Moonlight: Omegaverse Spicy Mafia Romance

by Ariana Frost

In the roaring streets of 1920s Chicago, survival isn't a right—it's a bloody battle.
Elena thought she had surrendered long ago. Sold to a ruthless alpha, tethered to a life of lies and betrayal, she buried her wolf deep, learned how to smile on command, and forgot what it meant to dream.
Until Christian Black tore her world apart.

Leader of the notorious Black Night pack, Christian is everything Elena was taught to fear—merciless, untouchable, a king in a city of smoke and blood. But when fate shoves them into each other’s arms, Elena discovers a bond far stronger—and far deadlier—than anything she’s ever known.

Now, with old enemies rising from the ashes and the city ready to burn, Elena must cling to the ruins of her past, or claim the savage, beautiful future that could destroy her... or set her free.

Power. Blood. Loyalty.
And a love that refuses to be tamed.

Genres: Omegaverse, Dark Romance, Smut, Shapeshifters

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

Reviews

[Esthi Labuschagne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot/ storyline was really interesting. The reason for my rating was the writing style, I think. The book used so many comparisons that I went and searched for the term "like a" and found over 200 results. That made the book feel a bit repetitive. Also, the word "velvet" was used as comparison so much. Just not a fan of this writing style, but the story was good. The book created a nice backdrop of the 1920's.

[meghan smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m very read a lot of books, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one set in the 20s. I loved the setting so much, and I can’t wait for more in this series. There were some things that I didn’t like, so I’m giving it 4 stars. Still a great read, still recommend.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Christian and Elena

Romance trope: omegaverse
Series: Velvet Vices
Length: 215 pages

Plot: Elena is a would-be Luna ground down under the heel of her mate, an alpha who won't love or cherish her. But when Christian walks into their club to collect a debt owed to him, he sees the potential in Elena, as both a powerful partner and a love beyond understanding. In a violent society where being on top comes with blood and death, Christian intends to claim Elena and install her in her rightful place one way or another.

Commentary: First, I was glad to read a non-rh omegaverse. Secondly, the historical setting was fun! The lawlessness of Prohibition really worked with the plot. I also felt like the character development fit really well with the time period - women starting to gain a bit of power (in real life, almost starting to win suffrage, using fashion to assert their sexuality, etc.), self-made men moving up because of the criminal opportunities available, etc. I loved the way that Elena and Christian both embraced their sort-of feral need for one another as an essential part of their personalities rather than a flaw or a drawback.

This book was a surprise to me, but only in the best ways!

[Sinead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a moody noir book; the beautiful writing perfectly sets the scene in the Prohibition era. The shorter length of the book means the relationship between the FMC and the MMC develops quickly, but the plot is well paced. There are some minor editing errors, on pages 106-108, the character Karla's name is entirely blank, appearing as a space. Chapter 8 also switches back to past tense (the previous chapter is in present tense) and then midway through the same chapter, back to present tense. I loved the writing and my only real criticism is that the book is overwritten, the never-ending use of similes is mildly exhausting. The writing would still be beautiful with about 25% fewer similes. I recommend this book; it's entertaining and unique for a darker omegaverse, and the world-building is like watching a film noir.

[Saliyah Ragin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! From start to finish, you had my attention. The writing style is exquisite and I adore the plot line. Truly a diamond in the rough. The characters were beautifully portrayed and the angst was good. The possessive and primal nature of the wolves wasn’t cringy at all, which I loved. All of it was natural. The romance as passionate and god, that ending was glorious! It was perfect entirely and I will be rereading this.

[S.Mirela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love an alpha who will burn the world for his mate, you need this book.
Elena is fierce and complex, a heroine who refuses to stay broken. And Christian? Ruthless, possessive, and utterly obsessed with her.
Their chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥.

[ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, brutal, and beautifully written—this standalone dark romance has claws. Elena and Christian's chemistry is pure wildfire, and the tension? Unhinged in the best way.