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The First Kill: Book Three in the Velvet Mafia Novella Series

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I knew one day I would need to be my own protection.

I couldn’t count on my husband and his men for everything.

With his heir on the way and my family still trying to control me.

I will learn to master weapons and self defense,

and if that time comes

I will take down anyone threatening our future.

After all I am the Boss.

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

About the author

Mercy Ashes

25 books20 followers

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4 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Susan McWhinney.
689 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2026
UUUUghhhhhh the only thing I can say negatively about this awesome book is...It Is Not Long Enough and I need more! LOL
I love a strong sassy MFC and Roman has his work cut out for him if he thinks he can keep his wife, Velvet wrapped up in bubble wrap LOL
Velvet, on the other hand knows what she needs to do as she knows Roman is always busy with The Business, ensuring everything is running smoothly.
So, taking her own defence into her own hands. She takes up firearms and knife training. Haha!! And when Roman finds his pregnant wife....carrying his heir.....holding a gun, with confidence, with his 1st beside her, he sees red!
Giving Damian a bloody nose, wanting to end all his men's traitorous lives, he realises one thing...He should of thought of it himself!
Keeping herself armed and feeling safer than just relying on her protection, Velvet has to use her skills way before she realises.
Her parents continue to torment her and keep insisting Roman rid himself of his "baren" wife and take Velvet's older sister, Chantelle instead! Yeh right, that isn't happening.
One of my favourite quote that had me giggling!

I would rather dip my d3ck in acid than have her touch it, so explain what you want and then leave.”

LOL and then Damien, Roman's first is then indicated as the next option, his response had me laughing out loud!!

“The boss might want to f3ck acid, but I’m not that sadistic. I’d rather f3ck a beartrap than your sister, no offence to you, but she’s nasty.”

Yeh an overall great read, and as I said before I just wish I had more....no, sorry, I need more!!
So I await the next release in this short novella series as Roman and Velvet's story continues in The Takeover.


Profile Image for Feral_n_Rogue Alpha Jessica.
51 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 21, 2026
Omfg!!! How crazy was that!? And the mic drop one liner!!! Uuggghh cinematic PERFECTION with all the drama! Oh and don’t forget about the spice!! Now that their relationship is blooming as a married couple it’s just getting hotter. Also seeing how Roman is like the grinch and his heart has grown three sizes and finally knows what love is makes me so happy.
I’m also excited to see the training has paid off and Velvet has grown to be the bad ass we all wanted!! Even Roman’s men know she’s the Boss.
The next book in the series The Takeover is going to be an action packed book!! The Takeover is coming February 2026 along with the final book in the series Our Forever, also released end of February 2026.

Alpha reader for Mercy Ashes. My thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Heather C.  Rafnel.
39 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2026
Absolutely LOVED this next piece in Roman and Velvet's story.
Watching the evolution of Velvet has been phenomenal and I cannot wait to see where the next chapter will take her.

The First Kill continues Roman and Velvet's story as they continue to navigate through their new situation. While they are thrilled with the news, they are keeping it to themselves as Velvet's family suddenly has a great interest in her.

So much happens in this short Novella!

And the ending..... EEKKK!

Seriously, check it out!
Profile Image for Charlotte Battersby.
216 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 20, 2026
I enjoyed the new drama that unfolded in this novella, can't wait to see where it goes next one! I do enjoy the more domestic, mundane bonding between Roman and Velvet as a married couple. They didn't have the bonding time before they got married so I like seeing the relationship develop in that regard compared to the spicy scenes. The spicy scenes are good, plot keeps me engaged and I like the range of characters. Looking forward to the next one.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 21, 2025
I loved this so much the only reason this lost a star was I wanted Velvets Father to receive more punishment for his treatment of his children, I love what happens between Velvet and Roman and the personalities of some of the side characters coming through. I can’t wait to see what happens to the other “bad” members of the family and what else happens between Roman and Velvet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,226 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
Mic Drop

Velvet is taking to her training and it's a good thing when trouble comes calling.

I love how easily Velvet and Roman's relationship has progressed. Of course he is even more possessive and obsessed now that he knows he's in love.

I definitely didn't see this going down quite like it did but I definitely enjoyed it. Can't wait to see what's happening in the next one.
Profile Image for Jessica Traver cashen.
360 reviews19 followers
January 27, 2026
Such a good book! i was pulled in very quickly. I really enjoy the chemistry between Roman and Velvet. I also like that she isn't a pushover and that she is sassy. Velvet's really coming into her own and making some boss decisions. I can't wait to take my hands on the next book.
Profile Image for Alanna.
643 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2026
Velvet’s story is so very good! I adore her relationship with Roman. I’m loving it and can’t wait for the next novella!
245 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2026
Velvet has blossomed! Roman has full throttle fell in love with his wife and I’m here for it. Mercy did a great job on the writing, the drama, the spice, the action, ohhh I need more!!!
87 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2025
Another great addition to Roman and Velvet's love story! I love seeing how far Velvet has come and how much she's growing into herself and her own power, with the help of Roman and their loyal men! Roman has come so far from the man who didn't believe in love, and it is amazing to witness. This read was quick, but it had all the drama, spice and feels that could possibly be squeezed into it! I need to know what's coming for them next!
184 reviews
January 25, 2026
Loved it ❤️

Another great addition to Roman and Velvet's love story! I loved this book series so much and couldn't put it down at all!!
Profile Image for Chloe M Bruce.
46 reviews
Read
March 11, 2026
Flawless. Absolutely flawless I wish this was longer. I love seeing how all these characters develop and come into their roles in society. I’m so glad to see some of the funny one liners and conversations happening.

The big shock in the middle of this had me hanging on the edge of my seat I couldn’t believe it. I need more of this sassy and brilliant MFC like now!

I cannot wait to see what happens with Velvet and Roman now.

Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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