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Pretty Poison
Collateral damage—that’s all she was to her father. But to me, she shows real potential as being something he’ll grow to fear.
Liana Moretti
I always believed my father had my best interest at heart, that I meant something to him and not just because his fatherly duties expected it of him… I was wrong. The second he found himself in an endless black hole of debt, I saw his true colours—the darkest shade of black.
Dario Vitale is a man made up of fears, encouraged by nightmares and makes you scared of things that go bump in the night. But in spite of all this, he needs a wife, someone to give him what he so desperately craves—an heir or two. And I’m supposed to be that someone.
Dario Vitale
In my world, marriage is inevitable. It’s a duty I owed to my family and title. I just didn’t expect it to come so soon or with a woman like Liana Moretti, an angelic creature with a gentle soul. But from the moment she walked into my life, she sold it to me.
Happily ever after is something you have to earn, or in my case, waste bullets to achieve—and for her, I would waste every bullet, break every blade, shed as much blood as necessary, and sacrifice my life to ensure she doesn’t succumb to a life that’s been ablaze for as long as I can remember.
Liana Moretti
I always believed my father had my best interest at heart, that I meant something to him and not just because his fatherly duties expected it of him… I was wrong. The second he found himself in an endless black hole of debt, I saw his true colours—the darkest shade of black.
Dario Vitale is a man made up of fears, encouraged by nightmares and makes you scared of things that go bump in the night. But in spite of all this, he needs a wife, someone to give him what he so desperately craves—an heir or two. And I’m supposed to be that someone.
Dario Vitale
In my world, marriage is inevitable. It’s a duty I owed to my family and title. I just didn’t expect it to come so soon or with a woman like Liana Moretti, an angelic creature with a gentle soul. But from the moment she walked into my life, she sold it to me.
Happily ever after is something you have to earn, or in my case, waste bullets to achieve—and for her, I would waste every bullet, break every blade, shed as much blood as necessary, and sacrifice my life to ensure she doesn’t succumb to a life that’s been ablaze for as long as I can remember.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 13, 2025
What a rocky whirl wind of a life for Liana.
Forced into a relationship with some she despised by her father.
The standoffs between Liana and Dario were expected and they got pretty heated at times.
You can see the hatred between them but the internal pull of desire makes their battles heated and their glares full of lust.
This book has many twists and surprised moments that’ll leave you with wanting more.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next instalment.
Forced into a relationship with some she despised by her father.
The standoffs between Liana and Dario were expected and they got pretty heated at times.
You can see the hatred between them but the internal pull of desire makes their battles heated and their glares full of lust.
This book has many twists and surprised moments that’ll leave you with wanting more.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next instalment.
April 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Star Rating
Multi First Person POV (Dario & Liana)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Age Rating: 16+
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
This is a MUST READ for 2025. A mafia romance that just captivates you from the start and doesn’t let go until you reach the end. It does have a bit of a slow burn, but the outcome is so worth the wait! The plot is full of twists and turns, as we get to watch the chemistry build up between our mains. I was heavily invested up to the cliffhanger, awaiting patiently for the next chapter!
🖤 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 🖤
Liana discovers that her father only sees her as an object when she is forced into an arranged situation she refuses. Dario hates the idea of being tied down in a marriage and is reluctant to the idea. But the two of them must learn to live with the new life as hidden secrets are released into the light. I love a good mafia story and this one did not disappoint!! I loved the build up, the character development, and the chemistry. It was heavily satisfying up to the ending… where I am waiting for more!
🖤 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 🖤
Liana is a ‘sunshine’ type character who is forced into an arranged marriage by her father. Dario is her total opposite who despises the idea of marriage, being tied down. I felt Dario’s emotions about the loss of his twin sisters and how it affected him. And how much anger Liana had built up inside her for her own father. This book has you going through a rollercoaster for these two.
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 🖤
🖤 forced marriage
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 touch her & die
🖤 age gap
🖤 he falls first
🖤 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 🖤
If you haven’t added Pretty Poison to your TBR, you are missing out. The character development, the twisting plot, and the spice was all 🔥🔥🔥 and I can’t wait to read what book two has in store for us!
Multi First Person POV (Dario & Liana)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Age Rating: 16+
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
This is a MUST READ for 2025. A mafia romance that just captivates you from the start and doesn’t let go until you reach the end. It does have a bit of a slow burn, but the outcome is so worth the wait! The plot is full of twists and turns, as we get to watch the chemistry build up between our mains. I was heavily invested up to the cliffhanger, awaiting patiently for the next chapter!
🖤 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 🖤
Liana discovers that her father only sees her as an object when she is forced into an arranged situation she refuses. Dario hates the idea of being tied down in a marriage and is reluctant to the idea. But the two of them must learn to live with the new life as hidden secrets are released into the light. I love a good mafia story and this one did not disappoint!! I loved the build up, the character development, and the chemistry. It was heavily satisfying up to the ending… where I am waiting for more!
🖤 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 🖤
Liana is a ‘sunshine’ type character who is forced into an arranged marriage by her father. Dario is her total opposite who despises the idea of marriage, being tied down. I felt Dario’s emotions about the loss of his twin sisters and how it affected him. And how much anger Liana had built up inside her for her own father. This book has you going through a rollercoaster for these two.
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 🖤
🖤 forced marriage
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 touch her & die
🖤 age gap
🖤 he falls first
🖤 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 🖤
If you haven’t added Pretty Poison to your TBR, you are missing out. The character development, the twisting plot, and the spice was all 🔥🔥🔥 and I can’t wait to read what book two has in store for us!
April 11, 2025
Thank you, may I have another 😅
Oh, I love a good arranged marriage when they really want to hate each other yet drawn into the pull growing between them. Rio and Lia are entertaining with their heated banter and even hotter thoughts. The way this man gets in his feelings so quickly 🥰 I love when he falls first 😍 When they come together after they're married and Rio thinks to himself...'Now, she's mine...for good. She'll forever be the light to my darkness, and I'll be the moth to her flame' 😍 🦋🕯🥰
And... 'It's like even though I'm stressed, pushing myself to the absolute limit every single day, with Liana around, I don't need to be alone. She's all I need in this world of chaos. She is my escape.' (these fictional men and their inner thoughts get me every time)
Rio is swoon worthy. His family is more warm and welcomed Lia with more care than I've found in most mafia romance.
The whole thing with her brother, issues with her father, Rio's revenge, their quick burning attraction turned love.( I mean oh how terrible to fall for your hot, possessive, protective, Don husband 🥵😅) But wait because of course things are going too good and Lia getting knapp ed and then the cliffhanger! Ahhh, perfect timing, but daaang.
There's kind of a lot going on in a short amount of time, and I'm just hitting a few things. This was so hard to put down, but the lack of sleep was completely worth it.
Oh, I love a good arranged marriage when they really want to hate each other yet drawn into the pull growing between them. Rio and Lia are entertaining with their heated banter and even hotter thoughts. The way this man gets in his feelings so quickly 🥰 I love when he falls first 😍 When they come together after they're married and Rio thinks to himself...'Now, she's mine...for good. She'll forever be the light to my darkness, and I'll be the moth to her flame' 😍 🦋🕯🥰
And... 'It's like even though I'm stressed, pushing myself to the absolute limit every single day, with Liana around, I don't need to be alone. She's all I need in this world of chaos. She is my escape.' (these fictional men and their inner thoughts get me every time)
Rio is swoon worthy. His family is more warm and welcomed Lia with more care than I've found in most mafia romance.
The whole thing with her brother, issues with her father, Rio's revenge, their quick burning attraction turned love.( I mean oh how terrible to fall for your hot, possessive, protective, Don husband 🥵😅) But wait because of course things are going too good and Lia getting knapp ed and then the cliffhanger! Ahhh, perfect timing, but daaang.
There's kind of a lot going on in a short amount of time, and I'm just hitting a few things. This was so hard to put down, but the lack of sleep was completely worth it.
April 15, 2025
This book had a slow start for me, but once I settled in, it was an exhilarating ride! The themes of enemies to lovers, forced marriage, and overwhelming chemistry really kept me hooked. The storyline was filled with twists and unpredictable turns, and with each new development, we witnessed Rio gradually soften towards Liana, allowing their relationship to flourish more each day.
The author took the time to develop both Liana and Rio’s characters beautifully, and I’ve truly come to love them. I felt Liana’s anger and frustration towards her father, as well as her deep anguish at seeing her long-estranged brother and friend caught in the clutches of her fiancé. Similarly, I empathized with Rio's mental torment over the loss of his twin sisters and his determination to make things right.
I must admit, I am incredibly frustrated waiting for the next book after the cliffhanger we were left on at the end of this one. I have so many questions that will haunt me until I find resolution. Nevertheless, I cannot wait for the next installment, as this was an absolutely fantastic read!
The author took the time to develop both Liana and Rio’s characters beautifully, and I’ve truly come to love them. I felt Liana’s anger and frustration towards her father, as well as her deep anguish at seeing her long-estranged brother and friend caught in the clutches of her fiancé. Similarly, I empathized with Rio's mental torment over the loss of his twin sisters and his determination to make things right.
I must admit, I am incredibly frustrated waiting for the next book after the cliffhanger we were left on at the end of this one. I have so many questions that will haunt me until I find resolution. Nevertheless, I cannot wait for the next installment, as this was an absolutely fantastic read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
I always enjoy a good dark mafia romance and this one did not disappoint. This is the first book in the Vitale Empire series. Went well above my expectations for a debut novel.
Dario needs to fulfill his duty by taking a wife and providing heirs for his family. Liana realizes she is only a pawn for her father to settle his debt by giving her away to be married.
The author did a wonderful job with character development and it was easy to connect with them. I enjoyed watching their connection blossom. Their magnetic pull and growing chemistry was captivating. The suspense and twists along the way kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat. The cliffhanger got me! I’m in need of book 2! 4.5/5
Dario needs to fulfill his duty by taking a wife and providing heirs for his family. Liana realizes she is only a pawn for her father to settle his debt by giving her away to be married.
The author did a wonderful job with character development and it was easy to connect with them. I enjoyed watching their connection blossom. Their magnetic pull and growing chemistry was captivating. The suspense and twists along the way kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat. The cliffhanger got me! I’m in need of book 2! 4.5/5
April 19, 2025
Pretty Poison is a enemies to lovers mafia romance and the first book in the Vitale Empire series which follows Liana and Dario. This story is perfect with its suspense, action, spice, twists and turns but the character development is what I enjoyed the most. Liana is so strong and broke my heart that she has to endure so much from her family. Dario surprised me the most when he begins to open up and we get past his dark broody possessive side. I love that with so many secrets Liana and Dario begin to accept their situation and work together in search for answers but with this book ending on a cliff hanger we will have to wait to get those answers and see if they will get a HEA. I definitely recommend reading this book especially if you are a dark romance reader but be sure to check the triggers.
April 12, 2025
Warning: this book ends on a cliff hanger and you WILL be wanting to know how it ends. It is such a wonderful dark mafia romance. Every character has a personality. The twists are amazing, like jaw dropped, "she did not!" kind of moments. I am always a fan of "Touch her and die", but I love it even more when she can hold her own too. This book has some great banter, not just between the main characters. They can go from serious to goofy and back again without feeling out of place. Can't wait for book 2!
April 23, 2025
The book was so good!!! To sum up, it has everything we book girlie's love -
Dark Mafia Romance,🖤
Stubborn FMC and MMC, 👩🏼🤝👨🏻
Open Door Spice,🔥 and
Touch her and Die Vibes.💀
It had the whole mafia-fiesty woman troupe. I enjoyed and devoured it in just one day, and now I am left hanging for more of Liana and Dario's story. I can't wait to read what's in store for their future, but I really hope it will be a HEA.❤️
The book deals with lots of issues that many might find difficult to read, but if you can put all those aside, it's a really great book. 😍
Dark Mafia Romance,🖤
Stubborn FMC and MMC, 👩🏼🤝👨🏻
Open Door Spice,🔥 and
Touch her and Die Vibes.💀
It had the whole mafia-fiesty woman troupe. I enjoyed and devoured it in just one day, and now I am left hanging for more of Liana and Dario's story. I can't wait to read what's in store for their future, but I really hope it will be a HEA.❤️
The book deals with lots of issues that many might find difficult to read, but if you can put all those aside, it's a really great book. 😍
April 6, 2025
The way the story built between these two were beautiful. The chemistry wasn’t rushed, yes the relationship was forced but the genuine chemistry that grew between the two was natural. All of the plot twists that occurred during the book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The book kept me in suspense as it went on, but I couldn’t put it down for a second. It’s definitely one I would recommend to dark romance readers, but beware it ends on a cliffhanger and the suspense is killing me
April 8, 2025
This book had it all. Mafia, enemies to lovers, spice, secrets, unexpected endings. Liana finds out the hard way that her Dad doesn't see her as anything more than an object. Dario never wanted to be shackled with a bride and he hates the whole idea. Both of them must come to terms with their new arrangements. The sparks fly, but there will be tears when long lost secrets come to light. The ending of this book had me gasping. Definitely a must read!
May 2, 2025
✨ARC Read✨
✨🖤Pretty Poison🖤✨
Author: Katelin Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
This book starts out with a young woman, being thrown into a situation that would terrify anyone. But not her. She stayed strong, and made her situation into the most it could be.
And the man who fell in love with her, finds her missing, he will stop at nothing to find her.
But what he doesn’t know, is she has been taken by someone from his past, coming for him and his family.
This book leaves off on a cliffhanger
✨🖤Pretty Poison🖤✨
Author: Katelin Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
This book starts out with a young woman, being thrown into a situation that would terrify anyone. But not her. She stayed strong, and made her situation into the most it could be.
And the man who fell in love with her, finds her missing, he will stop at nothing to find her.
But what he doesn’t know, is she has been taken by someone from his past, coming for him and his family.
This book leaves off on a cliffhanger
May 4, 2025
Ok first of all… a mafia romance debut novel? YES GIRL!! 🎉🎉🎉
Liana is a strong bad ass woman forced to marry a mafia Don to pay off her fathers debt. Clearly, she doesn’t take shit from anyone, not even her mafia husband Dario. Girl can hold 👏🏻 her 👏🏻 own 👏🏻
The spice was minimal but well placed! Enough to flow with the plot, keep you interested in the family dynamics and have you blushing 🤭
The only thing I have to “complain” about… why you gotta leave us on a cliff hanger? 🤣🤣🤣
Liana is a strong bad ass woman forced to marry a mafia Don to pay off her fathers debt. Clearly, she doesn’t take shit from anyone, not even her mafia husband Dario. Girl can hold 👏🏻 her 👏🏻 own 👏🏻
The spice was minimal but well placed! Enough to flow with the plot, keep you interested in the family dynamics and have you blushing 🤭
The only thing I have to “complain” about… why you gotta leave us on a cliff hanger? 🤣🤣🤣
April 16, 2025
Combustible! He doesn’t want a wife. She doesn’t want a husband. Her father has given her to him to pay a debt. His family insists he marry to carry on as Don. Together they’re perfect but also pure poison. It’s seriously good to the last drop!
Warning: this books ends on a cliffy! And I cannot wait to see what happens next. Book two can’t come soon enough
Warning: this books ends on a cliffy! And I cannot wait to see what happens next. Book two can’t come soon enough
April 18, 2025
Amazing read! It starts off a little slow but so worth sticking with! The plot twist that I didn't see coming and was not ready for! I absolutely adore the enemy to lovers trope and it was portrayed perfectly! The banter was hilarious too me. I kicked my feet and giggled a few times. I can't wait to read what Katelin has for us next!
April 11, 2025
I am a sucker for a good Mafia story and this had it all betrayal, being forced into marriage, amazing banter and chemistry between the FMC and MMC . Also all the side characters make you fall in love with the story even more. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book
January 1, 2026
This was an amazing story and such a great debut for Katelin!!! I can't wait to see what's next and this story left me wanting more of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews