What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil and Her Details
She’s ready to kill for the truth. He’s ready to kill for her.
Declan
The second a bullet hit my father’s heart, my life changed forever. In that moment, I became the new Boss of the Irish mafia. A role that I’ve been preparing for my whole life.
Revenge is not my first priority, but Zahra has other ideas. Our families have been allied for decades after all. But I never expected the magnetic pull between us.
As much as I want to deny myself, I want her. But she thinks I murdered her father…and my own.
And I’m not sure she’s wrong.
Zahra
Of course they’re shocked I’m the heir—no woman has ever run the Persian Mafia. But my father’s death wasn’t about progress. And I need to avenge him.
All signs point to the one man who had everything to gain. A man so cunning and cruel he killed his own father to take power.
I just have to prove his guilt, which requires me to get close to him.
Close enough that I end up marrying him.
The Devil and Her Details is dual POV Mafia Romance featuring a marriage of convenience between Declan McAlister (the protective, jealous, and possessive Boss to the Irish Mafia), and Zahra Azhimi (expert hacker and new Boss of Persian Empire). Please see the author's note for full list of content warnings.
Declan
The second a bullet hit my father’s heart, my life changed forever. In that moment, I became the new Boss of the Irish mafia. A role that I’ve been preparing for my whole life.
Revenge is not my first priority, but Zahra has other ideas. Our families have been allied for decades after all. But I never expected the magnetic pull between us.
As much as I want to deny myself, I want her. But she thinks I murdered her father…and my own.
And I’m not sure she’s wrong.
Zahra
Of course they’re shocked I’m the heir—no woman has ever run the Persian Mafia. But my father’s death wasn’t about progress. And I need to avenge him.
All signs point to the one man who had everything to gain. A man so cunning and cruel he killed his own father to take power.
I just have to prove his guilt, which requires me to get close to him.
Close enough that I end up marrying him.
The Devil and Her Details is dual POV Mafia Romance featuring a marriage of convenience between Declan McAlister (the protective, jealous, and possessive Boss to the Irish Mafia), and Zahra Azhimi (expert hacker and new Boss of Persian Empire). Please see the author's note for full list of content warnings.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
44 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Love Notes for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.
A female Don, a dangerous world, and a romance that sparks at every turn.
In the mafia romance 'The Devil and Her Details', Declan and Zahra step into the role of Don after the deaths of their fathers. Zahra, in particular, faces distrust, many believe a woman could never do the job as well as a man. She is an intriguing main character who must hold her ground in a male-dominated world where every move is scrutinized.
When Zahra begins to suspect that someone from her inner circle may have been involved in her father’s murder, she steps dangerously close to the fire to uncover the truth.
From the very first page, 'The Devil and Her Details' draws you into the story. The writing flows smoothly, the dialogue is laced with humor, and the chemistry between the main characters creates a constant undercurrent of tension. The fast pace and short chapters make it easy to keep turning the pages.
While the storyline can be predictable at times, the threat within the mafia world adds a satisfying layer of tension alongside the romance. The combination of mafia atmosphere, romance, and playful chemistry makes this a story that is easy to get lost in.
A book that proves just how irresistible mafia romance can be.
A female Don, a dangerous world, and a romance that sparks at every turn.
In the mafia romance 'The Devil and Her Details', Declan and Zahra step into the role of Don after the deaths of their fathers. Zahra, in particular, faces distrust, many believe a woman could never do the job as well as a man. She is an intriguing main character who must hold her ground in a male-dominated world where every move is scrutinized.
When Zahra begins to suspect that someone from her inner circle may have been involved in her father’s murder, she steps dangerously close to the fire to uncover the truth.
From the very first page, 'The Devil and Her Details' draws you into the story. The writing flows smoothly, the dialogue is laced with humor, and the chemistry between the main characters creates a constant undercurrent of tension. The fast pace and short chapters make it easy to keep turning the pages.
While the storyline can be predictable at times, the threat within the mafia world adds a satisfying layer of tension alongside the romance. The combination of mafia atmosphere, romance, and playful chemistry makes this a story that is easy to get lost in.
A book that proves just how irresistible mafia romance can be.
January 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW | The Devil and Her Details by Mina Myles
Declan & Zahra
Heirs to the Irish & Persian mafia
Their fathers were best friends and both were killed
Declan wants to find out who did this to them and make them pay but can’t deny the immediate attraction he felt for Zahra
Zahra, however, thinks Declan is guilty and she needs to get close to him to get hardcore evidence
Close enough that she decides to marry him 😏
——
This story started off a little slow
Part of me wanted to scream because Declan was so oblivious to the fact that this woman he was so attracted to wanted to kill him 🤣
He was down bad for her - he even took a bullet for her
Zahra had no choice but to have her walls up and made them as thick as possible
She was the first female mafia boss and that was enough pressure on its own
She carried this story on her back and I was here for it
…a boss in the streets and a sub in the sheets 🤭
Also, I totally called it from early on who the suspect was. Proud of myself for that.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Female mafia bosses are something I could definitely get into
Declan & Zahra
Heirs to the Irish & Persian mafia
Their fathers were best friends and both were killed
Declan wants to find out who did this to them and make them pay but can’t deny the immediate attraction he felt for Zahra
Zahra, however, thinks Declan is guilty and she needs to get close to him to get hardcore evidence
Close enough that she decides to marry him 😏
——
This story started off a little slow
Part of me wanted to scream because Declan was so oblivious to the fact that this woman he was so attracted to wanted to kill him 🤣
He was down bad for her - he even took a bullet for her
Zahra had no choice but to have her walls up and made them as thick as possible
She was the first female mafia boss and that was enough pressure on its own
She carried this story on her back and I was here for it
…a boss in the streets and a sub in the sheets 🤭
Also, I totally called it from early on who the suspect was. Proud of myself for that.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Female mafia bosses are something I could definitely get into
January 13, 2026
—— 3,5 ★
⤿〝 Society will spew that it's women who can’t be trusted to lead because they’re too emotional, and yet my afternoon has been filled by one man freaking out because he may have to work with me, 〞
⤷ This has been very good and very entertaining, but to be honest I have felt like a lot of process was missing in the relationship they had?? One day they were left that it was professional and the next they were telling each other that they needed each other, I have not felt that something was missing but removing that it has been quite good
⤷ characters .ᐟ
⋆˙⟡ Zahra
shes a baddie from head to toe, I loved her character and the mentality they have regarding everything and especially her development
❝ Beauty and a sharp mind are weapons that can be wielded just as lethally as a gun. ❞
⋆˙⟡ Declan
A man who yearn is a man who earns, which can be said, he had no chance of resisting Zahra but I feel that his character lacks something that is not well developed at all
❝ If only she knew how tightly she had me wrapped around her finger already. ❞
⤿〝 Society will spew that it's women who can’t be trusted to lead because they’re too emotional, and yet my afternoon has been filled by one man freaking out because he may have to work with me, 〞
⤷ This has been very good and very entertaining, but to be honest I have felt like a lot of process was missing in the relationship they had?? One day they were left that it was professional and the next they were telling each other that they needed each other, I have not felt that something was missing but removing that it has been quite good
⤷ characters .ᐟ
⋆˙⟡ Zahra
shes a baddie from head to toe, I loved her character and the mentality they have regarding everything and especially her development
❝ Beauty and a sharp mind are weapons that can be wielded just as lethally as a gun. ❞
⋆˙⟡ Declan
A man who yearn is a man who earns, which can be said, he had no chance of resisting Zahra but I feel that his character lacks something that is not well developed at all
❝ If only she knew how tightly she had me wrapped around her finger already. ❞
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐ ARC Review
'The Devil and Her Details'
She’s ready to kill for the truth. He’s ready to kill for her.
🩸 Marriage of Convenience
🩸 Mafia Romance
🩸 Banter
🩸 He falls first
🩸 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Touch her and die
🩸 Forced Proximity
🩸 Romantic Suspense
I absolutely love when a story features a main FMC as a badass, especially when it comes to novels containing the Mafia world. It's really a nice change. Zahra is our fierce, determined next heir to the Persian Empire. A young, underestimated women who has been kept hidden her whole life by her father for her safety. Declan our protective and possessive MMC, is the heir to the Irish Mafia. These two characters are brought together ultimately due to the death's of both their fathers, two best friends.
To keep relations and business operational, they must work together for both family legacies and for their fathers honor.
Amongst traitors, multiple assassination attempts and feelings they both can't ignore any longer, it's a fight for life!
I loved these characters. Both separately dealing with past and current trauma. Find their way in each other, exposing secrets, self doubt and worth. Learning to trust, when in there world, trust can be a death sentence. Giving in to undeniable passion they can't ignore. The action and suspense kept me not being able to put this read down. Secrets and betrayal, I was totally whiplashed. Great writing style and the POV view was a helpful understanding of character views. I absolutely loved the banter in this story, especially from other characters as well. I really enjoyed this read, Thank you for the opportunity ♥️
'The Devil and Her Details'
She’s ready to kill for the truth. He’s ready to kill for her.
🩸 Marriage of Convenience
🩸 Mafia Romance
🩸 Banter
🩸 He falls first
🩸 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Touch her and die
🩸 Forced Proximity
🩸 Romantic Suspense
I absolutely love when a story features a main FMC as a badass, especially when it comes to novels containing the Mafia world. It's really a nice change. Zahra is our fierce, determined next heir to the Persian Empire. A young, underestimated women who has been kept hidden her whole life by her father for her safety. Declan our protective and possessive MMC, is the heir to the Irish Mafia. These two characters are brought together ultimately due to the death's of both their fathers, two best friends.
To keep relations and business operational, they must work together for both family legacies and for their fathers honor.
Amongst traitors, multiple assassination attempts and feelings they both can't ignore any longer, it's a fight for life!
I loved these characters. Both separately dealing with past and current trauma. Find their way in each other, exposing secrets, self doubt and worth. Learning to trust, when in there world, trust can be a death sentence. Giving in to undeniable passion they can't ignore. The action and suspense kept me not being able to put this read down. Secrets and betrayal, I was totally whiplashed. Great writing style and the POV view was a helpful understanding of character views. I absolutely loved the banter in this story, especially from other characters as well. I really enjoyed this read, Thank you for the opportunity ♥️
January 5, 2026
DNF…
I love the idea of a female mafia boss AND an arranged marriage? Sign me up!! But this just didn’t work for me personally. I found the writing clunky and very ‘telling’ and I couldn’t get into the story with all the awkward descriptions of things. I think this must be a me thing cause nobody else pointed this out and many readers loved it!!
Thank you so much to the author and LoveNotes PR for the ARC. I really appreciate it.
I love the idea of a female mafia boss AND an arranged marriage? Sign me up!! But this just didn’t work for me personally. I found the writing clunky and very ‘telling’ and I couldn’t get into the story with all the awkward descriptions of things. I think this must be a me thing cause nobody else pointed this out and many readers loved it!!
Thank you so much to the author and LoveNotes PR for the ARC. I really appreciate it.
January 12, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for the E-Arc!
To finally say I have read one of my most anticipated reads since last year is such an honor!!
The Devil In Her Details is a Mafia Romance between to recently appointed head bosses who have both experienced terrible loss, Zahra Azhimi has inherited the Persian Empire and Declan McAlister has inherited the Irish Mafia. New alliances, new faces, and new threats...
Trust isn't easily given especially when all signs say you cannot even trust the irresistible allure of the man who killed his father.
TENSIONNNNN!!!
To be a fly in the wall throughout this entire book had me even feeling fomo, the chemistry is sicking and the stakes are high. Truly so worth reading! Just like I have experienced, readers will be enticed by Zahra's intelligence and Declan's determination.
Zahra is not only the head of the Persian Empire but she's an expert hacker, her talents are honestly endless. She's hot, smart, and LETHAL. Seeing how committed she is to her father's legacy was truly beautiful. In grief, there is loss but there is resilience and Zahra perfectly represents that.
Declan is hardhead and passionate, he's so used to going by the rules but that immediately gets thrown out the second he lays eyes on Zahra. The man is devoted, not to his job but to Zahra. We could all use a Declan in our lives.
So excited for everyone to read this! I hope Mina Myles has much more in store for readers in the future.
To finally say I have read one of my most anticipated reads since last year is such an honor!!
The Devil In Her Details is a Mafia Romance between to recently appointed head bosses who have both experienced terrible loss, Zahra Azhimi has inherited the Persian Empire and Declan McAlister has inherited the Irish Mafia. New alliances, new faces, and new threats...
Trust isn't easily given especially when all signs say you cannot even trust the irresistible allure of the man who killed his father.
TENSIONNNNN!!!
To be a fly in the wall throughout this entire book had me even feeling fomo, the chemistry is sicking and the stakes are high. Truly so worth reading! Just like I have experienced, readers will be enticed by Zahra's intelligence and Declan's determination.
Zahra is not only the head of the Persian Empire but she's an expert hacker, her talents are honestly endless. She's hot, smart, and LETHAL. Seeing how committed she is to her father's legacy was truly beautiful. In grief, there is loss but there is resilience and Zahra perfectly represents that.
Declan is hardhead and passionate, he's so used to going by the rules but that immediately gets thrown out the second he lays eyes on Zahra. The man is devoted, not to his job but to Zahra. We could all use a Declan in our lives.
So excited for everyone to read this! I hope Mina Myles has much more in store for readers in the future.
January 11, 2026
I usually do not love mafia romance, but this one really worked for me. The Devil and Her Details surprised me in the best way 🖤 The romance was done so well, with he falls first, marriage of convenience, and so many my wife moments that had me smiling 😍
The chemistry felt natural and the story stayed engaging without losing the emotional depth. I flew through it and stayed invested the whole time 📖✨
I am so thankful I received this as an ARC and truly appreciate the chance to read it early 💫🙏
Overall an easy four star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend if you want a mafia romance that is done right 😌🔥
The chemistry felt natural and the story stayed engaging without losing the emotional depth. I flew through it and stayed invested the whole time 📖✨
I am so thankful I received this as an ARC and truly appreciate the chance to read it early 💫🙏
Overall an easy four star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend if you want a mafia romance that is done right 😌🔥
January 16, 2026
Love the cover! It’s giving boss babe. Very sexy.
Each of them Taking over as boss of their respective mafias since the murders of their fathers who were best friends.
Our FMC Zahra needs to prove not only to herself, but every doubter (mostly men) that she is very capable of being the boss of the Persian Empire her father left to her.
Our MMC Declan is one loyal, sexy, and dedicated man who grew up in the midst of his fathers reign. He is now tasked in running the Irish Mafia with his brother Aiden as his right hand man. His uncle, who was his fathers right hand man, isn’t happy about his decision.
I liked the two POVs. While one is trying his best to become true allies; friends, The other is trying to figure out how to expose them and their treacherous ways for what the other thinks is their true character: a murderer. That was the first third of the book. Which I liked. Then each part after that unfortunately just didn’t work for me.
The repetition of losing their fathers in every. Single. Chapter. Irked me! Multiple times. In pretty much every chapter.
The constant “oh I know he’s up to no good. He can’t fool me, I’m a computer hacking bad ass, nobody can get anything over me” “my suspicions about his deceit is legit, all the evidence I’m collecting… blah, blah, blah. When in actuality it’s circumstantial “evidence” the fact that they were looking into someone framing the Italians when in actuality someone was framing Declan and she was so adamant of being right she was blind to the truth. It was just so obvious.
There was a scene where Declan was in the room with Maura with the door closed apologizing to her for his choice of words then all of a sudden they are back in the kitchen with Aiden and Maura is about to cook breakfast… it just didn’t make sense. It wasn’t transitional whatsoever. I had to re-read it a couple of times because I thought I was missing something.
Declan flying off the handle at any little thing someone says about HIS wife didn’t have me swooning for him. It was irksome. His wife this his wife that. Grating.
The last part of the book was dragging for me and I just couldn’t get with the kinky parts or the spice. It wasn’t giving Dom/Sub to me, especially the things he was saying to her :
“I can’t have all these people here know what a dirty little thing you are.”
Thing?! Yeah. No.
Also, where did the infatuation come from?!? One day they finally meet face to face, the next they’re in love?! It was just too fast, unbelievable & unrealistic. Also, it was an easy guess as to who was the villain in all of this was. Furthermore, there were a bit more errors than I liked to see, hard to ignore.
Not a bad read at all. I think this was my first mafia romance so Im not sure what I should have expected. Definitely want to dibble dabble in more.
Thank you Love Notes and Mina Myles for the eARC. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Each of them Taking over as boss of their respective mafias since the murders of their fathers who were best friends.
Our FMC Zahra needs to prove not only to herself, but every doubter (mostly men) that she is very capable of being the boss of the Persian Empire her father left to her.
Our MMC Declan is one loyal, sexy, and dedicated man who grew up in the midst of his fathers reign. He is now tasked in running the Irish Mafia with his brother Aiden as his right hand man. His uncle, who was his fathers right hand man, isn’t happy about his decision.
I liked the two POVs. While one is trying his best to become true allies; friends, The other is trying to figure out how to expose them and their treacherous ways for what the other thinks is their true character: a murderer. That was the first third of the book. Which I liked. Then each part after that unfortunately just didn’t work for me.
The repetition of losing their fathers in every. Single. Chapter. Irked me! Multiple times. In pretty much every chapter.
The constant “oh I know he’s up to no good. He can’t fool me, I’m a computer hacking bad ass, nobody can get anything over me” “my suspicions about his deceit is legit, all the evidence I’m collecting… blah, blah, blah. When in actuality it’s circumstantial “evidence” the fact that they were looking into someone framing the Italians when in actuality someone was framing Declan and she was so adamant of being right she was blind to the truth. It was just so obvious.
There was a scene where Declan was in the room with Maura with the door closed apologizing to her for his choice of words then all of a sudden they are back in the kitchen with Aiden and Maura is about to cook breakfast… it just didn’t make sense. It wasn’t transitional whatsoever. I had to re-read it a couple of times because I thought I was missing something.
Declan flying off the handle at any little thing someone says about HIS wife didn’t have me swooning for him. It was irksome. His wife this his wife that. Grating.
The last part of the book was dragging for me and I just couldn’t get with the kinky parts or the spice. It wasn’t giving Dom/Sub to me, especially the things he was saying to her :
“I can’t have all these people here know what a dirty little thing you are.”
Thing?! Yeah. No.
Also, where did the infatuation come from?!? One day they finally meet face to face, the next they’re in love?! It was just too fast, unbelievable & unrealistic. Also, it was an easy guess as to who was the villain in all of this was. Furthermore, there were a bit more errors than I liked to see, hard to ignore.
Not a bad read at all. I think this was my first mafia romance so Im not sure what I should have expected. Definitely want to dibble dabble in more.
Thank you Love Notes and Mina Myles for the eARC. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 16, 2026
Looking for a badass FMC and down bad MMC with killer instinct? Then LOOK NO FURTHER. This steamy, mafia romance had me in a chokehold; I just can't help falling for dangerous, messy characters who do the wrong thing in the hopes for better. Thanks Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for selecting me as an ARC reader!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
"Let this be a reminder to anyone who dares challenge me, my family, and my allies. When you take aim at the devil, make sure you don't miss. Because if you do, I promise I won't."
Zahra inherits the role as the new Don of the Persian mafia after the death of her father and his best friend. No woman has ever run the mafia and many seek to take her down. Her first role as boss is to find out who killed her father, and her first suspect is the son of her late fathers ally. Though he plays the grieving son well, she leverages their parent's previous alliance to keep him close. But is the enemy truly who she thinks?
Since his fathers death Declan has had to deal with the aftermath and chaos of his inherited role as head of the Irish mafia. With a rat in his inner circle and other mafias running rampant, Zahra offers a fake marriage to keep everyone in check and strengthen their positions as not to be messed with. Unbeknownst to him she is keeping her enemies close and trying to prove his guilt, and he's not quite sure that she's wrong.
"And whether he realizes it or not, those words have just sealed his fate. Because he's right. He is mine now. Mine to deceive, mine to ruin, and mine to kill."
Zahra is the epitome of female rage and I love it. Whilst she and Declan are so casually dark - like they're in a pew pew scene and it's so satire and at moments funny - you can't help but root for them. Their chemistry is a slow, torturous burn that ignites into something so consuming. It's refreshing to have a dominant woman with a dominant, down bad man who is willing to submit. I would have liked the hate to have burned deeper at the beginning but the slow-burn kept me on my toes.
"Soon, my sweet wife, you're going to lose all that control you have and let yourself take what you want. And when you do, I'll be more than ready to give it to you."
The balance between the romance and plot was perfect! There were so many plot twists and obstacles they had to overcome together and individually, keeping me enthralled in their own journey of self-reflection and growth. The elements of found family with their second in commands also provided many funny moments that had me kicking my feet. The grief journey was a major part of the storyline and added emotional depth to the story. When I first saw this up for an ARC I knew it was going to be incredible and it delivered 100%!
"It wouldn't be entirely out of the question that he changes his mind. decide to go from your killer to a stalker after your own heart." Bingo. Now her fantasies made sense. "You're reading dark romance again, aren't you?"
What's included:
🥀Mafia Romance
🥀Marriage of Convenience
🥀Touch her and die
🥀He falls first (and harder)
🥀He yearns for her
🥀Romantic suspense
🥀Found Family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
"Let this be a reminder to anyone who dares challenge me, my family, and my allies. When you take aim at the devil, make sure you don't miss. Because if you do, I promise I won't."
Zahra inherits the role as the new Don of the Persian mafia after the death of her father and his best friend. No woman has ever run the mafia and many seek to take her down. Her first role as boss is to find out who killed her father, and her first suspect is the son of her late fathers ally. Though he plays the grieving son well, she leverages their parent's previous alliance to keep him close. But is the enemy truly who she thinks?
Since his fathers death Declan has had to deal with the aftermath and chaos of his inherited role as head of the Irish mafia. With a rat in his inner circle and other mafias running rampant, Zahra offers a fake marriage to keep everyone in check and strengthen their positions as not to be messed with. Unbeknownst to him she is keeping her enemies close and trying to prove his guilt, and he's not quite sure that she's wrong.
"And whether he realizes it or not, those words have just sealed his fate. Because he's right. He is mine now. Mine to deceive, mine to ruin, and mine to kill."
Zahra is the epitome of female rage and I love it. Whilst she and Declan are so casually dark - like they're in a pew pew scene and it's so satire and at moments funny - you can't help but root for them. Their chemistry is a slow, torturous burn that ignites into something so consuming. It's refreshing to have a dominant woman with a dominant, down bad man who is willing to submit. I would have liked the hate to have burned deeper at the beginning but the slow-burn kept me on my toes.
"Soon, my sweet wife, you're going to lose all that control you have and let yourself take what you want. And when you do, I'll be more than ready to give it to you."
The balance between the romance and plot was perfect! There were so many plot twists and obstacles they had to overcome together and individually, keeping me enthralled in their own journey of self-reflection and growth. The elements of found family with their second in commands also provided many funny moments that had me kicking my feet. The grief journey was a major part of the storyline and added emotional depth to the story. When I first saw this up for an ARC I knew it was going to be incredible and it delivered 100%!
"It wouldn't be entirely out of the question that he changes his mind. decide to go from your killer to a stalker after your own heart." Bingo. Now her fantasies made sense. "You're reading dark romance again, aren't you?"
What's included:
🥀Mafia Romance
🥀Marriage of Convenience
🥀Touch her and die
🥀He falls first (and harder)
🥀He yearns for her
🥀Romantic suspense
🥀Found Family
January 16, 2026
All you had to tell me was that this book starts with becoming the boss of the Irish mafia AND OUR FMC IS OF THE PERSIAN MAFIA and I was immediately sat. say less. Mafia romance is always going to be on the table for me I don’t know what it is about these stories but they get me every single time.The Devil and Her Details is a dual POV mafia romance that follows Declan McAlister who steps into power as the new boss of the Irish mafia after his father is murdered and Zahra Azhimi who becomes the first woman to ever run the Persian Mafia. Zahra is convinced Declan is responsible for her father’s death, and she’s determined to prove it even if that means getting close enough to him to marry him. What starts as a marriage of convenience built on suspicion, grief, and revenge quickly turns into something way more dangerous: real feelings.I absolutely loved the characters, and I fell hard for this world. Zahra is such a strong female lead an absolute badass. She’s smart, ruthless when she needs to be, and unapologetically powerful. Watching her navigate a male dominated world while plotting revenge was one of my favorite parts of the story. And Declan is a Protective, jealous, possessive mafia boss energy done right. The chemistry between them was so good full of tension, distrust, and that magnetic pull you can’t ignore even when you want to.This was my first book by this author, and it definitely will not be my last. The pacing kept me hooked, the romance delivered, and the story had everything I want when I’m in the mood for a mafia read. Overall, this was a really solid, addictive romance, and if you love morally gray characters, powerful women, and forced proximity with high stakes, you need this on your shelf. Highly recommend adding The Devil and Her Details to your TBR it comes out January 16, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
January 16, 2026
Okay where to begin.. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a mafia romance, and I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed them. I had my eye on this book from the second the author announced it, and let me tell you..The wait was WORTH IT. From beginning to end, this story had me locked in. I adored the two main characters. The fact the she’s the heir to the Persian Empire, AND he’s the boss of the Irish mafia??? Sign. Me. Up.
While the story initially starts off slow, it paints the picture of how things got to where we are. We’re given essential back story, and lore surrounding these two mafia families, which is crucial. This story is filled with passion, twists, betrayal and grief. But when all the pieces finally come together, the story resonates deeply and feels complete.
Declan being completely down bad for Zahra, was adorable.
Zahra, was a lethal mafia boss who captured my heart from the beginning. Together? These two were electric. The tension and chemistry between them delivered everything I wanted and more. I was smiling and giggling at my Kindle as if I were the one in the story. I simply couldn’t get enough of them.
Even though I saw the ending coming, it didn’t diminish how much I enjoyed this story. I was swooning, emotionally invested, and rooting for their happiness until the very end.
If you love mafia romance with strong characters, and a plot that keeps you gripped, this is a MUST read!
While the story initially starts off slow, it paints the picture of how things got to where we are. We’re given essential back story, and lore surrounding these two mafia families, which is crucial. This story is filled with passion, twists, betrayal and grief. But when all the pieces finally come together, the story resonates deeply and feels complete.
Declan being completely down bad for Zahra, was adorable.
Zahra, was a lethal mafia boss who captured my heart from the beginning. Together? These two were electric. The tension and chemistry between them delivered everything I wanted and more. I was smiling and giggling at my Kindle as if I were the one in the story. I simply couldn’t get enough of them.
Even though I saw the ending coming, it didn’t diminish how much I enjoyed this story. I was swooning, emotionally invested, and rooting for their happiness until the very end.
If you love mafia romance with strong characters, and a plot that keeps you gripped, this is a MUST read!
January 14, 2026
Final rating 3.25/5
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for an ARC of this book.
The Devil and Her Details follows Declan and Zahra as they take on the Don roles of their respective families following the murders of their fathers. Unbeknownst to Declan, however, Zahra is under the impression Declan is responsible for the murders and is set to catch him in his lie.
What I thought really worked for this book was the concept of an enemies to lovers storyline where only one party was aware of them being enemies. Declan is aware that Zahra doesn’t really like him, but is completely unaware as to why and is set on them becoming friends. The marriage of convenience also did work with the plot and added an extra layer in their relationship.
The writing style itself didn’t resonate with me as much. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what didn’t work for me. The progression of the relationship wasn’t as strong. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, so a lot of the friendship and trust built between Declan and Zahra happened off page. I thought that more of their interactions being shown in that regard would have made the relationship more believable on an emotional level.
Overall, there were things that really worked for me in this story, and other elements that were not as strong. The Devil and her Details releases January 16 2026.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for an ARC of this book.
The Devil and Her Details follows Declan and Zahra as they take on the Don roles of their respective families following the murders of their fathers. Unbeknownst to Declan, however, Zahra is under the impression Declan is responsible for the murders and is set to catch him in his lie.
What I thought really worked for this book was the concept of an enemies to lovers storyline where only one party was aware of them being enemies. Declan is aware that Zahra doesn’t really like him, but is completely unaware as to why and is set on them becoming friends. The marriage of convenience also did work with the plot and added an extra layer in their relationship.
The writing style itself didn’t resonate with me as much. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what didn’t work for me. The progression of the relationship wasn’t as strong. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, so a lot of the friendship and trust built between Declan and Zahra happened off page. I thought that more of their interactions being shown in that regard would have made the relationship more believable on an emotional level.
Overall, there were things that really worked for me in this story, and other elements that were not as strong. The Devil and her Details releases January 16 2026.
January 12, 2026
ARC COPY READ || Thanks to @Love Notes PR and @Mina Myles
What to expect:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🤭 “My Wife”
🖤 Mafia Romance
💀 He Kills for Her
💘 He Falls First and Harder
💞 Fated Lovers
🥰 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
💟 Diverse Cultures and Traditions
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Spice
📚 BLURB 📚
She's ready to kill for the truth.
He's ready to kill for her.
I absolutely loved this book! It definitely is written beautifully if you love mafia romances and a FMC who is totally in charge of everyone and everything around her.
This book carries a strong female lead with a man who will do anything for her. If you like romance tropes where the characters are morally grey, badasses and extremely strong leaders then this book is definitely for you.
I never liked predictable romance or books but this book had me hooked and rethinking. You immediately get hooked right in the beginning when the FMC, Zahra, is introduced and you can tell she is willing to do anything to get what she wants. Zahra will do anything she sets her mind to and there is no getting in her way. Declan, the MMC, is the one guy she wants but not in the way you think. Or is it? 🤭❤️
What to expect:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🤭 “My Wife”
🖤 Mafia Romance
💀 He Kills for Her
💘 He Falls First and Harder
💞 Fated Lovers
🥰 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
💟 Diverse Cultures and Traditions
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Spice
📚 BLURB 📚
She's ready to kill for the truth.
He's ready to kill for her.
I absolutely loved this book! It definitely is written beautifully if you love mafia romances and a FMC who is totally in charge of everyone and everything around her.
This book carries a strong female lead with a man who will do anything for her. If you like romance tropes where the characters are morally grey, badasses and extremely strong leaders then this book is definitely for you.
I never liked predictable romance or books but this book had me hooked and rethinking. You immediately get hooked right in the beginning when the FMC, Zahra, is introduced and you can tell she is willing to do anything to get what she wants. Zahra will do anything she sets her mind to and there is no getting in her way. Declan, the MMC, is the one guy she wants but not in the way you think. Or is it? 🤭❤️
January 16, 2026
This book delivered such a great spin to the mafia romance genre! Declan and Zahra suddenly find themselves thrust into the helm of their family’s respective mafias after the murder of both of their fathers. Zahra is suspicious that Declan was behind it and wants to get closer to him to prove it. However the more time they spend together, the more they start to care for one another.
I really loved this take on mafia romance. I especially loved seeing a woman of color in a leadership position. Even if she hadn’t been thrust into said position due to the death of her father, she would have earned it anyway. She’s intelligent, fierce and commands respect. She’s a total badass. As for Declan, any time an MMC falls first for the FMC, I just eat it up. He’s just as enamored and impressed with Zahra as I was. This had a great plot that kept the pace well and a twist at the end I did not see coming.
If you’re looking for something fresh and new in regard to a mafia romance, I definitely recommend picking this book up!
I received an eARC from Love Notes PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really loved this take on mafia romance. I especially loved seeing a woman of color in a leadership position. Even if she hadn’t been thrust into said position due to the death of her father, she would have earned it anyway. She’s intelligent, fierce and commands respect. She’s a total badass. As for Declan, any time an MMC falls first for the FMC, I just eat it up. He’s just as enamored and impressed with Zahra as I was. This had a great plot that kept the pace well and a twist at the end I did not see coming.
If you’re looking for something fresh and new in regard to a mafia romance, I definitely recommend picking this book up!
I received an eARC from Love Notes PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
When you take aim at the devil, make sure you don’t miss. Because if you do, I promise I won’t.
That’s right, she said that. ICONIC
This story follows Zahra, the heiress to the Persian mafia empire. After the tragic death of her father, she has to take over the business and face not only blatant sexism, but also numerous failed assassination attempts. Enter Declan, the heir to the Irish mafia empire whose father got killed the very same day. Together they must find the traitor living somewhere right among them…
And yet, despite their fathers having been close allies, Zahra has her doubts about Declan.
All in all, I really loved this book. It was refreshing to see a woman being the boss of a mostly male-lead organization. Also, I didn’t see the plot twist coming right away which was exciting!!!
Thank you so much for providing me with an arc!
~arc for honest review~
When you take aim at the devil, make sure you don’t miss. Because if you do, I promise I won’t.
That’s right, she said that. ICONIC
This story follows Zahra, the heiress to the Persian mafia empire. After the tragic death of her father, she has to take over the business and face not only blatant sexism, but also numerous failed assassination attempts. Enter Declan, the heir to the Irish mafia empire whose father got killed the very same day. Together they must find the traitor living somewhere right among them…
And yet, despite their fathers having been close allies, Zahra has her doubts about Declan.
All in all, I really loved this book. It was refreshing to see a woman being the boss of a mostly male-lead organization. Also, I didn’t see the plot twist coming right away which was exciting!!!
Thank you so much for providing me with an arc!
~arc for honest review~
January 4, 2026
The first review of the year and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from @lovenotes.pr and @minamylesbooks 🩶 It has been a minute since I read a mafia romance and I was not disappointed, the fact that they are both mob bosses and can understand the heaviness each other carries in this line of business was perfectly executed, Zahra slowly letting those walls down around Declan and accepting that e is her shoulder to lean on and safe space was so beautiful.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You have me.” I reach over, gently bringing her into my arms. “You have me. And together we’ll get through this. Through anything.” To my surprise, instead of pushing back, she tucks her head into my chest and lets me run my fingers through her hair. Her grip on my waist tightens as she whispers, “Together.”
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You have me.” I reach over, gently bringing her into my arms. “You have me. And together we’ll get through this. Through anything.” To my surprise, instead of pushing back, she tucks her head into my chest and lets me run my fingers through her hair. Her grip on my waist tightens as she whispers, “Together.”
January 13, 2026
when I say I want a strong fmc THIS BOOK is what I’m talking about. Because I was obsessed with Zara from start to finish, she is ICONIC, and she’s got Declan wrapped around her spicy little finger from the very first chapter. I love a marriage of convenience mafia romance, especially when they’re both bad ass morally grey mafia bosses! This book had a great plot, because what do you mean he was just pining after her like a lost puppy while she was trying to kill him because she thinks he killed her father. There’s lots of mafia shenanigans, kidnapping, gun violence, and all the other typical stuff. I think what made this book stand out to me was definitely the pining, and the badass fmc, but also how the plot and the romance balanced perfectly, and how the romantic plot developed alongside the escalating tensions of the murder mystery plot. There were some amazing plot twists that I did not expect at all and it all wrapped up in a sweet and spicy conclusion. I loved the characters, Zahra is a queen but honestly Declan was such an amazing character too. I also loved him pleasure dom side! Overall this book was a super fun, high stakes mafia romance read, and I give it a 4/5.
January 15, 2026
ARC Review
It tells the story of Zahra and Declan, two mafia bosses whose families have always been allies. After their parents die, they have to take over the Persian and Irish empires, and that’s when they decide to get married to create a stronger alliance.
I really liked Zahra. She’s a strong woman, very fierce and a badass. I loved seeing how she slowly opens up and lets her more vulnerable side show.
I liked Declan too. He’s super loyal to his people, and I really like the way he takes care of Zahra.
The story is well developed and has a few plot twists (even though I saw them coming from the start), but it’s definitely a good book if you’re into mafia romances.
It tells the story of Zahra and Declan, two mafia bosses whose families have always been allies. After their parents die, they have to take over the Persian and Irish empires, and that’s when they decide to get married to create a stronger alliance.
I really liked Zahra. She’s a strong woman, very fierce and a badass. I loved seeing how she slowly opens up and lets her more vulnerable side show.
I liked Declan too. He’s super loyal to his people, and I really like the way he takes care of Zahra.
The story is well developed and has a few plot twists (even though I saw them coming from the start), but it’s definitely a good book if you’re into mafia romances.
January 17, 2026
The Devil and Her Details by Mina Myles was fast, engaging, and incredibly easy to fly through. The writing kept me hooked from the start, and I honestly blew through it way quicker than I expected.
Yes, the plot is fairly predictable, but it didn’t really bother me. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a story like that while being well written. The tension and chemistry kept things entertaining.
Yes, the plot is fairly predictable, but it didn’t really bother me. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a story like that while being well written. The tension and chemistry kept things entertaining.
January 4, 2026
I believe this book and its storyline could use a lot of work and review. I am grateful that I was able to be an ARC reader for this book, however, I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it.
January 7, 2026
This book was SO GOOD!I really loved how strong and independent Zahra is. And how Declan supported her in her strength not trying to over power her. Growing through their own grief and of course the stress of taking over two empires…. It was done beautifully!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you to Mina Myles for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is a mafia romance between Declan, an Irish mafia boss and Zahra, the Persian mafia boss, both of whom have newly and tragically come into their power
Tropes:
-Dual POV
-MF
-Slow Burn
-He Falls First
-Possessive/Protective MC
-Mob Boss/Mob Boss
-Hacker
-Marriage Of Convenience
-Enemies to Friends to Lovers
-HEA
Likes:
-Declan is a consent king
-The scene where Declan first means Zahra
-Banter between MCs was humorous
-Declan's pet names for Zahra/How devoted he is to her
-Some of the climax points were interesting
-The way the book is separated into parts
-Zahra's second in command, a strong/intimidating woman that took no one's crap
-The cover is gorgeous and the main reason I applied for an ARC
My Dislikes:
-Writing seemed clunky
-Mostly a telling/description style (this happened and then this and this...) rather than a dialogue/exploration style
-Chemistry between MCs was 95% physical attraction, 5% emotional, I couldn't connect with either character because there was no deep emotional development
-Too slow of a slow burn, the MCs didn't get together until the very end, there was no time to develop their relationship as lovers/partners
-Zarah's reason/hate for Declan in the first half the book was very repetitive, which annoyed me
-The MCs seemed too emotional to me, they killed everyone around them (which made the story kind of boring when everyone dies and made them bad at being mafia bosses) or they were crying over stuff that has already been cried about
-When MCs would try to open up to each other it was the same conversation and didn't go any deeper than surface level
-I found Natalie and the Uncle to be annoying and the Uncle's personality was different at the end, I don't think his character was handled well
-The spice was unrealistic and seemed rushed in some places and I ended up skipping past those scenes because I couldn't enjoy them
-Some scenes felt rushed and weren't further developed so they seemed swept under the rug
-I guessed who the villain/traitor was in the first 10% of the book
-I liked Aidan's character, but I don't like what happened with his character (trying not to spoil)
Quotes:
-"most mafia men would rather eat a bullet than admit a woman could outsmart them"
-"I mean, everyone knows Cartoon Network was for kids who had issues. Loners. Rebels. Unhinged all around"
-"rational decisions are never made with exhausted minds"
-"Love isn't weakness. It's the only thing that has the power to heal all the pain the world hurls at us"
-"she could try and deny it all she wanted, but we were inevitable"
-Say the words Zahra, and I'm yours. Say you want me. Say you need me. And I promise you, I'll spend every second of every day worshiping you"
-There's not a single moment that I've ever thought you were anything less than stunning, love"
This story was definitely not for me because I couldn't connect with the MCs and it didn't feel like a romance to me. I enjoy mafia romances and based on the cover I was expecting certain things that unfortunately I didn't find in this book or that fell flat. Some aspects were enjoyable, but not enough to outweigh all of the things I didn't like. I kept reading in the hopes it would get better, but my feelings stayed the same throughout the book. I would not recommend this book, but if you feel you may like it or want to give it a try, don't let my review stop you.
Intro:
This book is a mafia romance between Declan, an Irish mafia boss and Zahra, the Persian mafia boss, both of whom have newly and tragically come into their power
Tropes:
-Dual POV
-MF
-Slow Burn
-He Falls First
-Possessive/Protective MC
-Mob Boss/Mob Boss
-Hacker
-Marriage Of Convenience
-Enemies to Friends to Lovers
-HEA
Likes:
-Declan is a consent king
-The scene where Declan first means Zahra
-Banter between MCs was humorous
-Declan's pet names for Zahra/How devoted he is to her
-Some of the climax points were interesting
-The way the book is separated into parts
-Zahra's second in command, a strong/intimidating woman that took no one's crap
-The cover is gorgeous and the main reason I applied for an ARC
My Dislikes:
-Writing seemed clunky
-Mostly a telling/description style (this happened and then this and this...) rather than a dialogue/exploration style
-Chemistry between MCs was 95% physical attraction, 5% emotional, I couldn't connect with either character because there was no deep emotional development
-Too slow of a slow burn, the MCs didn't get together until the very end, there was no time to develop their relationship as lovers/partners
-Zarah's reason/hate for Declan in the first half the book was very repetitive, which annoyed me
-The MCs seemed too emotional to me, they killed everyone around them (which made the story kind of boring when everyone dies and made them bad at being mafia bosses) or they were crying over stuff that has already been cried about
-When MCs would try to open up to each other it was the same conversation and didn't go any deeper than surface level
-I found Natalie and the Uncle to be annoying and the Uncle's personality was different at the end, I don't think his character was handled well
-The spice was unrealistic and seemed rushed in some places and I ended up skipping past those scenes because I couldn't enjoy them
-Some scenes felt rushed and weren't further developed so they seemed swept under the rug
-I guessed who the villain/traitor was in the first 10% of the book
-I liked Aidan's character, but I don't like what happened with his character (trying not to spoil)
Quotes:
-"most mafia men would rather eat a bullet than admit a woman could outsmart them"
-"I mean, everyone knows Cartoon Network was for kids who had issues. Loners. Rebels. Unhinged all around"
-"rational decisions are never made with exhausted minds"
-"Love isn't weakness. It's the only thing that has the power to heal all the pain the world hurls at us"
-"she could try and deny it all she wanted, but we were inevitable"
-Say the words Zahra, and I'm yours. Say you want me. Say you need me. And I promise you, I'll spend every second of every day worshiping you"
-There's not a single moment that I've ever thought you were anything less than stunning, love"
This story was definitely not for me because I couldn't connect with the MCs and it didn't feel like a romance to me. I enjoy mafia romances and based on the cover I was expecting certain things that unfortunately I didn't find in this book or that fell flat. Some aspects were enjoyable, but not enough to outweigh all of the things I didn't like. I kept reading in the hopes it would get better, but my feelings stayed the same throughout the book. I would not recommend this book, but if you feel you may like it or want to give it a try, don't let my review stop you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I picked up Devil and Her Details expecting danger and desire. I did not expect to be dragged into a mystery that felt personal, or to watch two mob heirs unravel the truth behind their fathers’ murders while trying (and failing) not to unravel each other.
Loved that it was told in dual POV because this story lets you live inside both of their heads. Zahra’s sharp, guarded fire and Declan McAlister’s steady, devastating devotion are a combination that makes every moment hit twice as hard.
Experiencing everything through Zahra’s eyes made it all feel sharper, heavier, and more intimate. She steps into power carrying grief like a second skin, after her father is murdered, her world destabilized, and every man around her waiting for her to slip. And then there’s Declan McAlister, Irish mob boss with a stare that feels like a warning and a promise all at once. He’s the last person she should trust… and the first person who seems to understand the weight she’s carrying.
She doesn’t trust him at all, not his motives, not his charm, not the way he looks at her like he’s already chosen her. And yet, somewhere between the late‑night strategy sessions and the shared grief neither of them knows how to voice, something shifts.
Declan’s chapters are where this book wrecked me. He falls first and falls hard, but he never overshadows Zahra. His intensity is controlled, focused, and deeply attuned to her. There’s a pleasure‑dom steadiness to him — not about power for its own sake, but about attention, care, and giving Zahra a place where she can finally let her guard down.
And Zahra, who bends for no one, chooses to trust him enough to surrender in the moments that matter. Her submission is hers to give, and she gives it to him alone. It’s emotional, grounding, and scorching in a way that feels earned rather than gratuitous.
Their fathers were killed under suspicious circumstances, and watching them dig into the truth together was addictive. Every clue, every whispered threat, every close call pulled them closer even when they tried to fight it.
Strangers → Uneasy Allies → Friends → Lovers
The progression is perfection. Strangers and allies circling each other with suspicion and forced together by shared grief. Friends who begin to understand each other’s wounds to lovers who burn for each other with a heat that feels both dangerous and healing.
And when Zahra proposes a marriage of convenience? Declan accepts with the quiet certainty of a man who already knows she’s his match.
The spice is hot. It’s intentional, emotional, and threaded with trust. The suspense keeps the pages flying. But it’s the emotional journey: the grief, the distrust, the reluctant partnership turning into something fierce and tender that made this story unforgettable.
Loved this morally gray romance with loads of slow‑burn tension, told in dual POV and filled with mystery that binds two powerful people together whether they like it or not.
A huge thank you to Mina Myles & Love Notes PR for an early copy!
Loved that it was told in dual POV because this story lets you live inside both of their heads. Zahra’s sharp, guarded fire and Declan McAlister’s steady, devastating devotion are a combination that makes every moment hit twice as hard.
Experiencing everything through Zahra’s eyes made it all feel sharper, heavier, and more intimate. She steps into power carrying grief like a second skin, after her father is murdered, her world destabilized, and every man around her waiting for her to slip. And then there’s Declan McAlister, Irish mob boss with a stare that feels like a warning and a promise all at once. He’s the last person she should trust… and the first person who seems to understand the weight she’s carrying.
She doesn’t trust him at all, not his motives, not his charm, not the way he looks at her like he’s already chosen her. And yet, somewhere between the late‑night strategy sessions and the shared grief neither of them knows how to voice, something shifts.
Declan’s chapters are where this book wrecked me. He falls first and falls hard, but he never overshadows Zahra. His intensity is controlled, focused, and deeply attuned to her. There’s a pleasure‑dom steadiness to him — not about power for its own sake, but about attention, care, and giving Zahra a place where she can finally let her guard down.
And Zahra, who bends for no one, chooses to trust him enough to surrender in the moments that matter. Her submission is hers to give, and she gives it to him alone. It’s emotional, grounding, and scorching in a way that feels earned rather than gratuitous.
Their fathers were killed under suspicious circumstances, and watching them dig into the truth together was addictive. Every clue, every whispered threat, every close call pulled them closer even when they tried to fight it.
Strangers → Uneasy Allies → Friends → Lovers
The progression is perfection. Strangers and allies circling each other with suspicion and forced together by shared grief. Friends who begin to understand each other’s wounds to lovers who burn for each other with a heat that feels both dangerous and healing.
And when Zahra proposes a marriage of convenience? Declan accepts with the quiet certainty of a man who already knows she’s his match.
The spice is hot. It’s intentional, emotional, and threaded with trust. The suspense keeps the pages flying. But it’s the emotional journey: the grief, the distrust, the reluctant partnership turning into something fierce and tender that made this story unforgettable.
Loved this morally gray romance with loads of slow‑burn tension, told in dual POV and filled with mystery that binds two powerful people together whether they like it or not.
A huge thank you to Mina Myles & Love Notes PR for an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: January 16 2026
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
This book completely owned my heart. I loved this book so much, and that feeling didn’t fade for a single moment while I was reading. This was one of those stories where I didn’t want to rush, but I also couldn’t slow down. Every chapter pulled me deeper, not because I was chasing scenes but because I genuinely cared about what was happening and who these characters were becoming.
What really surprised me was how invested I was in the plot. I’m someone who enjoys spice but this time I didn’t even notice how much there was or wasn’t because the story itself had me in a tight grip. The stakes felt real. The choices mattered. Every move had weight behind it. And don’t get me wrong…the chemistry was hot, intense, and satisfying but it wasn’t the only thing carrying the book. The story stood strong on its own, and I loved that.
Zahra as a female main character deserves a special mention. This is only the second book I’ve read where the FMC is a mafia boss, and I need so much more of this in my life. She was powerful, sharp, and fearless without losing her emotional depth. Watching her exist in a space where she’s underestimated, judged, and doubted, yet still stand tall and claim her place, felt so rewarding. There should absolutely be more stories like this. Women running empires, making hard calls, and not asking for permission.
Declan was the perfect match for her. Protective, intense, and driven, but not in a way that erased her strength. Their dynamic felt electric and dangerous in the best way. There was desire, distrust, and something deeper growing underneath it all. Their relationship didn’t feel easy and I appreciated that.
The emotions in this book hit hard. There’s grief, anger, longing, and loyalty all clashing together, and it made everything feel alive. I found myself reacting to scenes without even realizing it, holding my breath, smiling, feeling that tight pull in my chest when things got messy. That kind of reaction doesn’t happen unless a book truly connects.
I loved this story from start to finish. No dull moments, no parts I wanted to skim. Just a strong, gripping mafia romance that delivered on every level for me. This is easily a 5 star read, no question about it.
Thank you so much to Mina Myles and Love Notes PR for the ARC. I’m incredibly grateful, and I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time!
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Mafia romance, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience
Review of advance copy received from Author
We need more Mafia romances where the Mafia Boss is a woman.
Plain and simple Zahra might be one of the more iconic FMC's I've ever read (like she's up there with Emmy Hartwell iykyk), i love a good mafia romance but I'm always left wanting more when they're sold to me like theres this big strong fmc and she they're not. And then Came Zahra and said: "When you take aim at the devil, make sure you don’t miss. Because if you do, I promise I won’t." and I knew she was the woman I was yearning for.
And speaking of Yearning with a mayor Y Declan!!! That man is begging for any crumble Zahra would give him and is grateful for any glance she throws his way (even if those glances are just her plotting his demise) Him being on his knees next to her standing tall is very accurate to how he acts when it comes to his wife.
The way the women were written was the height of this book for me to the point that I'm dyeing for a Azula book (not even in a romance way) because she's so interesting I need more of her asap
I would have loved it if the plot twist would have been a little less obvious to me because from the first few pages I knew who was the real traitor. but honestly who cares when the story line and the writing has you hooked from page one!
~Blurb~
Declan
The second a bullet hit my father's heart, my life changed forever. In that moment I became the new Don of the Irish mafia. A role that I've been preparing for my whole life.
Revenge is not my first priority, but Zahra has other ideas. Our families have been allied for decades after all. But I never expected the magnetic pull between us.
As much as I want to deny myself, I want her. But she thinks I murdered her father…and my own.
And I'm not sure she's wrong.
Zahra
Of course they're shocked I'm the heir—no woman has ever run the Persian Mafia. But my father's death wasn't about progress. And I need to avenge him.
All signs point to the one man who had everything to gain. A man so cunning and cruel he killed his own father to take power.
I just have to prove his guilt, which requires me to get close to him.
Close enough that I end up marrying him.
Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
“My Wife”
Mafia Romance
He Kills for Her
He Falls First and Harder
Fated Lovers
Enemies to Friends to Lovers
The Devil and Her Details comes out on Jan 16th, make sure to check it out!
Thanks Love Notes PR and Mina Myles team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plain and simple Zahra might be one of the more iconic FMC's I've ever read (like she's up there with Emmy Hartwell iykyk), i love a good mafia romance but I'm always left wanting more when they're sold to me like theres this big strong fmc and she they're not. And then Came Zahra and said: "When you take aim at the devil, make sure you don’t miss. Because if you do, I promise I won’t." and I knew she was the woman I was yearning for.
And speaking of Yearning with a mayor Y Declan!!! That man is begging for any crumble Zahra would give him and is grateful for any glance she throws his way (even if those glances are just her plotting his demise) Him being on his knees next to her standing tall is very accurate to how he acts when it comes to his wife.
The way the women were written was the height of this book for me to the point that I'm dyeing for a Azula book (not even in a romance way) because she's so interesting I need more of her asap
I would have loved it if the plot twist would have been a little less obvious to me because from the first few pages I knew who was the real traitor. but honestly who cares when the story line and the writing has you hooked from page one!
~Blurb~
Declan
The second a bullet hit my father's heart, my life changed forever. In that moment I became the new Don of the Irish mafia. A role that I've been preparing for my whole life.
Revenge is not my first priority, but Zahra has other ideas. Our families have been allied for decades after all. But I never expected the magnetic pull between us.
As much as I want to deny myself, I want her. But she thinks I murdered her father…and my own.
And I'm not sure she's wrong.
Zahra
Of course they're shocked I'm the heir—no woman has ever run the Persian Mafia. But my father's death wasn't about progress. And I need to avenge him.
All signs point to the one man who had everything to gain. A man so cunning and cruel he killed his own father to take power.
I just have to prove his guilt, which requires me to get close to him.
Close enough that I end up marrying him.
Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
“My Wife”
Mafia Romance
He Kills for Her
He Falls First and Harder
Fated Lovers
Enemies to Friends to Lovers
The Devil and Her Details comes out on Jan 16th, make sure to check it out!
Thanks Love Notes PR and Mina Myles team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 20264.5 starssss⭐️
“Beauty and a sharp mind are weapons that can be wielded just as lethally as a gun.”
First of all, we love women in STEM!
Zahra is this BADASS mafia boss who doesn’t take any sh*t from anyone and I adored her character growth! Strong, independent and intelligent.
Both her and Declan are dealing with so much grief and loss. Losing their fathers and not knowing who killed them, we go on a journey with both of them stepping into their roles to fill their father’s shoes as the head of the Persian Mafia and Irish Mafia. Even thought Zahra has lived her life growing up safe and privately away from it all (her fathers protection), it doesn’t take either of them long to fit right in as they were both raised knowing that was their future. But not without MANY hardships.
With Zahra under the impression that Declan killed her father and his, there is a lot of tension on Zahra’s end with Declan being the absolute softest and cutest (also clueless lol) toward her no matter how much of the cold shoulder she gives him.😭 That doesn’t stop Declan from instantly becoming protective of her.😏 A true gentleman!
Declan is ALSO a YEARNER and I am sooooo here for it!
Once the truth is out and they team up to try and find who ACTUALLY killed their fathers it heats up pretty quick and WILL have you on the edge of your seat till the very end (I was biting my fingernails till the very end😂)
The pacing and attention to detail was really good, I flew through it in only a few days and would’ve finished sooner if it weren’t for work lol. There are even a couple of twists mixed in, things that I DID NOT expect to happen! This book was sooo exciting and action packed!
The dialogue flows really well throughout the whole book, the witty banter between Declan and Zahra AND Aidan and Azula had me LOLing the whole time.😂
Even the side characters are extremely fleshed out and we get so much background that you instantly fall in love (or hate👀) with the characters. So much so that I absolutely NEED a book with Aidan and Azula ASAP!!!
While it is slow burn at first, once we get to the spice 🌶️ it is WELL worth it!
Declan is a gentleman in the streets (mostly to Zahra) but a freak in the sheets 😏🌶️ that’s all I will say! 🤭
I will be swooning over him for a while!😂
I was picked for an ARC (my first EVER AHHH) from Love Notes PR in exchange for my honest review, thank you so much to Mina Myles! 🖤
“Beauty and a sharp mind are weapons that can be wielded just as lethally as a gun.”
First of all, we love women in STEM!
Zahra is this BADASS mafia boss who doesn’t take any sh*t from anyone and I adored her character growth! Strong, independent and intelligent.
Both her and Declan are dealing with so much grief and loss. Losing their fathers and not knowing who killed them, we go on a journey with both of them stepping into their roles to fill their father’s shoes as the head of the Persian Mafia and Irish Mafia. Even thought Zahra has lived her life growing up safe and privately away from it all (her fathers protection), it doesn’t take either of them long to fit right in as they were both raised knowing that was their future. But not without MANY hardships.
With Zahra under the impression that Declan killed her father and his, there is a lot of tension on Zahra’s end with Declan being the absolute softest and cutest (also clueless lol) toward her no matter how much of the cold shoulder she gives him.😭 That doesn’t stop Declan from instantly becoming protective of her.😏 A true gentleman!
Declan is ALSO a YEARNER and I am sooooo here for it!
Once the truth is out and they team up to try and find who ACTUALLY killed their fathers it heats up pretty quick and WILL have you on the edge of your seat till the very end (I was biting my fingernails till the very end😂)
The pacing and attention to detail was really good, I flew through it in only a few days and would’ve finished sooner if it weren’t for work lol. There are even a couple of twists mixed in, things that I DID NOT expect to happen! This book was sooo exciting and action packed!
The dialogue flows really well throughout the whole book, the witty banter between Declan and Zahra AND Aidan and Azula had me LOLing the whole time.😂
Even the side characters are extremely fleshed out and we get so much background that you instantly fall in love (or hate👀) with the characters. So much so that I absolutely NEED a book with Aidan and Azula ASAP!!!
While it is slow burn at first, once we get to the spice 🌶️ it is WELL worth it!
Declan is a gentleman in the streets (mostly to Zahra) but a freak in the sheets 😏🌶️ that’s all I will say! 🤭
I will be swooning over him for a while!😂
I was picked for an ARC (my first EVER AHHH) from Love Notes PR in exchange for my honest review, thank you so much to Mina Myles! 🖤
Review of advance copy
**ARC Review**
Blurred lines and rising tensions, The Devil and Her Details is the slow-burn story of a marriage of convenience between the heirs of the Persian and Irish mafias, Zahra and Declan, and their navigation of love, power, and betrayal.
Tropes and themes: marriage of convenience, mafia romance, enemies to friends to lovers, slow-burn
My rating: 7/10
____________________________________________________
Plot: After the brutal murder of their fathers, Zahra and Declan are forced to inherit the thrones of their respective mafia empires. In addition to struggling to establish her dominance as the first woman in the Persian mafia, Zahra is conducting a secret investigation into her father's death and discovers that Declan is more involved than he had previously disclosed. The investigation, her struggle to establish authority, and a pesky inheritance clause push Zahra to volunteer herself into a marriage of convenience with Declan. As the lines between real and fake blur in their marriage, Zahra and Declan find themselves in a fight for their lives and the future of their empire.
My review: I loved this read! The story was well-balanced, with a solid combination of action-packed moments and slow-burn scenes. The humor was well-timed and nice to have in the midst of the high-stakes plot. The characters were strong, but still had their insecurities to overcome. Zahra was one of my favorite FMC's that I've read in a while; she is assured, strong, and cunning. Her insight into the obstacles she must overcome to become a recognized boss is refreshing and enjoyable to follow. She definitely had some female rage in the first half of the book (which I LOVE). Declan was supportive and loyal, while still being a layered character and needing to work through his survivor's guilt. The pacing was great, but definitely a strong slow-burn at the beginning. The references to Persian culture were lovely to see, and it was heart-warming to see Declan actively recognize Zahra's culture.
My notes: One thing I noticed was that the first several chapters read really young. The writing is noticeably overt and sometimes repetitive, but it resolves relatively quickly. Just something to keep in mind, as it took me a second to get into the story.
Overall, a great mafia rom that will have you on the edge of your seat and rooting for the MC's!
Blurred lines and rising tensions, The Devil and Her Details is the slow-burn story of a marriage of convenience between the heirs of the Persian and Irish mafias, Zahra and Declan, and their navigation of love, power, and betrayal.
Tropes and themes: marriage of convenience, mafia romance, enemies to friends to lovers, slow-burn
My rating: 7/10
____________________________________________________
Plot: After the brutal murder of their fathers, Zahra and Declan are forced to inherit the thrones of their respective mafia empires. In addition to struggling to establish her dominance as the first woman in the Persian mafia, Zahra is conducting a secret investigation into her father's death and discovers that Declan is more involved than he had previously disclosed. The investigation, her struggle to establish authority, and a pesky inheritance clause push Zahra to volunteer herself into a marriage of convenience with Declan. As the lines between real and fake blur in their marriage, Zahra and Declan find themselves in a fight for their lives and the future of their empire.
My review: I loved this read! The story was well-balanced, with a solid combination of action-packed moments and slow-burn scenes. The humor was well-timed and nice to have in the midst of the high-stakes plot. The characters were strong, but still had their insecurities to overcome. Zahra was one of my favorite FMC's that I've read in a while; she is assured, strong, and cunning. Her insight into the obstacles she must overcome to become a recognized boss is refreshing and enjoyable to follow. She definitely had some female rage in the first half of the book (which I LOVE). Declan was supportive and loyal, while still being a layered character and needing to work through his survivor's guilt. The pacing was great, but definitely a strong slow-burn at the beginning. The references to Persian culture were lovely to see, and it was heart-warming to see Declan actively recognize Zahra's culture.
My notes: One thing I noticed was that the first several chapters read really young. The writing is noticeably overt and sometimes repetitive, but it resolves relatively quickly. Just something to keep in mind, as it took me a second to get into the story.
Overall, a great mafia rom that will have you on the edge of your seat and rooting for the MC's!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4.5 / 5 ⭐
Spice: 3 / 5 🌶️
I am a total romance girlie, but in 2026, I’m trying to explore more sub-genres. I’ve been curious about mafia romances & “The Devil and Her Details” was my intro to it! I’ve read & loved Mina’s contemporary romance “Outplayed” & this is quite the departure. However, I have to say, she's found her calling here!
The novel follows Zahra Azhimi & Declan McAlister, who are the Persian & Irish mafia bosses respectively. They are new to their roles after their fathers were murdered. Zahra’s position brings new threats as a woman has never run the Persians - causing a stir. She suspects Declan may have had something to do with the murders & is determined to prove it - even if it means marrying him. Declan is determined to prove he is a loyal ally & an even better husband.
I loved how Zahra was so powerful, smart & strong. Never the damsel in distress, she wasn’t afraid to show her adversaries who was truly in control. It was so cool seeing how she used her skills as an expert hacker to benefit her allies.
While Declan is an equally powerful boss, he never tried to steal the spotlight from her. He never saw her gender as an issue & clearly admired her intelligence & strength. More importantly, he respected her so much that he never tried to play the hero if she was clearly capable of handling a situation herself.
I enjoyed their enemies to lovers arc & their passion was steamy! It’s a slow burn, but the pay off is worth it. Their connection was beautiful, especially since they could relate to the pressures of being heirs. Their moments of vulnerability with each other really solidified that connection.
The twists kept things really interesting, especially while they tried to uncover the mystery behind the murders. The dialogue was fantastic, including all the banter, and the pacing was great!
For my first mafia romance, I was more than impressed & eager to read more! I really enjoyed “The Devil and Her Details” & love being able to witness Mina's writing evolution. A big thanks to Mina & Love Notes PR for the eARC!
Spice: 3 / 5 🌶️
I am a total romance girlie, but in 2026, I’m trying to explore more sub-genres. I’ve been curious about mafia romances & “The Devil and Her Details” was my intro to it! I’ve read & loved Mina’s contemporary romance “Outplayed” & this is quite the departure. However, I have to say, she's found her calling here!
The novel follows Zahra Azhimi & Declan McAlister, who are the Persian & Irish mafia bosses respectively. They are new to their roles after their fathers were murdered. Zahra’s position brings new threats as a woman has never run the Persians - causing a stir. She suspects Declan may have had something to do with the murders & is determined to prove it - even if it means marrying him. Declan is determined to prove he is a loyal ally & an even better husband.
I loved how Zahra was so powerful, smart & strong. Never the damsel in distress, she wasn’t afraid to show her adversaries who was truly in control. It was so cool seeing how she used her skills as an expert hacker to benefit her allies.
While Declan is an equally powerful boss, he never tried to steal the spotlight from her. He never saw her gender as an issue & clearly admired her intelligence & strength. More importantly, he respected her so much that he never tried to play the hero if she was clearly capable of handling a situation herself.
I enjoyed their enemies to lovers arc & their passion was steamy! It’s a slow burn, but the pay off is worth it. Their connection was beautiful, especially since they could relate to the pressures of being heirs. Their moments of vulnerability with each other really solidified that connection.
The twists kept things really interesting, especially while they tried to uncover the mystery behind the murders. The dialogue was fantastic, including all the banter, and the pacing was great!
For my first mafia romance, I was more than impressed & eager to read more! I really enjoyed “The Devil and Her Details” & love being able to witness Mina's writing evolution. A big thanks to Mina & Love Notes PR for the eARC!
January 13, 2026
The Devil and Her Details
by Mina Myles (Review)
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing/Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Summary: After the murders of their father’s, mafia heir’s Declan and Zahra must work together to find the traitor in their midst who is now also trying to take out Zahra.
Review
Characters: 4 ⭐️
I liked Zahra and Declan. Declan was the exact down bad man that I want to read about. I loved how obsessed he was with Zahra and how caring and vulnerable he could be, even as a mafia boss. I enjoyed Zahra’s boss energy. She refused to be a damsel in distress and made she everyone who doubted her knew it. By the end though, I have to admit, I was kind of more interested in Aiden than anyone else. I’m intrigued to see if there’s a book for him in the future.
Romance: 4 ⭐️
The romance was very enjoyable. Declan was enraptured by her from the moment he realized who she was and his obsession only grew. I liked that it wasn’t a toxic obsession that can be off putting after a while, but instead, he just genuinely found her remarkable. On Zahra’s end, I liked that she allowed herself to be vulnerable with him once she felt she could trust him. Their love for each other could definitely be described as intense and alluring. I think they were a perfect match for each other and their journey together was enjoyable to read.
Storyline: 4 ⭐️
I’m not a mafia romance girly, but I definitely wanted to check this out after loving Outplayed by Mina Myles. I didn’t leave this book as a new mafia romance fan, but I still enjoyed the story. I liked the element of mystery weaved throughout and thought it elevated the overall story.
Writing/Pacing: 4 ⭐️
I think Mina Myles has an entertaining and easy to read writing style. Although I definitely prefer Outplayed, this was still pretty well done. It’s not often you find authors who have found a great groove from the beginning, (not that that’s a bad thing, everyone works and advances at different paces), but she definitely impressed me from the jump and I look forward to more releases.
Overall: 4 ⭐️
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Mafia romance really isn’t my thing, but I’m still glad I gave this a try. I like Mina Myles as an author and I plan to continue reading anything that she puts out.
Thank you to Mina Myles and Love Notes PR for allowing me to read and review this eARC.
by Mina Myles (Review)
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing/Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Summary: After the murders of their father’s, mafia heir’s Declan and Zahra must work together to find the traitor in their midst who is now also trying to take out Zahra.
Review
Characters: 4 ⭐️
I liked Zahra and Declan. Declan was the exact down bad man that I want to read about. I loved how obsessed he was with Zahra and how caring and vulnerable he could be, even as a mafia boss. I enjoyed Zahra’s boss energy. She refused to be a damsel in distress and made she everyone who doubted her knew it. By the end though, I have to admit, I was kind of more interested in Aiden than anyone else. I’m intrigued to see if there’s a book for him in the future.
Romance: 4 ⭐️
The romance was very enjoyable. Declan was enraptured by her from the moment he realized who she was and his obsession only grew. I liked that it wasn’t a toxic obsession that can be off putting after a while, but instead, he just genuinely found her remarkable. On Zahra’s end, I liked that she allowed herself to be vulnerable with him once she felt she could trust him. Their love for each other could definitely be described as intense and alluring. I think they were a perfect match for each other and their journey together was enjoyable to read.
Storyline: 4 ⭐️
I’m not a mafia romance girly, but I definitely wanted to check this out after loving Outplayed by Mina Myles. I didn’t leave this book as a new mafia romance fan, but I still enjoyed the story. I liked the element of mystery weaved throughout and thought it elevated the overall story.
Writing/Pacing: 4 ⭐️
I think Mina Myles has an entertaining and easy to read writing style. Although I definitely prefer Outplayed, this was still pretty well done. It’s not often you find authors who have found a great groove from the beginning, (not that that’s a bad thing, everyone works and advances at different paces), but she definitely impressed me from the jump and I look forward to more releases.
Overall: 4 ⭐️
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Mafia romance really isn’t my thing, but I’m still glad I gave this a try. I like Mina Myles as an author and I plan to continue reading anything that she puts out.
Thank you to Mina Myles and Love Notes PR for allowing me to read and review this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Lovenotes PR and Mina Myles for this ARC copy on exchange for my honest review!!
I really wanted to love this book I absolutely loved the concept forced marriage, mafia romance, badass FMC, but I felt like the book fell a bit flat for me. The writing was very heavy on telling not showing which is ok for some of the book but for some scenes especially towards the end it felt like they were happening but not really to the characters almost like they were telling me a story about what happened as opposed to me being immersed in the world/ story. I also feel like the revenge was super glossed over the whole book Zhara and Declan talk about getting revenge but it didn’t feel like the revenge they should’ve taken it just felt a bit rushed.
I also predicted the villain very early on in the book. The explanation of how this person came to be the villain was a bit of a shock though. I liked Zhara and Declan’s love but I felt like it was a bit rushed. While Zhara’s character was a badass (so was Azula she was probably my favourite character) I felt like she needed to be rescued a lot more than she should have been. I also would’ve loved to have delved deeper into her hacking skills. Declan while I loved him has a super big temper and it seemed like anytime he got angry he got way too irrational and was on the brink of killing someone. Which happened a lot in the book. I get he’s a mafia don but it seemed like he couldn’t keep his anger in check which as the head of a mafia you should be able to ( in my opinion). I also felt like the word “boss” was way too overused in this book. I get they are mafia bosses but it seemed like at least every other page or so it was occurring. The author did switch it up and start using “Don” more often about halfway through but I feel like other words could’ve been used.
All in all it was a good book I just don’t think it was fully for me. I would still recommend giving it a shot though and forming your own opinion you might just love it!!:)
I really wanted to love this book I absolutely loved the concept forced marriage, mafia romance, badass FMC, but I felt like the book fell a bit flat for me. The writing was very heavy on telling not showing which is ok for some of the book but for some scenes especially towards the end it felt like they were happening but not really to the characters almost like they were telling me a story about what happened as opposed to me being immersed in the world/ story. I also feel like the revenge was super glossed over the whole book Zhara and Declan talk about getting revenge but it didn’t feel like the revenge they should’ve taken it just felt a bit rushed.
I also predicted the villain very early on in the book. The explanation of how this person came to be the villain was a bit of a shock though. I liked Zhara and Declan’s love but I felt like it was a bit rushed. While Zhara’s character was a badass (so was Azula she was probably my favourite character) I felt like she needed to be rescued a lot more than she should have been. I also would’ve loved to have delved deeper into her hacking skills. Declan while I loved him has a super big temper and it seemed like anytime he got angry he got way too irrational and was on the brink of killing someone. Which happened a lot in the book. I get he’s a mafia don but it seemed like he couldn’t keep his anger in check which as the head of a mafia you should be able to ( in my opinion). I also felt like the word “boss” was way too overused in this book. I get they are mafia bosses but it seemed like at least every other page or so it was occurring. The author did switch it up and start using “Don” more often about halfway through but I feel like other words could’ve been used.
All in all it was a good book I just don’t think it was fully for me. I would still recommend giving it a shot though and forming your own opinion you might just love it!!:)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews