Dark Sky Full of Stars

by Roman Schreiber

Mischa Abramov, the youngest of nine Russian brothers in America, comes crashing into the life of Austen, a young, rich, and mysterious recluse. With Mischa's passionate sights set on the horrified Austen, he must navigate a dangerous path as Austen's twin brother, William, becomes increasingly erratic and violent.
A provocative story of high passion and emotion.

* Rated Mature for foul language, violence, scenes of a sexual nature, sexual activity between adults, and mature themes. Reader Discretion Advised


A provocative story of high passion and emotion.

* This is a full-length novel with explicit scenes, NO cheating, and a guaranteed HEA
* Rated Mature for foul language, scenes of a sexual nature, sexual activity between adults, and mature themes. Reader Discretion Advised

Genres: M M Romance, Gay, LGBT

470 pages, Hardcover

First published October 18, 2025

About the author

I write real-world M/M romance where love makes ordinary life feel quietly enchanted.

My work features passionate love stories with flawed, sometimes broken characters facing crossroads in their life, irresistible antiheroes and villains, beguiling relationships, shadowed by angst, darkness, with a soft, dreamlike shimmer around the edges where love makes love feel quietly magic.

Reviews

[Toby P. Smith: The Nerd-Cave Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~Reviewed by Toby Palevsky Smith of Toby's Nerd-Cave Library~~

Star-crossed lovers - Mischa, the adopted son of the head of the Russian Mafia, and Austen - English Rich boy and identical twin, running from his psycho biological father. I am very confused about why Mischa’s brothers are so adamant about him not liking Austen. I am also confused about the Twins’ relationship to each other. William repeatedly calls Austen ‘Baby’ and Austen calls William ‘Honey’ which is a bit weird for me, as an identical twin myself, I would never call my identical twin ‘baby’ or ‘honey’. Not sure how I feel about Mischa’s whole ‘not listening to Austen saying NO repeatedly” crap either, basically being a pushy stalker, but also somehow endearing once you get Austen's POV and see’s he is actually very confused about his own feelings, but something mysterious from his past keeps him continually rejecting him at first. I’d also like to know more about both guys’ backgrounds and the traumatic mysteries that keep getting hinted at in their pasts as I feel that would give me a lot more context for their interactions.
I am just so confused about what's going on with all their various relationships also. It’s not really very clear who is with whom, which relationships are platonic, sexual, or familial. More positively, I do like how all the men in this story aren’t homophobic in the least though and openly show both physical and emotional affection for one another. I also like how near the beginning Mischa’s brothers are all debating what percentage of gay they might be.
I am, in general, just very confused about the relationships in this book. Why is Austen not ‘allowed’ to be with Mischa? Why does Austen think he and Will are monsters? Why does Austen think Mischa will lose faith in humanity once he finds out whatever their secret is? Too much secret teasing, and not enough actual information. This is a big reason why I’m not a fan of mysteries. I need CONTEXT. I am still not understanding some of their actions, interactions with each other, and motivations. The ending did leave off on a cliffhanger, and I still don’t understand why they are described as “Star-crossed” lovers. There were a few hints, but nothing that made sense to me. Overall this is a nice MM Romance with kind of an ‘enemies to lovers’ trope, but not quite. I don’t know if I’d be interested in reading the next book of the series, but I would recommend it to readers who want a MM Romance with a heavy dose of spice/smut.
Thank you to the Librarything Early Reviewers Club, and the Author, Roman Schreiber, for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a darker romance than expected, and certainly more star-crossed than expected, this book keeps you guessing until the very end, which is a minor cliffhanger. In no sense are all the questions answered here, so if that is bothersome, wait for more of the series to come out, but otherwise an interesting cast of characters that I want to know more about.

Thanks to LibraryThing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Dark Sky Full of Stars,” by Roman Schreiber

This book had a plot and M/m story that would fit for a lot of readers’ tastes. I thought the plot was good. The thing I didn’t like about this book was the desperation one of MC’s had when trying to hook up with other MC, it felt annoying and forced and unnecessary. 3 out of 5 stars, good but not my thing.

-M/M
-Mafia

Thank you for the ATC, Hiddengems.

[Suuuuslix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say that this is a literary masterpiece but when it comes to dark spicy romance, it definitely did the job. It almost felt more like a really good fanfic.

I was very unsure at first cause I know russian languages and all of the inserts of "said in russian" felt very unauthentic and cringe but it got better the more I read.

As for the relationship it was a very interesting and kinda "enemy to lovers" vibe but little more to forbidden love type. I was so invested in it. 👀 And now I need to know more.

When it comes to the plot, sometimes it feels overdramatic. When you try to understand their past it feels like you listen about it from rumours, but it totally makes sense as everyone is kinda lying and changing some details.

Overall I really enjoyed this. Now I am so invested in the story lol


(got a free ebook from Voracious readers only for a review)

[Alexis Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Sky Full of Stars by Roman Schreiber delivers a gorgeously intense, emotionally-charged story that sinks its hooks in right away. The writing feels atmospheric and almost cinematic, with a sense of wonder threaded through the darker, heavier moments. There’s a quiet depth to the characters — the kind that makes every choice feel meaningful and every small revelation hit a little harder.

It has that perfect balance of beauty and ache, the kind of story that keeps you reading because you want to feel what happens next just as much as you want to know it. The emotional layers are rich, and the tone fits that moody, bittersweet style I tend to fall for.

Overall, it’s captivating, immersive, and filled with the kind of heart that lingers long after the last page.

[Ashlee Tharman · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC READ**

When Mischa, mafia adoptee, meets Austen, disowned rich kid, sparks fly immediately and it is love at first sight. One big obstacle though - Austen is ADAMANT it will never work. Mischa is determined to not give up however, and a holiday in Australia gives him the chance to try to win Austen's heart.

I am not usually a mafia trope sort of person, but I did enjoy this one! A sweet MM romance, I liked the character development and complex relationships presented here. I think there is more to several story lines and relationships, such as nicknames between brothers and a couple hints at various relationship lines, but I know future books are planned so I think we will get answers to these questions in the future.

[Carissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

*thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for a review*

This is a mafia romance about a rich boy Austen and another Rich but Russian (technically Yugoslavian?) boy named Mischa. They meet and Mischa is instantly attracted to him and decides HE MUST HAVE HIM. This causes him to make some questionable decisions and they end up in Australia together with Austen’s twin brother William and a cast of other not really important people.

This was… not good. The writing was choppy and the plot was all over the place. I think this needed some MAJOR editing as it felt like I was on drugs reading it. Austen and Mischa do not have any chemistry and their entire relationship feels icky. Consent is talked about within this however multiple times it felt like Mischa was doing things without Austen’s consent. I think an important reminder for everyone is that not saying no is not a yes. It felt uncomfortable reading the “spicy” scenes because there was no actual warmth or love there. For how much love Mischa says he has for Austen, it is definitely not shown in the text.

I also did not enjoy the so called “plot” of this book. If you can even call it a plot as it felt like scenes strung together on a poorly crafted chain. The dynamics between William and Austen were interesting but not developed enough to actually be a plot point and that can be said about anything in this book. There are so many characters with no development that if feels like I’m watching a train wreck.

ALSO Austen has a girlfriend of FIVE YEARS named sabrina??? And he still fucks around with Mischa??? I think the reader is supposed to make an assumption that they aren’t romantically together, considering William is SLEEPING WITH HER??? I feel like an explanation of their relationship was necessary for Mischa and Austen to evolve however Mischa was do desperate for Austen he let everything slide.

My final complaint is that I know things will be explained in the next few books however some of the main issues I have with the novel should have been addressed in the first book. This book could have been shortened up into the first half of a longer novel and combine books one and two. Nothing was explained which made Mischa and Austen feel incompatible. Mischa is supposed to be head over heels for Austen yet knows nothing about him. It is purely physical attraction and that is not the story I’m interested in. Considering Austen’s aversion to touch I expected a slower burn where they actually learned to trust each other instead I got this…

Overall, this was not good and needed to be sent to the chopping block known as editing 100 more times than it was. It needed better characterization, better plot, which essentially means it needs better everything. I think the author has potential however this book is absolutely pointless. The next books in the series may explain everything and make their relationship better however that doesn’t excuse bad writing and the lack of anything in this first book.
Thank you again to the publishers and Netgalley for this E-arc and I wish I liked it more than what I did. I will keep an eye out for the next books and may continue to see where the author goes with this.

[Jessica Swan]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

DNF at 35%

Listen, this wasn't bad. Not by any means. And the writing was quick and easy to digest. I was just bored honestly. I don't think this book was for me, and that's okay. I will recommend this book to people who want a good mm mafia romance though.

[Alexis Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book overall was pretty good. There was a bit of a darker theme than expected when going into to, which was not a problem at all. I enjoyed the perspective of this, and would love to read the next book to get more on the characters and maybe some more background. There are some things that could have used more detail, but other than that, this wasn’t a bad story at all.

[Em · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Dark Sky Full of Stars was a nice love story that took me out of my comfort zone when it comes to genres I usually read. The book follows Mischa, an adopted son of a Russian mobster, and his enduring pining for Austen, a wealthy recluse who wants nothing to do with him. The book is written in dual perspectives, featuring chapters from both the points of view of Mischa and Austen.
My favorite part of the book and the one I related most to was this yearning that Mischa had for Austen. One would say that Mischa is a hopeless romantic, far more than Austen, if you were to read the story. I can't say that I love to see characters suffer, but I think the writing and prose were excellent when it came to describing the way Mischa felt for Austen. Though some readers may characterize his actions as stalkerish, and I do agree up to a point, I feel as if he made his intentions known, and when it really came to the point when Austen became uncomfortable, he drew back. I loved it when Austen realized how much he had lost near the end and tried to go back to Mischa. I will say that I did dislike how annoying Austen was at times. He sent a lot of mixed signals to Mischa, so if I were Mischa, I'd be confused too. He definitely made the book a lot longer and more annoying than it could've been, but I guess part of that is the fun of reading romance, too.
What threw me off a bit was the type of relationship that Austen had with Will. In the first place, I always dislike it when authors throw in the twin trope to make the book more interesting, but it isn't completely irredeemable. What weirded me out was the way Will and Austen talked to each other, the pet names they gave, and the borderline incestuous relationship they had. I wouldn't go that far to say that they are in love with each other, and though I know that they went through a lot with just the two of them to support each other, it still is strange when they call each other "baby" and kiss each other a lot in front of friends. It was kind of like Austen had a dual yandere relationship with both Will and Mischa, being obsessed with him, Will in a very strange way that I hope is fixed by the end of the series.
Another thing that confused me was Isobelle and Sabrina. They are the fiancés of Will and Austen, but it seems like they have an open relationship while also being very deeply in love with each other to the point where the girls will look at no one else, but Will and Austen are allowed to mess around with anyone they'd like? The fact that Mischa brings up the possibility that Sabrina and Austen are siblings while also being each other's fiancés was not needed, as they kiss each other multiple times and make out in front of Mischa. Will also draws Sabrina naked, which feels wrong as they are not dating each other, and she is not a nude model. He also doesn't draw anyone else that way, even Kane, who is supposed to be his love interest in the second book of the series, which brings up a lot more questions about Isobelle and Sabrina and their role in the book. I think that they should've been completely scrapped, as they do nothing for the book but make it increasingly uncomfortable for me to read about them. They're also very annoying and do nothing to redeem themselves except show basic courtesy to Mischa. Mischa even says there's something about them that is scary. This is also the reason why Austen repeatedly refuses Mischa, but he doesn't seem to have a problem not being loyal to her either.
There is really no climax in the book, and only at the very end do we see any progress between Mischa and Austen's situationship. I know that this is meant to be a series, but I think it would've been better if we just wrapped it up in this book, or at least had a better conclusion and continued on to Will and Kane's romance without any questions needing to be asked. I don't believe that romance should go on for this long, and since there is nothing that keeps them from each other except Austen insisting so until the very end, where some information is revealed, I felt like I wanted to pull my hair out on that. It made me question the whole point of the story, if in the next book, they end up in the same place as they were here because of that new information. Though I do love Mischa, I don't love him enough to read another 400 pages of him trying to convince Austen to be together. I also kind of wanted Mischa to leave Austen in the dust multiple times in this book because Austen really does not deserve him.
There were a few spelling errors here and there with the main character's name, which should not happen as they are the main characters, so I would suggest to the author to proofread better for their next story.
I would not classify this book as dark romance, as though there are some darker themes like the mafia and trauma, neither of the main characters is even slightly morally gray. Their love, as depicted by Schreiber, is a very pure type of love, where neither wants more than the other reciprocating their feelings. It was a sweet story, but I'm not sure if I would want to continue to read the series and repeatedly be frustrated by some of the characters' actions. The author has so much potential, and I'd love to see their writing blossom and grow as they continue to improve.

[Aleksha · Rating 1 out of 5]

"We crossed an ocean of pain to find each other."
-Roman Schreiber in Dark Sky Full Of Stars

Dark Sky Full Of Stars by Roman Schreiber is mature romance novel following the alleged romance between a Russian mafia member and a dishonored billionaires' son. Lots of trigger warnings.

This book seemed to be right up my alley with the multiple themes suggesting a compelling story and it's worth a shot if any of it interests you as the book is unique in that regard as long as you don't mind it being poorly written.

This book was all over the place. From selling dates for extravagant charity galas to tripping on illegal drugs and playing spin the bottle in the backwoods, this book felt like a fever dream. There were plenty of spelling errors, including multiple instances of the misspelling of characters' names, and moments that will completely take you out of immersion due to how illogical it is. None of the characters feel or act like real people. Instead, this entire book plays out like a sexually repressed teens fantasy. The jokes and mature themes felt juvenile and despite being targeted for adults it reads like Wattpad YA. I struggled to read all the way through.

I hated the way the romance played out. There was extremely icky behavior on nearly every characters ends including sexual coercion and questionable consent. The way mental health and addiction was portrayed was equally as questionable. It was extremely difficult for me to like any of the characters and I found myself relieved when I finished it. Desperately needs a proof and sensitivity reader.

[CorrieGM · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a content warning in the beginning of the book:
This book series contains detailed and intense themes of survivorship and PTSD. Contains explicit language and on-page explicit content.
Depictions of violence, trauma and assault.
Absolutely not suitable for minors.

Then the author tells she hopes we will leave a good review, but a bad review is also fine. And if we decide not to read the book, we do not have to leave a review either.
This is important, because I, and some others, got the book in exchange for a review on LibraryThing.

The content warning is absolute right.
The first chapter is full of violence, assault and explicit language.
But if you read on, you will see amidst the violence and explicit language a story of troubled people.
You will see how people try to cope with what is done to them. And how other people react on that, with utter amazement and/or with tenderness.

I liked the book a lot. I did not always understand what happened. That is not my fault. Or the writer's fault either. It is the consequence of the fact that this is the first part of a series of five.
I have thought a lot about what might have happened, and when. To me this is a sign that I the book got me involved.

Nonetheless, I will not read the sequel: in the end the violence was too much for me.

O yes, and I hated the end of the book.

[Moon Boy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Dark Sky Full of Stars details the story of Mischa and Austen and their romance. Mischa is part of the Russian Mafia, but it's not relevant enough to the plot for me to consider this a mafia romance. Austen suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that's triggered when he comes into physical contact with other people. However, Mischa seems to be the exception to this, and the two spark a sort of situationship. I think the best word to describe this book is fun. It's easy to get into and I read through it in a single sitting. The plot is easy to follow, and there's spice for those who look for that in novels. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where the story goes.

[L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The premise had me very excited to read this book. I love a good MM Russian Mafia romance, but I could only make it to 8% in this book. The writing is very juvenile in the word choices, phrases/metaphors are constantly reused on the same page, one of the MC's description of himself was absolutely gag-worthy (ex: "sex-on-a-stick", "body of Adonis"). An entire paragraph of "I'm just extremely handsome".
The dialogue between all of the characters was stilted and felt robotic, while obviously trying to be laid back and familiar.
Overall, I think this book could do with a lot more editing and revisions before I would be able to finish.

[megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the concept of this book intriguing. I don’t often read books that include dark romance but I decided to give this one a go because I liked the title.

It wasn’t particularly bad, but it wasn’t particularly good either. I followed the story well enough, but I didn’t connect with the characters at all (especially side characters) and I think that the writing had a lot of potential, but required a LOT more editing. I felt that Mitsch was way too creepy towards Austen for half of the book.

I can see why someone would enjoy this series if they were a big fan of dark romance, and I’m glad that I got to read it but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

[Mark Edwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god, this is a good book, a pleasure to read, but I think there’s a reason why a lot of people will have a serious problem with it. I won’t say what it is, but neither will they lol. It’s definitely polarizing. I’m kinda just putting this here as like a prediction for the future. Mark my words. Consider me a soothsayer. There’ll be lots of five-stars, and lots of one-stars. A lot of people will definitely try to throw shade at it, make it sound bad, even though it’s pretty good (imo). I’m going to be coming back here in a few months to check. It’s making me chuckle already.

[Russel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, addictive romance that blends danger, desire, and emotional depth, this book had me hooked from the first page. Mischa, is intense and magnetic as he collides with Austen. Their chemistry is electric, but what sets this story apart is the emotional complexity—especially as Austen’s unhinged twin brother adds a thrilling, unpredictable edge. This isn’t your average love story. It’s gritty, passionate, and full of heart.

[Laiba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but dark
The storyline of this book is definitely unique and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are complex and the plot twists are unexpected. However, the explicit scenes were a bit too much for my taste and made me question the overall message of the book. It's a compelling read, but proceed with caution.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting from the start and soon hooked my attention. I loved both Austin and Mischa. I liked the way their relationship developed. The chemistry between them sizzled. I also liked a number of the supporting characters- especially Mischa's brothers. A fun fast-paced romance. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars

[Glacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a whirlwind. Mischa and Austen's chemistry is undeniable, but what really sets this apart is how fast everything escalates. From a slow-burning connection to something primal and terrifying, it keeps you on edge. Not your typical love story—and that’s the point.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting steamy romance and got something much darker. The shift in tone halfway through was unexpected—but it worked for me. It’s messy, emotional, and disturbing at times, but that’s what made it memorable.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting and enjoyable to read, basically the whole way through. It combined 'sweetness' and 'sexiness' extremely well without feeling disjointed. The story kept me interested and was well-written and articulate

[Mary Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gem books and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

THE BOOK was good but not for me

This is where I say the author gives enough information.
So, I do not give anything away.

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was erratic. The story and the characters were all over the place. There were some parts that were funny especially with Mischa's obsession Austen. Overall, it was ok.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has 7 older brothers and belong to the Russia mafia when he sees her. He quickly sets his sights on her but she is not happy about it. See if she can stay clear of him and be happy
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful read

[Crystal Eckels · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. It was my second arc read ever but I am a huge fan of MM romance. I was really confused, couldn’t get into it and hearing them call their siblings baby and honey gave me the Ick.

[Sara]

thank you to the author! I won this in a giveaway on librarything.com

dnf'd a few chapters in. unfortunately, I just could not get into it. I can see the appeal, but I just didn't vibe with the book.

I will definitely recommend this book to other readers who enjoy mafia romances!

[Youshain Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book. Especially the vibe of something always hiding in the shadows it was keeping me on the edge of a seat all the time. Recommended

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like spicy MM, this is fire

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama! Hooked after chapter 1, I couldn't get through it fast enough. It was kinda slow burnbut the drama kept me on my toes. I can't wait for William's book.