What do you think?
Rate this book
Dare Me to Stay
Briar Rose has a secret.
One she’ll do just about anything to keep.
She’s nobody.
One night. One dare. One mistake.
She betrayed me.
I don’t forgive, and I don’t forget.
And I don’t do second chances.
Because in my world, betrayal is paid for in blood.
And I want her on her knees, begging.
I’ll rip down every wall she’s built,
burn every bridge she thought would save her.
Run, Little Rose, I dare you.
But remember, even Eden couldn’t keep out the Devil.
Dare Me to Stay is book two in an interconnected dark mafia romance series, and does contain dark themes that may be triggering to some. This book can be read as a standalone, but for the best reader experience; it is recommended to read the series in publishing order, as the books and characters do interconnect.
Book #1: No Promises, No Lies - Aidan & Rory
Book #2: Dare Me to Stay - Koen & Briar
Mafia Romance
Dark Romance
Second Chance Romance
Secret Baby
Betrayal
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Touch her and…
One she’ll do just about anything to keep.
She’s nobody.
One night. One dare. One mistake.
She betrayed me.
I don’t forgive, and I don’t forget.
And I don’t do second chances.
Because in my world, betrayal is paid for in blood.
And I want her on her knees, begging.
I’ll rip down every wall she’s built,
burn every bridge she thought would save her.
Run, Little Rose, I dare you.
But remember, even Eden couldn’t keep out the Devil.
Dare Me to Stay is book two in an interconnected dark mafia romance series, and does contain dark themes that may be triggering to some. This book can be read as a standalone, but for the best reader experience; it is recommended to read the series in publishing order, as the books and characters do interconnect.
Book #1: No Promises, No Lies - Aidan & Rory
Book #2: Dare Me to Stay - Koen & Briar
Mafia Romance
Dark Romance
Second Chance Romance
Secret Baby
Betrayal
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Touch her and…
609 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
235 people are currently reading
936 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Wilding
2 books161 followersAj is a mom of two from New England who balances the chaos of parenting, writing, and wrangling her furry crew of two dogs and two cats.
A dedicated hockey mom, she spends countless hours in cold arenas, finding inspiration for her stories while cheering from the sidelines or typing away between periods.
Aj’s love for writing began in childhood, where her imagination first took shape through short stories. Over time, this passion grew into crafting poetry and lyrics, eventually evolving into the novels she writes today. Her stories are often filled with intensity, heart, and a touch of chaos—just like the worlds she loves to create.
When she’s not writing, Aj enjoys sipping coffee, spending time with her family, and diving into digital art. She’s always dreaming of her next adventure, both on and off the ice.
A dedicated hockey mom, she spends countless hours in cold arenas, finding inspiration for her stories while cheering from the sidelines or typing away between periods.
Aj’s love for writing began in childhood, where her imagination first took shape through short stories. Over time, this passion grew into crafting poetry and lyrics, eventually evolving into the novels she writes today. Her stories are often filled with intensity, heart, and a touch of chaos—just like the worlds she loves to create.
When she’s not writing, Aj enjoys sipping coffee, spending time with her family, and diving into digital art. She’s always dreaming of her next adventure, both on and off the ice.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars.
This had everything I wanted and needed… but in the wrong amounts.
So I absolutely loved book 1 of Devils & Darlings. I even reread it in preparation for the second book, and because I knew the next book was going to be about Koen, I was sooo excited. In the first book?? Koen is the biggest daddy ever, I swearrrr, I loved him. In this book? Meh…
Obviously there’s going to be a lot of tension and relationship back and forth in a book like this. However, it went on waaay too long for me (which was also my main critique of the first book, even though I felt like it worked more there). I mean, at 81% I still kind of hated Koen and didn’t feel like the relationship was working at all.
After that, so in the last 15–20%, the book got SO GOOD. I’m talking stayed up late to finish it because I physically couldn’t put it down at that point. So I guess I just wish we had a little less relationship back and forth and more of the mafia drama we had at the end. Then this would have been a 10/10 for me.
I’m still looking forward to continuing this series, though!! I need to read Nikolai, Liam, and Reagan’s stories. In that order.
This had everything I wanted and needed… but in the wrong amounts.
So I absolutely loved book 1 of Devils & Darlings. I even reread it in preparation for the second book, and because I knew the next book was going to be about Koen, I was sooo excited. In the first book?? Koen is the biggest daddy ever, I swearrrr, I loved him. In this book? Meh…
Obviously there’s going to be a lot of tension and relationship back and forth in a book like this. However, it went on waaay too long for me (which was also my main critique of the first book, even though I felt like it worked more there). I mean, at 81% I still kind of hated Koen and didn’t feel like the relationship was working at all.
After that, so in the last 15–20%, the book got SO GOOD. I’m talking stayed up late to finish it because I physically couldn’t put it down at that point. So I guess I just wish we had a little less relationship back and forth and more of the mafia drama we had at the end. Then this would have been a 10/10 for me.
I’m still looking forward to continuing this series, though!! I need to read Nikolai, Liam, and Reagan’s stories. In that order.
January 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
Irish mafia king meets ballerina—and it delivers everything I hoped for and more.
Dare Me to Stay is the perfect blend of dark romance, suspense, and spice. The plot is intense without feeling overwhelming, and the chemistry is absolutely addictive. A.J. Wilding strikes a great balance between emotional depth and heat, making this one impossible to put down.
Briar is a standout FMC—strong, resilient, and far more powerful than she initially appears. I loved watching her navigate danger while staying true to herself and her passion. Koen, on the other hand, is everything you want in a dark romance MMC: broody, possessive, fiercely protective, and deeply loyal. His presence alone commands attention, but it’s his devotion that truly seals the deal.
The family and friendship dynamics add so much richness to the story, grounding the darkness with genuine connection and loyalty. On top of that, the suspense keeps the pages turning, constantly hinting that something bigger is coming and making it impossible to stop “just one more chapter.”
If you love dark romance with a strong heroine, a morally gray alpha, high spice, and an Irish mafia backdrop, Dare Me to Stay deserves a top spot on your TBR. This one will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own. 💚🔥🍀
Irish mafia king meets ballerina—and it delivers everything I hoped for and more.
Dare Me to Stay is the perfect blend of dark romance, suspense, and spice. The plot is intense without feeling overwhelming, and the chemistry is absolutely addictive. A.J. Wilding strikes a great balance between emotional depth and heat, making this one impossible to put down.
Briar is a standout FMC—strong, resilient, and far more powerful than she initially appears. I loved watching her navigate danger while staying true to herself and her passion. Koen, on the other hand, is everything you want in a dark romance MMC: broody, possessive, fiercely protective, and deeply loyal. His presence alone commands attention, but it’s his devotion that truly seals the deal.
The family and friendship dynamics add so much richness to the story, grounding the darkness with genuine connection and loyalty. On top of that, the suspense keeps the pages turning, constantly hinting that something bigger is coming and making it impossible to stop “just one more chapter.”
If you love dark romance with a strong heroine, a morally gray alpha, high spice, and an Irish mafia backdrop, Dare Me to Stay deserves a top spot on your TBR. This one will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own. 💚🔥🍀
January 14, 2026
Thanks to author and BookSirens for giving me book 2 to continue the Devils & Darlings series, in exchange for my review. Opinions are mine and I loved this! I’m usually not a fan of the hidden/surprise kid genre, just doesn’t do it for me, but apparently if you add in a touch of violence and one sexy Irish Mob boss, I’m game!!! Dual narration, our main characters Briar Rose & Koen, or Ri to all his underlings, meet 4 years ago and their hot night results in a daughter. I really liked being back in this world built around an Irish mob family. The timeline runs during the same as book one, but nothing felt redundant like it can when authors do this. The brothers, and sister Reagan, really are so close and normal you can forget they deal in violence. Hockey was only mentioned in this book, but honestly I didn’t miss it. The suspense from the inner plot kept me on the edge of my seat, while the romance (and spice) kept the tension high just like I like. Set up for book 3 will be the sister, Reagan’s book and I’m dying to know who author will pair her with! Definitely check this series out if you’re a fan of the Mob/Mafia genre.
February 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
December 26, 2025
Oh my god this was fantastic. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. A.J.’s writing is so captivating I couldn’t put this down! I’m obsessed with her story telling it flows so nicely. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I need the third book, especially with that little teaser she left of the first chapter of book 3 at the end!! God she really does know how to write a dark mafia romance and it just hits so perfect for when you’re in the mood for a good dark mafia romance. Her books have so much going on in the plot that it doesn’t feel cheesy and dumb to read because so much happens with the characters. The found family in this also just makes you smile and you can’t not love it. They’re big bad mafia men but fall to their knees to protect what and who they love and will do anything for their sweet little niece and daughter. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster of a book too. One second you’re giggling then you’re mad then you’re crying back to laughing again. I love that you also get the back story of their past sprinkled throughout this book by it switching from present time and then to the past. It fills in gaps really nicely and sets things up so perfectly. This does have some heavy and dark themes in it especially with the talk of trafficking so take that into mind and just check the TW before reading once this comes out on 1/30/26
Ugh Koen, Koen, Koen, the man that you are 🙂↕️ Is he absolutely an asshole and unhinged? 100000% but the way he groveled and begged her for forgiveness after what he did to her had me dying. I love the push and pull between Briar and Koen and their banter at times had me kicking my feet and giggling. The way he’s so down bad for her and it pisses him off is so funny to me. He hates how much he wants her at the beginning. Briar is so badass and I love that she is willing to do whatever it takes to give her daughter everything even if it’s not the best way to get what she needs she’s willing to do it. They have a one night stand and then they don’t see each other for 4 years and so Koen has no idea he has a daughter. He’s the head of the Irish mafia so Briar is at a crossroads when she finds out she’s pregnant. Does she tell him and have them be a part of their world? Does she not and just risk the chance of him never finding out and she does everything she can to provide for them? When she chooses to keep Remi a secret she’s still in school for ballet and is doing everything she can to provide for them. She finds herself in a bad situation because of needing money for school, Remi and Remis medical bills. She does what she can but ends up working at this club and is working there to pay off a loan she got from someone and to pay her bills and whatever else she needs. When that goes to absolute shit and backfires on her somehow she gets tangled up with Koen again. She will do whatever it takes to make sure Remi is protected and that Koen doesn’t find out about her. But how much will it cost her to keep hiding secrets from him? How far is she actually willing to go? What happens if he finds out about her and the fact that Briar hid her from him for years…? Is this something that they can recover from?
Ugh Koen, Koen, Koen, the man that you are 🙂↕️ Is he absolutely an asshole and unhinged? 100000% but the way he groveled and begged her for forgiveness after what he did to her had me dying. I love the push and pull between Briar and Koen and their banter at times had me kicking my feet and giggling. The way he’s so down bad for her and it pisses him off is so funny to me. He hates how much he wants her at the beginning. Briar is so badass and I love that she is willing to do whatever it takes to give her daughter everything even if it’s not the best way to get what she needs she’s willing to do it. They have a one night stand and then they don’t see each other for 4 years and so Koen has no idea he has a daughter. He’s the head of the Irish mafia so Briar is at a crossroads when she finds out she’s pregnant. Does she tell him and have them be a part of their world? Does she not and just risk the chance of him never finding out and she does everything she can to provide for them? When she chooses to keep Remi a secret she’s still in school for ballet and is doing everything she can to provide for them. She finds herself in a bad situation because of needing money for school, Remi and Remis medical bills. She does what she can but ends up working at this club and is working there to pay off a loan she got from someone and to pay her bills and whatever else she needs. When that goes to absolute shit and backfires on her somehow she gets tangled up with Koen again. She will do whatever it takes to make sure Remi is protected and that Koen doesn’t find out about her. But how much will it cost her to keep hiding secrets from him? How far is she actually willing to go? What happens if he finds out about her and the fact that Briar hid her from him for years…? Is this something that they can recover from?
January 10, 2026
Dare Me to Stay is the kind of book that makes you want to shake the characters and yell, “Just figure it out already!”—and somehow, that delicious frustration only makes it more addictive. The push-and-pull between the main characters is infuriating in the best way, fueled by miscommunication, stubborn hearts, and high-stakes mafia tension. Every time you think they’re about to get on the same page, another twist pulls you right back in, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
As a dark mafia romance, this story delivers on intensity, emotion, and heat. The atmosphere is gritty and dangerous, the romance is charged and angsty, and the chemistry simmers until it burns. With a well-earned 5-star rating and a spice level of 4, Dare Me to Stay is a gripping, steamy read that keeps you hooked from start to finish—equal parts maddening and mesmerizing, and absolutely worth the ride.
As a dark mafia romance, this story delivers on intensity, emotion, and heat. The atmosphere is gritty and dangerous, the romance is charged and angsty, and the chemistry simmers until it burns. With a well-earned 5-star rating and a spice level of 4, Dare Me to Stay is a gripping, steamy read that keeps you hooked from start to finish—equal parts maddening and mesmerizing, and absolutely worth the ride.
December 21, 2025
Alright, hear me out.
I have been waiting for this sequel patiently, and I can only say: it DELIVERED.
It’s written perfectly, it sucks you in and you do not want to leave. I love how you can read it multiple ways. I couldn’t help but notice you can easily tandem-read this with ‘No Promises, No Lies’ or just read it as a sequel. It’s really up to you but I can’t wait for someone to make a template on how to tandem read it.
I love the story, the character building and all the emotions in it. Like I said: it sucks you in. Every word written makes you feel an emotion. I have been through a lot of emotions. Note: Koen can be quite an ass but he’s worth it. His character development is quite impressive and shows you how men think in general. While Briar’s development show you the women’s side.
But I have one question for A.J: how much trouble was Remi in when Briar didn’t show up on the parent meeting? I NEED TO KNOW
I have been waiting for this sequel patiently, and I can only say: it DELIVERED.
It’s written perfectly, it sucks you in and you do not want to leave. I love how you can read it multiple ways. I couldn’t help but notice you can easily tandem-read this with ‘No Promises, No Lies’ or just read it as a sequel. It’s really up to you but I can’t wait for someone to make a template on how to tandem read it.
I love the story, the character building and all the emotions in it. Like I said: it sucks you in. Every word written makes you feel an emotion. I have been through a lot of emotions. Note: Koen can be quite an ass but he’s worth it. His character development is quite impressive and shows you how men think in general. While Briar’s development show you the women’s side.
But I have one question for A.J: how much trouble was Remi in when Briar didn’t show up on the parent meeting? I NEED TO KNOW
January 26, 2026
4.5⭐️
I ate this book up. The stakes were so high for a majority of this book and had me on the edge of my seat so many times.
I gasped multiple times and my jaw dropped so many more. The mafia element of this book was way stronger than NPNL which I actually really enjoyed and made me enjoy this book more overall.
AJ Wilding knows how to write a hot broody man with a morally grey compass and Koen was SO HOT but pissed me off so many times it made it so hard for me to like him sometimes.
I absolutely fell in love with Remi and she gave me baby fever fr.
Thank you AJ Wilding for an e-arc copy of this book! Check it out, releasing Jan 30.
I ate this book up. The stakes were so high for a majority of this book and had me on the edge of my seat so many times.
I gasped multiple times and my jaw dropped so many more. The mafia element of this book was way stronger than NPNL which I actually really enjoyed and made me enjoy this book more overall.
AJ Wilding knows how to write a hot broody man with a morally grey compass and Koen was SO HOT but pissed me off so many times it made it so hard for me to like him sometimes.
I absolutely fell in love with Remi and she gave me baby fever fr.
Thank you AJ Wilding for an e-arc copy of this book! Check it out, releasing Jan 30.
February 16, 2026
O just LOVE this brothers 😍 and the Irish Máfia!
January 19, 2026
Have you ever played truth or dare? Do you like it? I loved playing it when I was a kid and I never thought that it can played this way too…lol…spicy. I don’t know what I was expecting from the book when I started it, but I got what my heart was craving without even realising. It is a good story to devour. It got addictive as it moved forward, like my need to know what’s coming next or how Koen is going to react on the mystery, and everything overall had me on edge. The story build itself as it moved forward, and so-much happened throughout the book that it made me laugh, it made me giddy, and it made me crazy too at one point. There were no dull moments. Briar was simply amazing, and hats-off to her spirit and dedication. I adore her. Must try book but read the books in order and read triggers too.
It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.
It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.
December 31, 2025
Thank you for the ARC of this book! I got so excited when I received this book, I loved the first one and this one did not disappoint!
I throughly enjoyed this book I was only a few chapters in and I wasn’t my usual self thinking is this going to get interesting? It was for me from the get go.
Briar gets pregnant after one night with the head of the Irish Mafia, finds out who he really is and then conceals Remi from him to protect her from his world. 5 years later Briar stumbles onto something she shouldn’t have that puts her in the clutches of the seedy underworld, and back into Koen’s life.
“But darkness came for my little rose anyway, and in it, you didn’t wither and die; you grew thorns in the shadows; you got stronger, sharper and unforgiving. Now, you aren’t just beautiful, you’re dangerous, but I would bleed a thousand times over just to touch you.”
What did I like and dislike about this book? Honestly I don’t think I had even one little gripe about the book. My favourite parts of the book, Briars strength, Koen’s protectiveness, Liam and Lilys humour, Remi’s sassiness, how the family bond with Remi, I love a good found family. The truth or dare game, some sexy, some heartfelt.
And damn! Briar being the one with the line “Fuck it” you get it girl!
I think AJ could be one of my favourite authors!
The writing, the storyline, the characters.
The humour Lily brought to this book *chefs kiss*
“We do not sleep with our baby daddies!”
“Ok, listen here Captain Kidnap.”
“Fantastic growth arc. You’re temporarily forgiven”
At points I was screaming internally -
Tell him already!
Don’t do it!
Just fucking listen to her!
No!
Koen & Briar it was a long road for you two but you got there.
“This family, This Chaotic, messy, terrifying family, had staked their claim on us, on both of us. And for the first time in what feels forever, I let myself relax- being here, with them, with all of them… it’s feels like home.
There are a few trigger warnings in this book, please read them before going into this book. Your mental health matters.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Reagan and Roman. Also do I spy something in the works for Lily and Mac?
I throughly enjoyed this book I was only a few chapters in and I wasn’t my usual self thinking is this going to get interesting? It was for me from the get go.
Briar gets pregnant after one night with the head of the Irish Mafia, finds out who he really is and then conceals Remi from him to protect her from his world. 5 years later Briar stumbles onto something she shouldn’t have that puts her in the clutches of the seedy underworld, and back into Koen’s life.
“But darkness came for my little rose anyway, and in it, you didn’t wither and die; you grew thorns in the shadows; you got stronger, sharper and unforgiving. Now, you aren’t just beautiful, you’re dangerous, but I would bleed a thousand times over just to touch you.”
What did I like and dislike about this book? Honestly I don’t think I had even one little gripe about the book. My favourite parts of the book, Briars strength, Koen’s protectiveness, Liam and Lilys humour, Remi’s sassiness, how the family bond with Remi, I love a good found family. The truth or dare game, some sexy, some heartfelt.
And damn! Briar being the one with the line “Fuck it” you get it girl!
I think AJ could be one of my favourite authors!
The writing, the storyline, the characters.
The humour Lily brought to this book *chefs kiss*
“We do not sleep with our baby daddies!”
“Ok, listen here Captain Kidnap.”
“Fantastic growth arc. You’re temporarily forgiven”
At points I was screaming internally -
Tell him already!
Don’t do it!
Just fucking listen to her!
No!
Koen & Briar it was a long road for you two but you got there.
“This family, This Chaotic, messy, terrifying family, had staked their claim on us, on both of us. And for the first time in what feels forever, I let myself relax- being here, with them, with all of them… it’s feels like home.
There are a few trigger warnings in this book, please read them before going into this book. Your mental health matters.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Reagan and Roman. Also do I spy something in the works for Lily and Mac?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
Wow!! I absolutely loved this book!
Koen and Briar were an interesting pair. Mafia king and ballerina. One night and she was stuck in his head. One night and she couldn’t escape his eyes daily for the last almost 4 years.
Briar was never supposed to be in his world which is why even though she caught his eye that night they only had one night. What happens when they meet again a little over 4 years later in his world? What happens when she is in danger? What about the secret she’s been hiding for almost 4 years?
This book had me hooked from page 1. This arc only sat in my inbox for a few hours before I couldn’t wait anymore and had to read it. I’ve been waiting to read this book since I read book 1 a year ago and it was worth the wait! The twists and turns had me needing to know what happened next! I could not put this book down even if I wanted to.
I loved seeing Rory and Aidan again and seeing their story somewhat unfold through Koen’s eyes since the timelines overlap. I loved seeing Rory and Briar become friends once they eventually met.
I absolutely loved Remi. I really loved chapter 74 with Aidan and the hockey game in chapter 84.
The start of chapter 92 scared the heck out of me!! You love to keep your readers on their toes. The chapter title and after what happened at the end of chapter 91 my heart stopped for a second.
Overall I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read book 3 and find out what’s going on with Reagan. I read this book as an arc.
Koen and Briar were an interesting pair. Mafia king and ballerina. One night and she was stuck in his head. One night and she couldn’t escape his eyes daily for the last almost 4 years.
Briar was never supposed to be in his world which is why even though she caught his eye that night they only had one night. What happens when they meet again a little over 4 years later in his world? What happens when she is in danger? What about the secret she’s been hiding for almost 4 years?
This book had me hooked from page 1. This arc only sat in my inbox for a few hours before I couldn’t wait anymore and had to read it. I’ve been waiting to read this book since I read book 1 a year ago and it was worth the wait! The twists and turns had me needing to know what happened next! I could not put this book down even if I wanted to.
I loved seeing Rory and Aidan again and seeing their story somewhat unfold through Koen’s eyes since the timelines overlap. I loved seeing Rory and Briar become friends once they eventually met.
I absolutely loved Remi. I really loved chapter 74 with Aidan and the hockey game in chapter 84.
The start of chapter 92 scared the heck out of me!! You love to keep your readers on their toes. The chapter title and after what happened at the end of chapter 91 my heart stopped for a second.
Overall I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read book 3 and find out what’s going on with Reagan. I read this book as an arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to AJ Wilding to give me the opportunity to read this ARC 💖
Omg, this book was AMAZING!!! I enjoyed every single second of it and absolutely loved it. The last few chapters had me feeling all the emotions. What a twist!
The story was so well done and completely engaging from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Omg, this book was AMAZING!!! I enjoyed every single second of it and absolutely loved it. The last few chapters had me feeling all the emotions. What a twist!
The story was so well done and completely engaging from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
February 14, 2026
This book had so much potential, it really saddens me, because these type of books are totally up my alley. Koen portrayed the morally grey character very well. He was dark, dangerous, but never crossed boundaries with Briar. I enjoyed the book because there was no comparing Briar with other women, no crazy past lovers, no OWD, just her. I also liked their game of truth or dare.
There was a lot of inner monologue in the first 35% of the book to the point I had to start skimming because although I lost interest with all the thoughts, I was curious about Koen. The first 40% consist of some flashback, and Briar and Koen living there separate life. After that they meet and even then it moves very slow. Around the 60% mark things begin to actually come together.
If I had known this book would be
5 years later, they meet again, after some very slow developments, some back and forth, some she is too good for me, I’ll have to let her go, they go at it again, unprotected again. Like Briar hasn’t learned her lesson the first time where babies come from…
They never talk about why he behaved so awfully that first night, he never gives her an explanation, other than that he was sorry. We only know why because of his inner thoughts. He asks her how many men she was with after him, but he never tells her about himself. I also didn’t like that he gave her her first orgasm, even though she had a boyfriend for two years.
Then there is her 3-year old, who is talking and acting like a grown woman. And the worst part, Briar wasn’t even actually a mother, her child was being taken care of by a babysitter / her friend and the friend’s family. Briar was busy dancing around to earn money to pay off the debt she was in because her child has asthma. I think the whole drama with the severe type of asthma was exaggerated.🤯
Also why is this even a hockey and mafia trope? The hockey aspect added nothing to the book, so why even try to mix tropes that don’t go well together.
The whole mafia thing was more background talk. There were a lot of characters to the point I had no idea what was happening, and quite frankly, I didn’t even care anymore. All the allegedly suspenseful things that happened where not written and not shown, just briefly told in two sentences randomly between paragraphs. This was supposed to be plotline, but it never made it to be written, just mentioned in passing.
Other things I didn’t like and spoiled it for me where the inconsistencies and loose ends.
Why would Briar feel safe with a cop at a stripclub?
Briar’s wallet was in the club when she got kidnapped. But Koen finds her ID…where exactly? The fan? The warehouse? Just conveniently lying there for him to find??
Normal people, grab their key, phone and wallet, put in their purse and start the day. But Briar is not normal people, Briar already had money and an extra key hidden in her bra to save the day. 🤦♀️
Briar got whipped four times to the point of heavy bleeding, but couldn’t be bothered to clean the wound and kept tearing it open. A week later she is on stage stripping again. I don’t think they would let an injured bleeding or scarred stripper on stage.
Then there is Briar taking a drink from strangers in a bathroom of some club and getting herself drugged. Is this how a mother behaves?
Koen left the unicorn in Briar's house but suddenly it's in his house?
Briar in her thoughts calling Koen her boyfriend out of nowhere.
A sentence somewhere saying they are planning a marriage? I couldn’t appreciate this, because in the whole book, no one ever says ‘I love you’ to the other. Sure they show it, but the words are never spoken aloud. There has been no talk about a relationship, no proposal, nothing.
Then there is Reagan And Reagan was actually very annoying.🙄
Overall, I did enjoy the book and it got me curious enough to read the next one as well.
There was a lot of inner monologue in the first 35% of the book to the point I had to start skimming because although I lost interest with all the thoughts, I was curious about Koen. The first 40% consist of some flashback, and Briar and Koen living there separate life. After that they meet and even then it moves very slow. Around the 60% mark things begin to actually come together.
If I had known this book would be
5 years later, they meet again, after some very slow developments, some back and forth, some she is too good for me, I’ll have to let her go, they go at it again, unprotected again. Like Briar hasn’t learned her lesson the first time where babies come from…
They never talk about why he behaved so awfully that first night, he never gives her an explanation, other than that he was sorry. We only know why because of his inner thoughts. He asks her how many men she was with after him, but he never tells her about himself. I also didn’t like that he gave her her first orgasm, even though she had a boyfriend for two years.
Then there is her 3-year old, who is talking and acting like a grown woman. And the worst part, Briar wasn’t even actually a mother, her child was being taken care of by a babysitter / her friend and the friend’s family. Briar was busy dancing around to earn money to pay off the debt she was in because her child has asthma. I think the whole drama with the severe type of asthma was exaggerated.🤯
Also why is this even a hockey and mafia trope? The hockey aspect added nothing to the book, so why even try to mix tropes that don’t go well together.
The whole mafia thing was more background talk. There were a lot of characters to the point I had no idea what was happening, and quite frankly, I didn’t even care anymore. All the allegedly suspenseful things that happened where not written and not shown, just briefly told in two sentences randomly between paragraphs. This was supposed to be plotline, but it never made it to be written, just mentioned in passing.
Other things I didn’t like and spoiled it for me where the inconsistencies and loose ends.
Why would Briar feel safe with a cop at a stripclub?
Briar’s wallet was in the club when she got kidnapped. But Koen finds her ID…where exactly? The fan? The warehouse? Just conveniently lying there for him to find??
Normal people, grab their key, phone and wallet, put in their purse and start the day. But Briar is not normal people, Briar already had money and an extra key hidden in her bra to save the day. 🤦♀️
Briar got whipped four times to the point of heavy bleeding, but couldn’t be bothered to clean the wound and kept tearing it open. A week later she is on stage stripping again. I don’t think they would let an injured bleeding or scarred stripper on stage.
Then there is Briar taking a drink from strangers in a bathroom of some club and getting herself drugged. Is this how a mother behaves?
Koen left the unicorn in Briar's house but suddenly it's in his house?
Briar in her thoughts calling Koen her boyfriend out of nowhere.
A sentence somewhere saying they are planning a marriage? I couldn’t appreciate this, because in the whole book, no one ever says ‘I love you’ to the other. Sure they show it, but the words are never spoken aloud. There has been no talk about a relationship, no proposal, nothing.
Then there is Reagan And Reagan was actually very annoying.🙄
Overall, I did enjoy the book and it got me curious enough to read the next one as well.
February 10, 2026
Incredible
I honestly did think Aiden and Rory would be topped. But I genuinely couldn't put this down, Koen and Briar were chefs kiss. What I loved about it was that the stakes just kept getting higher, totally by 90% the couple have fixed any misunderstandings and declared their undying love and it can be abit of boring filler. But holy hell not with this Author, she keeps you guessing and you just can't anticipate what is going to happen. I cannot wait to read Reagan's story, although Im worried for her Ronan seems to be a huge Psychopath 🤣
I honestly did think Aiden and Rory would be topped. But I genuinely couldn't put this down, Koen and Briar were chefs kiss. What I loved about it was that the stakes just kept getting higher, totally by 90% the couple have fixed any misunderstandings and declared their undying love and it can be abit of boring filler. But holy hell not with this Author, she keeps you guessing and you just can't anticipate what is going to happen. I cannot wait to read Reagan's story, although Im worried for her Ronan seems to be a huge Psychopath 🤣
February 1, 2026
You guys!!!! If you loved No Promises, No Lies as much as I did, DO NOT sleep on this one! Koen doesn't disappoint! This story is full of everything we love & more! AJ beautifully created this MASTERPIECE! I said what I said! Loved every second of the angst, the thrill, the chase, the love, the personal growth...just GAH! Can't wait to have this on my shelf next to #1 😍. AJ, you did the dang thing, Girl! Can't wait for more!
February 1, 2026
It was a ride, but only a 4/5 ride. Things seemed a bit repetitive and I think it was a bit drawn out. But I still had a good time. Especially when we got about 75% in… lol
February 7, 2026
4.75 ⭐️’s
February 5, 2026
I never know what to do or say in this situation, I'll just explain. While reading this book and the peek for the next book at the end of it, and also the heroine in book one, I was thrown back to books I read by an author on Wattpad 2018, I'll just give that author's initials A.R, book called Raptor especially. If this author recognises that that author's name/book, well, I won't know, and if not and it is a coincidence then I apologise, but so much here is the same.
Not the story but the characters natures and things that happen. For example, in the WP author's books/stories the h in book one is "light" sunshine, warmth etc, hits the H with a pillow, is a redhead genetist who mentions that redheads burn sedation quicker than others, the wattpad author actually a redhead genetist who wrote for fun, so a reason for knowing that. I've read hundreds possibly thousands of books and never read it in any other books.
But there's much more. The WP author's book 2 heroine is a "darker" natured heroine like here, because she had a harder life, wears jasmine, a darker scent, the H follows her on his motorbike at night, comforts her when she spirsls, he edges the h during a sex scene and is the first guy to ever make her cum, all from the WP author's story Raptor 2018 and now in this author's book(s).
Even the h here and her kid being threatened by mafia bad guy to do what he wants and how their apartment is filled with thrift stuff, and more, is all in the WP author's work, except it's a kid sister threatened. But yes, while reading this I questioned how much the same is too much to be a coincidence. I was uncomfortable, even if the actual stories are different.
As for my review of the rest of this book. I was going to give 3 stars. This is better than the first book but has the same problems, the author has her characters repeating the same thoughts far too many times. Sections were tedious and needed cut. My favourite part was the little girl Remi, but she acted and spoke very grown up, races around on ice wearing ice hockey skates, I'm not convinced 3-4 year old would or could be like that.
While it's understandable she would remember him and think about him years after their one night stand because she got pregnant that night and had his child, I'm not convinced he would be so taken by her after just a few hours one night five years ago, to the extent he thinks things like, she ruined him for all other women, she's his poison, and hoping it's her every time he even glimpses a dark haired women 5 years later.
Also, maybe it was just me, but the death had no emotional impact because the author mostly only mentions the character in passing along with others, like x, y & z are doing surveillance or x, y & z are on their way. Just one real scene with the h & H. The h's dance instructor was more memorable and prominent. Not good. More scenes of him was needed to show how close he was to the brothers to give impact to his death.
Even though everything I listed is definitely in the WP author's stories back in 2018, I keep going back and forth on if I should or shouldn't write about this, feeling bad for the WP author, then feeling bad if this author's list of exactly the same things is somehow just coincidence. But the more I wrote the details down the more it seemed like a lot and all very specific, unique even. There might even be more similarities I don't even remember from back then.
It's upsetting, if the WP author published they could be accused of copying. Although they'd have the evidence of dates recorded for when they first published their stories on WP as proof, but still. So I'm going to leave the comparison details in my review for that reason. I would have actually continued with this author to read Reagan's story
in her next book but now not sure, because of it. A good topic question for goodreads discussion; how much the same is coincidence or copying. 2 stars.
Not the story but the characters natures and things that happen. For example, in the WP author's books/stories the h in book one is "light" sunshine, warmth etc, hits the H with a pillow, is a redhead genetist who mentions that redheads burn sedation quicker than others, the wattpad author actually a redhead genetist who wrote for fun, so a reason for knowing that. I've read hundreds possibly thousands of books and never read it in any other books.
But there's much more. The WP author's book 2 heroine is a "darker" natured heroine like here, because she had a harder life, wears jasmine, a darker scent, the H follows her on his motorbike at night, comforts her when she spirsls, he edges the h during a sex scene and is the first guy to ever make her cum, all from the WP author's story Raptor 2018 and now in this author's book(s).
Even the h here and her kid being threatened by mafia bad guy to do what he wants and how their apartment is filled with thrift stuff, and more, is all in the WP author's work, except it's a kid sister threatened. But yes, while reading this I questioned how much the same is too much to be a coincidence. I was uncomfortable, even if the actual stories are different.
As for my review of the rest of this book. I was going to give 3 stars. This is better than the first book but has the same problems, the author has her characters repeating the same thoughts far too many times. Sections were tedious and needed cut. My favourite part was the little girl Remi, but she acted and spoke very grown up, races around on ice wearing ice hockey skates, I'm not convinced 3-4 year old would or could be like that.
While it's understandable she would remember him and think about him years after their one night stand because she got pregnant that night and had his child, I'm not convinced he would be so taken by her after just a few hours one night five years ago, to the extent he thinks things like, she ruined him for all other women, she's his poison, and hoping it's her every time he even glimpses a dark haired women 5 years later.
Also, maybe it was just me, but the death had no emotional impact because the author mostly only mentions the character in passing along with others, like x, y & z are doing surveillance or x, y & z are on their way. Just one real scene with the h & H. The h's dance instructor was more memorable and prominent. Not good. More scenes of him was needed to show how close he was to the brothers to give impact to his death.
Even though everything I listed is definitely in the WP author's stories back in 2018, I keep going back and forth on if I should or shouldn't write about this, feeling bad for the WP author, then feeling bad if this author's list of exactly the same things is somehow just coincidence. But the more I wrote the details down the more it seemed like a lot and all very specific, unique even. There might even be more similarities I don't even remember from back then.
It's upsetting, if the WP author published they could be accused of copying. Although they'd have the evidence of dates recorded for when they first published their stories on WP as proof, but still. So I'm going to leave the comparison details in my review for that reason. I would have actually continued with this author to read Reagan's story
in her next book but now not sure, because of it. A good topic question for goodreads discussion; how much the same is coincidence or copying. 2 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was completely hooked from the very first chapter. The tension never lets up, and A.J. has a way of pulling you so deeply into the story that putting the book down feels impossible. Her writing is smooth, addictive, and effortlessly gripping. This series is skyrocketing to the top of my favorites list, and that sneak peek of book three at the end ? Pure torture in the best way—I need it immediately.
A.J. truly excels at dark mafia romance. When you’re craving something intense and emotional, this hits the mark perfectly. The plot is layered and busy in the best way, so it never feels overdone or cringe-worthy. There’s always something happening, something at stake. And the found family aspect ? It adds so much warmth to the story. These ruthless men may rule the underworld, but when it comes to the people they love—especially their niece and daughter—they’re fiercely protective and unapologetically devoted.
This book takes you on a full emotional spiral. One minute you’re smiling or laughing, the next you’re angry, then suddenly your heart is breaking—only to be pulled right back into lighter moments again. I also loved how the story weaves between the present and the past. Those glimpses into earlier years are placed perfectly, filling in missing pieces and giving so much depth to the characters and their choices. Just a heads-up: the book doesn’t shy away from heavy subject matter, including trafficking, so checking trigger warnings beforehand is definitely recommended.
And let’s talk about Koen—because wow. He is walking chaos. Completely ruthless, wildly unhinged, and yes, a massive jerk… but his downfall is everything. Watching him beg, plead, and truly break after his mistakes was incredibly satisfying. The chemistry between him and Briar is electric. Their back-and-forth is sharp, funny, and full of tension, and his frustration over how deeply he wants her is honestly entertaining. He despises how much power she has over him, which just makes it better.
Briar is such a strong female lead. She’s resilient, determined, and willing to cross lines if it means giving her daughter a better life. Even when her choices aren’t perfect, they’re understandable. After a single night together, she and Koen go their separate ways—four years pass, and he has no idea he’s a father. As the head of the Irish mafia, Koen represents a world Briar isn’t sure she wants her child anywhere near. When she learns she’s pregnant, she’s still pursuing ballet and struggling to survive while covering tuition, living expenses, and her daughter’s medical needs.
Desperation pushes her into dangerous territory, including taking a job at a club to repay a loan and keep her head above water. When everything inevitably unravels, fate throws her back into Koen’s orbit. Briar will sacrifice anything to keep her child safe—and to keep the truth hidden. But secrets always come at a price. How much can she give up before there’s nothing left ? And if Koen uncovers the truth—not just about his daughter, but about the years of lies—can their relationship survive the fallout ?
This story is intense, emotional, and impossible to forget. A.J. knows exactly how to hurt you, heal you, and leave you desperate for more.
A.J. truly excels at dark mafia romance. When you’re craving something intense and emotional, this hits the mark perfectly. The plot is layered and busy in the best way, so it never feels overdone or cringe-worthy. There’s always something happening, something at stake. And the found family aspect ? It adds so much warmth to the story. These ruthless men may rule the underworld, but when it comes to the people they love—especially their niece and daughter—they’re fiercely protective and unapologetically devoted.
This book takes you on a full emotional spiral. One minute you’re smiling or laughing, the next you’re angry, then suddenly your heart is breaking—only to be pulled right back into lighter moments again. I also loved how the story weaves between the present and the past. Those glimpses into earlier years are placed perfectly, filling in missing pieces and giving so much depth to the characters and their choices. Just a heads-up: the book doesn’t shy away from heavy subject matter, including trafficking, so checking trigger warnings beforehand is definitely recommended.
And let’s talk about Koen—because wow. He is walking chaos. Completely ruthless, wildly unhinged, and yes, a massive jerk… but his downfall is everything. Watching him beg, plead, and truly break after his mistakes was incredibly satisfying. The chemistry between him and Briar is electric. Their back-and-forth is sharp, funny, and full of tension, and his frustration over how deeply he wants her is honestly entertaining. He despises how much power she has over him, which just makes it better.
Briar is such a strong female lead. She’s resilient, determined, and willing to cross lines if it means giving her daughter a better life. Even when her choices aren’t perfect, they’re understandable. After a single night together, she and Koen go their separate ways—four years pass, and he has no idea he’s a father. As the head of the Irish mafia, Koen represents a world Briar isn’t sure she wants her child anywhere near. When she learns she’s pregnant, she’s still pursuing ballet and struggling to survive while covering tuition, living expenses, and her daughter’s medical needs.
Desperation pushes her into dangerous territory, including taking a job at a club to repay a loan and keep her head above water. When everything inevitably unravels, fate throws her back into Koen’s orbit. Briar will sacrifice anything to keep her child safe—and to keep the truth hidden. But secrets always come at a price. How much can she give up before there’s nothing left ? And if Koen uncovers the truth—not just about his daughter, but about the years of lies—can their relationship survive the fallout ?
This story is intense, emotional, and impossible to forget. A.J. knows exactly how to hurt you, heal you, and leave you desperate for more.
Review of advance copy
The second book tells the story of Koen and Briar, a couple marked by a first encounter that left more than just memories; it left a secret. Briar decided to protect it, believing it was the safest course of action, even though from that first day they both felt something profound in their hearts. Koen, however, thought it best to leave everything to that single encounter, but the emotions that were born then stayed with them for years.
Now, some time later, Briar is in serious trouble. A debt has her cornered, and her life is in danger. It is then that Koen reappears and saves her, abruptly returning to her life. But this return comes at a price, and Briar must fulfill a demand if she wants to keep the secret she has protected for so long safe. That means betraying the man who once made her feel intense emotions, emotions that are now even stronger.
Koen knows his heart made its decision long before he could choose whom to love, and the pent-up tension between them explodes spectacularly. But amidst so many secrets, the truth always comes to light sooner or later, and when the crucial moment arrives, Koen discovers the lies and betrayals, and it hurts, it hurts deeply because, honestly, I understood them both.
Koen's anger is completely understandable; he could no longer trust Briar, even though her heart already belonged to him, and Briar had been through so much. I understood why he chose to keep the truth hidden; they were both hurting, both carrying their own burdens, but they also knew they loved each other and that life was giving them a second chance.
I won't say the road was easy, because it wasn't, but in the end, they managed to be together. Koen proved to be the kind of man capable of burning the whole world down to keep Briar and her family safe. He opened himself completely, he gave his all, he fixed what needed fixing to build a family with her.
And I deeply admire Briar's strength despite the pain. She knew how to move forward; she saw beyond the mask of the mafia boss and saw the man who protected her, who loved her, and who would do anything to keep his family safe. And finally, together, they managed to resolve everything and achieve the happy ending they so richly deserved.
This is the last review of the year, and I'm extremely satisfied with this book. Also, I can't fail to mention Lily, the best friend we all wish we had. Her loyalty to Briar is simply precious.
Now comes the third book, and I'll just say this Reagan, it seems the price of freedom came at a very high price, didn't it? Your life hangs by a thread, and I'm eager to see how everything unfolds. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now, some time later, Briar is in serious trouble. A debt has her cornered, and her life is in danger. It is then that Koen reappears and saves her, abruptly returning to her life. But this return comes at a price, and Briar must fulfill a demand if she wants to keep the secret she has protected for so long safe. That means betraying the man who once made her feel intense emotions, emotions that are now even stronger.
Koen knows his heart made its decision long before he could choose whom to love, and the pent-up tension between them explodes spectacularly. But amidst so many secrets, the truth always comes to light sooner or later, and when the crucial moment arrives, Koen discovers the lies and betrayals, and it hurts, it hurts deeply because, honestly, I understood them both.
Koen's anger is completely understandable; he could no longer trust Briar, even though her heart already belonged to him, and Briar had been through so much. I understood why he chose to keep the truth hidden; they were both hurting, both carrying their own burdens, but they also knew they loved each other and that life was giving them a second chance.
I won't say the road was easy, because it wasn't, but in the end, they managed to be together. Koen proved to be the kind of man capable of burning the whole world down to keep Briar and her family safe. He opened himself completely, he gave his all, he fixed what needed fixing to build a family with her.
And I deeply admire Briar's strength despite the pain. She knew how to move forward; she saw beyond the mask of the mafia boss and saw the man who protected her, who loved her, and who would do anything to keep his family safe. And finally, together, they managed to resolve everything and achieve the happy ending they so richly deserved.
This is the last review of the year, and I'm extremely satisfied with this book. Also, I can't fail to mention Lily, the best friend we all wish we had. Her loyalty to Briar is simply precious.
Now comes the third book, and I'll just say this Reagan, it seems the price of freedom came at a very high price, didn't it? Your life hangs by a thread, and I'm eager to see how everything unfolds. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2026
I will forever think of this book whenever I play truth or dare.
I am speechless. I truly don’t know if there are even words to describe how good this book was, but I will try. The strangers to enemies to lovers in this book was written amazingly! It was hard to put down, if I could have read it all in one sitting I would have. I was literally biting my nails chapter after chapter. You think you know what is going to happen but then you get a curve ball. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was never bored once with this book.
From strangers at a bar to playing truth and dare. Leading to one amazing night that neither of them ever forgot about and going separate ways for 4 years and falling back into each other’s lives. Her getting caught up in his world and him saving her time and time again. Her keeping the biggest secret of their lives along the journey. He learns to trust again while she learns what true family is. Seeing how love can truly transform a person.
I loved seeing Koen become a dad and the growth that he had in this book. Seeing Briar taking on being a single mom and doing the damn thing. I couldn’t believe the way the O’Rourke brothers will go to the ends of the world for the people they love. The “touch her and die” energy was so strong in this book. I loved that we got to see more of Rory and Aidan’s story and the way their love has grown and some of their story we didn’t get to see until now. You didn’t think you could love them more until more details of their story came out in this book. I loved the growth of Liam in this book and I am dying to see what happens in his book. The comedy relief that he brings to these books is my favorite and part of me thinks that he is going to be my favorite brother. The little teaser we got for Regan’s book has put me on the edge of my seat and I am dying for the next book. I would highly suggest reading No Promise, No Lies before reading this book to understand the O’Rourke brothers better and why Koen does the things he does in this book plus the book is amazing and is a must read. I hope by the end of all the books in this series we get a temple to tandem read all these books together.
If you are looking for a different type of love story then look no further than this book and all the books so far in the Devil and Darlings series. A.J is an amazing author and the way she writes just brings you right into the story. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this story and all the books she writes in the future. I feel extremely blessed and truly grateful that I got to be an ARC for this book. Thank you A.J for these amazing stories and these amazing characters that I have fallen in love with! Can’t wait to see what journey these books take us on next!
I am speechless. I truly don’t know if there are even words to describe how good this book was, but I will try. The strangers to enemies to lovers in this book was written amazingly! It was hard to put down, if I could have read it all in one sitting I would have. I was literally biting my nails chapter after chapter. You think you know what is going to happen but then you get a curve ball. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was never bored once with this book.
From strangers at a bar to playing truth and dare. Leading to one amazing night that neither of them ever forgot about and going separate ways for 4 years and falling back into each other’s lives. Her getting caught up in his world and him saving her time and time again. Her keeping the biggest secret of their lives along the journey. He learns to trust again while she learns what true family is. Seeing how love can truly transform a person.
I loved seeing Koen become a dad and the growth that he had in this book. Seeing Briar taking on being a single mom and doing the damn thing. I couldn’t believe the way the O’Rourke brothers will go to the ends of the world for the people they love. The “touch her and die” energy was so strong in this book. I loved that we got to see more of Rory and Aidan’s story and the way their love has grown and some of their story we didn’t get to see until now. You didn’t think you could love them more until more details of their story came out in this book. I loved the growth of Liam in this book and I am dying to see what happens in his book. The comedy relief that he brings to these books is my favorite and part of me thinks that he is going to be my favorite brother. The little teaser we got for Regan’s book has put me on the edge of my seat and I am dying for the next book. I would highly suggest reading No Promise, No Lies before reading this book to understand the O’Rourke brothers better and why Koen does the things he does in this book plus the book is amazing and is a must read. I hope by the end of all the books in this series we get a temple to tandem read all these books together.
If you are looking for a different type of love story then look no further than this book and all the books so far in the Devil and Darlings series. A.J is an amazing author and the way she writes just brings you right into the story. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this story and all the books she writes in the future. I feel extremely blessed and truly grateful that I got to be an ARC for this book. Thank you A.J for these amazing stories and these amazing characters that I have fallen in love with! Can’t wait to see what journey these books take us on next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
Huge thank you goes out to AJ Wilding for another amazing beta reading opportunity for book 2 in their debut series!
Dare Me to Stay is the sequel to No Promises No Lies and while it does follow two different characters, it is highly recommended to read them in order as the timelines overlap.
It’s in Dare Me to Stay that we get acquainted with Keon (Aidan’s brother) and Briar. Now Briar is a ballet dancer who is working multiple jobs trying to pay for her shitty apartment where she lives with her best friend Lily and her four year old daughter Remi. However that’s not where this story begins. Because five years ago (mhmm check that timeline) on a night out with Lily, Briar ends up on the back of a motorcycle with Mr.Tall Dark and Handsome. What was just a one night stand turns into something bigger, because mystery man is none other than Keon Rourke, the king of the Irish Mafia. Knowing that is not the life she wants to bring her child up into, Briar runs, but 5 years later, life isn’t working out how she planned and their lives are about to come together in ways she never expected.
Ugh this book was everything I was hoping for and more! After beta reading No Promises No Lies, I couldn’t wait to get more from the characters that I fell in love with. And oh boy this did not disappoint.
First off, Briar is a rockstar. As a single parent myself, seeing everything she was doing to make sure that Remi was safe and healthy was everything. The sacrifices we make for our children are something that people often don’t see and it really just resonated with me. And Koen?? Top book boyfriend for sure, hands down. Honestly maybe that’s a bad thing considering how quickly I warmed up to him, but it was so obvious from the beginning how much he cared for Briar. And omg all the little moments with Remi had me in a puddle.
As for the plot, I was on the edge of my freaking seat from start to finish. Not only is this a romance but it is an intrically written powerhouse of a mafia book. The betrayals, the action, the interrogations, all so gruesome and detailed but so real feeling. You will not be bored reading this book, I can guarantee that.
Overall, just another phenomenal installment in this series and so the little sneak peek of book 3 we got…I’m going to need that right now!!
Huge thank you goes out to AJ Wilding for another amazing beta reading opportunity for book 2 in their debut series!
Dare Me to Stay is the sequel to No Promises No Lies and while it does follow two different characters, it is highly recommended to read them in order as the timelines overlap.
It’s in Dare Me to Stay that we get acquainted with Keon (Aidan’s brother) and Briar. Now Briar is a ballet dancer who is working multiple jobs trying to pay for her shitty apartment where she lives with her best friend Lily and her four year old daughter Remi. However that’s not where this story begins. Because five years ago (mhmm check that timeline) on a night out with Lily, Briar ends up on the back of a motorcycle with Mr.Tall Dark and Handsome. What was just a one night stand turns into something bigger, because mystery man is none other than Keon Rourke, the king of the Irish Mafia. Knowing that is not the life she wants to bring her child up into, Briar runs, but 5 years later, life isn’t working out how she planned and their lives are about to come together in ways she never expected.
Ugh this book was everything I was hoping for and more! After beta reading No Promises No Lies, I couldn’t wait to get more from the characters that I fell in love with. And oh boy this did not disappoint.
First off, Briar is a rockstar. As a single parent myself, seeing everything she was doing to make sure that Remi was safe and healthy was everything. The sacrifices we make for our children are something that people often don’t see and it really just resonated with me. And Koen?? Top book boyfriend for sure, hands down. Honestly maybe that’s a bad thing considering how quickly I warmed up to him, but it was so obvious from the beginning how much he cared for Briar. And omg all the little moments with Remi had me in a puddle.
As for the plot, I was on the edge of my freaking seat from start to finish. Not only is this a romance but it is an intrically written powerhouse of a mafia book. The betrayals, the action, the interrogations, all so gruesome and detailed but so real feeling. You will not be bored reading this book, I can guarantee that.
Overall, just another phenomenal installment in this series and so the little sneak peek of book 3 we got…I’m going to need that right now!!
January 25, 2026
The author has done it again with this second book I couldn’t put this down and ate it up just like the first one!
Deadly, depraved and deliciously sinful.. this book has me sat. It threw me around, tended to my wounds just to throw me again. It stresses me out and made me cry, I loved it.
This dark mafia romance between a ballerina and the head of the Irish mafia had me in a chokehold and I gladly sat there and took it, as a good girl does!
I didn’t realize how much I needed this ballerina and mafia man romance but the dynamic was so good!!
There’s a lot to unpack with this one but Koen (MMC) was my favourite character in the first book and I was really excited to see his story.
You really get an in depth look into Koen and the trials he faces being the youngest of the mafia leaders. His father was killed and as the eldest son he took his place. Not only does he have to deal with the Russian and Italian mafia he also has to deal with his own who constantly challenge him thinking he’s too young to be leading.
This was dark and so so good. The spice was *chefs kiss* and I was blushing reading it. The scene with her practicing in the studio was too good!
This was also like a second chance romance sort of, with a twist and I loved that as well.
One thing I loved most about this book was that Briar (FMC) is older in her late 20’s, as a 30 year old it’s nice to read about women close to my age. But mostly, that she is a single mum with a young daughter. As a single mother it’s really nice to see that dynamic and how it plays out in a romance because I could relate to a lot of things with Briar, I really loved that. I felt her rage and fear as a mother and it had me that much more emotionally attached to her and understanding her so much. She’s a badass mother with a bite if provoked and we love to see that!
Koen is depraved and broody but for his family he is ten toes down 100% no matter what. And even though Briar and him were not in contact for a few years, he never forgot her. She was his and he was coming back for his own!
I fear I’m obsessed with this series and now I need a physical copy and can’t wait for the third book!
Thank you so much to the author AJ Wilding for sending me an arc, I adored this as much as it tossed me around and gave me whip lash!
Deadly, depraved and deliciously sinful.. this book has me sat. It threw me around, tended to my wounds just to throw me again. It stresses me out and made me cry, I loved it.
This dark mafia romance between a ballerina and the head of the Irish mafia had me in a chokehold and I gladly sat there and took it, as a good girl does!
I didn’t realize how much I needed this ballerina and mafia man romance but the dynamic was so good!!
There’s a lot to unpack with this one but Koen (MMC) was my favourite character in the first book and I was really excited to see his story.
You really get an in depth look into Koen and the trials he faces being the youngest of the mafia leaders. His father was killed and as the eldest son he took his place. Not only does he have to deal with the Russian and Italian mafia he also has to deal with his own who constantly challenge him thinking he’s too young to be leading.
This was dark and so so good. The spice was *chefs kiss* and I was blushing reading it. The scene with her practicing in the studio was too good!
This was also like a second chance romance sort of, with a twist and I loved that as well.
One thing I loved most about this book was that Briar (FMC) is older in her late 20’s, as a 30 year old it’s nice to read about women close to my age. But mostly, that she is a single mum with a young daughter. As a single mother it’s really nice to see that dynamic and how it plays out in a romance because I could relate to a lot of things with Briar, I really loved that. I felt her rage and fear as a mother and it had me that much more emotionally attached to her and understanding her so much. She’s a badass mother with a bite if provoked and we love to see that!
Koen is depraved and broody but for his family he is ten toes down 100% no matter what. And even though Briar and him were not in contact for a few years, he never forgot her. She was his and he was coming back for his own!
I fear I’m obsessed with this series and now I need a physical copy and can’t wait for the third book!
Thank you so much to the author AJ Wilding for sending me an arc, I adored this as much as it tossed me around and gave me whip lash!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am such a huge fan of AJ’s debut novel No Promises, No Lies, so when I tell you that I loved this book even more, that is saying so much. I didn’t think it was possible.
In NPNL, the reader got a glimpse of Aidan’s older brother Koen, and he was such a grump. Made the reader wonder who pissed in his Cheerios.
But this book answered that question and made the reader fall absolutely in love with Koen, and then also commiserate with him through his heartbreak, yearning, and longing. (“Does she ever think of me? What does she think about? Did I ruin her like she ruined me?” It’s just agonizing.) And then again with him during his realization of all he missed out on during his time apart from Briar.
I love the story of when Briar met Koen, and how she was such a badass and wasn’t scared one bit of this Irish Devil King. It’s what led Koen to want to spend more time with her in the first place.
All of the circumstances that led Briar to where she is today are so sad, but so relatable as a reader. She’s just a single, broke mom, cut off from her parents for not living the life they demanded, doing what she needs to do to take care of a child who has medical issues, while also trying to make a better life for the two of them.
I loved the banter between Briar and Koen, as well as between Briar and her amazing bestie Lily. Lily is hilarious and is absolutely no-nonsense.
AJ does an amazing job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. This book is longer than NPNL, but it doesn’t feel like it, because it is a nonstop ride from beginning to end. There is so much packed into this book, and it absolutely had me seeing a “movie in my head” while I read it.
And chapter 92 will leave you gasping for breath and begging “AJ, no, you didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t…”
The side characters are great; the world she built is great; and the attention to detail in these two books with overlapping timelines was impeccable. We also get more of our sweet, angel, sunshine baby Liam. His book is going to be so good!
Then, AJ gives us a glimpse into book three (Reagan’s book) by including chapter 1 as an epilogue!!! I cannot wait for Reagan’s story.
Please make sure you read No Promises, No Lies first, or else it will be spoiled by Dare Me to Stay. Trust me, you do not want to skip these books!!!
In NPNL, the reader got a glimpse of Aidan’s older brother Koen, and he was such a grump. Made the reader wonder who pissed in his Cheerios.
But this book answered that question and made the reader fall absolutely in love with Koen, and then also commiserate with him through his heartbreak, yearning, and longing. (“Does she ever think of me? What does she think about? Did I ruin her like she ruined me?” It’s just agonizing.) And then again with him during his realization of all he missed out on during his time apart from Briar.
I love the story of when Briar met Koen, and how she was such a badass and wasn’t scared one bit of this Irish Devil King. It’s what led Koen to want to spend more time with her in the first place.
All of the circumstances that led Briar to where she is today are so sad, but so relatable as a reader. She’s just a single, broke mom, cut off from her parents for not living the life they demanded, doing what she needs to do to take care of a child who has medical issues, while also trying to make a better life for the two of them.
I loved the banter between Briar and Koen, as well as between Briar and her amazing bestie Lily. Lily is hilarious and is absolutely no-nonsense.
AJ does an amazing job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. This book is longer than NPNL, but it doesn’t feel like it, because it is a nonstop ride from beginning to end. There is so much packed into this book, and it absolutely had me seeing a “movie in my head” while I read it.
And chapter 92 will leave you gasping for breath and begging “AJ, no, you didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t…”
The side characters are great; the world she built is great; and the attention to detail in these two books with overlapping timelines was impeccable. We also get more of our sweet, angel, sunshine baby Liam. His book is going to be so good!
Then, AJ gives us a glimpse into book three (Reagan’s book) by including chapter 1 as an epilogue!!! I cannot wait for Reagan’s story.
Please make sure you read No Promises, No Lies first, or else it will be spoiled by Dare Me to Stay. Trust me, you do not want to skip these books!!!
January 29, 2026
Four years ago, a fateful game of truth or dare changed Briar and Koen’s lives forever, ending in a one-night stand that left Briar pregnant, yet determined to keep her child far away from Koen’s dangerous world. Raising her daughter, Remi, on her own, Briar struggles to hold things together. She’s fiercely protective and willing to cross any line if it means giving her child a better life. But when her carefully constructed world begins to crumble and danger steps in, fate pulls her right back into Koen’s orbit. Briar is an incredible heroine. I loved watching her navigate the danger with grit and heart, never losing sight of who she is or what she stands for. Koen, meanwhile, is dark anti-hero perfection. He’s broody, possessive, fiercely protective, and loyal. He can be a real a$$hole at times, but it’s his unwavering devotion that truly stood out. When Remi’s existence inevitably comes to light, the emotional fallout is intense. Koen’s anger and hurt fuel a frustrating but compelling push-and-pull between him and Briar, making their eventual reckoning all the more rewarding. I deeply admired Briar’s strength in the face of heartbreak. She sees beyond Koen’s ruthless exterior to the man beneath: the protector, the man who would burn the world down for his family, and that is the man she loves. Set against the backdrop of the Irish mafia, the story strikes a great balance between darkness and heart. I loved how close-knit and surprisingly normal Koen’s siblings were, which often provided a much-needed breather from the violence and tension woven throughout the plot. The flashbacks were perfectly placed, filling in Briar and Koen’s shared history and adding emotional depth without slowing the pacing. It was also a treat to see Rory and Aidan from the first book again, as the overlapping storylines added richness and continuity. The mafia element is even stronger here, cranking up the tension and stakes in all the right ways. This book delivers the perfect mix of dark romance, spice, and emotional intensity, and it will have you reading long into the wee hours of the night.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2026
Coen and Briar
He is the head of the Irish mafia and she is a single mom ballerina, dance dancer.
Four years ago, they met one night at a club and hooked up. She ended up becoming pregnant, and when she tried to tell him, she couldn’t find him. She talked to his uncle who said that he left Ireland to marry his fiancé. She left it at that and decided to raise the baby on her own.
Her parents did not financially support her as she only could rely on her friend Lilly. Four years later, she finds herself in debt, working on a stripper bar as a bartender, and trying to make it in the ballet world.
One night at the bar, she walks into a meeting that she’s not supposed to see. The sleazy guy that runs the bar kidnaps her and tries to put her into human trafficking. The Irish mafia is against it and goes to rescue the girls there, when he sees her as one of the girls. He makes a deal with the sleazy Italian bar owner have her as his own.
They secretly both like each other still, but she doesn’t want him to know that she ever had a baby with him. She sends her daughter, Remi, with her best friend Lilly out of town to hide her from coen and the sleazy Italian stripper club owner.
Meantime coen and briar become close again, rekindling their relationship. However, the sleazy stripper club owner guy wants her to spy on coen and his brothers and threatens to hurt her and her daughter. She ends up telling the Italian stripper club owner, where the next shipment is for the Irish mafia. This causes coens brother Liam to almost get killed.
He sees us as a betrayal to him from her, and is still unaware that they have a kid together. He goes to kidnap her to secret revenge, finding the kid in the apartment.
They are strange for a while, both of their feelings hurt from what has gone down, but eventually they end up together. He and Remi Bond over hockey and they become a little happy family.
Possessive MMC/single mom/secret pregnancy/Irish mafia/kidnapping/Second Chance romance.
He is the head of the Irish mafia and she is a single mom ballerina, dance dancer.
Four years ago, they met one night at a club and hooked up. She ended up becoming pregnant, and when she tried to tell him, she couldn’t find him. She talked to his uncle who said that he left Ireland to marry his fiancé. She left it at that and decided to raise the baby on her own.
Her parents did not financially support her as she only could rely on her friend Lilly. Four years later, she finds herself in debt, working on a stripper bar as a bartender, and trying to make it in the ballet world.
One night at the bar, she walks into a meeting that she’s not supposed to see. The sleazy guy that runs the bar kidnaps her and tries to put her into human trafficking. The Irish mafia is against it and goes to rescue the girls there, when he sees her as one of the girls. He makes a deal with the sleazy Italian bar owner have her as his own.
They secretly both like each other still, but she doesn’t want him to know that she ever had a baby with him. She sends her daughter, Remi, with her best friend Lilly out of town to hide her from coen and the sleazy Italian stripper club owner.
Meantime coen and briar become close again, rekindling their relationship. However, the sleazy stripper club owner guy wants her to spy on coen and his brothers and threatens to hurt her and her daughter. She ends up telling the Italian stripper club owner, where the next shipment is for the Irish mafia. This causes coens brother Liam to almost get killed.
He sees us as a betrayal to him from her, and is still unaware that they have a kid together. He goes to kidnap her to secret revenge, finding the kid in the apartment.
They are strange for a while, both of their feelings hurt from what has gone down, but eventually they end up together. He and Remi Bond over hockey and they become a little happy family.
Possessive MMC/single mom/secret pregnancy/Irish mafia/kidnapping/Second Chance romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC gratefully recieved from author.
If your a fan of No promises, No Lies. Then this book will not dissapoint. I have patiently waited for the next installment after watching all the teasers that AJ Wilding has been dropping. She dropped arc copies to her street team and best belive I devoured that book in one sitting. This book hits just like a bomb, its a complete page turner, with surprise after surprise keeping you hooked and wanting more. Briar is a budding ballerina, a live wire with a bit of fire running through her veins. After a betrayal she decides to hit a club to get her out of her funk, and happens to go toe to toe with a tall, handsome tatted stranger. He saves her from a situation and they end up spending an unforgettable night together, no real names exchanged. Little did they know that night would have consequences that come back to haunt them years later. Life takes a turn for Briar, and she ends up in the lap of the Irish mafia king. Can Briar hold her secrets close to her chest or will she make a deal with the devil. Koen never forgot his blue eyed, brown haired, spit fire named Rose, she haunts his thoughts, but the life he leads is no good for her so he pushed her away. But what are the chances when she lands in his lap. Koen can't resist the pull his has towards her and stalks her from a distance, until he decides he can no longer watch from afar. They both push each others boundaries in the little game that they play. Until truths are revealed and lives are threatened. Whats a harmless game of truth or dare ? If you love a romance book with tension, suspense, action, longing, spice, rollercoaster of emotions, plenty of twists and surprises that keep you guessing, a ball buster FMC and a mafia alpha, touch her and you die. Then you will love this book.
If your a fan of No promises, No Lies. Then this book will not dissapoint. I have patiently waited for the next installment after watching all the teasers that AJ Wilding has been dropping. She dropped arc copies to her street team and best belive I devoured that book in one sitting. This book hits just like a bomb, its a complete page turner, with surprise after surprise keeping you hooked and wanting more. Briar is a budding ballerina, a live wire with a bit of fire running through her veins. After a betrayal she decides to hit a club to get her out of her funk, and happens to go toe to toe with a tall, handsome tatted stranger. He saves her from a situation and they end up spending an unforgettable night together, no real names exchanged. Little did they know that night would have consequences that come back to haunt them years later. Life takes a turn for Briar, and she ends up in the lap of the Irish mafia king. Can Briar hold her secrets close to her chest or will she make a deal with the devil. Koen never forgot his blue eyed, brown haired, spit fire named Rose, she haunts his thoughts, but the life he leads is no good for her so he pushed her away. But what are the chances when she lands in his lap. Koen can't resist the pull his has towards her and stalks her from a distance, until he decides he can no longer watch from afar. They both push each others boundaries in the little game that they play. Until truths are revealed and lives are threatened. Whats a harmless game of truth or dare ? If you love a romance book with tension, suspense, action, longing, spice, rollercoaster of emotions, plenty of twists and surprises that keep you guessing, a ball buster FMC and a mafia alpha, touch her and you die. Then you will love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
Dare Me To Stay by AJ Wilding is the second instalment in the Devils and Darlings series, and it delivers a gripping, emotionally charged Mafia romance that’s hard to put down.
The story focuses on Briar, a strong and resilient single mother doing everything she can to provide for her daughter, and Koen, the formidable head of the Irish Mafia whose fierce loyalty and dangerous energy make him a compelling character.
The narrative is told through a dual timeline, moving between past and present. This allows readers to experience the intensity of Briar and Koen’s first encounter and the suspense of their reunion years later. AJ masterfully builds the narrative with angst and suspense, drawing readers in with an explosive chapter that sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Briar’s strength and determination are admirable, especially as she faces challenges and threats from the wrong kind of people she owes money to. Koen, meanwhile, is portrayed with depth, and his ruthlessness is balanced by a strong sense of responsibility and unwavering devotion to his family.
The chemistry between Briar and Koen is palpable, with tension that simmers and builds throughout the story. The push and pull of their relationship is expertly written, though I did wish their communication issues were resolved a bit sooner to allow for more time together as a couple.
Supporting characters, including Aidan, Rory, and the delightful Remi, add to the story and provide moments of warmth and authenticity. The pacing is steady, with suspense ramping up as the plot progresses, making for an addictive, fast-paced read.
Overall, Dare Me To Stay is a standout Mafia romance with complex, well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. If you enjoy stories filled with angst, suspense, and emotional depth, you need to pick up this one today.
The story focuses on Briar, a strong and resilient single mother doing everything she can to provide for her daughter, and Koen, the formidable head of the Irish Mafia whose fierce loyalty and dangerous energy make him a compelling character.
The narrative is told through a dual timeline, moving between past and present. This allows readers to experience the intensity of Briar and Koen’s first encounter and the suspense of their reunion years later. AJ masterfully builds the narrative with angst and suspense, drawing readers in with an explosive chapter that sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Briar’s strength and determination are admirable, especially as she faces challenges and threats from the wrong kind of people she owes money to. Koen, meanwhile, is portrayed with depth, and his ruthlessness is balanced by a strong sense of responsibility and unwavering devotion to his family.
The chemistry between Briar and Koen is palpable, with tension that simmers and builds throughout the story. The push and pull of their relationship is expertly written, though I did wish their communication issues were resolved a bit sooner to allow for more time together as a couple.
Supporting characters, including Aidan, Rory, and the delightful Remi, add to the story and provide moments of warmth and authenticity. The pacing is steady, with suspense ramping up as the plot progresses, making for an addictive, fast-paced read.
Overall, Dare Me To Stay is a standout Mafia romance with complex, well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. If you enjoy stories filled with angst, suspense, and emotional depth, you need to pick up this one today.
January 31, 2026
I just want to first thank the Author and BookSirens for the opportunity to ARC read this book. This is my honest review of the book.
I was so excited to read about Koen’s story after reading book one about Aiden and Rory’s story. Koen in the first book gave dark and broody and I love a morally grey man in dark romance the most.
I loved that this book explored with time jumping giving us insight into past and present timelines from Koen’s and Briar’s POV. I also really loved the continued storyline for all the characters in the series. With the interconnected storyline of Aiden and Rory. And developing stories of Liam, Reagan, Alex, Mac, Lily and Nikolai. Remi’s character was so adorable and I wish we would have seen more of Koen and her interactions because he is the “Dad” of his family but I feel like I wanted more of that father and daughter bonding after so long of not knowing about each other. I liked Briar’s character and how strong willed and caring she was. Her dedication to being a mother and dancing and how much she put into it was commendable. I wasn’t a fan of her secrets though. It lead to a lot of miscommunication between her and Koen. Koen also took too long in my opinion to come around to the idea of his family and forgiveness. There was a good portion of the book that made me annoyed at both characters. However, I still loved Koen and Briar together and how two broken souls can find each other even after years apart. Overall I loved the book and the ending with the mafia story lines we got throughout. Hope to see more character development for them in future books and the overall plot line for the family dynamics in future books.
Once again I want to thank the author for allowing me to read the book and give my honest review. Can’t wait to read about Reagan’s story next. The ending chapter left me on a cliffhanger.
I was so excited to read about Koen’s story after reading book one about Aiden and Rory’s story. Koen in the first book gave dark and broody and I love a morally grey man in dark romance the most.
I loved that this book explored with time jumping giving us insight into past and present timelines from Koen’s and Briar’s POV. I also really loved the continued storyline for all the characters in the series. With the interconnected storyline of Aiden and Rory. And developing stories of Liam, Reagan, Alex, Mac, Lily and Nikolai. Remi’s character was so adorable and I wish we would have seen more of Koen and her interactions because he is the “Dad” of his family but I feel like I wanted more of that father and daughter bonding after so long of not knowing about each other. I liked Briar’s character and how strong willed and caring she was. Her dedication to being a mother and dancing and how much she put into it was commendable. I wasn’t a fan of her secrets though. It lead to a lot of miscommunication between her and Koen. Koen also took too long in my opinion to come around to the idea of his family and forgiveness. There was a good portion of the book that made me annoyed at both characters. However, I still loved Koen and Briar together and how two broken souls can find each other even after years apart. Overall I loved the book and the ending with the mafia story lines we got throughout. Hope to see more character development for them in future books and the overall plot line for the family dynamics in future books.
Once again I want to thank the author for allowing me to read the book and give my honest review. Can’t wait to read about Reagan’s story next. The ending chapter left me on a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews