Alexa I’m not ready. As my father steps aside as capo for our family, it is me who will be stepping up and taking over. Becoming the first female capo is being met with its fair share of opposition, but that’s the least of my worries. Now, I have a stalker who sparks the same oddly familiar feelings in me as a certain imprisoned individual who used to be my safe place. When the truth of his identity shifts my entire world, I must come to terms with the way this life is. I don’t know if I can forgive him… or if I even want to. Gage I’ve been watching her. Since I was released from prison, I’ve been creating a life she’d be happy and safe in. I just have to convince her that it’s me she really needs, even if she feels like I abandoned her all those years ago. I have some loose strings to tie up, though. Then, and only then, can I reveal my identity and my plan for our future. I just hope she chooses it willingly and I don’t have to drag her kicking and screaming. Either way, she will be mine.
Finding joy in her work, Amarie Collins spins tales of dark and contemporary romance, weaving together clever dialogue, intense passion, and the unique comfort of chosen family. She lives in sunny California with her own happily ever after, two children, and six Frenchies.
When Amarie isn't writing, you can find her nestled on the couch with a captivating taboo or enemies to lover’s romance in hand.
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
This book is more stalker, dom and sub romance which isn’t really particularly my fav genre, so I’m going in the mindset of someone who does cause I love this author and she deserves proper ratings. I personally prefer the tropes and story of the first book, like I loved it.
This book is second in the series. You don’t have to read the first one to understand this one however I suggest you do cause it makes things easier and more understandable.
I wish there was a timeline, it felt very fast paced and I wasn’t sure how long it had been haha but that could just be me. This has all the good mafia stuff, betrayals, hidden secrets, a naughty club, fights and more.
I love the relationship between the brothers and the growth they have.
I love when a man is head over heels for a woman. Makes my heart swoon.
Overall, I’d personally give it 2.5-3 because I don’t like stalker romances but that’s not a good reason to rate a book. My rating is based off the writing and what I think other people will like so I give it a 4 because I think they would throughly enjoy this book. As previously stated, I like this authors work so far, I’m excited to read the next book in the series!
All Your Lies is the 2nd book for the All or Nothing series. This dark mafia romance seems to depict the lives of the young adults that are navigating through tough times being in a Mafia family and the expectations that are expected of them.
Alexa Rossi is a young, vibrant woman who is next in line to take over her father's business. Not everyone is a fan of this female taking over because they don't see her having the guts to do what needs to be done, especially since she will be the first female capo. Alexa had an arranged marriage with another family's son Marco, but after he had done some despicable things, the arrangement was null and void.
Gage Moretti is the twin brother of Marco and was Alexa's childhood best friend. He ended up in prison but never forgot his love for Alexa. Everything he has done since getting out has been for her and their future. He is determined to takeover the family business and have Alexa by his side.
Although it seems that the two could have a fairytale romance, not everything is the same. Both have evolved since becoming adults. Prison has changed Gage, made him more cold and callous. Could he persuade Alexa to fall in love with him? Can she accept this new man who was her best friend? Will their families accept this relationship?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Nothing better than a second chance romance especially with hidden identities and Mafia heirs thrown in. Gage and Alexa were best friends as kids but he was sent to prison and stopped all communication as a teen. Even once out, he never went back for her. Alexa started to hate him for it but Gage wasn't ready, he needed to be a better man and wanted to take down his family. Gage and Alexa's chemistry was so good, it was felt on every page. Their story had lots of twists and turns. Alexa is to be the next capo after her father retires and Gage is building his own empire.
This was a good book with a second chance at love. Mafia dark romance. I love that it was blended really good together. Gage and Alexa world just flowed really good together the way they can easily talk to each and then their chemistry was felt off the pages. I feel that the book was rushed a bit at the end but I still overall enjoyed it and would recommend others to read it.
I got an ARC copy of this book and did enjoy it. I love Mafia romances. Alexa and Gage were childhood best friends and then he went to prison for something his twin brother did. When he gets out, he stalks her. When they finally meet, she doesn't know his real identity and feels betrayed when she figures it out after he takes her to his sex club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
All Your Lies is book two in the All or Nothing series and is the story of Gage and Alexa. This is a best friend's brother, arranged marriage, mafia romance.
Gage and Alexa have had a connection since they were kids but in the mafia world they have been raised in, arranged marriages mean sacrificing your feelings for your family. When Alexa is promised to Gage's brother Marco, she has to push down her feelings for Gage and she makes him only her friend. Gage makes a sacrifice of his own for his family and ends up in prison to save his brother. Years later, Alexa's arranged marriage is over and Gage is out of prison but never returned to Alexa. As Alexa prepares to take control as Capo of her father's mafia empire, she is drawn to a masked man who becomes her stalker but there is something familiar about this man. When her stalker is unmasked to be Gage, Alexa does not know if she can forgive him for his deceit. Gage wants Alexa to stand by his side and rule their world together but can Alexa forgive Gage or will the lies be too much?
Gage is unhinged in his pursuit of Alexa but the way he worships her and even resists temptations to prove his worthiness and love to her is so swoon-worthy. The small details he remembers and the care he puts into making Alexa feel special even when she is hurt by his deception. Alexa accepted Gage for who he was and was willing to not only see him as the boy she loved but as the man he had become. The chemistry was off the charts, the spicy moments will make you sweat and the tender moments will make you melt. The friend group of Alexa's was so supportive and had her back when things went sideways and the characters made you want to be friends with them. This is a great book with a well written storyline and will not disappoint.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
All Your Lies by Amarie Collins is book two in the All or Nothing Series. This is a dark mafia romance following Gage Moretti and Alexa Rossi. 🚩There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
Main Characters ✨ 💀 Gage, our morally black MMC, is absolutely obsessed with his childhood friend who is also best friends with his little sister. After a stint in prison, he is back and he is angry at all that was involved with his incarceration. Not only is he out for revenge but he’s finally claiming the only woman who’s ever had his heart, whether she’s ready or not, she will be his.
🥀 Alexa, our sassy FMC, she is a BOSS. She often underestimates her power and strength and in a world like the one she lives in that is something she must never question. Abruptly leaving college life when she caught her fiancé cheating on her, she has settled into a mundane routine before having to take over her father’s role as capo and head of the Rossi Family. After a night out with her bestie, her life has taken a crazy turn and now she’s facing the man she hasn’t seen in years.
My thoughts 💭 How is this only the 2nd book by Amarie Collins?! Her writing had me captivated immediately and I am instantly a fan. The banter between Alexa and Gage was great, mix that with the tension and straight up love, it is the perfect combination. The character development is so great throughout but the one I was mostly impressed by is Marco’s growth…so beautiful. I hope she continues this series because it is so good. Another beautiful indie author to keep an eye out for 🖤
✨ I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had the honor of reading this book as an e-arc. I read All your Firsts as well and became an instant fan of Amari Collin’s writing. This book possessed everything my dark romance heart desired. Mafia, stalking and sex club are just a few words to describe this book. I was obsessed.
Alexa, our FMC, never wanted to be part of the politics side of the mafia. But she was forced to step up as Capo when her father stepped down. Alexa encounters many struggles being a female in the mafia alone but also being a Capo wasn’t easy either. Alongside that she struggled with family and betrayal and loyalty which inevitably landed her in a deadly game with a stalker.
Gage, our MMC, who was once Alexa’s childhood friend until something’s happened they grew apart and he went to prison, which didn’t help. Being in prison hardened him, but one thing it didn’t change was his love for Alexa.
I absolutely loved the push-pull between the two characters and the chemistry they have. Like I said this book possessed some of my favorite things enemies to lovers, protective MMC, touch her and die, and hidden identity to name a few more. This book kept me completely entertained if you know what I mean 😉.
I absolutely love Amarie Collins. I read All your Firsts now All your Lies, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you Amarie Collins and Naughty Nook PR for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔪Mafia 🔪Ex-Con 🔪Hidden Identity 🔪Stalking 🔪Childhood Friends-Enemies-Lovers 🔪Sex Club 🔪Protective MMC 🔪Arranged Marriage 🔪Touch Her and Die
I honestly forgot this book followed Rosie and Vic’s story at first! As I was reading, things started to feel a bit familiar until it finally clicked — and I actually loved that surprise. One of my favorite things about this installment is how it doesn’t pick up immediately after Rosie’s story. Instead, we get to see Alexa’s journey not only before but also during and after Rosie’s storyline, which adds so much depth and perspective.
Watching Alexa come into her own was a highlight for me. As the first female mafia boss, there’s this expectation of constant strength — and while she is strong, I appreciated that the book also showed her vulnerability, fear, and insecurities. She’s finding her voice, her power, and her freedom — and it’s such a satisfying arc to witness.
Her dynamic with Gage? Perfection. The sass, the tension, the history — it all worked. Alexa never backed down from him, and even though there was clearly chemistry, she didn’t let him off easy. She held her ground and made him work for it.
And Gage… wow. His obsession and unwavering devotion to Alexa since they were kids was everything. Even with all the changes he’s gone through — the hardness, the deception — his heart has always belonged to her. There’s something raw and real about the way he loves her, even when it’s messy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional, gritty, sexy, and empowering. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
After finishing this, I feel like I am just floating away on a cloud. This was a whirlwind - friends to lovers, then enemies to lovers (sorta), stalker vibes, dom/sub roles, a mysterious admirer, lots of action, plenty of banter, and some yummy, steamy tension.
Alexa and Gage were the best of friends growing up, but everything began to change after their fathers decided that Gage's brother was to marry Alexa. Then, Gage went to prison while Alexa went on to college. When his time is complete, you'd think he would come running back to Alexa right?? NOPE!!!!!!
I loved the relationship between Gage and Alexa. Yes, Gage goes too far on a few things but how much he loves her and will do everything he can to protect her is just chef kiss ❤️❤️. Did I also mention that he stresses that they are equals/partners?!
I loved all the spice. The writing style was very easy to follow and made it seem like the book was shorter than it truly is. I was truly in a trance while reading this. The plot was well planned and the timeline felt very fast but it worked for me! Several events took me by surprise and an additional touch of suspense too!
I was patiently waiting to receive the ARC of this book and I am soo happy with it. Absolutely love Amarie Collins and can't wait to read more of her work.
Tropes: Mafia Ex-con Hidden Identity Stalking Childhood friends to enemies to lovers Protective MMC
Alexa never wanted to be the center of Mafia politics, but with her father stepping down, she must rise as the first female leader—a move many refuse to accept. Gage, her childhood protector and former safe haven, returns as both tormentor and savior pushing her to claim her true power. The man who became hardened by his time behind bars. His love for Alexa is unwavering, but so is his hatred for the man who gave him life but never deserved the title of father. Alexa’s struggle with family loyalty and betrayal and a familiar stalker draws her into a deadly game.
Marco, Gage’s twin, at first comes across as cruel and irredeemable, but like everything in this story, not all is as it seems. And the father’s downfall? Absolutely earned and incredibly satisfying. Alexa’s journey made me cheer. She steps into her true power as capo, facing down men who dismiss her for her gender. I would love to learn more about Jenna’s backstory and how she became a trained assassin.
Thank you Amarie Collins and Naughty Nook PR for this ARC!!
All Your Lies by Amarie Collins. Book 2 in the, All Or Nothing Series.
🖤Mafia 🔥Convict 🖤Hidden Identity 🔥Stalker 🖤Childhood Friends 🔥Enemies to Lovers 🖤Possessive MMC 🔥Character Growth 🖤Found Family
This is a fantastic follow-up to All Your Firsts, where Gage and Alexa, also known as Lexi, were originally introduced as secondary characters.
A wrongful conviction profoundly changed Gage, shifting him from a kind and gentle person to a dark and ruthless individual consumed by a desire for vengeance and getting his girl.
Alexa is trying to make the most of her last days of freedom before she's forced to take over her father's position as Capo, but a night out changes everything.
Amarie Collins expertly intertwined the two storylines, maintaining my engagement throughout. The chemistry between Gage and Lexi was undeniable, and their individual and collective character development was captivating. The narrative struck a perfect balance between sensuality and excitement, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me enthralled.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and I'm looking forward to reading more from Amarie Collins. I highly recommend it.
Gage and Alexa’s story is messy, heartbreaking, and so addictive. Childhood friends to forbidden love to betrayal—it’s everything I want in a mafia romance. The angst between them felt so real, you could feel Alexa’s pain when she had to marry Marco and shove her feelings for Gage down. And Gage sacrificing himself for his brother, only to disappear after prison? Brutal.
The whole stalker angle with the masked man was wild, and when it turned out to be Gage, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to scream or swoon. He’s completely unhinged in the way he goes after Alexa but also worships her like she’s his entire world. The way he remembered all the little details and kept proving himself made my heart ache in the best way.
Alexa was strong and fierce, stepping into her role as Capo, but also vulnerable when it came to Gage. She saw both the boy she loved and the man he became, and that made their connection so powerful. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The spicy scenes are HOT but also balanced with moments that are sweet and tender enough to melt you.
I also loved Alexa’s circle of friends—loyal, supportive, and they added depth to the story. The plot flowed well, the twists kept me turning pages, and it honestly delivered everything I wanted in a dark, emotional, mafia romance.
Let me start by saying I have a love/hate relationship with Mafia romance books. I either love them and can’t put them down and ask myself why I don’t read these more often – or there are too many details, they’re hard to follow and I find myself bored and uninterested.
Well, I freaking LOVED this one, it sucked me in right from the first page. I devoured this book in one sitting.
I am so feral for Gage, I am obsessed with that whole possessive/obsessive/you belong to me vibe and he served it right up. I also loved Alexa’s silent fierceness, she was a well written FMC, I found myself really loving the details of her character.
This second chance romance has a little bit of everything… painful past, obsessive stalking MMC, arranged marriage, suspense, action, and a brilliant love story. And Amarie can write some spice ladies; those spicy scenes were DELICIOUS and beyond hot – I ate it up! I loved the entire storyline of this book, and I cannot wait for more.
This book made me fall in love with mafia romance books again and I am so glad I was chosen to ARC read this one. Thank you @naughtynookpr and @author.amariecollins , I absolutely LOVED this book and will be going back to read All Your Firsts!
Talk about mafia goodness! Jam packed with double-crosses, hidden agendas, and fisticuffs. All the angst and anxiety comes right off the page. The vibes and realism are tightly woven bringing raw relatability.
Gage and Alexa were thick as thieves growing up, until he got tossed in the clink as a teen. Alexa a mix of emotions, weaving on a tight rope. High hopes, broken dreams, high stakes and a fierce drive, definitely gave me deep admiration for her character. The kicker?! He is released and no contact? Leaving Alexa understandably bitter..Gage is fiercely devoted and on a mission to elevate himself as a man, fighting his own personal demons while tackling the intricacies of his Mafia family.
The chemistry between Gage and Alexa was so potent, it seeped off every page, naturally. Also the sibling connection and snappy banter was perfection. Adding the right amount of energy as their story plays out, full of twists and turns. As Alexa's lines up to take the reins from her father, Gage is busy constructing his own empire.
How will their future play out..jump right in and see!!
Book 2 in the All Or Nothing series: Gage and Alexa This is a Stalker, hidden identity, childhood bestfriends to enemies to lovers, “he feeds her”, OTT obsessed MMC, morally grey MMC, fiesty FMC, mafia romance. Alexa, set to inherit her father position as head of the family feels like she in over her head with the responsibilities an heir holds and having a stalker on top of it? Even more complicated. Gage has loved Alexa since they were kids. Being childhood best friends with the girl he loves but he can’t have her because she arranged to marry his brother. Unjustly sent to prison for years he never stopped loving her though and when he gets out he doesn’t make his presence known but he still watches and looks out for her. And to his relief the marriage with his brother never happened. When I say this man is devoted I mean he. Is. DEVOTED. A perfect MMC and he was matched with a perfectly fiesty FMC. This was definitely an enjoyable read. So much happens. There were a lot of moving parts on the plot and had side characters with a lot of depth and secrets of their own. I would definitely recommend this book
All Your Lies is the second book in the All of Nothing series by Amarie Collins. It is 262 pages in the Kindle edition, and comes out on 9/23/25. To read my review of the first book, All Your Firsts, please click here. This book is Gage and Alexa’s from the first book’s story. This is a dark mafia romance with hidden identity, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, secondish chance, kink club, virgin MMCs, insta-love, and a touch her and die MMC. It also has elements of stalking and found family. This book is not for the faint of heart.
All Your Lies has a fair amount of spice, but I wanted more. The spice is good: a solid 3.5/5 chili peppers. Gage is not the man he was when he knew Alexa six years ago. Time in prison has made him hard, lethal, and that scares the sweet and kind Alexa. She cannot stand who he’s become and wants nothing to do with him. Can he make her see that he still loves her?
Thank you so much to Amarie Collins and NaughtyNook PR for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!
Having read All Your Firsts, I was stoked for All Your Lies, especially when I saw the list of tropes. Gage and Alexa are first introduced in All Your Firsts as side characters - they were great there, so I was even more excited that they were getting their own book.
With Alexa forced to step up and take power as capo, Gage is back after his time in prison. He's no longer the Gage that Alexa once knew, prison has hardened him and changed his worldview. Despite that, he still loves Alexa. She has her own struggles as a female capo isn't exactly accepted in the mafia.
The chemistry between the two is still there even with all the time apart. While yes, spicy, there is a certain intimacy with their relationship that transcends the spice we typically find in romance novels. The twists and turns keep the pace fast and will hook you!
🖤 Mafia 🖤 Hidden Identity 🖤 Stalking 🖤 Sex Club 🖤 Arranged Marriage 🖤 Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers 🖤 Ex Con 🖤 Protective MMC 🖤 Touch Her and Die
Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for the gifted copy!
📚 All Your Lies by Amarie Collins 📚 All or Nothing Book 2 | 262 Page 📚 Releases September 23, 2025 📚 Add to Goodreads tbr w/ the 🔗 in my bio!
What to Expect: 🖤 Mafia 🖤 Hidden Identity 🖤 Stalking 🖤 🌶️ Club 🖤 Arranged Marriage 🖤 Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers 🖤 Ex Con 🖤 Protective MMC 🖤 Touch Her and 💀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and Amarie for providing me with an advanced copy of All Your Lies. As always, my opinions are my own! ☺️
Loved this book. Had everything I’d hope for from a mafia romance. Betrayal, secrets, lies, a 🌶️ club, ulterior motives and of course.. some good old torture and murder.
The relationship between Gage and Alexis was a pretty standard childhood friends to lovers.. but after being sent to prison for something he didn’t do, Gage was not the same boy Alexis knew as a child. He was darker, ruthless and willing to do whatever it takes to have her right where he wants her.
All Your Lies by Amarie Collins is a gripping, dark mafia romance that pulls you into a world of danger, obsession, and twisted loyalty. From the first page, the tension is palpable, and the chemistry between the leads keeps you hooked until the very end. What I Loved Atmosphere: Collins paints the mafia world vividly, layering every scene with danger and suspense that never feel superficial. The Romance: The push and pull between the main couple is addictive. Their chemistry burns hot, while their emotional struggles make the romance feel messy in the best way. Character Depth: Neither lead is black or white; both wrestle with guilt, secrets, and survival, which adds complexity and makes their choices believable. Where It Fell Short There are moments when the pacing dips and certain plot beats lean heavily into familiar mafia tropes. A few twists are easier to predict, but the emotional payoff and intensity more than make up for it. Final Thoughts Overall, All Your Lies delivers exactly what dark romance fans crave: danger, passion, and secrets that cut deep. It’s addictive, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. While not perfect, it’s absolutely a standout in the genre.
so, i enjoyed the first book more than i did this one mainly because i feel like it had a little more depth to the characters and the overall plot was better developed too
it’s an interesting story and i like how obsessed gage is with alexa.
however…
• there was little no to no exploration regarding the mafia aspect, the prison time he served with vic as well as his relationship with his family.
• little to no character development and trust me the fmc needs it the most. she was so annoying and i couldnt connect with her emotions throughout this book and she changed her mind really quick 🙂 and also from the girl from chapter 1 to mid book feels like she had a transplant of personality. made no sense at all
• the stalker quest was unnecessary and quite honestly boring.
• side characters need to be explored better
• the pace is just too fast with nothing of substance happening
Alexa is following in he dad’s footsteps and become a female mafia boss and learning everything about it. She feels like she can’t protect herself and thought her best friend didn’t share the same feelings as she did for him. Gage is a twin and second in line feels like a failure behind the golden boy his older brother by three minutes Marco, Gage took the heat for his brother and was sent to jail for a crime he didn’t do because his brother was to take the place and follow behind his dad little to anyone know they had a terrible childhood pass and things their dad did to them. Gage fell in love with Alexa and wanted to protect her with all of him want to win her back, we was a stalker, scary mob boss and started his own place of business to take his dads mafia status away little did he know how bad his dad was and what he planned fr the other families and his own! Amazing book must read super super spicy and wanting more!!!! Five ⭐️ Stars and a lot of chills 🌶️ peppers.
All Your Lies by Amarie Collins Book 2 in the All or Nothing Series
🖤 Mafia 🔥 Convict MMC 🖤 Mafia Princess FMC 🔥 Hidden Identity 🖤 Stalker vibes 🔥 Childhood Friends ➝ Enemies ➝ Lovers 🖤 Possessive MMC 🔥 Touch her and die energy 🖤 Found Family 🔥 Obsession + Yearning
This follow up turned up the angst and danger in all the right ways. MMC is dark, obsessive, and willing to burn the world down for our FMC his growth! Their chemistry is intense, messy, and addictive the kind that makes you keep turning pages!
With mafia grit, forbidden love, and a stalker twist that raises the stakes, this story blends romance and danger into an unputdownable ride. Collins nails the balance of mafia tension emotional depth and the type of devotion that borders on obsession!
I got the chance to read an advanced copy of this book and really enjoyed it.
Alexa was raised to take over as capo of her family, and is used to pushback, but when she gets a stalker, she is torn between mistrust and pure lust. When his identity is uncovered, she doesn’t know if she’ll ever be able to forgive.
Finally released from prison after taking the fall for his brother, Gage has done everything in his power to create a life that SHE would be proud of. One of his best friends that he fell in love with as a child. Determined to have her at any cost, he braces himself for the ultimate fight.
I absolutely loved Alexa and Gage, as much as I wanted to shake them a few times, they were both so real, I couldn’t put the book down. Building on a childhood connection just made it even ever.
This book almost felt like a dark rom-com—but not quite—and I mean that in the best way possible.
I really enjoyed the plot, even if certain parts felt a little rushed. It wasn’t anything major, just moments I wished had been stretched out a bit more. The banter between Gage and Alexa was hilarious, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it. All of the characters were engaging, and I’m especially intrigued by Jenna—seriously, what happened with her?
If the book had been a little longer, I think some of those rushed parts could have been fleshed out more. But honestly, even with that, it still felt perfect as it was.
Poor Alexa—she really couldn’t catch a break, dealing with two stalkers. And what the second one did? Gag. Pure insanity.
Overall, it was a great read with a strong plot, fun banter, and characters full of personality. Loved it!
📚✨ All Your Lies by Amarie Collins ⭐️3.5/5 | 🌶️1/5
I love when a man is absolutely gone for a woman.... makes my heart swoon every single time.
Even though I read the first book, something about this one felt like it was missing a little spark. Maybe it was how quickly everything shifted, one minute, she hated him, and the next, they were in love. I wanted just a bit more tension, a slower burn, a few more moments where forgiveness didn’t come so easily.
But that could just be me; lately I’ve been reading longer, more drawn-out romances, so this pacing felt fast compared to my usual reads.
Still, this book had so much going for it. Emotional. Gritty. Sexy. Empowering. And I’ll definitely be grabbing the next book in the series.
☕ Reading mood: rainy day read, emotional yet comforting, a little messy but full of heart.
Check the triggers before reading. This dark, mafia romance was a quick read with romance, tension, and suspense all wrapped into one. We didn't get a lot of background about the characters, so I do wish that had been built up a little more. There was definitely some, but I'd have loved to learn even more about what made the characters act and develop the way they did. However, even without that additional insight, the author still managed to make us care about the characters and what happened to them. She set Alexa up well for the growth that she made throughout the book and created a sweet love story between the FMC and MMC (even if it started off rocky). Gage's adoration for Alexa shone through each interaction with her; no matter what other actions he took, it was clear how much he cared for and wanted to protect her.
This book had been intense and exciting from the first pages. Gage had changed so much from who he was before, becoming dark, ruthless, and fully focused on revenge. Lexi had been strong, smart, and determined, trying to enjoy her freedom before stepping into her responsibilities, and watching her growth throughout the story had been fascinating. Their chemistry had been undeniable. The plot kept me engaged with unexpected twists, suspense, and moments that made me hold my breath, while the romance never lost its heat or intensity. The ending left me satisfied and fully immersed in their story. Thank you so much to the author and Naughty Nook PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.