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Thief: A Dark Fantasy Romance
Larina’s world is torn apart when her younger brother is falsely accused of murdering an elite. Desperate to save him, she is forced to accept help from the only man powerful enough to stop the execution—her egotistical ex.
Mero, the ruthless Thief King, demands she break the promise that has kept her away from him and his life of sin. And he’s made it clear he won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
With her brother’s head destined for the chopping block at the heart of a dangerous empire, Larina faces daunting choices about loyalty, love, and survival. But worst of all, she faces herself. Her true self. The one she tried to bury deep for the sake of family.
For fans of dark fantasy romance, angsty second chances, moral grayness, all bound in a spicy slow burn.
Author's
This is a second edition.
Thief is a dark fantasy romance. It is advised to check TWs beforehand.
Book one of an interconnected, standalone trilogy. No cliffhanger.
Mero, the ruthless Thief King, demands she break the promise that has kept her away from him and his life of sin. And he’s made it clear he won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
With her brother’s head destined for the chopping block at the heart of a dangerous empire, Larina faces daunting choices about loyalty, love, and survival. But worst of all, she faces herself. Her true self. The one she tried to bury deep for the sake of family.
For fans of dark fantasy romance, angsty second chances, moral grayness, all bound in a spicy slow burn.
Author's
This is a second edition.
Thief is a dark fantasy romance. It is advised to check TWs beforehand.
Book one of an interconnected, standalone trilogy. No cliffhanger.
- GenresDark RomanceFantasy
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2025
26 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 6, 2024
What an amazing debut by Amelia Mist! I really enjoyed this book and the world she has build so much. The book has an amazing build up with the map at the beginning and the little snippets of notes between the chapters.
The writingstyle held me in a hold the entire read, I had a hard time putting the book down and just wanted to know how the story would continue. The dual POV was amazing, reading from the MMC and the FMC and switching the timelines made it all so much more clear.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Must read if you like fantasy, dark romance, romance, family drama, hot spice, great worldbuilding and amazing plot.
Thank you Amelia Mist for this ARC to read and review.
The writingstyle held me in a hold the entire read, I had a hard time putting the book down and just wanted to know how the story would continue. The dual POV was amazing, reading from the MMC and the FMC and switching the timelines made it all so much more clear.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Must read if you like fantasy, dark romance, romance, family drama, hot spice, great worldbuilding and amazing plot.
Thank you Amelia Mist for this ARC to read and review.
May 3, 2024
If you are just starting into the realm of dark romance, then I suggest this book as a starting point. “Thief” is a wonderful portrayal of the conflict between what is morally right and the darkness that lingers within a person. Larina endures many hardships while trying to fight this battle within herself to provide for her family and save her brother from his execution. Her love, Mero, sees that she is trying to suppress her desires and helps her to become the person she has always been deep down. This story of betrayal and heart break will bite you with its serpent teeth and bring you to enjoy the romance, the tension, and the spice that Larina and Mero re-enter when they find each other again after many long years apart.
May 5, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this
book
4.5 Stars
This is my first book by Amelia Mist and I can honestly say it won’t be my last. I loved Thief so much I couldn’t put it down. Im not much of a dark romance reader but this was a dark romance that doesn’t feel that dark I’m such a sucker for a good second chance! I loved Larina and Mero and I loved their story can’t wait to read more!
book
4.5 Stars
This is my first book by Amelia Mist and I can honestly say it won’t be my last. I loved Thief so much I couldn’t put it down. Im not much of a dark romance reader but this was a dark romance that doesn’t feel that dark I’m such a sucker for a good second chance! I loved Larina and Mero and I loved their story can’t wait to read more!
May 28, 2024
Thank you to the author.
This book really surprised me. I kind of knew what I was getting myself into and the content warnings only intrigued me further, but what I got was so much more than I expected.
I loved the relationship dynamic between Mero and Larina. They are some of my favourite characters. The author really represented a different lifestyle with this couple and I felt so heard. These characters are so different, yet so similar and they fight against their feelings at times, but their actions don't change based on what they should be feeling versus what they do feel. They're unable to act like they don't care because they in fact do.
There's a power dynamic at play at times, but it changes at times and I think it's really realistic. Especially when each person is in their element.
I love how Larina really comes into her own when she stops denying who she is and what she wants for her life. She stops being afraid of what others will think and instead focuses on how she feels about what she wants and what drives her. She stops being ashamed of her desires and her feelings and her actions. Because they make her feel powerful and loved and fulfilled.
Mero had me from the first time they met. I knew he would consume her world and mine.
The heat these two have and their connection has me thinking of my own feelings and desires. The connection you have with someone that you can't have with anyone else because you feel more yourself than ever before. Because this person won't judge you for what you want or the thoughts you have.
The spice had me going. I never thought I'd want some things as much as I do. But this book taught me a little about myself and I think of myself as powerful like Larina. Brave enough to go after what I want and stop hiding who I am. I may not have withstood torture, but I'm still standing through my own experiences. And that makes me just as strong as her.
Thank you to the author. This book has opened my eyes in more ways than one and was a wild ride that I will be enjoying again.
This book really surprised me. I kind of knew what I was getting myself into and the content warnings only intrigued me further, but what I got was so much more than I expected.
I loved the relationship dynamic between Mero and Larina. They are some of my favourite characters. The author really represented a different lifestyle with this couple and I felt so heard. These characters are so different, yet so similar and they fight against their feelings at times, but their actions don't change based on what they should be feeling versus what they do feel. They're unable to act like they don't care because they in fact do.
There's a power dynamic at play at times, but it changes at times and I think it's really realistic. Especially when each person is in their element.
I love how Larina really comes into her own when she stops denying who she is and what she wants for her life. She stops being afraid of what others will think and instead focuses on how she feels about what she wants and what drives her. She stops being ashamed of her desires and her feelings and her actions. Because they make her feel powerful and loved and fulfilled.
Mero had me from the first time they met. I knew he would consume her world and mine.
The heat these two have and their connection has me thinking of my own feelings and desires. The connection you have with someone that you can't have with anyone else because you feel more yourself than ever before. Because this person won't judge you for what you want or the thoughts you have.
The spice had me going. I never thought I'd want some things as much as I do. But this book taught me a little about myself and I think of myself as powerful like Larina. Brave enough to go after what I want and stop hiding who I am. I may not have withstood torture, but I'm still standing through my own experiences. And that makes me just as strong as her.
Thank you to the author. This book has opened my eyes in more ways than one and was a wild ride that I will be enjoying again.
May 29, 2024
This was just released and book 1️⃣ of a trilogy that I was able to participate reading as an ARC! Now, I have not read a ton of dark fantasy, but the description of this book piqued my interest and I’m glad I picked it up!
Any book that includes a map and glossary at the start of it automatically gets an extra star. I feel like those pieces are pivotal for fantasy, so bravo for adding them! 👏 Another must have for me, Dual POV between the FMC and MMC!☑️ A unique piece that I enjoyed between each chapter was a letter or snippet between High Priests/Priestesses or other characters that foreshadowed what was to come.
There was simple world building, especially with the help of our trusty map 😉, lots of familial drama, violence 🔪, and sex. I struggled with Larina at times, as some of her choices came off as immature, but you have to respect a girl that stays loyal 🤐! Mero was cunning, possessive, obsessive, and deadly! The two together made for some interesting banter with eyebrow raising sex 🩸🪦.
TW’s that I can recall: Abuse (various forms), torture, blood (including knife play during sex), arousal by violence, forced branding, somnophilia, murder/death.
Any book that includes a map and glossary at the start of it automatically gets an extra star. I feel like those pieces are pivotal for fantasy, so bravo for adding them! 👏 Another must have for me, Dual POV between the FMC and MMC!☑️ A unique piece that I enjoyed between each chapter was a letter or snippet between High Priests/Priestesses or other characters that foreshadowed what was to come.
There was simple world building, especially with the help of our trusty map 😉, lots of familial drama, violence 🔪, and sex. I struggled with Larina at times, as some of her choices came off as immature, but you have to respect a girl that stays loyal 🤐! Mero was cunning, possessive, obsessive, and deadly! The two together made for some interesting banter with eyebrow raising sex 🩸🪦.
TW’s that I can recall: Abuse (various forms), torture, blood (including knife play during sex), arousal by violence, forced branding, somnophilia, murder/death.
April 16, 2024
This book was out of my normal purview, that didn’t affect how much I enjoyed the book though. The world building and politics were simple, easy, and relatable. I could picture myself living in this world.
The family drama and relationship drama made sense for the world that Amelia Mist had built. I would recommend this book just about anyone. There was romance, but it wasn’t as in your face a lot of time. It was more of the emotional trust building portions of relationship. I guess I would say although that might be slightly wrong. The two main characters have issues of their own before they met and after that they were trying to work through this is one of the few books where you can see them work through it in a way that is completely relatable.
I’m going say I also enjoy a book that has a good map and I started at the book with a good basis, knowing how their religion works, based on the beginning glossary of gods.
The family drama and relationship drama made sense for the world that Amelia Mist had built. I would recommend this book just about anyone. There was romance, but it wasn’t as in your face a lot of time. It was more of the emotional trust building portions of relationship. I guess I would say although that might be slightly wrong. The two main characters have issues of their own before they met and after that they were trying to work through this is one of the few books where you can see them work through it in a way that is completely relatable.
I’m going say I also enjoy a book that has a good map and I started at the book with a good basis, knowing how their religion works, based on the beginning glossary of gods.
April 20, 2024
The tension and groveling in this book is unlike no other 🔥 Everything I like in a dark fantasy.
The MMC is the definition of morally grey and I loved every second of it. The FMC is also wild and is battling some of her own issues. Their banter and complicated relationship is perfection.
From the first page, I was hooked and immediately transported into this world. The world building and politics were easy to understand.
All of the characters have a lot of deep rooted family trauma and complicated relationships they are working through. There are a couple of time jumps but I felt they worked into the story perfectly.
This is the first in a trilogy of interconnected stand alones. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Be sure to check the TWs! Thank you to Amelia Mist for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The MMC is the definition of morally grey and I loved every second of it. The FMC is also wild and is battling some of her own issues. Their banter and complicated relationship is perfection.
From the first page, I was hooked and immediately transported into this world. The world building and politics were easy to understand.
All of the characters have a lot of deep rooted family trauma and complicated relationships they are working through. There are a couple of time jumps but I felt they worked into the story perfectly.
This is the first in a trilogy of interconnected stand alones. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Be sure to check the TWs! Thank you to Amelia Mist for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2024
OH MY GAAAH!🤩
This book is all that I love in a fantasy romance. If you’re looking for that back n forth banter; THIS IS IT! I just love the dynamic between Larina & Mero so dang much😍🫶This book has the cute moments, several sassy moments, oooh the tension moments, can’t forget spicy moments & my favorite; the good girl gone bad moments. Not to mention the multiple POV cuz that just gives it more depth to the characters & makes me love them even more.🫨AAaaaah! I’m screaming because I NEED MORE!🥹🤲*holds hands out* Pls gimme more?😁😅 Seriously, this book is now in my favorite top 10 & Amelia is now one of my favorite authors. I can’t thank you enough for letting me be on the Arc Team! If you’ll have me, I’ll stay forever?! I can’t wait to read more from you😁To the rest of y’all, go read this book! Trust me, you’ll be super glad you did.📚💞
This book is all that I love in a fantasy romance. If you’re looking for that back n forth banter; THIS IS IT! I just love the dynamic between Larina & Mero so dang much😍🫶This book has the cute moments, several sassy moments, oooh the tension moments, can’t forget spicy moments & my favorite; the good girl gone bad moments. Not to mention the multiple POV cuz that just gives it more depth to the characters & makes me love them even more.🫨AAaaaah! I’m screaming because I NEED MORE!🥹🤲*holds hands out* Pls gimme more?😁😅 Seriously, this book is now in my favorite top 10 & Amelia is now one of my favorite authors. I can’t thank you enough for letting me be on the Arc Team! If you’ll have me, I’ll stay forever?! I can’t wait to read more from you😁To the rest of y’all, go read this book! Trust me, you’ll be super glad you did.📚💞
April 26, 2024
The banter, the tension, the character development, the plot, the world building, and the politics is all simply *chefs kiss*
I can’t say this about alot of authors but Thief had me hooked from the very beginning! I was immediately drawn into the allure of Mero (mmc) and Larina(fmc) they both come from broken families in a society that doesn’t accept them. Their relationship, and their family troubles were all very relatable furthering my attachment to them. lol. There’s honestly nothing I love more than found family or two tortured souls finding and accepting eachother. Amelia did a phenomenal job with this dark fantasy I can’t wait for the next two installments!!
I can’t say this about alot of authors but Thief had me hooked from the very beginning! I was immediately drawn into the allure of Mero (mmc) and Larina(fmc) they both come from broken families in a society that doesn’t accept them. Their relationship, and their family troubles were all very relatable furthering my attachment to them. lol. There’s honestly nothing I love more than found family or two tortured souls finding and accepting eachother. Amelia did a phenomenal job with this dark fantasy I can’t wait for the next two installments!!
June 23, 2025
Mero and Larina are a fantastic duo who would burn the world for each other. 🔥
Amelia Mist crafts a gritty dark fantasy world that doesn't shy away from the hard parts of life—instead, it delves deeper into the shady back alleys of a richly woven landscape.
Thief contains action, spice, religion, politics, and dark themes. It doesn't hold back in any regard, which makes it an incredibly well-rounded read that kept me entertained from start to finish.
At times, I found myself devouring this book and unable to stop, even at the expense of sleep 😅
Highly recommended read. I look forward to seeing more of these characters and more of this complex dark fantasy world!
Amelia Mist crafts a gritty dark fantasy world that doesn't shy away from the hard parts of life—instead, it delves deeper into the shady back alleys of a richly woven landscape.
Thief contains action, spice, religion, politics, and dark themes. It doesn't hold back in any regard, which makes it an incredibly well-rounded read that kept me entertained from start to finish.
At times, I found myself devouring this book and unable to stop, even at the expense of sleep 😅
Highly recommended read. I look forward to seeing more of these characters and more of this complex dark fantasy world!
May 1, 2024
Non spoiler.
This one had me hooked from page one. I enjoyed the plot, tension🔥, spice🌶, witty banter, characters, and relatable moments. The God glossary and little notes between chapters were also great!
I was also enthralled with the switching of the pov between the fmc and mmc and the different times. It showed more of their story and gave emotion to how they are.
I can't wait to read the next book when it comes out!!
This one had me hooked from page one. I enjoyed the plot, tension🔥, spice🌶, witty banter, characters, and relatable moments. The God glossary and little notes between chapters were also great!
I was also enthralled with the switching of the pov between the fmc and mmc and the different times. It showed more of their story and gave emotion to how they are.
I can't wait to read the next book when it comes out!!
May 28, 2024
✨ Loveee this book. The tension between Larina and Mero is insane. This is an action filled slow burn romance. Once a happy and loving couple splits apart when Mero suddenly leaves town. Years later he returns and stumbles upon his lost love in her favorite tea shop. A little “mishap” causes the two to be forced to work together to save a loved one. Can they get past their history to reach their goal? I’d rate this 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. No cheating. He falls first and harder. HEA ✨
June 6, 2024
First I would like to thank Amelia for giving me an opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I really enjoyed this beautiful debut of hers.
The story builds up gradually and once you get into the story it is difficult to put the book down.
Despite the bad boy vibe, I immediately fell in love with Mero. What a man. Larisa also immediately drew me into her story.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes an exciting adventure with the juicy scenes inside.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this beautiful debut of hers.
The story builds up gradually and once you get into the story it is difficult to put the book down.
Despite the bad boy vibe, I immediately fell in love with Mero. What a man. Larisa also immediately drew me into her story.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes an exciting adventure with the juicy scenes inside.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 7, 2024
If you're looking for a suspenseful, dark, romantic, action-filled novel than this is the winner! From the first page to the very last I was captivated by this story. It's original, interesting and down right heart wrenching at times! The scenery really pulls you into the story and the characters are strong and bold. Unafraid to be loud and mischief.
I cannot give this book enough praise! Amelia is a phenomenal author. I just cant wait to read the next one!
I cannot give this book enough praise! Amelia is a phenomenal author. I just cant wait to read the next one!
April 17, 2024
Love it!!
If you are looking for dark fantasy with second chance trope, filled with banter, tensions, groveling, action and a bit of angst. If you like one bed and one tent trope, morally grey MMC and good girl gone bad. Also, spice (not too much, but once it hits it hits hard).... then this one is for you.
*Just quick reminder — check trigger warnings!
⭐️4,5/5
🌶3,5/5
If you are looking for dark fantasy with second chance trope, filled with banter, tensions, groveling, action and a bit of angst. If you like one bed and one tent trope, morally grey MMC and good girl gone bad. Also, spice (not too much, but once it hits it hits hard).... then this one is for you.
*Just quick reminder — check trigger warnings!
⭐️4,5/5
🌶3,5/5
April 19, 2024
I can honestly say that this book had me hooked since the first page. The description of the plot, the characters, the way the thoughts feelings and everything in this book is enthralling. I felt like I was the character(s) or a 3rd party watching each page come alive. The raw emotions felt by each character had me feeling their emotions as well. Truly stunning work
April 26, 2024
Dark fantasy second chance romance with angst, morally grey mmc, good girl gone Bad, spice and one tent 😉
Great world and character building with lots of family drama. I love the dual pov and mixing timeliness, which really adds the angst.
The religious connotations throughout and the pictures between chapters add an element I've not seen before.
Great world and character building with lots of family drama. I love the dual pov and mixing timeliness, which really adds the angst.
The religious connotations throughout and the pictures between chapters add an element I've not seen before.
May 20, 2024
Morally grey mmc, dark romance, good girl gone bad with spice 👀
The world building is really easy to follow and understand. I loved the dual pov and switching timelines, it really added to the overall development of Larina and Mero’s relationship.
This book is a really good as a first step into dark romance and I’ll be interested to see what comes next!
The world building is really easy to follow and understand. I loved the dual pov and switching timelines, it really added to the overall development of Larina and Mero’s relationship.
This book is a really good as a first step into dark romance and I’ll be interested to see what comes next!
May 29, 2024
This was a slow burn between Larina and Mero.
When they split, Mero leaves without much of a word. When he shows back up, he stumbles back into Larina.
When something happens, both are stuck having to work together. The tension and banter between the two are enough that feelings that were once thought lost, comes back.
When they split, Mero leaves without much of a word. When he shows back up, he stumbles back into Larina.
When something happens, both are stuck having to work together. The tension and banter between the two are enough that feelings that were once thought lost, comes back.
June 5, 2024
Loved it!!!
I highly recommend to anyone who’s looking for a darker romance! The characters are very in-depth and true to their nature which makes the book so captivating. There is plenty of action as well as some spicy moments. The plot-line is VERY unique and I will say that I’ve never read anything like it before. I can’t wait for the next book!!! Again highly recommend 👏!!!
I highly recommend to anyone who’s looking for a darker romance! The characters are very in-depth and true to their nature which makes the book so captivating. There is plenty of action as well as some spicy moments. The plot-line is VERY unique and I will say that I’ve never read anything like it before. I can’t wait for the next book!!! Again highly recommend 👏!!!
August 17, 2024
This book puts the toxic in intoxicating! I could not put it down! Loved the characters and the storyline! Cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy!!!
October 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I like the cover, I like the dedication and I like the book. But, for me, it dragged a bit in the middle
I like the cover, I like the dedication and I like the book. But, for me, it dragged a bit in the middle
July 28, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC reader for this amazing book. It surprised me, on many levels, and I hope I do it justice with this review!
Thief tells the tale of second change love, touch her and die vibes, and a found family that is so wild and chaotic that it has a charm all its own. It gave me some serious Aladdin vibes, what with the scenery and the way the people work. There is no sultan, of course, and the princess is a pauper and not royalty. But that doesn't stop the MMC from treating her as such. In all the best ways, of course. :D
With her brother being charged for a murder he didn't commit, Larina is forced to work with her ex-boyfriend: the man that broke her heart and left her alone. Mero knows he stands no chance of winning her back, until he realizes the part he played in getting her brother into trouble. Now this dynamic duo is shoved together and sent off into the world to make things right. Or, at least, Larina is trying to make them right. Mero likes his life the way it is, and only wants to show the woman he still loves that she will like it too if she would only give them another chance.
This book surprised the hell out of me with how much I truly enjoyed it. It takes you all over this brilliantly written world and introduces you to a hodge podge of characters that range from the hilarious to the serious. And the spicy scenes? Dude, they had my face turning all shades of red. In all the best ways, obviously.
In conclusion, go check out this talented writer. With her debut novel, she hit it out of the park and over the fence. You will want to get your hands on her book while she is still new because I KNOW she is going to go places. And to Amelia: Girl, congrats! You did it! Thank you so much for this amazing story of yours. :D <3
Thief tells the tale of second change love, touch her and die vibes, and a found family that is so wild and chaotic that it has a charm all its own. It gave me some serious Aladdin vibes, what with the scenery and the way the people work. There is no sultan, of course, and the princess is a pauper and not royalty. But that doesn't stop the MMC from treating her as such. In all the best ways, of course. :D
With her brother being charged for a murder he didn't commit, Larina is forced to work with her ex-boyfriend: the man that broke her heart and left her alone. Mero knows he stands no chance of winning her back, until he realizes the part he played in getting her brother into trouble. Now this dynamic duo is shoved together and sent off into the world to make things right. Or, at least, Larina is trying to make them right. Mero likes his life the way it is, and only wants to show the woman he still loves that she will like it too if she would only give them another chance.
This book surprised the hell out of me with how much I truly enjoyed it. It takes you all over this brilliantly written world and introduces you to a hodge podge of characters that range from the hilarious to the serious. And the spicy scenes? Dude, they had my face turning all shades of red. In all the best ways, obviously.
In conclusion, go check out this talented writer. With her debut novel, she hit it out of the park and over the fence. You will want to get your hands on her book while she is still new because I KNOW she is going to go places. And to Amelia: Girl, congrats! You did it! Thank you so much for this amazing story of yours. :D <3
November 5, 2024
Sorry. This book was not good. It had potential but the writing was immature and stupid. The characters, even as adults seemed to be very immature. I just couldn't get into it. The timeline switch overs made little to no sense and was convoluted. I had to DNF at a little less than half finished. It was BORING.
March 2, 2025
This is a lovely story where the leads meet after time apart. The female lead is on a journey of adventure and finding herself. She reconnects with a lost love (morally grey) and he tries to rekindle their former love. A dark princess bride meets Aladdin and the king of thieves. Pacing is stop and go at times but worth the sticking through. Character building is great too!
dnf
July 16, 2025DNF @ 48%
honestly, the premise was there but i just couldn’t get attached to the characters. they often felt juvenile, although both adults.
the constant switching of POVs and timelines was also far too confusing for me.
i can see the appeal but it just wasn’t my cup of tea, unfortunately.
honestly, the premise was there but i just couldn’t get attached to the characters. they often felt juvenile, although both adults.
the constant switching of POVs and timelines was also far too confusing for me.
i can see the appeal but it just wasn’t my cup of tea, unfortunately.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews