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Burn me slow
They say fire cleanses.
They never watched it steal the only person who ever mattered.
Two years ago, I buried my sister in ash and screams—her life stolen by the same criminal empire I swore to dismantle.
Now I’m back on Oʻahu, undercover, armed with ink, steel, and a name that’s not mine.
Every tattoo I give brings me closer to the man who lit the match.
Makoa Keahi.
Ex-priest.
Syndicate king.
A legend carved in blood and ink with storm-gray eyes and a scar that cuts deeper than it looks.
He’s everything I should hate.
But the closer I get, the more I see the cracks in his empire... and in his soul.
He’s not the monster I expected—but that doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous.
Or that I’m not falling.
He thinks I’m just another artist.
He doesn’t know I’ve already mapped his sins across my skin.
But secrets don’t stay buried forever.
Not on this island.
Not when vengeance and desire burn in the same breath.
I came here to end him.
I didn’t expect to want to save him.
Burn me Slow is a searing dark mafia romance of enemies turned lovers, set against the lush with the violent beauty of Hawaii’s underworld. Perfect for fans of twisted loyalties, slow-burning betrayal, and love born in the ashes.
They never watched it steal the only person who ever mattered.
Two years ago, I buried my sister in ash and screams—her life stolen by the same criminal empire I swore to dismantle.
Now I’m back on Oʻahu, undercover, armed with ink, steel, and a name that’s not mine.
Every tattoo I give brings me closer to the man who lit the match.
Makoa Keahi.
Ex-priest.
Syndicate king.
A legend carved in blood and ink with storm-gray eyes and a scar that cuts deeper than it looks.
He’s everything I should hate.
But the closer I get, the more I see the cracks in his empire... and in his soul.
He’s not the monster I expected—but that doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous.
Or that I’m not falling.
He thinks I’m just another artist.
He doesn’t know I’ve already mapped his sins across my skin.
But secrets don’t stay buried forever.
Not on this island.
Not when vengeance and desire burn in the same breath.
I came here to end him.
I didn’t expect to want to save him.
Burn me Slow is a searing dark mafia romance of enemies turned lovers, set against the lush with the violent beauty of Hawaii’s underworld. Perfect for fans of twisted loyalties, slow-burning betrayal, and love born in the ashes.
- GenresDark
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
20 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 25, 2025
If I could give this book 10 stars I would.
Oh My!!! Where to start? This book draws you in right from the start. With unique Hawaiian names, locations, plot twists and the romance. It has it funny moments and it’s has it dark moments. I loved the heart felt moments between Kailani and Makoa. It brought the story to life in many ways when working with grief, loss, heartache, lies, deceit, loss of friendship and for them to find each other through the chaos. The spice was definitely popping where it needed to be and I was all for it.
Oh My!!! Where to start? This book draws you in right from the start. With unique Hawaiian names, locations, plot twists and the romance. It has it funny moments and it’s has it dark moments. I loved the heart felt moments between Kailani and Makoa. It brought the story to life in many ways when working with grief, loss, heartache, lies, deceit, loss of friendship and for them to find each other through the chaos. The spice was definitely popping where it needed to be and I was all for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
This is the type of dark mafia romance read that will have you sleep deprived just so you can finish reading all about Makoa and Kailani. The characters names fit this book perfectly and OMG what a storyline Nikki has right here. I am really excited to start reading the books she has in this Hawaii Underworld series because if it's anything like this book it's going to become my new favorite series by Nikki.
June 6, 2025
She is out for revenge against her family and has waited patiently to get it. Now she is back working herself closer to the man but when secrets are revealed Kailani has a dilemma as her feelings begin to change. This story is filled with thrilling twists and turns that had me all caught up in Kailani and Makao from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
Burn Me Slow is book 1 in the new Hawaii Underworld series and is Makoa and Kailani's steamy, enemies to lovers story. Kailani is out for revenge and Makoa is her target but things take a turn when secrets begin to be revealed and she finds that things aren't what they've seemed. What a great start to this new series!
May 29, 2025
Kailani has revenge in mind against Makao and she's bided her time waiting for the moment to strike, only Makao isn't the type of man she filly believed, and everything changes when secrets come to light. Well written engaging steamy, desires, action, revenge and more!
June 15, 2025
Burn me slow: A Hawaiian Dark Mafia Romance (Hawaii Underworld Book 1) By: Nikki Blake. Makoa Keahi has lost his parents , he trust to easily. Kailani is seeking vengeance for her sisters death. It’s a story of revenge , control , love. There area so many secrets , jealousy.
January 10, 2026
not bad
By no means was this the best book I have read. It does have a decent plot line and the characters are very interesting. There is spice not over the top more of a good slow burn. It is an enemies to lovers story. A very quick read.
By no means was this the best book I have read. It does have a decent plot line and the characters are very interesting. There is spice not over the top more of a good slow burn. It is an enemies to lovers story. A very quick read.
June 18, 2025
Aloha
Kailani and Makoa have a journey of danger, desire, retribution, vengeance, heat, desire, forgiveness, and more. Great characters and a spellbinding read!!!
Kailani and Makoa have a journey of danger, desire, retribution, vengeance, heat, desire, forgiveness, and more. Great characters and a spellbinding read!!!
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed burn me slow which was Makoa and Kailan’s story. It was a darker intriguing read. I received an early copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 21, 2025
3.5-Audio. I imagine if I had read the physical book I would have enjoyed it more. Virtual voice audio is tough sometimes. If I continue with the series will have to read the physical books
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews