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Dare Me to Stay
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jan 26Briar 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…
- GenresDark Romance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 30, 2026
19 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Wilding
2 books117 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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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
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.
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?
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!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes I think it’s so unfair that the rating system stops with 5 stars because some books deserve so much more. This is one of those books. When the only bad thing you can say about a book is that it ended too soon, you know it’s a good book! I’m not a huge fan of the mafia genre but A.J. Wilding has made me a fan. Irish mafia men kink unlocked! It started with No Promises, No Lies and continues with this book. They are not standalones, as they happen simultaneously. As much as I loved Aidan in the first book (hello, he’s a hockey player AND a hot mafia enforcer) his brother Koen is a whole different breed. He’s the head of the Irish mafia. He has an anonymous one night stand with Rose (Briar) and when he realizes how much he wants it to be more he knows his life would only endanger her, so he pushes her away. Unbeknownst to him, the ONS produced a baby girl. When Briar, who Koen only knows as Rose, tries to find him she finds out his true identity and how dangerous he is. She decides to protect herself and their child and keeps everything a secret. When she falls on hard times financially she is thrown into a dark underworld that collides with Koen’s. There is so much action, so much angst but also fantastic spice and protective possessiveness. And after Koen finds out about his daughter? Daddy Koen will make you melt. I wanted more and more. Although Koen and Briar’s story does come to a conclusion (and of course and HEA) there is a huge cliffhanger that will have you salivating. Like I said, if I could rate it higher than 5 stars I would!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW: 1/30/2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Yall this is becoming one of my most favorite dark romance series. If you haven’t ever read a dark mafia romance, this series would be awesome to start with. I still can’t wrap my brain around the fact this is a DEBUT series. 🤯🤯🤯
If you love a morally grey, unhinged, stalking/kidnapping mafia mmc, look no further because Koen O’Rourke is your guy! I have been waiting for this ARC release since I finished book 1 and I’m so upset I already finished it. I could not put this down and I was on the edge of my seat with each action packed chapter.
This story is a slow burn but of my gosh that just amps up the tension. There is so much banter and angst between our characters because Ms. Briar is not taking Koen’s crap. She is fierce and she is savvy. I absolutely loved both main characters and I loved the development of their relationship. There is so much push and pull as neither one can decide if they want to trust the other.
This is a wild roller coaster of emotions with undying chemistry flying off the pages. Plus a little dash of hockey makes this a solid 5 ⭐️ read. And after that teaser of Book 3…I need it like yesterday.
#ajwilding #darkromance #daremetostay #romancebooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Yall this is becoming one of my most favorite dark romance series. If you haven’t ever read a dark mafia romance, this series would be awesome to start with. I still can’t wrap my brain around the fact this is a DEBUT series. 🤯🤯🤯
If you love a morally grey, unhinged, stalking/kidnapping mafia mmc, look no further because Koen O’Rourke is your guy! I have been waiting for this ARC release since I finished book 1 and I’m so upset I already finished it. I could not put this down and I was on the edge of my seat with each action packed chapter.
This story is a slow burn but of my gosh that just amps up the tension. There is so much banter and angst between our characters because Ms. Briar is not taking Koen’s crap. She is fierce and she is savvy. I absolutely loved both main characters and I loved the development of their relationship. There is so much push and pull as neither one can decide if they want to trust the other.
This is a wild roller coaster of emotions with undying chemistry flying off the pages. Plus a little dash of hockey makes this a solid 5 ⭐️ read. And after that teaser of Book 3…I need it like yesterday.
#ajwilding #darkromance #daremetostay #romancebooks
December 23, 2025
AJ Wilding has freaking done it again. Ma’am… this book was perfection.
Koen O’Rourke is everything I love in a dark romance MMC. He’s possessive, unhinged, and a full-on stalker—morally gray with that irresistible asshole aura you can’t help but love and hate at the same time.
Briar Rose is a straight-up freaking queen. I loved her from the very beginning. She is fierce in the best way, and the strength she carries is absolutely unmatched.
The constant banter and chemistry between these two were electrifying. Koen’s character growth was top-tier. And can we talk about our mini fireball, Remi? The way she brings all the O’Rourke men to their knees had me swooning 🥹.
AJ did a phenomenal job with the timelines across this series, keeping you on your toes with nonstop suspense, tension, and passion. She weaves all the characters together flawlessly. We get glimpses back into Rory and Aiden’s story while keeping the main focus on Koen and Briar. And that sneak peek into book three? Hot damn—I already know it’s going to be a good one, and I cannot wait to read it.
Thank you so much to AJ Wilding for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this book if you love mafia dark romance. 10/10!
Koen O’Rourke is everything I love in a dark romance MMC. He’s possessive, unhinged, and a full-on stalker—morally gray with that irresistible asshole aura you can’t help but love and hate at the same time.
Briar Rose is a straight-up freaking queen. I loved her from the very beginning. She is fierce in the best way, and the strength she carries is absolutely unmatched.
The constant banter and chemistry between these two were electrifying. Koen’s character growth was top-tier. And can we talk about our mini fireball, Remi? The way she brings all the O’Rourke men to their knees had me swooning 🥹.
AJ did a phenomenal job with the timelines across this series, keeping you on your toes with nonstop suspense, tension, and passion. She weaves all the characters together flawlessly. We get glimpses back into Rory and Aiden’s story while keeping the main focus on Koen and Briar. And that sneak peek into book three? Hot damn—I already know it’s going to be a good one, and I cannot wait to read it.
Thank you so much to AJ Wilding for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this book if you love mafia dark romance. 10/10!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wild ride, I received Dare Me to Stay to ARC read let me tell you it didn’t sit in my email for long before I started reading!!!
As soon as I started reading I could not put the book down!!!
Just when I thought I couldn’t fall in love with this series anymore along comes Koen with his grumpy, bossy, protective, and possessive self (don’t get me wrong I loved Aidan & Rory) but the banter between Koen & Briar was just too good 🤌🏻😮💨
Also what can I say I’m a sucker for seeing men fall to their knees and will do anything to protect/make child happy, Seeing all of the O’Rourke brothers all getting their hearts melted and build a bond with a child was precious 🥹
I’m definitely excited to see what comes next in this universe 🖤
Tropes: 📖
Mafia Romance 🔫
Dark Romance 🖤
Second Chance 🤞🏻
Secret Baby 👶
Betrayal ❤️🩹
Enemies to lovers 🥰
Forced Proximity 🗝️
Touch her and ☠️
As soon as I started reading I could not put the book down!!!
Just when I thought I couldn’t fall in love with this series anymore along comes Koen with his grumpy, bossy, protective, and possessive self (don’t get me wrong I loved Aidan & Rory) but the banter between Koen & Briar was just too good 🤌🏻😮💨
Also what can I say I’m a sucker for seeing men fall to their knees and will do anything to protect/make child happy, Seeing all of the O’Rourke brothers all getting their hearts melted and build a bond with a child was precious 🥹
I’m definitely excited to see what comes next in this universe 🖤
Tropes: 📖
Mafia Romance 🔫
Dark Romance 🖤
Second Chance 🤞🏻
Secret Baby 👶
Betrayal ❤️🩹
Enemies to lovers 🥰
Forced Proximity 🗝️
Touch her and ☠️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being a dark romance reader is no easy feat! The imagination and writing ability have to be spot on. To be able to trigger a dark romance reader is truly an admirable quality to have! AJ Wilding is one such author!
Dare Me to Stay is fast paced and continues the storyline of No Promises No Lies. The Irish Mafia has recently changed ruling hands and the book covers Koen’s journey. The flash backs from a time when he was just the heir to current times are woven so artfully and create so much back story and shows amazing character development!
The constant miscommunication between the lead characters shows how deeply assumptions can damage a relationship but the ability to overcome that is beautifully illustrated. It also shows the lengths a single parent will go to protect a little one!
Dare Me to Stay gripped me by the throat from the very beginning and I gladly held on to the end!
Dare Me to Stay is fast paced and continues the storyline of No Promises No Lies. The Irish Mafia has recently changed ruling hands and the book covers Koen’s journey. The flash backs from a time when he was just the heir to current times are woven so artfully and create so much back story and shows amazing character development!
The constant miscommunication between the lead characters shows how deeply assumptions can damage a relationship but the ability to overcome that is beautifully illustrated. It also shows the lengths a single parent will go to protect a little one!
Dare Me to Stay gripped me by the throat from the very beginning and I gladly held on to the end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dare Me to Stay completely pulled me in. I didn’t expect to get so invested in Briar Rose’s story, but once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The tension, the danger, the stakes—it all hits so hard.
Briar is such a layered character, and the way her story unfolds had me rooting for her one second and biting my nails the next. And the chemistry? Let’s just say it’s electric, messy, and exactly the kind of “I shouldn’t want this but I do” energy I live for.
This book is dark, intense, and addictive. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, mafia romance, and stories where betrayal and second chances collide, you’re going to feel this one.
Honestly, it’s not light reading—it grabs you and doesn’t let go—but that’s exactly why I loved it.
Briar is such a layered character, and the way her story unfolds had me rooting for her one second and biting my nails the next. And the chemistry? Let’s just say it’s electric, messy, and exactly the kind of “I shouldn’t want this but I do” energy I live for.
This book is dark, intense, and addictive. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, mafia romance, and stories where betrayal and second chances collide, you’re going to feel this one.
Honestly, it’s not light reading—it grabs you and doesn’t let go—but that’s exactly why I loved it.
December 23, 2025
When I say I couldn’t put this book down! AJ really put us through the wringer. The will they, won’t they, nerves in a bundle just with the anticipation. I was hoping I didn’t over psych myself before it came, but I feel like I wasn’t excited enough. She puts so much soul into each character, and makes them relatable even when you haven’t been in their shoes. Don’t get me started on the newest addition to the family, the way she can embody two characters making a personality so equal but dominant. I loved No Promises, No Lies and sure enough am thoroughly enraptured by Dare Me To Stay. I think I have already recommended it to anyone who will listen to me blindly blabber. AJ I am so ready for book three, and will gladly let you torture me with the wait time as I know it will be worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This book was absolutely amazing. It had me hooked from the very beginning. I couldn’t wait to read this book after finishing the first one. It was worth the wait. It delivered in so many ways. The character development was phenomenal and had me rooting for them the whole way thru. I really particularly enjoyed Koen’s character development. The banter between the characters especially Koen and Briar was top tier. Loved Liam in this book and his protectiveness over Briar and Remi. I enjoyed how this book takes place or overlaps with book 1's timeline. It was interesting to see it unfold from a different POV. I can’t wait to listen to it on audiobook. The last chapter has me excited to read book 3 and find out more about what happened to Reagan. I read this book as an arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book from the very first page.
I devoured it in a day, I was hooked and I couldn't put it down
This book had so much so much suspense and tension and raw passion that I loved every second of the book.
Koen is everything I needed in an mmc. He was possessive and unhinged and morally grey.
I hated him and loved him in the same breath.
I have been waiting for this book since I finished book 1 and it was definitely with the wait.
I loved the story and the character growth.
I felt every emotion that was written on the page
I laughed, cry, hot and bothered and got angry while reading this amazing book
Now I need book 3 pretty please and can't wait for more.
Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader
Book is coming soon 31.1 26
I devoured it in a day, I was hooked and I couldn't put it down
This book had so much so much suspense and tension and raw passion that I loved every second of the book.
Koen is everything I needed in an mmc. He was possessive and unhinged and morally grey.
I hated him and loved him in the same breath.
I have been waiting for this book since I finished book 1 and it was definitely with the wait.
I loved the story and the character growth.
I felt every emotion that was written on the page
I laughed, cry, hot and bothered and got angry while reading this amazing book
Now I need book 3 pretty please and can't wait for more.
Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader
Book is coming soon 31.1 26
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!! This book here had me in a chokehold. From the very beginning. There was so many emotions in this one. This is one of my favorite dark romance mafia hockey book I have ever read.
You have a ballerina meet Irish mafia King, what was supposed to be a one night thing ended up with her seeing those eyes for the next 4 years. She ends up in a situation where she ends up back in his radar. Her best friend Lily is the absolute best.
This book will consume you. If you haven’t read No promises No lies read that first they do happen at the same time for a while. I promise you will love this series as much as I did.
You have a ballerina meet Irish mafia King, what was supposed to be a one night thing ended up with her seeing those eyes for the next 4 years. She ends up in a situation where she ends up back in his radar. Her best friend Lily is the absolute best.
This book will consume you. If you haven’t read No promises No lies read that first they do happen at the same time for a while. I promise you will love this series as much as I did.
December 24, 2025
Omg I am at a loss for words. I read the first book of this series by chance, I received it from Book Siren. I fell in love with it right away. A hockey Mafia romance like what?! I had never read a book like that. I was hooked! This book hooked me from the start, I couldn’t put it down. I am so grateful and truly am honored to be a part of AJ Wilding’s ARC team. You guys this series in your life. First a mafia hockey romance now a mafia ballet romance. Do I need to say more?! I love love loved this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is exciting and a rollercoaster of emotions, AJ did it again. I loved these 2 main characters and the intensity between them. Koen seeing Briar after all these years intensifies his need for her. I love the way they use truth or dare to break through barriers and give in to their wants and needs. The way a child softens the Irish brothers and seen as more then killers was sweet.
Koen and Briar sexual chemistry is hot. They way they banter and play sexually was explosive.
After reading the ending, definitely ready for book 3. Looking forward to read more about this mafia family
Koen and Briar sexual chemistry is hot. They way they banter and play sexually was explosive.
After reading the ending, definitely ready for book 3. Looking forward to read more about this mafia family
Review of advance copy received from Author
After devouring No Promises, No Lies, I was very impatiently waiting for this book and it did not disappoint! I was immediately pulled in to the story and did not want to put it down. AJ's writing style makes it so that the story plays out like a movie in my head. I absolutely adored Briar and even though Koen is a bit of a walking red flag, I felt like he had a lot of growth. I loved their story and loved all of the side characters. I can't wait for book 3!
Read
December 26, 2025Truly enjoyed the book, and can't wait for the next one in these series. Plenty of plot twists that both keep it interesting as well as advanced the love story organically. Definitely recommend reading the first book in the series before this one. And actually I really liked how the events from the first book tied into the plot of the second.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️ (unsurprisingly)
Ive been waiting for Koen's book since I first got my hands on the ARC for No Promises, No Lies.
AJ did NOT let me down.
The dark, quiet O'Rourke brother was everything I knew he would be.
Briar and Koen's story was intense and beautiful.
The sneak peak/teaser for Book 3 was so mean though...Ill definitely be waiting for what comes next!
Ive been waiting for Koen's book since I first got my hands on the ARC for No Promises, No Lies.
AJ did NOT let me down.
The dark, quiet O'Rourke brother was everything I knew he would be.
Briar and Koen's story was intense and beautiful.
The sneak peak/teaser for Book 3 was so mean though...Ill definitely be waiting for what comes next!
December 23, 2025
6star!!! What an absolute gem of a book!! I’m obsessed with the O’Rourkes!!
And Koen & Briar are amazing!! This book had me constantly wanting…no… needing!!! To pick my book back up and keep reading!! I loved the storyline, the angst and tension. The spice is perfect.
The ending had me screaming, holding my breath!!! Amazing author!! Can’t wait for book 3 🖤🖤
And Koen & Briar are amazing!! This book had me constantly wanting…no… needing!!! To pick my book back up and keep reading!! I loved the storyline, the angst and tension. The spice is perfect.
The ending had me screaming, holding my breath!!! Amazing author!! Can’t wait for book 3 🖤🖤
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can a dare really be that life altering? Yes it can in so many forms.. join our fmc in a whirlwind life during and after meeting out mmc and learning how life always makes us end up where we should be
December 23, 2025
I’m giving it a 4 it was really good Koen is a red flag but a hot red flag and I’m so stressed for book 3 because WHAT DO YOU MEAN
Aj … it’s on SIGHT
Side note: preferred NPNL but this was also really good it is definitely my fave second chance romance book
Aj … it’s on SIGHT
Side note: preferred NPNL but this was also really good it is definitely my fave second chance romance book
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Read
Oh My Goodness!
Fantastic second book in the Devils and Darlings series!
I loved reading Briar and Koen’s story.
The story was well written, the plot moved along nicely and the character growth was beautifully written.
Oh My Goodness!
Fantastic second book in the Devils and Darlings series!
I loved reading Briar and Koen’s story.
The story was well written, the plot moved along nicely and the character growth was beautifully written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️
2🌶️
Review pending
2🌶️
Review pending
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