Dark Things: A Why-Choose Mafia Duet

by Angela Agnello

342 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

FYI, this is the first book of a duet, so it will end in a cliffhanger. I tend to avoid books that end in cliffhanger. I usually make sure that the duet, trilogy, or the series has completed before I dive in. But for whatever reason, I didn't do that with this one. Anyway, this one is a dark, why choose, second chance tropes and the story is well told. The good thing about a duet is that the story is allowed to percolate as long as it needs to because there's plenty of room in the timeline for that to happen. The story was nuanced and all the MCs well fleshed out. The topics that the story deals with is definitely dark and I would recommend that you review the TWs before starting. And be aware that you're not going to get your questions answered at the end of this book. In the mean time, I will patiently, wait for the second half of this duet to come out. Sigh... But it was definitely a good read.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebelle is torn from her life and made into a mercenary against her will after being betrayed by the three loves of her life. Now, sent back on a mission with her soulmate Haunt and fellow mercenary, she runs into the men who once broke her trust.

The author does an incredible job portraying Rebelle’s tangled emotions—anger, hurt, and longing—while also showing Haunt’s unwavering devotion as he stands by her side. Their bond is tender, with just a hint of spice, making their connection feel raw and real.

My heart truly aches for Rebelle and Haunt. This story focuses on the pain of betrayal, survival, and the beginnings of healing. It’s part of a duet, and the cliffhanger leaves you reeling with unanswered questions. I can’t wait to see how everything plays out in the next book.

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

[Mari C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced story with more still to be revealed. We get small glimpses of past events that have coloured our MC’s stories so far giving us hints of a deeper history with each of them. I wish we got a bit more of this history revealed to give a bit more context, but hopefully all the cards will be on the table in the sequel to this duet. The relationship between Reb and Haunt is complex and unique. I am curious how this will play into the family unit dynamic that is hovering in the horizon. I hope we get some more time with Reb and Cat to see this friendship blossom.

The scars of the past are clear as the driving force behind each character. I can’t wait to see this flush out further for the big reveals that are lingering just out of reach.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a duet and I am anxious to read book 2. The characters were all amazingly well developed. The FMC a total bad-ass. The world building was meticulous and expertly written. Plot was so exciting and intriguing and well paced. All in all a great read. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Praline NZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reb and her guys are taking you for a ride. Once I got over the very beginning when you get more questions than answers, I was hooked.
The plot was great, with interesting side characters and amazing tension. The horse racing setting was definitely a good point of difference from other mafia dark romance books.
I'm looking forward to book 2, revenge, character development, and even more spice ;).

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

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author created an amazing story with fascinating characters, riveting drama, palpable suspense, engaging emotions, and captivating mystery. I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I was electrified by the darkness and the palpable danger that emitted from these characters. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen as the reveals began. Great storytelling.

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

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from this Angela Agnello. I recommend.

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

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt the characters energy were off the chart! I adored this story and can’t wait for the next book in the duet I felt like it was a beautiful ending that left me with emotions I couldn’t control.

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

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one heck of a way to start a series. It does deal with dark hard topics to think about but it was a great read and such a good book.

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

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve read and enjoyed The Knights Revenge by Stella Brie, you’ll likely enjoy this one. It’s a similar premise. There’s no WC aspect in this first book; she’s only with one of the guys. It’s quite dark, but it was intriguing. My rating is more due to it needing development in a few areas.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of Payback Duet does not disappoint I love the characters. It was dark, intense, twisted, spicy,thrilling.I was on the edge of my seat. Its a page turner. I can't wait to read more.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Things is a gripping and haunting story that dives into the shadows of human emotion, obsession, and vulnerability. Angela Agnello crafts a darkly atmospheric tale that keeps you on edge, weaving tension with raw intensity. The characters are layered and flawed, pulling you into their tangled world where secrets, danger, and desire collide. It’s unsettling in the best way, perfect for readers who love psychological suspense with a gothic twist.

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