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Rags & Riches #3
No Longer Innocent
Poppy
I wanted peace.
A few weeks in the mountains to forget my family, my name, and everything waiting back home.
Then I met him—quiet, rugged, and nothing like the men I was raised around.
One night with Ivan felt like a lifetime.
But when I returned home, my father was dead... and danger was suddenly everywhere.
Now I’m trapped between grief and suspicion, and the only man I feel safe with is the one I'm forbidden to have.
Ivan
I left the city to escape my family.
To live alone, in silence, where no one could find me.
But peace was never meant for men like me.
One job. One target.
And the woman I should’ve never touched is about to drag me back into the war I tried to outrun.
This is a series in an interconnected world. This can be read as a standalone but is recommended to be read in order with the other books.
I wanted peace.
A few weeks in the mountains to forget my family, my name, and everything waiting back home.
Then I met him—quiet, rugged, and nothing like the men I was raised around.
One night with Ivan felt like a lifetime.
But when I returned home, my father was dead... and danger was suddenly everywhere.
Now I’m trapped between grief and suspicion, and the only man I feel safe with is the one I'm forbidden to have.
Ivan
I left the city to escape my family.
To live alone, in silence, where no one could find me.
But peace was never meant for men like me.
One job. One target.
And the woman I should’ve never touched is about to drag me back into the war I tried to outrun.
This is a series in an interconnected world. This can be read as a standalone but is recommended to be read in order with the other books.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
6 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 23, 2025
this book was such a fun read! It was super intense, dark and angsty. At first I thought it was just your typical bodyguard romance but halfway it takes a seriously dark turn. The whole she’s in an arranged marriage with someone else and he’s her bodyguard who needs to watch every single date thing is a tense and torturous. I was full on crying because the forbidden love aspect was ramped up high! Their chemistry is so beautiful, and neither of them can resist each other as hard as they try. The last 100 pages were insane angst but also made room for major character development. Because the icon that Poppy is at the end, has me down on my knees! For me though, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Ivan or his choices, he’s an assassin who’s secretly a sweetheart but also very sensitive? Not in a bad sense but in a very emotionally vulnerable sense. My one thing was that the little reunion at the end was short and I wish we got a little more substance. I however did love Ivan and Poppy’s little sister Jade’s dynamic because he’s natural father material it’s adorable. It’s even more sweet when you realise their family never really took care of them and now they have Ivan, who loves both of them deeply despite his odd choices. I give this book a 4/5 (and I always require compensation for the tears shed)
December 26, 2025
This book didn’t ask for permission.
It kicked the door in, made eye contact, and ruined my emotional stability.
No Longer Innocent is raw, tense, and soaked in danger. From page one, there’s this constant pressure…like something bad is breathing down your neck while attraction sneaks up and grabs you by the throat. Nothing feels safe. Nothing feels easy. And that’s exactly what makes it addictive.
The FMC is thrown into circumstances that force her to grow fast, feel deeply, and question everything she thought she knew. Watching innocence crack and harden into survival mode? Deliciously painful. The MMC is the kind of man who doesn’t say much but somehow says everything. Silent. Intense. Morally complicated. The kind of presence that makes your pulse spike for reasons you can’t explain.
The romance is charged. Not fluffy. Not gentle. It’s the kind of connection that forms under stress, danger, and stolen moments where every look feels loaded and every touch feels like a risk. The tension simmers instead of explodes, and honestly? That slow, feral burn should be illegal.
What really got me was the atmosphere. Grief, fear, longing, and desire all wrapped together until you can’t tell where one emotion ends and another begins. You’re not just reading……you’re bracing yourself.
…this book will own you.
I finished this feeling unwell, feral, and immediately craving more.
Read at your own emotional risk.
It kicked the door in, made eye contact, and ruined my emotional stability.
No Longer Innocent is raw, tense, and soaked in danger. From page one, there’s this constant pressure…like something bad is breathing down your neck while attraction sneaks up and grabs you by the throat. Nothing feels safe. Nothing feels easy. And that’s exactly what makes it addictive.
The FMC is thrown into circumstances that force her to grow fast, feel deeply, and question everything she thought she knew. Watching innocence crack and harden into survival mode? Deliciously painful. The MMC is the kind of man who doesn’t say much but somehow says everything. Silent. Intense. Morally complicated. The kind of presence that makes your pulse spike for reasons you can’t explain.
The romance is charged. Not fluffy. Not gentle. It’s the kind of connection that forms under stress, danger, and stolen moments where every look feels loaded and every touch feels like a risk. The tension simmers instead of explodes, and honestly? That slow, feral burn should be illegal.
What really got me was the atmosphere. Grief, fear, longing, and desire all wrapped together until you can’t tell where one emotion ends and another begins. You’re not just reading……you’re bracing yourself.
…this book will own you.
I finished this feeling unwell, feral, and immediately craving more.
Read at your own emotional risk.
December 31, 2025
I’d never craved anything like I did at that moment. Not food, not sleep, not sanity. Only her.
Okay swoon!
First of all, can we take a moment for how pretty this cover is?? I love that it’s discreet, but still showcases pieces of the story.
No Longer Innocent--what an apt title! Poppy begins this book as an innocent young woman who hasn’t been with a man yet, let alone experienced the reality of her family’s world. Within a brief period of time, she’s thrust into the dangerous side of her family’s shady dealings and is paired with her one night stand, Ivan, to keep her safe in her newfound circumstances. Throughout the story, she's forced to grow into a strong woman who can take care of herself and find her own way out of an unfortunate scenario. She'll do whatever it takes to protect the one piece of her family that she cares deeply about.
"Women don’t show up at fake engagement parties in red lipstick and a cape unless they’re about to stab a man."
I was a woman forged by grief, sharpened by betrayal, and polished by the fire of every terrible thing that had been done to Jane and me.
Then we have our MMC, Ivan. I absolutely adored how sweet Ivan was with Jane and how hard he worked to protect both her and Poppy.
I didn’t care about what this could get me. All that mattered was that she was safe.
---
“Look at you. You are one of the smartest, prettiest women I've ever met."
---
I’d rather walk through war behind her than sit in safety without her.
With Ivan, I just kind of wished he would put his money where his mouth is. Like yes, all of this talk and internal monologue was amazing and swoon-worthy, but I unfortunately found him a bit lacking. But at the same time, I do think that the author wrote these characters in a realistic way (as realistic as can be given the circumstances). How frustratingly human these two were. They don’t magically know what the other is thinking and what they’re hiding. Both (mostly Ivan though lol) made some decisions I didn’t quite agree with. Which made things tense but also brought a level of reality to the situation that I don’t always see in similar books.
There was a lot of darkness and angst, but also love and moments of levity and silliness sprinkled in.
“At last, the princess has emerged from her temper tantrum, just to throw another one.”
Like as much as this statement would have made me want to be physically violent, it was honestly very funny.
Then we have quips from our side characters that made me lol:
“Should I—should I go get someone? Mom? An adult? A therapist?”
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but I do hope Griffin get a book because that kid is hilarious. That being said, I don't think you would had to have read any of the other books in the series to enjoy and understand this one, but to get a better picture of the world and the other characters, I would definitely recommend reading the others first. I felt a little off-kilter at times without knowing more about the characters that clearly had their own stories that were continuing in glimpses in this book.
I do wish we got a bit more from our two main characters together. I didn’t see much of a connection between them, unfortunately. They barely spoke to one another, but they thought about each other constantly. I know that’s kind of the point, they were pining for one another, but I wished there were some deeper moments thrown in and more time together once we reach our HEA. I also think the timeline of events was not completely clear, but that could have just been me.
At the same time, the moments they did have together were entertaining, suspenseful, angsty, and hot.
“Don’t tempt me, Ivan,” I used his words against him, and he chuckled. It did nothing but fuel the inferno raging within me. “Don’t tempt you?” he murmured against my mouth, his breath hot and uneven. “Sweetheart… you’ve been tempting me since the moment I met you.”
“I want to open this door,” he whispered. “I want to walk in there, take that toy out of you, and make you fall apart on my c0ck instead. Do you know how insane that makes me?”
Like who gave you the right to be that hot??
This book definitely kept me hooked the whole time. There was action and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next. And when Ivan and Poppy were in a room together, there was always some great tension you could feel through the page.
"You deserve everything bright and good and full of love.”
Tropes:
-Morally gray MMC
-Slow burn
-Yearning and mutual pining
-Bodyguard/ Protector MMC
-Forced arranged marriage (not to MMC)
-Angsty
-Romantic suspense
Thank you to Love Notes PR and to Alora Kai for selecting me as an ARC reader!
ARC Review
Title: No Longer Innocent
Author: Alora Kai
Date read: 12/30/25
Release Date: 12/19/25
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Okay swoon!
First of all, can we take a moment for how pretty this cover is?? I love that it’s discreet, but still showcases pieces of the story.
No Longer Innocent--what an apt title! Poppy begins this book as an innocent young woman who hasn’t been with a man yet, let alone experienced the reality of her family’s world. Within a brief period of time, she’s thrust into the dangerous side of her family’s shady dealings and is paired with her one night stand, Ivan, to keep her safe in her newfound circumstances. Throughout the story, she's forced to grow into a strong woman who can take care of herself and find her own way out of an unfortunate scenario. She'll do whatever it takes to protect the one piece of her family that she cares deeply about.
"Women don’t show up at fake engagement parties in red lipstick and a cape unless they’re about to stab a man."
I was a woman forged by grief, sharpened by betrayal, and polished by the fire of every terrible thing that had been done to Jane and me.
Then we have our MMC, Ivan. I absolutely adored how sweet Ivan was with Jane and how hard he worked to protect both her and Poppy.
I didn’t care about what this could get me. All that mattered was that she was safe.
---
“Look at you. You are one of the smartest, prettiest women I've ever met."
---
I’d rather walk through war behind her than sit in safety without her.
With Ivan, I just kind of wished he would put his money where his mouth is. Like yes, all of this talk and internal monologue was amazing and swoon-worthy, but I unfortunately found him a bit lacking. But at the same time, I do think that the author wrote these characters in a realistic way (as realistic as can be given the circumstances). How frustratingly human these two were. They don’t magically know what the other is thinking and what they’re hiding. Both (mostly Ivan though lol) made some decisions I didn’t quite agree with. Which made things tense but also brought a level of reality to the situation that I don’t always see in similar books.
There was a lot of darkness and angst, but also love and moments of levity and silliness sprinkled in.
“At last, the princess has emerged from her temper tantrum, just to throw another one.”
Like as much as this statement would have made me want to be physically violent, it was honestly very funny.
Then we have quips from our side characters that made me lol:
“Should I—should I go get someone? Mom? An adult? A therapist?”
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but I do hope Griffin get a book because that kid is hilarious. That being said, I don't think you would had to have read any of the other books in the series to enjoy and understand this one, but to get a better picture of the world and the other characters, I would definitely recommend reading the others first. I felt a little off-kilter at times without knowing more about the characters that clearly had their own stories that were continuing in glimpses in this book.
I do wish we got a bit more from our two main characters together. I didn’t see much of a connection between them, unfortunately. They barely spoke to one another, but they thought about each other constantly. I know that’s kind of the point, they were pining for one another, but I wished there were some deeper moments thrown in and more time together once we reach our HEA. I also think the timeline of events was not completely clear, but that could have just been me.
At the same time, the moments they did have together were entertaining, suspenseful, angsty, and hot.
“Don’t tempt me, Ivan,” I used his words against him, and he chuckled. It did nothing but fuel the inferno raging within me. “Don’t tempt you?” he murmured against my mouth, his breath hot and uneven. “Sweetheart… you’ve been tempting me since the moment I met you.”
“I want to open this door,” he whispered. “I want to walk in there, take that toy out of you, and make you fall apart on my c0ck instead. Do you know how insane that makes me?”
Like who gave you the right to be that hot??
This book definitely kept me hooked the whole time. There was action and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next. And when Ivan and Poppy were in a room together, there was always some great tension you could feel through the page.
"You deserve everything bright and good and full of love.”
Tropes:
-Morally gray MMC
-Slow burn
-Yearning and mutual pining
-Bodyguard/ Protector MMC
-Forced arranged marriage (not to MMC)
-Angsty
-Romantic suspense
Thank you to Love Notes PR and to Alora Kai for selecting me as an ARC reader!
ARC Review
Title: No Longer Innocent
Author: Alora Kai
Date read: 12/30/25
Release Date: 12/19/25
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
January 3, 2026
' No longer Innocent' by Alora Kai is the 3rd book in the series of Rags & Riches the first two are: 'No longer Safe' & 'No longer Mine' which are equally interesting as this one!
The story builds up in the 1st two books then picks up where it left. Though this book can be read as Standalone as you gradually start to understand & every piece falls in place naturally.
Both the MC are billionaires from a renowned family. See how their fates entwine through the circumstances they face together & which makes them stronger!! If I give you the glimpse of the circumstances......they are from families involved in dirty businesses. As for MMC he doesn't want this suffocating luxury & decides to stay at an isolated cabin in the mountains, clawing his way to life. As for FMC she doesn't know what her father's involved into & sets her up to a marriage with a bad mafia.....Everything was fine until the mafia set his terms for the marriage!
What I didn't expect was MC's first meet 🤭 they met at a wooden lodge for snowboarding & drinks.....It was love at first sight for both of them!! After which their life started to take wild turns.........
And those grandmas...hahahahaha 🤣 they are so funny, bro they have everything planned out for the future !! You'll love to meet them. 😂
The aesthetics of the book are so contrasting one moment it's all sweet & shiny, the next moment it's all bold & blood!! I've tried to put it together as a girl who's at first cute & bubbly with we can say cottagecore like cutegirl aesthetic but because of the circumstances(arranged marriage to a mafia), it lead her to be cold, fierce, bold & pretty much like mafia queen with her red lipstick & aesthetic change only for the guy she actually wants !!
Tropes:
- Billionaire romance
- Love at first sight
- Mafia Elements
- Stalker-ish
- Bodyguard romance
- Arranged marriage
- Forced proximity
- Fake couple
- Transformation
- Happily Ever After
- Assasin
- Fu**ing behind closed doors (idk how to explain this) 👀
This book is perfect for readers who love dark romance & their morally gray men with their fierce women besides them ready to fight for their love!! 😌
The story builds up in the 1st two books then picks up where it left. Though this book can be read as Standalone as you gradually start to understand & every piece falls in place naturally.
Both the MC are billionaires from a renowned family. See how their fates entwine through the circumstances they face together & which makes them stronger!! If I give you the glimpse of the circumstances......they are from families involved in dirty businesses. As for MMC he doesn't want this suffocating luxury & decides to stay at an isolated cabin in the mountains, clawing his way to life. As for FMC she doesn't know what her father's involved into & sets her up to a marriage with a bad mafia.....Everything was fine until the mafia set his terms for the marriage!
What I didn't expect was MC's first meet 🤭 they met at a wooden lodge for snowboarding & drinks.....It was love at first sight for both of them!! After which their life started to take wild turns.........
And those grandmas...hahahahaha 🤣 they are so funny, bro they have everything planned out for the future !! You'll love to meet them. 😂
The aesthetics of the book are so contrasting one moment it's all sweet & shiny, the next moment it's all bold & blood!! I've tried to put it together as a girl who's at first cute & bubbly with we can say cottagecore like cutegirl aesthetic but because of the circumstances(arranged marriage to a mafia), it lead her to be cold, fierce, bold & pretty much like mafia queen with her red lipstick & aesthetic change only for the guy she actually wants !!
Tropes:
- Billionaire romance
- Love at first sight
- Mafia Elements
- Stalker-ish
- Bodyguard romance
- Arranged marriage
- Forced proximity
- Fake couple
- Transformation
- Happily Ever After
- Assasin
- Fu**ing behind closed doors (idk how to explain this) 👀
This book is perfect for readers who love dark romance & their morally gray men with their fierce women besides them ready to fight for their love!! 😌
January 3, 2026
Okay hi. I literally just finished this book and I need to talk about it right now, because if I don’t, I will not sleep. 😅🫠
This was dark, intense, emotional, and completely addictive. The kind of book where you start reading and suddenly it’s way too late and you’re like… oh.
Fudge, I’m in trouble. 😅🫠🤯🫣
So we have Poppy and Ivan. And Ivan is rich, morally gray, living-secluded-in-the-mountains, wrapped in family secrets and doing very questionable things in the background. And Poppy? She clearly doesn’t belong where she is, and you can feel that from the start. That’s exactly what pulls him in (and us too if I’m being honest 🤭😇)
Their connection happens fast, but not in a cheap way🤭😉. It’s charged. Messy. One of those “this is probably a bad idea but I don’t care” situations. One of my favorite kind😋😇
The plot???
I genuinely don’t know how to talk about it without spoiling things, and I’m already stressing that I’m saying too much. All I’ll say is there were multiple moments where I had to stop and just stare at the page like, wait… WAIT… is this really happening?? Because yes. Yes it is.😎😅
Also Granny and Nana deserve rights, screen time, and possibly their own books. I said what I said.👑👑
I went back and forth between a 4 and a 5 while writing this, but by now it’s just obvious. This is a 5-star book for me. It made me feel things, it kept me hooked, and I’m still thinking about it.
I need a physical copy immediately.
I need to read more from this author. The other books in this series specifically because damn 😋🫠🤯 I NEED IT 💁🏼♀️✨
And I probably need sleep, but that’s a future-me problem.
This was dark, intense, emotional, and completely addictive. The kind of book where you start reading and suddenly it’s way too late and you’re like… oh.
Fudge, I’m in trouble. 😅🫠🤯🫣
So we have Poppy and Ivan. And Ivan is rich, morally gray, living-secluded-in-the-mountains, wrapped in family secrets and doing very questionable things in the background. And Poppy? She clearly doesn’t belong where she is, and you can feel that from the start. That’s exactly what pulls him in (and us too if I’m being honest 🤭😇)
Their connection happens fast, but not in a cheap way🤭😉. It’s charged. Messy. One of those “this is probably a bad idea but I don’t care” situations. One of my favorite kind😋😇
The plot???
I genuinely don’t know how to talk about it without spoiling things, and I’m already stressing that I’m saying too much. All I’ll say is there were multiple moments where I had to stop and just stare at the page like, wait… WAIT… is this really happening?? Because yes. Yes it is.😎😅
Also Granny and Nana deserve rights, screen time, and possibly their own books. I said what I said.👑👑
I went back and forth between a 4 and a 5 while writing this, but by now it’s just obvious. This is a 5-star book for me. It made me feel things, it kept me hooked, and I’m still thinking about it.
I need a physical copy immediately.
I need to read more from this author. The other books in this series specifically because damn 😋🫠🤯 I NEED IT 💁🏼♀️✨
And I probably need sleep, but that’s a future-me problem.
January 4, 2026
ARC Review
4.4 ⭐ 3 🌶️
When your life is a an expectation what happens when you meet the one thing that could change everything?
Poppy has always been the black sheep of her family, the one who wants to get an education, the one who wants to actually experience life. Her mother and older sister wouldn't know what that meant unless it came with spa days and a yacht. Her father is too busy working, and her brothers are following in his footsteps. But they just don't understand her, or refuse to and she has come to accept that for the most part, tagging along on their vacations and making the best of it for herself.
On this particular trip to a ski lodge, she meets a handsome stranger with arctic eyes, who for some reason is interested in her. Her, not her sister. After a night of fun, she is disappointed when she doesn't see him again, but soon the vacation must end and she heads home. Only to be thrust into chaos. Her father has been murdered, and the majority of his fortune is left to her, but with that comes responsibilities to the family and the family business. Danger looms large, and who appears but our handsome Eyed stranger from the lodge. Ivan..... But Ivan has secrets of his own. He can handle a gun, and he proves that easily when she needs it most. But can he be trusted?
Can anyone be trusted? Because suddenly Poppy is high currency and the pressure is on.
This was a very fun read with some Mafia vibes, a bit of a dirty politician feel, assassins, found family, possessive protective MMC, a FMC who comes into her own, and some kooky but wise Grannies. I enjoyed it a ton and really need to read the other books in the series if they're as entertaining as this one was!
Thank you very much to Alora and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this one!
4.4 ⭐ 3 🌶️
When your life is a an expectation what happens when you meet the one thing that could change everything?
Poppy has always been the black sheep of her family, the one who wants to get an education, the one who wants to actually experience life. Her mother and older sister wouldn't know what that meant unless it came with spa days and a yacht. Her father is too busy working, and her brothers are following in his footsteps. But they just don't understand her, or refuse to and she has come to accept that for the most part, tagging along on their vacations and making the best of it for herself.
On this particular trip to a ski lodge, she meets a handsome stranger with arctic eyes, who for some reason is interested in her. Her, not her sister. After a night of fun, she is disappointed when she doesn't see him again, but soon the vacation must end and she heads home. Only to be thrust into chaos. Her father has been murdered, and the majority of his fortune is left to her, but with that comes responsibilities to the family and the family business. Danger looms large, and who appears but our handsome Eyed stranger from the lodge. Ivan..... But Ivan has secrets of his own. He can handle a gun, and he proves that easily when she needs it most. But can he be trusted?
Can anyone be trusted? Because suddenly Poppy is high currency and the pressure is on.
This was a very fun read with some Mafia vibes, a bit of a dirty politician feel, assassins, found family, possessive protective MMC, a FMC who comes into her own, and some kooky but wise Grannies. I enjoyed it a ton and really need to read the other books in the series if they're as entertaining as this one was!
Thank you very much to Alora and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this one!
January 2, 2026
4.5⭐️
So this is part of a series and I went in without reading the others, and I’m not gonna lie — the start was a bit overwhelming. There are a LOT of characters introduced straight away and it very much feels like you’re expected to already know who everyone is. I was lowkey confused for a hot minute, but once I settled in, it got easier to follow.
Now. Ivan.
I am OBSESSED. And yes, if you look past his… morally questionable career choices 👀 he is actually a phenomenal character. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Poppy or Jane, and the way he instantly takes Jane under his wing like a little sister? My heart. No hesitation, no conditions — just pure loyalty.
Poppy though??? I was rooting for her from start to finish. Watching her grow from this timid, meek girl into an absolute force was everything. The world really said “let’s test her limits” and she just kept pushing through. Her character development was one of my favourite parts of the book.
For the first 300 pages, I was fully locked in. The pacing was great, the story was engaging, and it felt like you were constantly learning more without it ever dragging. The writing really worked for me and I was flying through it.
However… the final chunk felt a bit rushed. Without getting spoilery, there were some major events that I felt deserved more fallout or acknowledgement, especially considering certain characters’ backgrounds and influence. It all wrapped up very quickly, and I would’ve happily read another 50 pages just to get a bit more clarity and closure.
So this is part of a series and I went in without reading the others, and I’m not gonna lie — the start was a bit overwhelming. There are a LOT of characters introduced straight away and it very much feels like you’re expected to already know who everyone is. I was lowkey confused for a hot minute, but once I settled in, it got easier to follow.
Now. Ivan.
I am OBSESSED. And yes, if you look past his… morally questionable career choices 👀 he is actually a phenomenal character. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Poppy or Jane, and the way he instantly takes Jane under his wing like a little sister? My heart. No hesitation, no conditions — just pure loyalty.
Poppy though??? I was rooting for her from start to finish. Watching her grow from this timid, meek girl into an absolute force was everything. The world really said “let’s test her limits” and she just kept pushing through. Her character development was one of my favourite parts of the book.
For the first 300 pages, I was fully locked in. The pacing was great, the story was engaging, and it felt like you were constantly learning more without it ever dragging. The writing really worked for me and I was flying through it.
However… the final chunk felt a bit rushed. Without getting spoilery, there were some major events that I felt deserved more fallout or acknowledgement, especially considering certain characters’ backgrounds and influence. It all wrapped up very quickly, and I would’ve happily read another 50 pages just to get a bit more clarity and closure.
December 15, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Dec 19, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ✦
• bodyguard romance
• forbidden love
• protector mmc
• innocent fmc
• slow burn
• rich & powerful families
• obsessive hero
• forced marriage
• emotional angst
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
This book is part of the Rags & Riches world and follows the story of Poppy and Ivan. Poppy is innocent, sheltered, and controlled by her powerful family. Ivan is dangerous, silent, and born into violence, but he was raised to stay away from it. Their worlds collide when Ivan becomes her protector, even though she belongs to someone else.
What starts as quiet tension slowly turns into something forbidden, painful, and impossible to ignore.
I was not ready for how emotionally intense this book would be. The slow burn was painful in the best way.
Ivan completely owned my heart. He is protective, obsessive, and morally grey, but every dark thing he does is for Poppy. Poppy’s journey from innocence to awareness was heartbreaking and powerful.
This story is not just romance, it is about control, survival, and losing yourself before finding your strength.
The chemistry was quiet but explosive & the angst was heavy. I felt anxious, sad, angry, and completely obsessed while reading.
Ivan is the kind of hero who does not ask for permission, he just destroys anyone who threatens her.
And honestly, I loved every second of it.
Thank you so much love note pr for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Dec 19, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ✦
• bodyguard romance
• forbidden love
• protector mmc
• innocent fmc
• slow burn
• rich & powerful families
• obsessive hero
• forced marriage
• emotional angst
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
This book is part of the Rags & Riches world and follows the story of Poppy and Ivan. Poppy is innocent, sheltered, and controlled by her powerful family. Ivan is dangerous, silent, and born into violence, but he was raised to stay away from it. Their worlds collide when Ivan becomes her protector, even though she belongs to someone else.
What starts as quiet tension slowly turns into something forbidden, painful, and impossible to ignore.
I was not ready for how emotionally intense this book would be. The slow burn was painful in the best way.
Ivan completely owned my heart. He is protective, obsessive, and morally grey, but every dark thing he does is for Poppy. Poppy’s journey from innocence to awareness was heartbreaking and powerful.
This story is not just romance, it is about control, survival, and losing yourself before finding your strength.
The chemistry was quiet but explosive & the angst was heavy. I felt anxious, sad, angry, and completely obsessed while reading.
Ivan is the kind of hero who does not ask for permission, he just destroys anyone who threatens her.
And honestly, I loved every second of it.
Thank you so much love note pr for the free ARC!
Review of advance copy
This third book in the series delivers an emotionally charged, character-driven story that really worked for me. Ivan has stepped away from his old-money mafia family, choosing isolation and a life on his own terms — but secrets have a way of following you. Poppy is on a mountain vacation when she meets a stranger she may come to regret… or may never want to let go of. Their meeting sets off a journey filled with tension, emotion, and undeniable chemistry.
The standout here is the character growth. Watching both Ivan and Poppy evolve felt natural and rewarding, and their chemistry was intense and believable. The story balances darkness and emotion well, keeping the pacing strong throughout.
A special shoutout absolutely has to go to the grannies. They were hands-down the best side characters and brought much-needed humor and heart to an otherwise dark and intense story. Their presence added balance and warmth and made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
Spicy, emotionally layered, and engaging — a strong installment in the series.
Thank you to LoveNotesPR for allowing me to review thus book.
🔥 Tropes 🔥
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spicy
🖤⚖️ Morally Grey
💘⬇️ He Falls First
👀🛡️ Stalker / Bodyguard
🏠🤝 Forced Proximity
🚫❤️ Forbidden Romance
🔫👑 Mafia
🔁👁️ Dual POV
The standout here is the character growth. Watching both Ivan and Poppy evolve felt natural and rewarding, and their chemistry was intense and believable. The story balances darkness and emotion well, keeping the pacing strong throughout.
A special shoutout absolutely has to go to the grannies. They were hands-down the best side characters and brought much-needed humor and heart to an otherwise dark and intense story. Their presence added balance and warmth and made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
Spicy, emotionally layered, and engaging — a strong installment in the series.
Thank you to LoveNotesPR for allowing me to review thus book.
🔥 Tropes 🔥
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spicy
🖤⚖️ Morally Grey
💘⬇️ He Falls First
👀🛡️ Stalker / Bodyguard
🏠🤝 Forced Proximity
🚫❤️ Forbidden Romance
🔫👑 Mafia
🔁👁️ Dual POV
December 20, 2025
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
This story had me from the very first page.
It is moody, dangerous, and deeply emotional in that way only a forbidden romance with a ruthless protector can deliver.
Poppy just wanted peace, but instead she walked right into grief, danger, and the kind of connection that feels inevitable even when it should never happen. Ivan is quiet steel, haunted by his past, and the kind of man who makes “he falls first” feel devastating in the best way.
I loved the tension between safety and danger.
The stalker-ish protective vibes, the forced proximity, the forbidden edge, and that delicious ache of knowing they should stay away but simply cannot made this impossible to put down. The chemistry is intoxicating, the atmosphere is dark but romantic, and the emotional pull kept tightening with every chapter.
If you love morally gray energy, bodyguard heat, tension that crackles, and a heroine trapped between fear, grief, and desire, this book delivers.
It fits beautifully into its interconnected world while still standing strong on its own.
I devoured it and I am absolutely still thinking about Ivan and Poppy.
Highly recommend if you love danger, devotion, and a love story that is anything but innocent.
This story had me from the very first page.
It is moody, dangerous, and deeply emotional in that way only a forbidden romance with a ruthless protector can deliver.
Poppy just wanted peace, but instead she walked right into grief, danger, and the kind of connection that feels inevitable even when it should never happen. Ivan is quiet steel, haunted by his past, and the kind of man who makes “he falls first” feel devastating in the best way.
I loved the tension between safety and danger.
The stalker-ish protective vibes, the forced proximity, the forbidden edge, and that delicious ache of knowing they should stay away but simply cannot made this impossible to put down. The chemistry is intoxicating, the atmosphere is dark but romantic, and the emotional pull kept tightening with every chapter.
If you love morally gray energy, bodyguard heat, tension that crackles, and a heroine trapped between fear, grief, and desire, this book delivers.
It fits beautifully into its interconnected world while still standing strong on its own.
I devoured it and I am absolutely still thinking about Ivan and Poppy.
Highly recommend if you love danger, devotion, and a love story that is anything but innocent.
December 24, 2025
I was introduced to this author at the start of the year and can't believe that we now already have the third book in the Rags & Riches series out and ready to read.
Having read books 1 & 2 - No Longer Safe and No Longer Mine - through the year and absolutely loving them, I was so excited to get my hands on this third book and dive straight in!
Although last time, I said that these books can be read as standalones - we do follow different main characters through each - I really do feel that this would best be read as a whole series, just to really follow the progression of the stories properly.
This book gives us Ivan's story and unlike his brothers, he just wants a quiet life away from all the chaos that the family brings with it.
But the family is always going to be there.
Once again, it was great to really get to know these new characters.
The backstories made for an emotional read and I really felt for both of them for different reasons.
Together, Poppy and Ivan's chemistry jumped off the page and the build up, longing and angst that came with it only intensified the whole atmosphere, making me desperate to race through this and see how it all played out.
I absolutely love a morally grey character and when put alongside someone so seemingly innocent, this contrast had me hooked.
Ivan was protective and obsessive but in all the right ways - if that's not saying too much about me!?
This was another brilliant read and I'm obsessed with these characters and the story that is building.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Having read books 1 & 2 - No Longer Safe and No Longer Mine - through the year and absolutely loving them, I was so excited to get my hands on this third book and dive straight in!
Although last time, I said that these books can be read as standalones - we do follow different main characters through each - I really do feel that this would best be read as a whole series, just to really follow the progression of the stories properly.
This book gives us Ivan's story and unlike his brothers, he just wants a quiet life away from all the chaos that the family brings with it.
But the family is always going to be there.
Once again, it was great to really get to know these new characters.
The backstories made for an emotional read and I really felt for both of them for different reasons.
Together, Poppy and Ivan's chemistry jumped off the page and the build up, longing and angst that came with it only intensified the whole atmosphere, making me desperate to race through this and see how it all played out.
I absolutely love a morally grey character and when put alongside someone so seemingly innocent, this contrast had me hooked.
Ivan was protective and obsessive but in all the right ways - if that's not saying too much about me!?
This was another brilliant read and I'm obsessed with these characters and the story that is building.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
December 20, 2025
💙💙💙 No Longer Innocent 💙💙💙
💙 Bodyguard
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Family Secrets
💙 Slow Burn
Book 3 in the Rags to Riches Series
Spice: 🌶🌶
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❄️ Happy Release Day No Longer Innocent ❄️
Thank you so much for this ARC, I loved it!!
After a one night stand at a ski retreat Poppy thought she would never see Ivan again. The gorgeous mountain man that rocked her world then disappeared.
When she returns home to find her father dead and Ivan in the city at an event for a notorious rival family she's at a loss for words. Secrets begin to unfold and danger lurks around every corner, but who are the real monsters in this war?
Ok every man needs Audrey, Carina and Scarlett in their lives, what a dream team! This is the first book I have read in this series and I will definitely be going back to read the first two books, these women are brilliant.
The hot yoga scene! 🥵 Oh my days, this had our boy Ivan twisting and sweating just watching. The yearning from this man has his molars crunching.
The slow burn between Poppy and Ivan is sizzling and Poppy knows just how to drive this calm and collected man wild. This was a great read with good balance between plot and spice. If you enjoy Bodyguard Romance get this added onto your TBR 🖤🖤
💙 Bodyguard
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Family Secrets
💙 Slow Burn
Book 3 in the Rags to Riches Series
Spice: 🌶🌶
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❄️ Happy Release Day No Longer Innocent ❄️
Thank you so much for this ARC, I loved it!!
After a one night stand at a ski retreat Poppy thought she would never see Ivan again. The gorgeous mountain man that rocked her world then disappeared.
When she returns home to find her father dead and Ivan in the city at an event for a notorious rival family she's at a loss for words. Secrets begin to unfold and danger lurks around every corner, but who are the real monsters in this war?
Ok every man needs Audrey, Carina and Scarlett in their lives, what a dream team! This is the first book I have read in this series and I will definitely be going back to read the first two books, these women are brilliant.
The hot yoga scene! 🥵 Oh my days, this had our boy Ivan twisting and sweating just watching. The yearning from this man has his molars crunching.
The slow burn between Poppy and Ivan is sizzling and Poppy knows just how to drive this calm and collected man wild. This was a great read with good balance between plot and spice. If you enjoy Bodyguard Romance get this added onto your TBR 🖤🖤
December 27, 2025
This book kept me entertained in the void between christmas and new year and it was a great time
The writing style was compelling and the fact that this is my first book in the series wasn't a problem to understand time stamps and the side characters or their own story lines, i am obsessed with the grannies; they're the show stoppers. Poppy being her own hero and even Ivan's when the moment called for was everything I wanted and more.
~Blurb~
Poppy just wanted peace and to forget about her family and lifestyle while in the mountains, but she met a quiet and ruggedman, nothing like she's ever experience before, one night wit Ivan was enough to change her forever But when she returned home, her father was dead, and danger was suddenly everywhere. Now she's trapped between grief and suspicion, and the only man she feels safe with is the one she could never have
Tropes:
💋 He Falls First
🤭 Stalker-ish
🥰 Bodyguard
💞 Forced Proximity
🖤 Forbidden Romance
No Longer Innocent by @authoralorakai is out now!
Thanks Love Notes PR and Alora Kai for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️🌶️
The writing style was compelling and the fact that this is my first book in the series wasn't a problem to understand time stamps and the side characters or their own story lines, i am obsessed with the grannies; they're the show stoppers. Poppy being her own hero and even Ivan's when the moment called for was everything I wanted and more.
~Blurb~
Poppy just wanted peace and to forget about her family and lifestyle while in the mountains, but she met a quiet and ruggedman, nothing like she's ever experience before, one night wit Ivan was enough to change her forever But when she returned home, her father was dead, and danger was suddenly everywhere. Now she's trapped between grief and suspicion, and the only man she feels safe with is the one she could never have
Tropes:
💋 He Falls First
🤭 Stalker-ish
🥰 Bodyguard
💞 Forced Proximity
🖤 Forbidden Romance
No Longer Innocent by @authoralorakai is out now!
Thanks Love Notes PR and Alora Kai for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️🌶️
December 29, 2025
📖 No Longer Innocent by
ARC Review: Thank you lovenotespr for the opportunity of this arc!
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶️ 2/5
🪩KU
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Bodyguard
✨ Mafia Vibes
•𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠:
No Longer Innocent-I got this arc and was way excited! As soon as I was approved, I whipped through the first 2 (which I enjoyed) so I would be ready for this one! Warning; slightly spoilers ahead.
I'm a bit torn on them as a whole though. They each can be read as a standalone but I didn't like the "flow". I liked the individual stories of each one with the couples and their own adventure but from the second one to this one-it didn't continue any of the unanswered questions and storyline of the Dad escaping. It focused on a side colleague (that I didn't care for) and another sibling with their love interest and the entire time I was reading this one-I kept expecting it to tie together more somehow so by the time I finished-I just thought it was fine and was left feeling unfinished.
I can't write and have nowhere near the lick of talent to do so let's acknowledge I can't do what this wonderful author can. I liked them individually but as a whole-I don't think I'll continue the series to get the answers.
ARC Review: Thank you lovenotespr for the opportunity of this arc!
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶️ 2/5
🪩KU
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Bodyguard
✨ Mafia Vibes
•𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠:
No Longer Innocent-I got this arc and was way excited! As soon as I was approved, I whipped through the first 2 (which I enjoyed) so I would be ready for this one! Warning; slightly spoilers ahead.
I'm a bit torn on them as a whole though. They each can be read as a standalone but I didn't like the "flow". I liked the individual stories of each one with the couples and their own adventure but from the second one to this one-it didn't continue any of the unanswered questions and storyline of the Dad escaping. It focused on a side colleague (that I didn't care for) and another sibling with their love interest and the entire time I was reading this one-I kept expecting it to tie together more somehow so by the time I finished-I just thought it was fine and was left feeling unfinished.
I can't write and have nowhere near the lick of talent to do so let's acknowledge I can't do what this wonderful author can. I liked them individually but as a whole-I don't think I'll continue the series to get the answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
No Longer Innocent is the third book in Alora Kai’s interconnected series and delivers an emotionally charged, character-driven story that really worked for me—even as my first read in this world.
Ivan has walked away from his old-money mafia family, choosing isolation and silence, while Poppy is searching for peace when a mountain getaway changes everything. Their connection is intense, believable, and sets off a story filled with tension, danger, and strong emotional beats.
The real strength of this book is the character growth. Watching both Ivan and Poppy evolve felt natural and rewarding, and the balance between darkness, romance, and emotion keeps the pacing engaging throughout. Poppy, in particular, shines as her own hero—and even Ivan’s when it truly matters.
A special mention goes to the grannies, who completely stole the show. Their humor and warmth added much-needed balance to the darker elements of the story and made every scene with them a highlight.
Spicy, emotional, and engaging, this book works well as a standalone and made me curious to explore the rest of the series.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
No Longer Innocent is the third book in Alora Kai’s interconnected series and delivers an emotionally charged, character-driven story that really worked for me—even as my first read in this world.
Ivan has walked away from his old-money mafia family, choosing isolation and silence, while Poppy is searching for peace when a mountain getaway changes everything. Their connection is intense, believable, and sets off a story filled with tension, danger, and strong emotional beats.
The real strength of this book is the character growth. Watching both Ivan and Poppy evolve felt natural and rewarding, and the balance between darkness, romance, and emotion keeps the pacing engaging throughout. Poppy, in particular, shines as her own hero—and even Ivan’s when it truly matters.
A special mention goes to the grannies, who completely stole the show. Their humor and warmth added much-needed balance to the darker elements of the story and made every scene with them a highlight.
Spicy, emotional, and engaging, this book works well as a standalone and made me curious to explore the rest of the series.
December 30, 2025
ARC Review:
This is book #3 in the Rags & Riches series - but this was the first one I had read. Even though it is a part of an interconnected series, I was able to read this one easily as a standalone. Poppy is the daughter of a rich "bad guy" who travels to the mountains with her family/friends for a little getaway. Ivan is there, hiding out (although we don't know why) until his two grannies come to rouse him from his hideout. He escapes for a night to the mountain resort lodge and meets Poppy - although neither knows who the other is. After a magical night together, they each go on their own way. Circumstances pull both of them back to the (same) city, where decisions made by both of them cause their paths to cross again. Ivan falls first, but he can't have Poppy. Poppy falls quickly after him, but she can't have Ivan.
The ANGST between these two made me both fall for them and want to jump up and down saying - JUST LOVE EACH OTHER!! But Poppy has a secret - one that involves her sister's life.
This is book #3 in the Rags & Riches series - but this was the first one I had read. Even though it is a part of an interconnected series, I was able to read this one easily as a standalone. Poppy is the daughter of a rich "bad guy" who travels to the mountains with her family/friends for a little getaway. Ivan is there, hiding out (although we don't know why) until his two grannies come to rouse him from his hideout. He escapes for a night to the mountain resort lodge and meets Poppy - although neither knows who the other is. After a magical night together, they each go on their own way. Circumstances pull both of them back to the (same) city, where decisions made by both of them cause their paths to cross again. Ivan falls first, but he can't have Poppy. Poppy falls quickly after him, but she can't have Ivan.
The ANGST between these two made me both fall for them and want to jump up and down saying - JUST LOVE EACH OTHER!! But Poppy has a secret - one that involves her sister's life.
December 30, 2025
I was given this book for my honest review from Love Note PR and Alora Kai. First off I need to say that I have not read book one or book two of this series. I didn't feel like though that I was lost at all in the book by not reading the first two books in the series. So I would say that this can be a standalone book as well as in a series. I have to say that I actually enjoyed reading this book. I am not much for slow burn type of books and I thought at first this was not one of those books. As it starts off right away but then it fizzles a bit. I do say though it does pick up after you get some more information. Though I felt like some of the information in the beginning could be less. The characters in the book, Ivan and Poppy are really well written. While they are not as well rounded as I would have hoped they both had some growth through the book that you expect. The tension in this book is great and keeps you holding on to the bitter end. I really enjoyed this book. I am hoping to read the first two. Great job to Alora Kai.
December 31, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
❤️Hitman
☠️Body guard
❤️Forced marriage
☠️Found Family
❤️Forbidden romance
☠️Yearning
This was my first book by Alora Kai and I loved it! I will for sure be going back to read the others in the series.
Poppy just wants an escape from life and meets Ivan at a resort she’s vacationing at which turns into a one night stand. When she returns to the city she finds her father dead and is forced into a marriage by her brothers. With security measures needed, Ivan becomes her full time body guard.
This book hooked me from the beginning and at no time did it slow down. Poppy came off as an innocent FMC at first, but when she realized she was the only family her younger sister had she became a lot stronger. Ivan’s brooding and yearning was so well done and of course makes the perfect book boyfriend. The characters in this book were so much fun and I’m excited to go back and read their stories. I also adore Jane, I would love a story about her once she grows up!
❤️Hitman
☠️Body guard
❤️Forced marriage
☠️Found Family
❤️Forbidden romance
☠️Yearning
This was my first book by Alora Kai and I loved it! I will for sure be going back to read the others in the series.
Poppy just wants an escape from life and meets Ivan at a resort she’s vacationing at which turns into a one night stand. When she returns to the city she finds her father dead and is forced into a marriage by her brothers. With security measures needed, Ivan becomes her full time body guard.
This book hooked me from the beginning and at no time did it slow down. Poppy came off as an innocent FMC at first, but when she realized she was the only family her younger sister had she became a lot stronger. Ivan’s brooding and yearning was so well done and of course makes the perfect book boyfriend. The characters in this book were so much fun and I’m excited to go back and read their stories. I also adore Jane, I would love a story about her once she grows up!
January 2, 2026
This is my first book by Alora Kai and I'm totally hooked. Coming into the series of interconnected standalones in book 3 I didn't feel lost but some spoilers from previous books were definitely a given.
I thought this world dark and captivating though lighthearted moments were woven in throughout giving a nice reprieve.
I really enjoyed all the characters and loved Poppy and Ivan together. The tangled web they were in was so fun and delicious to unravel.
If you're looking for a morally-gray tension-filled romance that builds up and is full of suspense this one hit the spot for sure.
Tropes:
Bodyguard
Forbidden
Morally gray
Forced marriage
Protective/Obsessive MMC
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Angst
He falls first
Stalker...
Dual POV
Check TW
Book 3 in the interconnected Rags to Riches series, I'm looking forward to going back to read the previous books and more from this author.
Thank you Love Notes PR and Alora Kai for the opportunity to read this book.
I thought this world dark and captivating though lighthearted moments were woven in throughout giving a nice reprieve.
I really enjoyed all the characters and loved Poppy and Ivan together. The tangled web they were in was so fun and delicious to unravel.
If you're looking for a morally-gray tension-filled romance that builds up and is full of suspense this one hit the spot for sure.
Tropes:
Bodyguard
Forbidden
Morally gray
Forced marriage
Protective/Obsessive MMC
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Angst
He falls first
Stalker...
Dual POV
Check TW
Book 3 in the interconnected Rags to Riches series, I'm looking forward to going back to read the previous books and more from this author.
Thank you Love Notes PR and Alora Kai for the opportunity to read this book.
January 2, 2026
Poppy and Ivan meet on a trip, spend the night together, and never expect to see each other again. Then Poppy's father is murdered and Ivan is the one who did it (not like he'd tell her, he's falling for her). So when Ivan becomes Poppy's bodyguard and her arranged marriage to a really bad guy starts getting closer, the questions and the drama continue.
I really enjoyed reading this. It was slow for a little in the beginning but then it picks up to the point where putting it down is not an option. For someone starting this book without reading the others, everything is put together nicely. You know enough about the other characters (and their books) to make an impression without it being the topic of conversation. All the characters in the book were entirely their own and really made it an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed reading this. It was slow for a little in the beginning but then it picks up to the point where putting it down is not an option. For someone starting this book without reading the others, everything is put together nicely. You know enough about the other characters (and their books) to make an impression without it being the topic of conversation. All the characters in the book were entirely their own and really made it an enjoyable read.
January 10, 2026
No Longer Innocent pulled me in from the very first pages and never let me breathe.
You turn page after page with growing anticipation, the story unfolding in vivid, cinematic scenes that constantly raise the suspense. Just when you think you’ve found your footing, the twists hit. Unsettling your calm, forcing you to question everything and making you desperate to know the truth behind every secret.
Poppy is searching for answers, refusing to remain in the dark, even when the truth threatens to break her. Ivan, on the other hand, is dark, distant, and deeply secretive until Poppy enters his life and disrupts the carefully controlled world he built around himself. Their connection is intense, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
This story thrives on tension and emotional depth.
I loved it!💖
You turn page after page with growing anticipation, the story unfolding in vivid, cinematic scenes that constantly raise the suspense. Just when you think you’ve found your footing, the twists hit. Unsettling your calm, forcing you to question everything and making you desperate to know the truth behind every secret.
Poppy is searching for answers, refusing to remain in the dark, even when the truth threatens to break her. Ivan, on the other hand, is dark, distant, and deeply secretive until Poppy enters his life and disrupts the carefully controlled world he built around himself. Their connection is intense, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
This story thrives on tension and emotional depth.
I loved it!💖
December 17, 2025
I read the first 2 books, praying for Ivan’s story. Something about the uninterested brother who holds secrets from people because he just wants something that’s his. I loved it. I have beef with poppy because how starved for attention can a FMC be to start developing feelings for a narcissist the way she was for Donovan in the beginning few dates they had. He literally was controlling from the second she sat down. But I digress. I give her credit for taking one for the team and protecting her sister. Would have loved to hear about her birth mom a bit more. I feel like her origin story got lost in the shuffle after her illegitimacy was revealed. Over all. Loving the series. Hoping for griffins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
No Longer Innocent by Alora Kai is the third book in the Rags to Riches series.
This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. The story follows Poppy and Ivan, and I especially liked Ivan’s family particularly the grannies, whose additional storylines helped kick off the adventure and added a lot of fun to the plot. Even though this is an interconnected series, I was able to read this book as a standalone with no trouble. It definitely made me interested in going back to read the first two books and getting to know those characters as well. I appreciated how Ivan stood firm when it came to love, and once Poppy really thought things through, I liked seeing her change up her look and step confidently into business mode.
This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. The story follows Poppy and Ivan, and I especially liked Ivan’s family particularly the grannies, whose additional storylines helped kick off the adventure and added a lot of fun to the plot. Even though this is an interconnected series, I was able to read this book as a standalone with no trouble. It definitely made me interested in going back to read the first two books and getting to know those characters as well. I appreciated how Ivan stood firm when it came to love, and once Poppy really thought things through, I liked seeing her change up her look and step confidently into business mode.
January 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to LoveNotes PR and Alora Kai for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Poppy and Ivan’s story begins with a one-night stand. She was running away from her family drama and he wanted peace away from his overbearing relatives. After going back to the real world, Poppy’s life it’s turned upside down when tragedy strikes. Now she needs protection and who happens to be her bodyguard?, Ivan. This book was an entertaining read. I was not expecting the arrangement marriage aspect but enjoyed it. Poppy’s relationship with her sister Jane was really sweet. I had not the previous two books but didn’t feel like I needed to in order to understand the dynamic between the families.
Thank you to LoveNotes PR and Alora Kai for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Poppy and Ivan’s story begins with a one-night stand. She was running away from her family drama and he wanted peace away from his overbearing relatives. After going back to the real world, Poppy’s life it’s turned upside down when tragedy strikes. Now she needs protection and who happens to be her bodyguard?, Ivan. This book was an entertaining read. I was not expecting the arrangement marriage aspect but enjoyed it. Poppy’s relationship with her sister Jane was really sweet. I had not the previous two books but didn’t feel like I needed to in order to understand the dynamic between the families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow, just wow. This story was so wonderfully written. The mix of humor and lighthearted scenes in an overall dark read was appreciated and so well-woven together. I absolutely enjoyed Ivan and Poppy’s love story. The individual and combined growth within this book was absolutely indescribable. The way these two grew together and individually was just so beautiful to witness. This was my first ever read from Alora and I honestly love it, she has such a unique way of telling the story, you get trapped into the plot and flow of the book.
Thank you Love Notes PR for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC book.
Thank you Love Notes PR for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC book.
December 20, 2025
Want to enter the mafia world? Read the Rags & Riches series by Alora Kai. The MMC’s are rich and very hush hush about their family empire. But then the villain comes out of the shadows and there’s no hiding who they are anymore. Each book is a different couple and the MMC’s are all brothers. Their other halves give them something to fight for.
This series was great and while it was mafia, it wasn’t too heavy of the mafia life in my opinion, so if you’re getting into dark romance with a mafia theme, this would be a great series to start with. If you already like mafia, add it to your tbr to experience the view from old money mafia.
This series was great and while it was mafia, it wasn’t too heavy of the mafia life in my opinion, so if you’re getting into dark romance with a mafia theme, this would be a great series to start with. If you already like mafia, add it to your tbr to experience the view from old money mafia.
January 2, 2026
Wonderful.
Hitman, yet Bodyguard
Forbidden Marriage
Forced Proximity
While Poopy, the FMC, is away on vacation, she meets the MMC, Ivan, unknowingly. They share a magical night together before they depart from one another.
Weeks later, Ivan is given a hit by his “dealers” aka “The Grannies” that, unknowingly to him, is member of Poppy’s family.
Poppy and Ivan cross paths shortly after his assignment and everything that could keep them separated from one another, yet force them to be together in the same place, occurs.
This book is full of longing from both MCs.
Slow, slow burn.
Hitman, yet Bodyguard
Forbidden Marriage
Forced Proximity
While Poopy, the FMC, is away on vacation, she meets the MMC, Ivan, unknowingly. They share a magical night together before they depart from one another.
Weeks later, Ivan is given a hit by his “dealers” aka “The Grannies” that, unknowingly to him, is member of Poppy’s family.
Poppy and Ivan cross paths shortly after his assignment and everything that could keep them separated from one another, yet force them to be together in the same place, occurs.
This book is full of longing from both MCs.
Slow, slow burn.
January 2, 2026
Thanks to Love Notes PR for the ARC, they keep getting better and better!!
This book was so exciting, the plot twist just kept coming. I almost wish I hadn't read the synopsis, because the first twist was just crazy good.
The MCs are really well rounded and deep, they are very nicely written. Particularly the MMC's struggle with his upbringing and regret seems poignant. Meanwhile, the FMC's growth and changes are significant and justified throughout the story.
I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but I am doing so ASAP.
Alora Kai is going to my fave authors' list for 2025.
This book was so exciting, the plot twist just kept coming. I almost wish I hadn't read the synopsis, because the first twist was just crazy good.
The MCs are really well rounded and deep, they are very nicely written. Particularly the MMC's struggle with his upbringing and regret seems poignant. Meanwhile, the FMC's growth and changes are significant and justified throughout the story.
I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but I am doing so ASAP.
Alora Kai is going to my fave authors' list for 2025.
January 2, 2026
This books is part of the Rags & Riches world, following the stories of the Cristof family. I was not prepared for how emotionally intense this book would be. I felt anxious, sad and totally obsessed with Poppy and Ivan.
The grannies making a return with their humour and plotting behind the scenes is a great addition to the story.
I also love that Alora’s books have a HEA, it makes all the emotional rollercoasters along the way so worth it.
Favourite Quotes:
• I’d never craved anything like I did at that moment. Not food, not sleep, not sanity. Only her.
• I’d never begged for anything in my life… but when it came to Poppy, I would happily get on my knees.
The grannies making a return with their humour and plotting behind the scenes is a great addition to the story.
I also love that Alora’s books have a HEA, it makes all the emotional rollercoasters along the way so worth it.
Favourite Quotes:
• I’d never craved anything like I did at that moment. Not food, not sleep, not sanity. Only her.
• I’d never begged for anything in my life… but when it came to Poppy, I would happily get on my knees.
December 27, 2025
I was so invested, I couldn't put it down! Dark mafia vibes, tension filled plot, chemistry and spice to die for!
Poppy and Ivan have a palpable connection. I love the way their relationship builds so authentically even in the shadows. Their journey has so many angsty twists and turns.
This definitely worked as a standalone but it engaged me so much that I'm going back to read the first two books in the series. The characters are well written and interesting. The grannies are hilarious but also badass.
Definitely add this to your TBR!
Poppy and Ivan have a palpable connection. I love the way their relationship builds so authentically even in the shadows. Their journey has so many angsty twists and turns.
This definitely worked as a standalone but it engaged me so much that I'm going back to read the first two books in the series. The characters are well written and interesting. The grannies are hilarious but also badass.
Definitely add this to your TBR!
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