Devil's Iris

Nightshades #4

by Roselyn Ash, Sasha Leone

He’s the most ruthless lawyer in New York.
And he’s offering to save my family…
If I pretend to be his wife.

Brilliant. Corrupt. Gorgeous.
Romero Lombardi owns the city from both sides of the law.
And when a misunderstanding lands me in jail, he offers to own me too.

It’s supposed to be a simple
He bails me out. Clears my family’s debt. Protects us.

In return, I agree to marry him.

The contract is only supposed to last a year.
But that’s a year in his bed, under his control.
A year to submit. A year to be worshiped.

A year to fall for the devil who saved me.
And a year to understand the dark

Romero doesn’t do pretend.
And once I’m his, he will never let me go.


Devil’s Iris is a standalone, dual pov dark mafia romance featuring a possessive, ‘touch her & I’ll unalive you’ type anti-hero and a feisty, smart heroine. No OW drama, no cliffhanger, and a hard-won HEA.

Genres: Dark Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Romance

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2025

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because I’ve fallen hopelessly, irreversibly head over heels for you, Mrs. Lombardi. You’re a thief who snuck into my chest in the dead of the night and made off with my heart.”

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Romero and Leni’s story.
Leni will do anything to protect her family, while Romero is a corrupt, and dangerous lawyer, with his fingers in many pies. Romero proposes to help Leni’s family, if the agrees to marry him for 1-year, and in return he will pay off all their debts.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, fake relationship, secrets, tension, misunderstandings, humour, witty banter, revelations, romance, palpable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented authors whose work I highly recommend.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 1 out of 5]

A promising mafia romance premise that I wish was executed well.

I really tried liking this, but I just couldn't connect to the characters. I don't know. The fmc and mmc put me off the first ten pages, and it just didn't work for me despite my trying to liking it. There's just no chemistry at all, and they don't have any appeal to me

Aside from that, I think the plot could have been much smoother if the walk-through or arrangements of the events were much more well transitioned and developed.

Thank you, Give Me Books Pr for the e-arc. 1.5⭐️

[Sam Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book based on excerpts that lead me to read it but I feel like it didn’t deliver. It’s the fourth book in the series but is said to be a standalone. However, I still felt there were too many plot holes or characters that just didn’t make sense to be in the story without reading the series as a whole. I really wanted more from the timeline and characters as this book was pretty fast paced and skipped over quite a bit - IMO the story should’ve been longer to allow the readers to connect with the MCs. Because of this, I don’t think I’ll be reading any of the other books in this series.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil's Iris by Sasha Leone is book 4 in the Nightshades Series. This is the story of Romero and Leni. Leni is trying to save her family which is how she ends up with a deal with Romero. Enjoyed their story.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Iris is the fourth book in the Nightshades Series. A steamy full-length standalone romance complete with a happily-ever-after which features ruthless possessive alpha male antihero. The stories are interconnected with characters from the previous books stopping by and contributing to the story. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes filled with heat, angst, tension, sex and sin, pleasure and pain, power and control, power play, tension and heart-stirring emotions. An unputdownable and absorbing read. A fast paced, thrilling, dark and gripping read. A great addition to the series. Hang on to your seat and prepare yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of cravings, longing and follow along as these two unlikely individuals fall in love with each other. Sinful. Dirty. Dark. Delicious. Twisted. Captivating. Dangerous. This is Romero and Leni story which is told from a dual point of view. This is wonderfully written with characters that are fierce, shrewd, resilient, brave, protective, passionate and powerful. You will love this book if you love a dark mafia romance with lots twists and turns you don't see coming. The connection and their chemistry is so strong and the plot is amazing and drew me in and kept me transfixed and turning the pages.
A mystery romance, dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, contemporary romance, organize crime story, morally-grey antihero romance, touch-her-and-die romance, marriage-of-convenience romance, damsel-in-distress romance, polar opposite attracts story, spicy romance, billionaire romance, romantic suspense story, virgin heroine story, fake relationship story, forced proximity romance, rags-to-riches romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, aged gap trope romance, forbidden romance, taboo romance, insta-everything, forced marriage romance, marriage-started-with-a-contract romance, he-falls-first romance with consensual intense rough sex, dirty talking, dominance, drama, submission, drama, love, revelations, threats, suspense, family found, surprises, betrayal, possessiveness, obsession, fear, violence, enemies, murder, bloodshed, blackmail, dark secrets, forgiveness, acceptance, mention of drug addiction, passion, kidnapping, attack, brotherhood, action packed, survival, family issues, danger, humor, trials and tribulations, redemption, retaliation, revenge and more.
Leni is struggling waitress with two jobs trying to support her family dealing with a mother who as an addiction to drugs and a brother who constantly get himself in trouble. She's the bread winner for her entire household Her family is very ungrateful and doesn't seem to worry about the stress they cause her with behaviors. One day Leni got word that her brother was at his drug dealing friend apartment. She went to go get him and got caught up in their mess when the apartment was raided an she got scope up in the drug bust along with her brother and his friends. Romero Lombardi is a gorgeous, corrupt, dangerous and powerful lawyer. He's also the most influential, ruthless and merciless lawyer in New York. Romero owns the city from both sides of the law, legally and illegally.
Mr. Lombardi was at the police station to get one of his powered client out of jail when his eyes connected with the beautiful Leni who was at the wrong place and got swept up in a drug buss. He was intrigued by her and decided to offer his service free of charge and get her out. Romero doesn't do relationship but when Leni family's debt land her in even more trouble he's only one who could help her. He offer a proposition marry him for a year and he will bail her out of her troubles and clear her family's debt as well as protect her from the loan sharks that's threatening her and her family. She agrees to his contract for the year because what can she do, she doesn't have any money or any idea on how get the money that's owed. However, the year won't be as easy as she thought because it includes a year in his bed, under his control a year to submit. A year to be worship.
A year to fall for the devil who saved her. And year to understand the dark truth. Leni quickly realized that Romero doesn't do pretend and he plays for keeps. And once she's his and he will never let her go. Although they started out slow they couldn't help but to be drawn to each other. Their chemistry was electrifying, sizzling and panty-melting hot. As Romero and Leni work together to fix her family's problems they continually seems to be getting themselves into trouble. And as drama escalate danger violence and bloodshed erupts and deep dark hidden secrets is revealed by her mother and her husband is their to protect her from all the chaos.
Romero also as hidden secrets that is also revealed and these secrets on both side could possibly destroy them. A great conclusion to the series. This series demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life that you craved and never knew that you needed.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leni is already running late for work when she gets a phone call from her nosy neighbor telling her she saw her brother getting into a car with a guy she begged him to stop hanging around with. Locking her bedroom door behind her, hoping to catch Ethan before he got in any trouble.

Getting on her scooter, she hurries to an area even worse than where they lived. What she made barely put food on the table and she locked her bedroom door for a reason. Her mother sold anything she could get her hands on for drugs. She couldn't lose this job. She was going to kill her brother when she got hold of him.

Only when she goes in to grab her brother, she finds herself in the middle of a raid and being hauled off to jail like a criminal. No one believed that she and her brother weren't involved.

Being handcuffed to a chair in the lobby was better than being stuffed in the full holding cell, but none of the officers would believe her when she had just walked in the door when they arrived. Trying to figure out how she was going to get her and her brother out of jail, he eyes lock on the man walking by her.

She recognized him immediately. Everyone knew who Romero Lombardi was. The gorgeous man was a famed lawyer who never lost a case, even with the clients he represented. Smiling sexily, she pretended to be an old hookup and asked what she could do for his help.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is not a standalone book. This series is meant to be read in order to fully understand the Nightshades and the control they have over New York.

Romero, despite being a Nightshade, tried to keep on the right side of the law even as he represented criminals. He immediately knew the woman was trying to con him into helping her because he would have never have forgotten such a gorgeous woman being in his bed and when she calls him to make an outrageous deal, he agrees... with a few conditions of his own.

I love the Nightshades! If you love dark twisted mafia romance with morally grey men, you will love this series. It is full of action, danger, suspense and smoking hot. These books are all intertwined and you can't help turning the pages. Highly recommend!

[Little monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this and who doesn't love a fake marriage that turns real trope I know I do!!!This book is pure sin wrapped in silk. Romero Lombardi is the kind of man your mother warns you about but are you bothered.....nope lol.

The fake-marriage trope? Oh, it’s not fake for long. What starts as a contract turns into a collision of heat, control, and obsession. He bails Leni out, clears her debts, then drags her into his world of sharp suits, dirty promises, and nights that burn. Ah Leni she goes through a lot with her family.....she's only in her early 20s but this girl has had to become a woman pretty quickly because of her mum and brother who pretty much make her do everything and it's quite clear that she doesn't know what to do next......so when she bumps into Romero whilst getting herself arrested while helping her brother out she instantly feels the attraction there. When she offers herself to him for a marriage of convenience for a year to help her pay her debts off she thinks he'll say no......so what happens when he says yes?

Leni may have agreed to be his for a year, but what happens when Romero doesn’t wanna do temporary. And watching him claim her — body, heart, and soul — is pure, filthy perfection.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between these two and oof the secret I knew it was coming but it still didn't take away what I felt whilst reading this amazing story!!

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her family's debts rack up and she is the only one can find a way to fix it. She has few options but makes an offer with the only asset she has left, herself. She knows he wields power and just might be able to save her. She agrees to an arranged marriage in order to save what is left of her family. He has watched his brother's fall in love one by one, but never thought that would be for him. When he sees her, he wants her, but still thinks he can have her but keep her at arm's length. He doesn't count on her being everything he never knew he needed. This is a series, his brothers stories were told in earlier books, and they do show up in this story. They are not integral and if you don't read them you will still enjoy this story but you will get better introductions to characters and backstory on relationships. I have enjoyed them all this one included. The beginning was a little wonky for me, with some things not fitting together exactly but as the story progressed it got better. The chemistry between them was fire and there was a bit of a slow burn as they ramped up. I wanted a little more at the end especially as this was the last of the brothers but it is worth the ride.

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

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leni, a broke twenty-something holding her crumbling family together, races to rescue her brother from a Brooklyn trap house only to be caught in a drug bust. She ends up in handcuffs, loses her job, and crosses paths with the infamously smooth defense attorney Romero Lombardi. Their first meeting crackles; she pretends they once hooked up in Vegas just to get his attention, and he calls her bluff but helps her anyway. From that lie blooms a deliciously dangerous attraction.

The book alternates between Leni’s desperate struggle to survive and Romero’s colder, Mafia-tinged world of back-room justice and political power. He’s both her savior and a man with secrets that go far beyond a courtroom. As Leni claws her way out of poverty—waitressing at an elite senator’s gala, no less—Romero re-enters her life in a way neither expects. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so are the risks: he’s entangled with organized crime, she’s got a brother flirting with that same underworld, and soon both of their loyalties are tested.

They end up married because she needs money to help her family, he learns that she's virgin and can't pass the oportunity...from here to HEA is just a step :D

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you stepped into Roselyn Ash & Sasha Leone’s Nightshades series yet? Because if you haven’t, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most addictive dark mafia worlds out there. Book 4 – Devil’s Iris – is another unforgettable, pulse-racing addition that proves why this series owns my dark romance heart.

Romero Lombardi… just saying his name sends tingles down your spine. This dangerously handsome lawyer is as dark, corrupt, and sinfully irresistible as they come. When Leni finds herself needing Bailey’s help, Romero offers her a solution—one most women would run from. But the sizzling chemistry between them? Off the charts. Their “touch her and die” energy is magnetic, intoxicating, and utterly addictive.

Devil’s Iris delivers everything I crave in a mafia romance—fast-paced tension, wickedly sharp twists, and a love story that burns with danger and desire. Roselyn Ash and Sasha Leone once again prove they’re the queens of dark, decadent storytelling.

Perfect for readers who love their romance dark, dangerous, and devastatingly seductive. 💋🔥

[Marcia Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Iris” is perfect if you love Touch Her and Die, mafia romance, found family, a strong female lead who gets pretty possessive when she drinks too much, and hot-as-fuck characters.
I’m completely in love with Romero (aka Romeo) and Leni!
Romero becomes obsessed with Leni from their very first interaction — but who wouldn’t? It’s not every day you go and “save” your criminal client and end up meeting a beautiful, confident woman who pretends to know you and claims you’d spent some steamy nights together in the past…

Favorite quotes:
1. “So after two months, I’ll negotiate for more. Six months. That should be enough to soften her up for marriage.”
2. “Every woman in this place probably wants to kiss you. I’m going to stab anyone who tries.”.

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil's Iris is a mafia romance following Leni a young woman fighting to survive and keep her family above water and Romero a lawyer by day and mafia boss by night as they enter into a marriage of convenience. Both Leni and Romero go through changes during their time together, they grow to enjoy each other in every way *wink wink* and forge an unexpected bond. But old secrets come to light... and they threaten to destroy everything Leni & Romero built.

Devil's Iris is a standalone within the Nightshades series and I enjoyed it so much. There was romance, spice, drama, and lots of feels with this story. I haven't read the others yet but I will be reading them asap! If you enjoy a mafia romance, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, secrets & found family then check out Devil's Iris.

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

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with this series! Romero and Leni’s story is captivating and a study in emotions. He’s so confident about everything in his life until she invades his psyche and his heart. I love her tenacity, her courage, and her ability to see through his words and actions! Sasha Leone is a masterful writer and I love this mafia, fake relationship, virgin FMC, and possessive MMC who tries to distance himself from his deepest desire. Their chemistry is visceral and his dirty mouth pushes her into an open flame! There’s some family drama that escalates into danger, violence, and a shattering truth from her mother, but her Romeo protects her from everything! I cant wait for more from these men and women!!.

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

[Jennifer - You Can't Resista Dirty Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book ❤️

Finally getting Romero's story and it was totally worth the wait.
Devils Iris is book 4 in the Nightshades series and was a great read.
Romero works both sides of the law, ruthless, cut-throat, attorney by day and king of the city by night. He runs helis own territory of New York alongside his brothers and is not someone you should cross.
Leni will do anything to protect her family, when she finds herself arrested she thinks her luck has finally run out, until the well dressed extremely handsome Romero walks in.
Their first meeting fans the flames, the second intrigues, and then Leni has to make a decision that will save her family. A proposal that neither will see the consequences of.
Fake marriage mafia romance you will not be able to put down! Enjoy

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This book is a standalone in the Nightshades Series. It is Romero and Lena's story. Lena is a girl who will go to the ends of the earth to protect her family. Romero is a lawyer who has his hands in many things. He is corrupt and as dangerous as can be. They are certainly total opposites. He knows that her family is in trouble and it is the perfect opportunity to bail her family out while getting the wife that he needs. He will pay off their debts if she will be his wife on paper for one year. I don't want to say to much about the story as I feel like you need to discover this sorry of yourself. I love reading this one and you will too.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil's Iris is book 8 in the Nightshades series and is Leni and Romero's story. This entire series is fantastic and Devil's Iris may just be my favorite! Leni can't seem to keep herself out of trouble. She teases that Romero has a savior complex but I really think she does. She can't seem to help herself trying to save her mom and brother, both definitely not deserving. But, what are going to do, it's family! Devil's Iris is an intense, intriguing, consuming story that I easily got lost in. Just enough spice, drama, intrigue, secrets and surprises to keep you flipping the pages. Definitely a must read!

[Jessica Mcmillan · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off I want to say that so far I have loved the series I especially love devils Azalea with Emilia and Rafael I thought with the cliffhanger of that book for sure that the FMC for this book would have been Katie with Romero.

I was so stoked and so excited when this book finally came out and then for him to end up with Leni 😡 I could barely tolerate reading the rest of the book. I read it but couldn’t connect with the characters or their story at all.

I hope devils foxglove at least is good and when will Emilia and Rafael finally have their baby?! Ugh I hope the next book is good.

[Malubaby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was really a disappointment if you've read the other books in the series. A proper or better storyline would have been to follow through with the one in the previous books, the Katie one. but noo. the author decided that she wanted to create a likable character from the first book and give him his own story line but make it the most uninteresting and quite frankly irritating book. when I picture Romero I didn't picture him with a girl like leni. he has to much power and that storyline just felt bland and undesirable considering how powerful all his brothers and their wives are. To conclude im disappointed in this one.

[Jaimie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single second of this book.
Usually we get the mmc propositioning the fmc into marriage or to trick her into it somehow, not this time.
Leni is put in yet another tough situation because of her family and sees Romero as her only line of help. While our Romeo is caught of guard he is instantly thinking of ways to keep her, good thing he doesn't have to try too hard.
Witnessing the mmcs fall hard is one of my favorite things to read and this story does not disappoint.

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

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

Leni is in a bind thanks to her family. She would do anything for their protection so when her brother once again lands in hot water she is caught up in it as well. Enter Romero who straddles both sides of the law who propositions Leni to make all her problems go away in return for one year of marriage. It starts their journey, and the evolution of their relationship is a great read that had me cheering this couple on to getting their chance for happiness.

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

[Katlyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to say for sure without reading them back-to-back, but I think Romero might be my favorite MMC — I seriously love him. Leni was also a fantastic character, and together they were just so sweet and perfectly matched.
The bachelorette party scenes with the girls were a lot of fun! I do wish we’d gotten to see a little more of the guys and their bond, though.
I’m definitely intrigued to see where Katie’s story goes next. Hopefully, she’s learned from Emily’s mistakes and will trust and listen to people a bit more than Emily did so her story isn’t too similar in that regard.

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, Romero Lombardi! I could so clearly picture him in his suits, being the bad ass lawyer that he is. From the get go, I loved how Leni played him and continued to play and surprise him throughout the book. Poor Leni doing everything she could to help her family get out of debt, while they were mostly useless. The books are so far apart that it's hard to remember the other couples and their stories. Still, it was nice to see familiar names and the bond they all share. Lots of spice and touch-her-and-die-vibes.

[Gauri · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Italian ruthless and feared lawyer of NYC but with that also controls illegal world with his brothers and when he meets hardworking women sweating blood to earn beard for her family it becomes his only desire to conquer and cherish . Which is basically the plot of the book
I enjoyed the book .. it is a standalone! Romero and Leni have got pull towards eachother and it was exciting to read BUT i won't say it was DARK .. it was kind of mild mafia dark.The the storyline moved to fast i felt !! Eveything was happening at a speed .
SPICE - 2/5 🌶️🌶️

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Iris is book 4 in the Nightshade Series and can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the others so you can see how amazing this series is.
Romero falls so hard for Leni and I’m here for it. No matter how much he fights it, the chemistry between them is just too strong. Leni is used to being independent and taking care of herself and her family but when she is faced with an impossible situation her only solution is Romero.
Devil’s Iris is a great addition to the series and I look forward to Kate’s story.

Review by Raychel

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devils Iris is the fourth book in The Nightshades series and this book follows lawyer/anti-hero - Romero. He and Leni (FMC) come to an agreement when Leni's family racks up a large debt which falls to her to pay off and Romero needs a fake wife in exchange for paying it off. All of which led Leni into a world of dangerous Mafia bosses and crime. I did enjoy reading this book and I liked Leni. Her dynamic with Romero made for a good read but for me I liked other books in this series more. Still a good addition to this series.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is everything to Leni even when they dont fuly deserve her help when she lands in haim its Romero who comes to her with a deal, a devil in a suit a lawyer and criminal he can make her and her families life easy she just has to be his wife for one year, but when that years up he has no plans for letting her go. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more a great addition to the series

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leni family is in trouble and she will do anything to help them. Even that means making a deal with the devil called Romero. He is a sharpe dressed lawyer that knows what he wants. Even with the deal of being his wife for a year to save her mother and brother Leni can’t help pushing Romero’s buttons. One thing is true the chemistry and spice if real.

Chemistry, drama, and secrets.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story told exceptionally well. The world building was outstanding and totally well written. The plot was intriguing, exciting and deliciously, possessively dark. The characters were what drove the story and they were very compelling, complex and perfect together. Recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Samantha Millican · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment of the Nightshades series of standalones. Leni, in trouble with the law because she was trying to help her brother, seeks the help of Romero Lombardi. A lawyer with a far reach, agrees to a one year deal to marry Leni to erase her family’s debts. But, it’s not going to be so temporary! It’s a fast paced read with an arranged marriage and plenty of twists.

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