What do you think?
Rate this book
Father, For I Have Sinned
Not yet published
Expected 16 Mar 26Celeste
They call me the Reaper, a shadow that strikes when least expected, dragging souls to the deepest depths of hell. Darkness has always been a comfort, a cold and familiar friend. Everyone I’ve ever loved has been torn from me, leaving me behind with only fury and the thirst for vengeance. I became relentless. Brutal. Untouchable. Feared in the world meant to be dominated by men.
Then he walked into the coffee bold, confident, a light in the darkest of nightmares. I knew, at that moment, he would be everything to me. He would be the light to guide me to the stars in the darkest of nights.
But what if our love, so forbidden, so fragile, isn’t enough? Our world is the polar opposite, and we were never meant to actually be something. What if the turn of events forces him to choose between me and everything that is right.
What if fate rips him away, too? What if I’m left alone...
Alaric
My world is made of shadows, murder scenes, whispered threats, and long nights chasing the monsters that haunt our streets. I’ve made a career out of catching killers, and I’ve never failed. Until now. This one’s different. He’s careful. Cold. Always two steps ahead. Every time I think I have him, he slips through my fingers like smoke. But in the middle of the chaos, there’s her.
The woman with striking green eyes and a quiet presence. She sits in the corner of the café, sipping her coffee and disappearing into her book. Never looking my way. And yet I can’t stop watching her. Wanting her.
When I finally get close enough to know her name, claim her as mine, fall absolutely head over heels for her, she does the unthinkable. Secrets surface and suddenly, the woman I thought I knew is the very type of criminal I seek to take down. She may not be the one that had me running in circles, but she's forbidden. I'm caught between my heart and my career.
But I’ve already decided, this world could burn to ash before I let her go.
They call me the Reaper, a shadow that strikes when least expected, dragging souls to the deepest depths of hell. Darkness has always been a comfort, a cold and familiar friend. Everyone I’ve ever loved has been torn from me, leaving me behind with only fury and the thirst for vengeance. I became relentless. Brutal. Untouchable. Feared in the world meant to be dominated by men.
Then he walked into the coffee bold, confident, a light in the darkest of nightmares. I knew, at that moment, he would be everything to me. He would be the light to guide me to the stars in the darkest of nights.
But what if our love, so forbidden, so fragile, isn’t enough? Our world is the polar opposite, and we were never meant to actually be something. What if the turn of events forces him to choose between me and everything that is right.
What if fate rips him away, too? What if I’m left alone...
Alaric
My world is made of shadows, murder scenes, whispered threats, and long nights chasing the monsters that haunt our streets. I’ve made a career out of catching killers, and I’ve never failed. Until now. This one’s different. He’s careful. Cold. Always two steps ahead. Every time I think I have him, he slips through my fingers like smoke. But in the middle of the chaos, there’s her.
The woman with striking green eyes and a quiet presence. She sits in the corner of the café, sipping her coffee and disappearing into her book. Never looking my way. And yet I can’t stop watching her. Wanting her.
When I finally get close enough to know her name, claim her as mine, fall absolutely head over heels for her, she does the unthinkable. Secrets surface and suddenly, the woman I thought I knew is the very type of criminal I seek to take down. She may not be the one that had me running in circles, but she's forbidden. I'm caught between my heart and my career.
But I’ve already decided, this world could burn to ash before I let her go.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 16, 2026
19 people are currently reading
32 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 28, 2026
If morally gray obsession is your love language, you need this.
I ate this up!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An FBI agent. A mafia queen. Two morally gray souls who cannot stay away from each other.
Celeste is calculated, lethal, and fiercely protective. Alaric is dominant, controlled, and just as morally complicated. The chemistry between them is instant and impossible to ignore.
“I will go to the end of the world for you, Celeste. I will work with the devil if it means that I keep you forever.” 🥵
This is pure burn the world down energy. 🔥
Available March 16, 2026.
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Mafia x FBI
❤️🔥 Instant attraction/obsession
🖤 Dominant MMC
🖤 Strong FMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alaric one minute could be a big tough guy and the next he was melting for Celeste 😍. I liked the twist and turns and plot of this book. One minute I had chapters left and the next it's telling me I was at the end of the book 😭. Would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
B.L. Swern has written an FMC that I would immediately want to become friends with! On top of that, the books’s storyline and romance had me hooked from page one. “Father, For I have Sinned” is a fast paced, intriguing, wonderful dark romance.
I typically talk about the characters first, but I am starting this one with the storyline because I enjoyed it so much. As we know, Alaric is a special agent for the FBI. The main case in this book is for a murdered nicknamed the Jawbreaker. This evil man is terrorizing woman working in a certain field and making them repent their sins. Alaric is the head detective on the case and is determined to rid this evil from the world. So, throughout the book we follow this case; which to me was very interesting. What made it even more interesting is was how things tied back to Celeste. Now, I won’t say more on that to avoid spoilers, but it is something I love and helped everything feel so well rounded.
So, as previously stated, Celeste is THAT woman. I knew I would like her from the beginning, but when she made high ranking military officers look like children, I fell in love. Celeste can be a complete badass, but also has a heart of gold when it comes to those she considers family. If you’re on her good side, you have her and an entire mafia that will protect you. Celeste had life thrown at her hard and fast, she took it with her head held high and a knife in her hand. She is feared among most, but to Alaric, she is the goddess whose feet he will worship at. It was beautiful to see this powerful woman be able to give up control and be vulnerable with Alaric. Together, they were a beautiful couple.
From the start, we see Alaric as this good man with intense motives. As we learn more about him, we see that he has his darkness too. One of my favorite things throughout this book was to watch his demons take over when it came to Celeste, both in the bedroom and in protecting her. I love Alaric’s utter obsession with Celeste, he had his eyes set on her and will not let her leave his side. He would literally hunt her across the world to be with her.
Overall, I recommend this book for the dark romance lovers! It has an interesting storyline, hot romance, amazing side characters, great character development, and so much more.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
6.1% of the pages contain spicy content
19.5% of the chapters contain spicy content
I typically talk about the characters first, but I am starting this one with the storyline because I enjoyed it so much. As we know, Alaric is a special agent for the FBI. The main case in this book is for a murdered nicknamed the Jawbreaker. This evil man is terrorizing woman working in a certain field and making them repent their sins. Alaric is the head detective on the case and is determined to rid this evil from the world. So, throughout the book we follow this case; which to me was very interesting. What made it even more interesting is was how things tied back to Celeste. Now, I won’t say more on that to avoid spoilers, but it is something I love and helped everything feel so well rounded.
So, as previously stated, Celeste is THAT woman. I knew I would like her from the beginning, but when she made high ranking military officers look like children, I fell in love. Celeste can be a complete badass, but also has a heart of gold when it comes to those she considers family. If you’re on her good side, you have her and an entire mafia that will protect you. Celeste had life thrown at her hard and fast, she took it with her head held high and a knife in her hand. She is feared among most, but to Alaric, she is the goddess whose feet he will worship at. It was beautiful to see this powerful woman be able to give up control and be vulnerable with Alaric. Together, they were a beautiful couple.
From the start, we see Alaric as this good man with intense motives. As we learn more about him, we see that he has his darkness too. One of my favorite things throughout this book was to watch his demons take over when it came to Celeste, both in the bedroom and in protecting her. I love Alaric’s utter obsession with Celeste, he had his eyes set on her and will not let her leave his side. He would literally hunt her across the world to be with her.
Overall, I recommend this book for the dark romance lovers! It has an interesting storyline, hot romance, amazing side characters, great character development, and so much more.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
6.1% of the pages contain spicy content
19.5% of the chapters contain spicy content
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Father, For I Have Sinned by B.L. Swern is dark, addictive, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. This book grabbed me by the throat from the very first chapter and refused to let go.
Celeste is not your typical heroine. She is feared. Calculated. Ruthless. A woman who has survived unimaginable loss and turned herself into something sharp enough to survive in a world built to break her. The way her pain fuels her vengeance makes her both terrifying and heartbreakingly human. You understand her. You ache for her. And somehow you still root for her even when you probably should not.
Then there is Alaric. A man who lives in the gray, chasing monsters for a living while unknowingly falling in love with one. His internal conflict absolutely wrecked me. He is disciplined and morally driven, yet completely undone by the quiet woman in the corner of a café. Watching him fall so deeply, so sincerely, only to have the truth rip the ground out from under him was brutal in the best way.
The chemistry between them is electric but it is more than just attraction. It is longing. It is inevitability. It is two souls on opposite sides of a war colliding in a way that feels both forbidden and destined. Every scene between them carries tension, vulnerability, and this constant pulse of danger humming beneath the surface.
What makes this story unforgettable is the emotional weight. It is not just about good versus evil. It is about grief, survival, and what happens when love grows in the middle of chaos. The stakes are sky high. The secrets cut deep. And the question of whether love can survive when everything else is built to tear it apart keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
B.L. Swern delivers a romance that is dark, passionate, and morally complex. If you love forbidden love, morally gray characters, cat and mouse tension, and a hero willing to let the world burn for the woman he loves, this book needs to be on your radar immediately.
Father, For I Have Sinned by B.L. Swern is dark, addictive, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. This book grabbed me by the throat from the very first chapter and refused to let go.
Celeste is not your typical heroine. She is feared. Calculated. Ruthless. A woman who has survived unimaginable loss and turned herself into something sharp enough to survive in a world built to break her. The way her pain fuels her vengeance makes her both terrifying and heartbreakingly human. You understand her. You ache for her. And somehow you still root for her even when you probably should not.
Then there is Alaric. A man who lives in the gray, chasing monsters for a living while unknowingly falling in love with one. His internal conflict absolutely wrecked me. He is disciplined and morally driven, yet completely undone by the quiet woman in the corner of a café. Watching him fall so deeply, so sincerely, only to have the truth rip the ground out from under him was brutal in the best way.
The chemistry between them is electric but it is more than just attraction. It is longing. It is inevitability. It is two souls on opposite sides of a war colliding in a way that feels both forbidden and destined. Every scene between them carries tension, vulnerability, and this constant pulse of danger humming beneath the surface.
What makes this story unforgettable is the emotional weight. It is not just about good versus evil. It is about grief, survival, and what happens when love grows in the middle of chaos. The stakes are sky high. The secrets cut deep. And the question of whether love can survive when everything else is built to tear it apart keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
B.L. Swern delivers a romance that is dark, passionate, and morally complex. If you love forbidden love, morally gray characters, cat and mouse tension, and a hero willing to let the world burn for the woman he loves, this book needs to be on your radar immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured Father, For I Have Sinned by B. L. Swern.
From the very first chapter, this story sinks its claws into you and refuses to let go. It’s dark, gritty, emotionally intense, and dangerously addictive in the way only the best dark mafia romances are.
Celeste is the kind of FMC that completely commands the page. As the Reaper, she is ruthless, calculating, and feared in a world ruled by men, but beneath that brutal exterior is a woman forged by loss, grief, and an unrelenting thirst for vengeance. She isn’t just powerful; she’s complex, layered, and impossible not to root for.
Then there’s Alaric, an FBI agent whose life revolves around hunting monsters… only to find himself falling for one. Alaric is a true I will burn the world down for her MMC.
The true crime elements and investigation plotline add so much depth to the story. Every chapter pulls you deeper into a web of secrets, danger, and moral conflict. Just when you think you understand where things are going, the story tightens the knot even further.
And the chemistry? Absolutely undeniable.
The romance is forbidden, intense, and emotionally charged. The spice is perfectly placed and amplifies the tension rather than overshadowing the story. It feels raw, consuming, and completely in line with the characters and their dangerous world.
What truly makes this book stand out is how immersive it is. The writing pulls you into the shadows of Celeste’s world and the relentless pursuit that defines Alaric’s. It’s dark, emotional, and addictive in a way that makes it impossible to put down.
By the end, I was left completely obsessed with these characters and the journey they took me on.
If you love dark mafia romance with powerful heroines, forbidden love, morally gray tension, and high-stakes danger, this book absolutely delivers.
From the very first chapter, this story sinks its claws into you and refuses to let go. It’s dark, gritty, emotionally intense, and dangerously addictive in the way only the best dark mafia romances are.
Celeste is the kind of FMC that completely commands the page. As the Reaper, she is ruthless, calculating, and feared in a world ruled by men, but beneath that brutal exterior is a woman forged by loss, grief, and an unrelenting thirst for vengeance. She isn’t just powerful; she’s complex, layered, and impossible not to root for.
Then there’s Alaric, an FBI agent whose life revolves around hunting monsters… only to find himself falling for one. Alaric is a true I will burn the world down for her MMC.
The true crime elements and investigation plotline add so much depth to the story. Every chapter pulls you deeper into a web of secrets, danger, and moral conflict. Just when you think you understand where things are going, the story tightens the knot even further.
And the chemistry? Absolutely undeniable.
The romance is forbidden, intense, and emotionally charged. The spice is perfectly placed and amplifies the tension rather than overshadowing the story. It feels raw, consuming, and completely in line with the characters and their dangerous world.
What truly makes this book stand out is how immersive it is. The writing pulls you into the shadows of Celeste’s world and the relentless pursuit that defines Alaric’s. It’s dark, emotional, and addictive in a way that makes it impossible to put down.
By the end, I was left completely obsessed with these characters and the journey they took me on.
If you love dark mafia romance with powerful heroines, forbidden love, morally gray tension, and high-stakes danger, this book absolutely delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced copy received from the author:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶 (3/5 spice)
Forgive me, because I devoured this in one sitting.
Father, For I Have Sinned by B.L. Swern is dark, addictive, and wrapped in the kind of forbidden tension that makes you feel like you should be looking over your shoulder while reading it.
This book thrives on angst and emotional intensity. The chemistry? Immediate. Charged. The kind that hums under every interaction like a live wire. The push and pull between the main characters had me gripping my Kindle like it personally offended me.
What I loved most was the emotional depth layered beneath the taboo themes. It is not just shock value. There is vulnerability, inner conflict, and a steady unraveling that makes the relationship feel consuming rather than surface-level scandal.
The spice sits at a solid 3 out of 5. It is steamy and satisfying, but the real star is the tension. Every almost-touch, every lingering look, every whispered word carries weight. It is less about explicit overload and more about slow, deliberate temptation.
If you love:
• Forbidden romance
• Moral gray conflict
• Intense emotional connection
• A story that feels slightly dangerous
This one will absolutely hit.
Five stars because it delivered exactly what it promised and kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I closed the book and just stared at the wall for a minute.
And honestly? Worth the sin. 📖🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶 (3/5 spice)
Forgive me, because I devoured this in one sitting.
Father, For I Have Sinned by B.L. Swern is dark, addictive, and wrapped in the kind of forbidden tension that makes you feel like you should be looking over your shoulder while reading it.
This book thrives on angst and emotional intensity. The chemistry? Immediate. Charged. The kind that hums under every interaction like a live wire. The push and pull between the main characters had me gripping my Kindle like it personally offended me.
What I loved most was the emotional depth layered beneath the taboo themes. It is not just shock value. There is vulnerability, inner conflict, and a steady unraveling that makes the relationship feel consuming rather than surface-level scandal.
The spice sits at a solid 3 out of 5. It is steamy and satisfying, but the real star is the tension. Every almost-touch, every lingering look, every whispered word carries weight. It is less about explicit overload and more about slow, deliberate temptation.
If you love:
• Forbidden romance
• Moral gray conflict
• Intense emotional connection
• A story that feels slightly dangerous
This one will absolutely hit.
Five stars because it delivered exactly what it promised and kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I closed the book and just stared at the wall for a minute.
And honestly? Worth the sin. 📖🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book from beginning to end. There was so much going on it kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Celeste is now the head of the Italian mafia after the passing of her father. I know what you are thinking...a female in a male dominated world. But have no fear, Celeste was born for this role. She is a bad ass who doesn't take kindly to those who doubt her. She also has a secret soft spot for those closest to her but she will never admit it. She is thrown into this world, forced to not only deal with the other rival organizations but a step family undermining her every chance they can. As if her world wasn't complicated enough...in comes Alaric.
Alaric is an ex Navy Seal now FBI agent who is career focused and driven. Since joining the FBI he has made a name for himself solving some of the most difficult cases. He meets his match when the "Jawbreaker" case comes across his desk. Running out of time, leads and patience...he doubts they will every get a break when he crosses path with Celeste and everything changes.
If you love a book with suspense, morally grey characters, secret desires and kinks, steamy/spicy scenes, murder, emotional turmoil and more...this is definitely the book for you.
Celeste is now the head of the Italian mafia after the passing of her father. I know what you are thinking...a female in a male dominated world. But have no fear, Celeste was born for this role. She is a bad ass who doesn't take kindly to those who doubt her. She also has a secret soft spot for those closest to her but she will never admit it. She is thrown into this world, forced to not only deal with the other rival organizations but a step family undermining her every chance they can. As if her world wasn't complicated enough...in comes Alaric.
Alaric is an ex Navy Seal now FBI agent who is career focused and driven. Since joining the FBI he has made a name for himself solving some of the most difficult cases. He meets his match when the "Jawbreaker" case comes across his desk. Running out of time, leads and patience...he doubts they will every get a break when he crosses path with Celeste and everything changes.
If you love a book with suspense, morally grey characters, secret desires and kinks, steamy/spicy scenes, murder, emotional turmoil and more...this is definitely the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My first ever book by B.L Swern and boy did it take me for a ride. I devoured this book. This book is filled with darkness, vulnerability and drama but worth the read. Celeste was one bad bitch. She the heir to the most deadly Mafia around. She well respected and will do whatever to protect the people she cares about. After he father death she starts questioning what happened. Will she be able to figure it out before something terrible happens.
Then you have Alaric the fbi agent who falls heads over heels for the badass Celeste. His work was everything to him until he meets the beautiful deadly Celeste. Along with their love story unraveling there’s a serial killer on the loosing targeting woman who he thinks has sinned. Can Alaric finds him before he sets his sites on Celeste.
I loved everything about this book. The plot twist had me an emotional wreck. How can one person endure that much pain. This book is steamy and will have you hyped up.
What happens when the one man who owns Celeste heart finds out she the mafia queen. Will he choose her or his love for his job. Guess you will have to read it to find out. Please check your trigger warnings as this book hits some dark triggers. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Then you have Alaric the fbi agent who falls heads over heels for the badass Celeste. His work was everything to him until he meets the beautiful deadly Celeste. Along with their love story unraveling there’s a serial killer on the loosing targeting woman who he thinks has sinned. Can Alaric finds him before he sets his sites on Celeste.
I loved everything about this book. The plot twist had me an emotional wreck. How can one person endure that much pain. This book is steamy and will have you hyped up.
What happens when the one man who owns Celeste heart finds out she the mafia queen. Will he choose her or his love for his job. Guess you will have to read it to find out. Please check your trigger warnings as this book hits some dark triggers. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good.. So much happened but it kept me hooked. I was not expecting who was involved in the Kidnapping and Stealings of drops. But the ending me so happy.
Celeste is one bad chick. She was done wrong and made sure everyone got what they deserved. She was the Mafia Heir, respected by all. But she also has a soft spot for those she loves and cares about. What she went through during this book made me love her. She is one tough queen who doesn’t let anyone get in the way. She will protect those who matter to her even if it means her life ending.
Alaric……Now he is a delicious man candy. A FBI agent that is married to his work. Until he meets Celeste than everything changes. Who knew that man was obsessive, possessive, and Dominant. My book boyfriend list just got one extra man and he is close to the top. I love how he loves and how serious he takes his job.
This will be one book that I will remember. I was happy, I yelled at Celeste a few times and at Alaric. But I also felt sad for what they each go through.
Celeste is one bad chick. She was done wrong and made sure everyone got what they deserved. She was the Mafia Heir, respected by all. But she also has a soft spot for those she loves and cares about. What she went through during this book made me love her. She is one tough queen who doesn’t let anyone get in the way. She will protect those who matter to her even if it means her life ending.
Alaric……Now he is a delicious man candy. A FBI agent that is married to his work. Until he meets Celeste than everything changes. Who knew that man was obsessive, possessive, and Dominant. My book boyfriend list just got one extra man and he is close to the top. I love how he loves and how serious he takes his job.
This will be one book that I will remember. I was happy, I yelled at Celeste a few times and at Alaric. But I also felt sad for what they each go through.
February 26, 2026
****ARC REVIEW****
B.L. Swern really has done it again!! Father, I Have Sinned was sooo good. The chemistry between these MC’s is really off the charts.
Celeste is an absolute badass stepping in as head of the Italian Mafia and every time someone questions her she basically hits them with an “ok, bet.” Watching a woman in power prove men wrong never gets old!
And then there’s Alaric a military turned FBI and very much the walking definition of “yummy” & “yes, daddy”. He knows exactly what he wants, partner warnings be damned. Once he’s locked in on Celeste? It’s game over. He’s just down bad ❤️
Their loyalty to the people they love has them making some wild choices but that’s exactly what makes them balance each other out. Crime vs law / chaos vs order, then add in mafia drama, serial killer, forbidden tension, and some very spicy moments 👀 🥵🔥and you’ve got a book that’s basically impossible to put down.
Highly recommend if you like your romance with danger, drama, and a side of “this could go horribly wrong.”
B.L. Swern really has done it again!! Father, I Have Sinned was sooo good. The chemistry between these MC’s is really off the charts.
Celeste is an absolute badass stepping in as head of the Italian Mafia and every time someone questions her she basically hits them with an “ok, bet.” Watching a woman in power prove men wrong never gets old!
And then there’s Alaric a military turned FBI and very much the walking definition of “yummy” & “yes, daddy”. He knows exactly what he wants, partner warnings be damned. Once he’s locked in on Celeste? It’s game over. He’s just down bad ❤️
Their loyalty to the people they love has them making some wild choices but that’s exactly what makes them balance each other out. Crime vs law / chaos vs order, then add in mafia drama, serial killer, forbidden tension, and some very spicy moments 👀 🥵🔥and you’ve got a book that’s basically impossible to put down.
Highly recommend if you like your romance with danger, drama, and a side of “this could go horribly wrong.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything about this book completely pulled me in. The two main characters are morally gray in the best way. Celeste is an absolute force, confident, ruthless when she needs to be, and completely unapologetic about how she handles things. She takes care of business without worrying about anyone’s approval. Alaric, on the other hand, is a total cinnamon roll at heart but don’t let that fool you. The moment there’s a threat to Celeste, he wouldn’t hesitate to step in. What I love most, though, is that Celeste doesn’t need saving. She can handle herself just fine. Both characters carry dark, hidden pieces of themselves, and those shadows complement each other beautifully. The story is filled with drama, tension, and emotional depth. You can feel the pain, the sorrow, and the fierce devotion woven through every page. It delivers everything I look for in a dark romance intensity, complexity, and characters who aren’t afraid to embrace their darkness. I’m already excited to see what this author does next, especially with some of the other characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Father, For I Have Sinned
I got my hands on a copy and I'm obsessed! B.L Swern's new dark romance has it all - mafia queens, FBI agents, and a dash of coffee. Celeste, aka The Reaper, is on a mission to take down those who wronged her family. With her step family, rival mafia, and the FBI against her, she's got her work cut out. When she meets Alaric at a coffee shop, it's chaos. Literally. Coffee everywhere. But amidst the chaos, a killer's on the loose, targeting women he thinks are demons. As Celeste navigates her role and tries to protect her assets, she gets close to Alaric. But can their relationship survive their opposing worlds? 5/5 Stars ⭐️
🔪 FBI Agent X Mafia Queen
🔪 Spicy scenes with a special room
🔪 Dark Romance
🔪 Burn the world down
I got my hands on a copy and I'm obsessed! B.L Swern's new dark romance has it all - mafia queens, FBI agents, and a dash of coffee. Celeste, aka The Reaper, is on a mission to take down those who wronged her family. With her step family, rival mafia, and the FBI against her, she's got her work cut out. When she meets Alaric at a coffee shop, it's chaos. Literally. Coffee everywhere. But amidst the chaos, a killer's on the loose, targeting women he thinks are demons. As Celeste navigates her role and tries to protect her assets, she gets close to Alaric. But can their relationship survive their opposing worlds? 5/5 Stars ⭐️
🔪 FBI Agent X Mafia Queen
🔪 Spicy scenes with a special room
🔪 Dark Romance
🔪 Burn the world down
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y'ALL! 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I was lucky enough to get my hands on this for an ARC read and let me tell you, this did not disappoint!
Celeste is one badass FMC, she's the heiress to her fathers mafia empire and when the role is suddenly thrown her way she feels the role and than some... somewhere alone the way she literally runs into Alaric who happens to be an FBI agent with secrets himself and the chemistry between them is instant. with the odds stacked between them due to there lines of work with they be able to come out on top or with they destroy each other?! this book is set to release march 16th, 2026.
If you love
•Forbidden Romance
•Moral Gray Conflict
•A Story that feels dangerous
this is for you! I could not put this book down you will not be disappointed!
Celeste is one badass FMC, she's the heiress to her fathers mafia empire and when the role is suddenly thrown her way she feels the role and than some... somewhere alone the way she literally runs into Alaric who happens to be an FBI agent with secrets himself and the chemistry between them is instant. with the odds stacked between them due to there lines of work with they be able to come out on top or with they destroy each other?! this book is set to release march 16th, 2026.
If you love
•Forbidden Romance
•Moral Gray Conflict
•A Story that feels dangerous
this is for you! I could not put this book down you will not be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally... a Mafia romance where SHE is the one in charge. 🤌🔥
I just finished Father, For I Have Sinned by B.L. Swern and honestly? I’m obsessed. I’ve read my fair share of Mafia romances, but seeing a woman—Celeste—as the head of the Italian Mafia was the change of pace I didn’t know I needed. Watching her take over after her father and be "The Reaper" was so badass.
Then you have Alaric, our FBI agent MMC. He’s military-trained with a dark past—basically a golden retriever with a very kinky side (the rope work, special room and the aftercare... whew!). It’s giving major Queen of the South vibes but with way more spice and some wild thriller twists.
There’s gore, kidnapping, and total possession. It ends perfectly with no cliffhanger. Honestly, I didn't want it to end!
I just finished Father, For I Have Sinned by B.L. Swern and honestly? I’m obsessed. I’ve read my fair share of Mafia romances, but seeing a woman—Celeste—as the head of the Italian Mafia was the change of pace I didn’t know I needed. Watching her take over after her father and be "The Reaper" was so badass.
Then you have Alaric, our FBI agent MMC. He’s military-trained with a dark past—basically a golden retriever with a very kinky side (the rope work, special room and the aftercare... whew!). It’s giving major Queen of the South vibes but with way more spice and some wild thriller twists.
There’s gore, kidnapping, and total possession. It ends perfectly with no cliffhanger. Honestly, I didn't want it to end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A serial killer known as The Jawbreaker is terrorizing the city, targeting prostitutes and forcing them to “repent for their sins.” As fear spreads through the nightlife, the bodies keep piling up.
Alaric, an FBI agent determined to stop the killer, is on a relentless mission to track him down and end the murders before another woman is taken.
But he isn’t the only one hunting the Jawbreaker.
Celeste, a mafia heiress and owner of the city’s most popular strip club, refuses to let another one of her girls die. Moving through the shadows as The Reaper, she is determined to protect her people and end the killer’s reign herself.
Highly recommended for fans of dark romance and gritty crime thrillers.
Alaric, an FBI agent determined to stop the killer, is on a relentless mission to track him down and end the murders before another woman is taken.
But he isn’t the only one hunting the Jawbreaker.
Celeste, a mafia heiress and owner of the city’s most popular strip club, refuses to let another one of her girls die. Moving through the shadows as The Reaper, she is determined to protect her people and end the killer’s reign herself.
Highly recommended for fans of dark romance and gritty crime thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One more chapter at 1am?
B.L Swern has a way of writing that captures and holds your attention from chapter one in her books! I found myself staying up late to find out what happened next and thinking about it while at work wishing I was reading instead.
The characters forever have a place in my mind. B delivered on her characters Holy smokes! certain scenes are burned in my mind 🔥🔥
This book is dark, intense, emotional, gasp worthy, and will have you thinking WTF did I just read!
Highly recommend checking the triggers warnings for sensitive readers, but if you're badass b**** I recommend this for you ❤️🔥❤️🔥
B.L Swern has a way of writing that captures and holds your attention from chapter one in her books! I found myself staying up late to find out what happened next and thinking about it while at work wishing I was reading instead.
The characters forever have a place in my mind. B delivered on her characters Holy smokes! certain scenes are burned in my mind 🔥🔥
This book is dark, intense, emotional, gasp worthy, and will have you thinking WTF did I just read!
Highly recommend checking the triggers warnings for sensitive readers, but if you're badass b**** I recommend this for you ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
absolutely ate this book up! from the dedication i was hooked! and Celeste is my absolute favorite fmc ever! the way this girl takes care of business and doesn't care what anyone thinks! I love her so much! and Alaric is such a cinnamon roll but would not hesitate to 💀💀 anyone that is a threat to her! the way Celeste takes care of her own is wow! she literally thinks of everyone before herself. and both of them together is absolutely fantastic! they were made for each other! this book is just non stop and I could not put it down! BL Swern has done it again! another story that really puts you on your feels! 1000% recommend! you don't want to miss out on this beautiful story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book! The writing was captivating from start to finish — it flowed effortlessly and pulled me in right away. The chemistry was intense, and the spice was perfectly done without overpowering the story. Just the right amount of heat while still allowing the plot and character development to shine.
Honestly, if it weren’t for sleep and work getting in the way, I would have finished this book in a single day. It was that hard to put down! Highly recommend for anyone who loves an extra spicy book with an unforgettable female main character!
Celest is a real bada** and one of my favorite charterers ever!
Honestly, if it weren’t for sleep and work getting in the way, I would have finished this book in a single day. It was that hard to put down! Highly recommend for anyone who loves an extra spicy book with an unforgettable female main character!
Celest is a real bada** and one of my favorite charterers ever!
March 3, 2026
(Received as an ARC, does not influence my opinion)
Welp, once again I have fallen in love with fictional characters. Normally it is just fictional men, but I gotta include my girl Celeste in that statement because that girl was bad as$! Honestly this author always makes me laugh at most random times in books and I am here for it. I am constantly intrigued by her ideas and this book is no different! Full of cutthroat morally grey women, men who would burn the world down for their queen AND a heavy dose of suspense. Need your next steamy mafia/thriller romance? You wont want to miss this one. Especially a hot dom 🥵
Welp, once again I have fallen in love with fictional characters. Normally it is just fictional men, but I gotta include my girl Celeste in that statement because that girl was bad as$! Honestly this author always makes me laugh at most random times in books and I am here for it. I am constantly intrigued by her ideas and this book is no different! Full of cutthroat morally grey women, men who would burn the world down for their queen AND a heavy dose of suspense. Need your next steamy mafia/thriller romance? You wont want to miss this one. Especially a hot dom 🥵
February 26, 2026
This is not the first book I have read by BL Swern but man it is my absolute favorite of hers ! Everything about this book sucked me in and I didn’t want to stop reading it for a second. The main characters are both top tier badass and full of the best kind of energy. They have dark hidden parts that compliments one another perfectly. There is darkness and drama that fills through the pages. Feeling the emotion throughout the pain and sorrow as well as the fierceness is everything I love in a dark romance. I can’t wait to see what work she gives us with some of the other characters !
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ma’am Celeste was the definitely of badass mafia boss!! The reaper was someone not to mess with! And Alaric, how much he just head over heels lived Celeste just yessssss they were so good together and the way she protected the other women when getting taken I just loved her so much. I didn’t want their story to end! I need more of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Devoured this book!
The storyline is fantastic!
Fast paced, fascinating, dark romance.
Kept me wanting more.
Both Celeste & Alaric are morally gray!
Their chemistry is electric!
Such a page turner!
FBI agent - Mafia queen…say no more!
“You look so damn sexy coming undone for me. Be a good girl and come all over my face. Use me. Ride me,”
The storyline is fantastic!
Fast paced, fascinating, dark romance.
Kept me wanting more.
Both Celeste & Alaric are morally gray!
Their chemistry is electric!
Such a page turner!
FBI agent - Mafia queen…say no more!
“You look so damn sexy coming undone for me. Be a good girl and come all over my face. Use me. Ride me,”
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews