Some mistakes you see coming. Others show up bleeding on your doorstep in the middle of the night, beautiful and dangerous and twenty years too young. I should have slammed the door in his face.
Five years of peace on my tropical island. Since I left the mercenary life behind and became an innkeeper. Five years of telling myself I was done with danger.
Then, Nico washes up on my doorstep one stormy night. He’s not who he says he is, but neither am I. When he presses that blade to my skin, I should be afraid. Instead, I feel alive for the first time in years.
He may be used to being the most powerful person in a room, but if this brat thinks he's the one in control, he's about to learn a big lesson. The hard way.
Trapped together for weeks while storms rage outside, the tension between us becomes explosive. He's hiding from something, or someone, and his past is catching up fast. But he's not the only one with blood on his hands.
As his enemies close in and the island becomes a hunting ground, we'll have to fight each other, or fight together?
Either way, someone's going to break first. And Kiah McClane never yields.
Unconventional power exchange, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, reverse age gap, morally grey characters, and a heroine who knows exactly how to handle dangerous men.
**This is a dark mafia romance intended for mature audiences. Please see the author's website for detailed content warnings.
M Kay Noir is a romance author and journalist obsessed with moments of desire.
Most of Kay's stories are dark(ish), kinky, queer-friendly, polyamorous undertakings with neurotic characters who are often their own worst enemies. If you expect any regard for traditional gender roles or power dynamics, you will be disappointed.
"I like my female characters dominant... ...And my MMCs on their knees."
Born and bred in South Africa, Kay has been penning steamy moments for more than 15 years now, from fanfics to ghostwriting and now, finally, her own stories. Her day job also involves a lot of writing, albeit a different kind—mostly sustainability things.
When she’s not writing (or reading), she enjoys making her husband look at yet another sunset or going to a live music show.
💚 Forced proximity 💚 Enemies to lovers 💚 Age gap (she’s 16 years older) 💚 Mafia 💚 Protective AF MMC 💚 Touch her/him and 💀 💚 Dark romance 💚 Femdom
This instalment from Kay plunges us straight into a dark and twisty world of mafia intrigue and simmering desires. We are introduced to 2 new compelling characters in Nico and Kiah with a palpable sense of danger from the get go. While the initial “word of caution” sets the tone, the narrative quickly escalates into a volatile power play between Kiah, the Innkeeper with a violent past, and Nico, the wounded mafia heir. This is a quick and dirty read that is fast-paced and filled with unexpected turns, promising a thrilling and potentially disturbing read for those who enjoy dark romance and suspenseful narratives.
If there’s one thing Kay can do, and do well, it’s to write a Femdom character that will have you swinging your feet with glee. I absolutely love her FMCs!!!
This book was a page turner. I didn't want to put it down M. Kay Noir is AMAZING! If you like the BDSM trope this book is for you. I definitely wasn't expecting what all happened in this book, but it had me laughing, while also on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what happens next. I will say if you're reading this book do it at home, as you'll be laughing hysterically at some of the things that happen. I can't wait to see what M. Kay Noir comes up with next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love the way that M Kay Noir writes her FMC's. Kiah's dominance is such a delicate dance with moments of vulnerability sprinkled in to keep the pages turning.
As much as I love Kiah and her sass and the mystery that surrounds her, I absolutely love Nico. At first I couldn't stand him, I was convinced I wasn't going to ever like him. But his journey with Kiah and ultimately himself is absolute perfection.
There's mystery, suspense, most definitely spice. But the relationship that develops between Kiah and Nico was truly unexpected, but absolutely beautiful. Each character allows the other to thrive, there's so much respect and love between them at the end of the book that I was genuinely in awe.
I appreciated even more the way they were each allowed to explore sides of themselves that they had never thought were a part of them before meeting the other. There was so much growth in this relationship, something that M Kay Noir nails time and time again.
Covert Desires by M. Kay Noir is a thrilling and addictive read for book lovers. From the very first page, this book grabs you and won’t let go. Picture mafia power struggles, forbidden romance, and a heroine who’s not afraid to stand up for herself—all wrapped in writing that’s sharp as a knife.
What I loved about Covert Desires is the broody, dangerous male protagonist who’ll make you fall in love with all the bad guys. The fearless and smart female protagonist gives as good as she gets, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. The dark and twisty plotlines keep you up way past your bedtime.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and an anti-hero who makes you question your morals, this book is for you. Just be warned: once you start, you won’t stop.
This book is a quick, fast-paced read with a great balance of suspense, passion, & spice. It is definitely a page-turner. There is so much packed into this little story & I definitely wasn't expecting the story to go the way it did, but it had me laughing, weirdly turned on & on the edge of my seat.
The slow burn between them is perfection, but because it's such a short book, it doesn't drag or have you going crazy at them to just get to it already. I actually really enjoyed that it wasn't insta-love or desire for a change. It grows & intensifies as the story progresses. And when it does get to the smut, well damn. It hits good.
The role reversal that happens is fantastic. When Nico thought he could just barge his way into Kiah's world, & not take 'no' for an answer, I was down for it, (sucker for a cocky man who just takes) but things switched up real quick & we learn, just as Nico learns, that Kiah will not be intimidated & she can very much handle herself & he becomes the captive not the capture. Honestly, it was hilarious & I lapped it up. But once the initial drama is over & the humour is out of the way, it becomes a beautiful story as the relationship develops between the two of them & Nico hands over control to Kiah willingly & opens up about the trauma he's been carrying around for a long time. When he broke down in her arms, I felt for him, but the way Kiah comforted him & allowed him to let it all out was beautiful.
I'm honestly shocked to say I enjoyed Kiah being the dominant in the relationship & the one dishing out punishments. As much as she is in control, though, Nico does help Kiah overcome things herself & thrive just as she helps him thrive. The love & respect for each other is all just 10/10.
Great read. So, if you love an older woman who can tame a young, bratty mafia prince, then this is the book for you. I definitely could have read several more chapters of these two characters.
This is a thrilling, steamy read that masterfully blends passion with suspense. The chemistry between Khia and Nico is undeniable, with their enemies to lovers dynamic keeping me hooked from the start. The story kicks off when Nico, a straight-up prick, shows up at Khia's inn during the off-season, barging in on a stormy evening. He doesn't take no for an answer and forces his way into her space, quickly becoming the guest no one ever wants.
But Khia isn't intimidated, she can hold her own, and watching their roles reverse was one of my favorite parts of the book. Nico may be a brat, but as Khia takes charge, she doesn't hesitate to teach him a lesson or two. The slow burn between them is intense, and when the smut finally hits, it’s absolutely delicious.
The forced proximity and the undeniable tension between them only intensify as the story progresses. I loved how Khia eventually owns Nico in this book. The balance of suspense, passion, and role reversal makes this a thrilling, satisfying read from start to finish.
At first I thought I was going to hate Nico he was the cocky know it all who thought he could walk around doing whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. Until Kiah.
Kiah is such a strong Fmc who has also been through so much in her life. She’s been biding herself away from that dangerous life she once lived, until he showed up on her doorstep. Shes been deprived of it too long, she’s been pushing it away for too long. The Kiah that once was returns better than ever and definitely not without some kinks !
Kiah and Nico unlock something within each other that lets them push each other to the limits and it’s beautiful to see Nico hand the control over to Kiah. I loved that he was able to open up eventually, to let go of the trauma he’s been carrying around for so long. Almost like a weight around his neck … It shows how much he trusts her, needs her it’s love.
Kiah and Nico’s story was 🔥🌶️🥵!!! From the very beginning I was hooked and could not put it down! Kiah a former Special Forces turned island innkeeper and Nico the son of a mafia boss on the run for murder cross paths in the most unlikely way. Their initial encounter was insane and where it went from there will have you 🤯! There isn’t a moment of this book that didn’t have my jaw on the floor. M Kay Noir has once again blown me away with a story you can’t predict and characters you can’t help but be obsessed with! Definitely recommend reading the triggers because this book has some crazy scenes that will leave you speechless! 😉 If you love a hot, steamy dark romance and danger then this is a must read!!
This was a very unexpected good read! In the beginning you kind of don’t expect what actually happens, but once you realise who Nico is then it starts to explain what he’s done (or not done) and why he is the way he is. It was beautifully written and the spice was 10/10👍🏽 Definitely would recommend to anyone who enjoys something a little bit different!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
wow wow wow !!! this has been such a wild ride i don’t even know where to start. i have to praise the author for her writing of the FMC. this FMC revels everything i’ve read before, an absolute badass that won’t back out of a little fight. and best of all? a femdom.
if you want a dark, steamy read then i definitely recommend this one!!💚
I absolutely loved this book. I loved how the Female was “in charge” and the man was incredibly amazing I couldn’t get enough of the two. I enjoyed all the spice, hurt, adoration, submissiveness. I’d recommend to others for sure
ummmm, i actually think i need to stop being so honest about what i read on this app — btw didn’t love the lack of character development (that’s right, i can read a smutty book and still get literary up in this bitch)
This book was so dark and twisted. I sometimes found myself disturbed with what I was reading but yet had to finish the book so I could know how it ended. Definitely read the trigger warnings. If you like dark mafia stories then I would recommend it.
I just love going into a new book and a new author! When I finish the book in one day, you can be sure that there is enough happening to keep me reading. The interaction between the characters was written very well and you could “feel” the tension through the pages. If you love Mafia, forced proximity, Dominant FMC and forbidden romance, this book is definitely for you.
This was the first book I’ve read where the woman was the dominant and the man was the submissive. I loved the storyline and the characters. Their relationship progression. I love a strong fmc. Loved this book
Khia - Owns an Inn on an island. She thought she had outrun her demons by staying in hiding. One night, a stranger turned up at her Inn, that one night everything changed.
Nico - Is a mafia prince, one who's gone in hiding due to being blamed for his father's d3ath, on the island he visited when he was a child.
This is a short spicy mafia / dom and sub novel. Please read your trigger warnings!
It's dark, it's fun it's spicy!!
This is a beautifully written short spicy novel, it's thrilling and will capture you hook line and sinker!
This is the first novel of this authors I have read and it most certainly won't be the last!
Covert Desires is a suspenseful and a page turning dark mafia romance. I found this book to be completely captivating from beginning to end, entertaining and an absolute pleasure to read. Covert Desires is fantastically written, exceptionally balanced with action/romance and beautifully executed by M Kay Noir. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was completely blown away by the story. Covert Desires has a marvelous plot, outstanding characters and a breathtaking ending for the main characters. This is the journey of Kiah and Nico. The characters are fabulously written and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between Kiah and Nico is undeniably irresistible to the point where they could no longer ignore the feelings developing between them. I adored getting to know these two fantastic characters as well as witnessing their relationship unfolding throughout the pages of the book. I’m definitely going to be checking out more of M Kay Noir’s work in the future. Covert Desires is definitely a book that I would give as a recommendation to anyone whose looking for a new dark mafia romance to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my gosh!!!! I loved this book!!! I need more story these two people! This is the first book by this author I have read and I am going to read them all!!!!
This one definitely knows how to throw you straight into the action. A stormy night, a mysterious stranger at the door and a heroine with a past that is every bit as complicated as his, there was never going to be a quiet stay at this island inn!
Kiah McClane is easily the standout for me. She’s strong, capable and absolutely refuses to be intimidated, even when danger comes knocking. I loved that she isn’t written as someone waiting to be rescued. She knows exactly who she is, and she’s more than capable of holding her own when things start going sideways.
Nico brings a completely different kind of energy. He’s mysterious, unpredictable and clearly carrying secrets of his own, which kept me guessing about what was really happening beneath the surface.
The forced proximity setup works brilliantly here, especially with both characters hiding pieces of their past. As the danger closes in, the story shifts from personal tension to something much bigger, and the island becomes a seriously dangerous place to be.
There are secrets, morally grey characters, enemies, danger and plenty of twists to keep the pages turning. M. Kay Noir was a new to me author, and I enjoyed discovering this one. If you like darker romance with complicated characters, a strong heroine and plenty of suspense woven through the story, Covert Desires certainly brings something different to the table.
WOW... what a book. I decided to read this not knowing anything about it and omg I'm glad I did!! The story kept me hooked the whole time and I swear i kept dropping my jaw as I read it. This book had me feeling so many things, this was actually the first book i have read where the woman is in charge and I and COMPLETELY here for it!! Now For the main characters.. I don't think I have EVER been obsessed with a woman like Kiah she is so strong willed and i LOVE that about her and the way she puts Nico in his place omg lol. Now Nico...he is something else that is for sure, but I can relate to him in a couple of ways. At first I genuinely didn't know if I liked him or wanted to strangle him but getting to know his story and him just as a person in general I couldn't help falling in love with his character and what I love most about him is that even though he is such a good boy for Kiah, If ANYONE dared tried to lay a hand on her he will unalive them I loved this book so much!!
It was short, and while I’d love to call it sweet, it was definitely not sweet. Nowhere close. It was dark and rough, just as a true dark romance should be. The MMC is a truly horrible guy—at least at first. 😈
I really enjoyed the writing, the setting, and how badass the FMC is. There’s a lot of smut and nudity (seriously, a lot), but the plot was so intriguing that I wished there had been more of it! I’m a sucker for an in-depth backstory, but with only 130 pages, there’s not much room for that. I also could have done with fewer excrement references, but I get that it added to the dark tone.
The story mainly focuses on the relationship between the MCs, and I loved the dual POV—it’s always fantastic to get inside both characters’ heads!
If you’re looking to try a really dark mafia romance without investing too much time, this is the perfect pick!
Please read your trigger warnings, it does get pretty graphic with some subjects. This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole way. This is a bdsm/mafia/second chance/secret past/spicy enemies to lovers with a twist of violence.
Small town innkeeper with a rocky past comes face to face with a mafia man on the run.
Kiah, isn't your average innkeeper. She is fierce and independent, knows that letting her guard down can get her killed especially since she is hiding from her own past. The knock at 2am is what changes everything.
Nico, is your typical mafia son. He is rocky and thinks he is untouchable. When he gets set up for something he didn't do, he runs and crosses paths with Kiah. He may think he has the upper hand, but boy was he wrong.
Kiah thought she had left violence and bloodshed behind until one fateful night she opened to door to him, Nico a mafia prince, bad boy and definite brat.
This short read is bursting with heat, a swoon-worthy MMC, and an FMC who's just as sassy and fierce. The writing is captivating, the story is engaging, and the characters are unforgettable.
If you're a fan of mafia men, strong women, and stories about overcoming trauma, this is a must-read! Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Kiah and Nico’s love story isn’t conventional; I’ll be honest, I had more trouble getting into this story than with all the other amazing books by this author. Mainly because he was such an a** and I didn’t understand her insta lust after the things he did to her.
But that’s okay, as always she made it happen eventually and I like how they found their peace with each other.
Covert Desires gets 4⭐️ and 3🌶️.
TROPES ✨ Mafia ✨ Dark Romance ✨ Age Gap ✨ Hate to Love ✨ Femdøm
This book was soooo good. I couldn't put it down!! Every page makes you want to read more and find out what is going to happen next. It is very captivating and thrilling. The story plot is great and I loved watching it unfold. I honestly did not want it to end. The author definitely knew what she was doing with this one. This is my first time reading anything by this author and I will be checking out other books by her. It was a nice balance of spicy and a great story plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kiah has been living her life as an inn keeper for the past five years until Nico came and destroys her safe pplace.As Nico continues to act like a brat, Kiah must reach into her past in order to put him in his place. For a short read, there was some pretty good character development. It is not often to come across a femdom theme that is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First of all this book cover is gorgeous! Second of all, Nico Ricci starts off as the worst human being. But the more his story is revealed, the more you see it’s just to cover/keep away the pain. Watching him soften and start to need Kiah, in every way, with his confused inner monologue as he fights it was great. Kiah is a strong badass that has been through her own dark past. Their dynamic together is perfect. The spice is so good. Perfect if you’re looking for a quick, spicy read.