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The Killer Cupcake
Some recipes are written in blood. Some loves are worth dying for.
They fled to New Orleans seeking freedom. In Aunt Janey's world of midnight suppers and whispered hexes, Carmelo and Kathy discover a place where Sicilian tradition meets Creole power. Here, their love isn't forbidden—it's celebrated. But the boxing ring calls to Carmelo. With each brutal victory, Kathy discovers his talent for violence attracts dangerous attention. Each win feeds his hunger for power.
Secrets pile up like bodies. Family duty weighs heavier than championship belts. Torn between his mother's dying wishes and the woman who owns his soul, Carmelo makes choices that will shape their future in the most unexpected of ways. We learn why Ely and Matteo were enlisted in the army, and what brotherhood in blood they both discover there. We see into the past, the deaths that have scarred so many reveal a resilience within the Freeman and Ricci families that could eventually heal them both.
From 1950 to 1978, The Killer Cupcake explores the terrible cost of keeping secrets from the one you'd die for—and rewards the love strong enough to survive it all.
Start here. Start anywhere. This book is the dark heart of the entire series.
Perfect for readers who
Second-chance romance with brutal stakes
Morally grey heroes consumed by dark obsession
Heroines who match their men in strength and perseverance
Family secrets that span generations
Love that survives betrayal, bullets, and worse
While part of The Poison Cherry Series, this explosive reunion stands alone—though once you taste this forbidden fruit, you'll crave the whole deadly feast.
They fled to New Orleans seeking freedom. In Aunt Janey's world of midnight suppers and whispered hexes, Carmelo and Kathy discover a place where Sicilian tradition meets Creole power. Here, their love isn't forbidden—it's celebrated. But the boxing ring calls to Carmelo. With each brutal victory, Kathy discovers his talent for violence attracts dangerous attention. Each win feeds his hunger for power.
Secrets pile up like bodies. Family duty weighs heavier than championship belts. Torn between his mother's dying wishes and the woman who owns his soul, Carmelo makes choices that will shape their future in the most unexpected of ways. We learn why Ely and Matteo were enlisted in the army, and what brotherhood in blood they both discover there. We see into the past, the deaths that have scarred so many reveal a resilience within the Freeman and Ricci families that could eventually heal them both.
From 1950 to 1978, The Killer Cupcake explores the terrible cost of keeping secrets from the one you'd die for—and rewards the love strong enough to survive it all.
Start here. Start anywhere. This book is the dark heart of the entire series.
Perfect for readers who
Second-chance romance with brutal stakes
Morally grey heroes consumed by dark obsession
Heroines who match their men in strength and perseverance
Family secrets that span generations
Love that survives betrayal, bullets, and worse
While part of The Poison Cherry Series, this explosive reunion stands alone—though once you taste this forbidden fruit, you'll crave the whole deadly feast.
- GenresRomance
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
About the author
Sienna Mynx
82 books1,027 followersSienna Mynx is your naughty writer of Paranormal, Contemporary, and Historical Interracial Romance for readers that love the bad boy's but desire to be the women that tame them. A current resident of south of Georgia, Sienna Mynx has just emerged into the e-publishing arena. Her novellas reflect her thirst for romance told from a fresh perspective with the diversity she craves in erotic Romance. Explore and Enjoy.
Also writes under the pen name T.A. Ford
Also writes under the pen name T.A. Ford
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 23, 2025
Better and better!
Whew! All I have to say is if you haven’t read all three of the books in this series you are missing out! Soo much going on with these characters that your head is spinning. Kathy and Carmelo have been through soo much but in the words of Mya Angelou, STILL I RISE. In some sense Carmelo is a man you hate to love but you still root for him. And Debbie and Mateo. I don’t know whose story is the most complex. Now the story is related to the Battaglias in Italy? I’m done! NOT! Can’t wait to see how that plays out. I’m still not a fan of switching back and forth between the years but the story is one not to be missed.
Whew! All I have to say is if you haven’t read all three of the books in this series you are missing out! Soo much going on with these characters that your head is spinning. Kathy and Carmelo have been through soo much but in the words of Mya Angelou, STILL I RISE. In some sense Carmelo is a man you hate to love but you still root for him. And Debbie and Mateo. I don’t know whose story is the most complex. Now the story is related to the Battaglias in Italy? I’m done! NOT! Can’t wait to see how that plays out. I’m still not a fan of switching back and forth between the years but the story is one not to be missed.
September 20, 2025
Great read
I highly anticipated this book and it did not disappoint. I’m sad that I’ve already finished it. I loved Carmelo and Kathy’s story and how he never let go of her. There were a few scenes I would have liked to see, like when Carmelo first learns that Sandy is his. I was looking forward to that.
I do want to read Willa and JB’s story.
I look forward to book 4.
I highly anticipated this book and it did not disappoint. I’m sad that I’ve already finished it. I loved Carmelo and Kathy’s story and how he never let go of her. There were a few scenes I would have liked to see, like when Carmelo first learns that Sandy is his. I was looking forward to that.
I do want to read Willa and JB’s story.
I look forward to book 4.
September 22, 2025
This Right Here!!
All I can say is bring on the fourth and final book of the series. A lot was uncovered In this book but not everything. Man Lorenzo sure knows how to make an entrance! and i live it...Well Done Ms. Minx!!
All I can say is bring on the fourth and final book of the series. A lot was uncovered In this book but not everything. Man Lorenzo sure knows how to make an entrance! and i live it...Well Done Ms. Minx!!
September 21, 2025
Couldn't stop reading
I couldn't put this book down!! I have loved sienna Mynx writing since the start of the "Battaglia series! If I could give this book 10 stars I would.
I couldn't put this book down!! I have loved sienna Mynx writing since the start of the "Battaglia series! If I could give this book 10 stars I would.
September 22, 2025
Fantastic series
Once again Sienna brought her A game to her fans❤️❤️❤️ I am enjoying this series and I can't wait to read about this family’s triumph 🍾
Once again Sienna brought her A game to her fans❤️❤️❤️ I am enjoying this series and I can't wait to read about this family’s triumph 🍾
May 16, 2026
Let me quickly wipe my tears. I just cannot get enough of Sienna Mynx's mafia writing. She writes pure passional love. I was hooked after reading Mi Destino followed by nine out of the remaining eleven...I skipped the side stories...the .5s (Not because there was no excitement, but a choice). I am forever grateful to have randomly came across this author. I don't know how, but I'm so glad I did.
Then I kept researching because I needed more from her...I needed more mafia romances from the late 1900s and stumbled upon this series. I don't know how this woman writes such perfection, but she touches my soul when I read her books.
Let me review The Killer Cupcake with gratitude.
• What gutted you most?
~ Kathy and Carmelo's betrayals gutted me the most.
Wow, I understood why Camilo got married to Maria, but he should have told Kathy. TWO YEARS, and he never uttered a word to her. That was too evil, and watching her walk away??? Please, it felt like it had happened to me. It felt like love wasn't enough in that moment when Kathy made the decision to walk away from the man she so deeply love/ed. She was protecting the life in her womb, but it was too emotional.
• The Elliot Sisters? Should we fear or love to hate Janey? (Because power in the wrong hands is still power, and Janey’s backstory reveals how deep those roots go. Her treatment of Willa and Kathy, what are your thoughts?
~ Janey, Janey, Janey... Her story, again, it was emotional, and I understood why she was morally grey. The woman had no barrier. She continued to hurt people because it's all hurt people do. I hated her then I felt for her. She did Willa wrong. She let Willa in the hands of a hard man because according to Janey, Willa needed to live and learn about the life she was surrounded by. Willa suffered because of Janey giving her that push, and Janey lied to everyone about Willa's fate because she made Willa carry...SIGH. Janey, every atom in my body despises you.
Despite Carmine being the man he was, Janey DID NOT deserve that man. He searched the ends of the earth for her and saved her every time she fell into the cyclone of her madness. She tried to get rid of him every time and did things that hurt Carmine emotionally and mentally. That man cried and forgave Janey every time, but she did him dirty. TOO dirty.
She gets a point in my book for revealing the truth to Kathy. At least she loved her niece to death.
• Carmelo's obsession after losing Kathy—do you now see how the Wolf came to be? Should he be forgiven? Or has his transgressions damn him in your eyes? Kathy lost people close to her because of Carmelo’s interference. Now, mind you, where you find her in 1978 is nearly 15 years after those people died. But still, how do you love a man who caused that level of betrayal and pain?
~ Carmine can do no wrong in my eyes because he loved Kathy with every fiber of his being. Everything he did was for Kathy. He told Kathy she was his life and HE PROVED it. He never stopped loving her. He never stopped showing her what lengths he would go to have his woman. That is the meaning of action and not words. Two, I never liked Ely, so...forgive me for not caring. As sweet as he was...he wasn't Carmelo Ricci. The drawings in that forbidden room? Wow, Carmelo was "The Wolf" and there was always action to keep his title alive.
• Matteo and Debbie after José. What are your thoughts, and do you think Matteo can have it all—Junior and his family? Or is this destined to fail? I know the American Mafia is deeply entrenched with racism. The story of Matteo knighting his son Junior is so complicated that I want to make it realistic. Which is why I created the medallion. I will suggest you suspend reality for the fantasy I am creating, where Junior can and should rise to power. It’s my world and my story, and I can make Kings out of anyone I choose. Do you agree?
~ Matteo can have it all, if that means he get to die of old age, of course. Carmelo has done enough. It's time for him to live in peace with his family. He deserves it after years of betrayal, hurt and his Sandy. Junior??? He has the resilience of a capo. It can work, I agree.
I need book FOUR like thirty minutes ago. I cannot wait to read it. Also, I'm wondering if Sandy finds love in all of this. I want her to.
100 perfect stars.
Then I kept researching because I needed more from her...I needed more mafia romances from the late 1900s and stumbled upon this series. I don't know how this woman writes such perfection, but she touches my soul when I read her books.
Let me review The Killer Cupcake with gratitude.
• What gutted you most?
~ Kathy and Carmelo's betrayals gutted me the most.
Wow, I understood why Camilo got married to Maria, but he should have told Kathy. TWO YEARS, and he never uttered a word to her. That was too evil, and watching her walk away??? Please, it felt like it had happened to me. It felt like love wasn't enough in that moment when Kathy made the decision to walk away from the man she so deeply love/ed. She was protecting the life in her womb, but it was too emotional.
• The Elliot Sisters? Should we fear or love to hate Janey? (Because power in the wrong hands is still power, and Janey’s backstory reveals how deep those roots go. Her treatment of Willa and Kathy, what are your thoughts?
~ Janey, Janey, Janey... Her story, again, it was emotional, and I understood why she was morally grey. The woman had no barrier. She continued to hurt people because it's all hurt people do. I hated her then I felt for her. She did Willa wrong. She let Willa in the hands of a hard man because according to Janey, Willa needed to live and learn about the life she was surrounded by. Willa suffered because of Janey giving her that push, and Janey lied to everyone about Willa's fate because she made Willa carry...SIGH. Janey, every atom in my body despises you.
Despite Carmine being the man he was, Janey DID NOT deserve that man. He searched the ends of the earth for her and saved her every time she fell into the cyclone of her madness. She tried to get rid of him every time and did things that hurt Carmine emotionally and mentally. That man cried and forgave Janey every time, but she did him dirty. TOO dirty.
She gets a point in my book for revealing the truth to Kathy. At least she loved her niece to death.
• Carmelo's obsession after losing Kathy—do you now see how the Wolf came to be? Should he be forgiven? Or has his transgressions damn him in your eyes? Kathy lost people close to her because of Carmelo’s interference. Now, mind you, where you find her in 1978 is nearly 15 years after those people died. But still, how do you love a man who caused that level of betrayal and pain?
~ Carmine can do no wrong in my eyes because he loved Kathy with every fiber of his being. Everything he did was for Kathy. He told Kathy she was his life and HE PROVED it. He never stopped loving her. He never stopped showing her what lengths he would go to have his woman. That is the meaning of action and not words. Two, I never liked Ely, so...forgive me for not caring. As sweet as he was...he wasn't Carmelo Ricci. The drawings in that forbidden room? Wow, Carmelo was "The Wolf" and there was always action to keep his title alive.
• Matteo and Debbie after José. What are your thoughts, and do you think Matteo can have it all—Junior and his family? Or is this destined to fail? I know the American Mafia is deeply entrenched with racism. The story of Matteo knighting his son Junior is so complicated that I want to make it realistic. Which is why I created the medallion. I will suggest you suspend reality for the fantasy I am creating, where Junior can and should rise to power. It’s my world and my story, and I can make Kings out of anyone I choose. Do you agree?
~ Matteo can have it all, if that means he get to die of old age, of course. Carmelo has done enough. It's time for him to live in peace with his family. He deserves it after years of betrayal, hurt and his Sandy. Junior??? He has the resilience of a capo. It can work, I agree.
I need book FOUR like thirty minutes ago. I cannot wait to read it. Also, I'm wondering if Sandy finds love in all of this. I want her to.
100 perfect stars.
September 27, 2025
The Diva did her big one with this installment!!
Read this 2x. This was sooo good!!
In this one you really get to know Melo and what drives him... before I just didn't relate to him. And Kathy. Her character development - you saw her becoming a woman making difficult choices. I felt for her when Janey revealed the betrayal.
Can I say that meeting in the barn, I was liking Melo a lil bit. I wasn't mad at what he said. Talk yo shit
I can't wait to see how those back & forth interactions played out over the years.
And my faves Matteo & Debbie. Confused about the war Matteo was in, was it NAM or Korean? The dates are confusing, and there was reference of the Cold War...That Matteo flashback leading up to the Jose story. Was well written. I could visualize like a movie ..I felt for him.
Love Debbie & Matteo love story. I so want a happy ending for them.
Now we have to talk about Willa & JB...we want a seat at the table to witness some of their interactions. We've only heard second hand account of how alla that went down.
Waiting on pins and needles for the next book!
Read this 2x. This was sooo good!!
In this one you really get to know Melo and what drives him... before I just didn't relate to him. And Kathy. Her character development - you saw her becoming a woman making difficult choices. I felt for her when Janey revealed the betrayal.
Can I say that meeting in the barn, I was liking Melo a lil bit. I wasn't mad at what he said. Talk yo shit
I can't wait to see how those back & forth interactions played out over the years.
And my faves Matteo & Debbie. Confused about the war Matteo was in, was it NAM or Korean? The dates are confusing, and there was reference of the Cold War...That Matteo flashback leading up to the Jose story. Was well written. I could visualize like a movie ..I felt for him.
Love Debbie & Matteo love story. I so want a happy ending for them.
Now we have to talk about Willa & JB...we want a seat at the table to witness some of their interactions. We've only heard second hand account of how alla that went down.
Waiting on pins and needles for the next book!
September 21, 2025
Terrific! 5 star and the final book gives us the Ricci's and the Battaglia's one of the best IR mafia series - EVER!
I am still just blown away by this IR mafia series it is mafia romance but more importantly and beautiful a love letter to black women-perfection! If you love history, betrayal, twist of fate, romances with love passion and heartbreak-this one's for you.
I am still just blown away by this IR mafia series it is mafia romance but more importantly and beautiful a love letter to black women-perfection! If you love history, betrayal, twist of fate, romances with love passion and heartbreak-this one's for you.
October 5, 2025
Excellent book 3 in this series
The 3rd book in thus phenomenal series by Sienna! It had everything and so many questions were answered I can't say because I don't want to give anything away. Jane's story was told it was intriguing heart wrenching at times but you understand why she is the way she us and what exactly went down with her husband. We see how the mind will fracture when people get hurt when they hurt their loved ones just how far people will go. This book had it ALL!!! I have been a fan of this author for a long time since she wrote Before Sunrise and Aiden's Game. Her book never disappoint her readers.
The 3rd book in thus phenomenal series by Sienna! It had everything and so many questions were answered I can't say because I don't want to give anything away. Jane's story was told it was intriguing heart wrenching at times but you understand why she is the way she us and what exactly went down with her husband. We see how the mind will fracture when people get hurt when they hurt their loved ones just how far people will go. This book had it ALL!!! I have been a fan of this author for a long time since she wrote Before Sunrise and Aiden's Game. Her book never disappoint her readers.
October 5, 2025
loves it
It answered so many questions I had but I’m still missing some hopefully four will add it all up. I didn’t trust Nickolas and now even more. If I was Carmelo I wouldn’t bring him around he is in the play for power as take over I feel like he gone do something. Can not wait for book four to close the whole book out putting everything on place
It answered so many questions I had but I’m still missing some hopefully four will add it all up. I didn’t trust Nickolas and now even more. If I was Carmelo I wouldn’t bring him around he is in the play for power as take over I feel like he gone do something. Can not wait for book four to close the whole book out putting everything on place
October 22, 2025
The author, Sienna Mynx never disappoints! I cannot wait for the final book in the series! This was really good! The historical aspect of the story also left me to research the Harlem of the nineteen-thirties, forties and fifties era and what it meant during that time, too. Great story!
November 3, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a lot. I never thought I would dislike Carmelo, gone is the sweet lovestruck boy. He is beyond cruel. I can’t see how he and Kathy can truly have their hea, so much damage has been done.
Boy did Janey get on my nerves but hearing her trauma, I feel sorry for her.
Debbie was my girl but I’m forever gonna side eye her for keeping Carmelo’s deceit a secret from Kathy. She was dead wrong.
Even though I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the previous one, it was still a good read. I’m very much looking forward to the next and final book. Hopefully it’s soon (fingers crossed.
Boy did Janey get on my nerves but hearing her trauma, I feel sorry for her.
Debbie was my girl but I’m forever gonna side eye her for keeping Carmelo’s deceit a secret from Kathy. She was dead wrong.
Even though I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the previous one, it was still a good read. I’m very much looking forward to the next and final book. Hopefully it’s soon (fingers crossed.
August 1, 2026
Killer cupcake
This series is epic, I'm loving it. The realness, the soulfulness and the history behind it was real!
The deceit the,betrayal, and then the love and laughter. Then she brings it to the Giovanni Battalgia this OMG it's good as her books always are can't wait to read book 4.
Melo and Kathy have to get their happy ending, Debbie and Matteo theirs as well I love both of there stories....I wonder if Maria kids real father will be exposed because Nicholas is trouble.......yessss alot to unravel and I can't wait 💙
This series is epic, I'm loving it. The realness, the soulfulness and the history behind it was real!
The deceit the,betrayal, and then the love and laughter. Then she brings it to the Giovanni Battalgia this OMG it's good as her books always are can't wait to read book 4.
Melo and Kathy have to get their happy ending, Debbie and Matteo theirs as well I love both of there stories....I wonder if Maria kids real father will be exposed because Nicholas is trouble.......yessss alot to unravel and I can't wait 💙
October 13, 2025
Great read. I’m still on the edge of my seat as I read about all the twists and turns, betrayals, and misunderstandings. Kathy and Carmelo’s story is never ending and endures so much. I’m enjoying the ride so far and can’t wait to read the final installment.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews