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Hudson Yards #4
Watch Me Burn
I built my empire with ruthless precision and perfect control.
I was untouchable—until she came along.
My stalker. An assassin. A nightmare disguised as temptation.
I wasn’t meant to witness her kill that night, or become her next mark.
Now she’s in my home, my bed, wearing my ring.
My enemy. My wife.
A forced marriage to the daughter of New York’s most feared mafia boss was never in my plans.
Neither was the searing attraction that ignites every time she’s near. I tell myself it’s hatred. That my body’s reaction is just a twisted survival instinct, nothing more. Yet with each passing night, the line between loathing and wanting blurs beyond recognition.
But we’re not the only ones playing this dangerous game. Someone’s watching our every move, waiting for a single misstep to expose secrets deadly enough to destroy us both.
I should push her away, remembering everything she touches turns to ash.
Instead, I’m drawn to the darkness in her that calls to my own.
She’s fire, and I’m willingly standing in her flames.
They say keep your enemies close.
I never expected to want to keep her closer.
Watch Me Burn is a standalone novel in an interconnected series.
The recommended reading order for the Hudson Yards Series:
Shattered Obsession
Shattered Hearts
Untamed
Watch Me Burn
I was untouchable—until she came along.
My stalker. An assassin. A nightmare disguised as temptation.
I wasn’t meant to witness her kill that night, or become her next mark.
Now she’s in my home, my bed, wearing my ring.
My enemy. My wife.
A forced marriage to the daughter of New York’s most feared mafia boss was never in my plans.
Neither was the searing attraction that ignites every time she’s near. I tell myself it’s hatred. That my body’s reaction is just a twisted survival instinct, nothing more. Yet with each passing night, the line between loathing and wanting blurs beyond recognition.
But we’re not the only ones playing this dangerous game. Someone’s watching our every move, waiting for a single misstep to expose secrets deadly enough to destroy us both.
I should push her away, remembering everything she touches turns to ash.
Instead, I’m drawn to the darkness in her that calls to my own.
She’s fire, and I’m willingly standing in her flames.
They say keep your enemies close.
I never expected to want to keep her closer.
Watch Me Burn is a standalone novel in an interconnected series.
The recommended reading order for the Hudson Yards Series:
Shattered Obsession
Shattered Hearts
Untamed
Watch Me Burn
Unknown Binding
Published July 11, 2025
9 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Tina Spencer
5 books263 followersTina Spencer, a Canadian author, has held a lifelong passion for spinning tales since early childhood. Hoping to follow her dreams of becoming an author one day, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Communications. When Tina’s not spending her free time writing and agonizing over her fictional characters, she’s working through her endless TBR, spending time with her family, traveling, and attempting to get some sleep.
Tina enjoys writing about flawed characters and their meaningful journeys through life and love. If you’re looking for emotional and inspirational books with spice, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can find Tina here:
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Website: www.tinaspencerbooks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaspencer...
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Tina enjoys writing about flawed characters and their meaningful journeys through life and love. If you’re looking for emotional and inspirational books with spice, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can find Tina here:
Newsletter:
https://tinaspencerbooks.com/links
Website: www.tinaspencerbooks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaspencer...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortinasp...
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/tinaspencersh...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 4, 2025
BETA REVIEW
*inserts air pods to play the WATCH ME BURN Spotify music playlist*
Here’s my best attempt at a spoiler free review, because this book was just 🤌🏼
😮💨 ok, I desperately craved Aaron’s book after Untamed. Pretty sure we all did. And Tina straight up DELIVERED the goods.
First off, WMB gets ALL THE STARS ⭐️, just ♾️⭐️ The storyline/plot was everything I imagine it would be. It progressed smoothly and the characters development was excellent. This truly was a perfect enemies to lovers story with the FMC being someone we’ve already met from SO & SH. It gave the perfect zest to those lemon tarts 🍋 IYKYK
I literally screamed when the FMC was revealed🤩
The push & pull, angst, tension, hate & love between Aaron and his Little Nightmare was *chefs kiss* It made me hollering “just kiss and f*ck already* at my computer quite a few times.
I liked how Tina portrayed the slow deterioration of emotional walls for each character. Aaron trying to let go of his need to always be in control and the FMC slowly letting her guard down and to be finally let Aaron see her true self.
***let’s just say Aaron delivers an absolutely SWOON WORTHY speech***
I loved how Tina incorporated snippets of Aaron’s childhood & growing up protecting his sister Zoe from their parents. It really helped build Aaron’s character and give insite into why he has a need for such control in his life.
Now to the goodie goods 👅 💦 🍆
Lawwwwwwd help me because the spice was so dang good, I about fell out my chair and had to *crawl* back to it, again IYKYK🥵
Seriously, NOTHING is more satisfying than when the enemies become lovers.
JUST READ THE D*MN BOOK AND THANK ME LATER, OK!
*inserts air pods to play the WATCH ME BURN Spotify music playlist*
Here’s my best attempt at a spoiler free review, because this book was just 🤌🏼
😮💨 ok, I desperately craved Aaron’s book after Untamed. Pretty sure we all did. And Tina straight up DELIVERED the goods.
First off, WMB gets ALL THE STARS ⭐️, just ♾️⭐️ The storyline/plot was everything I imagine it would be. It progressed smoothly and the characters development was excellent. This truly was a perfect enemies to lovers story with the FMC being someone we’ve already met from SO & SH. It gave the perfect zest to those lemon tarts 🍋 IYKYK
I literally screamed when the FMC was revealed🤩
The push & pull, angst, tension, hate & love between Aaron and his Little Nightmare was *chefs kiss* It made me hollering “just kiss and f*ck already* at my computer quite a few times.
I liked how Tina portrayed the slow deterioration of emotional walls for each character. Aaron trying to let go of his need to always be in control and the FMC slowly letting her guard down and to be finally let Aaron see her true self.
***let’s just say Aaron delivers an absolutely SWOON WORTHY speech***
I loved how Tina incorporated snippets of Aaron’s childhood & growing up protecting his sister Zoe from their parents. It really helped build Aaron’s character and give insite into why he has a need for such control in his life.
Now to the goodie goods 👅 💦 🍆
Lawwwwwwd help me because the spice was so dang good, I about fell out my chair and had to *crawl* back to it, again IYKYK🥵
Seriously, NOTHING is more satisfying than when the enemies become lovers.
JUST READ THE D*MN BOOK AND THANK ME LATER, OK!
July 7, 2025
This had the potential to be an absolutely fantastic book. I was hooked by the writing style, the tension, and how the leads began to develop. Unfortunately, as we progressed throughout the story it seemed like the author tried out new directions, but forgot to adjust previous ideas and ended up creating plot holes, as well as characters that made plans on how they'd act and then seemed to immediately disregard them. Characters who acted completely outside of who they were, seemingly out of nowhere with no reasonable explanation. Characters who had revelations about information they already knew, and characters who were used to advance the plot in ways that didn't always make sense. The continuous contradictions and illogical moments pulled me out of the story more times than not, which was such a disappointment because this book truly had the markings of an amazing story. Unfortunately the last 40% really fell off when twists, turns and developments were added in that didn't align fully, and more illogical circumstances, resolutions and character changes were forced to the forefront repetitively.
Despite all of those moments muddling the storyline, I was still burning through this one and interested in the resolution, it just needed to be cleaned up a bit more to make sense. As this is an ARC, some editing and grammatical errors are to be expected, but this was outside the norm of what could be ignored within a review environment.
Aside from that, I loved that both leads were switches. Seeing each of them have moments of dominance and submission was done so well, and really helped bring their chemistry to the forefront as their relationship advanced.
All in all this was a good novel, but it had the potential to be great.
*****
Thank you to Ember PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Despite all of those moments muddling the storyline, I was still burning through this one and interested in the resolution, it just needed to be cleaned up a bit more to make sense. As this is an ARC, some editing and grammatical errors are to be expected, but this was outside the norm of what could be ignored within a review environment.
Aside from that, I loved that both leads were switches. Seeing each of them have moments of dominance and submission was done so well, and really helped bring their chemistry to the forefront as their relationship advanced.
All in all this was a good novel, but it had the potential to be great.
*****
Thank you to Ember PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 11, 2025
This ain’t your sweet, slow-burn kinda love story. This is dark mafia chaos, and I was so here for every second of it. 😍❤️🔥
Aaron and Caterina? Morally gray, emotionally unavailable, and hot enough to burn the damn pages.
There’s no heroes in sight, just power plays, forced partnerships, and tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Their chemistry? Unhinged. 🔥
I ate this up! This series continues to get better and better!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Aaron and Caterina? Morally gray, emotionally unavailable, and hot enough to burn the damn pages.
There’s no heroes in sight, just power plays, forced partnerships, and tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Their chemistry? Unhinged. 🔥
I ate this up! This series continues to get better and better!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 29, 2025
♾️/5
“To those who bury the darkest parts of themselves, afraid no one will ever truly see them.
And to those who ache to surrender—not for love, but for the voice that drags you to your knees and whispers, “Now beg.”
After finishing this book, I am speechless. I loved this book from start to finish and did not want it to end. The story of Aaron and Caterina I have not read before and I need more of them. If I could have gimme hands through a screen, I would be making them. The amount of highlights I have in this book is crazy.
Aaron Jackson is always in control, no matter what, especially for the people he loves the most. He can’t let it go, that is until Caterina starts stalking him. He feels as if he is losing his mind with each token he is sent and feels his walls of control crumbling around him. Caterina was supposed to dispose of Aaron. When he sees too much, she knows he can’t live with that knowledge. Instead, she becomes obsessed with him and can’t let him go. When these two are forced to be married, will they end each other or finally let the other see what’s always been beneath and trust each other?
I loved that she was the psycho stalker and was so obsessed with him she couldn’t let him go. The fact that she couldn’t pinpoint her feelings bc she never knew what love was, broke my heart. Aaron made me so mad at one point but I understood where he was coming from. These two broken souls had no idea how to trust someone, where trust is earned and can be easily manipulated. The back and forth between these two was epic and the tension was beautiful.
I loved how affected they were towards each other. How messed up they were after their first kiss was everything. Their inner monologues were perfectly described by the author and made you feel what they felt. It was seriously so beautiful to slowly read what they were feelings changed and turn into something else they both didn’t know they needed.
Also, the sexual tension between these two were unmatched. It was not anything sweet or delicate, it was pure primal sexual tension that, when the smut happened, it happened. Never be over them both denying each other, but Caterina doing it better. Also, knowing Aaron wanted to submit and want to lose control, perfect.
Caterina is one of my favorite FMC’s. I haven’t read many books where the FMC corrupts the MMC, it’s always the other way around. But in a sense, so did he. In her world, you can’t be soft, especially as a woman and Aaron allowed her to be that way. In this book, though, she definitely corrupts Aaron but also, lets him be the person he was always supposed to be but he just didn’t know it. A true king and queen of a corrupted world.
Tropes:
💙Enemies to lovers
💙Forced marriage
💙Billionaire
💙Mafia
💙Morally gray characters
💙Forbidden love
💙Stalking
“To those who bury the darkest parts of themselves, afraid no one will ever truly see them.
And to those who ache to surrender—not for love, but for the voice that drags you to your knees and whispers, “Now beg.”
After finishing this book, I am speechless. I loved this book from start to finish and did not want it to end. The story of Aaron and Caterina I have not read before and I need more of them. If I could have gimme hands through a screen, I would be making them. The amount of highlights I have in this book is crazy.
Aaron Jackson is always in control, no matter what, especially for the people he loves the most. He can’t let it go, that is until Caterina starts stalking him. He feels as if he is losing his mind with each token he is sent and feels his walls of control crumbling around him. Caterina was supposed to dispose of Aaron. When he sees too much, she knows he can’t live with that knowledge. Instead, she becomes obsessed with him and can’t let him go. When these two are forced to be married, will they end each other or finally let the other see what’s always been beneath and trust each other?
I loved that she was the psycho stalker and was so obsessed with him she couldn’t let him go. The fact that she couldn’t pinpoint her feelings bc she never knew what love was, broke my heart. Aaron made me so mad at one point but I understood where he was coming from. These two broken souls had no idea how to trust someone, where trust is earned and can be easily manipulated. The back and forth between these two was epic and the tension was beautiful.
I loved how affected they were towards each other. How messed up they were after their first kiss was everything. Their inner monologues were perfectly described by the author and made you feel what they felt. It was seriously so beautiful to slowly read what they were feelings changed and turn into something else they both didn’t know they needed.
Also, the sexual tension between these two were unmatched. It was not anything sweet or delicate, it was pure primal sexual tension that, when the smut happened, it happened. Never be over them both denying each other, but Caterina doing it better. Also, knowing Aaron wanted to submit and want to lose control, perfect.
Caterina is one of my favorite FMC’s. I haven’t read many books where the FMC corrupts the MMC, it’s always the other way around. But in a sense, so did he. In her world, you can’t be soft, especially as a woman and Aaron allowed her to be that way. In this book, though, she definitely corrupts Aaron but also, lets him be the person he was always supposed to be but he just didn’t know it. A true king and queen of a corrupted world.
Tropes:
💙Enemies to lovers
💙Forced marriage
💙Billionaire
💙Mafia
💙Morally gray characters
💙Forbidden love
💙Stalking
July 8, 2025
⭐️Arc Review⭐️
Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer
Book 4 in Hudson Yard series
3/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Micro Tropes
-voyeurism
-she falls first, he falls harder
-he needs submission
-twisted gifts
I’ll start off by saying, if I had read the pervious books in the series I think I may have enjoyed this book a bit more. There’s a ton of information thrown out right at the beginning that I learned came from pervious books that in hindsight would have made more sense to me if I had read them but because I didn’t it was all a little lost on me and I had trouble following along. I did keep going though, never a quitter, so here’s my thoughts.
Did I like the book? Yes, the story is intriguing enough. I do love a good enemies to lovers dark mafia romance. There’s no clear cut hero, both MC’s are morally gray. Which was something new for me in a read but found interesting. From the very beginning there was tension, calculated power plays, forced alliances, and chemistry that refused to stay buried. Aaron & Caterina's chemistry was hard to pinpoint, there’s so much distrust throughout the book then the added forced marriage really set the whole thing off. It was a trip watching the relationship evolve into more of a husband/wife relationship once their walls started crumbling but for me something was still lacking. Again, I blame myself for not reading the other books in the series.
That being said I am looking forward to Tristen & Keira's book and have plans of reading this book again once I’ve read the series. I’m happy I kept with the book and didn’t give up because the bones are good.
⭐️Thank you Tina Spencer & Ember Literacy for the opportunity it's to read this book as an arc.
Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer
Book 4 in Hudson Yard series
3/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Micro Tropes
-voyeurism
-she falls first, he falls harder
-he needs submission
-twisted gifts
I’ll start off by saying, if I had read the pervious books in the series I think I may have enjoyed this book a bit more. There’s a ton of information thrown out right at the beginning that I learned came from pervious books that in hindsight would have made more sense to me if I had read them but because I didn’t it was all a little lost on me and I had trouble following along. I did keep going though, never a quitter, so here’s my thoughts.
Did I like the book? Yes, the story is intriguing enough. I do love a good enemies to lovers dark mafia romance. There’s no clear cut hero, both MC’s are morally gray. Which was something new for me in a read but found interesting. From the very beginning there was tension, calculated power plays, forced alliances, and chemistry that refused to stay buried. Aaron & Caterina's chemistry was hard to pinpoint, there’s so much distrust throughout the book then the added forced marriage really set the whole thing off. It was a trip watching the relationship evolve into more of a husband/wife relationship once their walls started crumbling but for me something was still lacking. Again, I blame myself for not reading the other books in the series.
That being said I am looking forward to Tristen & Keira's book and have plans of reading this book again once I’ve read the series. I’m happy I kept with the book and didn’t give up because the bones are good.
⭐️Thank you Tina Spencer & Ember Literacy for the opportunity it's to read this book as an arc.
July 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I’ve been counting down the days for this release since the moment I finished book three and am so blessed to have been gifted an advanced reader copy. Let me tell you, Watch Me Burn did not disappoint. This series marked my first toe dip into dark romance earlier this year, and I’ve been hooked ever since! and with every Hudson Yards installment, Tina Spencer has unlocked new kinks, fed new tropes into my obsession, and kept me absolutely feral for more.
I craved Aaron’s story after Untamed, and while I’ve proudly worn the badge of Dom’s #1 fan, Via might just have stolen the crown. This book flips the script because for once, it’s the FMC who’s the shadow in the dark, She is the Stalker. Assassin. Powerhouse, and wears the pants.
Tina masterfully balances continuity with growth, keeping the character dynamics we love while introducing bold developments that deepen our connection to them. The pacing? On point. The delivery? Impeccable. The emotional tension between Aaron and Via builds in the most delicious slow-burn way. I found myself practically shouting “just kiss already! but the payoff was so worth it.
The banter, the angst, the magnetic push and pull between the leads was divine. And don’t even get me started on the spice… Let’s just say there were moments I had to put the book down and collect myself. Via is a queen — period.
There are so many moments I highlighted, reread, and savored. If you’re new to the Hudson Yards world, please, I beg you, start from book one. The emotional build, the character backstories, the tension, it all layers beautifully. You’ll appreciate Watch Me Burn that much more.
Quote:
“She’s a fever dream made flesh. Chaos wrapped in sunlight and sugar. And for the first time in my life, I don’t want to outrun the storm. I want to stand directly in the eye of it. Drown in it.”
I’ve been counting down the days for this release since the moment I finished book three and am so blessed to have been gifted an advanced reader copy. Let me tell you, Watch Me Burn did not disappoint. This series marked my first toe dip into dark romance earlier this year, and I’ve been hooked ever since! and with every Hudson Yards installment, Tina Spencer has unlocked new kinks, fed new tropes into my obsession, and kept me absolutely feral for more.
I craved Aaron’s story after Untamed, and while I’ve proudly worn the badge of Dom’s #1 fan, Via might just have stolen the crown. This book flips the script because for once, it’s the FMC who’s the shadow in the dark, She is the Stalker. Assassin. Powerhouse, and wears the pants.
Tina masterfully balances continuity with growth, keeping the character dynamics we love while introducing bold developments that deepen our connection to them. The pacing? On point. The delivery? Impeccable. The emotional tension between Aaron and Via builds in the most delicious slow-burn way. I found myself practically shouting “just kiss already! but the payoff was so worth it.
The banter, the angst, the magnetic push and pull between the leads was divine. And don’t even get me started on the spice… Let’s just say there were moments I had to put the book down and collect myself. Via is a queen — period.
There are so many moments I highlighted, reread, and savored. If you’re new to the Hudson Yards world, please, I beg you, start from book one. The emotional build, the character backstories, the tension, it all layers beautifully. You’ll appreciate Watch Me Burn that much more.
Quote:
“She’s a fever dream made flesh. Chaos wrapped in sunlight and sugar. And for the first time in my life, I don’t want to outrun the storm. I want to stand directly in the eye of it. Drown in it.”
July 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
4.75⭐ for Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer
I absolutely loved this one, ate it up, from start to finish. I had previously read Shattered Obsession (still need to read the next books) but I think this works as a standalone too.
Aaron and Caterina had amazing chemistry, and their enemies to lovers forced marriage was just perfection. He's a control freak that unhinges him, and she's unhinged in the best way; a match made in morally grey heaven.
The way he called her his "little nightmare"? *Melts into a puddle*
They'd burn down the world for each other, and their passion just leapt off the pages and grabbed me in a chokehold; this world is dark and gritty, and yet they made it seem like so much fun, toying with each other, and bending the other to their wills. *Fans self*
There's intrigue, there's romance, there's spice (so hot), and the ending sets up Tristan's story in a way that you know it's going to be fire. If you're into dark and/or mafia romance, pick this book up immediately and thank me later.
Thank you to Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
4.75⭐ for Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer
I absolutely loved this one, ate it up, from start to finish. I had previously read Shattered Obsession (still need to read the next books) but I think this works as a standalone too.
Aaron and Caterina had amazing chemistry, and their enemies to lovers forced marriage was just perfection. He's a control freak that unhinges him, and she's unhinged in the best way; a match made in morally grey heaven.
The way he called her his "little nightmare"? *Melts into a puddle*
They'd burn down the world for each other, and their passion just leapt off the pages and grabbed me in a chokehold; this world is dark and gritty, and yet they made it seem like so much fun, toying with each other, and bending the other to their wills. *Fans self*
There's intrigue, there's romance, there's spice (so hot), and the ending sets up Tristan's story in a way that you know it's going to be fire. If you're into dark and/or mafia romance, pick this book up immediately and thank me later.
Thank you to Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2025
It’s not often you get to read a dark mafia romance that the FMC and MMC are both morally grey characters and I loved every bit of it.
Caterina- mafia princess by day, assassin by night and also Aaron’s little nightmare psycho stalker. They absolutely loathe each other until they find themselves into a forced marriage of convenience, a life saving sacrifice and everything changes between them. Now husband and wife, they are forced to become allies instead of enemies.
I loved that they were both obsessed with each other but both refused to express it. It made the sexual tension between these two even hotter and when they finally gave in, oh boy, it was explosive. And not in the gentle, sweet, I’ve always loved you kind of way, it was more of a feral, primal, I want to engrave myself into you kind of way and it was oh so juicy. A true dark king and queen taking on the world and their enemies together.
A rollercoaster ride I would gladly hop on over and over again. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read Tristan’s and Keira’s story.
Thank you @emberliterarypr and @tinaspencerauthor for the advanced read copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Caterina- mafia princess by day, assassin by night and also Aaron’s little nightmare psycho stalker. They absolutely loathe each other until they find themselves into a forced marriage of convenience, a life saving sacrifice and everything changes between them. Now husband and wife, they are forced to become allies instead of enemies.
I loved that they were both obsessed with each other but both refused to express it. It made the sexual tension between these two even hotter and when they finally gave in, oh boy, it was explosive. And not in the gentle, sweet, I’ve always loved you kind of way, it was more of a feral, primal, I want to engrave myself into you kind of way and it was oh so juicy. A true dark king and queen taking on the world and their enemies together.
A rollercoaster ride I would gladly hop on over and over again. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read Tristan’s and Keira’s story.
Thank you @emberliterarypr and @tinaspencerauthor for the advanced read copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 4, 2025
“She’s a fever dream made flesh. Chaos wrapped in sunlight and sugar. And for the first time in my life, I don’t want to outrun the storm. I want to stand directly in the eye of it. Drown in it.”
HOLY WOW! This was incredible. Infinity stars. This was everything I hoped Aarons story would be and more. It was full of tension, longing, angst and pure hatred that bordered the edge of undeniable obsessive love. The burn was slow and when it finally got there, boy did it deliver 🫠 the ending?! The damn ending!!! I can not wait for what’s to come with the literal mic drop Tina left us with leaving us gagging for more of this incredible world she has created. I will be talking about this book forever to anyone who will listen. 🥹
HOLY WOW! This was incredible. Infinity stars. This was everything I hoped Aarons story would be and more. It was full of tension, longing, angst and pure hatred that bordered the edge of undeniable obsessive love. The burn was slow and when it finally got there, boy did it deliver 🫠 the ending?! The damn ending!!! I can not wait for what’s to come with the literal mic drop Tina left us with leaving us gagging for more of this incredible world she has created. I will be talking about this book forever to anyone who will listen. 🥹
July 10, 2025
Tropes:
Mafia
Billionaire
Morally Grey Characters
Forced Marriage
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
4/5 star
2/5 Spice
If you love a book where not only the MMC is morally grey, but the FMC is as well, this is absolutely your read. I will preface by saying I do firmly feel you should the novella Untamed first (Aaron, Tristen, & Dom's story) its quick, high spice, but the ending is key in understanding the motives behind our FMC in this story.
We meet Aaron in Shattered Obsession & Shattered Hearts. He's all business, poised, and always in control. So when he witnesses something that leads to our FMC stalking him you start to see him slowly unravel. When the identity of our FMC is revealed & what family she is associated with it leads to the forced marriage from the head of the Mortelle family.
The push, the pull, the banter, then tension & the hate between these characters was absolute perfection. I simply couldn't put this book down and kept wanting more. The ending of this book, holy hell, now I'm craving all the answers for Tristen's story.
Thank you Ember & Tina for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mafia
Billionaire
Morally Grey Characters
Forced Marriage
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
4/5 star
2/5 Spice
If you love a book where not only the MMC is morally grey, but the FMC is as well, this is absolutely your read. I will preface by saying I do firmly feel you should the novella Untamed first (Aaron, Tristen, & Dom's story) its quick, high spice, but the ending is key in understanding the motives behind our FMC in this story.
We meet Aaron in Shattered Obsession & Shattered Hearts. He's all business, poised, and always in control. So when he witnesses something that leads to our FMC stalking him you start to see him slowly unravel. When the identity of our FMC is revealed & what family she is associated with it leads to the forced marriage from the head of the Mortelle family.
The push, the pull, the banter, then tension & the hate between these characters was absolute perfection. I simply couldn't put this book down and kept wanting more. The ending of this book, holy hell, now I'm craving all the answers for Tristen's story.
Thank you Ember & Tina for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
Caterina and Aaron are playing a dangerous game of battle of the wills, until her father sets new rules that they both must obey. I thought the reasoning for the forced marriage worked well for this story. I liked that both Caterina and Aaron battled for power of each other and their stubbornness was only rivalled by each other.
The back and forth between Caterina and Aaron lasts for majority of the novel, both of them pushing the other to see who will cave first. The dynamic is fun to watch unfold, but I also could have used with someone caving sooner.
When the spice hit, it did not hold back. The chemistry between the two characters was obvious.
I didn’t read the first three books of this series but the events of the past books were explained easy enough that it didn’t impact my understanding of the story. That being said, I’m very curious about the previous books and will be reading them soon.
Caterina and Aaron are playing a dangerous game of battle of the wills, until her father sets new rules that they both must obey. I thought the reasoning for the forced marriage worked well for this story. I liked that both Caterina and Aaron battled for power of each other and their stubbornness was only rivalled by each other.
The back and forth between Caterina and Aaron lasts for majority of the novel, both of them pushing the other to see who will cave first. The dynamic is fun to watch unfold, but I also could have used with someone caving sooner.
When the spice hit, it did not hold back. The chemistry between the two characters was obvious.
I didn’t read the first three books of this series but the events of the past books were explained easy enough that it didn’t impact my understanding of the story. That being said, I’m very curious about the previous books and will be reading them soon.
July 12, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
let’s just say I was burning throughout this book 🥵.
tropes:
💙dark romance (check trigger warnings)
💙slow burn
💙forced marriage
💙she stalks him🤭
💙morally grey everybody
💙mafia
I absolutely LOVED the reverse tropes in this book, I think they were so well done and were so interesting to read!
this was probably one of the darker romances I’ve read (I haven’t read very many tho lol), but I genuinely really enjoyed it! I found the mafia side of things fairly simple to understand and it didn’t feel too over the top or suffocating.
the fmc was an absolute bad ass and I loved that about her. there’s not many times where an fmc is the strongest in the books so this one really hit. loved loved loved the mmc too, he was a really good mix of caring while still letting her do her own thing.
the spice scenes omg 🌶️🌶️. I’ve never read anything really like them, they were SO GOOD. I felt all the things. and again the reverse tropes, 😉😉 chefs kiss.
I do feel likes some scenes were a little rushed and didn’t flow fully. and some of the suspense scenes were a little bit anticlimactic imo.
I’m excited for the side characters book!
thank you to the author and her team for an arc copy!
let’s just say I was burning throughout this book 🥵.
tropes:
💙dark romance (check trigger warnings)
💙slow burn
💙forced marriage
💙she stalks him🤭
💙morally grey everybody
💙mafia
I absolutely LOVED the reverse tropes in this book, I think they were so well done and were so interesting to read!
this was probably one of the darker romances I’ve read (I haven’t read very many tho lol), but I genuinely really enjoyed it! I found the mafia side of things fairly simple to understand and it didn’t feel too over the top or suffocating.
the fmc was an absolute bad ass and I loved that about her. there’s not many times where an fmc is the strongest in the books so this one really hit. loved loved loved the mmc too, he was a really good mix of caring while still letting her do her own thing.
the spice scenes omg 🌶️🌶️. I’ve never read anything really like them, they were SO GOOD. I felt all the things. and again the reverse tropes, 😉😉 chefs kiss.
I do feel likes some scenes were a little rushed and didn’t flow fully. and some of the suspense scenes were a little bit anticlimactic imo.
I’m excited for the side characters book!
thank you to the author and her team for an arc copy!
July 25, 2025
Wow… I was so graciously gifted an ARC of this book and went into a story and world I did not know of but so glad to have discovered. This is the second book in this series but I didn’t know that when I started reading and am happy to say it didn’t affect my experience. I kinda wanna go back and read the first one because those characters do pop up and peaked my interest.
As for the book itself - I loved this FMC. You start with such a strong closed off woman who’s a killer and stalker and progressively find a woman with a heart and soul needing attention. I loved that although Caterina could be vicious - she’s very good at her nighttime killing job - there was a soul hidden beneath, albeit deep beneath. Strangely enough, I felt like I related to the MMC more because of his attachment to maintaining control. Definitely a trait I share very much with Aaron and have had similar internal monologues as he did (just without the mafia overtones lol)
Watch Me Burn is definitely a slow buuurn but I feel like it fits so well to the story and the main characters, you won’t be upset about it. These two truly hate each other and are trying to find ways to get rid of each other but can’t bring themselves to do it. But when you get the payoff - it’s so worth it! There are some twists I had no clue were coming which keeps you on your toes before then. If you like dark romance, dipping your tow into stalker romance where she is the stalker in a Magia world - this is your book. I loved it
As for the book itself - I loved this FMC. You start with such a strong closed off woman who’s a killer and stalker and progressively find a woman with a heart and soul needing attention. I loved that although Caterina could be vicious - she’s very good at her nighttime killing job - there was a soul hidden beneath, albeit deep beneath. Strangely enough, I felt like I related to the MMC more because of his attachment to maintaining control. Definitely a trait I share very much with Aaron and have had similar internal monologues as he did (just without the mafia overtones lol)
Watch Me Burn is definitely a slow buuurn but I feel like it fits so well to the story and the main characters, you won’t be upset about it. These two truly hate each other and are trying to find ways to get rid of each other but can’t bring themselves to do it. But when you get the payoff - it’s so worth it! There are some twists I had no clue were coming which keeps you on your toes before then. If you like dark romance, dipping your tow into stalker romance where she is the stalker in a Magia world - this is your book. I loved it
July 5, 2025
Got to ARC read Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer and wow Tina did not disappoint!
The story line was impeccable throughout and I was constantly on edge waiting to see what would unfold next, the slow burn was torturous but when they finally gave in phew man was it hot!
I'm a huge fan of touch my wife and die vibes and Aaron did not disappoint "Disrespect my wife again, and you'll be explaining it with your teeth scattered across the carpet."
Can’t wait for Tristan’s story next!
The story line was impeccable throughout and I was constantly on edge waiting to see what would unfold next, the slow burn was torturous but when they finally gave in phew man was it hot!
I'm a huge fan of touch my wife and die vibes and Aaron did not disappoint "Disrespect my wife again, and you'll be explaining it with your teeth scattered across the carpet."
Can’t wait for Tristan’s story next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
I live for Mafia Romance. It is by far my favorite genre to read. I’ll read dark mafia, light, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and rom-com. Hey, if there’s a monster/demon mafia, I’ll probably read that too! But finding a mafia romance with not just a strong FMC lead is challenging, but one that has been primed and schooled by her Mafia Boss father from childhood is quite original for me.
Caterina is not just the shmalker/ass@ssin. She has other motives and is a bit of a vigilante. Aaron happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He’s not a weak character either. He’s not used to being with a woman like Caterina. And Caterina is not going to bend for a man like Aaron. The story is slow, but I loved the heavy plot component that led to the romance and spice between Caterina and Aaron. It made sense to me when the “crawl to me” moments happened.
Tina Spencer is a new author for me. I very much enjoyed this book and will check out her other books.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘙 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.
Caterina is not just the shmalker/ass@ssin. She has other motives and is a bit of a vigilante. Aaron happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He’s not a weak character either. He’s not used to being with a woman like Caterina. And Caterina is not going to bend for a man like Aaron. The story is slow, but I loved the heavy plot component that led to the romance and spice between Caterina and Aaron. It made sense to me when the “crawl to me” moments happened.
Tina Spencer is a new author for me. I very much enjoyed this book and will check out her other books.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘙 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.
May 10, 2025
*alpha read*
review to come when published <3
review to come when published <3
July 14, 2025
Thank you Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for my ARC of Watch Me Burn
3/5 ⭐️
3.75/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
-Dark Romance
-Slow Burn
-Forced Marriage
-Stalking
-Forbidden Love
-Morally Grey (Both)
If you like morally grey characters that would burn the world for each other Watch Me Burn needs to be added to your TBR. I know that normally a 3/5 ⭐️ rating is not seen as a good one, but I definitely still recommend this book and if you like this book definitely check out the rest of the series and what is still yet to come. I will definitely be looking out for Tristan's story next.
Aaron and Caterina start out as the epitome of the cat and mouse. (Random and didn't know where to add this, but the nickname "little nightmare" is both perfect and somehow adorable even considering what it represent.) They are both tangled in each other and can't seem to leave the other alone. When Caterina's mafia boss father decides they will be married they both wonder if they will be able to survive each other. They both claim they hate each other even as they slowly want and need the other around and start breaking down their carefully constructed walls.
Afraid that no one else would ever understand them Aaron and Caterina have both kept themselves closed off, but they find they can't keep this up with each other. Everything becomes about protecting each other and the world they want to build together, after watching the current one burn.
Be prepared for a lot of quotes and internal thoughts referencing fire and burning. Spencer definitely stayed on brand with the title of the book (personally maybe a few too many in my opinion).
Some of my favorite quotes:
Aaron
"The need to figure her out burns hotter than the fear, which probably says disturbing things about my own mental health."
"She's a fever dream made flash. Chaos wrapped in sunlight and sugar. And for the first time in my life, I don't want to outrun the storm."
"Obsession masquerading as devotion. Love baptized in blood."
"Not just die for her. Live for her. Kill for her. Burn down everything single thing I've built just to keep her safe. Everything and anything for my little nightmare."
Caterina
"The chase is always more exciting when the prey knows it's being stalked."
"Just once, I want someone to hold me together when everything else is falling apart."
"Love built on power falls apart, but love build on trust is unbreakable."
'"I never wanted war until you." "And I never wanted peace until you," I whispered.'
3/5 ⭐️
3.75/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
-Dark Romance
-Slow Burn
-Forced Marriage
-Stalking
-Forbidden Love
-Morally Grey (Both)
If you like morally grey characters that would burn the world for each other Watch Me Burn needs to be added to your TBR. I know that normally a 3/5 ⭐️ rating is not seen as a good one, but I definitely still recommend this book and if you like this book definitely check out the rest of the series and what is still yet to come. I will definitely be looking out for Tristan's story next.
Aaron and Caterina start out as the epitome of the cat and mouse. (Random and didn't know where to add this, but the nickname "little nightmare" is both perfect and somehow adorable even considering what it represent.) They are both tangled in each other and can't seem to leave the other alone. When Caterina's mafia boss father decides they will be married they both wonder if they will be able to survive each other. They both claim they hate each other even as they slowly want and need the other around and start breaking down their carefully constructed walls.
Afraid that no one else would ever understand them Aaron and Caterina have both kept themselves closed off, but they find they can't keep this up with each other. Everything becomes about protecting each other and the world they want to build together, after watching the current one burn.
Be prepared for a lot of quotes and internal thoughts referencing fire and burning. Spencer definitely stayed on brand with the title of the book (personally maybe a few too many in my opinion).
Some of my favorite quotes:
Aaron
"The need to figure her out burns hotter than the fear, which probably says disturbing things about my own mental health."
"She's a fever dream made flash. Chaos wrapped in sunlight and sugar. And for the first time in my life, I don't want to outrun the storm."
"Obsession masquerading as devotion. Love baptized in blood."
"Not just die for her. Live for her. Kill for her. Burn down everything single thing I've built just to keep her safe. Everything and anything for my little nightmare."
Caterina
"The chase is always more exciting when the prey knows it's being stalked."
"Just once, I want someone to hold me together when everything else is falling apart."
"Love built on power falls apart, but love build on trust is unbreakable."
'"I never wanted war until you." "And I never wanted peace until you," I whispered.'
July 9, 2025
Watch Me Burn is the fourth book in Spencer's Hudson Yards series. This dark, enemies to lovers romance is a standalone novel in an interconnected series. This book features Caterina Mortelle (aka Via Jameson) and Aaron Jackson.
Caterina is the only daughter of Giovanni Mortelle, a mafia boss. She has been raised to be an enforcer and she is lethal. In addition to doing her father's dirty work, she has a little side hobby where she tends to the scum of the earth... in her own special way.
When she forgets to lock a door one night, Aaron becomes a witness to her misdeeds. She should eliminate the threat he poses but for some reason, she hesitates. Instead she stalks him, and ensures he knows that she sees his every move.
When they find themselves in a situation where they are forced to get married, Aaron is keen to get the upper hand. Caterina however will never let that happen. The two tango, each trying to maintain control, but eventually these two very damaged souls discover some highly unexpected feelings.
I was not familiar with this author or the Hudson Yards series. I was still able to enjoy this highly charged love story. There was a lot going on throughout the book, and the author slowly peeled back layers to give readers a glimpse into what was going on. Between the chemistry, the sexual tension, the mystery and intrigue, and more, I was definitely captivated and I am now keen to read the next release to see what comes next.
A few of my favourite passages:
My world has always been defined by rigid lines - good and evil, strength and weakness, power and vulnerability. No middle ground. No mercy. But Aaron forces me to question all of it. He offer no absolutes, only the maddening possibility of shades of gray. The dangerous allure of contradiction. The terrifying suggestion that maybe I don't have to choose between darkness and light. That maybe I can exist in the shadowed spaces between.
The cold truth sinks into my bones like a second spine. He didn't fall into darkness. He made a home there and now, he'll drown in it.
I want them to know that the blade they forged has turned, and it's coming for their throats. Not because I lost control but because I finally found it.
If you enjoy dark romance with morally grey characters, you'll enjoy this one!
Caterina is the only daughter of Giovanni Mortelle, a mafia boss. She has been raised to be an enforcer and she is lethal. In addition to doing her father's dirty work, she has a little side hobby where she tends to the scum of the earth... in her own special way.
When she forgets to lock a door one night, Aaron becomes a witness to her misdeeds. She should eliminate the threat he poses but for some reason, she hesitates. Instead she stalks him, and ensures he knows that she sees his every move.
When they find themselves in a situation where they are forced to get married, Aaron is keen to get the upper hand. Caterina however will never let that happen. The two tango, each trying to maintain control, but eventually these two very damaged souls discover some highly unexpected feelings.
I was not familiar with this author or the Hudson Yards series. I was still able to enjoy this highly charged love story. There was a lot going on throughout the book, and the author slowly peeled back layers to give readers a glimpse into what was going on. Between the chemistry, the sexual tension, the mystery and intrigue, and more, I was definitely captivated and I am now keen to read the next release to see what comes next.
A few of my favourite passages:
My world has always been defined by rigid lines - good and evil, strength and weakness, power and vulnerability. No middle ground. No mercy. But Aaron forces me to question all of it. He offer no absolutes, only the maddening possibility of shades of gray. The dangerous allure of contradiction. The terrifying suggestion that maybe I don't have to choose between darkness and light. That maybe I can exist in the shadowed spaces between.
The cold truth sinks into my bones like a second spine. He didn't fall into darkness. He made a home there and now, he'll drown in it.
I want them to know that the blade they forged has turned, and it's coming for their throats. Not because I lost control but because I finally found it.
If you enjoy dark romance with morally grey characters, you'll enjoy this one!
July 27, 2025
Watch Me Burn is book #4 in Tina Spencer’s Hudson Yard series and follows the story of Aaron and Caterina.
Aaron runs his business and lives his life very much in control, but when he witnesses something he definitely shouldn’t have, he finds himself being stalked and tormented, and that control slowly starts to crumble. On the night he comes face to face with his stalker she reveals that she is actually Caterina Mortelle, the daughter of a mafia boss, he has quite a lot of dirt on. In a deal offered by Caterina’s father to save himself and protect the others around him, he finds himself being forced into a marriage of convenience with the one person he hates.
I really wasn’t sure how to feel about this story.
I liked the uniqueness of Aaron and Caterina both being quite morally grey characters who we're vying for the power of each other throughout. There is an obvious amount of tension and chemistry that builds between them and although it felt like it happened quite quickly, the way they go from hating each other, to wanting and needing to protect the other was so good. There was also a decent amount of spicy moments between them too. I was very intrigued by Caterina’s night time assassin hobby, her motives for what she was doing definitely showed an unexpected side to her, that I really liked.
That being said, I had only read the first book of this series before going into this one and should of definitely taken the advice to read the Untamed novella first, as even though this was a standalone and some of the details from Untamed were explained I did feel a little lost at times, especially with everything else that was going on within the story. I occasionally found myself going back and rereading to fully understand the parts I felt I’d missed within the plot.
Overall this was a 3.5star read for me. There was still plenty of this story I enjoyed, the main character dynamics and the way their relationship developed throughout definitely had me wanting to see how their story would end. I also liked how the end of this book sets us up for Tristan’s story, I am very intrigued to see how that one goes.
I would recommend this one, but definitely suggest you read the Untamed novella first as others have stated, as I’m sure it will help explain parts of the story I felt I missed.
Aaron runs his business and lives his life very much in control, but when he witnesses something he definitely shouldn’t have, he finds himself being stalked and tormented, and that control slowly starts to crumble. On the night he comes face to face with his stalker she reveals that she is actually Caterina Mortelle, the daughter of a mafia boss, he has quite a lot of dirt on. In a deal offered by Caterina’s father to save himself and protect the others around him, he finds himself being forced into a marriage of convenience with the one person he hates.
I really wasn’t sure how to feel about this story.
I liked the uniqueness of Aaron and Caterina both being quite morally grey characters who we're vying for the power of each other throughout. There is an obvious amount of tension and chemistry that builds between them and although it felt like it happened quite quickly, the way they go from hating each other, to wanting and needing to protect the other was so good. There was also a decent amount of spicy moments between them too. I was very intrigued by Caterina’s night time assassin hobby, her motives for what she was doing definitely showed an unexpected side to her, that I really liked.
That being said, I had only read the first book of this series before going into this one and should of definitely taken the advice to read the Untamed novella first, as even though this was a standalone and some of the details from Untamed were explained I did feel a little lost at times, especially with everything else that was going on within the story. I occasionally found myself going back and rereading to fully understand the parts I felt I’d missed within the plot.
Overall this was a 3.5star read for me. There was still plenty of this story I enjoyed, the main character dynamics and the way their relationship developed throughout definitely had me wanting to see how their story would end. I also liked how the end of this book sets us up for Tristan’s story, I am very intrigued to see how that one goes.
I would recommend this one, but definitely suggest you read the Untamed novella first as others have stated, as I’m sure it will help explain parts of the story I felt I missed.
July 3, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
|ARC|
⋆ mafia
⋆ slow burn
⋆ forced marriage
⋆ enemies to lovers
⋆ double life heroine
⋆ power couple vibes
⋆ possessive antihero
__________
Mhm I’m obsessed!! Watch Me Burn is a forged marriage mafia romance filled with tension and action. We follow our FMC Caterina as she tries to take down her fathers empire one scum at a time while also trying to deal with an infatuation with a man who saw something he shouldn’t of and our MMC Aaron as he tries to navigate a stalker who seems to be getting more and more comfortable while also trying to get the Italian mafia off his back. We watch through their eyes as one mistake of walking into something you shouldn’t have turns into a partnership no one saw coming. We watch as tensions grow exponentially and truths are revealed.
Wow!!!! Omg I loved these two! The constant battle of who is in control and all the banter it was so good! I absolutely loved that Caterina was our mafia badass! I love a powerful FMC and she as hell was one. I was obsessed with how strong she held herself but also how vulnerable she was when she was with Aaron. Seeing her walls break down and seeing her let go was so beautiful! I was also absolutely in love with Aaron! Powerful strong businessman who does what ever it takes to have control… but he has a secret soft submissive side YES! Absolutely! I loved how both Caterina and Aaron gave up control to each other it was so addictive to see their tension turn to love and obsession!! Their dynamic was so damn fun!
The writing of this book was so good! I loved everything about it honestly! I gotta say it again, the fact Caterina was our mafia badass was everything I loved it! And the way Aaron would do anything for her UGHHH!! I thought the characters were super fun and engaging! It’s honestly been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a dark mafia romance the way I enjoyed this one! This was my first Tina Spencer book and I honestly can’t wait to read more of her work because I know I’m going to absolutely love it!! I can’t wait to read the next one because that ending?? My goodness! I can’t wait to read more!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book!! Thank you Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for the amazing ARC! I can’t wait to read more of Tina’s work 💙🔪
|ARC|
⋆ mafia
⋆ slow burn
⋆ forced marriage
⋆ enemies to lovers
⋆ double life heroine
⋆ power couple vibes
⋆ possessive antihero
__________
Mhm I’m obsessed!! Watch Me Burn is a forged marriage mafia romance filled with tension and action. We follow our FMC Caterina as she tries to take down her fathers empire one scum at a time while also trying to deal with an infatuation with a man who saw something he shouldn’t of and our MMC Aaron as he tries to navigate a stalker who seems to be getting more and more comfortable while also trying to get the Italian mafia off his back. We watch through their eyes as one mistake of walking into something you shouldn’t have turns into a partnership no one saw coming. We watch as tensions grow exponentially and truths are revealed.
Wow!!!! Omg I loved these two! The constant battle of who is in control and all the banter it was so good! I absolutely loved that Caterina was our mafia badass! I love a powerful FMC and she as hell was one. I was obsessed with how strong she held herself but also how vulnerable she was when she was with Aaron. Seeing her walls break down and seeing her let go was so beautiful! I was also absolutely in love with Aaron! Powerful strong businessman who does what ever it takes to have control… but he has a secret soft submissive side YES! Absolutely! I loved how both Caterina and Aaron gave up control to each other it was so addictive to see their tension turn to love and obsession!! Their dynamic was so damn fun!
The writing of this book was so good! I loved everything about it honestly! I gotta say it again, the fact Caterina was our mafia badass was everything I loved it! And the way Aaron would do anything for her UGHHH!! I thought the characters were super fun and engaging! It’s honestly been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a dark mafia romance the way I enjoyed this one! This was my first Tina Spencer book and I honestly can’t wait to read more of her work because I know I’m going to absolutely love it!! I can’t wait to read the next one because that ending?? My goodness! I can’t wait to read more!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book!! Thank you Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for the amazing ARC! I can’t wait to read more of Tina’s work 💙🔪
July 8, 2025
✨WELCOME BACK TO HUDSON YARDS✨
Let me just say, the boys are back! Aaron definitely wasn’t what I was expecting but damn do I love him! I loved watching the control freak break for our girl Cat! I absolutely devoured the relationship between these two and the mafia drama was right up my alley! Oh and let’s not forget about the delicious hot as fuckkk spice! So well done as usual my dear Tina.
Aaron. Our little control freak really walked into it..literally. When Aaron walks into a closed room where he witnesses some blood his life becomes let’s just say..more interesting. Watching Aaron be stalked by his little sister’s best friend was so dang good, but to then realize said friend is the woman he walked in on in the club and she happens to be a mafia princess!? Say less. Aaron has some information that the mafia would like to possess so of course to save his life he is forced to marry Caterina and man oh man do these two hate each other.
Caterina aka Cat aka Little Nightmare. Our little vigilante with all the daggers. I love our little blood thirsty girl. Cat has been secretly k!lling all her daddy’s low life mafia buddies to get rid of the filth but as was caught in the act and let’s just say she’s obsessed with the man who caught her. Cat stalks our boy to point where she can’t see herself k!lling him and as per daddies wishes she ends up married to the man who could take her father down. I loved watching Cat control Aaron. And watching Aaron release the control was so dang good.
These two have the thickest tension ever. I mean, like ever. Watching these two hate each other so bad to you can’t hate me that bad. The spice in this one was so dang delicious and yummy! Watching these two tease and try to control the other was so good. I will say there is a chair and some rope in one scene and it will forever live rent free ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Mafia Dark Romance
🗡️ Billionaire MMC
🖤 Marriage of Convenience
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Stalker FMC
🗡️ Forbidden Love
🖤 Knife Play
🗡️ Touch Her and 💀
🖤 Switchy Dom/Sub Play
🗡️ She Falls First/He Falls Hard
🖤 MY WIFE
THANK YOU Tina for allowing me to be apart of your arc team! I can’t wait to see what’s next! 🫶🏼
Let me just say, the boys are back! Aaron definitely wasn’t what I was expecting but damn do I love him! I loved watching the control freak break for our girl Cat! I absolutely devoured the relationship between these two and the mafia drama was right up my alley! Oh and let’s not forget about the delicious hot as fuckkk spice! So well done as usual my dear Tina.
Aaron. Our little control freak really walked into it..literally. When Aaron walks into a closed room where he witnesses some blood his life becomes let’s just say..more interesting. Watching Aaron be stalked by his little sister’s best friend was so dang good, but to then realize said friend is the woman he walked in on in the club and she happens to be a mafia princess!? Say less. Aaron has some information that the mafia would like to possess so of course to save his life he is forced to marry Caterina and man oh man do these two hate each other.
Caterina aka Cat aka Little Nightmare. Our little vigilante with all the daggers. I love our little blood thirsty girl. Cat has been secretly k!lling all her daddy’s low life mafia buddies to get rid of the filth but as was caught in the act and let’s just say she’s obsessed with the man who caught her. Cat stalks our boy to point where she can’t see herself k!lling him and as per daddies wishes she ends up married to the man who could take her father down. I loved watching Cat control Aaron. And watching Aaron release the control was so dang good.
These two have the thickest tension ever. I mean, like ever. Watching these two hate each other so bad to you can’t hate me that bad. The spice in this one was so dang delicious and yummy! Watching these two tease and try to control the other was so good. I will say there is a chair and some rope in one scene and it will forever live rent free ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Mafia Dark Romance
🗡️ Billionaire MMC
🖤 Marriage of Convenience
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Stalker FMC
🗡️ Forbidden Love
🖤 Knife Play
🗡️ Touch Her and 💀
🖤 Switchy Dom/Sub Play
🗡️ She Falls First/He Falls Hard
🖤 MY WIFE
THANK YOU Tina for allowing me to be apart of your arc team! I can’t wait to see what’s next! 🫶🏼
July 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Spice Level: 🔥 3.5/5)
This book had me hooked from the beginning, but by the end? I was fully invested.
The slow-burn tension, the tangled web of power and control, and the emotionally charged connections kept me turning pages late into the night. From family loyalty to betrayal, trust to survival, every chapter layered in new stakes—and revealed just how deep the characters are in this life they didn’t choose.
Caterina is strong, calculating, and quietly fierce, but underneath the armor is someone who’s been shaped by dark circumstances. Watching her slowly reclaim her own narrative while navigating dangerous alliances and impossible choices was one of the most satisfying parts of the story. She’s not just the mafia princess—she’s the predator in disguise. 🖤🗡️
Aaron—equal parts sharp-suited businessman and lethal protector—complements her perfectly. What begins as a forced marriage between enemies becomes a partnership built on mutual fire, tension, and survival. Their chemistry is intense, but it’s the emotional push-pull that really got me. Trust is hard-won between them, and when it breaks? You feel it.
Tristan plays a quiet but crucial role. He’s sitting on a secret I’m dying to unravel—maybe in his book? 👀
This story delivers everything you want from a dark romance:
💍 Forced marriage
🖤 Morally gray leads
🗡️ Hidden agendas & stalking
🔥 Slow-burn spice
💰 Mafia x billionaire stakes
❤️🔥 And a forbidden love you’ll root for
The action builds smartly, the reveals are well-timed, and the emotional payoff is so worth it. There’s danger, betrayal, sacrifice—and even moments of softness in the fire.
If you love morally gray heroines, enemies to lovers, high-stakes romance, and characters who burn their way through trauma toward love—this one delivers. Watch Me Burn is a dark romance done right.
This book had me hooked from the beginning, but by the end? I was fully invested.
The slow-burn tension, the tangled web of power and control, and the emotionally charged connections kept me turning pages late into the night. From family loyalty to betrayal, trust to survival, every chapter layered in new stakes—and revealed just how deep the characters are in this life they didn’t choose.
Caterina is strong, calculating, and quietly fierce, but underneath the armor is someone who’s been shaped by dark circumstances. Watching her slowly reclaim her own narrative while navigating dangerous alliances and impossible choices was one of the most satisfying parts of the story. She’s not just the mafia princess—she’s the predator in disguise. 🖤🗡️
Aaron—equal parts sharp-suited businessman and lethal protector—complements her perfectly. What begins as a forced marriage between enemies becomes a partnership built on mutual fire, tension, and survival. Their chemistry is intense, but it’s the emotional push-pull that really got me. Trust is hard-won between them, and when it breaks? You feel it.
Tristan plays a quiet but crucial role. He’s sitting on a secret I’m dying to unravel—maybe in his book? 👀
This story delivers everything you want from a dark romance:
💍 Forced marriage
🖤 Morally gray leads
🗡️ Hidden agendas & stalking
🔥 Slow-burn spice
💰 Mafia x billionaire stakes
❤️🔥 And a forbidden love you’ll root for
The action builds smartly, the reveals are well-timed, and the emotional payoff is so worth it. There’s danger, betrayal, sacrifice—and even moments of softness in the fire.
If you love morally gray heroines, enemies to lovers, high-stakes romance, and characters who burn their way through trauma toward love—this one delivers. Watch Me Burn is a dark romance done right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
I don’t even know where to start this book had me hooked right from the beginning. Aaron wasn’t supposed to see what he saw that night at Untamed and she was gonna make sure that he knew that she was always watching him. Aaron was a loose end and Caterina never let loose ends go.
Until somehow she ended up wrapped up in a marriage of convenience with the man she was stalking the man who also was under her father’s thumb. They hated each other hated what they stood. But overtime realize they had more in common. So what started as a marriage of convenience went to a love. Hate went to a deep passionate, love where they would literally die for each other.
Caterina didn’t know what kind of secrets her father was hiding so she spent her time digging into him.
Of course she was no stranger to secrets, She did her job as the perfect daughter, but on the side and in the shadows, she was making men pay for what they were doing. If they wanted to keep doing the shady things they were doing she was gonna make them pay for it until there was none of them left.
Aaron couldn’t help but become mesmerized by what she did and now that she was his wife, he would follow her till the end of the earth to make sure she stayed safe. Whether that meant having her back or standing right there beside her watching everything go up in flames.
There were so many different underlying stories at first it took me a minute to follow, but then once I got into it, they were all connected somehow. They were all using each other in one way or another just didn’t realize it. The pushing pull between the MMC and FMC was fantastic. It wasn’t too back-and-forth wishy-washy. It just slowly gradually happened and I loved it.
The story had the perfect amount of twist and turns crime, secrets, lust, love, tension spice. I literally ate this book up.
Until somehow she ended up wrapped up in a marriage of convenience with the man she was stalking the man who also was under her father’s thumb. They hated each other hated what they stood. But overtime realize they had more in common. So what started as a marriage of convenience went to a love. Hate went to a deep passionate, love where they would literally die for each other.
Caterina didn’t know what kind of secrets her father was hiding so she spent her time digging into him.
Of course she was no stranger to secrets, She did her job as the perfect daughter, but on the side and in the shadows, she was making men pay for what they were doing. If they wanted to keep doing the shady things they were doing she was gonna make them pay for it until there was none of them left.
Aaron couldn’t help but become mesmerized by what she did and now that she was his wife, he would follow her till the end of the earth to make sure she stayed safe. Whether that meant having her back or standing right there beside her watching everything go up in flames.
There were so many different underlying stories at first it took me a minute to follow, but then once I got into it, they were all connected somehow. They were all using each other in one way or another just didn’t realize it. The pushing pull between the MMC and FMC was fantastic. It wasn’t too back-and-forth wishy-washy. It just slowly gradually happened and I loved it.
The story had the perfect amount of twist and turns crime, secrets, lust, love, tension spice. I literally ate this book up.
July 14, 2025
Another great entry in the Hudson Yards series!! I couldn't wait to see how things were going to go for Aaron and this story definitely didn't disappoint! Getting to see this different side to Aaron was interesting. Getting to see how Caterina and Aaron were able to get together was an great story. It was a nice to see how they went from literal enemies to lovers. From a shaky alliance to the partners in crime. It was a story of two people who had a lot of trauma to deal with, get together and make things work. I was a little unsure how things was going to go at first but as things progressed, it was fascinating. I am extremely interested in seeing how things are going to continue. Aaron and Caterina have a finished story but everything isn't done with what happened to them. Of course this spreads to Tristan and another character that we meet in the story. I believe that these two are going to make a reappearance in Tristan's story for sure. The only thing that I would say I wanted more of was, Dom and Zoe.
The spice in this book was very good. I liked that things weren't immediate for them and that they were willing to work to get to where they wanted to be. I would give this a 4 out of 5 for spice! Overall, I enjoyed this book! There were some moments where I felt like some things were dropped a little and I was a little lost. It wasn't enough to detour me from enjoying the book and following the story. I can't wait to see how this series wraps up with Tristan and Keira?! It's going to be a wild ride, I can already tell!! If you haven't started this series then you should definitely pick it up!
The spice in this book was very good. I liked that things weren't immediate for them and that they were willing to work to get to where they wanted to be. I would give this a 4 out of 5 for spice! Overall, I enjoyed this book! There were some moments where I felt like some things were dropped a little and I was a little lost. It wasn't enough to detour me from enjoying the book and following the story. I can't wait to see how this series wraps up with Tristan and Keira?! It's going to be a wild ride, I can already tell!! If you haven't started this series then you should definitely pick it up!
July 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t think I’ve ever read a dark mafia romance like this one, but I was here for it!
I loved Caterina’s character. The way she was so good at stalking Aaron had me amazed. I also loved how she was an assassin and I loved her reasoning behind going after the people she did. My heart did break for her because she’s never known true love and has always just been used. However, I did love her conversations with Aaron where she started opening up and started to put her walls down bit by bit.
I really liked Aaron. I could understand his anger at Caterina and what she put him through when she was stalking him. He was also a great brother and friend. He was always so used to being in control, until Caterina showed up and I just love how she got him to just let go sometimes. The way he went from hating her to protecting her at all costs made me love his character so much more. I love a good “my wife” moment!
I loved how both Aaron and Caterina were morally grey. They were both falling for each other but had such a hard time telling each other their feelings. I loved how they worked together to take down dangerous people and help those who needed it. The ending with Tristan and Keira has me so intrigued that I’ll definitely need to read the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy a dark mafia romance, where they are enemies to lovers who are forced into a marriage and both characters are morally grey, I would recommend this book to you!
Thank you to Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for the ARC for an honest review.
I loved Caterina’s character. The way she was so good at stalking Aaron had me amazed. I also loved how she was an assassin and I loved her reasoning behind going after the people she did. My heart did break for her because she’s never known true love and has always just been used. However, I did love her conversations with Aaron where she started opening up and started to put her walls down bit by bit.
I really liked Aaron. I could understand his anger at Caterina and what she put him through when she was stalking him. He was also a great brother and friend. He was always so used to being in control, until Caterina showed up and I just love how she got him to just let go sometimes. The way he went from hating her to protecting her at all costs made me love his character so much more. I love a good “my wife” moment!
I loved how both Aaron and Caterina were morally grey. They were both falling for each other but had such a hard time telling each other their feelings. I loved how they worked together to take down dangerous people and help those who needed it. The ending with Tristan and Keira has me so intrigued that I’ll definitely need to read the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy a dark mafia romance, where they are enemies to lovers who are forced into a marriage and both characters are morally grey, I would recommend this book to you!
Thank you to Tina Spencer and Ember Literary PR for the ARC for an honest review.
July 18, 2025
I was really looking forward to this one. The glimpses we get of Aaron in Shattered Obsession and Shattered Hearts made me really intrigued and interested in his character. And while I did mostly enjoy the read it just didn’t meet my expectations.
There’s the tension and angst you’d expect with an enemies to lovers, but I think to really enjoy this book you need to love super descriptive writing. While I really liked Tina’s writing with the other Hudson Yards books, I struggled a bit with this one due to the in depth and detailed writing of the characters thoughts and feeling about each other. While it definitely painted a picture, it made the story feel a little long for me.
I also had a timeline issue having read Untamed before this one. I thought Aaron had just met Tristan when he made the deal in Untamed with him. Dominik (MMC of first two books) and Aaron’s BFF hadn’t met Triston before then and it seemed he’d also never heard of him but in Watch Me Burn, Aaron and Tristan had known each other for years and Untamed was six months before Watch Me Burn. With Dominik being the best friend I figured Triston would at least be mentioned in convo or they would’ve met before Untamed having Aaron in common. But this will be a non issue if read as a standalone (which you can).
The reasons above are why this fell to for 3 stars for me but I do think a lot of people will enjoy this read. The chemistry between Aaron and Caterina is great. The spice is top notch and the enemies to lovers aspect and the forced marriage really do enhance the tension of their relationship as they navigate their feelings and trust issues with each other. The plot was good, the mafia aspect really added a ‘we need to survive this’ feel to the story, the end was satisfying in a ‘you get what’s coming to you way’ which I love. Tristan’s story is set up really well and I hope I feel about it the way I felt about Domink and Zoe’s books, the first two in the series.
There’s the tension and angst you’d expect with an enemies to lovers, but I think to really enjoy this book you need to love super descriptive writing. While I really liked Tina’s writing with the other Hudson Yards books, I struggled a bit with this one due to the in depth and detailed writing of the characters thoughts and feeling about each other. While it definitely painted a picture, it made the story feel a little long for me.
I also had a timeline issue having read Untamed before this one. I thought Aaron had just met Tristan when he made the deal in Untamed with him. Dominik (MMC of first two books) and Aaron’s BFF hadn’t met Triston before then and it seemed he’d also never heard of him but in Watch Me Burn, Aaron and Tristan had known each other for years and Untamed was six months before Watch Me Burn. With Dominik being the best friend I figured Triston would at least be mentioned in convo or they would’ve met before Untamed having Aaron in common. But this will be a non issue if read as a standalone (which you can).
The reasons above are why this fell to for 3 stars for me but I do think a lot of people will enjoy this read. The chemistry between Aaron and Caterina is great. The spice is top notch and the enemies to lovers aspect and the forced marriage really do enhance the tension of their relationship as they navigate their feelings and trust issues with each other. The plot was good, the mafia aspect really added a ‘we need to survive this’ feel to the story, the end was satisfying in a ‘you get what’s coming to you way’ which I love. Tristan’s story is set up really well and I hope I feel about it the way I felt about Domink and Zoe’s books, the first two in the series.
July 24, 2025
🩵ARC REVIEW🩵
“You’re so w3t. All that rage and you’re dripping for the man you claim to hate.”
Watch Me Burn by @tinaspencerauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔪I’ve been waiting for what’s been going on with Aaron since the first book & girl I did not expect this. I think this may be my favourite book👀 shhhhh Daddy DOM I still love you.
🔪I really enjoyed the mafia & vigilante aspect to this book. The chemistry, banter, slow burn, and spice hooked me from the beginning.
🔪Caterina was the ultimate queen. Not only is she a bad a** vigilante Assassin, but she’s also a mafia’s daughter. I really enjoyed her character, she came in like a recking ball & flipped Aaron’s world upside down. She stalked him, teased him, and had him crawling on his knees for her.
🔪Aaron is one of my favourite morally grey characters I’ve read. He has some secrets that finally come out, and I was so ready for it. The way he was with her & how he’d do anything for her made me🧎🏻♀️I loved watching him unravel & loose control for the one woman he shouldn’t want.
🔪Can we also take a moment to talk about that slow 🔥 YESSS!! TINA… my bestie thank for that public display as well as the chair moment. I love a woman who makes a man weak for her.
🔪Tina as always blew it out of the water with this book. She knows how to grab you from page 1 & takes you for a ride. I’m REALLY excited to see where this adventure takes us next. Thank you babe for having me as an ARC reader🩵
TRIGGERS & TROPES
🔪Enemies To Lovers
🔪Billionaire CEO X Vigilante Assassin
🔪Mafia
🔪Possessive Antihero
🔪Forced Marriage 💍
🔪She St@lks Him 👀
🔪Morally Grey MCs
🔪She Falls First He Falls Harder
🔪Voyur!s!m & B0ndage 🪢
🔪K!fe & R0ugh Play
🔪Slow Burn🔥
🔪Secrets x Betrayal x Bl00d
🔪Epic Grovelling 🙌
🔪Dom x Sub Play (both)
🔪He Crawls To Her
🔪”My Wife”
🔪Touch Him / Her & ☠️
🔪Graphic Vio!ence & Tort*re
🔪Psychological Tr@uma
🔪🩸& G0re (including bl00d play during s*x)
🔪Parental Ab*se (flashbacks)
🔪HEA
🔪The Story Isn’t Over YET…
Available on Amazon & KU
#bookrecommendations #bookreviews #darkromancebooks #mafiaromancebooks #morallygreycharacters #bookboyfriend #twosisterswithbooks
“You’re so w3t. All that rage and you’re dripping for the man you claim to hate.”
Watch Me Burn by @tinaspencerauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔪I’ve been waiting for what’s been going on with Aaron since the first book & girl I did not expect this. I think this may be my favourite book👀 shhhhh Daddy DOM I still love you.
🔪I really enjoyed the mafia & vigilante aspect to this book. The chemistry, banter, slow burn, and spice hooked me from the beginning.
🔪Caterina was the ultimate queen. Not only is she a bad a** vigilante Assassin, but she’s also a mafia’s daughter. I really enjoyed her character, she came in like a recking ball & flipped Aaron’s world upside down. She stalked him, teased him, and had him crawling on his knees for her.
🔪Aaron is one of my favourite morally grey characters I’ve read. He has some secrets that finally come out, and I was so ready for it. The way he was with her & how he’d do anything for her made me🧎🏻♀️I loved watching him unravel & loose control for the one woman he shouldn’t want.
🔪Can we also take a moment to talk about that slow 🔥 YESSS!! TINA… my bestie thank for that public display as well as the chair moment. I love a woman who makes a man weak for her.
🔪Tina as always blew it out of the water with this book. She knows how to grab you from page 1 & takes you for a ride. I’m REALLY excited to see where this adventure takes us next. Thank you babe for having me as an ARC reader🩵
TRIGGERS & TROPES
🔪Enemies To Lovers
🔪Billionaire CEO X Vigilante Assassin
🔪Mafia
🔪Possessive Antihero
🔪Forced Marriage 💍
🔪She St@lks Him 👀
🔪Morally Grey MCs
🔪She Falls First He Falls Harder
🔪Voyur!s!m & B0ndage 🪢
🔪K!fe & R0ugh Play
🔪Slow Burn🔥
🔪Secrets x Betrayal x Bl00d
🔪Epic Grovelling 🙌
🔪Dom x Sub Play (both)
🔪He Crawls To Her
🔪”My Wife”
🔪Touch Him / Her & ☠️
🔪Graphic Vio!ence & Tort*re
🔪Psychological Tr@uma
🔪🩸& G0re (including bl00d play during s*x)
🔪Parental Ab*se (flashbacks)
🔪HEA
🔪The Story Isn’t Over YET…
Available on Amazon & KU
#bookrecommendations #bookreviews #darkromancebooks #mafiaromancebooks #morallygreycharacters #bookboyfriend #twosisterswithbooks
July 27, 2025
I have some mixed feelings about this book. It has some dark, mafia, Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes that initially got me interested. I am always intrigued by a vigilante/suspenseful plot line, that hopefully will have lots of twists. We had lots of character development throughout, however some of the shifts were pretty extreme.
I really enjoyed the “mafia boss’s daughter has a hidden vigilante agenda” aspect of this book. It was like watching an episode of Law and Order SVU. There were a good number of suspenseful scenes to keep me turning the page.
There was a lot going on, lots of characters to keep track of, and some pretty dramatic changes of heart and skills (for lack of a better term) that took place. For example, it was like I flipped a page and our FMC and MMC went from hating each other to being desperately in love. These sudden changes pulled me out of it at times.
I do feel like the book could have been edited down quite a bit to shorten it up. I felt like a lot of the chapters ended with almost the same wording, and I frequently felt like I was re-reading a thought. This author is quite descriptive and almost “poetic” at times, which made me feel a little fatigued. For me personally, most of the spicy scenes dragged on and made me cringe a bit, however dark romance is a little out of my comfort zone. If you are a lover of any and all spice, you will eat this up.
I really enjoyed the “mafia boss’s daughter has a hidden vigilante agenda” aspect of this book. It was like watching an episode of Law and Order SVU. There were a good number of suspenseful scenes to keep me turning the page.
There was a lot going on, lots of characters to keep track of, and some pretty dramatic changes of heart and skills (for lack of a better term) that took place. For example, it was like I flipped a page and our FMC and MMC went from hating each other to being desperately in love. These sudden changes pulled me out of it at times.
I do feel like the book could have been edited down quite a bit to shorten it up. I felt like a lot of the chapters ended with almost the same wording, and I frequently felt like I was re-reading a thought. This author is quite descriptive and almost “poetic” at times, which made me feel a little fatigued. For me personally, most of the spicy scenes dragged on and made me cringe a bit, however dark romance is a little out of my comfort zone. If you are a lover of any and all spice, you will eat this up.
July 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Just finished Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer and… yeah, I need a moment to recover !
This book gave me everything I love in dark romance:
✅ Slow-burn tension that had me kicking my feet
✅ A badass assassin heroine who literally stalks her future husband
✅ A morally gray billionaire who thinks he’s in control (LOL, he’s not)
✅ Forced marriage, mafia politics, forbidden attraction, and banter so sharp I almost got a paper cut
Caterina and Aaron? PURE CHAOS. She’s his enemy, his wife, and possibly his downfall and I was living for every second of it. Their hate to love dynamic? Off the charts. They fight, they flirt, they nearly kill each other, and somehow it’s hot??
And don’t get me started on the spice. 3🌶️ and every bit earned after that slow-burn torture 😭
By the time they finally gave in, I was practically cheering from the sidelines like: “KISS HIM, CATERINA. RUIN HIM.”
If you’re into dark, dramatic, and morally questionable romance with characters that make terrible decisions and look good doing it, Watch Me Burn will absolutely wreck you (in the best way).
4,5⭐ from me because I like my love stories with blood, betrayal, and a whole lot of sexual tension 🔥💍🖤
Thanks to Tina Spencer and Ember for the ARC opportunity ♥️
Just finished Watch Me Burn by Tina Spencer and… yeah, I need a moment to recover !
This book gave me everything I love in dark romance:
✅ Slow-burn tension that had me kicking my feet
✅ A badass assassin heroine who literally stalks her future husband
✅ A morally gray billionaire who thinks he’s in control (LOL, he’s not)
✅ Forced marriage, mafia politics, forbidden attraction, and banter so sharp I almost got a paper cut
Caterina and Aaron? PURE CHAOS. She’s his enemy, his wife, and possibly his downfall and I was living for every second of it. Their hate to love dynamic? Off the charts. They fight, they flirt, they nearly kill each other, and somehow it’s hot??
And don’t get me started on the spice. 3🌶️ and every bit earned after that slow-burn torture 😭
By the time they finally gave in, I was practically cheering from the sidelines like: “KISS HIM, CATERINA. RUIN HIM.”
If you’re into dark, dramatic, and morally questionable romance with characters that make terrible decisions and look good doing it, Watch Me Burn will absolutely wreck you (in the best way).
4,5⭐ from me because I like my love stories with blood, betrayal, and a whole lot of sexual tension 🔥💍🖤
Thanks to Tina Spencer and Ember for the ARC opportunity ♥️
July 6, 2025
*ARC Review*
I have read several, if not all, of Tina's books at this point, and they're always incredible! Her writing is so dynamic, and every phrase is powerful. I probably have about five quotes from every chapter of this book. Aaron and Cat's story is definitely darker than Dominik and Zoe's, but I'm going to say it's justified. There are so many moving parts and foreshadowing for the next book that are done beautifully and don't pull away from the current story.
Aaron is the control freak that finally lets loose in this story. At one point, I think he even says that it's as though a mask has been removed. He is the businessman who always looks put together with his partner Tristan. They're in over their heads, though, and end up on a few different wrong sides. Cat isn't sure what draws her to Aaron, but she thinks maybe she should've killed him when she had the chance. Raised to be the quiet, perfect weapon, she has her secrets and her own motives for everything she does. Through a series of stalking, murders, blackmail, secret identities, and other unfortunate events, they realize they may have more common goals than they thought.
I have read several, if not all, of Tina's books at this point, and they're always incredible! Her writing is so dynamic, and every phrase is powerful. I probably have about five quotes from every chapter of this book. Aaron and Cat's story is definitely darker than Dominik and Zoe's, but I'm going to say it's justified. There are so many moving parts and foreshadowing for the next book that are done beautifully and don't pull away from the current story.
Aaron is the control freak that finally lets loose in this story. At one point, I think he even says that it's as though a mask has been removed. He is the businessman who always looks put together with his partner Tristan. They're in over their heads, though, and end up on a few different wrong sides. Cat isn't sure what draws her to Aaron, but she thinks maybe she should've killed him when she had the chance. Raised to be the quiet, perfect weapon, she has her secrets and her own motives for everything she does. Through a series of stalking, murders, blackmail, secret identities, and other unfortunate events, they realize they may have more common goals than they thought.
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