What do you think?
The Devil's Plaything #1
Her Cruel Empire
Thirty days. One million dollars. A deal with the devil.I think I've made a terrible mistake…
The auction was supposed to be simple—thirty days of my life for enough money to save my family. What I got instead?
Eva Novak.
An arms dealer. A coldhearted criminal. The most dangerously beautiful woman I've ever seen.
She steals me away to a castle that belongs to nightmares, where the villagers in the town below cross themselves when she passes by and whisper warnings about women she’s made disappear.
Eva’s touch makes me forget I should fear her, but she doesn't just want my body. She wants my secrets, my smiles, my stubborn hope that refuses to break even in the darkest places.
And the worst part? I think I'm starting to want her, too.
I came here to save the people I love.
Now I'm not even sure I can save myself.
***
Her Cruel Empire is the first book in The Devil's Plaything dark Sapphic mafia romance series. Reader discretion is advised, and content notes are available on the Copyright page.
The auction was supposed to be simple—thirty days of my life for enough money to save my family. What I got instead?
Eva Novak.
An arms dealer. A coldhearted criminal. The most dangerously beautiful woman I've ever seen.
She steals me away to a castle that belongs to nightmares, where the villagers in the town below cross themselves when she passes by and whisper warnings about women she’s made disappear.
Eva’s touch makes me forget I should fear her, but she doesn't just want my body. She wants my secrets, my smiles, my stubborn hope that refuses to break even in the darkest places.
And the worst part? I think I'm starting to want her, too.
I came here to save the people I love.
Now I'm not even sure I can save myself.
***
Her Cruel Empire is the first book in The Devil's Plaything dark Sapphic mafia romance series. Reader discretion is advised, and content notes are available on the Copyright page.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 26, 2025
4 ⭐️ - I mean it’s not classic literature, but for an ice queen, mafia romance, it hits all the beats perfectly. I found it entertaining and exactly what I was in the mood to read. I look forward to book 2 when it’s released at the end of this month.
February 11, 2026
Gosh I devoured this one. I love a good mafia romance.
It was really enjoyable reading the progression of Eva and Robins connection, and how they both grew on one another. The ending was amazing, I tend to not enjoy open endings but it was set up in a way that is going to have me jump right into the second book.
The one downside is some of the sex scenes made me a bit uncomfortable with what they were doing, but I think that’s more a personal preference.
Brb while I start the second book IMMEDIATELY.
It was really enjoyable reading the progression of Eva and Robins connection, and how they both grew on one another. The ending was amazing, I tend to not enjoy open endings but it was set up in a way that is going to have me jump right into the second book.
The one downside is some of the sex scenes made me a bit uncomfortable with what they were doing, but I think that’s more a personal preference.
Brb while I start the second book IMMEDIATELY.
August 6, 2025
Hmm, I liked this one. Very low key on all the mafia business and mostly focused on the relationship, which is what I was looking for.
Although I feel like the second book in the series would be the opposite, we'll see.
Although I feel like the second book in the series would be the opposite, we'll see.
August 22, 2025
A bittersweet dark sapphic romance.
A story about a struggling, down and out of luck American school teacher and a central-eastern European arms dealing high society crime lord.
The attraction between the two is obvious from the start of the story. And I do love the emotional tension between Eva and Robin and also of the gradual growing affection for each other. A little too much of the naughty imo but I suppose it does fit well with the narrative.
Eva is the likeable ice queen anti-hero, and Robin the obedient disobedient, naïve, starry-eyed hopeful realist. A sprinkling of tragedy, action and suspense here and there complements nicely the overall pace of the book which isn't too fast or too slow.
The story ends with a tense emotional standoff and a cliffhanger of sorts. The story continues in Persephone Black's next book: Her wicked promise.
A story about a struggling, down and out of luck American school teacher and a central-eastern European arms dealing high society crime lord.
The attraction between the two is obvious from the start of the story. And I do love the emotional tension between Eva and Robin and also of the gradual growing affection for each other. A little too much of the naughty imo but I suppose it does fit well with the narrative.
Eva is the likeable ice queen anti-hero, and Robin the obedient disobedient, naïve, starry-eyed hopeful realist. A sprinkling of tragedy, action and suspense here and there complements nicely the overall pace of the book which isn't too fast or too slow.
The story ends with a tense emotional standoff and a cliffhanger of sorts. The story continues in Persephone Black's next book: Her wicked promise.
August 7, 2025
Why the fuck did I read this. I need book 2 now 😭
June 17, 2026
Her Cruel Empire
The Devil's Plaything is the latest series of Persephone Black's Underworld. Robin - the innocent waitress who enters an auction out of sheer desparation. Eva - the Consortium's ice-queen leader that is so drawn to Robin, she buys her for a 30 day contract. Outside of their tug-of-war of emotions, there's also mystery, corruption, gang wars, loyal friends and family... and some Beauty and the Beast vibes (it could just be me🤷🏽♀️ ). The thrills and swoons are abundant!
I love that Eva and Robin get 3 books, but it's almost unnecessary because I just devoured the series in one sitting! And I also love that all the other previous couples were involved in Eva's story.
Same review for all 3 books because I read them back-to-back-to-back
The Devil's Plaything is the latest series of Persephone Black's Underworld. Robin - the innocent waitress who enters an auction out of sheer desparation. Eva - the Consortium's ice-queen leader that is so drawn to Robin, she buys her for a 30 day contract. Outside of their tug-of-war of emotions, there's also mystery, corruption, gang wars, loyal friends and family... and some Beauty and the Beast vibes (it could just be me🤷🏽♀️ ). The thrills and swoons are abundant!
I love that Eva and Robin get 3 books, but it's almost unnecessary because I just devoured the series in one sitting! And I also love that all the other previous couples were involved in Eva's story.
Same review for all 3 books because I read them back-to-back-to-back
July 9, 2026
4.5 Stars.
I haven’t read any Persephone books for a while but I’m kinda glad I waited for this one because the whole series is on audible now 😍 Quinn and Allie are a true dream team! They do a wonderful job of these characters and telling the story.
I enjoyed this! And looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I’m intrigued to see how Eva fixes this!
Written in First Person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Allie Shae & Quinn Riley. Book One in The Devil’s Plaything series. Auction, Guardian to her younger siblings, Opposites Attract, Organised Crime, Ice Queen. 7x Spicy Scenes.
I haven’t read any Persephone books for a while but I’m kinda glad I waited for this one because the whole series is on audible now 😍 Quinn and Allie are a true dream team! They do a wonderful job of these characters and telling the story.
I enjoyed this! And looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I’m intrigued to see how Eva fixes this!
Written in First Person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Allie Shae & Quinn Riley. Book One in The Devil’s Plaything series. Auction, Guardian to her younger siblings, Opposites Attract, Organised Crime, Ice Queen. 7x Spicy Scenes.
October 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/4 (4.25 stars, rounded down here)
This was my first ever dark romance and let me tell you that I devoured this one, and it was exactly what I needed.
Robin is a down-on-her-luck American schoolteacher who ends up in a desperate auction deal: thirty days, one million dollars, and a dangerously beautiful arms dealer on the other side of the table. Eva, on the other hand, is a ruthless crime lord with a castle straight out of a nightmare (in my mind it would look similar to Lady D’s castle in Resident Evil 8 if anyone of you has ever played or watched the game). She, however, wants more than Robin's body. She wants her secrets, her smiles and laughs, and her stubborn hope.
The heart of the book, though, is how Eva and Robin grow on each other. This was also the biggest factor that kept me so hooked on the story while reading it. Sure, the attraction is there from the start, but the emotional tension and to see how Eva's walls built over years of survival slwoly begin to crack against Robin's relentless sunshine energy really made this one soo special. Eva is a likeable ice-queen antihero, and Robin is a starry-eyed and VERY hopeful realist with a disobedient streak (we love to see that haha). Despite the mafia setup, the book stays low-key on the criminal business and puts the relationship first, which was exactly what I needed while reading this and served me well as an introduction to something more dark romancy.
Furthermore, a sprinkling of tragedy, mystery, action, suspense keeps the pace steady, so it was never too fast or too redundant in my opinion. However, I did need a longer time to get comfortable with the writing style since it isn’t one I usually enjoy to read. Plus, I usually dislike open endings, but this one is set up so well that I started the sequel immediately (thank god that I strated to get into reading the series later haha). I also wanna say that I liked power dynamic between the two (with a woman submitting and one being much more dominant).
If you want a bittersweet, dark sapphic romance that focuses on two women falling for each other, this is a great start to the series, at least it was for me hihi.
This was my first ever dark romance and let me tell you that I devoured this one, and it was exactly what I needed.
Robin is a down-on-her-luck American schoolteacher who ends up in a desperate auction deal: thirty days, one million dollars, and a dangerously beautiful arms dealer on the other side of the table. Eva, on the other hand, is a ruthless crime lord with a castle straight out of a nightmare (in my mind it would look similar to Lady D’s castle in Resident Evil 8 if anyone of you has ever played or watched the game). She, however, wants more than Robin's body. She wants her secrets, her smiles and laughs, and her stubborn hope.
The heart of the book, though, is how Eva and Robin grow on each other. This was also the biggest factor that kept me so hooked on the story while reading it. Sure, the attraction is there from the start, but the emotional tension and to see how Eva's walls built over years of survival slwoly begin to crack against Robin's relentless sunshine energy really made this one soo special. Eva is a likeable ice-queen antihero, and Robin is a starry-eyed and VERY hopeful realist with a disobedient streak (we love to see that haha). Despite the mafia setup, the book stays low-key on the criminal business and puts the relationship first, which was exactly what I needed while reading this and served me well as an introduction to something more dark romancy.
Furthermore, a sprinkling of tragedy, mystery, action, suspense keeps the pace steady, so it was never too fast or too redundant in my opinion. However, I did need a longer time to get comfortable with the writing style since it isn’t one I usually enjoy to read. Plus, I usually dislike open endings, but this one is set up so well that I started the sequel immediately (thank god that I strated to get into reading the series later haha). I also wanna say that I liked power dynamic between the two (with a woman submitting and one being much more dominant).
If you want a bittersweet, dark sapphic romance that focuses on two women falling for each other, this is a great start to the series, at least it was for me hihi.
March 7, 2026
I need you to stop whatever you are doing right now and listen to me very carefully.
Persephone Black is the undisputed queen of sapphic mafia romance and The Devil's Plaything series is, I am prepared to argue, her absolute masterpiece. I was in a reading rut — the kind where nothing lands, nothing sticks, nothing makes you feel anything — and then Eva Novak walked into my life and absolutely demolished me. In the best possible way.
Let me set the scene. A desperate auction. Thirty days. One million dollars. And the most dangerously beautiful arms dealer you have ever encountered in fiction, standing on the other side of that deal. Her Cruel Empire hits the ground running and does not stop. A castle that belongs to nightmares. Villagers crossing themselves in the streets. A morally grey woman who wants not just your body but your secrets, your smiles, your stubborn unbreakable hope. I was not okay from approximately page three and I never recovered.
And the audiobook? BABES. Allie Shea and Quinn Riley brought this world to life in a way that made me genuinely emotional about the quality of human talent. Two narrators, two voices, one absolutely phenomenal performance that made Eva and Robin feel utterly, devastatingly real. I received an ALC from Podium and finished it in a state of complete obsession — and then immediately stopped everything I was doing to grab book two. No hesitation. No shame.
Her Cruel Empire gives you the beginning of the thaw. Eva — cold, ruthless, terrifying — meeting her match in Robin's relentless sunshine. The slow crumble of walls built from years of survival. It's exquisite and agonising in equal measure.
Her Wicked Promise deepens everything. Robin dragged back in, Eva blooming around the thorns, forbidden fantasies and wicked promises and a romance that starts to feel like the most dangerous thing either of them has ever survived. I devoured this in a single day. A single day. I have no regrets.
Her Ruthless Heart gives us exactly what we want and everything we deserve — a slice of life with two incredible women at the height of their story. Steamy encounters, soft and tender moments, and some absolutely hella suspense that had me holding my breath. This is the HEA you have to read. This series earned every single bit of it and this finale delivers in the most glorious way.
Now let's talk about something I need to shout from every rooftop: Persephone Black can write the absolute hell out of sapphic steam. There. I said it. But here's what elevates her work — it is never gratuitous. Every single encounter between Eva and Robin is a window into the breathtaking depth of their connection. Yes, it is hot. Scorchingly, embarrassingly, put-the-book-down-and-collect-yourself hot. But it is also so much more than that. Each moment moves the story forward. Each moment reveals something new about who these women are to each other. PB understands — truly understands — the particular depths that women can reach when they love each other, the connection that is both electric and profound, and she captures it on the page in a way that feels like a gift to sapphic romance readers everywhere.
Here is what I adore most about how Persephone Black writes in the mafia space: she illustrates — beautifully, powerfully — how women can love each other, share power, and become stronger for it. This is dark romance with a morally grey lead, yes. But it never tips into toxicity. Their connection is raw and real and otherworldly, the kind of love that romance novels and songs exist to describe. Eva and Robin are simply one of the greatest pairings I have encountered in this genre. Full stop.
Whatever Persephone Black writes next, I am there. And I am desperately hoping these two narrators team up with her again because books two and three in audio cannot come fast enough. Trust me on this one. You want these in audio. You need these in audio.
This series changed something in me and I will be recommending it forever.
Persephone Black is the undisputed queen of sapphic mafia romance and The Devil's Plaything series is, I am prepared to argue, her absolute masterpiece. I was in a reading rut — the kind where nothing lands, nothing sticks, nothing makes you feel anything — and then Eva Novak walked into my life and absolutely demolished me. In the best possible way.
Let me set the scene. A desperate auction. Thirty days. One million dollars. And the most dangerously beautiful arms dealer you have ever encountered in fiction, standing on the other side of that deal. Her Cruel Empire hits the ground running and does not stop. A castle that belongs to nightmares. Villagers crossing themselves in the streets. A morally grey woman who wants not just your body but your secrets, your smiles, your stubborn unbreakable hope. I was not okay from approximately page three and I never recovered.
And the audiobook? BABES. Allie Shea and Quinn Riley brought this world to life in a way that made me genuinely emotional about the quality of human talent. Two narrators, two voices, one absolutely phenomenal performance that made Eva and Robin feel utterly, devastatingly real. I received an ALC from Podium and finished it in a state of complete obsession — and then immediately stopped everything I was doing to grab book two. No hesitation. No shame.
Her Cruel Empire gives you the beginning of the thaw. Eva — cold, ruthless, terrifying — meeting her match in Robin's relentless sunshine. The slow crumble of walls built from years of survival. It's exquisite and agonising in equal measure.
Her Wicked Promise deepens everything. Robin dragged back in, Eva blooming around the thorns, forbidden fantasies and wicked promises and a romance that starts to feel like the most dangerous thing either of them has ever survived. I devoured this in a single day. A single day. I have no regrets.
Her Ruthless Heart gives us exactly what we want and everything we deserve — a slice of life with two incredible women at the height of their story. Steamy encounters, soft and tender moments, and some absolutely hella suspense that had me holding my breath. This is the HEA you have to read. This series earned every single bit of it and this finale delivers in the most glorious way.
Now let's talk about something I need to shout from every rooftop: Persephone Black can write the absolute hell out of sapphic steam. There. I said it. But here's what elevates her work — it is never gratuitous. Every single encounter between Eva and Robin is a window into the breathtaking depth of their connection. Yes, it is hot. Scorchingly, embarrassingly, put-the-book-down-and-collect-yourself hot. But it is also so much more than that. Each moment moves the story forward. Each moment reveals something new about who these women are to each other. PB understands — truly understands — the particular depths that women can reach when they love each other, the connection that is both electric and profound, and she captures it on the page in a way that feels like a gift to sapphic romance readers everywhere.
Here is what I adore most about how Persephone Black writes in the mafia space: she illustrates — beautifully, powerfully — how women can love each other, share power, and become stronger for it. This is dark romance with a morally grey lead, yes. But it never tips into toxicity. Their connection is raw and real and otherworldly, the kind of love that romance novels and songs exist to describe. Eva and Robin are simply one of the greatest pairings I have encountered in this genre. Full stop.
Whatever Persephone Black writes next, I am there. And I am desperately hoping these two narrators team up with her again because books two and three in audio cannot come fast enough. Trust me on this one. You want these in audio. You need these in audio.
This series changed something in me and I will be recommending it forever.
July 31, 2025
Wow
I love a good ice queen and this book was a rollercoaster. I didn't like Eva in the Columbo duet, but here in her own story she's fantastic. Absolutely can't wait until the next book come out! A month is too long!
I love a good ice queen and this book was a rollercoaster. I didn't like Eva in the Columbo duet, but here in her own story she's fantastic. Absolutely can't wait until the next book come out! A month is too long!
July 7, 2026
If you know me you’ll know I’m a dark romance HATER I’d sooner stick pins in my eyes than read about a woman submitting to a man, and while I wouldn’t say there isn’t a woman submitting in this, it worked a little bit better for me 🤷♀️
Was it a masterpiece? was it well written? Was it life changing? Absolutely not, but I was entertained! This is a short, faced paced erotic romance and I flew through it in one sitting and it was what I needed in the moment.
The characters. Eva is the head of the mafia and is aloof and doesn’t love anything so basically your run of the mill crime lord I suppose. Robin is trying to make ends meet to support her family and her sick sister and takes her up on the offer of 30 days for $1M. This was very insta lust on both parts. While I wouldn’t say this is overly dark I also wouldn’t say that it doesn’t come with its own problems in regard to their relationship. There’s some coercion here and pushing and also the fact that Eva literally bought Robin and doesn’t let her forget. There’s no real development here but there is two more books so I’m hoping that we get at least some kind of growth with these characters as Eva flies off the handle so quickly for no reason at least twice in this book and Robin is as thick as two planks at parts and goes against orders numerous times like she hasn’t got two brain cells to rub together.
The sex. This is an erotic romance so there’s a lot of it and tbh I enjoyed it. I find trad published sapphic romances lean towards being tamer than trad published MF romances and it has been annoying to see the difference. I would say the sex scenes lean a little cringe at times and I wish we had have been shown the more intimate and softer sex they had towards the end because we had been subjected to like…5 explicit semi rough sex scenes before that.
The writing. Truly awful and I won’t lie about it. Very simplistic and repetitive and I don’t think it was needed considering this comes in at 250 pages and could have actually been shorter.
Anyways I will be immediately picking up the second book.
October 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Riveting! Just had to finish it at one go…
Riveting! Just had to finish it at one go…
September 3, 2025
2.75 rounded up.
honestly, i'm a bit blown away by the change of pacing. the pacing was inconsistent & very choppy once we hit the last 40-50 or so pages. it started off very promising... slow & detail oriented, then next thing you know were passing whole hours/days in a matter of sentences.
also, the way this ended...? the ending was SO rushed & it didn't need to be, especially if it was going to be a part 2 (which is totally not needed btw). i feel this could have been paced well, fleshed out & completed in a single book with about 350 pages.
i feel the conflict really should have been connected to eva's father rather than her shoving herself into emotional detachment in a time of grief.
hmm. still processing.
honestly, i'm a bit blown away by the change of pacing. the pacing was inconsistent & very choppy once we hit the last 40-50 or so pages. it started off very promising... slow & detail oriented, then next thing you know were passing whole hours/days in a matter of sentences.
also, the way this ended...? the ending was SO rushed & it didn't need to be, especially if it was going to be a part 2 (which is totally not needed btw). i feel this could have been paced well, fleshed out & completed in a single book with about 350 pages.
i feel the conflict really should have been connected to eva's father rather than her shoving herself into emotional detachment in a time of grief.
hmm. still processing.
October 8, 2026
The narrators are excellent, the story not as good
January 3, 2026
What can I say, I love to see women in male dominated fields 🤩
August 28, 2025
A surprise
I’m an avid reader of Persephone Black. This review is just my opinion on this specific book.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this book. The characters are developed enough, but the timing of the story seems off. The story rushes through the MC’s beginning relationship and the follow through seems more like filler and not storyline development.
As I write this, book 2 hasn’t been released. I have hope the next book will be better.
Again, this is my opinion. Read it for yourself!
I’m an avid reader of Persephone Black. This review is just my opinion on this specific book.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this book. The characters are developed enough, but the timing of the story seems off. The story rushes through the MC’s beginning relationship and the follow through seems more like filler and not storyline development.
As I write this, book 2 hasn’t been released. I have hope the next book will be better.
Again, this is my opinion. Read it for yourself!
August 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
Out of all the trigger warnings - foot play should have been at the top, in bold🤢… as for the story, the usual ice queen x soft girl. I did expect this book to be darker? But Eva was actually tame the whole time? Wasn’t my favourite. But still one of my fav authors so I’ll always read and support.
Out of all the trigger warnings - foot play should have been at the top, in bold🤢… as for the story, the usual ice queen x soft girl. I did expect this book to be darker? But Eva was actually tame the whole time? Wasn’t my favourite. But still one of my fav authors so I’ll always read and support.
October 1, 2025
This was an interesting journey. Not my favorite trope but interesting take on the ice queen romance. Every single spicy scene was made directly for the male gaze however and the POV was first person but also not first person? Made me want to go back to English class lol. I will be reading the next one because I obvs have to.
March 16, 2026
Billionaire Mafia Princess and her (auctioned) Prize
This series was just OK.
Was there smut, yes.
Was there plot, yes.
Was is thoroughly enjoyable, meh. Not my cup of tea, wouldn't put it on a billboard in lights or anything.
Spice - 2/5
Story - 3/5
This series was just OK.
Was there smut, yes.
Was there plot, yes.
Was is thoroughly enjoyable, meh. Not my cup of tea, wouldn't put it on a billboard in lights or anything.
Spice - 2/5
Story - 3/5
February 10, 2026
this ended so abruptly i got a whiplash.
August 1, 2025
(3/25/2026) Updated to add Audiobook review:
On Release Day (3/24/2026):
[Me screaming silently in my head in anticipation of listening to it]
"I can't believe one of my favourite mafia romance stories (about one of my fav ice queens, mind!) written by one of my favourite authors is being immortalised by 2 of my favourite voice performers in audiobook land! I mean, Allie Shae AND Quinn Riley together?! Whaaaa?!!! Lucky me!! It's gonna be wicked fabulous! I just know it! I'm gonna be listening to it right now!"
The Day After My Listen (3/25/26):
I knew it! I just knew it!! Quinn Riley as Eva Novak and Allie Shae as Robin Rivers couldn't BE any more perfect! It's a bull's eye getting these two brilliant vocal artists to play these captivating characters that Persephone Black so deftly crafted in this duology (and all her other stories, tbh!).
Riley and Shae, imho, share the same forte in their craft. They both carry this consummate, unadulterated passion, commitment and conviction when they perform each story. They don't just perform, they embody - the characters they portray. Not to mention, both artists are total geniuses in transforming their voices into an immersive experience for the readers (at least for me!) with their multidimensional vocal artistry that reverberates in all 5 senses no matter who they play or what the story is about.
Black's visceral writing style lends to the emotional depth and authenticity of her characters and the journeys she has them embark on. To have them brought to life by Shae and Riley's visceral performances only elevates this already-riveting story to a whole new level! It's an absolute treat, tbh!
As soon as Riley and Shae spoke, they were instantly Eva and Robin to me. How Riley embodied Eva so thoroughly, carrying all the pent-up emotions she had to keep to herself, always having to be in control, which made her who she was - an ice-queen, through and through. But underneath all her hard and cold exterior, she was innately a deeply empathetic soul capable of endearing, unconditional love, not to mention, her fierceness in loving, caring and protecting the vulnerable and those she loved.
The roller-coaster of emotions ranging from fury to grief to joy to fear to profound sadness wrapped in an intense propensity to love was superbly portrayed by Riley who navigated her vocal artistry to reverberating effect. The vulnerability that Eva tried so hard to hide all her life yet kept trickling out bit by inevitable bit, no thanks to Robin who slowly but surely stole her heart, much to her utter chagrin. All of that emotional baggage which Black meticulously described in her writing literally came to life with Riley's deep-seated performance.
And Robin... Shae's portrayal.. Let's just say, I was all Eva when I read the book (I already loved her from Black's the previous duology that first introduced us to her charismatic, mysterious ice-queen persona!) because she was just simply mesmerising, a totally grey character with questionable intent yet beneath all that, reading in-between Blacks' fab narrative, she was more than met the eye. That was what drew me to her. I had to know more about her. Thank goodness Black decided to give Eva her own story!
Anyway, as I was saying, I was all Eva whilst reading the book. Robin was a very interesting character but my utter bias of Eva overshadowed her. And then along came Allie Shae. Suddenly Robin became something more when Shae became Robin. I could see Robin so well, then, shining brightly in total contrast to Eva's darkness that hid a shimmer of light screaming to come out when the right person came along!
Shae's absolute understanding of Robin's character, i.e. her naïveté yet astuteness when facing certain circumstances, her curiosity that got her into trouble, her fear yet courage with matters of the heart, and her stubbornness and perseverance in believing with all her heart and soul regardless of anything to the contrary - such richness in character that Black poured into Robin in writing was instantly memorialised by Shae's multilayered, evocative performance. Robin became alive in my mind. No longer was she in the shadow of Eva Novak. She became equally a force to be reckoned with in her own right. I utterly love and adore Robin now.
From this aural experience, I believed Robin and Eva were made for each other. Two sides of the same coin. What Eva had, Robin didn't. What Robin had, Eva didn't. So they complement each other perfectly. They're each other's mirror. Projecting and reflecting. Two halves of one soul. Allie Shae and Quinn Riley's flawless performances sealed that belief for me. That. Is. All.
Needless to say, I shall be listening to Eva and Robin's story again and again, thanks to Quinn Riley and Allie Shae's genius! Yes, you've guessed right. Book 1 (and 2, I'm sure!) has won its right to be one of my absolute favourite audiobooks! It's absolutely fabulous.
Persephone Black's book - I simply adore the love and passion she puts into her storytelling! It's a truly MUST-READ (heck, ALL of her books, thusfar, are must-reads!)!! And I'm so grateful she managed to get both of my favourite voice performers to play in one of my favourite books!
Obviously, the audiobook is a MUST-LISTEN. You'll love the story even more! It's like reading the book with sound!
Ohhhh....how I wish Book 2 were here already so I could listen to them back-to-back! The cliffhanger in Book 1 always makes me yearn and long for April 21st to arrive!
---------------------------------------------
Original Review (book only):
Ohhh... EVA "bloody" NOVAK.
The sly "villain" in The Colombo Family Duet.
The ultimate ICE QUEEN of the UNDERWORLD.
But can she be "thawed?"
Can her "plaything" give her a run for her own money?
When it comes to matters of the heart?
Persephone Black DELIVERS! Again! Yet another sapphic mafia GEM! Gosh, I simply ADORE Black's writing, her storytelling, plot weaving, and this "quantum entanglement" of her mafia stories from Hades and the Wolf of the Styx Syndicate, to the Bianchi and the Colombo Families, they all circle back to the Novak Empire aka The Consortium aka EVA NOVAK. She has curated this totally captivating, deliciously addictive "underbelly" universe that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst engrossed with the characters, their absorbing stories, and their ever-insatiable romance that ranges from age-gap to ice-queen to enemies-to-lovers tropes. All of which, I utterly love and adore!
Speaking of this latest installment of Black's dark, sapphic mafia prose, I devoured it. Oh yes, I did. In a mere couple of hours. It was absolutely brilliant, to say the least. I LOVE Eva even MORE now! Ohhhh....this precious ICE QUEEN! Protect her at all costs, please!! Thankyouthankyouthankyou, Persephone, for showing us the hidden/secret side of the "devil" herself.
To me, Eva is undoubtedly, the "diamond in the rough," in my book. What a bangin' backstory she's been given! I love me some ancient ancestral dynasties and empires because they provide such a rich history to understanding what makes the descendants who and what they are, whether they'd continue the legacy that their ancestors built, retaining the status quo, or strike out on their own, creating their own legacy, instead.
That's why my fave prose of Black's in all her stories, thusfar, has been the deconstruction of her ice-queen characters with the slow-stripping of their otherwise "evil", "villainous" masks to reveal their true, heroic....or more accurately, the ANTI-heroic nature of their nobility, courage and goodness in the world that is never what it seems, never black and white but always grey. Her narrative is always grounded in authenticity when it comes to understanding and relating to the emotional complexities and nuances of the human condition, the resilience of the human spirit when it comes to love, the deep-seated, life-changing, life-altering kind. All I can say is, bloody well done, Persephone Black.
Alas, I now have to wait FOUR (4) [excruciating] WEEKS for the conclusion of Eva Novak's plight that is "Her Wicked Promise"! *sigh* 29th Aug can't come soon enuf! A-n-d...even longer for the audiobooks to surface! Aargghhh!! Hoping for certain someone(s) I'd thoroughly enjoy listening to, tho. I know, beggars can't be choosers. Oh well, if not, I will always have Black's OG narrative of Eva and Robin whose voices I'd already created synaesthetically whilst reading it, ha! Needless to say, I CANNOT WAIT to find out how Black wraps up Eva's journey...with her Robin!! Meanwhile, I'm gonna re-read this story a couple more times!
Whilst "Her Cruel Empire" can be read as a standalone, but if you ask me, I think it'd actually serve to understand Eva Novak's story and her character better if you read/listen to The Colombo Family Duet ("Guarding her Gangster Girl" and "Guarding her Gangster Queen") first. Just to get the context, the history of who Eva Novak is, her larger role in Black's underworld. But again, you don't have to. Just sayin'.
"Her Cruel Empire" is most definitely A MUST-READ! HIGHLY recommended!
On Release Day (3/24/2026):
[Me screaming silently in my head in anticipation of listening to it]
"I can't believe one of my favourite mafia romance stories (about one of my fav ice queens, mind!) written by one of my favourite authors is being immortalised by 2 of my favourite voice performers in audiobook land! I mean, Allie Shae AND Quinn Riley together?! Whaaaa?!!! Lucky me!! It's gonna be wicked fabulous! I just know it! I'm gonna be listening to it right now!"
The Day After My Listen (3/25/26):
I knew it! I just knew it!! Quinn Riley as Eva Novak and Allie Shae as Robin Rivers couldn't BE any more perfect! It's a bull's eye getting these two brilliant vocal artists to play these captivating characters that Persephone Black so deftly crafted in this duology (and all her other stories, tbh!).
Riley and Shae, imho, share the same forte in their craft. They both carry this consummate, unadulterated passion, commitment and conviction when they perform each story. They don't just perform, they embody - the characters they portray. Not to mention, both artists are total geniuses in transforming their voices into an immersive experience for the readers (at least for me!) with their multidimensional vocal artistry that reverberates in all 5 senses no matter who they play or what the story is about.
Black's visceral writing style lends to the emotional depth and authenticity of her characters and the journeys she has them embark on. To have them brought to life by Shae and Riley's visceral performances only elevates this already-riveting story to a whole new level! It's an absolute treat, tbh!
As soon as Riley and Shae spoke, they were instantly Eva and Robin to me. How Riley embodied Eva so thoroughly, carrying all the pent-up emotions she had to keep to herself, always having to be in control, which made her who she was - an ice-queen, through and through. But underneath all her hard and cold exterior, she was innately a deeply empathetic soul capable of endearing, unconditional love, not to mention, her fierceness in loving, caring and protecting the vulnerable and those she loved.
The roller-coaster of emotions ranging from fury to grief to joy to fear to profound sadness wrapped in an intense propensity to love was superbly portrayed by Riley who navigated her vocal artistry to reverberating effect. The vulnerability that Eva tried so hard to hide all her life yet kept trickling out bit by inevitable bit, no thanks to Robin who slowly but surely stole her heart, much to her utter chagrin. All of that emotional baggage which Black meticulously described in her writing literally came to life with Riley's deep-seated performance.
And Robin... Shae's portrayal.. Let's just say, I was all Eva when I read the book (I already loved her from Black's the previous duology that first introduced us to her charismatic, mysterious ice-queen persona!) because she was just simply mesmerising, a totally grey character with questionable intent yet beneath all that, reading in-between Blacks' fab narrative, she was more than met the eye. That was what drew me to her. I had to know more about her. Thank goodness Black decided to give Eva her own story!
Anyway, as I was saying, I was all Eva whilst reading the book. Robin was a very interesting character but my utter bias of Eva overshadowed her. And then along came Allie Shae. Suddenly Robin became something more when Shae became Robin. I could see Robin so well, then, shining brightly in total contrast to Eva's darkness that hid a shimmer of light screaming to come out when the right person came along!
Shae's absolute understanding of Robin's character, i.e. her naïveté yet astuteness when facing certain circumstances, her curiosity that got her into trouble, her fear yet courage with matters of the heart, and her stubbornness and perseverance in believing with all her heart and soul regardless of anything to the contrary - such richness in character that Black poured into Robin in writing was instantly memorialised by Shae's multilayered, evocative performance. Robin became alive in my mind. No longer was she in the shadow of Eva Novak. She became equally a force to be reckoned with in her own right. I utterly love and adore Robin now.
From this aural experience, I believed Robin and Eva were made for each other. Two sides of the same coin. What Eva had, Robin didn't. What Robin had, Eva didn't. So they complement each other perfectly. They're each other's mirror. Projecting and reflecting. Two halves of one soul. Allie Shae and Quinn Riley's flawless performances sealed that belief for me. That. Is. All.
Needless to say, I shall be listening to Eva and Robin's story again and again, thanks to Quinn Riley and Allie Shae's genius! Yes, you've guessed right. Book 1 (and 2, I'm sure!) has won its right to be one of my absolute favourite audiobooks! It's absolutely fabulous.
Persephone Black's book - I simply adore the love and passion she puts into her storytelling! It's a truly MUST-READ (heck, ALL of her books, thusfar, are must-reads!)!! And I'm so grateful she managed to get both of my favourite voice performers to play in one of my favourite books!
Obviously, the audiobook is a MUST-LISTEN. You'll love the story even more! It's like reading the book with sound!
Ohhhh....how I wish Book 2 were here already so I could listen to them back-to-back! The cliffhanger in Book 1 always makes me yearn and long for April 21st to arrive!
---------------------------------------------
Original Review (book only):
Ohhh... EVA "bloody" NOVAK.
The sly "villain" in The Colombo Family Duet.
The ultimate ICE QUEEN of the UNDERWORLD.
But can she be "thawed?"
Can her "plaything" give her a run for her own money?
When it comes to matters of the heart?
Persephone Black DELIVERS! Again! Yet another sapphic mafia GEM! Gosh, I simply ADORE Black's writing, her storytelling, plot weaving, and this "quantum entanglement" of her mafia stories from Hades and the Wolf of the Styx Syndicate, to the Bianchi and the Colombo Families, they all circle back to the Novak Empire aka The Consortium aka EVA NOVAK. She has curated this totally captivating, deliciously addictive "underbelly" universe that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst engrossed with the characters, their absorbing stories, and their ever-insatiable romance that ranges from age-gap to ice-queen to enemies-to-lovers tropes. All of which, I utterly love and adore!
Speaking of this latest installment of Black's dark, sapphic mafia prose, I devoured it. Oh yes, I did. In a mere couple of hours. It was absolutely brilliant, to say the least. I LOVE Eva even MORE now! Ohhhh....this precious ICE QUEEN! Protect her at all costs, please!! Thankyouthankyouthankyou, Persephone, for showing us the hidden/secret side of the "devil" herself.
To me, Eva is undoubtedly, the "diamond in the rough," in my book. What a bangin' backstory she's been given! I love me some ancient ancestral dynasties and empires because they provide such a rich history to understanding what makes the descendants who and what they are, whether they'd continue the legacy that their ancestors built, retaining the status quo, or strike out on their own, creating their own legacy, instead.
That's why my fave prose of Black's in all her stories, thusfar, has been the deconstruction of her ice-queen characters with the slow-stripping of their otherwise "evil", "villainous" masks to reveal their true, heroic....or more accurately, the ANTI-heroic nature of their nobility, courage and goodness in the world that is never what it seems, never black and white but always grey. Her narrative is always grounded in authenticity when it comes to understanding and relating to the emotional complexities and nuances of the human condition, the resilience of the human spirit when it comes to love, the deep-seated, life-changing, life-altering kind. All I can say is, bloody well done, Persephone Black.
Alas, I now have to wait FOUR (4) [excruciating] WEEKS for the conclusion of Eva Novak's plight that is "Her Wicked Promise"! *sigh* 29th Aug can't come soon enuf! A-n-d...even longer for the audiobooks to surface! Aargghhh!! Hoping for certain someone(s) I'd thoroughly enjoy listening to, tho. I know, beggars can't be choosers. Oh well, if not, I will always have Black's OG narrative of Eva and Robin whose voices I'd already created synaesthetically whilst reading it, ha! Needless to say, I CANNOT WAIT to find out how Black wraps up Eva's journey...with her Robin!! Meanwhile, I'm gonna re-read this story a couple more times!
Whilst "Her Cruel Empire" can be read as a standalone, but if you ask me, I think it'd actually serve to understand Eva Novak's story and her character better if you read/listen to The Colombo Family Duet ("Guarding her Gangster Girl" and "Guarding her Gangster Queen") first. Just to get the context, the history of who Eva Novak is, her larger role in Black's underworld. But again, you don't have to. Just sayin'.
"Her Cruel Empire" is most definitely A MUST-READ! HIGHLY recommended!
November 26, 2025
Robin meets mobster Eva Novak at the Las Vegas dive bar Robin works at to support her family. Desperate to stave off bills and help her ill sister, Robin agrees to be a slave for a month for 100 thousand. Its instantly clear this is a bad idea.
Eva is there negotiating, and sees Robin in jeopardy. She orders her bodyguard to buy her, then they swiftly flee, even as she cuts negotiations with the gang involved.
She takes Robin back to her castle, and is charmed by the girl's innocence. She's not there to con her, seduce her or anything else, AND Eva discovers she's submissive as hell.
Robin is astonished at all of it, and is shocked by how turned on Eva makes her. But she's worried about her family, and the weird rules Eva insists on.
Robin learns her secret, and comforts Eva. They go to Paris together and for the first time in years Eva plays hooky. Then a assassination attempt hits, and a personal tragedy. Eva abruptly breaks things off and sends Robin home.
Solid 3.5 stars. Good plot, good characters, erotica but not crass.
You don't have to have read her other books, but this shared continuity with them.
Eva is there negotiating, and sees Robin in jeopardy. She orders her bodyguard to buy her, then they swiftly flee, even as she cuts negotiations with the gang involved.
She takes Robin back to her castle, and is charmed by the girl's innocence. She's not there to con her, seduce her or anything else, AND Eva discovers she's submissive as hell.
Robin is astonished at all of it, and is shocked by how turned on Eva makes her. But she's worried about her family, and the weird rules Eva insists on.
Robin learns her secret, and comforts Eva. They go to Paris together and for the first time in years Eva plays hooky. Then a assassination attempt hits, and a personal tragedy. Eva abruptly breaks things off and sends Robin home.
Solid 3.5 stars. Good plot, good characters, erotica but not crass.
You don't have to have read her other books, but this shared continuity with them.
August 3, 2025
I ate this one up in about a day. Out of all of Black’s books, this one (in my opinion) is the one that pushes boundaries and expectations the most. You know going into it that the characters are flawed, but their flaws aren’t sugarcoated for the sake of a romance. Obviously there are some changes they go through that make them more likable, but it remains the rough story you hope to get upon reading the initial description. Eva is twisted and it shows in her thoughts, words, and actions. Robin is overly trusting and naive. Yet they both have redeemable qualities that keep the story interesting. It all comes together perfectly. I am so excited for the next book!
Side note: Since another review mentioned it, there is ONE (1) sex scene involving feet and you know what? It was HOT. lol. It perfectly showed Eva’s control over Robin and set the stage for how the rest of their time together would go. All of the sex scenes display the power dynamic between Eva and Robin, especially the one in question. Definitely some of the best spicy scenes I’ve read. Again, this book really went beyond what I was expecting and I found I loved every second of it.
Side note: Since another review mentioned it, there is ONE (1) sex scene involving feet and you know what? It was HOT. lol. It perfectly showed Eva’s control over Robin and set the stage for how the rest of their time together would go. All of the sex scenes display the power dynamic between Eva and Robin, especially the one in question. Definitely some of the best spicy scenes I’ve read. Again, this book really went beyond what I was expecting and I found I loved every second of it.
August 9, 2025
Another Intriguing Mafia Romance!
The chemistry between Eva & Robin was definitely felt through the story. Of course when Robin admits to having second thoughts about the sleaze Gatto honcho offer, you know where our minds went but yes naive Robin gives in as she needs to help keep her family. But as we suspected, the sleeve puts her up for auction with some really bad dudes but when sleazy man is trying to impress Eva after a meeting and asks her to pick out one which she declines. But when she notices Robin up there she walks away and then a man bids 1 million dollars for Robin but it’s Leon, Eva’s bodyguard. The story takes a couple of twists and turns and suddenly Eva who was showing signs of sentiment with Robin, turns cold as ice and returns her home. But things are not good in either household. Next book up!
The chemistry between Eva & Robin was definitely felt through the story. Of course when Robin admits to having second thoughts about the sleaze Gatto honcho offer, you know where our minds went but yes naive Robin gives in as she needs to help keep her family. But as we suspected, the sleeve puts her up for auction with some really bad dudes but when sleazy man is trying to impress Eva after a meeting and asks her to pick out one which she declines. But when she notices Robin up there she walks away and then a man bids 1 million dollars for Robin but it’s Leon, Eva’s bodyguard. The story takes a couple of twists and turns and suddenly Eva who was showing signs of sentiment with Robin, turns cold as ice and returns her home. But things are not good in either household. Next book up!
August 21, 2025
DEVOURED this book! Perspehone Black is the queen of dark mafia romance books and she once again confirms it with this book. I’m already counting down the days until the 2nd book is released.
The chemistry between Eva & Robin feels right. Even though it’s a fast passed book, it doesn’t feel rushed. They meet and are intrigued with each other which quickly evolves in an undeniable chemistry. The spice is 🔥 Do I wan’t to be auctioned off and “saved” by a hot mafia billionaire? Eeuhm, yes please!
Robin’s character is mature which I liked a lot considering how this book ends. Although Eva’s reaction was a bit predictable, it fits her character and keeps me intrigued into finding out how, it’ll evolve in the next installments.
Did find some minor grammatical errors but nothing that took me out of the story tho.
The chemistry between Eva & Robin feels right. Even though it’s a fast passed book, it doesn’t feel rushed. They meet and are intrigued with each other which quickly evolves in an undeniable chemistry. The spice is 🔥 Do I wan’t to be auctioned off and “saved” by a hot mafia billionaire? Eeuhm, yes please!
Robin’s character is mature which I liked a lot considering how this book ends. Although Eva’s reaction was a bit predictable, it fits her character and keeps me intrigued into finding out how, it’ll evolve in the next installments.
Did find some minor grammatical errors but nothing that took me out of the story tho.
October 2, 2025
Wow, just WOW! I absolutely loved this book! 🏳️🌈
While the lesbian romance storyline follows a familiar pattern I've encountered before, the author's masterful storytelling and structure completely drew me into this world. She crafts two compelling characters: a naive girl who believes in hope and would do anything for her family's happiness, and the daughter of a mafia boss who buys out her lovers' companies but guards her heart, giving it only to family.
The way Persephone Black weaves their story together is captivating; I found myself completely invested in their journey. I'm already downloading the second book because I NEED to know what happens next!
Have you read this series? What did you think of the character dynamics? I'd love to hear your thoughts on sapphic mafia romance, drop a comment below! 📚💕
While the lesbian romance storyline follows a familiar pattern I've encountered before, the author's masterful storytelling and structure completely drew me into this world. She crafts two compelling characters: a naive girl who believes in hope and would do anything for her family's happiness, and the daughter of a mafia boss who buys out her lovers' companies but guards her heart, giving it only to family.
The way Persephone Black weaves their story together is captivating; I found myself completely invested in their journey. I'm already downloading the second book because I NEED to know what happens next!
Have you read this series? What did you think of the character dynamics? I'd love to hear your thoughts on sapphic mafia romance, drop a comment below! 📚💕
March 26, 2026
This book flows well with the mafia series. Has spice and a cliffhanger. Eva is the iciest of the mafia ice queens and there isn’t much about her to like. Robin on the other hand is innocent and sweet.
Possible Spoilers-
It’s not my favorite book from this author. I felt that Eva, though she said she was against human trafficking still bought Robin and “got what she paid for.” Robin was sweet and innocent claiming to not know what she really signed up for. The biggest reason this isn’t my favorite, is because there is no consent. She gets her home and demands sex. Eva claimed to have saved Robin from horrible men at an auction just to turn around and treat her no differently than the men would have. This book didn’t make me feel a connection between the MCs but maybe that’s what book two will bring.
Possible Spoilers-
It’s not my favorite book from this author. I felt that Eva, though she said she was against human trafficking still bought Robin and “got what she paid for.” Robin was sweet and innocent claiming to not know what she really signed up for. The biggest reason this isn’t my favorite, is because there is no consent. She gets her home and demands sex. Eva claimed to have saved Robin from horrible men at an auction just to turn around and treat her no differently than the men would have. This book didn’t make me feel a connection between the MCs but maybe that’s what book two will bring.
August 13, 2026
Okay okay, that was a funnn read. If you like spice with power dynamics, dark romance with a mafia bazillionaire narrative, you’ll probably eat this up.
Phewww. The SPICE in this read is next level…in such a delicious, simmering and explosive kind of way. It doesn’t pull any punches and when I say I held my breath many times…😮💨 I am not overstating. There is tension that runs as a steady undercurrent. Whether it’s spice, questionable behaviors, criminal activity or just pure dark romance vibes, it’s steady from the moment you step into the castle. And yes, there is a castle. If you’re like me and love a dreamy dark academia vibe dripping with opulence, this might satisfy that craving. This leads with heat. Something that is almost romance begins to bubble much later in the book.
Already onto the second book because I must see where their dynamic goes next.
Phewww. The SPICE in this read is next level…in such a delicious, simmering and explosive kind of way. It doesn’t pull any punches and when I say I held my breath many times…😮💨 I am not overstating. There is tension that runs as a steady undercurrent. Whether it’s spice, questionable behaviors, criminal activity or just pure dark romance vibes, it’s steady from the moment you step into the castle. And yes, there is a castle. If you’re like me and love a dreamy dark academia vibe dripping with opulence, this might satisfy that craving. This leads with heat. Something that is almost romance begins to bubble much later in the book.
Already onto the second book because I must see where their dynamic goes next.
September 12, 2025
Kind of mystery and dark contemporary romance, but with a whole lot of smut. Usually when I read romances, I prefer them limited with the actual sexual depictions, but in this case the sexual aspects are reflective of their moods and are a window into the realities of the relationship between Eva and Robin.
I really didn't see a lot of actual mafia-type action, it was more the mystique of the character of Eva, as the Big Bad Devil, in this one.
It differs from others written by Persephone Black in that it was mostly focused on the relationship and not so much on the dynamics of the dark, bleakness mafia underworld. I nice detraction from others.
I really didn't see a lot of actual mafia-type action, it was more the mystique of the character of Eva, as the Big Bad Devil, in this one.
It differs from others written by Persephone Black in that it was mostly focused on the relationship and not so much on the dynamics of the dark, bleakness mafia underworld. I nice detraction from others.
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