Filthy Little Regrets

Princes of NYC #2

by Daria Quinn

MACE
Find a wife, or watch my sisters pay the price. That’s the ultimatum from my cruel father.

None of the women he has in mind interest me, and the only one I want hates me.

But fate intervenes when Cassia witnesses a crime that could cost her life… and I’m the only one who can save her.

In the world of the rich and powerful, wives are protected, and I’ve just found a solution to both of our problems.

I’ve wanted Cassia for years. And now, she’s mine.

CASSIA
One small favor, one wrong hack, and now I’m staring down the barrel of a gun.

The last person I expect to save me?

Mace Astor, the arrogant, irresistible billionaire I’ve loathed for years.

But when he lies to a mafia boss and claims we’re getting married, I have no choice but to play along.

I never wanted Mace—his cocky arrogance, his games—but now I’m trapped in a marriage of convenience that’s anything but. The question will we tear each other apart… or is this exactly the kind of fire we both crave?

This is a dark contemporary MF romance. It is the second standalone in the Princes of NYC series. Each book in the series features a new couple and can be read independently, however, there may be spoilers from the previous books if you read out of order.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Mafia Romance, Billionaire Romance, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

Daria Quinn is a penname for a USA Today Bestselling Author who realized her story telling passions stray a little in the morally grey.

Daria Quinn loves cats, dark chocolate, earl grey tea, and heart stopping romance.

Reviews

[Christie Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/24/25 - Reread. I love this series. Highly recommend.

5 Stars
Spice: 3/5

First read 06/19/25

Mace & Cassia were destined to be together. I loved their story, it sucks you in from the start. It’s full of love, angst, hate, loneliness, found family, delicious spice, and criminal activities. All the elements make for a really great dark romance. The side characters were great too. The writing is superb!

This was my first Daria Quinn book and definitely will not be my last. I just preordered Filthy Little Regrets as well and purchased the first book in the series (need to catch up on Dare & Rose). I’m hoping there’s more books in this series.

Thank you Daria Quinn and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

[Luna ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

»I'm going to hold your hand when I tell you this. Your husband is going to be a jealous, possessive monster, but once you let him in, you'll come to love that part of him.«

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Loved her. Sassy, intelligent and funny - amazing woman and the perfect wife for Mace.

❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒄𝒆 ⋆✮
This man >>> He would burn the world down for Cassia and is proud to call her his wife.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This book was everything! Funny, interesting, thrilling and full of emotions. I already loved the first book (Rose & Dare) and this one could definitely hold up my expectations. I was glued to my kindle whenever I had free time and the pages just flew by. It was an entertaining read and had all the good tropes. Obsessive husband? Check. Marriage of convenience? Check. One bed? Check. I loved it!!
Cassia and Mace are adorable together. Both are confident and stubborn and their banter was so funny. I liked the fact Cassia stands her ground against Mace and he loves her for it. This man was whipped from the beginning and our girl Cassia had him wrapped around her little finger. Mace does EVERYTHING for her and this was beautiful to read.
Overall this was a great book and I couldn’t stop smiling. I hope this author writes a lot of books in this universe cause I‘m curious about all the other characters in this world too.

𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, marriage of convenience, touch her and die, enemies to lovers, he falls first and harder, hacker x billionaire, mafia, one bed, „my wife“, black cat x grumpy golden retriever, stalker, high society

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Cassia (27) and Mace (also 27 I think)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: breeding

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Pretty Little Threats ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Filthy Little Regrets ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[theswooncollector]

**Full review + my favorite quotes on The Swoon Collection**

DNF @ 50%

I started reading this on 6/26 and only made it halfway, not because I didn’t have the time to read, but because I found myself getting frustrated and needing to take breaks from reading to see if I could pick it up later and approach it from a different perspective. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. This is probably more of a me problem, though.

I found it hard to like Cassia, almost from the beginning. I just found some of her actions… questionable… and the opposite of how she was supposed to be based on her description. In my opinion, her carelessness is what brought her to her current situation, but she never claimed accountability.

I loved Mace, on the other hand. If you want a man who’s possessive, protective, thoughtful, and feral for his woman, then Mace would definitely fit the bill.

I’ve wanted her for so long, now that I have her, I might do terrible things to keep her.

Did I laugh? Yes. I did smile through their dialogues at the beginning because Cassia was hostile while Mace was just flirty (and dirty).

Did I cry? Nope.


SWOON SCORE: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Swoon-Worthy

I’m so f*cking gone for my wife, and she has no idea.

I’m afraid I might be a little in love with Mace

Mace was so swoony. When Cassia had an anxiety attack, he was so attentive and took care of her. He even read up about it so he can support her better if it happens again. He hasn’t been aggressive with her at all and opted to wait her out, even though inside, he’s so gone for her. He was so obsessed with the idea of her being pregnant with his baby.

He's also doing his best to protect his mother and sisters against his father. He has anger issues, but he's well aware and does his best to avoid hurting the people he loves.


SPICE LEVEL: I think it will be 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Hot and Explicit

Okay, so I didn't get to the part when they finally come together with a bang (at least, that's how I imagine it would be), but the heat has definitely been on for a while now. The tension combined with Mace's filthy mouth? 🥵


Do I recommend this? Yes, I do. I really think it's just not for me, that's it.

~ Thank you to The Smuthood and the author for giving me an ARC of this book. ~

♥♥♥

GENRE: Contemporary, Dark
POV: Dual, 1st Person
TROPES: billionaire mmc, forced marriage, hate-to-love (fmc), he already fell, protective mmc, possessive mmc

LET'S CONNECT!

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 5 out of 5]

*M/F
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Morally Grey
*Hate to Love
*Foreced Marriage
*Elite Society
*”She’s MINE!”
*High Heat
*Mid Burn
*Standalone
When the line between hate and love is oh so blurred 😍
This book follows Cassia (Rose’s BF) and Mace (Dare’s BF) and the story of their angsty love to hate story 😁
Having lose each of her family members far to young and soon Cassia has thrown up a huge wall under the guise that everybody she loves 💀’s and so those pesky little feelings she has comes out as anger, irritation, and fire 🔥 thankfully our man Mace loves her snarky attitude and vitriol, seeing the fearful women with a soft heart underneath 😍 Mace isn’t without his own trauma as you find out as the book progresses! He is a protector through and through and he will do absolutely anything for his family and the woman he loves ♥️ you can’t help but giggle at their antagonistic nature towards each other and swoon over their growth…..and be envious of their bedroom antics 🌶️💥🌶️💥
There are outsides forces that are trying to force them apart (well e per the whole magia thing forcing them into a marriage in the first place 😅) as well as Mace’s own family but it is clear that once Cassia gives in she’s got the best man at her back 😁 really enjoyed this story!

[v.e.e.r.e.a.d.s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I have a new ‘thing’ and it’s where the FMC is mouthy and mean but the MMC loves it 🤣🤣
I loved the back and fourth between the two characters.
Our FMC overhears a conversation she shouldn’t? Which leads to a marriage she doesn’t want. What could go wrong? 😅
4.25⭐️3.5🌶️

[Aurora Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 🐺🪜:

“I am going to hold your hand when I tell you this. Your husband is going to be a jealous, possessive monster, but once you let him in, you’ll come to love that part of him”

tropes etc,:
🖤 morally grey MMC
🔪 mafia
💀 touch her and die
💻 hacker
👀 stalker
🔥 will burn the world for her - and does
💍 marriage of convenience 🧠 mental health representation 💸 billionaire

⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Cassia finds herself in an impossible situation in which she has no choice but to accept the help of a man she hates. Mace on the other hand is under immense pressure from his mafioso father to get married and continue to the family line – making these two a match made in hell… or are they?
The witty banter between these two was sooooo good, they are so funny and well matched - both incredibly sassy and stubborn but total softies underneath it all.

Mace is such a caring and thoughtful guy under his hard exterior forged by his rough childhood and absolute super villain of a father. I felt so much empathy for him and his efforts to protect his family.

Mace is undoubtedly a controlling, obsessive, possessive and morally grey MMC with such a soft and sweet heart. He is also the perfect amount of caring, supportive and thoughtful – willing do anything for his loved ones – that balance out his morally grey qualities.

MACE ASTOR is what I would describe as a cinnamon roll mafia man – PERFECTION.

Will burn the world for her (or destroy anyone who talks shit about his wife) but will also learn to cook your favourite nostalgic meal – years before you get together – because he knows how happy it will make you.

Cassia is such a badass in her own respects – and hilariously funny. She keeps this man on his absolute tiptoes.

This book gave me a bit of second chance vibes, because of the examples of how much he saw over the years, how he cared for her and the thoughtful gestures – melting 🥵

There were quite a few moments of either banter or other sass/fire from one of the MCs that had me smiling so wide. The banter/ ribbing also created some incredible tension 🔥🔥🔥.

If I were to give any criticism it is that some aspects of the mafia plot were slightly unrealistic which took away a bit from the overall story and the ending felt a bit rushed.

In any event – I really enjoyed this book – and while this was my first Daria Quinn read it definitely won’t be my last.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ Arc Review⭐️

Filthy Little Regrets by @dariaquinnauthor
🥀Available Today🥀
06.26.2025
Book 2 in Princes of NYC series
3/5🌶️

Oh the angst & tension was high in this book! It’s been awhile since I’ve read an enemies to lovers trope and it delivered!

Mace is arrogant, and an irresistible billionaire whose father has ties to the mafia so by default so does Mace. He’s pined over Cassia, his best friends girls best friend, for years and when fate intervenes by way of Cassia witnessing a crime that could cost her her life, Mace intervened with a brilliant plan one that makes her officially his even if she’s got the whit, attitude and hate in her heart for him to detour him it doesn’t work and Mace finally gets what he wants…her as his wife!

Mace is the perfect morally gray, cinnamon roll, mafia man! Seriously so many swoon worthy moments, especially the wedding dress! That was so perfect! 😍 He’s so protective of her and all the “my wife” moments, chef kiss!

Cassia is such a badass in her own respects - and hilariously funny. She keeps this man on his absolute tiptoes. Having lost so much in her life and at such a young age she has built her walls up so high that’s it’s truly enjoyable watching Mace break them all down!

I really enjoyed this story. Thank you @dariaquinnauthor and @thesmuthood for this ARC. Can’t wait for more from this series, Maces sisters are definitely interesting! 🤞🏻

[Lucy Saints · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be an ARC reader.
I did not realise it was the 2nd book on the series. It can be read as a stand-alone if you do not mind missing some information about side-characters.
The story was well paced and intriguing. The main characters were well written, and their story had me hooked! I am a total Enemies to Lovers reader, so I was hooked fast.
I will be adding this series to my must-read list.

[ᴊᴇꜱꜱᴛʜᴇʙᴏᴏᴋᴅᴇᴍᴏɴ ☾ ✧˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“”𝘍𝘹𝘤𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶,” 𝘐 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘭. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘬𝘴, 𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴. “𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦.””

i am really enjoying this series and that it’s mafia adjacent. Cassia and Mace’s banter was perfect this entire book. Mace was just obsessed with her and let her know at every moment. i mean, he did stalk her through cameras, so he fulfilled her needs even before she realized. there were so many little moments that made me love Mace and he worked through all of Cassia’s walls.

“𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘹𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺.”

i would have liked a little more explanation of certain moments but it didn’t take away from the overall story and relationship they both were building.

𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 is available June 26th. you do not need to read 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔, but is highly recommended to introduce the dynamic of everyone and be introduced to Cassia and Mace.

thank you Daria Quinn for an e-ARC 🐺💍💻


m/f, dual 1st person POV, 27fmc / 27mmc, contemporary
forced marriage, Jacob’s 🪜, he falls first, hate to love, hackers, stalker, touch her & die, billionaire, morally grey mmc, mental health rep, “my wife”, “you can take it”, “good boy”, HEA, interconnected standalone

[Kellysbookishbliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassia, who lost her parents, is on the hunt for those who are responsible for their death! But after getting her revenge, she is not sure who she is and what her purpose is. She is working for an investigation bureau because the high-paying hacking jobs has there risk she doesn't want to take anymore. But she is getting paid enough to come around.

Mace, who grew up in a family of money, but his dad does not have ever loved one of his family members and just sees them as a pawn in is game toward power and money! Mace did everything from a young age to protect his sisters and took all the hits so that they were save. But at what cost!

Mace and Cassia went to the same school, and he always had a thing for here and gave her attention but didn't realize what that meant for Cassia and how everyone was treating here. So she hated him for that! But circumstances brought them in the situatie of a forged marriage. Will they come together, or is betrayal winning?

I really liked the book, the tension, banter and games between them where awesome, how she got this powerful man to give in to her and let her control the situations, i loved that. And the twist in the plot at the end, no i didn't see that coming.. loved it! Now i have another book added to my TBR because I need to know the story of Dare and Rose.
There is also something between his sister Adalie and Alec, and I hope that their story will be told also..

Thank you, Daria, for this ARC opportunity.

[Kaleigh Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Little Regrets

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5

MACE the obsessed man that you are!! & Cassia the independent woman you are!! i loved the banter between the two characters & how Cassia does everything she can to fight back. I loved watching Cassia slowly lose all her walls & Mace do whatever he can to break them down.

I HATED Maces dad & hated what Mace had to go through. But how protective Mace was of his family & Cassia was adorable.

Mace was totally morally grey & had the whole touch her & die vibes. Also a quite a few “my wife” moments.

the epilogue.. ADORABLE

🖤 forced marriage
🖤 hate to love
🖤 he falls first
🖤 morally grey
🖤 “my wife”
🖤 billionaire romance
🖤 angst & tension

thank you for sending me this ARC!! 🫶🏼

[ToniLynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you Daria Quinn and The Smuthood for an advanced copy of this book!

100%. This hit all of my favorite boxes. Billionaire? ✔️ Mafia? ✔️ Sassy FMC? ✔️ Possessive MMC? ✔️ ✔️

Our girl has been through some stuff and just really didn’t want to have to put up with a man she doesn’t even like… until the world hands her a whole bucket of lemons… don’t worry though… the alpha hole is to the rescue! Then the story goes where you know it’s going to… they hate each other… but they don’t, not really. They learn how to heal and to grow and to communicate, meanwhile have off the charts schmex.

Loved this book!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 rounded up!

This series stays winning, and I can’t wait to read more!

Did Cassia fold like the easiest origami figurine ever? Yes, and I would, too, for a man like Mace. She was prickly and mean, and as someone who remembers events from years ago, I can totally side with her. She deserved to be acknowledged and get her apology, I don't care how much time has passed. Seeing Cassia fall was so beautiful, though. She was so guarded and terrified of loving because of her parents and her life, but Mace wore down her walls with praise, orgasms, and his annoying charm.

Mace, my maaaaaan (sorry, Cassia, I will fight you). This man gave me banter, gave me games, gave me acceptance and love, gave me a tragic past, complicated family dynamics, a bleeding heart, and a MOUTH on him. He was everything, and I was rooting for him since before we read his book in Pretty Little Threats. Him and those fight moments, the panic atack moments, fuck, even the 'being a dumbass' moments made me fall for him! I can 100% understand why Cassia folded.

And the Rose x Dare cameos made me want to reread so bad! This series turned into an instafav with their book, and it's only getting better, and I can't wait for it to continue and grow!

Also, Daria, as an international reader, I understand not sending PR to me because it's expensive, so the fact that you sent me a PR package with book 1 and now with book 2 is THE nicest thing ever.

Thank you, @thesmuthood, for the e-arc! I will be first in line again for book 3!!

Quotes:

I hate that he has the power to unsettle me with a simple touch.

"Are you the big bad wolf?"
"I'd eat you if you'd let me."

The circumstances with which Cassia became mine are anything but honorable, and yet, I don't fucking care.

I've been trying to figure out how to make her mine ever since.


"You're filthy."
"Mmm. Maybe, but one of these days, I'm going to have you spread across my bed and you'll be begging to come."
"Fuck you."
"Soon."

"But if you keep rocking that ass against me, I'm going to bend you over and fuck you."

"Fight me all you want, Cassia, but this pussy doesn't lie."

It's fucked, but I kind of love the way she hates me.

Mace's kiss is like the beginnings of a fire, slowly kindling, getting hotter with each passing second, and with every demanding sweep of his tongue, I burn.

She's too fucking tempting, but she's mine and that's all that matters.

I'm so fucking gone for my wife, and she has no
idea.

"I'm going to kill you."
"I can't focus when you flirt with me,"

"I like the pretty sounds you make."

"You look so good between my legs,"

"Mmm, you don't fuck me like you hate me,"

My pretty wife is filled with venom. Lucky for her, it's the only sort of poison I'd willingly drink.

"Do you remember everything?"
"When it comes to you, yes."

I'm falling. Hopelessly, wholeheartedly, free-falling into love with Mace.

I've lost track of the pieces in our game of chess, but if this is checkmate, I'll happily lose as long as it means I get to keep him and this happiness we've found.

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Little Regrets is book 2 in the Prince of NYC series. This book is a fantastic mafia romance! I think the author did a great job with the story, and characters. It was so hard to put this book down! I think there is a good mix of dialog, details, and spice. The story drew me in fast and held my attention. Although I accidently skipped book one it was easy to read and feel like I wasn't missing out on anything major but because it was so good I would recommend reading them in order if you have time and enjoy mafia romance books. I also loved the bonus epilogues with Dare & Rose, and Cassia, and Mase! Can't wait to get my hands on more books from this author!

[Trinket Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real treat! Since I read Pretty little threats this year, I have been looking forward to the next instalment of the series.
In this book we meet Mace and Cassia, Mace is ridiculously wealthy and his family name grants him pretty much anything he wants. To the outside world he has everything but behind closed doors his life is anything but perfect and what he truly wants is Cassia.
Cassia has been through a lot and is still grieving the death of her father, her hacking ways land her in some hot water with a mafia leader and her only salvation is in the hands of Mace, a man she has despised since high school. To help her out of this sticky situation they enter a marriage of convenience, a dream come true for Mace! there are more twists and turns ahead for this pair, and Cassia is tested to the limit.
Mace’s wit and banter is hilarious, especially when he teases Cassia, and seeing Cassia slowly drop her guard and open herself up to happiness is truly special.
A great read!

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassia and Mace!!

I can't get enough of Cassia and Mace! These two have so much chemistry, even if Cassia won't admit it. Cassia has done what she can to avoid this life, but one moment puts her right in the middle of it with only Mace's quick thinking to save her.

I didn't want their story to end! I LOVED Dare and Rose and we got to see them here, but they didn't overshadow Cassia and Mace. I loved seeing more of Mace, Dare and Crue's friendship! These Princes of NYC are 🥵 and ready for more!!

[Greta Gokey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start….. I loved this book!!! Perfect dark romance where he falls first. Cassia is a feisty plus size woman who is impossible not to love and want to side with. Mace’s love for his wife (forced marriage) is undeniable. He’s been head over heels for her since high school and she’s been hating him openly since then. That is, until, Cassia ends up hitched to Mace and realizes how much she cares for him.
If you love the following, you have to check out this book:

💕 forced marriage
💕 dark romance (not super super dark but still plenty of messed of shit in the world)
💕 hate to love
💕 he falls first
💕 breeding and praise kink (like he praises her and boosts her up so much I felt the confidence bleeding into my own life)
💕 plus size FMC
💕 tatted billionaire MMC

Seriously could not put this book down and am definitely looking forward to more in this series!

[Natalie Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a strong independent FMC who can and will stand her own against ANYONE, including the mafia, regardless of her extreme anxiety? This had so many of my favorite tropes including he falls first, MMC obsessed, forced marriage, enemies to lovers, mafia tie in and so much more! The perfect amount of spice that didn’t take away from the plot. A strong plot with meaningful twists. Comedic banter that makes you love the main characters. I highly recommend this book!

[Amanda Kintner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Mace was naturally a top tier MMC. He was bossy, alpha and confidence oozed off him. Cassia was iffy for me. She was almost a little too immature. She started out fine but quickly even though she wanted Mace, acted like she couldn't believe what had happened to her life even though he did it to save her and she couldn't even be grateful. Its Mace! Love the story and all the side characters and of course super glad to get another glimpse of Dare.

[Morgan Talley · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love a darkish romance with a possessive MMC who falls first 😩 I really loved Mace! Cassia … not so much. Her character was so abrasive I found it hard to like her sometimes. Overall I enjoyed the book and the storyline and read it super quick!

**I was chosen as an ARC reader but purchased the book to help support the author 🖤

[Melissa Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book!!! I loved every moment of this book! The plot had me on the edge of my seat, it was such a thrill to read. I loved the characters, the slow burn romance that turned into hot angry love and emotions! I would definitely read this over and over! highly recommend!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy is right. What I wouldn't give for a go at Mace. An MMC straight from my fantasies. Daria knows me so well.

Billionaires, mafia, enemies to lovers, forced marriage; this was a thrill ride on adrenaline mixed with caffeine. I was on the EDGE the entire time. This plot is insane. The tension is insane. The chemistry? Oh yeah, INSANE.

Adding another author to my watch list and DEFINITELY adding the rest of this series to my radar. Bring on all the Princes of NYC. I'll be waiting.

20/10.

[Melody Lahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Pretty true enemies to lovers except only one person in the situation sees the other as an enemy. I loved the dynamic between Mace and Cassia. I enjoy how he gave her power in situations when she needed it. No third act break-up which I adore. What Cassia thought would break their relationship Mace didn’t even care. It was refreshing.

[TarynLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

MF Dark Romance

4 1/2 ⭐️
Good read! Written well and very enjoyable!
Loved the angst between Mace and Cassia.
While this was a medium burn, their chemistry was undeniable from the start and their banter was very entertaining.
When the spice finally hit, which was totally worth the wait, it was absolutely delicious 🪭🔥

There’s no OWD, no cheating , no third act breakup, a HEA and an optional bonus epilogue!



-He Falls First
-Pieced and Tattooed MMC
-Touch Her and ☠️
-No One Touches My Wife
-Jealous/Possessive/Protective MMC
-Morally Grey Characters
-Hate to Love (FMC)
-Always Been Her
-Forced Marriage
-Billionaire MMC

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
Thoughts : Mace was definitely goals. The level of devotion, even when she tried to out him… And Cassia… ugh she was so aggravatingly annoying. Ma’am, stop holding out on my man Mace!

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻‍💻: 📑📑📑📑
First Couple Spicy Scene: pg233 39%
Darkness: 🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺🤤😒☠️😢🥰
Ending: 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Cassia is a h@cker for a PI company. She enjoys what she does. She would to more illeg@l h@cks but is more afraid of the FBI coming for her. She lives alone and wants nothing more than someone to want / need her. Her bff, Rose (whose is married to Dare), has been there through dark times, is her only family. Dare’s bff is Mace (Maccon).
Mace is a tech guru that works for his father’s Company Rex Tech. Mace is also “bubbly” but has an alter ego, the Wolf. When he was very young (8y/o), his father f0rced him to cage fight, thus earning the nickname name. He also does jobs for the m@fia, but isn’t necessarily a made man.
Months ago: Cassia, Rose, Dare, Frank, and Remy are on a both with Royce and Ryker. Two business men that led to her father’s de@th. One gave out loans and the other collected the debts, taking EVERYTHING from people. They basically f€€d them to the sharks.

Present: Cassia’s old “friend”, Ian, comes desperately looking for her help. Reminding her of a pact she made with him. She agrees to help him lift $100K from a bank account and put it into someone else’s.
A few days later, Mace asks her why she did it. She tried to deny it but she knows he knows. Later she tries to contact Ian but he doesn’t respond.
Rose drags her to a gala where Mace shows up. She follows him when he steps away, witnesses a schmurder. She realizes Vito, a m@fia leader just unalived the man whose account she transferred the $ to. Mace set him up, so Cassia doesn’t get in trouble. Vito notices Cassia and drags her into the room. Mace steps up claiming her as his future wife (can’t touch wives).
Cassia realizes she has no choice but to go along with it.
A “client” - Paige - approaches her, turns out to be the FBI. Bl@ck mailing her to get dirt on Mace and the m@fia in exchange for not turning her in for the schmurder of the 2 guys in the beginning and the h@ck of the $ for Ian. Cassia denies everything until she said they have Ian, who gave her up. And they have a grainy picture of her and Rose and they will destroy Rose’s life if she doesn’t help.
Cassia isn’t sure what she is going to do. She goes through with the wedding and gets reminded of what she has to do. Her and Mace have flirted heavily but haven’t b@nged yet. On their wedding night, Mace basically cage fi&hts Crue, one of their friends because he was flirting with Cassia. Mace is super possessive / jealous. Cassia isn’t turned off by this, but Mace leaves her alone on the wedding night.
There is a sub plot about Mace’s father Darius being a creepy scumbag. Mace and Cassia flirt back-and-forth. But Mace likes to get Cassia to work for it. He gives her a little attention and then takes it away. Knowing she’s touch starved and attention starved.
Paige eventually gets tired of waiting for Cassia to give her some sort of evidence. So she takes her right off the street and Mace comes for her. Cassia confesses what was going on. But she had already made up her mind that she wasn’t going to let Mace get in trouble. Mace basically tells her she can do anything and he would still love her. They try to get evidence against his father since he’s such a jerk. Darius had a plan to backstab Vito and join with the Bratva by marrying off one of Mace’s sisters. Cassia Figures out the plot, but Mace gets taken. Cassia goes to Vito to make a deal with him. They rescue Mace and his youngest sister. Then Alec, Vito’s son, pew pews him because he was still threatening Mace‘s sister. Clearly, there’s something going on between Alec and his sister.
They are able to plant evidence to make it look like a double cross. And that Darius was at the heart of it. Allowing Mace to get out of the m@fia. Cassia finds out that Ian was at some sort of safe house however he was unallied. She was not able to find out whether or not it was related to Paige or related to whoever thought he crossed him. Paige was found out to have actually been fired from the FBI and she was trying to capture, Mace and his father to earn points back in the FBI. The photo she had of Cassia on the boat, was from the boat captain who was her boyfriend. Mace organizes, pages capture along with the boat captain. And the book finishes the same way it began.

[Amanda Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, and here is my honest review!

This book….daaaamn. I had a really hard time to put my kindle down! There was so much angst and tension, the spice was HOT, the banter was spicy, but also comical at times. The MMC was to DIE for…so swoon worthy!

I didn’t realize when I signed up for this ARC that this was book 2 in the Princes of NYC series. However, you can read it as a standalone. I absolutely will be going back to book 1 to read about the supporting characters in this one, Rose and Dare.

The FMC, Cassia, is strong, independent and doesn’t take sh*t off anyone! She suffers from a tragic past, with her father being killed years before through violence. She is sassy and guarded, with her walls firmly in place because she believes that everyone she loves dies, so she’s afraid to open her heart to anyone but her best friend, Rose.

The MMC, Mace, is a totally swoon worthy, cinnamon roll mafia man who is confident, bossy, arrogant, possessive and a bit stalkerish…and did I mention sexy as hell? He also has a tragic past, being forced by his arsehole of a father to cage fight starting from a young age and being brought up in a mafia family. You would expect him to be a hard ass, but inside he is actually sweet and really caring, although he tries not to show it. He will do anything to protect his mother & sisters (and obviously Cassia), and you learn throughout the book some things he does behind his father’s back for people his father has screwed over.

The MC’s went to high school together, so they do have a shared past. Mace is already obsessed with Cassia from the start, but she tries to deny her feelings for him. She can’t stand his arrogance and acts like she hates him through a good portion of the book, but as readers, we get to see segments of her true feelings. Mace finds ways to slowly break down her barriers. He can read her like a book, without her ever speaking her true feelings out loud. The banter and hate sex are phenomenal!

There was never a dull moment in this book. There’s mystery, suspense, romance and tons of spice! And this man…he’d burn the world down to protect her…need I say more?? He can stalk me anytime!!!

Tropes:
- He falls first
- Forced marriage
- Hate to love
- Touch her & die
- Morally grey MMC
- Billionaire mafia man
- Hate sex
- Mental health acknowledgement
- Interconnected standalone

Some of my favourite quotes (there are so many, I just chose a few!):

"I'm going to kill you."
"I can't focus when you flirt with me."

“Fxck you.”
“You will”.
“Like hell. In your dreams.”
Mace’s lips twitch. “You have.”

“It’s fxcked, but I kind of love the way she hates me.”

“Are you the big bad wolf?” I ask with a sardonic laugh.
Mace leans in until our noses brush. “I’d eat you if you’d let me.” His breath tickles my skin.

“Fxck you!” I lurch toward the railing and he chuckles. “No, baby, I’m going to fuck you.” He kicks my ankles open, and I gasp. The tip of his cxck presses against my entrance. “Hold on.”

"Mmm, you don't fuck me like you hate me."

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

87% through but just had to say… Can we please have Dr. Bianca Greco’s story??? Again, a side character from this author has got me intrigued. Also, why is her lousy mafia husband, Enzo, hanging out at Darius’ house trying to get with Melody or Adalie? Bro you’ve already got a wife 🙄 and she clearly doesn’t think too highly of you.

Alec killing Vito, after Vito ordered him to kill Mace, presumably because Adeline begged for her brother not to be killed definitely intrigues me. Do Alec and Adelie have some history between them no one is aware of? Or was it love at first sight? Though, Alec was not mentioned as one of the men Darius brought home to meet his daughters. I’d definitely read this story. And if it started of In Media Res, with Alec saving her at the Morozov house even better.

Anyway, Maccon aka Mace was an easy to love character. The whole story he’s head over heals for Cassia and doesn’t hide it. More background on their interwoven past would have been good, but the story was ok without it. It just didn’t vibe completely worth his random thoughts about how she was always the one yet we, the reader, never got the deets.

Cassia was a bit harder to love. But yeah I got there eventually. Especially when she started to see Mace for who he truly was. She’s always known there was more beneath the surface but damn did it take her long enough to actually look. Overall, I got major self centered vibes from her at first.

Cassia wasn’t wrong to blame Mace’s mom for the cage fighting. But Darius is the true evil here. Thinking he can make his son kill in the ring to protect his sisters, and then still trading his sisters to the Russian mob. He definitely deserved the way Mace killed him. And honestly after raising your son to be a killer you’d have to be a moron to stand so close to him and taunt him with his sisters like that.


Agent Paige Smith of the FBI was definitely o e of the biggest dirtbags of the story and her ending was handled well.

I loved seeing Rose and Dare again. Dare shined in this one when he offered to walk Cassia down the aisle. Rose and Dare both walking her was too cute.

Remy and Analise were once again seen briefly together. The two definitely need a book.

ETA: the end of the book says that Crue’s book is next and then Remy’s.

Just guessing here, but Book 5 might be Alec’s. This book says that Vito’s grandma became one of the five NY families. That would have passed down the family line. Now we don’t know if Alec is related to Vito, but we don’t know he isn’t. And either way he’s taking over the crime family so maybe it doesn’t matter 🤷‍♀️. I just know this series is based on the top 5 families and we’ve only officially been introduced to four: Dare, Mace, Crue, and Remy. The fifth is up for grabs and it being Alec would easily allow for a spin-off I to the mob.

“Lucia Marino was Vito’s great-great-grandma, and when she started the restaurant in the 1940s with her husband, no one expected that the Sicilian chef would become the head of one of the five families, but crazier things have happened.”

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Princes of New York City series. I didn't read the 1st book. I do plan to go back and read Pretty Little Threats when I have time. The characters from that book are in this book. I didn't think there were any huge spoilers given away that would ruin Pretty Little Threats, for me. All of these books, so far, have been about billionaires, mafia related, dark contemporary romances, marriages of convience, and enemies to lovers. I would give this book 4.5 stars. I would read Daria Quinn again.

This book focuses on Cassia and Mace. They're both friends of the couple featured in Pretty Little Threats. Cassia works for a PI company and is very good at exposing secrets and hacking. Mace is a billionaire who works for his father's company. Mace gets on Cassia's nerves but Mace has a secret soft spot for Cassia. Mace is being pressured by his father to get married. Mace's father is a major jerk! Mace only wants Cassia. When Cassia witnesses something she wasn't supposed to, Mace jumps in to save her. All Mace wants in return is Cassia to marry him and do exactly as he says. Not much. Mace demands Cassia move into his mansion and let him take care of her. Cassia doesn't want to be a kept woman or lose all of her power and independence.

At some point they go from enemies to lovers, to just lovers. Mace hides a secret dark side that not many see. Cassia and Mace have a way of seeing each other that doesn't necessarily need words to communicate. Cassia has her own secret mission in the midst of this situationship. The dynamic between Mace and Cassia was good. There's a lot of banter and neither one wants to give in. They both have their reasons for needing control. There are definitely some unexpected things about Mace in the book. All of the sex scenes were very spicy because Mace isn't a slow or gentle lover. I think about the pool scene where Cassia was in control. I know how hard they struggle to really let go.

Mace really turned into an obsessed person worried about Cassia and her safety. Mace was very over the top. Cassia wasn't stupid. In fact, Cassia was very smart despite what Mace's father thought. Cassia just never wanted to admit or acknowledge her actual feelings. I will say Cassia knew when to keep her mouth shut and not rock the boat, when it truly mattered. Cassia excelled at picking fights with Mace. I actually think that was one of Cassia's super powers. Cassia and Mace's antics were enjoyable. I think Mace always knew where he stood despite Cassia always saying she hated him. Mace wasn't afraid to burn everything down to get what he wanted. I can appreciate a man that would do anything for the woman he wants. I can see books in the future about Mace's 2 younger sisters. I liked that neither Mace or Cassia were interested in other people.

Thsnk you, Smuthood and Daria Quinn, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mace is being forced by his father to marry so he can continue the family line - or he'll hurt his sisters, but he can't seem to find the right one. Cassia witnesses a crime, and since wives are protected in this high society, Mace has found an easy way in; they marry! Which helps him with his situation, and he can offer her protection from the repercussions of what she saw. Sounds perfect, right? The only problem is that she hates him.

Cassia's family died at a young age, so she's built a wall to protect herself from getting hurt, as she's afraid anyone she's close to will leave or die again. She's feisty and fights back, but Mace seems to love this about her and can handle what she throws his way! I did find at times she was a little too dominant, but I was happy that Mace didn't let her get the upper hand. He is controlling, possessive & obsessive, but fiercely protects his family and those he cares about. His childhood was heartbreaking; his father was cold and cruel, making him do things at a very young age, and it pushed Mace into hardening his exterior to survive. He was actually sweet and caring underneath it all; I absolutely melted with the way he was with Cassia and how he was always there for her. He let her come into her own while catching her every time she fell.

The spicy scenes were on fire, and the connection between the two was strong even when she was being a little "bratty" - it only made him want her more.

There are a lot of things outside their relationship that continue to threaten what they have. Secrets hidden for fear of loss and survival. But Mace is not about to let anything happen to her. She's HIS now - end of story!
 
 
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Mace & Cassia
Darkness: 2 out of 5 🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Characters throughout the series
Title: Princes of NYC Series- Filthy Little Regrets: Book 2
Audiobook: n/a as of June 2025
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Forced Marriage
*Mafia Light
*Forced underground fighting
*Hacker
*Touch/Look at her wrong and be unalived!!
*Stalker
*MINE!
*High Society
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[C_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

"Filthy Little Regrets"

by Daria Quinn

Book 2 in the Princes of NYC series

I loved both characters so much. Cassia and Mace are a match made in... hot hell.
Cassia is a beautiful and lonely and sassy red hair kind of girl.
Mace had a tough and full of rage and anger past, yet at his core everything he wants is LOVE.
These two transformation from hatred to lust to love was amazing to treasure.

This book is loaded with fine humour, it is so well written, the details are so vivid... it eats you from inside with the fire that emanates from the pages.

This was my first book by the author, but it's definitely not the last.

Thank you to author and #thesmuthood for the opportunity to ARC this book.

---

some of my favorite quotes:

My heart trembles and I bite my cheek to keep from voicing my biggest fear. That I have nothing left.

“As far as I can tell, love is more pain than happiness.”

He does this a lot. Uses humor to win people over. None of them seem to notice there’s more beneath the surface, but I see flickers of depravity within the immeasurable depths of his gaze. Mace isn’t who he pretends to be. Not exactly.

The bastard even has a dimple. Dimples make women stupid.

They see the violence that slithers through my veins, the monster I hide behind quick smiles and easy conversation. The predator that lurks beneath the surface.

The hollow in my chest aches.

What’s a woman have to do to find a scary husband who loves you more than breathing?

The distance is a canyon yawning between us.

every time he touches me, the part of me that craves human contact is soothed. That’s how much I’ve missed having someone to love.

“If it’s a fight you want, I’ll give it to you, but if I win”—he pauses and searches my face, a slow and wicked smirk cutting across his handsome face—“if I win, I get to do whatever I want to you.”
“Fuck you,” I fire back.
“You will.”
Like hell. “In your dreams.”
His lips twitch. “You have.”

I hate that he has the power to unsettle me with a simple touch.

“I’m not afraid of you.”
He runs his thumb along my bottom lip. “You should be, Little Red.”
“Height jokes are beneath you, Mace.”
He smirks. “I like the name.”
“Are you the big bad wolf?” I ask with a sardonic laugh.
Mace leans in until our noses brush. “I’d eat you if you’d let me.”

Hope is a vicious beast

“You’re mine.”