Lethal Lover

Dark Cartel's World #3

by Lily Night

Sofia Romano vanished years ago, burying her identity as a cartel kingpin's daughter beneath a quiet life of art and anonymity. When her father's murder puts a bounty on her head, her carefully constructed world shatters overnight.

Gabriel Navarro, CIA operative with orders to bring her in, never expected to find a woman whose fierce spirit would crack open every wall he's built. He was meant to be her hunter—now he can't stop himself from becoming her protector.

The attraction between them is immediate and devastating. One touch ignites a fire neither can control. In safe houses across Europe, hatred transforms into desperate kisses and forbidden pleasure. Sofia knows trusting him could be fatal, yet she craves his touch like oxygen. Gabe knows claiming her violates every oath he's sworn, but the taste of her lips has become his new addiction.

As the cartel closes in and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Sofia and Gabe must choose between duty and a passion that consumes them both. He was never supposed to fall for his target. She was never meant to desire her enemy. Now their hearts might be the highest price of all.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

Reviews

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

⸻

Not My Usual Taste, But Gripping and Well-Written
⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5

Lethal Lover is the first book I’ve read by Lily Night, and while it pushed me out of my comfort zone, it kept me hooked from start to finish. Mara thinks she’s escaped her abusive father—and taken a billion in crypto with her—but finds out she’s been sold to Leonardo Morreti a dangerous and controlling mafia don who drags her back to force a marriage.

The writing is strong, fast-paced, and addictive. Though the chemistry between Mara and Leonardo is intense and full of heat, I found the control dynamics a bit too much at times—bordering on cold or aggressive. There’s a dose of BDSM, which won’t be for everyone, but fans of dark romance will likely love it.

What really pulled me in was Mara’s transformation. She goes from vulnerable and cornered to a confident, powerful woman who takes no prisoners. That arc was satisfying and empowering. And despite the brutal start to their relationship, Leonardo and Mara do come to genuinely love each other, which gave the story some emotional payoff I wasn’t expecting.

I’m still deciding if Lily Night is a go-to author for me, but this book definitely left a strong impression.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lethal Lover” is the third book in the “Dark Cartel's World Series.” This is a dark mafia romance with many steamy moments, smut, violence, alpha heroes, and dark secrets. You will not be able to put it down - I know I couldn’t! Mara Santiago is sold into marriage to Don Leonardo Morretti by her abusive father. “Your father sent me. You’re mine now. Marriage, to seal his alliance.”

“There’s something about her mouth, the stubborn set of her jaw, that makes my blood heat in a way other women never could.”

The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love ♥️ There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes through moments of the thoughts or possibilities that it could happen, to extreme violence, to the most beautiful tender moments!

The heat between Leo and Mara is off the page. There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a dark mafia romance! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's hot but a psycho...

Fast-paced mafia romance with great plot and steam? Sign me up!
I just love the Dark Cartel's World series! Lily Night, this dark mafia world you created is delicious. I ate this book up just as I did the previous two. These morally gray characters are just yummy.

If you're into:
Arranged marriage
Toxic love
Enemies to lovers
Spicy
Dual POV
Then this one is for you! Check TW.

Leonardo is dark, ruthless, possessive, and morally gray. He's such a caveman and I love it! He's probably my favorite MMC in this series so far.

Mara is incredibly intelligent and resilient. I love how "real" her character is written. She's not perfect and her flaws make it easier to relate to her.

This couple had the best banter and chemistry. I was simultaneously laughing and fanning myself. Can't wait for more from this author.

[Carol Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped as payment for her father's stupidity, Mara's plans to escape the mafia life is ruined. Trapped with a monster now, she tries to find a way out. However, Leonardo doesn't just want a wife in name he wants to claim her body and soul.
As the days go on, he thinks he's breaking her to his will, but she's learning more about herself. Will the two find their way to love or will they crash and burn?
I love this story, not some damsel, virgin, fmc, but not a rh either. Mara knows what she's fighting for and she doesn't loose sight of it. Leonardo learns that trusting his wife is the first step.
Lily Night did a wonderful job with writing, character development and more!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*voluntarily gave an honest review!

✨ARC Review✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes |
💻 enemies to lovers
💻 romantic suspense
💻 arranged marriage
💻 female hacker
💻 Mafia
💻 touch her & 🔪

4 dazzling & dirty stars!! This book caught on Fire!! Leo & Mara are a fun and wild ride. From the first page I was invested. Leo is one crazy man and to watch him get whipped was awesome!
Their love story is a wild ride and I was strapped in for it!! It had all the highs with No lows. I loved it! I loved watching Mara do her thing & grow into herself. Kick ass MFC are always a great time.

Lethal Lover | OUT JULY 24th
These 2 go feral for each other and it is spicy!! 😮‍💨

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonardo didnt even see her picture before deciding the little hacker would be his wife, his enemies daughter, Mara. Mara wanted out of the criminal world instead her father gave her to Leonardo in a marriage alliance, but only Leonardo would profit from. Leonardo plans to have the stolen money she took from her father and her fathers trade routes soon pale in comparison to what he gains having Mara as his wife he wanted to break her but instead she completes him, if only she would give into him, and become his queen? Well written steamy hot! Desires action violence and more!

[Güera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 , spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I enjoyed this faced paced Dark Mafia Romance. Mara was physically and mentally abused by her father and used by her brother for laundering money. She ended up embezzling a huge amount of money and ran.

Her father arranged to have his daughter found by Leonardo Moretti “ arranged marriage “ but later hired a hit man to kill his daughter. Enough spoilers !!

You have to read this book. Enemies to Lovers and the spice between Mara and Leonardo 🌶️❤️‍🔥🌶️❤️‍🔥🌶️❤️‍🔥.

I finished in one sitting.

[Avelon Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara & Leonardo - Cartel Forced Marriage Romance

Ever thought about what happens when the one broken and shoved in a box climbs out of said box? What happens if that broken possession turns out to be stronger despite the brokenness? What if the intended results turns against you and comes for you? That’s what this book reflects, and I love it. Mara is a brilliant character that refused to be taken down by her father. And though the intention was to use her as a pawn, she was the queen on the board that no one saw coming…

[Katherine Elley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessive MMC
Vulnerable FMC to Dark Queen

Mara Santiago is supposed to not exist but Leonardo Moretti has decided he wants her all to himself. She’s the ghost in her father’s machine whilst he takes credit for everything she does.
Mara’s father sells her to Leonardo and he marries her.
Leonardo plans to have all the stolen money that Mara got from her father into his own hands. He wants to one everything including Mara. He wants to break her but they soon become one and they complete each other. The chemistry between these two characters is amazing.
Another fantastic story from Lily Night.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Lover is the fast paced, enemies to lovers-esque, arranged marriage story of Leonardo and Mara. Their journey is intense, steamy and intriguing. What starts out as a means to an end turns into something else completely rather quickly. Things aren't always what they seem and what we want may not always be what we need but the coming together if these two, no matter how it came about, is exactly what they both want and need.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super steamy mafia romance!

The book starts with Mara getting ready to leave her current life. Everything is just about ready for her new life when something unexpected happens.
Her cartel father has decided that he is going to sell her to an up and coming kingpin, Leonardo.
Soon after, she gets picked up and is married for the sake of her family.

Will this arranged marriage work? Does love bloom for Mara and Leonardo? Read and find out!

[Melissa Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great enemies to lovers page turner. There was action on almost every page. Mara growing up in a brothel, stealing from her father, being given to a rival mob boss to protect her father, turning into the key to taking down her own father. Mara became the weapon her father never knew she could be. The queen of her own kingdom with a king that will do anything in his power to keep her safe.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You could describe Mara and Leonardo's story as hot, steamy and dangerous. She's handed to Leo by her father in an arranged marriage where she rises up to become not just his equal and partner, but someone who he can't live without. A dark mafia read with enemies to lovers feels, plenty of spicy moments and a woman who proves she's more than capable of handling herself.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara thought she had everything planned out to take the money and run leaving her father and his lifestyle behind her. She hadn't planned on her father marrying her off to Leonardo. Their path begins on stolen money and uncertainty. Will the end game lead them along the path to happiness between them.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sold to the Don

Mara is sold off to Don Leonardo by her father. Despite the initial purpose of their marriage, the chemistry between them is off-the-charts. The plot was exciting and the characters complex. I did not want to put it down and enjoyed every chapter. This was a fantastic read.

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

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Do You Belong To
Mara thought she had fooled everyone, that she could escape with billions. But Leo knows exactly what she’s done and now she’s his. His wife! And all she is and all she does, is his! And she’ll never escape again!

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Dark Cartel’s World series. It’s fast paced, intense and full of drama, twists and turns. The plot is intriguing and held me captive! A wonderful steamy, arranged marriage story.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark mafia romance

A dark, fast paced romance, with chemistry, drama, secrets, possessive MMC, good character development, spice and twists.

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

[Dawn Smit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb above does not match the Leo and Mara story I read.

but the story i read was pretty good, fast paced, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, touch her and die and Mafia... oh and A LOT of spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

ARC read 📚