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Mateo
Love is a drug.
Lust is a trap.
And someone isn’t making it out alive.
She’s playing a deadly game with the devil.
He’s caught between love and duty.
And the man hunting them both has nothing left to lose.
Mariana
I left him to protect him.
But I never stopped loving Mateo—not even while hiding kilos of stolen drugs in a picture frame and selling them to the most dangerous cartel in Mexico City. I thought I was smart. Careful. Untouchable.
Until someone bought the picture.
And that someone… was him.
Now I’m back in his orbit, extracting drugs from the wall of the man I still crave. But secrets have a price, and mine could get us both killed.
Mateo
She shattered me.
Now she’s standing in front of me again, and everything inside me burns. But something’s wrong. Her eyes lie. Her touch hides something deeper.
And then I find out the
She’s working for the very cartel I’ve been sent to destroy.
Because I’m not just a violinist anymore.
I’m CIA.
And the woman I love might be the enemy.
Dante
She stole what was mine.
The shipment. The power. My future.
I took Puerto Vallarta in blood, and I’ll take her down next if I have to.
Because love?
Love is a weakness I’ll never let ruin me.
And she’s about to find out why.
Mateo is a pulse-pounding installment in the Dark Veil Series and the gripping conclusion to the Mariana Duology. If you crave dark temptations, explosive twists, and sizzling suspense, you’ll fall hard for A. Unda-Tames’s intoxicating blend of lust, lies, and danger.
Start with Mariana and step into a world where no one is safe… and nothing is off-limits.
please This is a dark romance with religious scenes that may be triggering
Lust is a trap.
And someone isn’t making it out alive.
She’s playing a deadly game with the devil.
He’s caught between love and duty.
And the man hunting them both has nothing left to lose.
Mariana
I left him to protect him.
But I never stopped loving Mateo—not even while hiding kilos of stolen drugs in a picture frame and selling them to the most dangerous cartel in Mexico City. I thought I was smart. Careful. Untouchable.
Until someone bought the picture.
And that someone… was him.
Now I’m back in his orbit, extracting drugs from the wall of the man I still crave. But secrets have a price, and mine could get us both killed.
Mateo
She shattered me.
Now she’s standing in front of me again, and everything inside me burns. But something’s wrong. Her eyes lie. Her touch hides something deeper.
And then I find out the
She’s working for the very cartel I’ve been sent to destroy.
Because I’m not just a violinist anymore.
I’m CIA.
And the woman I love might be the enemy.
Dante
She stole what was mine.
The shipment. The power. My future.
I took Puerto Vallarta in blood, and I’ll take her down next if I have to.
Because love?
Love is a weakness I’ll never let ruin me.
And she’s about to find out why.
Mateo is a pulse-pounding installment in the Dark Veil Series and the gripping conclusion to the Mariana Duology. If you crave dark temptations, explosive twists, and sizzling suspense, you’ll fall hard for A. Unda-Tames’s intoxicating blend of lust, lies, and danger.
Start with Mariana and step into a world where no one is safe… and nothing is off-limits.
please This is a dark romance with religious scenes that may be triggering
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
8 people are currently reading
1626 people want to read
About the author
A. Unda-Tames
6 books173 followersA. Unda-Tames is a romance author who writes across dark romance, psychological thrillers, contemporary romance. Her stories blend emotional depth, dangerous chemistry, and high-stakes tension—following heroines who fight for their power and heroes who blur the line between devotion and danger.
Her dark romance novels are known for their obsession, psychological twists, and addictive villains.
A former theatre actor, director, producer, and playwright, she brings dramatic intensity and cinematic storytelling to every page. She is also the author of the middle-grade adventure series Risho & Kaia, inspired by her son’s journey on the autism spectrum. The Seed of Imagination was selected as a PepsiCo EnAble × Adelante Book Club Pick.
When she’s not writing, A. enjoys reading, watching movies, dancing, and spending time with her husband and their two children.
🖤 She is the creator of Dark Bloom Society, a storytelling brand and upcoming podcast exploring the stories we crave, the power we hide, and the desire that shapes us.
middle grade fantasy to promote autism awareness under Aggie Unda.
Her dark romance novels are known for their obsession, psychological twists, and addictive villains.
A former theatre actor, director, producer, and playwright, she brings dramatic intensity and cinematic storytelling to every page. She is also the author of the middle-grade adventure series Risho & Kaia, inspired by her son’s journey on the autism spectrum. The Seed of Imagination was selected as a PepsiCo EnAble × Adelante Book Club Pick.
When she’s not writing, A. enjoys reading, watching movies, dancing, and spending time with her husband and their two children.
🖤 She is the creator of Dark Bloom Society, a storytelling brand and upcoming podcast exploring the stories we crave, the power we hide, and the desire that shapes us.
middle grade fantasy to promote autism awareness under Aggie Unda.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 23, 2025
First I just want to thank A. Unda-Tames for allowing me to read this ARC.
Now for my review bc I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is a dark mofia romance with all the twists and turns. It has plenty of spice with plot. It is dual pov which I love. Plus of course you have pain with pleasure, love with lust and so much more in between. This story is very well written and like I said earlier I could not put it down. It is easy to follow along with the characters without getting lost or wondering what happened why are we here and how did we get here questions.(I’ve had those before from past books) So if you enjoy a good dark mofia romance give this a try after it’s released.
Now for my review bc I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is a dark mofia romance with all the twists and turns. It has plenty of spice with plot. It is dual pov which I love. Plus of course you have pain with pleasure, love with lust and so much more in between. This story is very well written and like I said earlier I could not put it down. It is easy to follow along with the characters without getting lost or wondering what happened why are we here and how did we get here questions.(I’ve had those before from past books) So if you enjoy a good dark mofia romance give this a try after it’s released.
July 27, 2025
This is, as the series title suggests, a dark story. I lost count of the number of times I told a character, "Don't go there, it won't go well." But characters never listen to readers. For all Mateo is the title character, Miranda is the main character. This is her story of purifying herself of alcohol and of a man who did not really love her. Mateo is also a significant character, and a complex one, but Miranda is the one whose transformation we hope for.
This is a complex story and very dark with drug trafficking and a hint of human trafficking as well. There are depraved characters and times when one wonders if any of the characters can be trusted. And, because it is part of a series, the ending seems to be a beginning of a trip down another rabbit hole.
I think I could not binge read the series. There is too much dark and depressing action in this story and I suspect the next one will be equally dark. I need a little recovery time. A good read, but a very intense one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a complex story and very dark with drug trafficking and a hint of human trafficking as well. There are depraved characters and times when one wonders if any of the characters can be trusted. And, because it is part of a series, the ending seems to be a beginning of a trip down another rabbit hole.
I think I could not binge read the series. There is too much dark and depressing action in this story and I suspect the next one will be equally dark. I need a little recovery time. A good read, but a very intense one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2024
Mariana 2 is the second book in the series by A. Unda-Tames.
❤️ Blurb -
She’s shielding the man who awakened her deepest desires. He’s keeping his own deadly secrets. Will the flames of their passion ignite a cartel war?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Mariana would do anything to protect those she loves. But the sensual Latina’s attempt to break up with her dangerous history is thwarted when the mafia starts stalking her to recover the drugs she stole from their clutches. With threats and violence swirling around her, the last thing she needs is to learn her only leverage has been sold into the hands of the man whose heart she broke.
Fighting to stay sober, Mariana hides her true goals while trying to keep the tender musical prodigy at arm's length. But even their shared sinful delights can’t help her forget she’s caught in a web between the CIA and the greatest narco of all time.
Can they find bliss together before they’re cut to pieces by lies?
Mariana is a suspense-filled book in the Latin Lovers romance series and the second half of the Mariana duology. If you like dark temptations, steamy twists, and action-packed scenes, then you’ll adore A. Unda-Tames’s spicy cloak-and-dagger tale.
💖 Review -
I loved this book. Mariana 2 is so beautifully written and so full of content that I couldn't put it down. I loved following Mariana's journey throughout the book and wanted her to have her happy ending. It had everything that I could want in a dark romance novel and more. A good story, morally grey characters, spice, suspense, romance twists and turns and action packed. I can't recommend this book enough and I look forward to reading more by the author.
❤️ Mariana 2 is released on 27th September.
💜 Thank you to the author, A. Unda-Tames for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
❤️ Blurb -
She’s shielding the man who awakened her deepest desires. He’s keeping his own deadly secrets. Will the flames of their passion ignite a cartel war?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Mariana would do anything to protect those she loves. But the sensual Latina’s attempt to break up with her dangerous history is thwarted when the mafia starts stalking her to recover the drugs she stole from their clutches. With threats and violence swirling around her, the last thing she needs is to learn her only leverage has been sold into the hands of the man whose heart she broke.
Fighting to stay sober, Mariana hides her true goals while trying to keep the tender musical prodigy at arm's length. But even their shared sinful delights can’t help her forget she’s caught in a web between the CIA and the greatest narco of all time.
Can they find bliss together before they’re cut to pieces by lies?
Mariana is a suspense-filled book in the Latin Lovers romance series and the second half of the Mariana duology. If you like dark temptations, steamy twists, and action-packed scenes, then you’ll adore A. Unda-Tames’s spicy cloak-and-dagger tale.
💖 Review -
I loved this book. Mariana 2 is so beautifully written and so full of content that I couldn't put it down. I loved following Mariana's journey throughout the book and wanted her to have her happy ending. It had everything that I could want in a dark romance novel and more. A good story, morally grey characters, spice, suspense, romance twists and turns and action packed. I can't recommend this book enough and I look forward to reading more by the author.
❤️ Mariana 2 is released on 27th September.
💜 Thank you to the author, A. Unda-Tames for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2024
Okay, so I read MARIANA (first book) and kept wondering what happened with the characters next.. and MARIANA 2 delivered an exciting “next.”
This book was definitely how the author described it: mafia romance! There was love and lust; there was pleasure and pain; there was art and culture; and the perfect amount of spicy erotic scenes that will make you blush and make sure the person on the plane seated next to you can’t read along.
I will say that the first few chapters felt a little predictable (which wasn’t bad, but I personally had a lot of “I knew that was coming” moments), but once I was about a third in things starting to happened unexpectedly and that’s when I felt pulled by the story and couldn’t put it down.
If you are new to mafia romances, this story will not disappoint. The author does an incredible job making the characters seems so real and lively — some you grow to feel disgust for and others you can’t help but pray that they will win in the end.
The MARIANA series is unforgettable. Definitely recommend this novel and now I’m wondering if there will be a Mariana 3. This is telling — the ending was good, so good and you want more, more!
(I read this book as an ARC reader; I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
This book was definitely how the author described it: mafia romance! There was love and lust; there was pleasure and pain; there was art and culture; and the perfect amount of spicy erotic scenes that will make you blush and make sure the person on the plane seated next to you can’t read along.
I will say that the first few chapters felt a little predictable (which wasn’t bad, but I personally had a lot of “I knew that was coming” moments), but once I was about a third in things starting to happened unexpectedly and that’s when I felt pulled by the story and couldn’t put it down.
If you are new to mafia romances, this story will not disappoint. The author does an incredible job making the characters seems so real and lively — some you grow to feel disgust for and others you can’t help but pray that they will win in the end.
The MARIANA series is unforgettable. Definitely recommend this novel and now I’m wondering if there will be a Mariana 3. This is telling — the ending was good, so good and you want more, more!
(I read this book as an ARC reader; I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
September 25, 2024
This sequel picks up right where the first book left off, delivering everything I craved after that jaw-dropping cliffhanger! It's not just spicy—it dives into Mateo's life beyond the Day of the Dead trials, unraveling layers of intrigue and emotion. Expect surprises and rich character development. Each character evolves in ways that will leave you wanting more. This book was a thrilling ride!
February 28, 2025
Mariana 2 starts where book 1 left off and answering questions I had after finishing book 1! This book has great character development and leaves you wanting more it’s beautiful written and an enjoyable story
January 20, 2025
A very sexy and thrilling book that will keep you on edge throughout! Drugs, gangs and troubled pasts make for an enticing read that I'd recommend to anyone who loves powerful and intense romances with similarities with the Mafia.
July 23, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Wow… I need a minute after finishing Mateo. This book was a wild, heart pounding ride from start to finish, and I loved every gritty, dangerous, tension filled moment of it.
First of all, if you’ve read Mariana, you already know what kind of storm you’re walking into but nothing quite prepares you for the emotional whiplash and raw intensity of this sequel. Mariana and Mateo’s story is dark, layered, and deeply passionate. The chemistry between them is still scorching, but now it’s wrapped in even more danger, betrayal, and emotional complexity. And yes, it hurts in all the best ways.
Mariana’s character continues to be a highlight for me. She’s complicated, bold, and constantly toeing the line between survival and destruction. Her choices aren't always safe or clean, but they make sense in the brutal world she lives in. And Mateo… oh Mateo. I didn’t think I could love him more after book one, but seeing his transformation, his inner conflict between love, duty, and pain was honestly heartbreaking and beautiful.
And let’s not forget Dante. He’s the perfect mix of rage and vengeance, and his presence adds so much weight and tension to every chapter. You feel the danger in this book. No one is safe, and the stakes feel real.
There are religious themes and darker elements mix into the story that may be triggering for some readers, so definitely check the content warnings before reading. But if you're like me and enjoy your romance dark, emotionally messy, and packed with twists and moral grayness, Mateo is the book for you.
This was a powerful, satisfying conclusion to the Mariana Duology and easily one of my favorite dark romances this year. I’m still recovering… but in the best way possible. 🔥
4.5 Stars!
#Mateo, #DarkVeilSeries,#AUndaTames, #DarkRomance, #Mariana
Wow… I need a minute after finishing Mateo. This book was a wild, heart pounding ride from start to finish, and I loved every gritty, dangerous, tension filled moment of it.
First of all, if you’ve read Mariana, you already know what kind of storm you’re walking into but nothing quite prepares you for the emotional whiplash and raw intensity of this sequel. Mariana and Mateo’s story is dark, layered, and deeply passionate. The chemistry between them is still scorching, but now it’s wrapped in even more danger, betrayal, and emotional complexity. And yes, it hurts in all the best ways.
Mariana’s character continues to be a highlight for me. She’s complicated, bold, and constantly toeing the line between survival and destruction. Her choices aren't always safe or clean, but they make sense in the brutal world she lives in. And Mateo… oh Mateo. I didn’t think I could love him more after book one, but seeing his transformation, his inner conflict between love, duty, and pain was honestly heartbreaking and beautiful.
And let’s not forget Dante. He’s the perfect mix of rage and vengeance, and his presence adds so much weight and tension to every chapter. You feel the danger in this book. No one is safe, and the stakes feel real.
There are religious themes and darker elements mix into the story that may be triggering for some readers, so definitely check the content warnings before reading. But if you're like me and enjoy your romance dark, emotionally messy, and packed with twists and moral grayness, Mateo is the book for you.
This was a powerful, satisfying conclusion to the Mariana Duology and easily one of my favorite dark romances this year. I’m still recovering… but in the best way possible. 🔥
4.5 Stars!
#Mateo, #DarkVeilSeries,#AUndaTames, #DarkRomance, #Mariana
July 20, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 2.5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 31 July 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• mafia romance
• enemies to lovers
• spy romance
• second chance
• suspense
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Okay so I was honestly super excited for this one just after reading the summary it sounded intense and full of drama, exactly the kind of story I love.
But sadly, it didn’t work for me the way I hoped. Some chapters felt really confusing like in one chapter the hero is in Mexico and in the next, he’s somewhere else without any smooth transition. It messed with the flow for me.
The chapters were also super short, like before the emotions or tension could even build up, the scene was already over.
That said, I did enjoy a few parts. The action scenes were written well and actually kept me hooked. And the author’s writing style in certain emotional moments had potential I could feel what she was trying to convey.
I wish the story had more depth and smoother pacing because it had all the right ingredients for a dark, passionate ride.
Not exactly for me, but maybe others might enjoy it more if they like fast, action-packed storytelling with a touch of chaos.
Thank you so much book sirens for the free ARC!!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 31 July 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• mafia romance
• enemies to lovers
• spy romance
• second chance
• suspense
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Okay so I was honestly super excited for this one just after reading the summary it sounded intense and full of drama, exactly the kind of story I love.
But sadly, it didn’t work for me the way I hoped. Some chapters felt really confusing like in one chapter the hero is in Mexico and in the next, he’s somewhere else without any smooth transition. It messed with the flow for me.
The chapters were also super short, like before the emotions or tension could even build up, the scene was already over.
That said, I did enjoy a few parts. The action scenes were written well and actually kept me hooked. And the author’s writing style in certain emotional moments had potential I could feel what she was trying to convey.
I wish the story had more depth and smoother pacing because it had all the right ingredients for a dark, passionate ride.
Not exactly for me, but maybe others might enjoy it more if they like fast, action-packed storytelling with a touch of chaos.
Thank you so much book sirens for the free ARC!!
August 4, 2025
Mateo is book two in the Dark Veil series and it had me in a chokehold from the first chapter. Mariana and Mateo? Pure fire. 🔥 Their chemistry was explosive, their connection intense, and every stolen moment between them crackled with tension. This isn’t just a love story… it’s danger, betrayal, cartel chaos, and forbidden passion all rolled into one.
And let’s be very clear: Mateo is endgame. Mateo sees Mariana for exactly who she is fierce, loyal, and untouchable and he’ll burn the world down to protect her. The way he moves in silence but strikes with precision? Whew.
This book had everything: dirty secrets, steamy scenes, action-packed twists, and a romance that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go. Dark mafia romance done right and I am obsessed.
Thank you @aggieundatames for letting me arc read! Every book I’ve read has been fantastic! 📖❤️
And let’s be very clear: Mateo is endgame. Mateo sees Mariana for exactly who she is fierce, loyal, and untouchable and he’ll burn the world down to protect her. The way he moves in silence but strikes with precision? Whew.
This book had everything: dirty secrets, steamy scenes, action-packed twists, and a romance that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go. Dark mafia romance done right and I am obsessed.
Thank you @aggieundatames for letting me arc read! Every book I’ve read has been fantastic! 📖❤️
July 31, 2025
I enjoyed reading this dark romance mafia story. This is a newer author for me in which I enjoyed their attention to details that made the characters world come to life. I also enjoyed this author's createness of the characters that made the stron, connectable and steamy. This is a well written story that is full of steamy characters, nonstop suspense and temptations like no other. I enjoyed the chemistry and attraction with the characters. What they add to the story made it easy and entertaining to read. There is great growth of the plot throughout. This is a series you don't want to miss. This is a great book and I highly recommend it.
December 6, 2025
I definitely missed the lavish, mysterious, almost otherworldly setting with the undercurrent of danger from the Día de Muertos party in the first book, but I enjoyed the direction of the story. In the first book I hated Mariana’s character, she was a selfish brat. I liked her character so much more in this book because of her character development and trying to right her past mistakes. I enjoyed the multiple POVs throughout the book. The book did seem to lack a nice flow sometimes. It would jump from one thing to the next with no warning. Some transition words would’ve greatly helped in my opinion.
For a dark mafia romance, I expected more spice. This book was mildly spicy but typically would fade to black after they reached third base (except in the case of Dante with Mariana’s friend, which felt like a weird choice). With all of the focus on lust, desire, and sensuality in the book, the spice was lacking in my opinion.
I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway.
For a dark mafia romance, I expected more spice. This book was mildly spicy but typically would fade to black after they reached third base (except in the case of Dante with Mariana’s friend, which felt like a weird choice). With all of the focus on lust, desire, and sensuality in the book, the spice was lacking in my opinion.
I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway.
July 27, 2025
This breathtaking story had me glued to its pages and sitting on the edge of my seat all the way through it. It is a well written story with complex characters that drew me in and had me connected to the characters as I went along the twists and turns that this story takes.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
July 31, 2025
She left him to save him as she found some drugs and began to sell them. Now he is back on the radar when he buys the picture she had been hiding the drugs in. He is different as well as he works for the CIA. see just where it will all lead
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was quickly pulled in
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was quickly pulled in
August 8, 2025
Ms. Unda-Tames knows the dark! WOW!
Trigger warnings galore! Check them before reading!
Then dark romance readers…bask in the darkness!
Mariana and Mateo's story had me reeling!
There's danger, suspense, Steam!
Now, I need to forget this and read book one!
For those who haven't started, I highly recommend reading in order!
DARK! DARING! DIVINE!
Trigger warnings galore! Check them before reading!
Then dark romance readers…bask in the darkness!
Mariana and Mateo's story had me reeling!
There's danger, suspense, Steam!
Now, I need to forget this and read book one!
For those who haven't started, I highly recommend reading in order!
DARK! DARING! DIVINE!
August 12, 2025
I love reading my mafia stories , and Mariana 1 & 2 had a chokehold on me from the start, so naturally, I devoured this book once got my hands on Mateo. I loved how this book was a spicy read but also loved how this book dove deep into Mateo’s life beyond the Day of the Dead trials. I was so excited when I heard this was coming out! The tension and suspense in this absolutely did not disappoint.
October 1, 2024
Picks up where book 1 leaves us with that jaw dropping cliffhanger!!!!
You get a glimpse into Mateo’s life. Twists and turns! And don’t forget the spice! I’m truly hoping for a book 3!
✔️ suspense
✔️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
✔️action packed
* You must read book 1 Mariana first*
July 31, 2025
Mateo is the second book in the Dark Veil series. It starts where book one left off (which you have to read first). It’s an exciting, action packed, dark romance full of danger, suspense, spice and lies. A must read duet.
August 2, 2025
A romantic mafia story, spicy, full of suspense, with unexpected twists and turns and action-packed. A very well-written story with intense and wonderful characters that convey incredible liveliness. I recommend this duology and look forward to reading more from the author.
August 3, 2025
Very good I was glued to the book. Loved it. I was given an arc and I choose to give a honest review.
August 16, 2025
The storyline held my attention from the first page to the last
July 31, 2025
💜 Blurb -
Love is a drug.
Lust is a trap.
And someone isn’t making it out alive.
She’s playing a deadly game with the devil.
He’s caught between love and duty.
And the man hunting them both has nothing left to lose.
Mariana
I left him to protect him.
But I never stopped loving Mateo—not even while hiding kilos of stolen drugs in a picture frame and selling them to the most dangerous cartel in Mexico City. I thought I was smart. Careful. Untouchable.
Until someone bought the picture.
And that someone… was him.
Now I’m back in his orbit, extracting drugs from the wall of the man I still crave. But secrets have a price, and mine could get us both killed.
Mateo
She shattered me.
Now she’s standing in front of me again, and everything inside me burns. But something’s wrong. Her eyes lie. Her touch hides something deeper.
And then I find out the
She’s working for the very cartel I’ve been sent to destroy.
Because I’m not just a violinist anymore.
I’m CIA.
And the woman I love might be the enemy.
Dante
She stole what was mine.
The shipment. The power. My future.
I took Puerto Vallarta in blood, and I’ll take her down next if I have to.
Because love?
Love is a weakness I’ll never let ruin me.
And she’s about to find out why.
Mateo is a pulse-pounding installment in the Dark Veil Series and the gripping conclusion to the Mariana Duology. If you crave dark temptations, explosive twists, and sizzling suspense, you’ll fall hard for A. Unda-Tames’s intoxicating blend of lust, lies, and danger.
Start with Mariana and step into a world where no one is safe… and nothing is off-limits.
❤️ Review -
Dark romance novel fans will love this. The author's writing is beautiful and any sensitive subjects are handled with care. The story was easy to follow, had good pacing, a great cast of characters and plenty of spice. I can't recommend it enough. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author for my arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Love is a drug.
Lust is a trap.
And someone isn’t making it out alive.
She’s playing a deadly game with the devil.
He’s caught between love and duty.
And the man hunting them both has nothing left to lose.
Mariana
I left him to protect him.
But I never stopped loving Mateo—not even while hiding kilos of stolen drugs in a picture frame and selling them to the most dangerous cartel in Mexico City. I thought I was smart. Careful. Untouchable.
Until someone bought the picture.
And that someone… was him.
Now I’m back in his orbit, extracting drugs from the wall of the man I still crave. But secrets have a price, and mine could get us both killed.
Mateo
She shattered me.
Now she’s standing in front of me again, and everything inside me burns. But something’s wrong. Her eyes lie. Her touch hides something deeper.
And then I find out the
She’s working for the very cartel I’ve been sent to destroy.
Because I’m not just a violinist anymore.
I’m CIA.
And the woman I love might be the enemy.
Dante
She stole what was mine.
The shipment. The power. My future.
I took Puerto Vallarta in blood, and I’ll take her down next if I have to.
Because love?
Love is a weakness I’ll never let ruin me.
And she’s about to find out why.
Mateo is a pulse-pounding installment in the Dark Veil Series and the gripping conclusion to the Mariana Duology. If you crave dark temptations, explosive twists, and sizzling suspense, you’ll fall hard for A. Unda-Tames’s intoxicating blend of lust, lies, and danger.
Start with Mariana and step into a world where no one is safe… and nothing is off-limits.
❤️ Review -
Dark romance novel fans will love this. The author's writing is beautiful and any sensitive subjects are handled with care. The story was easy to follow, had good pacing, a great cast of characters and plenty of spice. I can't recommend it enough. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author for my arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2026
This is a Mafia Romance, and this is the second book in the Dark Veil series. I have not read the first book in the series before picking up this book. I loved getting to know Mariana, Mateo, and Dante. The beginning of the book was hard for me to get into, but I think it was because I did not read the first book in this series. I love this book as it got going. Normally, I hate when characters do not just talk to each other, but I understand why they were not in this book. I also think that it made the book better because they did not. The ending was so good and crazy. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
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