Whispers in the Dark

by Ashley Elizabeth

Whispers.
That’s what he offers me when he asks me to marry him,
my heart racing beneath my chest as if it’s waited its whole life for this moment.
But I’m not naïve.
I won’t let myself get swept away in the fantasy that this is anything more than it seems.
An arrangement to help me inherit what’s rightfully mine.
Even if it’s all a lie.
And to ensure things don’t get messy,
we establish rules.
Rules to remind us both that this is all an illusion.
But when those rules start unraveling and a buried secret becomes impossible to ignore,
will he prove to be my knight in shining armor,
saving me from the monsters that terrorize this world?
Or will he become the villain of my story,
shattering my beating heart?
To everyone in the darkness, he’s a dangerous weapon that many fear for all the right reasons.
To me, he’s my temporary husband.
A man I’ve quietly loved my whole life:
Mauro Alarie.

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Dark Romance, Romance, Mafia Romance, Found Family, Romantic Suspense, Fake Marriage

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Ashley Elizabeth is an author of wholehearted dark romance. Her books will always tell a love story with just the right amount of spice and, most importantly, end with a happily ever after. When she’s not reading a romance novel or overthinking everything, you can find her watching Jurassic Park for the thousandth time with her fur baby, Bailey.

Reviews

[Margaret Minoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Thank you Grey’s Promotions and Ashley Elizabeth for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team!

I first found Ashley on Instagram while she was promoting the first installment in the Alarie Heirs series, Broken in the Dark. A story which follows Scarlett and Leo. What I’ve quickly learned about the series is that each book ends with a juicy cliffhanger who the following book will be about, and their love interest. When Betrayed in the Dark, Madeline and Eli’s story, (book #2) concluded with a surprise announcement, I was foaming at the mouth to get more from the quiet and protective brother, Mauro Alarie.

Whispers in the Dark is the third book in the interconnected Alarie Heirs series. As such, it technically can be read as a standalone. However, there are elements of a large overarching series plot that really start to come together in the third book, and one that the reader would struggle to understand if they did not start with Broken in the Dark. I highly encourage those that are curious about Whispers in the Dark to start with Scarlett and Leo’s story in Broken in the Dark. The narrative magic Ashley weaves is undeniable - every book in the Alarie series raises the bar higher than the one before.

Whispers in the Dark takes the reader on an emotional journey as we learn about heartbreak, dark secrets and identity. Both Alina and Mauro battle their own internal demons as they struggle throughout the book with self love and loathing. The two are written with such heavy emotion you can practically feel their grief jump off the page. While Whispers in the Dark does touch on some heavier themes, the main character’s internal monologue and quirky personalities make this a more enriching story.

Alina, is an FMC who takes after my own heart. She’s a bookworm with a hilarious habit of putting herself in situations that make the reader both cringe and giggle simultaneously. She’s a layered character that reminds a girl of any insecurity she’s ever felt in her young 20s.

Mauro, an MMC who is the definition of quiet and broody, quite literally. However, there is so much more to Mauro and his story is equally as playful as it is heartbreaking as the narrative unfolds. He’s a protector who has never let himself feel worthy of love or affection.

Alina and Mauro are a perfect match and Ashley delivers another slam dunk romance book filled to the brim with mystery, plot twists and some bad ass men who will do anything to protect the women they love. What I found most exciting is that we get to see more character development for the two remaining Alarie brothers, Alex and Vin. Up until now, these two brothers have taken more of a backseat. Ashley really put pen to paper in Whispers in the Dark, giving the people what they want - more Alex and Vin! These two are a hilarious duo. And of course, without fail, Ashley has allowed us a glimpse into what the fourth book might entail.

Truly so appreciative to have the opportunity to read this prior to the May 12th release date. Ashley Elizabeth is a wonderful author and I will always recommend her books, especially the Alarie Heirs - a series you will not want to miss out on!

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Alarie heirs series and I may be biased when I say this is the best book yet, because I love a dark broody nonverbal man who only speaks with her. There are some dark themes in this book but it does have an overall very positive emotional message (if you can call it that?). Ever since an “incident” where she saved his life seven years ago they’ve both been in love with each other yet never saw each other again. But when he sees her working a strip club because she’s broke they enter marriage of convenience. And my god I love this trope because the tension is so good, they’re both clearly in love with each other and the way Mauro spoils her has me falling to my knees. The plot was amazing, both of them have thier own troubles and traumas but Alina has secrets that run deep… the plot twist in this book was spectacular but also made me cry buckets (it was soo worth it though!). This book was very character and romance driven though, the chemistry between Alina and Mauro was so intense and electric. I was just waiting for that oh so satisfying fuck it moment, when he would rip apart all her “rules” for their “fake marriage”, because God knows he never would have signed the divorce papers after 60 days. Mauro is whipped, he literally bought out the Eiffel Tower for her, only leant ASL because she was learning it, and would literally burn the world for her. Alina has her own troubles but I love how Mauro loved her through everything. One thing that really broke me in this book and made it so angsty was Mario’s self hatred because of his father’s death and his scars. It killed me because it was so damn relatable, especially those scenes when he sees himself in the mirror and thinks he’s not good enough for her. This book gives major beauty and the beast vibes, and gosh I love how Alina helped him through his struggles and helped him love himself as she does. They truly are soulmates and if I didn’t believe in true love before, I definitely do now because they were MADE FOR EACH OTHER. Without a doubt a 5/5 read, totally recommended this!

[Adrena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ [arc review]

i’ve been waiting for mauro and alina since book 1. the crumbs we got in book 2 were teasing us so hard. this book has some of my favorite tropes,, mafia + suspense, marriage of convenience with “it’s always been you” but from HER !!

mauro has my whole ass heart. he made me cry the whole book. he can’t speak because of an accident that happened to him and every time he chose to speak for alina— 😭. and when he gets possessive and goes all “my wife”. 🤪 wonder why the eiffel tower is on the cover?? oh yeah,, mauro is the perfect date planner. my girl alina,, she’s made so many sacrifices for her family that when she chose mauro, it healed something in the both of them (& me too). the way she is such an asset to mauro and how he accepts himself. the found family was perfect because she’s basically always been another sister to the family. the suspense was written up until the very end and the gasp that left me when it was revealed. the cliff chapter. oh my poor babies.

loved the disability rep though i had hope to see more scenes of them “studying” and going into asl vs just skipping the scenes. giving this a 4.5 because i personally don’t like flashback scenes. please give this series a read! you won’t regret it!! the characters love and they love HARD!! always good suspense & yearning!!

tysm @greyspromo & @ashleyelizabethauthor for the arc 🫶🏻✨

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always waiting for Mauro and he didn't disappoint! Perhaps a bit over the top on the protective male bit but I love how he sparingly uses his words, despite it hurting him, to say what he feels to her. He'd do anything to protect her and he's a gorgeous, scarred , man with a beautiful heart.

The family unit remains strong in this installment, which is always essential to a mafia-tinged plot. The threats become real and perhaps expected but no less dramatic to the romance plot as well.

It's a pretty good balance and just really loved being with these characters and seeing their love evolve....which was easy since they both felt something for the other early on. The bit of angst was just enough. It's not wholly something new but it's a tried and true story and will please those that want some heart, some spice, some drama, humor and a little action! I just really loved Mauro though! He also had feelings of guilt on top of the physical aftermath and I love added layers like that.

[blondiereads._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank Ashley Elizabeth & Grey’s Promotion a billion times for giving me the honour to ARC read this absolute master piece. If anyone knows anything about me, it’s how much I love Whispers in the Dark. I knew this book was going to be a soul book from the second Ashley said that Mauro was getting his own book. Ever since I first read Broken in the Dark & saw Mauro & Alina interact, I knew they were going to be my favourite couple & that their book & story was going to be my favourite Alarie Heirs book. 💜💜

I think predicting that this couple would happen, waiting for their story, getting teased in the first two books & constantly daydreaming about them built really high standards for me about Mauro, Alina & Whispers in the Dark. I was expecting the best of the best, for this to top Broken & Betrayed… I am so happy that I can say Whispers in the Dark didn’t just meet my expectations, it exceeded them in ways I wouldn’t have ever imagined ❤️‍🔥 it immediately became my number 1 Alarie Heirs book, & Mauro & Alina are officially my favourite couple. Everything about them is incredible & so precious I am obsessed🥺

There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. The plot was magnificent, twists and unexpected turns. I was hooked from the first page & I never wanted to put the book down (which I didn’t cuz I finished it the same day). I was on a never ending roller coaster that was filled with dark secrets (not just one, listen to me, not just one) one of my favourite couple”marriage of convenience”, touch her & die, grumpy c sunshine vibes & the where’s my wife. Like I was fed and over fed in the best way possible. I genuinely couldn’t get enough! I think I’d do literally anything to be able to read this again for the first time! To feel every single emotion & reaction I had. I was laughing so hard to the point of tears, giggling, blushing & kicking my feet to anything Mauro did, gasping & holding my breath at the plot twists, crying my heart out for Mauro & Alina because my babies deserve only the best 🥺🫂

I cannot explain how perfect Mauro & Alina are for each other, only that you will have to read their story to understand 💜💜✨ One thing Ashley is so good at is writing couples that are so perfect for each other there isn’t a doubt in anyone’s mind that they don’t belong together. I loved how opposite but at the same time so similar Mauro & Alina are. How they compliment each other. Their love story is so precious, delicate & heartwarming to me that I will forever cherish them & this book. I wanted to spend so much more time with them, the only negative thing I have would be that the book was too short. I could read a 100 book series which 1,000 pages each about them. But I know that Ashley will let us see them in the next books. This is something I look forward to because it makes me feel like the previous couple’s story hasn’t ended but is still ongoing! And it makes me happy that I’ll still see much more of these two❤️‍🔥🥹 my heart broke & then healed as I was reading, the secrets & the healing made every tear that fell & every pain I felt all worth it.

In every Alarie Heirs book I cannot wait to see the Marchetti’s appear, they are so fun to have around & I hope so much that Ashley writes a spin off series about them! I love the relationship these cousins have and that whenever there are any family problems they come to help out. Another thing I was so happy to see was more of Alex & Vin! They are soooo underrated & their dynamic is one of my favourites! I love the relationship each Alarie member has with each other & you can clearly see the love. No matter the teasing & jokes that happen between them, your head will fall off from how funny they are but they will also warm your heart! I lived for all the times the characters made me laugh & grin so hard! Even Cecilia, which is an ICON! Everytime she appears I had to highlight & book mark the page, I need a book just for her & what a feisty woman she is! 🤭🙂‍↕️ seeing Scarlett & Leo, Eli & Madeleine from the previous books continue their happy ever after just adds to how great the writing is. I greatly appreciate that just because their story is over, we still get to see them. I know I will need a novella for the future once this series is over😆 the found family in this series is one that is so strong & one of my favourites ever🤍 I feel like it gets stronger with every book.

I tried so hard to savour & take my time with this book to make it last, but nothing would have made me do it! Finishing it within the first 24 hours that I received this ARC was one of the easiest things ever! I will never ever forget this story & this couple. It has become a soul book of mine & one that I will constantly think about. All that waiting, from first reading Broken in the Dark & trying to wait for Mauro & Alina’s story was worth it because my heart felt so full at what precious magnificent book it was❤️‍🔥❤️‍🩹 thank you endlessly Ashley for writing Whispers in the Dark & for giving me Mauro & Alina! I cannot wait for Alex & Vin’s books & I will try to patiently wait & will reread the first 3 Alarie Heirs to pass the time! I don’t think I can fully explain how much I love this book & how meaningful it is to me. All I can try to say is that you have to read it. I will say though, read the series in order to fully experience the joy & love that is the Alarie Heirs🩷💛💜

I’m locking in my predictions now, I think Alex’s book will most likely be blue, & Vin’s will either be red or green. Either way, I have a feeling I’ll be seeing these colours❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Dark, the latest instalment in the Alarie Heirs series, delivers an emotional and suspense filled romance focusing on the brooding, silent and fiercely protective Mauro Alarie, the family’s intimidating enforcer. Mauro’s silence, however, is not by choice. The same tragedy that claimed his father’s life also destroyed Mauro’s larynx, leaving him unable to speak without pain, even the faintest whisper costing him dearly. When he unexpectedly finds his sister’s longtime friend, Alina, working as a stripper in a club, every one of his protective instincts is triggered. Discovering that Alina must be married to claim an inheritance from the mother she never knew, Mauro proposes a temporary marriage arrangement, one that would be strictly practical and entirely platonic.

This story works especially well because of the emotional connection between the characters. Mauro is a deeply damaged hero, both physically and emotionally, spending years carrying overwhelming guilt over his father’s death, believing he failed to save him, but beneath his cold and intimidating exterior is someone incredibly loyal and caring. His bond with Alina feels believable because it’s rooted in a shared history and mutual understanding. Years earlier, they encountered each other during particularly vulnerable moments in their lives, and although neither of them openly talks about it, there’s a tacit sense that they had unknowingly saved each other that day. Alina’s backstory is equally heartbreaking. Her father’s pride and insistence in hiding his health issues have left Alina struggling financially. Unable to find a job in her field and desperately trying to afford his nursing care ultimately leads to her stripping to make ends meet. But Mauro is unprepared for the devastating secret Alina has been keeping, one that has the potential to ignite a war involving the entire Alarie family.

Built around a marriage-of-convenience trope, their romance develops at a satisfying pace, with the chemistry and emotional tension steadily building between them. Beneath Mauro’s intimidating exterior lies a surprisingly tender and caring side that he only allows those closest to him to see, especially Alina which adds a layer of warmth to the story and, despite their agreement being temporary, it quickly becomes obvious that it has deepened into something far more meaningful to both of them, something far more real and lasting. Alongside the romance, the book also delivers plenty of suspense and intrigue as an ominous threat looms in the background, bringing danger, betrayal, and revelations that force Mauro to question everything he thought he knew about Alina. Packed with suspense, action, family drama, and long-buried secrets, Whispers in the Dark delivers plenty of twists and emotional moments while setting up future repercussion that will affect not only the Alaries, but everyone connected to them.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrapped its hands around my throat in chapter one and never loosened its grip 🖤🥀

WHISPERS IN THE DARK was everything I crave in a dark romance. Marriage of convenience, lifelong pining, dangerous man obsessed in silence, emotional tension sharp enough to draw blood? Ashley Elizabeth fed me an entire banquet and I licked the plate clean.

Mauro Alarie… GOOD GOD. This man felt like a loaded weapon wrapped in expensive suits and secrets. Everyone fears him, everybody knows he’s dangerous, and yet with HER there are these tiny cracks in the armor that made me absolutely feral. The quiet protectiveness. The restraint. The way he says so little but somehow every word lands like a bullet straight to the chest. I was down horrendous for this man immediately.

And the heroine loving him quietly for YEARS??? That trope owns me every single time. You could feel the ache in every interaction because she’s entering this arrangement already emotionally doomed. She knows the marriage is supposed to be fake. She knows there are rules. Boundaries. Limits. Meanwhile her heart is standing in the corner like a trembling hostage begging her to stop pretending this man doesn’t already own it.

The tension in this book was exquisite torture. Not just sexual tension either, though TRUST ME that was incredible. It was emotional tension. The kind where every touch feels loaded. Every glance lasts a second too long. Every almost-confession has you gripping the book like you’re trying to keep it from detonating in your hands.

And Mauro??? This man gave off massive “I would burn the world down quietly and efficiently for you” energy. The scary kind of devotion. The kind where you don’t know if you’re being protected or possessed and honestly that line became deliciously blurry.

The atmosphere throughout the whole book felt drenched in shadows and secrets. There was this constant undercurrent of danger lurking beneath the romance that made everything feel more intense. Every soft moment felt stolen. Every vulnerable conversation felt fragile. Ashley Elizabeth balanced tenderness and darkness SO well.

And when the buried secrets started surfacing?? I was STRESSED. Fully pacing around my room muttering “don’t do this to me” at midnight. Because this book doesn’t just rely on vibes and spice. The emotional payoff actually HURTS. Watching trust build while waiting for everything to inevitably crack apart was torture in the best possible way.

Also the romance itself felt deeply intimate beneath all the darkness. The whispered moments between them genuinely melted me. The longing. The history. The way Mauro seemed to know her heart before she even spoke. UGH.

This book was obsessive, emotional, dangerous, romantic, and painfully beautiful all at once. Like being handed a black velvet box only to discover your own heart beating inside it.

[🖤 alyssa 🩶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Dark was a consuming read that did not let me go from start to finish 💜 The writing, emotional depth, suspense, the twists!!!, pacing, and character dynamics worked together in an engaging way! Alina and Mauro’s story is incredibly intense and emotional, filled with heartbreak, secrets, tension, and so many moments that had me completely hooked 💜 The slow unraveling of their past connection, along with all the twists and reveals, made it impossible to put down 😭

Alina is such an emotionally grounded woman, and I really loved her 🥺 She’s sweet, caring, and deeply resilient, but she’s also carrying so much weight on her shoulders, trying to protect the people she loves while dealing with her own struggles. There’s something very human and relatable about her because she’s strong, but still insecure in moments, and it just made her feel so real to me 💜 I loved how she’s a bookworm at heart, but also finds herself in situations way bigger than she can handle alone. Her connection with Mauro is very layered, especially knowing she’s had feelings for him for years! She slowly opens up to him, while also trying to protect her own secrets, and I loved how she met his intensity with softness, but also wasn’t afraid to push him emotionally when he needed it. Them learning to communicate was so, so heartwarming and sweet 💜

Mauro is everything 🥹 He’s quiet, broody, and deeply protective, but there’s so much pain and softness underneath everything he shows the world. The fact that he’s been through such a traumatic event that changed his ability to communicate makes his character even more heartbreaking and complex. Yet despite that, he’s still fiercely loyal, incredibly observant, and willing to do absolutely anything for the people he loves—especially Alina 💜 I loved how his feelings for her were always there, even before they truly came together, and how he never actually saw their marriage (with rules 😂) as fake at all. The way he chooses her, protects her, and slowly opens up emotionally and communicatively is honestly so powerful 🥺 Their bond feels built on trust, history, and something deeper than either of them fully admits at first, and watching him soften for her was very heartwarming 💜

This was an emotional, addictive read that completely consumed me 🥹 The chemistry between Alina and Mauro is undeniable, but what makes their story stand out is definitely the emotional depth behind it all. The pain, the healing, the secrets, and the way they slowly learn to trust, communicate, and choose each other. Their story was layered with mystery and danger, while still feeling deeply personal and heartwarming 💜

[Nikki Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ As the first Ashley Elizabeth book I’ve picked up, and my introduction to the Alarie Heirs series …Whispers in the Dark completely pulled me in from the very beginning. Now I absolutely understand why readers are obsessed with this world.

From page one, Mauro and Alina had me locked in. Their story is layered with grief, healing, secrets, tension, and the kind of emotional depth that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Beneath all the danger and mystery is a romance centered around two people trying to figure out if they’re worthy of love while carrying the weight of their pasts.

Mauro is the definition of guarded and intense, but underneath that hard exterior is someone fiercely loyal and painfully tender. And Alina? She absolutely stole the show for me. She’s awkward, funny, relatable, emotional, and so incredibly human. The way she masks her insecurities with humor made her feel so real. Watching these two slowly break down each other’s walls was everything.

This book balances heavy emotional moments with addictive banter, suspense, found family vibes, and a romance that burns hotter the deeper you get into the story. The chemistry between Alina and Mauro was undeniable, but what really stood out was how much care and comfort existed between them even before either wanted to admit what they were feeling.

Ashley also does an incredible job continuing the larger Alarie Heirs storyline. There are twists, reveals, and enough breadcrumbs about the remaining brothers to leave me desperate for the next book already. Alex and Vin especially brought so much chaos and humor to the story and now I need their books immediately.

I will definitely go back and read book 1 and 2 in the series!

If you love:
🖤 marriage of convenience
🖤 grumpy x sunshine energy
🖤 emotionally damaged characters healing together
🖤 protective MMCs
🖤 family secrets + suspense
🖤 emotional romance with real depth

…then you need this series on your TBR immediately.

A big thanks to the author Ashley Elizabeth and Gray’s Promotions for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

[BookishBibliotherapy • AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alarie family never disappoints - and now we finally have the quiet, yet endearing story of Mauro.

Alina grew up on the Alarie estate with her father who was always a loyal and kind man. As Alina grows up, she discovers a heartbreaking truth that sets the trajectory of her life in a direction she never expected. She only wants what’s best for her father, but in doing so, she must take risks and keep secrets from the family who was always by her side - the Alarie family, and the member whose always held her heart, Mauro.

Mauro and Alina share a secret, one that they’ve never shared outside of each other. When fate brings them together in a moment of despair, it’s clear their meeting and relationship will always be special. However, neither expected to meet again years later at the least expected place - a gentleman’s club.

As Mauro sees Alina again, all the feelings that he’s held at bay come roaring back. Alina can’t believe she’s in the arms of the man she’s always had feelings for, but she has a secret, and will do anything to keep it so she can keep her father safe and healthy.

An unexpected marriage, secrets and longing looks, the marriage that was supposed to be for convenience with a list of rules quickly became something much more…

Mauro and Alina know they want to be together, but at what cost? And will they put all it out in the open for their respective families, and to have the relationship they’ve always desired?

Romance, revenge, and plenty of plot and spice, I loved Alina and Mauro’s love story. We see such a softer side to Mauro, and he’s such a fierce and loyal caretaker. Alina is kind, loving, and supporting of Mauro who is sometimes misunderstood under his scars and trauma.

Happy reading!

“…she is the light to my dark, and I will never know true happiness again without her by my side. She is the air that feeds my lungs. Every heartbeat that echoes in my chest.”

[Teressa - The Sassy Book Tribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally – Mauro. He’s been quiet, lingering in the background, and I was all too ready for his story.

Mauro and Alina share a haunting past encounter. This creates a secret connection between Mauro and Alina no one knows about. Regardless of not seeing each other over the years, the secret sustains the connection between them.

Alina is the daughter of the very trusted right-hand man to Alarie’s father and she is in trouble. She’s working hard to keep herself afloat and to deal with a threat against her father. To end the threat, she will have to marry for at least sixty days. Understanding the danger her father is in, she is desperate to find someone to marry.

Mauro Alarie is the enforcer of the family. He is mute from an event when he was younger. He does not speak at all. Out on a job he is startled to find Alina in a position she should never be in. He gets her out of the situation and brings her to his home.

Growing up on the Alarie Estate, Alina has always been family. He has also held onto their connection, also harboring feelings for her. Alina tells him a little about her predicament and Mauro volunteers to marry her. Both agree to rules to keep each other in check. All the while both are falling head over heels for each other. Mauro speaks to her and only her knowing he can trust her. Alina pushes him to realize what a deserving man he is. Hidden truths and the growing danger keep them at arm’s length, at least for a while.

There is a ton of suspense in this book with twists and turns. You could expect nothing less with this series. The entire family shows up, adding to the mix of an already brilliant story!

I love it when Ashley just throws side plots in casually like it’s no big deal. I mean Alex?? C’mon!! lol!

I loved this book. Pacing is great and writing is engaging, kept me reading nonstop. My review is not doing this book justice. Pick it up - you won’t regret it.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Whispers in the Dark completely blind without reading the first two books in the Alarie Heirs series, and honestly? I think that made this book even more enjoyable for me because I had zero expectations going into it besides knowing it was a dark mafia romance with a marriage of convenience storyline.

This book follows Alina and Mauro, and I honestly ended up loving them both individually and together.

What really stood out to me throughout the story was how both of them were battling their own inner struggles with self-worth, self-love, and the way they viewed themselves. That emotional aspect honestly hit harder for me personally because self-love can already be difficult, especially after going through major life and medical changes that make you feel disconnected from yourself.

Alina was such an easy FMC for me to connect with because she’s a bookworm at heart, and honestly I feel like all of us book girls and book bros automatically understand that type of comfort 😭📚

And Mauro???
Quiet. Broody. Emotionally complicated.

Which automatically makes him appealing to me every single time.

Even without knowing the full backstory from the earlier books, I still felt connected to their relationship and chemistry throughout the story. They balanced each other well emotionally, and the tension between them kept me invested the entire time.

Honestly, this book made me WANT to go back and read the first two books before eventually rereading this one again because now I’m curious about the full family dynamics and history behind everything.

But even going in blind, I still genuinely enjoyed this story and felt like Alina and Mauro worked perfectly together.

✨ Dark mafia romance
🖤 Marriage of convenience
📚 Bookworm FMC
😮‍💨 Quiet & broody MMC
🔥 Emotional tension
🩶 Self-love & healing themes

⭐️ 4.5/5
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
💧 4/5

Thank you to Ashley Elizabeth and Grey’s Promo for the ARC opportunity. All thoughts are my own.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Stop!"
My eyes lock onto hers...
My knees connect to the ground...
Her arms wrap around me...
My heart thunders beneath my chest...

These few sentences are throughout the book.
And did they have my interest piqued.
When the circumstances of why they were said was revealed it was a shock.
Since meeting Mauro in the previous books his situation broke my heart.
I was so saddened my what happened to him.
Now we get to his all of him. As a son, brother, friend and husband.
He is such a big hearted man. Who takes everything to heart.
Yes he is dangerous to his enemies and without mercy.
But when it comes to his family he loves them wholeheartedly, unconditionally and his loyalty knows no bounds with each and every one of them.
Alina is a sweetheart. I just adored her. She’s kind and sweet and so caring.
She has fallen on hard times. And also finds herself in an ugly position.
Until one night unexpectedly to her and Mauro he comes to her rescue.
He helps her in every way he can. But she’s keeping secret from him.
Their story is gripping and captivating.
I was reading as fast as I could because I needed to get to the next page.
Trying to figure out the mystery of what was going on.
And really needing to know what took place in Mauro and Alina’s past.
Their story is a blend of drama, suspense and spice.
A twist in the story left me absolutely stunned. Holy Smokes I couldn’t have predicted that or even imagined something like that.
I love the Alaire Family. Their bond and love for blood family and chosen members is so endearing and heartwarming to get to see. The whole group is amazing.
This book can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend reading the previous books.
They are so worth reading. I am now excited and looking forward to the next book.

[Shannai · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I always have the best time with Ash's books, and Mauro and Alina were no exception. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the best way I can describe this series is a cosy dark romance (on the lite side). I've been so curious about Mauro and his story, as I've absolutely loved the glimpses of him in his siblings' books.

One thing I love when it comes to Ashley's books is that she isn't afraid to create some tension; her prologues always have be so gripped and wanting to know more, and this was no different, as we learned that Alina is being threatened, and that she needs to get married in the next sixty days.

Mauro and Alina are friends, you could say, she is one of Scarlett's best friends and her father was good friends with their dad, up until he was killed; in the same accident that Mauro was affected by. When Mauro learns that Alina is looking for a husband, he doesn't even hesitate and puts himself forward, though for the reasons why is unclear.

I really liked Mauro and Alina together, they had so many tender moments, and were so soft for each other, too.

There was a couple plot twists I didn't anticipate coming; one of them being Alex fathering an adorable little girl, Clara, and becoming a single dad. I was quite literal feral whenever that man came on page (giddy would be an understatement as to how I feel about his book!!)

And Alina being the half-sister to the Vasilievs, like, omgg, I just wasn't expecting it, but it was so good!! Mauro starting a war because of what had gone down involving Alina, I mean, it made sense, I could not have seen it going any other way if I'm honest.

Ahh, there's just Vin and Alex's books left and there have been so many Easter eggs that have been teased about them, I honestly cannot wait. I can't believe we're three books in already to this series, it really has been such a joy to read. I love the found family aspect because you can really feel the love the siblings have for each other, which is reaffirmed once again when they all learned ASL for Mauro.

Honestly, I'm forever in awe and proud of Ashley and her books, and always so eternally grateful to get to read her books early. Thank you Grey's Promo for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes

marriage of convenience
grumpy x sunshine
billionaire romance
mafia romance
best friend’s brother
touch her and die

[Elif Hazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᴡʜɪꜱᴘᴇʀꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋꜱ || ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ

“𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼, 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭. 𝓗𝓮𝓻. 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓵𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴.”

✨5/5
🌶️4/5

I want to take Mauro and keep him safe deep in my heart. What a wonderful man you are—just the hope of one day being able to speak to Alina was enough for him to learn ALS, and every word he spoke was about her…

“𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶.𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

The fact that Alina had to get married to save her father, and that the moment Mauro heard this, he could think of nothing but her—the way he went mad the moment he saw her on stage, snatched her up, took her home and looked after her—I could just eat this bloke alive; he simply couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else, even a fake one, being Alina’s husband

“𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦”“𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥, 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵.”

Feeling ugly because of the nasty things everyone says behind her back, seeing herself as a wounded and terrifying monster, being unable to let go of Alina, yet feeling inadequate in her presence.

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘈 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭.”
“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘦, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩, 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘴,”

❗️And I’d like to leave a little note for Alex—I’m literally on the lookout for single dads. I fell in love with Alex the moment I started reading, and then I found out he was a single dad—that’s just it… But to be honest, I’m also really curious about Vin’s fate and the story of the two women, one of whom is a queen.

💍 Arranged Marriage
🥀 Beauty and the Beast Retelling
🖤 Emotional Scars
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🫂 Best Friend’s Brother
♠️He Learned ASL to Talk to Her
✨You Saved Me

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, a BIG thank you to the author and Grey’s promotions for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Whispers in the Dark is easily my favorite book in the series so far. Ashley Elizabeth completely pulled me into Mauro and Alina’s story, and I felt emotionally attached to both of them almost immediately.

Mauro had been my favorite Alarie so far; he completely surprised me. He has so much darkness and intensity surrounding him, but the small moments where he let his guard down with Alina absolutely got me. Those softer, protective moments made their relationship feel so real and emotional to me. And Alina balanced him perfectly. She brought so much heart to the story, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time.

What I loved most was how emotionally layered their relationship felt. The chemistry was obviously there, but it was the tension, vulnerability, trust, and hurt between them that made me so invested. Ashley Elizabeth writes angst so well, and this book had that perfect emotional ache that kept me completely hooked from beginning to end.

I also loved the atmosphere throughout the story. There was this constant sense of tension lingering in the background that made it impossible to stop reading. I kept saying I’d read one more chapter, and suddenly it was way too late and I was still fully locked into Mauro and Alina’s world.

This book felt darker, more emotional, and more consuming than the previous books for me, and by the end I genuinely didn’t want to leave these characters behind. Definitely my favorite in the series so far, and one I know I’ll be thinking about for a while.
I mean, the fact they both low key learned ASL because they wanted to be able to communicate with each other?… my heart can’t take it.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Dark, the third instalment in The Alarie Heirs series, delivers an emotionally powerful and suspense-filled story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. While it can be read on its own, readers will get the best experience by following the series in order.

This book centres on Mauro, whose life was forever changed years ago, and Alina, whose path crossed his not long after that life-altering tragedy. Their connection runs deep, layered with shared history and a secret that adds emotional weight to their journey.

What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of this story. There were several moments that hit hard and stayed with me long after I finished reading. Mauro and Lina balance each other beautifully. He shows unwavering support when she needs it most, while she helps him see his worth and reminds him that he’s not a burden to his family. Their dynamic perfectly captures a grumpy/sunshine trope, with a heartfelt marriage-of-convenience trope woven in.

The story also delivers plenty of tension and intrigue. The suspense kept me on edge, and the twists and connections throughout the plot were both surprising and well-executed. The shared past between the characters adds a heartbreaking layer that makes their emotional journey even more compelling.

Another highlight of the book, and the series as a whole, is the strong sense of family. The close-knit bonds within the Alarie family add warmth and depth, complementing the darker, mafia-style elements of the story.

Overall, Whispers in the Dark is a captivating blend of emotion, romance, and suspense. With its engaging characters, heartfelt moments, and unexpected twists, it’s a must-read for fans of angst-filled romance and family dynamics.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of Whispers in the Dark by Ashley Elizabeth
From the author and Grey Promotions
4/5 stars

Alina Fowler’s life has not gone the way she planned. After going to school to become an ASL teacher, she’s struggling to find a job in her field while drowning in student loans and her father’s medical bills. Desperate to stay afloat, she ends up working at a strip club and considers going even further to make enough money. But just when things seem at their worst, someone from her past unexpectedly reappears.

Mauro Alarie is known as the muscle of the powerful Alarie family, the people who practically run the city. After losing both his father in a tragic explosion and his own voice, Mauro has focused entirely on family responsibilities instead of romance. That changes when he walks into the same strip club where Alina works and steps in before she makes a decision she may regret.

Alina and Mauro share a long history. Alina grew up around the Alarie family because her father worked for them, and the two were once close friends. When circumstances push them into a marriage of convenience — one that could help Alina secure her inheritance while allowing her to teach Mauro ASL — their relationship starts to become something much more real. But both of them are carrying secrets, and those secrets could destroy the connection growing between them.

This was my first book by Ashley Elizabeth, and it definitely made me want to continue with the rest of the series! One thing I really appreciated was that this story works well as a standalone. Even though it’s part of a larger series, the book gives you everything you need to fully enjoy Mauro and Alina’s story without feeling lost.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mauro and Alina's story. Alina has recently graduated and dreams of becoming a Deaf Education Specialist. She is having difficulty finding her dream job. She does the only job that pays well as a cocktail waitress at the Darkest Desires Gentleman's Club. She needs good money to survive and pay her father's medical bills. He has early-onset dementia and needs constant care in a care facility. Her friend at the club talks her into working as a dancer since it pays better than being a cocktail waitress. Petrified on her first attempt, just as Mauro happens to be there. He is horrified to see her there and rescues her, taking her away. He takes her home to his place. Where she tells him she needs to marry and stay married for 60 days to get her mother's inheritance. So they agree to the marriage, and Alina sets some rules. Will they be able to abide by the rules, or will they find themselves breaking them? Both Alina and Mauro are keeping secrets from each other. What will happen when their secrets come to haunt them?
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you enjoy a mafia romance with family secrets, action, and angst, then you will love this book. Although this is Book Three in the Alarie Heirs Series, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, it is best to have read the previous two books to further understand some of the actions and family relationships in this book. I can't wait for the next book to find out more about the Alarie Heirs family. Before reading or purchasing this book, please take note of the author's trigger warnings for this book.

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️


This series will never let you down! The Alarie’s and their love interests always make for just some of the most amazing, emotional, swoon-worthy, spicy, edge of your seat reads that I can never put down. Anytime I pick up one of Ashley Elizabeth’s book I know it has to be done on a day with no plans because I’m going to need to read the whole book start to finish with no interruptions because once I’m in the story I’m invested, and of course Mauro and Alina are no exception! They have a past and secrets between them, but ever since the moment they met they’ve been obsessed! Now enemies are closing in around them and their only solution is marriage… one where they agree not to let feelings get involved. A feat that’s hard to do when they both are already in to deep… they’re at least determined to try though. Except their marriage is full of sweet moments of taking care of each other, being there for each other to support them through the wins and the losses, and being ready to protect each other at all costs! Truly I just loved these characters and this whole book and I can’t wait to read more!! Whispers In the Dark is the perfect book to pick up if you’re looking for a marriage of convenience, featuring a grumpy/sunshine couple you can’t help but love, swoon-worthy romance, plenty of spice, so much emotion and healing, secrets that could change everything and will keep you right on the edge of your seat, and a happily ever after that’ll have you wanting to read the next book immediately and I highly recommend grabbing a copy today!

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been eagerly waiting for the release of Whispers In The Dark by Ashley Elizabeth and I’m so happy I had the chance to read the ARC.

I fell for Mauro immediately. Even though he comes from a dark world, one that has clearly left its marks on him, he has a certain gentleness when it comes to Alina. That’s what won me over, the way he cares for her, the way he longs for her.

I love stories where the attraction is mutual, even if the characters believe it isn’t. Those little moments when Alina and Mauro hesitate, when they only consider the worst possible outcomes, add so much emotion to the story. There’s also a hint of mystery surrounding their relationship, because we don’t fully know what happened in the past. I had my suspicions and was excited to find out whether they would turn out to be true. Alina is also hiding something connected to the marriage and I genuinely couldn’t figure out what it was.

I loved how protective Mauro is of Alina, how he refuses to let anyone disrespect her. But I also enjoyed the moments of jealousy coming from both sides. You can truly enjoy them because you know there’s no one else for either of them.

I also really liked how the drama, if we can even call it that, was handled. In reality, it feels more like the climax of the story, but it’s written in such a mature and interesting way, because the characters actually think instead of jumping to rushed conclusions. And yet, it still takes you through so many emotions.

“One word. Two lives. Now, intertwined forever.”

★★★★☆

Happy Release Day, @ahsleylizabethauthor! Thank you so much @greyspromo for sending me this ARC! ❤️

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Dark by Ashley Elizabeth is the 3rd book the Alarie Heirs series. Technically it is a standalone, but I have not read the first books in the series so struggled with the underlying story line. Alina grew up with her father on the Alaire estate. Mauro Alaire, the man everyone fears is the family’s enforcer.

Alina needs to get married in order to get her inheritance left to her by her mother. Mauro, who Alina has secretly loved for many years, asks her to marry him, not romantically, but with a single whispered offer. A marriage of convenience designed to help her inherit what is rightfully hers. It’s a strategic move, not an emotional one. At least… that’s what they tell themselves.

To keep things “clean,” they create rules, boundaries, lines they should not cross. Already they share a secret, one that neither has ever told anyone else. But Alina is also not being totally honest with Mauro. Alina tries to keep emotional distance, but Mauro does not make it easy. Their chemistry is immediate, magnetic, and dangerous. But that long buried secret begins to surface and it threatens everything.

Alina and Mauro’s journey was full of tension, danger, buried secrets yet it’s emotional at its core. There were some twists you might not see coming and I loved how those rules turn into real intimacy. In the end you have a lifelong love turn into a marriage of convenience, ending with a real marriage. Let’s not forget you also get a cliffy which leads into the next book of the series.

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good forced proximity, marriage of convenience, but these two are just so good. Alina was raised on the Alarie estate and has loved Mauro from afar for years. After he father retires from working for the family they lose contact. Years later she is struggling with the weight of taking care of her father and a secret that is too big to carry.

She needs a wedding and she needs it fast. She turns to the only person she knows, Mauro. He doesn’t speak, His injury from years ago makes it painful for him to speak. She knows ASL so a deal is struck, he marries her, and she teaches him ASL. What she doesn’t know is that he ALREADY knows ASL. (Cue the SWOON)

What follows is a story that has secrets, ones so big that the longer they go hidden the worse the outcome might be. There is spice and history, and this underlying understanding between these two. Mauro is only soft for her, and even though they have rules he doesn’t hesitate to call her “his wife.” She finds him beautifully handsome and he only sees his scars. I think they help each other heal and rules? They are made to be broken. Lines? These two obliterate them in spectacular fashion.

I have really been enjoying this series and Ashley sucks me in every time. Don’t hesitate, this is a good one if you love a grumpy/sunshine, marriage of convenience, touch her and well you know, and an always been you moment.

[Kayla.bookish26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Dark - Ashley Elizabeth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🖤Marriage of Convenience
🖤Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤Best Friend’s Brother
🖤Mafia/Billionaire Vibes
🖤Touch Her and ☠️
🖤Dark Secret
🖤Healing

Secrecy and a haunting past… I devoured the pages within this book so fast trying to get to the secret that Alina was hiding. Alina is protecting someone/Something but from what? Who?

Mauro comes across Alina one night while she is working at a strip club. She is at a hard spot in life and in a bind. She needs someone to marry. Mauro decides to help her since he secretly has feelings for her. Alina grew up on the Alarie Estate so she is no stranger to Mauro, and she secretly has been crushing on him for years as well. So they enter into a marriage of convenience. They have rules that they must follow during the marriage so that neither one of them steps over any boundaries.

OMG……..This book was absolutely freaking delicious! I loved how Mauro was with Alina. How he trusted her enough to speak to only her. How the sexual tension was just rolling off of them 🤤. This is book is layered, obsessive, possessive, deep, dark and emotional. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR! You will not be disappointed.

I would like to thank Grey’s Promotion and Ashley Elizabeth for the chance to read this amazing book. I can’t wait to see what I think/hope may be next.

[Jen Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The buildup is exactly what dark romance readers live for

Mauro Alarie. Remember that name, because he will ruin you for fictional men everywhere.

Whispers in the Dark is a marriage of convenience dark romance that does something I genuinely didn’t expect — it made me love a miscommunication-heavy story. That trope is usually my villain origin story, but Ashley Elizabeth writes it in a way that feels earned rather than frustrating. The tension between these two characters is so carefully built that by the time things start unraveling, you’re completely invested.

She’s carrying secrets. He’s carrying a reputation. Together, they create this slow-burn tension that is chef’s kiss — not in a “please just talk to each other” way, but in a “I need to know what happens next” way. The passion and chemistry are undeniable, and the buildup is exactly what dark romance readers live for: just enough to keep you on edge, but satisfying when it pays off.
One thing worth noting for anyone wondering — I went into this without having read the previous books in the series, and I had zero confusion. It reads beautifully as a standalone entry point. The writing is polished, the pacing is on point, and Mauro is the kind of morally gray man this genre was built for.
If you love touch-her-and-die energy, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a marriage of convenience that absolutely refuses to stay convenient — this one’s for you.

[Ashley Arsenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

“��𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙤𝙛—𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙮.”

Whispers in the dark is the 3rd book in the Alarie series. It follows broken in the dark, and betrayed in the dark.

In this book we get Mauro’s story. The muscle of the Alarie family, and Alina, who grew up on the Alarie estate, as her father was their dad’s right hand man.

Alina needs to be married to ensure she inherits what her mother left her. And who better to marry than the man she’s always secretly loved.

“𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚.”🥵

Another book by Ashley that I could not put down!
Mauro, is the dangerous muscle of his family, but he is the sweetest to her. 🥹

Alina has some secrets, I had some theories going throughout the book and was shocked when it was all revealed.

My heart melted so many times 🥹, it also broke a little. There were times of high anxiety and anticipation.
The ending was absolutely beautiful.
Can’t wait for Alex and Vin’a story!

If you like mafia style, organized crime, touch her and ☠️, “ My Wife”, and morally grey characters I highly suggest this series! The men in these books are *chefs kiss* 💋

“𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜.”

[Mackenzie Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mauro and Alina’s dynamic is just… chef’s kiss. The tension, the softness underneath all the walls, the way they understand each other even in silence. It all felt so natural and emotional. Their relationship has this beautiful balance of vulnerability and intensity that made every interaction feel important. I was completely invested in them from the very beginning.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the ASL representation and the way Ashley Elizabeth handled Mauro’s ability to speak. Every time he chose to speak, despite the pain it caused him, it carried so much weight behind it. Those moments felt incredibly powerful because you could feel what it cost him. And then the ASL interpretation alongside it? Wow. I knew going into the book that it would be included, but I was still blown away by how lovely and intentional it felt on page. It added such an emotional depth to the story and made Mauro’s voice, whether spoken or signed, feel that much more impactful.

And getting to be with the Alarie family again? Wonderful. This being my third time stepping into their world made everything hit even harder because these characters already feel so lived in and loved. Ashley Elizabeth writes family dynamics in such a believable way, where the relationships feel messy, protective, emotional, and real all at once. Returning to them felt like coming home.

Whispers in the Dark is emotional, romantic, and deeply heartfelt. Ashley Elizabeth continues to create stories that pull you in completely and refuse to let go.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you so much to the author and the PR team for providing me with this ARC and allowing me to continue this incredible journey with this series.

I genuinely loved this book. At this point, I’ve realized that when a story is written this well—with strong character development, emotional depth, and storytelling that keeps you completely invested without feeling repetitive or predictable—there’s really no reason for me to hold back on my ratings.

I’ll admit that during the first half of the book, I struggled a little with the female character because of some underlying patterns and choices, but the way the story unfolded completely changed my perspective. The emotional growth and healing were handled beautifully.

And the male character completely stole my heart. Ever since the first book, I’ve had such a soft spot for him because there’s something about broken characters that always gets to me emotionally. I genuinely wanted to protect him, comfort him, and see him finally receive the love he deserved.

Overall, this was such a beautiful and emotionally satisfying read, and this series continues to stay with me even after I finish each book.

Thank you again for this opportunity, and I genuinely cannot wait for the next books in the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For more reviews & book content, connect with me on Instagram: @monaafterdark ✨

[Lourdes | Lu and her books ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
⭐4.5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Check TW

Mauro “my wife” Alarie has officially entered the book husband hall of fame because this man had me swooning, blushing, giggling, and kicking my feet the entire time.

This broody, grumpy, vulnerable, wounded man was everything I hoped he would be and more. He’s an Alarie, so of course my expectations for his and Alina’s story were sky high, and somehow this book still exceeded them.

The mafia world in this story completely hooked me with all the twists, danger, and suspense. I was searching for answers from the very first page, and the intrigue never let up.

Mauro and Alina’s love story felt inevitable. They’ve known each other their whole lives, and a heartbreaking moment they shared during one of the darkest times in their lives became a silent bond between them. That connection made it impossible not to root for them falling in love.

And the spice? Absolutely delicious. It added so much tension and chemistry without ever overshadowing the plot, especially with the whole “we’re faking it… except maybe we’re not” dynamic they had going on.

If you love mafia romance, marriage of convenience, suspense, broken heroes, and found family, you need this book on your TBR immediately.

Thank you so much to Ashley and Grey's Promotions for this great eARC!

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has me absolutely obsessed and feral! It grabbed me by the column of my throat from the first line and never once let up on the pressure. And all I can say to that is thank you, ma’am and please give me more. This book had a little bit of everything I want in a dark romance. Yearning? Check. Obsessed and protective MMC? Check and check. Marriage of convenience? Triple check. Throw in some burn the world for her vibes and I was an absolute goner for this story. Mauro and Alina were utter perfection together. I love that Alina is a bookish girl who just had me shaking my head and giggling at the predicaments she got herself in. She’s such a real and relatable character. Mauro is textbook broody MMC. And I was in love with it. He is deserving of all the love and support we can give him. Their connection and chemistry was insane and could be felt rolling off the page. You couldn’t help but need them to be happy. They are the perfect complement of each other. It was so endearing to see them grow together in their relationship. This book was full of tension and twists and turns, leaving me on the edge of my seat and fanning my face simultaneously. I hated that it had to end but what an ending it was. I was handed my still beating heart and could only say when can I have another serving.