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Shark Bait
Two can keep a secret if one of them is a hitman.
Shark is the best of the best when it comes to being a hitman.
He’s even environmentally conscious, which is nice.
What he doesn’t do is make mistakes.
And leaving a witness alive is a huge one.
But Troy isn’t a regular woman.
She’s genuine, feisty, and… pregnant.
All the things Shark wants.
While she should be “sleeping with the fish,”
now Troy hangs out with Shark,
forcing him to choose between loyalty and desire.
A career or a family.
*this is a dark romantic suspense between a hitman and a pregnant witness. It contains dark themes and bold humor.
Shark is the best of the best when it comes to being a hitman.
He’s even environmentally conscious, which is nice.
What he doesn’t do is make mistakes.
And leaving a witness alive is a huge one.
But Troy isn’t a regular woman.
She’s genuine, feisty, and… pregnant.
All the things Shark wants.
While she should be “sleeping with the fish,”
now Troy hangs out with Shark,
forcing him to choose between loyalty and desire.
A career or a family.
*this is a dark romantic suspense between a hitman and a pregnant witness. It contains dark themes and bold humor.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2025
68 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Milana Jacks
64 books1,035 followersMilana grew up with tales of water fairies that seduced men, vampires that seduced women, and Babaroga who'd come to take her away if she didn't eat her bean soup. She writes sci-fi fantasy romance with over-the-top heroes from her home on Earth where she lives with her mate and their three little monsters. • Safe from cheating, otherwoman drama, and with HEA every time, Milana's stories will entertain you. Try one!
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NEW to Milana READERS - start reading Beast Mates Series with Virgin FREE.
Book 2.5 is available FREE on my website. Click!
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NEW to Milana READERS - start reading Beast Mates Series with Virgin FREE.
Book 2.5 is available FREE on my website. Click!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 10, 2025
Life has been lifing and I've been going through an all-books-are-shit phase. But it goes to show good authors (as they keep my interest) as well as favourite authors-who are like a reading a comfortable but exciting story.
It's been a minute since I've read a Milana Jacks story. So, until it was stated, I didn't even realize M.J. focuses on paranormal/fantasy romance. For a first contemporary romance this was good...with room to grow.
But, I wouldn't classify this as dark romance This was more Mafia romance with trauma. Miro+Troy's trauma are both referred to-and in a closed room type of way. It is not actively happening on page and we are not having graphic memories. I am also not a fan of dark romance. You know especially where the blurb describes that it's a pitch black story or the one I absolutely hate, rape that happens with no forewarning or heavy consent non consent. I try some but I'm not a fan/quickly DNF the story so I love that this didn't really live up to the classification.
The other thing I did not like was the age gap. High five to Miro because he refused the Daddy title! 🙏🏾Shark Daddy yes, Daddy no. I especially loved it as a reader who loves the caretaker/protector aspect of DD/lg play without liking the titles/aging aspect.
There was humour in the story. The sort of dry humour that I like. I both loved and hated when Troy would bless-your-heart someone because her tone of voice changes. It's not consistently southern belle/small town country girl as she's implied to be, all the time. At times it fell like hamming up the stereotype rather than her even laying it on thick in a sarcastic manner.
I have never experienced human trafficking in my personal life and hope never to. But I loved how the story unfolds in the aspect of you're signing contracts without having read them all based on stories. What I think would have lent more credence to it is an aspect with most human trafficking stories, if Troy's passport was taken from her and she was being led on; you need to do this to get it or being told you have to work for us for this long to get it back because this I have sadly seen close to home.
I loved the side characters. Alessio, for who we are getting a book. Valerina, who I want her to get her book. Then we also had Troy's brothers, but I know my interest in music group/band books died, but good for all the other readers who'll probably get a book out of it.
There was no real epilogue and I hate it! The closing Thanksgiving scene was so goooood, then no epilogue; make it make sense because we've been waiting to finally see them together!
So, loves this. Will definitely be reading future books in the implied series.
It's been a minute since I've read a Milana Jacks story. So, until it was stated, I didn't even realize M.J. focuses on paranormal/fantasy romance. For a first contemporary romance this was good...with room to grow.
But, I wouldn't classify this as dark romance This was more Mafia romance with trauma. Miro+Troy's trauma are both referred to-and in a closed room type of way. It is not actively happening on page and we are not having graphic memories. I am also not a fan of dark romance. You know especially where the blurb describes that it's a pitch black story or the one I absolutely hate, rape that happens with no forewarning or heavy consent non consent. I try some but I'm not a fan/quickly DNF the story so I love that this didn't really live up to the classification.
The other thing I did not like was the age gap. High five to Miro because he refused the Daddy title! 🙏🏾Shark Daddy yes, Daddy no. I especially loved it as a reader who loves the caretaker/protector aspect of DD/lg play without liking the titles/aging aspect.
“Three times, I peered out the window, and all three times, I saw a penis appear in the sky.”
There was humour in the story. The sort of dry humour that I like. I both loved and hated when Troy would bless-your-heart someone because her tone of voice changes. It's not consistently southern belle/small town country girl as she's implied to be, all the time. At times it fell like hamming up the stereotype rather than her even laying it on thick in a sarcastic manner.
Sometimes, women hurt other women more than men do.
I have never experienced human trafficking in my personal life and hope never to. But I loved how the story unfolds in the aspect of you're signing contracts without having read them all based on stories. What I think would have lent more credence to it is an aspect with most human trafficking stories, if Troy's passport was taken from her and she was being led on; you need to do this to get it or being told you have to work for us for this long to get it back because this I have sadly seen close to home.
Valerina stops what she’s doing. “Why would you spend your money?” She shakes her head. “We don’t spend our money. We spend their money.” She points outside and behind me, I’m pretty sure at the men.
I loved the side characters. Alessio, for who we are getting a book. Valerina, who I want her to get her book. Then we also had Troy's brothers, but I know my interest in music group/band books died, but good for all the other readers who'll probably get a book out of it.
There was no real epilogue and I hate it! The closing Thanksgiving scene was so goooood, then no epilogue; make it make sense because we've been waiting to finally see them together!
So, loves this. Will definitely be reading future books in the implied series.
February 18, 2025
My first read from this author, and since this seems to be her first contemporary, I'm interested in checking out some of her fantasy romances.
This book was interesting. The story had some surprises, and the ending was sweet even though I really REALLY wanted more. It finished and I was internally crying for more. I really wanted to see their full HEA, especially because of the way it had to end. Though I give props to the author for taking a more unconventional path.
The characters, including side characters, were fun to read. The MMC had a very distinct personality. I loved the lollipop thing. He was very calm and decisive in all situations.
The FMC I think was supposed to come off as snarky, but it sort of fell flat for me. On top of that, she just kind of accepted everything that happened to her. While that is understandable for having just come out a traumatic situation, she kept that nonchalant attitude throughout the entire book. Overall though, I liked her with the MMC, and I think they were cute together.
Aside from the FMC, my main reason for this rating is that some things just aren't explained well enough, or at all. In most cases, it was clear that the author was trying to have the dialogue or actions of the characters explain things instead of telling us (which I prefer), but they didn't quite explain it all, so I was confused or filling in gaps with my own guesses a few times. We also never find out what happened with the millions the FMC was given.
There are also some editing errors, including a chapter that switches POVs partway through.
Aside from that, I enjoyed this one. I love the dichotomy of a hitman methodically cleaning up after a 27 person job while stuck on a yacht, and a pregnant witness just lounging around asking him semi-invasive questions as he falls for her.
Edit:
This has no bearing on my rating, but sort of sad that this wasn't a why choose all of the sudden? This couple seems to be the only MF storyline in sight, when every other character was set up in this very book to be in a menage/MFM storyline. There were so many times when I thought this would head in that direction too, with having Alessio be the third, but it didn't. Don't get me wrong, I really liked this couple, but as a serial why choose reader, I questioned why this wasn't why choose when EVERY OTHER character (except for Alessio I guess) was very clearly maneuvered into a MFM relationship for later books.
This book was interesting. The story had some surprises, and the ending was sweet even though I really REALLY wanted more. It finished and I was internally crying for more. I really wanted to see their full HEA, especially because of the way it had to end. Though I give props to the author for taking a more unconventional path.
The characters, including side characters, were fun to read. The MMC had a very distinct personality. I loved the lollipop thing. He was very calm and decisive in all situations.
The FMC I think was supposed to come off as snarky, but it sort of fell flat for me. On top of that, she just kind of accepted everything that happened to her. While that is understandable for having just come out a traumatic situation, she kept that nonchalant attitude throughout the entire book. Overall though, I liked her with the MMC, and I think they were cute together.
Aside from the FMC, my main reason for this rating is that some things just aren't explained well enough, or at all. In most cases, it was clear that the author was trying to have the dialogue or actions of the characters explain things instead of telling us (which I prefer), but they didn't quite explain it all, so I was confused or filling in gaps with my own guesses a few times. We also never find out what happened with the millions the FMC was given.
There are also some editing errors, including a chapter that switches POVs partway through.
Aside from that, I enjoyed this one. I love the dichotomy of a hitman methodically cleaning up after a 27 person job while stuck on a yacht, and a pregnant witness just lounging around asking him semi-invasive questions as he falls for her.
Edit:
This has no bearing on my rating, but sort of sad that this wasn't a why choose all of the sudden? This couple seems to be the only MF storyline in sight, when every other character was set up in this very book to be in a menage/MFM storyline. There were so many times when I thought this would head in that direction too, with having Alessio be the third, but it didn't. Don't get me wrong, I really liked this couple, but as a serial why choose reader, I questioned why this wasn't why choose when EVERY OTHER character (except for Alessio I guess) was very clearly maneuvered into a MFM relationship for later books.
February 10, 2025
What a great story for an unexpected journey. The hitman whose mission included eliminating some bad actors ends up also rescuing their kidnapping victim. Troy is something special. Pregnant, broken and not really caring if she lives or dies at their first meeting she approaches the hitman as he is getting rid of the bodies on the yacht she was held. Her pregnancy, brokenness, and humor touched Shark and made him decide to save her even from his found family since she was a witness and could bring them all down. While the storyline sounds heavy, it wasn't because of the great banter and chemistry between the two leads, as well as the eccentric and comical antics of Shark's found family, Alessio and Valerina. All four of these characters have a great sense of humor you will enjoy reading.
Troy has a lot thrown at her, her pregnancy, memories and trauma response episodes from the kidnapping as well as Alessio's high handiness to mention a few. While she is free from her kidnappers and finds friendship and caring with her new friends, she is not really free either.
The warped, funny sense of humors from all of these characters was a joy to read even though they were all immersed in a dark and dangerous world. What a great mix of light, laughter and darkness to keep you laughing and feel the danger all at once.
Troy has a lot thrown at her, her pregnancy, memories and trauma response episodes from the kidnapping as well as Alessio's high handiness to mention a few. While she is free from her kidnappers and finds friendship and caring with her new friends, she is not really free either.
The warped, funny sense of humors from all of these characters was a joy to read even though they were all immersed in a dark and dangerous world. What a great mix of light, laughter and darkness to keep you laughing and feel the danger all at once.
January 29, 2025
This is the authors first contemporary story. MMC is a hitman, FMC is pregnant and there is an age-gap.
The FMC is being held against her will by bad guys on a yacht. The MMC comes in on an unrelated mission and takes out all those bad guys.
Like many of Milana Jacks’s MMCs, Shark is a semi-feral wife guy. He expresses his love for his family and the FMC as well as he possible can, which is not very well. The FMC has post traumatic stress that she has trouble being open about but actively works with a therapist for.
The characters are generally upbeat and lovable, despite their troubles. All characters (including Shark’s family members) have some serious issues but are trying their best. The POV narrations feel casual and mostly avoid overthinking their situation. In fact, the characters avoid reflecting on their own traumas so much that they are actually unreliable narrators. Sometimes we don’t know what’s really going on until a third party reacts or we get the other POV.
The FMC is being held against her will by bad guys on a yacht. The MMC comes in on an unrelated mission and takes out all those bad guys.
Like many of Milana Jacks’s MMCs, Shark is a semi-feral wife guy. He expresses his love for his family and the FMC as well as he possible can, which is not very well. The FMC has post traumatic stress that she has trouble being open about but actively works with a therapist for.
The characters are generally upbeat and lovable, despite their troubles. All characters (including Shark’s family members) have some serious issues but are trying their best. The POV narrations feel casual and mostly avoid overthinking their situation. In fact, the characters avoid reflecting on their own traumas so much that they are actually unreliable narrators. Sometimes we don’t know what’s really going on until a third party reacts or we get the other POV.
January 22, 2025
So what’s a hitman to do when he gets rid of 27 men on a yacht job, but misses a cute and sassy pregnant woman…apparently he keeps her. Same fun Milana Jacks humor that we’ve been missing. For quite a few chapters they don’t know each other's names, so he refers to her as the lollipop thief and she refers to him as shark daddy. These two were funny with their back and forth. And the chapter titles were hilarious too, I just can’t with how funny they were.
Not sure if this will be a new series or not, but if so it’s a great start. Glad she’s back. Got your intense dirty talking hitman and his adorably sassy girl that thinks him working is her new favorite show. I absolutely loved the shout out for her book The Royal Obsession…well played, well played. No epilogue, just a hfn.
Not sure if this will be a new series or not, but if so it’s a great start. Glad she’s back. Got your intense dirty talking hitman and his adorably sassy girl that thinks him working is her new favorite show. I absolutely loved the shout out for her book The Royal Obsession…well played, well played. No epilogue, just a hfn.
January 23, 2025
What an incredible read. If you are like me you have read every story that Milana has written.
This is definitely a different style of writing for Milana though, and I was a little apprehensive. Fortunately my thoughts were unwarranted .
This is an amazing read. From start to finish every word captures your heart. The awesome banter between the lead characters is off the charts. The commitment and dedication throughout the whole story is addictive to say the least.
Despite the darkness that this story held, a beautiful romance emerged. Through tears and heartbreak we ended with a very HEA.
An amazing read Milana. 💜🔥I can't wait for the next book in this series
November 7, 2025
4.50⭐️ - i’m glad Troy & “Shark” will more than likely get their HEA but not a huge fan of the last few chapters becuase it’s left to they *probably* will get their HEA … definitely wanted an epilogue or bonus chapter telling me they finally got together (possibly married) & i *don’t* want to see if Alessio’s book has that tidbit about them because what Alessio’s book should have is mentions of how happy they are together
aside from that, loved their story & their humor … but the ending ::tsk tsk tsk:: not a huge fan
aside from that, loved their story & their humor … but the ending ::tsk tsk tsk:: not a huge fan
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
I enjoyed the story. The two are funny. I love how they go back and forth with each other. Shark Daddy has just finished killing twenty eight men on a yacht that he has chased for years, when a woman comes up behind him. She asks him for help and he almost shoots her. Troy is a song writer and was hoping to learn more. She met a guy online and thought he was legit. She was wrong and she paid the price. The journey begins.
February 16, 2025
4 stars 3 spice
Troy & Miro (‘shark’)
I wasn’t sure about the humour at first, but quickly got into it and ended up really enjoying this! The mix of dark mafia vibes mixed with romcom and suspense made this a unique story. Both MCs were interesting, as well as the side characters making me want to read their books too (Alessio especially). It could have done with a little more tension for my liking at times given the nature of the content, but overall the mix of emotions was good, the plot was wrapped up, and they got their HEA
Troy & Miro (‘shark’)
I wasn’t sure about the humour at first, but quickly got into it and ended up really enjoying this! The mix of dark mafia vibes mixed with romcom and suspense made this a unique story. Both MCs were interesting, as well as the side characters making me want to read their books too (Alessio especially). It could have done with a little more tension for my liking at times given the nature of the content, but overall the mix of emotions was good, the plot was wrapped up, and they got their HEA
February 16, 2025
riviting
I am an avid reader of Ms Jacks works. This new more modern work doesn’t disappoint. It’s a solid 5 star for me.
Love the MFC and MMC and their story. She sets up the series well and makes you want to read about the other characters in the book. Can’t wait to read the next.
Found it hard to put down, story flowed well and characters were well developed. I always love the added humor this author blends throughout her story lines.
Good job.
I am an avid reader of Ms Jacks works. This new more modern work doesn’t disappoint. It’s a solid 5 star for me.
Love the MFC and MMC and their story. She sets up the series well and makes you want to read about the other characters in the book. Can’t wait to read the next.
Found it hard to put down, story flowed well and characters were well developed. I always love the added humor this author blends throughout her story lines.
Good job.
April 5, 2025
I've read some of Milana Jacks paranormal romance books, but this was her first contemporary dark suspense romance, and I found the story an enjoyable read. Our characters: Shark our hit man and Troy our pregnant witness was engaging and interesting to read about. Their banter was funny, and their chemistry simmered and there was plenty of drama. The story was enjoyable in this signed copy I'd received via the author, and I'd volunteer to read and review.
January 23, 2025
Loved their chemistry 😍😍😍
I honestly love the banter between the 2 main characters. It's hilarious and such smart ass back-and-forth. Definitely, my type of vibe, and I love how respectful he is of her ❤️ overall, this story was amazing and would definitely recommend to everyone that loves reading.This author is just hands down amazing!
I honestly love the banter between the 2 main characters. It's hilarious and such smart ass back-and-forth. Definitely, my type of vibe, and I love how respectful he is of her ❤️ overall, this story was amazing and would definitely recommend to everyone that loves reading.This author is just hands down amazing!
January 23, 2025
Shark Daddy ~ This is a voluntary Advanced Reader Copy review of ‘Shark Bait’. This story is very different from the previous works. Yes it had dark themes, but the sometimes dry humor and snappy comebacks had me laughing. Loved the reference to the Seelie King book. I really enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to the next book.
January 27, 2025
Loved it!
This book was pretty good. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. The two many characters were funny. They complemented each other well. I wish it was longer, I have so many questions in my mind. I will be eagerly looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this book.💖💖💖🔥
This book was pretty good. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. The two many characters were funny. They complemented each other well. I wish it was longer, I have so many questions in my mind. I will be eagerly looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this book.💖💖💖🔥
February 22, 2025
I loved this book!! It was so outside your norm I really didn’t think I was going to like it. But the characters are so interesting and the story so well written I couldn’t put the book down. I look forward to more books like this from you Hattie because you hit this one out of the ball park!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 23, 2025
loved it! great read.
I really enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next one. There were quite a bit of writing errors, especially at the very end when it changed POV when I don’t think it was supposed to. But none of the errors threw you off the reading too much.
I really enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next one. There were quite a bit of writing errors, especially at the very end when it changed POV when I don’t think it was supposed to. But none of the errors threw you off the reading too much.
February 1, 2025
Enjoyable. The story charged full steam ahead with lots of sassy dialogue. I spotted one small typo at the beginning when she wrote really but meant ready, but there were no others that I could see. I've always liked Ms Jack's work, thank you for the Good read
February 2, 2025
Oh Lollipop!!
Could not put it down, I had it finished before dinner. Another outstanding mix of a great plot with dark humor and steam!! I can't wait to see what comes up as the next atory begins!
Could not put it down, I had it finished before dinner. Another outstanding mix of a great plot with dark humor and steam!! I can't wait to see what comes up as the next atory begins!
February 2, 2025
I loved this book. I can’t wait for Alessio and Valerina’s book. It’s different from some of her other books but I enjoyed it immensely. Hope we get the siblings books soon and any others in the series. Also very curious about Denver, Levi and the rest of the brothers. ❤️
March 10, 2025
loved it!
I loved the characters in this story! Ms Jacks always does an excellent job writing characters you cant help but relate to and root for even though they may not be your typical MCs. I believe that’s exactly what pulls us in as readers.
I loved the characters in this story! Ms Jacks always does an excellent job writing characters you cant help but relate to and root for even though they may not be your typical MCs. I believe that’s exactly what pulls us in as readers.
April 12, 2026
I liked the idea of the story but the execution felt mediocre. Wasn't a fan of the ending and felt that Troy was completely spineless and far too forgiving. I enjoyed Shark Daddy but just needed something more.
January 24, 2025
New series
Lets have more Love this story line , bad boy, broken girl, happy ending. Lovely family, more to come. Thank you.
Lets have more Love this story line , bad boy, broken girl, happy ending. Lovely family, more to come. Thank you.
January 26, 2025
Brilliant
I absolutely love all of Mila’s books. If this is your first one, I highly recommend the fantasy ones. They are amazing!
I absolutely love all of Mila’s books. If this is your first one, I highly recommend the fantasy ones. They are amazing!
January 26, 2025
Lollipops
This was a GREAT book!! I'm soo looking forward to another! Dark romance is where it's AT!! Bring it Milana!
This was a GREAT book!! I'm soo looking forward to another! Dark romance is where it's AT!! Bring it Milana!
February 11, 2025
different and interesting
Loved this! Such a fun romp. The sarcastic humor between the characters was fantastic. Can’t wait for the next one.
Loved this! Such a fun romp. The sarcastic humor between the characters was fantastic. Can’t wait for the next one.
February 16, 2025
I recommend
Dark is not my cup of tea but the dialog between the main characters kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and will watch for the next one.
Dark is not my cup of tea but the dialog between the main characters kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and will watch for the next one.
February 25, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
March 6, 2025
It's probably a good book but the writing style is just not for me.
March 18, 2025
Loved Every Second!
I have read all of Milana‘s Horde books, I loved every second of this one. I enjoyed it so much. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
I have read all of Milana‘s Horde books, I loved every second of this one. I enjoyed it so much. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
April 18, 2025
I didn't get past the first few chapters; not interested in the characters and therefore the story. Troy is 18/19 and Shark is late thirties.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews