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Mirrored: A Dark, High-Heat Strangers-to-Lovers Romance

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Secrets make him rich.
Her choice makes him lethal.

Alex thinks she’s getting into an ordinary rideshare on a rain-soaked night in London.
She isn’t.
Luka is no ordinary driver. He notices too much. Listens when no one’s watching. And the moment Alex slides into his back seat, he clocks her as a target—and then can’t disengage.
Alex is a high-powered American marketing executive on a six-week assignment. She’s driven, successful, and wears corporate discipline like armor. Luka is the man who shows her exactly how thin that discipline really is.
What begins as a charged encounter between strangers spirals into a dangerous intimacy built on consent, control, and carefully negotiated surrender. Luka introduces Alex to pleasures she’s never allowed herself to want. Alex, in turn, earns something far rarer—his trust.
But when a night meant to stay private goes public, Alex draws the attention of a man who doesn’t understand the word no. And she learns just how dangerous Luka can be.
He doesn’t protect.
He dismantles. Quietly. Permanently.
Say the word, and he’ll burn it all down.

A dark, high-heat strangers-to-lovers romance where power is negotiated, trust is earned, and desire is anything but safe.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

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N. Theiss

2 books8 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
125 reviews91 followers
May 10, 2026
5/5 ⭐️

Mirrored by N. Theiss was a great read. It follows Alex, who is on assignment in London for six weeks and works in corporate marketing. Upon arriving in London from Atlanta she meets Luka, her ride share driver and they embark on a short whirlwind affair. Alex unfortunately becomes a victim of the patriarchy and encounters some workplace troubles. Her and Luka navigate from there.

This was my first read by this author, and I loved the detailed and descriptive writing. I got really caught up in everything. It was an interesting idea that prompted the writing of this book, as was mentioned in the beginning. If I had to nitpick, I would have wanted Luka to be a bit more forward with his feelings. I also don’t normally read one person POV, as opposed to two person POV, and I didn’t mind it! There’s a bonus chapter from Lukas’ POV which I’ll be reading next.

Thank you N. Theiss and Grey’s Promotions for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

#Mirrored #NTheiss #GreysPromotions #ARC
Profile Image for Isla Lawrence.
118 reviews
April 25, 2026

N.Theiss knows how to take typical structure for a romance novel and throw it out the window. When I read her books I never know what the next step is. I was so intrigued from the first page.

I really enjoyed the dynamic and relationship between Luka and Alex. I was obsessed with Luka’s intensity and Alex’s willingness to just trust this total stranger and do anything he said.

I do wish the book was longer or was more succinct. The storyline was big and the book was short so either simplifying the storyline and not tackling such a massive issue OR making it a longer book/ a duet would’ve made this 5 stars. I felt like there was so much depth created and I was ready for so much and then I looked at there were only 20 pages left and I wasn’t sure how they were going to wrap it up and the ending did feel quite rushed. I would love to see more about Luka and Alex and really get to know their ins and outs and learn more and Luka’s origin story as the small peak we got was so amazing.

Overall though I did enjoy the book for what it was and Luka’s possessiveness and protectiveness did create some butterflies.

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you To Grey’s Promotions for this e-ARC copy
Profile Image for steps m.
65 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2026
First and foremost, I want to say thank you to greys promotions for sending me the arc of this book, and thank you to Nadine Theiss for writing this gem!!!!

This book is fast paced, sexy, dark and intense in all of the best ways. First off, their meeting was everything, and the dedication ….. 👀👀👀
………..ANYWAY. 😭
Luka (the MMC) was the perfect sexy broody man with all the secrets and intensity without being cringe in the way that some dark contemporary romance book characters can be. I’ve seen in lots of books how easy it is to completely swing over the line of brooding to making the reader just outright uncomfortable. The second-hand embarrassment is real. I am happy to report there was no instances of this during my read!! I liked the trickles of BDSM without it being the outright main plot, and I love that he was her cab driver and they just happened to meet. (Wink wink)
Alex was a strong FMC without going into the frustrating “I refuse to accept any help even when it’s what’s best for me” territory which I also greatly appreciated. The way she handled the situation felt like the right thing for her character to do, and i loved every second of her figuring out how to stand up for herself. And Luka opening up!!! That man gave all the sociopathic vibes of learning what it means when you’re into someone in ALLLL THE BEST WAYSSS!!! So. Good.

“I’m not signing a damn thing.”

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH GIRL!!!!! I motherfucking CHEERED at that part.

This book is somehow a win for feminism while also making me side eye it (the way this man treated her…. iykyk)

Anyways. This book was so solid. If there’s any critiques I could give it is really I could’ve used maybe 100 more pages of them getting to know each other for a bit more time before the main problem happened. But again, this was fast paced and for those of you who enjoy getting to the point quickly, you’ll LOVE this.

Loved it, couldn’t put it down once I started it, the writing is beautiful and torturous and somehow made me chuckle and want to smash my kindle all at once. 4.5 stars. Just add it to your TBR & trust the process. It gave me all the vibes of a thriller mystery book without the agonizingly slow payoff. Love love looooove this!!!!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
64 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2026
Mirrored by N. Theiss
⭐️ 4.5/5 Stars

Thank you to N. Theiss and Grey's Promotions for the ARC read!

Alex is in England on a business trip from Atlanta, Georgia, when a simple rideshare unexpectedly changes everything. Enter Luka — mysterious, observant, and definitely far more intriguing than your average driver. Most passengers ignore him in favor of their phones, but Alex is different. Their chemistry is immediate, and their conversation quickly drifts into deeper, more intimate territory, with BDSM lingering beneath the surface from the very beginning.

When Luka later texts Alex about a “forgotten scarf” she knows was never hers, it becomes the start of a whirlwind romance neither of them saw coming. What unfolds is passionate, obsessive, and surprisingly balanced between the two characters. Their connection develops naturally, with both falling at the same pace instead of one chasing while the other resists — something I really appreciated.

Of course, things can never stay simple. Once Alex’s new boss catches wind of her personal life, she’s forced to deal with harassment and a truly disgusting man who threatens both her comfort and her career. Amid the tension, Alex and Luka have to decide whether something that started out of nowhere can survive the chaos surrounding them.

I really loved the relationship between Luka and Alex. Alex is confident, strong-willed, and unapologetic about what she wants, which made her such a refreshing FMC to read. Luka carries a dark and mysterious past, but Alex manages to soften parts of him without changing who he is. Their dynamic felt equal, intense, and emotionally satisfying.

What made this stand out to me from other dark romances was the lack of unnecessary miscommunication and drawn-out heartbreak. The conflict came from outside obstacles rather than the couple constantly hurting each other, and honestly, that made the romance feel even stronger. If you enjoy dark romance with obsessive devotion, emotional balance between the leads, and chemistry that builds fast without feeling forced, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for 🖤 alyssa 🩶.
110 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2026
Mirrored was a really gripping, interesting, dark and spicy read that I loved ❤️ The plot was engaging, had yummy spice, some twists thrown in, and also had good character development! Their story was well written; I enjoyed the writing style a lot, how descriptive everything was, and how it pulled you in. Alex and Luka had great banter, a very spicy but yet also sweet relationship, and they just really bounced off one another well (😉)

Alex is such a cute and feisty character, and I loved watching her explore the new, darker side to herself 🤍 She’s mature and confident in herself and her work, and she’s really admirable for how she chose to handle the situation with her work that arose, I loved how she didn’t back down or let up in the end too. Her and Luka’s chemistry is immediate, and you can practically feel it coming off the pages! The eye contact, touches, and boundaries pushed were all red hot ❤️‍🔥 It was sweet seeing her get to know, and finally crack, his hard exterior, and just as he would give her what she needed, she was there to give him exactly what he needed 🥹

Luka is dark, protective, and deliiiiicious, and underneath his hard exterior, there’s a softness, hurt and vulnerabilities, and such a caring heart ❤️ His character had a mysterious air to him, and I loved getting to know more about him and his past as they got closer! He is protective of Alex, and likes to take control (in a mouthwatering way 🥵), but he’s always so respectful to her, and makes sure that she’s okay, as well as supports her and her decisions 😌 I also loved how he never made her feel ashamed or uncomfortable for her desires, he instead made her feel seen, and let and helped her explore those feelings 🤍

This was a great read, with a dark and spicy plot that hooked me right from the beginning ❤️ The little twists threw me for loops that kept me interested, and I was itching to know how everything was going to play out! Alex and Luka’s relationship only gets better as they grow closer, I loved their banter and sweet moments, and I loved how their story ended!! 🤍
Profile Image for Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94).
257 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
First, I’d like to thank N. Theiss and greys promotions for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review of Mirrored!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Thoughts:
I am no stranger to this author and have read two different books by her before she announced Mirrored. I was so excited to give this book a read and review as I just had a feeling it was going to be amazing.

Mirrored was everything that I was hoping for. Alex and Luka were the most perfect main characters for many reasons. I loved Alex because she was a strong female character that knew how to do her job and how to do it well. Not only was she one of the best in the company, she also was sent on special trips abroad to help clients. Finding herself in London, Alex didn’t think she would have an awakening that she would experience in this story. Then we meet Luka. A mysterious, attractive man who does ride shares in London. Right away you could feel the confidence oozing off of him. The way he carried himself and how he seemed to get a good read on Alex in order to get under her skin the way he did in this book was incredible.

This book is labeled as high heat and it definitely lived up to that description. The spice and the connection that formed between Alex and Luka was insanely strong and spicy. Luka was the type to know exactly what to do to make Alex break and piece her back together again. Luka drew out a side of Alex that she never thought was possible and I liked the different scenes and environments they were a part of.

I also really liked the “mirrored” aspect to this book. There was stalker activity, creepy bosses and a super protective and tech savvy timeshare driver that will consume every reader that gives this book a chance. I cannot wait for others to witness this book for themselves.
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
934 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2026
Mirrored by N. Theiss is a dark, psychological strangers to lovers romance where a disciplined executive steps into the wrong car and meets a man who becomes both her obsession and her undoing. Alex, is an American marketing executive in London for a six week assignment. Luka is not a rideshare driver. He’s a man who makes his living through information, observation, and quiet removal of problems.

Alex orders a rideshare on a rainy night, she gets into a car she thinks is hers - It isn’t, the driver is Luka. Luka identifies her as a target, not for harm, but because she fascinates him. The conversation they have is charged, unsettling, and intimate in a way neither planned. Alex’s corporate discipline cracks under Luka’s attention. Luka’s emotional detachment fractures under Alex’s honesty. Luka decides he wants more; Alex tries to pretend she doesn’t.

Alex and Luka begin a relationship, and Alex discovers parts of herself she’s never allowed to surface. Luka discovers a softness he didn’t know he could feel. Their dynamic is intense but consensual, structured, and grounded in communication. But a moment meant to stay private is recorded and leaked and Alex becomes the target of a man who doesn’t take no for an answer. When this man fixates on her, Luka sees the threat instantly and Alex realises just how dangerous Luka really is.

Alex and Luca’s journey is not safe, but it’s theirs. What starts as a strangers to lovers turns into so much more and a suspense plot that escalates into real danger. Alex is forced to confront her fear of losing control and must decide whether Luka’s darkness is a deal breaker or a part of him she can accept. Luka chooses Alex not as a target, but as a partner that he would burn the world down for if she asked. It’s not a soft romance, its dark and emotional intense.
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,312 reviews59 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
Mirrored is a tough one to review. I have really enjoyed N. Theiss's other books but to be honest, I wasn't sure this one would be for me. Which truly surprised me. But, since it just felt like a story about two strangers who push each other's buttons, and not much else, I didn't even know if I would continue.

However...as I got more into the story of the mysterious Luka and the newcomer to London, Alex, their unexpected connection became much more intriguing and I was suddenly hooked! Besides their BDSM encounters, they simply get one another like no one else has before them. Add to that, the claims of misconduct Alex's slimy boss is now throwing upon her, and Mirrored became much more than I initially thought.

Luka is definitely an enigma and yet there is something about Alex that changes his dark thoughts. She becomes his perfect companion, taking all he has to offer both in and out of the bedroom, and in turn gains a freedom from him she never thought possible. Breaking through Luka's defenses wasn't easy but in the short time Alex is within his grasp, she somehow seeps into his life as if she was there all along.

Their chemistry is undeniable and Theiss does a great job in showcasing their dom/sub dynamic. But it's the surprising amount of emotion between Luka and Alex that drives this book. Their becoming closer in spirit is what turned this story around for me and I'm glad I held on.

An intense respite between reads, I'm happy to have given this one a go and can't wait for more from this talented writer.

4 solid stars!
Profile Image for Jasmine.
557 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2026
⭐️ 4.75/5
🔥 4.75/5
🌶️ 4.75/5
💧 4.75/5

Mirrored by N. Theiss, provided via Grey’s Promo, is a dark psychological romance that blends tension, control, power dynamics, and emotional intensity into an addictive and immersive reading experience.

This was my first time reading from this author, and it left a strong impression.

The story follows Alex, a strong and grounded FMC, and Luka, a mysterious and deeply compelling MMC whose presence brings a darker, more psychological edge to the story.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the dynamic between the characters. Alex holds her own despite the intensity surrounding Luka, which makes their relationship feel balanced even within the darker elements of the story.

Luka stands out as a morally gray character whose actions and presence add layers of tension and unpredictability. His observant nature and quiet intensity create a strong pull throughout the story.

What I appreciated most was the psychological depth of the book. The story goes beyond surface-level romance and explores control, trust, power, and emotional vulnerability in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, Mirrored is a compelling dark romance filled with psychological tension, strong character dynamics, and emotional intensity that makes it a standout read—especially for readers who enjoy darker, more complex relationship dynamics.
151 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 26, 2026
Mirrored by N. Theiss is a really interesting title for a fantastic book. The title had nothing to do with what I thought; the title was also a hidden surprise. The book had so many elements that kept me enthralled and flipping pages. Initially I thought it was going to be a book focused mainly on rough intimacy. The female character gets intimate right off the bat with her driver when traveling for business. But this book is not that simple. There are several surprise twists and the main characters have a lot more depth to them. Yes, the book has a lot of steamy scenes but what is going on behind those scenes is quite intriguing. Luka is definitely a hot alpha, dominant male. I wasn't sure I could connect with Alex, the female character, at first because she seemed to make quite a few dangerous, dubious choices with Luka in the first few chapters, but you come to realize she is a confident, intelligent female who is just really drawn to Luka. The book is told from the Alex's point of view. Personally, I tend to prefer dual point of view stories, but this worked very well, especially for some of the surprise twists. At the end of the book, there is a link for a chapter from Luka's point of view. This book quite simply draws the reader in. The writing is exceptional. Some parts seemed almost poetic in how beautifully it was written. I was highly impressed.
Profile Image for A.L.Z..
469 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
April 26, 2026
🍾 Luka & Alex

ARC Review

Mirrored by N. Theiss is a New-to-Me-Author. This is a dark romance, be sure to take care of your mental health and check out the Content Warnings List. A lot of different ƙïnƙs are represented. 😏

...love this first impression that Alex has of Luka... ❤️‍🔥

"...What does one even say to a driver who looks like he could crush you or cradle you and you’d thank him either way?"

Verbal foreplay is top-shelf for Alex's first ride! ...aaaaannnnddd the Bottle of Perrier... IYKYK 🥵🔥💋 Chapter 26 - Luka comes for Alex swoon... 🥰 This story had the ṣëx, the intensity, action and twists & turns. I read the bonus scene of Luka's POV that N Theiss offered at the end, loved reading that. Definitely would have enjoyed more of Luka's POV Chapters throughout their story.

...love this...

"In the short time I’d known him, Luka’s hands on me had meant a lot of things: restraint, lust, liberation. But now, in my own bed, his hands—his arms wrapped around me—felt like comfort. Safety. Home." 💗
Profile Image for Augustina Martinez.
124 reviews
May 5, 2026
"Mirrored" is a compelling read that might surprise you. I wasn't sure if this one would match my expectations, and that feeling caught me off guard. At first, it seemed like just a story about two strangers who annoy each other, leaving me unsure about continuing.

Yet, as I immersed myself in the intriguing tale of Luka, the enigmatic character, and Alex, the newcomer to London, I found myself completely captivated! Their unexpected connection transcends mere BDSM encounters; they intuitively understand each other in a way that feels both compelling and unique. The storyline deepens when Alex faces false allegations from her unscrupulous boss, adding layers to "Mirrored" that I hadn’t anticipated.

Luka is a complex character, but Alex brings a light into his dark world. She becomes his perfect match, embracing everything he offers in and out of the bedroom and, in return, discovering a sense of freedom she didn't know was possible. Though breaking through Luka's walls proves challenging, Alex's presence feels like she was meant to be there all along.
Profile Image for ljamison.
1,677 reviews
May 5, 2026
This was a very interesting book. Luka picks up Alex in a ride share, they exchange some pleasantries. He later tells her she left her scarf in his car, she wasn’t wearing a scarf but she meets him. Luka challenges Alex, he pushes her and demands that she comply with him. Alex while attracted to Luka still wants to remain somewhat autonomous from him. But Luka demands her submission and ultimately she concedes. Luka pushes her boundaries and takes her to a no safe word club where anything goes. Alex is truly able to let go and be free but, someone was there watching Alex and now they are wrecking havoc with her life. This book was so deep because Alex didn’t run from Luka when he told her he knew all her personal business, her parent’s names. Alex stayed and what was once a power struggle became a strange relationship. While Alex seemed like a modern woman who was confident and smart and self sufficient, Luka at first appears to be just a weird intrusive stranger. The book has some spicy moments and the evolving relationship between the characters kept the story interesting.
Profile Image for Serena.
163 reviews
April 28, 2026
✨️arc review✨️
4🌟/5

Alex thinks she’s getting into an ordinary rideshare but Luka is no ordinary driver and in the exact moment Alex slides into his backseat he thinks of her as a target.
What begins as a charged encounter between strangers spirals
into a dangerous intimacy but
what’s gonna happen when a night meant to stay private goes public?
What a nice reading this was!
This book was very well written,
fast paced and with a very interesting plot that’s going to keep you
glued to the book until the very last page.
Alex and Luka story was so intensely good i loved them so much, the connection, the chemistry and omg the spice were incredible.
Luka was perfect, a very intense hot broody man full of secrets.
I always love when in books I find a strong FMC and Alex was definitely one of them and seeing her figure out how to stand up for herself was so inspiring.
I highly recommend this book it was truly a great reading!
Profile Image for Olivia Rose.
501 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2026
Oh my goodness did I devour this book within a day! I loved every filthy chapter & don’t get me started on Luka, he screams alpha male & he just knows what Alex needs in & out of the bedroom! Luka is very direct when it comes to going after what he wants, but what he didn’t expect was to be so intrigued by Alex & being exactly what she needed & craved for a long time. Alex always follows the rules & she is excellent at her job so when it lands her in London for 6 weeks, she goes but she what was supposed to be a rideshare turned into so much more. Luka is all about pushing boundaries & giving pleasure, being with Alex really changed him. Better have a fan near you during some of the scenes cause boy does it get HOT. Full on swooned when Luka showed up & was there for her when life felt like it was falling apart, he was her rock when she really needed it & he would do absolutely anything to protect her. Overall I absolutely loved this book & the spice it contained!
Profile Image for Ondina Yáñez.
70 reviews
April 29, 2026
First, thanks to Grey's Promotions for the chance to review and e-ARC of Mirrored.

Honestly, I really didn't know what to expect, because the blurb kept it really vague. However, I think it was for the better. The whole book keeps you on the edge of your seat. The pace and the lenght makes it really easy for the reader to not want to put it down. Some things take their time, while others feel like a sudden rush.

Now, the chemistry between the main characters is just chef's kiss, the mistery and suspense surrounding all of their interactions makes you feel uneasy in the best way. The MMC is hooot, brooding and non-chalant without getting to be cringe. There were times where I doubted everything about him, but he comes through! Don't worry ;) The FMC is really badass, uncompromising and overall, reasonable. She is incredibly independant and resourceful.

If you like really spicy and twists, this novel is for you. No doubt, totally recommend it.
Profile Image for Angela Durand.
89 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mirrored by N. Theiss

Okay this one pulled me in fast 😮‍💨

I didn’t know what to expect going into this, but Alex and Luka??? The chemistry was there immediately. Alex is strong, focused, very put together… and Luka comes in and completely shakes that control in the best way.

Luka is mysterious, confident, and just knows exactly how to read her. The tension between them was so good and the connection built in a way that felt intense but still real. He really brings out a side of her she’s never explored before and I loved watching that unfold.

It definitely lives up to the high heat label 👀 but it’s not just that. There’s suspense, danger, and that protective energy that keeps you hooked. The whole vibe felt a little dark, a little addictive, and hard to put down.

I haven’t read this author before but I’m definitely interested in reading more now 🔥

THANK YOU TO N. Theiss AND GREYS PROMOTIONS FOR THE ARC OPPORTUNITY! 💕
Profile Image for Dominique (The Diary of a Reader).
316 reviews11 followers
May 12, 2026
3.75
Here's what you need to know. Luka didn't work for me in the first half. And listen I love domineering MMCs. I go feral for them. So when I say Luka fell flat, understand it is not the genre. It is the execution. A domineering MMC needs hidden softness for the FMC specifically, and for the first half of this book, I didn't get that.

Then the 50% mark happened, and everything I'd been begging this book for, it gave it to me.

Luka softens. The chemistry stops being told and starts being shown. And the dynamic of control and consent—which the synopsis promises and the book genuinely delivers on— finally pulses through the page. Luka doesn't strip Alex of choice. He gives her the choice and asks her to choose him again and again.

I just wish I'd gotten the second half feeling in the first half, too.

Would I recommend Mirrored? Yes, but know that you are going to want to DNF before the 50% mark, but stay with it.

Check out my full review on my blog The Diary of a Reader
Profile Image for Brittany Hawkes.
18 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2026
This is one of the most sexiest book I’ve read in awhile! This book is not for the faint of heart, and not for a newbie dipping their toes into dark romance. Unless you read the trigger warnings and are ok with them all. Nice bingeable novel and great for fans of Lights Out and Fifty Shades of Grey. When the author says it’s high heat, it’s high heat! Oh the tension! Swoon! This might have been my book of the year already. I didn't want to put it down! Of course it's not all s&x scenes, there is a story and plot, and it kept me on my toes. There were some times where I kinda guessed what happens next, but it was really good with how it was planned out. The ending was a tiny bit disappointing but it was still really nice. A tiny bit of a shock that I was not expecting, but they got their HEA.
Profile Image for Courtney.
2,047 reviews208 followers
April 28, 2026
Nadine is a new author to me, but will definitely be one I read more of.

I really enjoyed this one and the dedication page makes so much more sense after reading this too. IYKYK.

This is a very fast-paced story that fits the narrative well. I am not a fan of insta-love, but the author crafted a unique story with characters that had an intense initial meeting that bled into the story.

There is an interesting twist on this story that added to the heighten state of the book and I liked how this played into the overall plot. I do wish this part was more developed and not so quick, but I also understand that part played into the pacing of the story as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I found the author's writing style engaging and kept the reader intrigued the entire time. I will definitely be looking into this author's previous works.
19 reviews
April 28, 2026
Alex thinks she’s stepping into an ordinary rideshare on a rainy London night, but Luka is anything but ordinary. What starts as an intense connection between strangers quickly turns into a relationship built on trust, control, and hidden danger.

This was a dark and addictive romance with plenty of tension from the very beginning. Luka was mysterious, intense, and impossible not to be intrigued by, while Alex’s guarded, career-focused personality balanced him well. Their chemistry was strong, and I liked how trust had to be built between them rather than coming easily.

The story kept me hooked with its suspenseful edge and high-stakes dynamic. At times I wanted a little more depth in certain moments, but overall it was an entertaining, steamy read with danger, passion, and a hero who takes protective to another level.
Profile Image for Ashley Williams.
237 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2026
This was my first book by N. Theiss and I’ve already added the others to my TBR!

I love a good spicy book and this was spicing!! The chemistry between Alex and Luka was palpable. He radiated confidence and knew just what to do to pull her apart to put her back together. Their banter was perfect - he knew how to get under her skin but also make her comfortable enough to get her out of her comfort zone.

Alex was a strong FMC - she knew what she was doing and did it well which led her to the top of her company. This put her in the situation to be abroad for work in London - fancy meeting Luka. He’s super attractive and mysterious - of course it drawls you in!

Overall, definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to reading others by this author! Thank you N. Theiss and Grey’s promo for the early read. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Little monster.
729 reviews19 followers
April 28, 2026
Mirrored by N. Theiss is a dark, tension-filled ride that hooks you from the very first encounter.

What starts as a chance meeting quickly turns into something far more intense—built on control, consent, and a dangerously compelling dynamic. Luka is quietly lethal in a way that makes him feel genuinely unpredictable, while Alex’s journey from control to conscious surrender adds depth to the heat.

The chemistry is immediate, the atmosphere is slick and moody, and the tension never really lets up. This isn’t a soft romance—it's sharp, deliberate, and just a little unsettling in the best way. Perfect for readers who like morally grey characters, high-stakes tension, and a romance that leans into the dark. The BDSM side of the story was really well written and I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Shaye.
269 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌟Instalust
🌟Nickname in His Language
🌟Sex Club
I AM OBSESSED! I will always choose instalust! This book was face pasted and spicy from the start🥵, but then after a very eye opening visit to a sex club the story took a turn I was not expecting. For the amount of very well written spice, the story was just as good. I loved Alex’s exploration of what her body might crave, but my whole heart belongs to Luka. He is somehow hard as stone but also very tender hearted, at least for Alex😉.
Thank you so much to N. Theiss and Grey’s Promotion for the opportunity to arc read this masterpiece!
Profile Image for Kayla.bookish26.
163 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Alex believes that she is getting into a regular rideshare on her 6-week assignment in London. What she does not know is that she just became a mark, HIS mark. Luka marks his as her target as soon as she slides into the vehicle and once he does, he does not let her go. But when a secret one-night engagement goes public Alex catches the eye of a dangerous man.

Tropes include:
🖤Morally Gray
🖤BDSM
🖤Strangers to Lovers
🖤Instalust
🖤Sex Club

A fast-paced dark intense sexy ride. This book is a page turner, for sure. I was reading it so fast. You get into the action quickly and it does not let you go until the very end of the book. It has a lot of themes I look for in books. Intense. Twists and turns. Lots of smut 😏

Thanks N. Thesis and Grey’s Promotions for the opportunity to read this eARC.
18 reviews
May 3, 2026
"So, you're a brat as well as a masochist. This should be interesting."

The word that comes to mind when I think of this book is "wicked" in so many connotations of the word. Alex our FMC is an American marketing maven working abroad on a temporary contract when she gets in the back of her rideshare and is the focus of Luka, the driver and the MMC. Luka pushes boundaries and takes her to other levels. To me, he is on the darker side of morally gray but not pitch black. So many moments I found myself gasping out loud. Seeing the research Luka did and who is behind "little fox" is wicked in a scary way. Yet the scene where they go out and the spicy moments were wickedly delicious. This book hit the itch I've been having, craving a good mystery and being on the edge of my seat with each turn of the page. The only reason I reduced it by a star, I had a strong hunch who was behind "little fox" and how that would pan out, but it did have a twist I was not expecting!
891 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2026
This was such a smooth, addictive read. The writing pulled me in right away and kept everything flowing in a way that made it hard to stop. It has that quiet intensity where you’re not overwhelmed, but you feel everything building underneath the surface.

The character dynamic was easily the standout for me. It felt intentional and layered, with a strong push and pull that made every interaction feel meaningful. Nothing felt rushed or forced, which made the connection hit a lot harder.

The overall tone leans darker, but it stays controlled and focused, which I really liked. It didn’t rely on shock value. It just stayed consistent in its vibe and let the tension do the work.
1,524 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2026
Alex is in London for 6 weeks for her job she could never guess that her rideshare would open her up and cross every boundary she thought she had from hotel rooms to sex clubs one night bleeds into more Luca is intense dangerous and under it all caring Alex is driven and successful but lacks one thing the person who sees her as more. This book isn't just about bondage and sexual heat it also has a mystery element involved some secrets the only thing I wanted more from this read was Luca and his point of review but thankfully the Author dose provide us with Lucas thoughts in the end with a seperate epilogue. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
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120 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2026
I’ve never read a book by this author before but let me tell you I will definitely be adding this author to my TBR collection after reading this book!

I received this book as an arc for my honest feedback. I loved everything about both of these characters as well as the side characters and how well the story flowed. This is the much needed fast paced book I’ve been needing- a nice pallet cleanser from the slow burns I’ve been reading lately. The spice will heat you to your core!! Will most definitely preorder this book!

Thank you Greys Promotion and N Theiss for a copy of this arc!
1,340 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
April 27, 2026
4.5 stars!! If you enjoy reading about obsession, domination and control, this is the book for you. There is a bit of insta-love in the beginning of the story that turns deeper as the story moves forward. Alex is a strong independent woman but there is something about Luka that makes her melt. The story moves at a fast pace and has there are some good reveals that keep you reading to the very last page. Good dark romance!

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advance copy of this book.
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