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Gray Vengeance: A Dark Mafia Romance
For readers who crave morally gray men and identify with emotionally scarred women who haven’t lost their wit…
It was supposed to be one night only…
Elizabeth ‘Zee’ Johnson left home the day she turned eighteen and never looked back. But the demons from her past linger, shaping everything she touches.
The six years of empty relationships since have taught her one thing: no man can fill what’s broken inside her. So she decides to step away. No men. No distractions. Just distance from the version of herself she’s trying to forget.
But that all ends three months later.
In the back alley of a New York club, Zee crosses paths with Atticus Gambino, Underboss of the Cosa Nostra, with a lifelong vendetta to settle. He’s Cold. Controlled. And looking at her like she’s already crossed a line she didn’t know existed.
Yet their chemistry is immediate, unsettling, and impossible to ignore. Atticus demands one night together. He’ll get her out of his system; she’ll find a short reprieve from solitude without risking falling into old habits.
But one night turns into two. And two turns into something far more dangerous for both of them.
When their pasts collide, Zee will have to decide: keep running … or risk her jaded heart on a man who could ruin her for good.
It was supposed to be one night only…
Elizabeth ‘Zee’ Johnson left home the day she turned eighteen and never looked back. But the demons from her past linger, shaping everything she touches.
The six years of empty relationships since have taught her one thing: no man can fill what’s broken inside her. So she decides to step away. No men. No distractions. Just distance from the version of herself she’s trying to forget.
But that all ends three months later.
In the back alley of a New York club, Zee crosses paths with Atticus Gambino, Underboss of the Cosa Nostra, with a lifelong vendetta to settle. He’s Cold. Controlled. And looking at her like she’s already crossed a line she didn’t know existed.
Yet their chemistry is immediate, unsettling, and impossible to ignore. Atticus demands one night together. He’ll get her out of his system; she’ll find a short reprieve from solitude without risking falling into old habits.
But one night turns into two. And two turns into something far more dangerous for both of them.
When their pasts collide, Zee will have to decide: keep running … or risk her jaded heart on a man who could ruin her for good.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 31, 2025
Exactly what I want from a mafia romance. A tough FMC is my favorite addition to the story. I was rooting for her from the beginning. Of course, Atticus did not disappoint! I love the dual point of view that lets me delve into each MC’s thoughts. Great read!!
October 28, 2025
Zee’s journey pulled me in from the very first page. I loved that she truly does the work — she goes to therapy, faces her struggles head-on, and chooses growth instead of avoidance. It made it so easy to root for her happiness like a proud cheerleader on the sidelines.
Atticus is complex in the best way. He feels an instinctive need to protect Zee, and every time he showed up for her, my pulse quickened. His desire for her is undeniable, but his patience and willingness to give her space while she heals make him even more admirable.
The pull between them is intense and completely swoon-worthy. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the spice? Absolutely electric. Every time they were together, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I was obsessed with the knowing grin he gave in return.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Atticus is complex in the best way. He feels an instinctive need to protect Zee, and every time he showed up for her, my pulse quickened. His desire for her is undeniable, but his patience and willingness to give her space while she heals make him even more admirable.
The pull between them is intense and completely swoon-worthy. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the spice? Absolutely electric. Every time they were together, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I was obsessed with the knowing grin he gave in return.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 26, 2025
ARC Review, thx B.K.Thorne
Unfortunately, I couldn't get into the story at all, both in terms of content and writing style. It's just not my taste. But that doesn't mean the book isn't good overall. To avoid discouraging other readers, I'm not posting this review on Amazon.
I'm sorry
Unfortunately, I couldn't get into the story at all, both in terms of content and writing style. It's just not my taste. But that doesn't mean the book isn't good overall. To avoid discouraging other readers, I'm not posting this review on Amazon.
I'm sorry
November 7, 2025
4.5 Stars. From start to finish, I devoured this beauty! As a debut author Thorne has produced a near perfect book, I was gripped and was frustrated when I couldn't read it as often as I wanted too!
Zee and Atticus, magnets drawn to one another, their souls aligned. Trauma has made Zee unsure of herself and those around her, she has Willow her friend she can truly count on but she still hasn't opened up to her about allmof her past.
This book has grit, backbone and love. It grows into a beautiful but raw, passionate story.
Atticus is the underboss to the Costra Nostra but he too has had trauma, he lost a love that was devastating, so with Zee, he becomes the man she needs. Her protector, somebody she has never had. For him Zee is his everything, his love for her comes first.
I loved how the story grew, not just a typical mafia book, but a real relatable honest relationship. They both have issues, make mistakes but learn from them. Atticus is confident in ways that Zee hasn't encountered, he is in charge, takes control. That's rare for Zee.
Lots of side characters made me smike, the banter, especially George, he was hilarious! I just wish the the endimg wasn't so quick, I would have liked more…
Totally recommend and look forward to reading more books by Thorne, a continuation of characters from this book, with a catch up of Zee and Atticus.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zee and Atticus, magnets drawn to one another, their souls aligned. Trauma has made Zee unsure of herself and those around her, she has Willow her friend she can truly count on but she still hasn't opened up to her about allmof her past.
This book has grit, backbone and love. It grows into a beautiful but raw, passionate story.
Atticus is the underboss to the Costra Nostra but he too has had trauma, he lost a love that was devastating, so with Zee, he becomes the man she needs. Her protector, somebody she has never had. For him Zee is his everything, his love for her comes first.
I loved how the story grew, not just a typical mafia book, but a real relatable honest relationship. They both have issues, make mistakes but learn from them. Atticus is confident in ways that Zee hasn't encountered, he is in charge, takes control. That's rare for Zee.
Lots of side characters made me smike, the banter, especially George, he was hilarious! I just wish the the endimg wasn't so quick, I would have liked more…
Totally recommend and look forward to reading more books by Thorne, a continuation of characters from this book, with a catch up of Zee and Atticus.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️
I went into Gray Vengeance expecting a dark, spicy mafia romance—and got something much deeper. It’s about depression, healing, and the way two people with jagged edges can build something whole.
Zee’s life has been scarred by abuse, loss, and bad love, but she never loses her bite or humor. I loved that she wasn’t written as fragile—she’s flawed, witty, brutally honest, and so human. When she meets Atticus Gambino, she doesn’t fall into the cliché of instant love. It’s an obsession, a slow, dangerous kind of healing that burns and comforts at once.
Their chemistry is unreal. The way he looks at her, the way she learns to trust again—it’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply emotional. The therapist subplot added a nice psychological depth, and the darker mafia elements kept the tension high.
If I could change one thing, I’d just ask for a few more pages toward the end—the story’s pace starts strong and then speeds up a little too much. Still, this book is addictive and emotional, with both grit and grace. I can’t wait for what comes next in Romance from the Dark.
ARC
I went into Gray Vengeance expecting a dark, spicy mafia romance—and got something much deeper. It’s about depression, healing, and the way two people with jagged edges can build something whole.
Zee’s life has been scarred by abuse, loss, and bad love, but she never loses her bite or humor. I loved that she wasn’t written as fragile—she’s flawed, witty, brutally honest, and so human. When she meets Atticus Gambino, she doesn’t fall into the cliché of instant love. It’s an obsession, a slow, dangerous kind of healing that burns and comforts at once.
Their chemistry is unreal. The way he looks at her, the way she learns to trust again—it’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply emotional. The therapist subplot added a nice psychological depth, and the darker mafia elements kept the tension high.
If I could change one thing, I’d just ask for a few more pages toward the end—the story’s pace starts strong and then speeds up a little too much. Still, this book is addictive and emotional, with both grit and grace. I can’t wait for what comes next in Romance from the Dark.
ARC
July 9, 2026
Great book but had even more potential. honestly, this has too many pros to even list out. It’s got everything in a book you’d be looking for in this genre!
My only drawbacks were:
1. It was hard to read sometimes with the structure and vocabulary used. I tend to be a speed reader and I found myself having to go back and reread slowly to make sure I was understanding either the FMCs inner thoughts or the dialect which was sometimes frustrating. The author is an excellent writer, but sometimes simplifying verbiage is helpful to the reader.
2. It could have been slightly shorter. It’s about 400 pages but I honestly think it could’ve been 350. I wouldn’t take out any scenes, but rather have less descriptions or repetitions of inner monologues.
3. I think there should have been one scene with Amy and Zee getting to know each other somewhere in the book rather than just bringing her back in the epilogue. Especially since she is the FMC of book 2.
Overall excellent book and story! Loved the characters and can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with!
My only drawbacks were:
1. It was hard to read sometimes with the structure and vocabulary used. I tend to be a speed reader and I found myself having to go back and reread slowly to make sure I was understanding either the FMCs inner thoughts or the dialect which was sometimes frustrating. The author is an excellent writer, but sometimes simplifying verbiage is helpful to the reader.
2. It could have been slightly shorter. It’s about 400 pages but I honestly think it could’ve been 350. I wouldn’t take out any scenes, but rather have less descriptions or repetitions of inner monologues.
3. I think there should have been one scene with Amy and Zee getting to know each other somewhere in the book rather than just bringing her back in the epilogue. Especially since she is the FMC of book 2.
Overall excellent book and story! Loved the characters and can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with!
October 20, 2025
Gray Vengeance is a thrilling, fast-paced ride from start to finish. B.K. Thorne masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists that kept me hooked on every page. The characters are complex and flawed, making their motivations feel real and their struggles deeply compelling. I especially appreciated how the tension escalates steadily, never letting the story lose momentum, and the plot twists were genuinely surprising without feeling forced.
Thorne’s writing style is sharp and immersive, painting vivid scenes that make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action. If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers with high stakes, morally gray characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Gray Vengeance is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see what Thorne comes up with next!
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
Thorne’s writing style is sharp and immersive, painting vivid scenes that make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action. If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers with high stakes, morally gray characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Gray Vengeance is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see what Thorne comes up with next!
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
October 30, 2025
Zee was 18 when she left home and never looked back. She wanted to get away from her demons, but they were bone deep. Even though she left home and tried to leave her demons there too, she falls back into the same thing she ran from. After 6 years of being used by random men and an unwanted pregnancy she decides to go into an intentional solitude. Atticus is the underboss for the Cosa Nostra. Atticus becomes very protective of Zee, when she needs him he is always there. There is an attraction that no one can deny.
Zees story is so relatable and I couldn’t stop rooting for her. After all she went through she was committed to the therapy and getting better. This book had me pulled in within the first chapter.
I received an ARC for an honest review. I am reviewing this voluntarily
Zees story is so relatable and I couldn’t stop rooting for her. After all she went through she was committed to the therapy and getting better. This book had me pulled in within the first chapter.
I received an ARC for an honest review. I am reviewing this voluntarily
November 10, 2025
The meeting of the main characters Zee and Atticus was absolutely perfect, and resulted in some incredible tension and steamy scenes. I did however struggle at times with the rest of the book losing a bit of momentum after that. It did get that momentum back, as the novel could be a little uneven at times and ĺreally shone during scenes between Atticus and Zee. Other characters like Dimitri however were very enjoyable. There is a lot of angst and childhood trauma discussed which doesn't make it an easy read. Overall it was a good first book and has a satisfying ending. I look forward to reading more in the future and seeing how the writer grows. I'd give it a 3-3.5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2025
This is a story about a tall, strong, dangerous, and mysterious man who is involved in the criminal underworld and a woman with a tortured past who is fierce, determined, and has made multiple bad choices. When these two are together, it isn’t just with a bang; instead, it is with the velocity and destruction of an E5 tornado. Betrayal comes at them from all sides. The story is gritty and has dark moments, but you are rewarded with a beautiful HEA. There are many characters to keep track of, though, and maybe one of them is what the following book in the series centers around.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2025
A very strong debut by this author! I highlighted so many beautifully crafted sentences.
Zee is a great POV character, and I loved the juxtaposition of the dark world and story with characters who are emotionally intelligent, have productive conversations, and go to therapy. The plot was relatively quickly paced, but I often found myself slowing down to process and savor the emotional depth.
I had some minor quibbles (usage errors like wary/weary, some unnatural feeling dialogue). But overall it was lovely and felt like something refreshingly different in the genre, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more. I already know who I’m shipping for future stories, haha!
Zee is a great POV character, and I loved the juxtaposition of the dark world and story with characters who are emotionally intelligent, have productive conversations, and go to therapy. The plot was relatively quickly paced, but I often found myself slowing down to process and savor the emotional depth.
I had some minor quibbles (usage errors like wary/weary, some unnatural feeling dialogue). But overall it was lovely and felt like something refreshingly different in the genre, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more. I already know who I’m shipping for future stories, haha!
October 31, 2025
This book is everything.
Gray and Blaze. They gave me ALL the feels. Elizabeth is maybe one of the best written characters I have had the chance to meet in a long time. She made herself small because of how she was treated growing up and her evolution was beyond beautiful. The depiction of her journey and the supports she used for growth was amazing. The side characters and banter were wonderful and I cannot with the HAE.
I cannot say enough about this book. It was absolutely beautiful: spice, banter, revenge, protection, and most important of all love.
Gray and Blaze. They gave me ALL the feels. Elizabeth is maybe one of the best written characters I have had the chance to meet in a long time. She made herself small because of how she was treated growing up and her evolution was beyond beautiful. The depiction of her journey and the supports she used for growth was amazing. The side characters and banter were wonderful and I cannot with the HAE.
I cannot say enough about this book. It was absolutely beautiful: spice, banter, revenge, protection, and most important of all love.
November 8, 2025
This was a really good book. I loved how Zee wasn't a victim of past instances and she took responsibility of wanting to fix herself and her life. she knew she was worth more. she didn't play victim and didn't want to be treated like one. she sought therapy and gained control of her life. I really liked that aspect.
and Atticus, he wanted what he wanted, and that was her. when the two finally came together, they were so connected. it was like a fire and they were the match.
this book was so well written and I loved that it dealt with depression and wasn't an insta love scenario.
and Atticus, he wanted what he wanted, and that was her. when the two finally came together, they were so connected. it was like a fire and they were the match.
this book was so well written and I loved that it dealt with depression and wasn't an insta love scenario.
August 14, 2026
I wasn't sure at first if I would like this one as much as the second book as Zee is described in the beginning as having a fat ass several times which I didn't think was positive language to use. Abortion is briefly mentioned as having happened & then dismissed. Felt thrown in & unnecessary if not going to be used to have had an impact on her. Second half of book got better with serious moments interspersed with humour & good side characters too. Drama side of things didn't hold back which was good.
Thanks for copy of book, all views my own.
Thanks for copy of book, all views my own.
July 17, 2026
What an amazing read! The chemistry between Elizabeth and Atticus was intense and just hot from the beginning. Their connection felt so passionate and their banter was fun and added a lightness to some heavy moments. Elizabeth was complex and had a lot of baggage but she knew it and laid it all out. And he was completely obsessed with her and I loved every moment of it. A mafia man down bad for his woman can never go wrong.
November 8, 2025
I actually went into this expecting nothing more than what many authors do with this trope, but I received much more. I was drawn into Zee's journey and ow she did her due diligence to tackle her struggles and demons. I was really rooting for her to have her happy ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2026
I'm not a huge reader but this book really pulled me in, from the beginning to the end. Really worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews