Eve Frank makes me feel too comfortable. Feeling comfortable is dangerous. Feeling is dangerous… I’m a murderer. I took a life with my bare hands, watching with satisfaction as he faded away. And the only emotion I’ve felt since is lust.
Frank Eve and I didn’t exchange phone numbers or make promises to see each other. All we had was a stolen moment with one last lingering kiss. I’m not sure what made her decide to finally say yes, but I’m sure she’ll be right back to keeping me at a distance. Even if she doesn’t want to talk to me, I need to see that she’s okay.
I'm a bookworm. My family teases me because I'll even read a book while I watch TV. Watching the game? Yup, I'm reading during the commercials.
Writing started off as a hobby. I would write what I wanted to read. When I was younger, I thought it was fun to write better versions of my favorite books... it all went well until the epic smut I wrote was discovered and I got grounded for two weeks. Now I can't get grounded anymore :)
Thank you Ashley for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy for my honest review
Eve is a 911 dispatcher who decided to finally let Frank from the bar take her on a date. Frank owns a automotive shop but his brother who runs the “family business “ needs Frank to take care of some things
Read to find out how Frank deals with his “family biz “ and a budding relationship with Eve ….. who has a secret of her own .
If you want a morally Grey FMC & MMC, then this is the book for you !
This follows Eve, who is a 911 dispatcher who just unalived her first victim when finally giving into the temptations of Frank Rossi ( who she believes is just a mechanic ).
She soon realized hes so much more, and their lives are way more intertwined than they realize .
This book was spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶
& the age gap, but the type you dont see often with him being in his 50s and her being in her 30s is perfection 👌.
When we meet Eve she is doing some questionable things. If you like Dexter (the tv show before they messed it up) then you'd enjoy this book. Karma doesn't always give justice out like we'd want it to.. so, Eve has taken matters into her own hands.
Frank is always at the same bar as Eve. For weeks (even months iirc) he has tried to get Eve to go out with him or even have a drink. Well, tonight is the night she says yes. She also takes charge during the date (we love a strong woman!). One thing leads to another and wham bam thank you ma'am.
But wait... there's more.
Frank isn't who he appears to be and throughout the book we find out not only does he run his own business BUT he is part owner in a casino/hotel. Frank is apart of a family that does some not so nice things to people who do them wrong..
So, Eve and Frank are more alike than you'd think. If you loved Lights Out then you're going to love The Darkest Light.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received this as an ARC and to say I loved everything about it is an understatement!
Eve is 911 dispatcher whom we meet doing some questionable (yet understandable) things. It initially gave off that vigilante vibes and I really liked seeing that in an FMC, instead of that goody-two-shoes type FMC I see a lot in books. She has her sense of justice, and I totally was behind what she was dealing. Sometimes karma and justice need to be taken into your own hands and Eve does just that!
Frank, a man who oozes charm, has been smitten with Eve since they first met at their favorite bar spot and after who knows how many attempts at asking her out, Eve finally takes the man up on his offer. The flirtations and chemistry between them are sizzling and off the charts. As the night continues, Eve takes her charge and, boy, do we love a woman who goes for what she wants.
We soon learn that Frank is more than his older, mechanic persona gives. Not only that, but he's also a part-owner to a casino; coming from a family who are not known for their narrow and straight ways. We see the two are actually, quit a bit alike.
Despite the secrets the two initially have with each other, there is still a layer of initial trust between them that I loved to see. Frank wasn't demanding and controlling, which I often dislike seeing to a point in books. He let Eve take the wheel and control and after learning the past she came from, that made me love the man so much more. Coming from a past with not good upbringing and trust issues, this was such a good thing to see. Sometimes you need to be careful and let the other come to you. The relationship between them was natural and real.
The spice was fantastic and a good solid 5 peppers. As a smut lover myself, I have absolutely no complaints about it. The writing was amazing, and the pace was perfect. My only issue is that it ended. I wanted to enjoy it more!
I am so fortunate and glad I got a chance to ARC read this and after coming off of a loss of someone close, this book helped really settle me back into loving reading again. I can't wait to get my own copy and get into more books by this author.
If you like spice, morally grey characters from BOTH leads, then this story is for you!
The Darkest Light by Ashley Willow had me from the first chapter! Eve Michaels, a 911 dispatcher, opens the story by confessing she’s unalived a predator and disposed of the evidence. I was locked in after that!
Then enters Frank Rossi, a mechanic shop owner who's been asking Eve out for months at their local pub. She keeps saying no—until after her vigilante act, when she finally says yes. Their first date? The tension snaps, and the spice was whew 😮💨🥵 — hot and toe-curling!
Frank also has the secret identity of being a part of the mafia- well mafia-adjacent. He didn’t want to be the head, so his younger brother Nico took that spot. But when Nico calls? Frank answers, even if it means getting his hands dirty. At first, these calls seem rare... but everything is more layered than it seems.
What I loved most is how layered this story is. Eve is not just spicy and morally gray—she’s a survivor of childhood sexual assault, and now wields her power to stop other predators and abusers. Frank sees past her walls and brings his own shadows to the table.
Tropes: Age Gap Morally gray FMC & MMC 😈 Hidden identities 🕵️ Touch Her and 💀 Found solace in each other ❤️
If you love your dark romances with grit, passion, and dangerous family ties, this one’s for you.
Thank you to Ashley Willow for the ARC! I’m so glad I got to experience this dark, gritty, and steamy ride early!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review | The Darkest Light by Ashley Willow
I received an ARC of The Darkest Light and was completely pulled into its dark, gritty world of trauma, revenge, and redemption. Ashley Willow delivers a raw, emotionally charged mafia romance with strong vigilante energy and morally gray characters you can’t help but root for.
At its heart is Eve, a woman haunted by a violent past who refuses to let monsters go unpunished. As a police dispatcher, she sees justice fail every day and she’s had enough! Her descent into morally gray territory is intense, visceral, and entirely understandable (from my point of view). What happens when your sense of justice requires you to cross the line?
Then enters Frank, an older, dangerous, and seductively patient silver fox. His family runs casinos, clubs...and the questionable tasks required of illegal businesses. But he’s not the cliché mafia heir. Frank wants out. The catch? He’ll always do what needs to be done, especially if Eve’s in danger. The tension between them is gritty, realistic, and problematic to say the least. Their relationship walks a tightrope between vulnerability and violence, heat and healing. The spice is fab, but what really caught me up was Frank’s steady, unwavering devotion *long sigh*. He sees Eve for who she really is, even if she can’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Devoured in one sitting. The spice was spicy. The plot was plotting and the romance made me yearn.
I loved every second of this book, and I’m begging for more. I loved Eve’s growth. Frank is my man now! I absolutely love how he approached Eve’s needs… taking what he wanted but giving her exactly what she needed. I loved the ending it wasn’t your typical happy ending, it was the next progression in their relationship. I loved that certain tropes were missing, in the best way (no spoilers) but everything progressed like this was a real life couple.
I wish we could have dove a little more into the mafia side of things (next book maybe) I would love to get to know some of the side characters… maybe Vince and Charlene? Let’s get to know the family? Dive into Lorenzo’s family…? I want more of messy Tony too he seems like he makes all the right choices… ha
But what ever comes next I will definitely be ready to dive right in!
If you are looking for an easy to get into read with spice and beautiful but realistic character development, a love story that will make you yearn to be one of the main characters, and a touch of mafia magic that lets you know he will destroy everything that makes her sad, you found your next read!
“I’m in so deep, she could tell me she wanted to kill me, and I would find a way to help her.” This book was intense from the first chapter. Our FMC Eve and MMC Frank are more alike than they realize. Frank and Eve tend to frequent the same bar and have become buddies in a sense. That being said Frank shoots his shot with Eve every chance he gets, but she shoots him down. That is until one night after she’s taken care of a situation. She’s still running on adrenalin when Frank asks to take her out and she surprises him by saying yes. Eve is looking for another type of release and Frank is the man to help her with that. Deciding that this is only casual and nothing more they begin seeing more of each other. Both have dark secrets that they are hiding and neither is willing to get the other involved. As they continue to keep things between them casual they become entangled in each other’s secrets and discover they are on the same page with certain people and situations. I loved that this book was from both points of view. You got to read what the other was thinking without being left with any questions. Frank and Eve’s story is dark and intense, but so worth it! This book had me burning through it so fast. From the first chapter you are immediately hooked!
I fell in LOVE with Ashley Willow's books when I read Bryce! When I saw she was coming out with this book I knew I wanted to see what she could do because this was going to be totally different from what she writes and I was all for it! Let me tell you she did an AMAZING job writing this Dark Mafia Romance! I loved how fast paced this book was, the characters were entertaining, the spice was spicy and you will fall in love with Frank & Eve.
Eve is a 911 dispatcher and Frank owns a mechanic shop. These two have been talking at a local bar and have struck up a friendship over time. Then one night they decided to take things a little further. But after their one night things start getting more complicated. Frank and Eve both have secrets. Now Frank has to protect Eve from his.
This is such a great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, have you blushing, swooning, and will make sure you have a great ending! I loved everything about this book and I would HIGHLY recommend it. I would also recommend her other books as well. I can't for the next book in this series.
Thank you Ashley Willow for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
I had the pleasure of receiving this as e-ARC and I’m voluntary giving my honest review��I love Dark Romance and Ashley hit on the nail!! The FMC Eve is a 911 dispatcher and has committed a crime of her own and falls for MMC Frank who owns a mechanic shop along with other business with his brother. Their chemistry was on fire. Loved this book!! Please read your triggers!!
“Eve I had to get out of there. Frank makes me feel too comfortable. Feeling comfortable is dangerous. Feeling is dangerous... I'm a murderer. I took a life with my bare hands, watching with satisfaction as he faded away. And the only emotion I've felt since is lust.
Francesco I'm far from good. Eve and I didn't exchange phone numbers or make promises to see each other. All we had was a stolen moment with one last lingering kiss. I'm not sure what made her decide to finally say yes, but I'm sure she'll be right back to keeping me at a distance. Even if she doesn't want to talk to me, I need to see her so I can see that she's okay.”
I wanted to love this. It had all the right pieces—a possessive, morally gray MMC, a haunted FMC trying to keep control of her life, and the kind of dark, messy romance that usually hits for me. But it just didn’t come together.
The pacing was all over the place. Scenes repeated. Chapters didn’t flow into each other. I kept waiting for it to click, for something to land—and it just never did.
Eve didn’t feel fleshed out. Her trauma, her choices, even her emotions—they all stayed surface level. I never felt her. Frank started to build toward something stronger by the end, but by then, it was too late. I’d already disconnected.
Spice-wise, it’s maybe a 2.5 or 3. Possessive and rough enough to hold my attention, but without emotional depth behind it, it just felt like heat without burn.
The bones of a good book are here. But it needed more time. More revision. Less rush. I don’t want to drag the author—this clearly meant something to her. But I felt the cracks on every page.
The Darkest Light by Ashley Willow is a dark, spicy mafia romance that pulls you in with its intensity and heat.
The story follows Eve Michaels, a 911 dispatcher, and Frank Rossi, a mechanic shop owner hiding a dangerous secret. While the plot isn’t deeply layered, the focus is on their fast-paced relationship and the gritty world Frank is entangled in.
Their chemistry is electric. I loved that their relationship didn’t follow the typical pattern—it was unique, raw, and perfect for them. Frank knew exactly what Eve needed and delivered it with a mix of dominance, care, and surprising tenderness. He was commanding but never overbearing. Eve, a woman with a troubled past, grows stronger in his care.
My favorite part? When they handled the darker side of Frank’s business together. It added depth to their bond and made the story more than just steam.
If you’re into spicy mafia romances with a dose of danger and emotional heat, this one’s for you.
*I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.*
The Darkest Light was more than I expected in the best ways! The tension between Eve and Frank is great. Some of the sexual scenes has me me thinking "damn". Even though their sex life is vivid in this book, it's not all about that. Frank helps Eve get through her past trauma. He wants to take care of her. Eve let's her control go sexually first, and then slowly she let's him in more emotional/mentally. I hope this becomes a series!
I would recommend it to anyone who likes dark romance, morally gray MMC and FMC, mafia, age gap, vigilante justice, and wants a lot of spicy scenes.
- Dark Romance - Vigilante FMC - Mafia - Hidden Identities - Morally Gray MMC and FMC - "Mechanic" MMC - 911 Dispatcher FMC - Age Gap (16 years) - Touch Her and Die - He Falls First - Dom/Sub - Check Trigger Warnings - Spicy!! (Free Use Arrangement Between the MCs)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was such a fun, fast-paced read! A short and spicy mafia romance that managed to pack in just the right amount of tension, heat, and plot. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the spice was balanced with the storyline—it wasn’t just steam for the sake of it, there was an actual connection between the characters and a solid backdrop driving the plot forward.
Even though it was a quick read, it didn’t feel rushed. The pacing kept me engaged from beginning to end, and I found myself flying through the pages in one sitting. The mafia element gave it that edge of danger I love, without overshadowing the romance.
If you’re in the mood for something steamy with a dark, romantic twist—but don’t have time for a 500-page epic—this one is a great choice. Definitely recommend to fans of spicy mafia romances looking for a quick escape!
Eve, a 911 dispatcher with a dangerous side, isn’t waiting for justice; she becomes it. Frank? The charming mechanic who’s been quietly orbiting her at the bar for months... turns out he’s got his own secrets. Big ones. The kind tied to power, danger, and a family with ties to more than just business.
What starts as a casual drink spirals into something intense, seductive, and deeply layered. The chemistry? Off the charts. The tension? Constant. The romance? Deliciously real, flawed, and gripping.
With just enough mafia edge, a refreshing lack of tired tropes, and characters that feel as messy and magnetic as real people, this book is fast-paced, spicy, and unforgettable. If you like your love stories twisted with danger, and a man who would burn the world for her, The Darkest Light delivers.
Two people who shared the same past time at a local pub and the guy is like Imma shoot my shot one more time.. because although the lovely lady has said no thank you every other time, that is interpreted to “just keep trying..” and in this case it does.
She finally says yes.
He thinks she is just your average emergency dispatcher and she believes he is just your average car mechanic and later they learn they were both wrong. There is nothing average about either character and the situations they find themselves in reveals more about who they are.
fAnother A spicy love story in which a mafia man brings love into a ruthless world and must find a way to protect it at all times and at any cost.
I finished The Darkest Light on the plane ride home and was completely hooked from start to finish. This dark mafia romance had everything I crave in a story—drama, jaw-dropping plot twists, sizzling spice, and characters that felt so real and captivating, I didn’t want to let them go.
This is hands down my favorite Ashley Willow book so far. Her writing shines in this one, balancing intensity with emotional depth and keeping you on your toes the entire time. The chemistry between the main characters was electric, and the stakes felt high in the best possible way.
If you're a fan of dark romance with a gripping plot and unforgettable characters, you need this book on your shelf. I’m already begging for more!
This is my first book from Ashley and I just ATE it up in one sitting. I kinda neglected eating🙃. I love me a good Mafia book and this one does not disappoint! Eve is a 911 dispatcher with a secret, Frank is a mechanic with a secret. Frank is drawn to Eve from the first day he sees her and asks her out only for her to say no. His persistence finally pays off when Eve says yes and then "hijacks" their date. The chemistry between them is off the charts and when the tension finally breaks..woo does it break😮💨🥵. Ashley absolutely delivers the spice! After that one night Frank is obsessed with Eve but she is guarded because of her secrets. Will both of their secrets ruin them or make them stronger? You are just gonna have to read it to find out!
Book title: The Darkest light Author: Ashley willow Star Rating: 5 Release date: July 31st 2025 Summery: a vigilante that works for 911 takes Justice in her own hands then on the high of killing a Preditor She goes about her routine she goes to her Favorite Bar she hits on the hot older guy shes Been Flirting with for awhile he takes the Bait and they end up in a Free use contract she later finds out he's rich and owns a casino with his brother and they are in a mob and she's working through her trauma as she falls for him anything I thought need improvement: I wish that she had Been more active Vigilante Favorite Quote: Feeling comfortable is dangerous. Feeling is dangerous. I can't afford to relax around anyone. Even the tiniest slid up can cause it all to crumble down. For a Brief momment, I thought maybe we could have more, But I Quickly pushed those thoughts aside. I can't. I don't want it. And I'm too Broken to deserve it who I would Recommend this Book to: Its a mafia Romance So the dark Romace people my Bestie and I Recommed it to my supervisor
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book and I will forever be grateful💕
Where do I begin?! This book has me hooked from the first page. If I didn’t have work I would have finished this within 48 hours!! I absolutely loved the characters and pretty much everything about this book😅 Eve and Franks chemistry is unmatched! The spice was SPICING!! I couldn’t get enough of them. I spent most my nights reading until early hours in the morning. I loved how the story flowed and how Frank was so supportive of Eve and, although specific circumstances made it hard, he always gave her a choice.
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would! I’d 100% recommend this to anyone.
P.s. once again thank you so much to Ashley for the ARC. Keep this up! You are an amazing writer!💕💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC. Thank you, Ashley Willow. Eve's story resonated with me. She was completely relatable with her trust issues, and I loved that Frank was always patient with her, even though she was scared and pushed him away a couple of times. Loved how he showed her he cared by showing up and just being present.
Tropes: 🖤 Possessive, morally gray MMC 💋 Damaged but dangerous FMC 💀 And enough tension & spice to burn the book
I received this as an ARC and am leaving an honest review voluntarily. this is my first book from Ashley. this story tells the story of Eve. she's a 911 operator who is alone and doesn't have friends or family around. when the story begins she is leaving a warehouse after sneaking inside (no spoilers) afterward she heads to the bar where she encounters Frank. her and frank are bar buddies but he is always asking her out. she declines every single time except this time. this leads you into the Eve and Frank story. there are several triggers so please read the warnings. I loved this story I found myself relating to Eve alot and no matter how much she pushes Frank away he is there every step of the way for her. I would love to read more by this author she made a new fan if all her books draw you in like this one did me.
I went through a thriller phase and I opened myself up to author's that haven't been spoke about much in the book world. I thoroughly enjoyed this read from the first page. It was one of those reads where you wouldn't be able to guess who your "bad guy" is. Once I got passed the irritating male coworker, I enjoyed the team and how well they meshed together. The character development was top tier. You will become intrigued in the side plot as well. If you want a book that will keep you guessing, this one is for you!
The story follows Eve who is a 911 dispatch and after some of the calls she hears she decides to take things into her own hands! Eve is closed off and felt like she doesn’t deserved to be loved. But then comes along Frank, After months of Eve fighting her attraction to Frank she gives in and it is hottt!! But Frank also has his own secrets!
Frank and Eve story was full of twist and turns and spice!
This book was amazing !! I loved the chemistry between the two main characters . The storyline was amazing about loving each other even when they didn't know if they should, and that it's okay to lean on someone ❤️ I definitely recommend this book if there is one thing I wish it could have had it would just be to stay and enjoy their story a little bit longer
This was a really good read. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I throughly enjoyed it. Who doesn’t love a good mafia romance with a decent amount of spice. I look forward to reading more from Ashley Willow.
I was kind of on the side of it being an okay read until I got to 80% and it really picked up. It ended really good and a HEA which I was really hoping for.
If my life wasn’t so busy, it definitely could have been read in one day. It was fast paced.
I loved that they finally opened up to each other and told their stories and reading her kill Tony made me kick my feet!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Had me from the first page. I loved the characters especially Frank and I loved how he would do anything in his power for Eve. This book is spicy from the get go and will not disappoint. I loved this book, that’s why I gave it 5 stars. Thanks so much to the author Ashley Willow for sending me the arc kindle copy.