is Angel. In the bedroom, he is dominant and in control he turns into King. And he will do anything and everything it takes to keep Maya safe.
Maya has gone through so much. She has been under the control of Rocco and he has abused her and sold off her body for years. But she is so strong and it’s her time to take back control. I am so proud of her. She is tough, brave, but she is also soft, caring, sassy and a brat. 🤭
This book is dark, unhinged, lots of bloodshed, the characters have some good banter, and the spice is delicious. And there is so much character development in the story and I can’t wait for more. But that cliffhanger!!!! I screamed…I need more!!!
5⭐️
4🌶️
This book mainly focuses on Riley and Maya who met when they were just children. And after a horrible night they were split apart for several years where he was left to believe she was dead. But now she was back and so was his feelings he never stopped feeling for her.
Riley has a few different sides to himself. With Maya he is Riley and she is the only one who is allowed to call him by his first name. On the ice and to everyone else, he is Angel. In the bedroom, he is dominant and in control he turns into King. And he will do anything and everything it takes to keep Maya safe.
Maya has gone through so much. She has been under the control of Rocco and he has abused her and sold off her body for years. But she is so strong and it’s her time to take back control. I am so proud of her. She is tough, brave, but she is also soft, caring, sassy and a brat. 🤭
This book is dark, unhinged, lots of bloodshed, the characters have some good banter, and the spice is delicious. And there is so much character development in the story and I can’t wait for more. But that cliffhanger!!!! I screamed…I need more!!!
5⭐️
4🌶️
July 20, 2025
When I tell you. This book. WOW. But check your triggers. Also thank you Alicia for letting me be on your ARC and Street team.
The characters, the story, the emotions. A 5/5⭐️ read. Spice level? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I love maya and Riley with all of my heart. This is one of those books who will stay with me for a good while now. If you love a good dark hockey romance you should check this one out!
The book broke me in so many ways but also had me kicking and giggling my feet. I’m honored to be a part of the team to get to read this.
Be aware that this book does end on a cliffhanger!
This book will be one of my favorite reads this year. Now I’m just going to quietly stare at a wall until I can process this amazing rollercoaster of a book.
The characters, the story, the emotions. A 5/5⭐️ read. Spice level? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I love maya and Riley with all of my heart. This is one of those books who will stay with me for a good while now. If you love a good dark hockey romance you should check this one out!
The book broke me in so many ways but also had me kicking and giggling my feet. I’m honored to be a part of the team to get to read this.
Be aware that this book does end on a cliffhanger!
This book will be one of my favorite reads this year. Now I’m just going to quietly stare at a wall until I can process this amazing rollercoaster of a book.
December 30, 2025
ARC READ: I’m literally just sitting here trying to process everything, this book was intense. Both Riley & Maya went through shit that they did not deserve. You are literally rooting for them the entire book, wanting them to find their way, and to find the happiness they both seriously deserve. I literally understand why it’s so hard for them to trust anything but learning to try and trust each other. This cliffhanger is killer…. I need to know lol
So glad I got to be apart of the street/ARC team because if you’re looking for something dark with spice, this is it and I’m so here for it!!!
So glad I got to be apart of the street/ARC team because if you’re looking for something dark with spice, this is it and I’m so here for it!!!
July 31, 2025
ARC Review: Unwholly Angels by Alicia Ramos
I don’t know whether to scream, sob, or offer Riley and Maya a warm blanket and a bat to go smash Rocco’s face in. I am BEYOND SPEECHLESS. I finished this book with puffy eyes, heart shredded, and a box of tissues that now needs emotional support itself.
UnWholly Angels is everything I crave in a dark romance—painful, raw, sexy, unhinged, and beautifully f**ked up. It’s one of those reads where you’re like, “Oh no baby what is you doin’??” …and then five seconds later you’re like, “Yes, daddy, more.” 😮💨
We meet Riley aka Angel, aka King and Maya, two childhood soulmates ripped apart by trauma and violence. When they reunite? Oof. The angst. The longing. The SPICE. Riley isn’t just protective he’s the entire fkn SWAT team with a leather strap in one hand and a knife in the other. He’s got layers, baby. Angel on the ice, King in the bedroom, Riley in Maya’s heart. I mean… tie me up and call me brat, sir.
Maya? MY QUEEN. This woman has been through absolute hell. Sold, abused, broken down. And yet? She’s still standing. She’s sassy, defiant, soft when she wants to be, and lethal when she needs to be. Her character arc had me ready to scream “YES GIRL” at 2AM like I was front row at a TED Talk for Surviving the Unthinkable.
The banter? Immaculate.
The spice? Absolutely unhinged and beautifully executed.
The trauma? Gutting.
The character development? Chef’s kiss.
The cliffhanger? RUDE. I AM UNWELL. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATELY OR I WILL THROW MYSELF INTO THE VOID.
And don’t even get me started on Rocco. That man can go dive into a pool filled with lemon juice and paper cuts. I have a list of fictional characters I hate and he just shot to the top ten.
If you’re into:
🖤 Masked unalivers
🖤 Dark pasts and even darker futures
🖤 Hockey players who can switch from soft to savage real quick
🖤 BDSM done right
🖤 Revenge, trauma, and soul-deep love
Then baby, this one’s for YOU.
Thank you Alicia (and Danielle!) for letting me live in this brutal, beautiful world. I’ll be sitting here with my shattered heart waiting (impatiently) for book 2. I’ll never be normal again. Was I ever normal to begin with?
I don’t know whether to scream, sob, or offer Riley and Maya a warm blanket and a bat to go smash Rocco’s face in. I am BEYOND SPEECHLESS. I finished this book with puffy eyes, heart shredded, and a box of tissues that now needs emotional support itself.
UnWholly Angels is everything I crave in a dark romance—painful, raw, sexy, unhinged, and beautifully f**ked up. It’s one of those reads where you’re like, “Oh no baby what is you doin’??” …and then five seconds later you’re like, “Yes, daddy, more.” 😮💨
We meet Riley aka Angel, aka King and Maya, two childhood soulmates ripped apart by trauma and violence. When they reunite? Oof. The angst. The longing. The SPICE. Riley isn’t just protective he’s the entire fkn SWAT team with a leather strap in one hand and a knife in the other. He’s got layers, baby. Angel on the ice, King in the bedroom, Riley in Maya’s heart. I mean… tie me up and call me brat, sir.
Maya? MY QUEEN. This woman has been through absolute hell. Sold, abused, broken down. And yet? She’s still standing. She’s sassy, defiant, soft when she wants to be, and lethal when she needs to be. Her character arc had me ready to scream “YES GIRL” at 2AM like I was front row at a TED Talk for Surviving the Unthinkable.
The banter? Immaculate.
The spice? Absolutely unhinged and beautifully executed.
The trauma? Gutting.
The character development? Chef’s kiss.
The cliffhanger? RUDE. I AM UNWELL. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATELY OR I WILL THROW MYSELF INTO THE VOID.
And don’t even get me started on Rocco. That man can go dive into a pool filled with lemon juice and paper cuts. I have a list of fictional characters I hate and he just shot to the top ten.
If you’re into:
🖤 Masked unalivers
🖤 Dark pasts and even darker futures
🖤 Hockey players who can switch from soft to savage real quick
🖤 BDSM done right
🖤 Revenge, trauma, and soul-deep love
Then baby, this one’s for YOU.
Thank you Alicia (and Danielle!) for letting me live in this brutal, beautiful world. I’ll be sitting here with my shattered heart waiting (impatiently) for book 2. I’ll never be normal again. Was I ever normal to begin with?
July 20, 2025
First off I’d like to say I’m so happy I got to be apart of the Street/ARC team.
I’ve never read a Hockey Dark Romance book before so this is my first. Let’s just say this story tugs at your heart. The amount of abuse that Riley and Maya had been through.. that broke my heart.
Especially Maya being in the situation that she had been in, oh my.
They were absolutely made for each other.
My jaw dropped so many times.
The last chapter.. that broke my heart and I had a couple tears run down my face.. that’s how invested I am in this book.
I loved the banter and the chemistry between Maya and Riley.
The spice was also extremely hot and definitely fulfilled my crave for another spicy book!
The writing and word building were brilliant. Details were great, and it wasn’t fast paced. I loved that there was a backstory to their childhood together as well.
Riley is definitely an intimidating, sexy, Mr. Dark and Dangerous MMC and I loved his character and he is definitely made for Maya.
Maya is a somewhat relatable FMC to me. I loved her character and everything that poor girl went through just made my heart sink. Maya is a very strong FMC. Her story is gut wrenching. But I admired her bravery for getting out of such an intense situation that she had been in. I also really loved Nick, Chloe, Charolette and Rowan.
I hated Rocco with a burning passion. Literally as soon as we met him.
Having real emotions towards a book for me says a lot about how obsessed I am with this. I highly recommend this author and can’t wait for more!
I’ve never read a Hockey Dark Romance book before so this is my first. Let’s just say this story tugs at your heart. The amount of abuse that Riley and Maya had been through.. that broke my heart.
Especially Maya being in the situation that she had been in, oh my.
They were absolutely made for each other.
My jaw dropped so many times.
The last chapter.. that broke my heart and I had a couple tears run down my face.. that’s how invested I am in this book.
I loved the banter and the chemistry between Maya and Riley.
The spice was also extremely hot and definitely fulfilled my crave for another spicy book!
The writing and word building were brilliant. Details were great, and it wasn’t fast paced. I loved that there was a backstory to their childhood together as well.
Riley is definitely an intimidating, sexy, Mr. Dark and Dangerous MMC and I loved his character and he is definitely made for Maya.
Maya is a somewhat relatable FMC to me. I loved her character and everything that poor girl went through just made my heart sink. Maya is a very strong FMC. Her story is gut wrenching. But I admired her bravery for getting out of such an intense situation that she had been in. I also really loved Nick, Chloe, Charolette and Rowan.
I hated Rocco with a burning passion. Literally as soon as we met him.
Having real emotions towards a book for me says a lot about how obsessed I am with this. I highly recommend this author and can’t wait for more!
July 23, 2025
I’m so excited to have received this book as an ARC! As a dark/hockey romance girly to my core I’m blown away by this book.
This story follows Maya and Riley who have both experienced childhood trauma which has followed them in their adult lives. Throughout this book you will fall in love with these characters, including Nick & Chloe.
I absolutely loved that the backstory from their childhood was included…it truly made me connect to the characters more. Oh and don’t get me started on the spicy scenes👀I mean Chapter 28 has me in a chokehold. King came out to play that’s for sure👑🌶️
I have some highlights from this book that made my mouth drop open. Riley Angel Kingston you have a way with words😮💨not to mention some unhinged 🔪🔪 scenes…the equipment room will never be the same👁️
The situations both Maya and Riley go through are very heart wrenching and can be difficult to read. Always check your trigger warnings before reading because there are some very tough scenes in this book…especially in the final few chapters.
With that being said…what a cliffhanger…I need more.
This story follows Maya and Riley who have both experienced childhood trauma which has followed them in their adult lives. Throughout this book you will fall in love with these characters, including Nick & Chloe.
I absolutely loved that the backstory from their childhood was included…it truly made me connect to the characters more. Oh and don’t get me started on the spicy scenes👀I mean Chapter 28 has me in a chokehold. King came out to play that’s for sure👑🌶️
I have some highlights from this book that made my mouth drop open. Riley Angel Kingston you have a way with words😮💨not to mention some unhinged 🔪🔪 scenes…the equipment room will never be the same👁️
The situations both Maya and Riley go through are very heart wrenching and can be difficult to read. Always check your trigger warnings before reading because there are some very tough scenes in this book…especially in the final few chapters.
With that being said…what a cliffhanger…I need more.
July 30, 2025
First let me say, this is a DARK romance! Check your trigger warnings unless your like me and like to barrel into books blind as a bat. Riley and Mayas story is a tragic and heartbreaking one. My heart was in pieces for them both and what they have gone through. You can really see how much they truly need each other. Unwholly Angels is a dark hockey romance with a major cliffhanger at the end that will leave you mouth wide open saying WTF 😂. This book is a RIDE but so so worth it. Alicia really put her heart into this book and you can tell.
August 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
Ok…wow…I did not see that cliffhanger coming. I need book 2 like now! If you love a dark romance and I don’t just mean spice you need to read this. There’s second chance, MM, MFM, a villain, touch her and ☠️ MMC, lots of trigger warnings, and some hockey. Maya and Riley have had it rough up bringing and it definitely shaped them as adults. Being their first love and then being separated for years to finally reconnect. Being together is not going to be easy. I am happy I received this ARC.
Again there are a lot of TW. Definitely check them out if you have any before reading.
Ok…wow…I did not see that cliffhanger coming. I need book 2 like now! If you love a dark romance and I don’t just mean spice you need to read this. There’s second chance, MM, MFM, a villain, touch her and ☠️ MMC, lots of trigger warnings, and some hockey. Maya and Riley have had it rough up bringing and it definitely shaped them as adults. Being their first love and then being separated for years to finally reconnect. Being together is not going to be easy. I am happy I received this ARC.
Again there are a lot of TW. Definitely check them out if you have any before reading.
August 4, 2025
Do you love dark, smutty, sports romance with a twist?
Do you have no triggers?
Then I think this hot read is for you!
Story of Riley and Maya. You could call them childhood sweethearts.
That quickly turned when Rocco stepped in.
Rocco wanted Maya all to himself.
Own her, claim her.
Years later, they would find each other again in the most unlikely way.
Fast paced, burning hot spice, belter of a cliffhanger.
Do you have no triggers?
Then I think this hot read is for you!
Story of Riley and Maya. You could call them childhood sweethearts.
That quickly turned when Rocco stepped in.
Rocco wanted Maya all to himself.
Own her, claim her.
Years later, they would find each other again in the most unlikely way.
Fast paced, burning hot spice, belter of a cliffhanger.
July 28, 2025
This right here is the reason I don’t like cliffhangers.
That being said it was really good and trigger warning should be taken seriously.
It’s bad enough everything that has happened to Maya and Riley over the years at the hands of Rocco and co but that ending was just cruel. You make us fall in love with Riley and then do that to us.
That being said it was really good and trigger warning should be taken seriously.
It’s bad enough everything that has happened to Maya and Riley over the years at the hands of Rocco and co but that ending was just cruel. You make us fall in love with Riley and then do that to us.
July 20, 2025
This book!
I don't even know where to start. The tensions, the trauma, the passion, the chemistry... Every single bit of this book was absolute perfection. The cliff hanger has me feeling some type of way though. I cant wait for the next book.
I don't even know where to start. The tensions, the trauma, the passion, the chemistry... Every single bit of this book was absolute perfection. The cliff hanger has me feeling some type of way though. I cant wait for the next book.
August 1, 2025
Wow! Read the trigger warnings before reading. This book was a journey. I liked getting the before story and learning more things about what happened while we go through the book. I loved that it was a second chance and even with the past hovering over them they were trying to make it work, but that ending! It left me with all the feels and I can’t wait to see what happens next
August 27, 2025
Why are we moving so fast?? Not the best but I’ll take it happily
December 1, 2025
well fuck me 😭 now to wait until book 2 comes out
December 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
☠️🔪☠️🔪
🚩🚩🚩🚩
First off- what a damn good book!!!!!
When Riley and Maya met 14yrs ago in foster care they had no idea how their lives were going to become so wrapped up in the others. Riley never realized she would sell her soul to try to save Riley’s life.
This book is so full of trauma, torcher, death, heartbreak and sexy scenes. We need to see all of this to understand how deep being soul mates is rooted into one’s heart for a lifetime. These two would burn the world down without blinking for the other’s safety..
A good Dark Romance always has the sexy unhinged one right? Well this work of art has Riley / King / Angel - the unhinged sexy hockey masked unaliver and Maya - the sexy, unhinged traumatized FMC, cam girl / lost childhood love. Who also is an unaliver. Crazy enough with all that- yo will love them and want to take them for a home cooked meal. Then we have Rocco - the man doing the demanding of all that is bad in Maya and Riley’s lives. (We think). He can go drink a stiff glass of Draino with shards of glass and dirty hypodermic needles as ice.
This is a spicy one that will have you saying “oh he can tie me up alright.” The BDSM is done perfectly! The voyeurisme will even have you having to hide the little drool you have as well. It’s Smexy with a capital SMEXY!!!!
When things are going well, these two dark souls are great and starting to thrive together. However, we can’t have a series if it’s all perfectly wrapped up in book 1 now can we? While Riley has been determined to keep her safe and make her feel like the Queen she is, what happens when someone hurts her King? Can they save each other again? Will there be anything left to save?
This cliffy is going to haunt my dreams!!!! I wonder if cliffy depression is a thing? Well, I will gladly handle this sadness until the next book comes out and see what happens next!!! I feel Maya is about to show them why she hasn’t needed saving in a while!!!!
This book is UnWholly in the best ways imaginable. It is def dark so check your triggers but it has all that we love to read.
I SOOOOOO recommend this to all my Dark Romance, Hockey, Suspense, Stalker, Masked Unaliver, Mafia/Gang readers. Oh ya!!!! You are in for one hell if a treat when you read this book / series.
Thank you Alicia and Danielle for letting me dig my grubby hands into this dark world and be a part of the team. I read a lot of books and do alot of reviews but this one will live rent free in my brain and get so much love and recognition / recommendations!!! I hope to do it proud and make sure it gets all the love it deserves.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
☠️🔪☠️🔪
🚩🚩🚩🚩
First off- what a damn good book!!!!!
When Riley and Maya met 14yrs ago in foster care they had no idea how their lives were going to become so wrapped up in the others. Riley never realized she would sell her soul to try to save Riley’s life.
This book is so full of trauma, torcher, death, heartbreak and sexy scenes. We need to see all of this to understand how deep being soul mates is rooted into one’s heart for a lifetime. These two would burn the world down without blinking for the other’s safety..
A good Dark Romance always has the sexy unhinged one right? Well this work of art has Riley / King / Angel - the unhinged sexy hockey masked unaliver and Maya - the sexy, unhinged traumatized FMC, cam girl / lost childhood love. Who also is an unaliver. Crazy enough with all that- yo will love them and want to take them for a home cooked meal. Then we have Rocco - the man doing the demanding of all that is bad in Maya and Riley’s lives. (We think). He can go drink a stiff glass of Draino with shards of glass and dirty hypodermic needles as ice.
This is a spicy one that will have you saying “oh he can tie me up alright.” The BDSM is done perfectly! The voyeurisme will even have you having to hide the little drool you have as well. It’s Smexy with a capital SMEXY!!!!
When things are going well, these two dark souls are great and starting to thrive together. However, we can’t have a series if it’s all perfectly wrapped up in book 1 now can we? While Riley has been determined to keep her safe and make her feel like the Queen she is, what happens when someone hurts her King? Can they save each other again? Will there be anything left to save?
This cliffy is going to haunt my dreams!!!! I wonder if cliffy depression is a thing? Well, I will gladly handle this sadness until the next book comes out and see what happens next!!! I feel Maya is about to show them why she hasn’t needed saving in a while!!!!
This book is UnWholly in the best ways imaginable. It is def dark so check your triggers but it has all that we love to read.
I SOOOOOO recommend this to all my Dark Romance, Hockey, Suspense, Stalker, Masked Unaliver, Mafia/Gang readers. Oh ya!!!! You are in for one hell if a treat when you read this book / series.
Thank you Alicia and Danielle for letting me dig my grubby hands into this dark world and be a part of the team. I read a lot of books and do alot of reviews but this one will live rent free in my brain and get so much love and recognition / recommendations!!! I hope to do it proud and make sure it gets all the love it deserves.
July 29, 2025
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
was not expecting that ending🫢🫢😮
quotes:
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tropes:
☆🍁
☆🍁
☆🍁
☆🍁
☆🍁
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review coming soon...
was not expecting that ending🫢🫢😮
quotes:
••
tropes:
☆🍁
☆🍁
☆🍁
☆🍁
☆🍁
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July 25, 2025
❤️🔥🏒UnWholly Angels🏒❤️🔥
✍🏼: @author_alicia_ramos
(ARC)
📍Ratings
5⭐️
4🌶️
4🖤
📍ARC Review
This author left me absolutely speechless. Like… am I okay? No. No, I am NOT. And I love it. 😂
This was my first time reading this author, and I was super impressed. I absolutely loved this book. I felt so many things while reading this, I wouldn’t even blame myself for going a little insane over it. I'm begging for the next book to come out so I can find out what happens. I'm not lying — I've finished the book, and as I write this review, I'm holding back tears. Someone bring me some chocolate, please.🥹🥹
At first, I felt a little lost. Since the series has a prequel called Deviant secrets, should I have started there? Of course, but if you're like me and dove in without realizing… don’t stress. The first few chapters unfold fast, and everything quickly falls into place.
The characters have undoubtedly left an impact on me. The FMC is one of the strongest characters I've ever read. I was captivated by her from the very beginning. In her, you can see that a lot can happen in life, but you decide how to deal with it. It may take time and a lot of courage, but if you're determined, anything is possible in this life.
Our MMC — what a man! Has anyone asked for a possessive man with a dominant side? Well, let me introduce you to Angel Kingston. This character has surprised me in ways you can't imagine, with a very powerful personality and yet a very passionate side that would do anything for those he loves.
This book has taken me through all kinds of emotions — from tearing up within a couple of pages, to sighing over the things our MMC said to our FMC, to needing a glass of water to cool down after a spicy scene.
📍Do I recommend it?
Of course I do! This is a book you don't want to miss — a book that has to go straight to your TBR. However, as with all the books I’ve read and recommended, I ask you to take the trigger warnings into consideration and know what you're getting into.
Enough talking, let’s get to the point, if you're looking for a dark romance with morally gray characters, a very dominant MMC who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty for his girl, and an FMC who would give everything for her man — this is your book!
Run! Don't wait any longer and order UnWholly Angels now. And when you have it, come back and tell me.
Would you also give everything for love?
P.S: F*ck you, Rocco 🖕🏼
✍🏼: @author_alicia_ramos
(ARC)
📍Ratings
5⭐️
4🌶️
4🖤
📍ARC Review
This author left me absolutely speechless. Like… am I okay? No. No, I am NOT. And I love it. 😂
This was my first time reading this author, and I was super impressed. I absolutely loved this book. I felt so many things while reading this, I wouldn’t even blame myself for going a little insane over it. I'm begging for the next book to come out so I can find out what happens. I'm not lying — I've finished the book, and as I write this review, I'm holding back tears. Someone bring me some chocolate, please.🥹🥹
At first, I felt a little lost. Since the series has a prequel called Deviant secrets, should I have started there? Of course, but if you're like me and dove in without realizing… don’t stress. The first few chapters unfold fast, and everything quickly falls into place.
The characters have undoubtedly left an impact on me. The FMC is one of the strongest characters I've ever read. I was captivated by her from the very beginning. In her, you can see that a lot can happen in life, but you decide how to deal with it. It may take time and a lot of courage, but if you're determined, anything is possible in this life.
Our MMC — what a man! Has anyone asked for a possessive man with a dominant side? Well, let me introduce you to Angel Kingston. This character has surprised me in ways you can't imagine, with a very powerful personality and yet a very passionate side that would do anything for those he loves.
This book has taken me through all kinds of emotions — from tearing up within a couple of pages, to sighing over the things our MMC said to our FMC, to needing a glass of water to cool down after a spicy scene.
📍Do I recommend it?
Of course I do! This is a book you don't want to miss — a book that has to go straight to your TBR. However, as with all the books I’ve read and recommended, I ask you to take the trigger warnings into consideration and know what you're getting into.
Enough talking, let’s get to the point, if you're looking for a dark romance with morally gray characters, a very dominant MMC who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty for his girl, and an FMC who would give everything for her man — this is your book!
Run! Don't wait any longer and order UnWholly Angels now. And when you have it, come back and tell me.
Would you also give everything for love?
P.S: F*ck you, Rocco 🖕🏼
August 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Star Rating
Multi First Person POV (Riley & Maya)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
A gripping, heart-breaking tale of survival through childhood trauma to adulthood.
UNWHOLLY ANGELS is my first read by Alicia Ramos, but I can promise you won’t be my last. The way she grabs your attention with this drastic beginning that you know is going to mentally eff up the main character. I love the overall composition of the story. How it dives from the past to the present so you understand the emotional hellride the main characters have suffered through. It captivates the reader to see how they will surpass their horrors against one monster that just won’t leave.
The story opens as Riley has been brought to a home for fosters that clearly holds some dark secrets within its walls. It’s there that he meets Maya who is forced to obey Rocco, another kid in the home who feels more privileged. After a horrible night separates them, he is left to believe that she had died. So when he discovers her years later, their feelings rekindle. But Rocco refuses to let her go and he will stop at nothing to get her back into his life. Riley let her go before, but now, he’s not just territorial, he’s straight up protective of Maya now and won’t go down without a fight.
UNWHOLLY ANGELS has deep, dark themes of abuse, manipulation, abandonment, and trauma bonding as these kids grow up with emotional damage that follows them through their adulthood. Maya is a strong female lead who has absolutely gone through the most. Being abused by Rocco all her life while Riley believed she was deceased was a heartbreaking revolution. The way they never truly stopped caring for each other. Their banter. Their chemistry was all perfectly built up. And don’t even get me started on the spice. I felt like I was going to need a shower afterwards. Perfectly paced in the plot without overindulging.
This is the first book in the Crestview Cardinals series and if this is how the first book presents itself with a spicy reunion and a traumatic storyline, I can’t wait to read how the rest of the series will go. It did had me thinking that this was going to lean more into a dark hockey romance from the start, but it turned out to be a more subtle characterization for Riley rather than his main focus. Overall, a first time read by the author and definitely not the last.
Multi First Person POV (Riley & Maya)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
A gripping, heart-breaking tale of survival through childhood trauma to adulthood.
UNWHOLLY ANGELS is my first read by Alicia Ramos, but I can promise you won’t be my last. The way she grabs your attention with this drastic beginning that you know is going to mentally eff up the main character. I love the overall composition of the story. How it dives from the past to the present so you understand the emotional hellride the main characters have suffered through. It captivates the reader to see how they will surpass their horrors against one monster that just won’t leave.
The story opens as Riley has been brought to a home for fosters that clearly holds some dark secrets within its walls. It’s there that he meets Maya who is forced to obey Rocco, another kid in the home who feels more privileged. After a horrible night separates them, he is left to believe that she had died. So when he discovers her years later, their feelings rekindle. But Rocco refuses to let her go and he will stop at nothing to get her back into his life. Riley let her go before, but now, he’s not just territorial, he’s straight up protective of Maya now and won’t go down without a fight.
UNWHOLLY ANGELS has deep, dark themes of abuse, manipulation, abandonment, and trauma bonding as these kids grow up with emotional damage that follows them through their adulthood. Maya is a strong female lead who has absolutely gone through the most. Being abused by Rocco all her life while Riley believed she was deceased was a heartbreaking revolution. The way they never truly stopped caring for each other. Their banter. Their chemistry was all perfectly built up. And don’t even get me started on the spice. I felt like I was going to need a shower afterwards. Perfectly paced in the plot without overindulging.
This is the first book in the Crestview Cardinals series and if this is how the first book presents itself with a spicy reunion and a traumatic storyline, I can’t wait to read how the rest of the series will go. It did had me thinking that this was going to lean more into a dark hockey romance from the start, but it turned out to be a more subtle characterization for Riley rather than his main focus. Overall, a first time read by the author and definitely not the last.
July 30, 2025
🔥🖤 4-STAR ARC REVIEW: UnWholly Angels by Alicia Ramos 🖤🔥
📅 Out now!
This book is dark, twisted, and dripping with tension—both sexual and emotional. If you like morally gray hockey players, survival stakes, and spice that leaves scorch marks on the page, UnWholly Angels brings the heat. 😮💨🏒
Maya and Angel’s story is one hell of a ride. She’s fierce and fed up with being powerless. He’s broody, damaged, and determined to protect her—even if it means breaking her down to build her back up. Their chemistry is explosive, but it’s those rare soft moments that hit the hardest. The way Angel sees Maya and worships her? Whew. 🥵💔
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven. There’s a lot happening, but at times, it also felt like not enough was fully unpacked—especially when it came to the threat of Rocco. The buildup was intense, but the cliffhanger ending left a lot dangling in the air. (Book 2, I’m looking at you 👀📖)
What stood out the most for me?
✨ The layered friendships—Riley, Nick, and Chloe added heart and complexity to the story.
✨ The spice. Good lord, the SPICE.
✨ The slow unraveling of Angel’s icy exterior and the way Maya refuses to let him do all the saving.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in—this story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, including sexual trauma, abuse, and violence. But if you’re looking for a dark, steamy, emotionally tense story with complex dynamics and a dangerous love that barely clings to the edge of redemption, UnWholly Angels is worth the read. And I’ll be waiting for Book 2 like 👀⏳
#UnWhollyAngels #AliciaRamos #DarkRomance #SpicyReads #HockeyRomance #TraumaHealing #MorallyGrayHero #ToxicButTender #DarkRomanceSeries #CliffhangerWarning #TriggerWarningsApply #FoundFamily #ProtectiveAF #QueenInTheFlames #HockeyBookTok #TBRAlert #RomanceWithEdge #BookReview
📅 Out now!
This book is dark, twisted, and dripping with tension—both sexual and emotional. If you like morally gray hockey players, survival stakes, and spice that leaves scorch marks on the page, UnWholly Angels brings the heat. 😮💨🏒
Maya and Angel’s story is one hell of a ride. She’s fierce and fed up with being powerless. He’s broody, damaged, and determined to protect her—even if it means breaking her down to build her back up. Their chemistry is explosive, but it’s those rare soft moments that hit the hardest. The way Angel sees Maya and worships her? Whew. 🥵💔
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven. There’s a lot happening, but at times, it also felt like not enough was fully unpacked—especially when it came to the threat of Rocco. The buildup was intense, but the cliffhanger ending left a lot dangling in the air. (Book 2, I’m looking at you 👀📖)
What stood out the most for me?
✨ The layered friendships—Riley, Nick, and Chloe added heart and complexity to the story.
✨ The spice. Good lord, the SPICE.
✨ The slow unraveling of Angel’s icy exterior and the way Maya refuses to let him do all the saving.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in—this story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, including sexual trauma, abuse, and violence. But if you’re looking for a dark, steamy, emotionally tense story with complex dynamics and a dangerous love that barely clings to the edge of redemption, UnWholly Angels is worth the read. And I’ll be waiting for Book 2 like 👀⏳
#UnWhollyAngels #AliciaRamos #DarkRomance #SpicyReads #HockeyRomance #TraumaHealing #MorallyGrayHero #ToxicButTender #DarkRomanceSeries #CliffhangerWarning #TriggerWarningsApply #FoundFamily #ProtectiveAF #QueenInTheFlames #HockeyBookTok #TBRAlert #RomanceWithEdge #BookReview
July 29, 2025
What an amazing read!
I loved how this book started, with the MC's being young and how they met and how it evolved with time. I was so taken aback by the aftermath though of how Maya was doing and the things she had to go through and endure while painstakingly being so far away from the love of her life.
Riley was always there to protect Maya when they were young, she instantly took to him and vice versa so they always had to look out for the villain, Rocco. Rocco always thought he was the sh*t and would boss everyone around and if someone didn't listen to him, he made sure they took a beating.
Once they were adults and grown, Maya was the one suffering with Rocco, until she took matters into her own hands and decided that it was time to change her life and she did one heck of job getting out of his hold.
Maya was a very strong woman for going through so much in her young adult life, but she wasn't going to let that get in the way of her current life with Riley. Riley has and will always be the love of her life and she will do whatever she could to protect him.
Riley has never been able to get Maya out of his system or life so he went 12 years without seeing her, thinking she was dead. He was a broken man. Once Maya resurfaced and told Riley everything that happened to her, he vowed he would never leave her alone again. But can he protect her even when she's right next to him?
Oh man this book had me literally hooked. I absolutely adored Maya and how strong and selfless she was. Riley was such a dominant force that this is exactly what Maya needed regardless of what happened to her in the past.
I CANNOT wait for the 2nd book and see what happens next!
I loved how this book started, with the MC's being young and how they met and how it evolved with time. I was so taken aback by the aftermath though of how Maya was doing and the things she had to go through and endure while painstakingly being so far away from the love of her life.
Riley was always there to protect Maya when they were young, she instantly took to him and vice versa so they always had to look out for the villain, Rocco. Rocco always thought he was the sh*t and would boss everyone around and if someone didn't listen to him, he made sure they took a beating.
Once they were adults and grown, Maya was the one suffering with Rocco, until she took matters into her own hands and decided that it was time to change her life and she did one heck of job getting out of his hold.
Maya was a very strong woman for going through so much in her young adult life, but she wasn't going to let that get in the way of her current life with Riley. Riley has and will always be the love of her life and she will do whatever she could to protect him.
Riley has never been able to get Maya out of his system or life so he went 12 years without seeing her, thinking she was dead. He was a broken man. Once Maya resurfaced and told Riley everything that happened to her, he vowed he would never leave her alone again. But can he protect her even when she's right next to him?
Oh man this book had me literally hooked. I absolutely adored Maya and how strong and selfless she was. Riley was such a dominant force that this is exactly what Maya needed regardless of what happened to her in the past.
I CANNOT wait for the 2nd book and see what happens next!
July 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔪🔪🔪🔪
I want to first thank Alicia Ramos for letting me ARC read this! This was my first hockey dark romance and I can tell you what, I have a new obsession!!! 😉
Okay, first off, I just want to say; please, please, please read the trigger warnings first before jumping into this book!! This book has extreme content, so please do not jump in blind! 🙏🏻
This book was sooo freaking goooood!!!It is also beautiful, heartbreaking, and just overall sexy!! There were some times I had to stop and take a break, but I'm so glad I was able to finish it! I could relate with both Riley and Maya and that made my reading experience so much better. I like it when I can relate to a characters experience. It does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that! I promise you, if you can handle extreme content, definitely give this book a try! 🙂
Unwholly Angels is about two people, Riley & Maya, who've been through the ringer. They infuriate each other but also have a deep love for one another. Maya's past is catching up with her, meanwhile, she discovers that the man she's been caming with online is actually Riley, the same Riley from her past. Maya is forced to sell herself for protection, but knows there is one person who will do ANYTHING to protect her, Riley "Angel" Kingston.
***This book is recommended for 18+***
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔪🔪🔪🔪
I want to first thank Alicia Ramos for letting me ARC read this! This was my first hockey dark romance and I can tell you what, I have a new obsession!!! 😉
Okay, first off, I just want to say; please, please, please read the trigger warnings first before jumping into this book!! This book has extreme content, so please do not jump in blind! 🙏🏻
This book was sooo freaking goooood!!!It is also beautiful, heartbreaking, and just overall sexy!! There were some times I had to stop and take a break, but I'm so glad I was able to finish it! I could relate with both Riley and Maya and that made my reading experience so much better. I like it when I can relate to a characters experience. It does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that! I promise you, if you can handle extreme content, definitely give this book a try! 🙂
Unwholly Angels is about two people, Riley & Maya, who've been through the ringer. They infuriate each other but also have a deep love for one another. Maya's past is catching up with her, meanwhile, she discovers that the man she's been caming with online is actually Riley, the same Riley from her past. Maya is forced to sell herself for protection, but knows there is one person who will do ANYTHING to protect her, Riley "Angel" Kingston.
***This book is recommended for 18+***
August 5, 2025
This book was incredible! It was just what I needed to pull me out of my reading slump I was in.
If you are thinking this is your run of the mill fluffy and cute hockey sports romance then you are looking at the wrong book. However, if you are looking for dark, unhinged, keep you on the edge of your seat while you're drooling over the mmc then you absolutely have found the right book.
The history of the characters in this book is tragic and heartbreaking and there are moments this book is going to tug on so many emotions as you read this but hang on through the ride because it will be worth it. The story of Riley and Maya is one that is going to stick with you for a while after you read it.
I loved the ups and downs through this book and the journey each character takes is intense. I loved the flashbacks to hearing more of the story of what Riley and Maya had gone through to get to where they were currently.
The spicy scenes were absolutely incredible!! They will leave you panting and needing a cold shower, or a visit from Riley himself. I love love love the dynamic between Riley and Lux too that was an added spice that was phenomenal.
Alicia Ramos absolutely nailed this book and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store. I will absolutely be reading more from her. This was just incredible. I truly can’t say enough good things about this book.
If you are thinking this is your run of the mill fluffy and cute hockey sports romance then you are looking at the wrong book. However, if you are looking for dark, unhinged, keep you on the edge of your seat while you're drooling over the mmc then you absolutely have found the right book.
The history of the characters in this book is tragic and heartbreaking and there are moments this book is going to tug on so many emotions as you read this but hang on through the ride because it will be worth it. The story of Riley and Maya is one that is going to stick with you for a while after you read it.
I loved the ups and downs through this book and the journey each character takes is intense. I loved the flashbacks to hearing more of the story of what Riley and Maya had gone through to get to where they were currently.
The spicy scenes were absolutely incredible!! They will leave you panting and needing a cold shower, or a visit from Riley himself. I love love love the dynamic between Riley and Lux too that was an added spice that was phenomenal.
Alicia Ramos absolutely nailed this book and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store. I will absolutely be reading more from her. This was just incredible. I truly can’t say enough good things about this book.
August 1, 2025
Another great book from Alicia Ramos. A dark romance that will leave you breathless at times and ready to throw your Kindle at others.
This is Maya and King's (Angel) story. They met as kids and quickly became inseparable. Both have tragic backstories but they managed to find solace in each other. They had their futures mapped out until one horrible night tears them apart.
Maya is basically held hostage by their nemesis Rocco but finds a way to escape him and get back to her family, and King. But King is not the same man he once was.
I love the strength and resilience Maya shows time and again. She is a survivor with guts but also true heart under all her layers. I just loved her.
The twists and turns had me tied up in knots but in the best way. There is some serious spice in this book that almost had me blushing. Maya and King are so hot together. I loved every page from beginning to end.
All that being said, this is a very dark book with some themes that may be a trigger for some. Make sure to heed the trigger warnings before diving in. Be warned that this ends in a cliffhanger, so no happy ending with this one.
Alicia has really outdone herself with this book. It is worth the read for sure.
This is Maya and King's (Angel) story. They met as kids and quickly became inseparable. Both have tragic backstories but they managed to find solace in each other. They had their futures mapped out until one horrible night tears them apart.
Maya is basically held hostage by their nemesis Rocco but finds a way to escape him and get back to her family, and King. But King is not the same man he once was.
I love the strength and resilience Maya shows time and again. She is a survivor with guts but also true heart under all her layers. I just loved her.
The twists and turns had me tied up in knots but in the best way. There is some serious spice in this book that almost had me blushing. Maya and King are so hot together. I loved every page from beginning to end.
All that being said, this is a very dark book with some themes that may be a trigger for some. Make sure to heed the trigger warnings before diving in. Be warned that this ends in a cliffhanger, so no happy ending with this one.
Alicia has really outdone herself with this book. It is worth the read for sure.
August 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ UnWholly Angels by Alicia Ramos completely blew me away — it’s the perfect mix of heart-pounding action, tender romance, and characters you just can’t stop thinking about. From the very first chapter, Ramos pulls you into a world where loyalty is tested, secrets are dangerous, and every choice has weight. The pacing is flawless — every scene has purpose, and the stakes only get higher as the story unfolds.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Angel has a golden retriever vibe in the best way — loyal, warm, protective, and impossible not to love. His dynamic with the FMC is electric, full of banter, trust, and those quiet moments that make your heart ache. The relationships feel genuine, layered with unspoken emotions and that perfect slow-burn tension that keeps you glued to the page.
Alicia Ramos’s writing is rich and immersive, effortlessly balancing emotional depth with edge-of-your-seat plot twists. By the end, I was torn between racing to see what happened next and wanting to savor every word. UnWholly Angels isn’t just a 5-star read — it’s the kind of book you want to shove into your friends’ hands and say, “Read this now.”
The characters are where this book truly shines. Angel has a golden retriever vibe in the best way — loyal, warm, protective, and impossible not to love. His dynamic with the FMC is electric, full of banter, trust, and those quiet moments that make your heart ache. The relationships feel genuine, layered with unspoken emotions and that perfect slow-burn tension that keeps you glued to the page.
Alicia Ramos’s writing is rich and immersive, effortlessly balancing emotional depth with edge-of-your-seat plot twists. By the end, I was torn between racing to see what happened next and wanting to savor every word. UnWholly Angels isn’t just a 5-star read — it’s the kind of book you want to shove into your friends’ hands and say, “Read this now.”
August 17, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The spice was definitely there (no complaints in that department!), and it is pretty dark.
The storyline felt kind of chaotic, and I think it could’ve used smoother transitions between chapters. At times, it was hard to follow what was happening or how we got from one scene to the next.
Also, for something marketed as a dark *hockey* romance, there wasn’t much actual hockey. It felt more like a dark romance where one of the characters just happens to play the sport. I was hoping for more of that vibe.
Both main characters had interesting backstories, and you could see how their pasts influenced their actions, but their current-day personalities felt a bit all over the place. I wish there had been more consistency and development in the present timeline.
That said — I loved the cliffhanger. It definitely has me curious about what’s coming next and I’ll probably pick up the sequel just to see how things play out.
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
I received a free copy and I’m voluntarily leaving this review. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The spice was definitely there (no complaints in that department!), and it is pretty dark.
The storyline felt kind of chaotic, and I think it could’ve used smoother transitions between chapters. At times, it was hard to follow what was happening or how we got from one scene to the next.
Also, for something marketed as a dark *hockey* romance, there wasn’t much actual hockey. It felt more like a dark romance where one of the characters just happens to play the sport. I was hoping for more of that vibe.
Both main characters had interesting backstories, and you could see how their pasts influenced their actions, but their current-day personalities felt a bit all over the place. I wish there had been more consistency and development in the present timeline.
That said — I loved the cliffhanger. It definitely has me curious about what’s coming next and I’ll probably pick up the sequel just to see how things play out.
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
I received a free copy and I’m voluntarily leaving this review. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it!
July 27, 2025
First off all, mind the trigger warnings, they are there for a reason! Be kind to yourself. This book is not for the faint of heart.
This book!! I needed some time after reading, just looking at the wall. From start to finish I was hooked! It was my first read by Alicia and though there are books before this one, I didn't think I missed much with not having read them yet. And my oh my this woman kan write!
The story starts in a foster home, and from there on out you'll follow the lifes of Maya and Riley. They both met in the same house but lost each other a couple of years later. When they find each other again, nothing is the way it was.. This book was a Dark Romance from the top notch. It was dark, twisted, spicy and I just couldn't put it down! And just when you think all is fine, hah! Think again and just read through! The cliffhanger on the end had me on edge!! And I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Alicia Ramos thank you so much for this ARC to read and review.
This book!! I needed some time after reading, just looking at the wall. From start to finish I was hooked! It was my first read by Alicia and though there are books before this one, I didn't think I missed much with not having read them yet. And my oh my this woman kan write!
The story starts in a foster home, and from there on out you'll follow the lifes of Maya and Riley. They both met in the same house but lost each other a couple of years later. When they find each other again, nothing is the way it was.. This book was a Dark Romance from the top notch. It was dark, twisted, spicy and I just couldn't put it down! And just when you think all is fine, hah! Think again and just read through! The cliffhanger on the end had me on edge!! And I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Alicia Ramos thank you so much for this ARC to read and review.
July 30, 2025
Riley’s history is sad and painful. It has to be experienced to understand the man he becomes fully. But grab some tissues, because this story will tug at your heartstrings. Riley may be a lot of things, but to Maya, he is simply Riley—and he would do anything to keep her by his side.
Maya’s past continues to haunt her, and this poor girl has been through so much. The way her character was written was beautiful. You can truly feel everything she’s endured.
Their lives are deeply intertwined, layered with pain, connection, and something more. The tension build-up was delish, and when things finally get steamy? Whew! Riley is all bossy dominance, while Maya is the ultimate “good girl.” And boy, is she ever.
Rocco, oh Rocco—I hope you trip face-first onto a sharp utensil. LOL.
The pacing from past to present carried well, and the drama was engaging enough to keep you flipping pages all the way to the end.
Second chances? Yes, please. 💖
Camgirl moments? Oh y‑e‑a‑h. 🎥
Tie-you-up sessions? Fire. 🔥
Emotional turmoil? Check. 😢
This book touches on several sensitive subjects, so be sure to review the content warnings beforehand. Then grab the Kleenex and get ready for one hell of a ride.
And that cliffhanger? I’m still recovering. Alicia, you got us good! Bravo on this story. Bring on Book 2, need to know!
Quote: “What’s a king without his queen, right?”
Maya’s past continues to haunt her, and this poor girl has been through so much. The way her character was written was beautiful. You can truly feel everything she’s endured.
Their lives are deeply intertwined, layered with pain, connection, and something more. The tension build-up was delish, and when things finally get steamy? Whew! Riley is all bossy dominance, while Maya is the ultimate “good girl.” And boy, is she ever.
Rocco, oh Rocco—I hope you trip face-first onto a sharp utensil. LOL.
The pacing from past to present carried well, and the drama was engaging enough to keep you flipping pages all the way to the end.
Second chances? Yes, please. 💖
Camgirl moments? Oh y‑e‑a‑h. 🎥
Tie-you-up sessions? Fire. 🔥
Emotional turmoil? Check. 😢
This book touches on several sensitive subjects, so be sure to review the content warnings beforehand. Then grab the Kleenex and get ready for one hell of a ride.
And that cliffhanger? I’m still recovering. Alicia, you got us good! Bravo on this story. Bring on Book 2, need to know!
Quote: “What’s a king without his queen, right?”
August 4, 2025
I am still processing this book.
It is definitely a DARK romance and I’d definitely make sure you check out the trigger warnings.
This book was emotional, unhinged and steamy.
Riley and Maya both met when they were children in the same foster home. Riley was there after losing both his parents and Maya was in and out based on her mother’s habits.
Riley is super protective over Maya and develops strong feelings for her. He is a star hockey player years down the road. He has an obsession with a cam girl but little does he know it’s Maya.
Last he saw her he thought she was dead.
Little does he know that his girl is still alive and just so happens to be the cam girl he’s obsessed with.
Maya has suffered abuse in many forms.
Now as an adult she is still forced to do what ever Rocco tells her for protection. Only Maya isn’t as helpless as you’d think and she is, which I absolutely loved !
Overall, this was a great book. It does leave off on a serious cliffhanger, though be prepared.
It is definitely a DARK romance and I’d definitely make sure you check out the trigger warnings.
This book was emotional, unhinged and steamy.
Riley and Maya both met when they were children in the same foster home. Riley was there after losing both his parents and Maya was in and out based on her mother’s habits.
Riley is super protective over Maya and develops strong feelings for her. He is a star hockey player years down the road. He has an obsession with a cam girl but little does he know it’s Maya.
Last he saw her he thought she was dead.
Little does he know that his girl is still alive and just so happens to be the cam girl he’s obsessed with.
Maya has suffered abuse in many forms.
Now as an adult she is still forced to do what ever Rocco tells her for protection. Only Maya isn’t as helpless as you’d think and she is, which I absolutely loved !
Overall, this was a great book. It does leave off on a serious cliffhanger, though be prepared.
August 12, 2025
This dark, intense, and beautifully broken hockey romance tore my heart to pieces and then stitched it back together… only to rip it apart again with that cliffhanger. Riley and Maya’s story is tragic yet magnetic—bound by a childhood connection, torn apart by unimaginable trauma, and reunited under dangerous circumstances. Riley wears many masks—Angel on the ice, King in the bedroom—but with Maya, he’s simply Riley, the boy who never stopped loving her. Maya, scarred yet unyielding, is a survivor through and through, reclaiming her life and her power one fiery, defiant step at a time.
This book is brutal, bloody, unhinged, and deliciously spicy, but it’s also full of vulnerability, banter, and deep emotional beats. Alicia crafts a story that lingers, with characters you can’t help but root for even as the darkness closes in. The tension is palpable, the spice is addictive, and the ending will have you screaming for the next book. Dark romance fans—especially those who love a hockey twist—need this on their TBR.
Please make sure to read those trigger warnings!!
This book is brutal, bloody, unhinged, and deliciously spicy, but it’s also full of vulnerability, banter, and deep emotional beats. Alicia crafts a story that lingers, with characters you can’t help but root for even as the darkness closes in. The tension is palpable, the spice is addictive, and the ending will have you screaming for the next book. Dark romance fans—especially those who love a hockey twist—need this on their TBR.
Please make sure to read those trigger warnings!!
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