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Phoenix
I am a monster, a beast born from the fiery pits of the Underworld. I am an immortal creature meant to purge the plague of humanity from the world we know. I have existed before most remember, and I shall persist long beyond the measurement of recorded time. I am fury; I am fate; I am flames.

Until her--the female whose skill as a thief rivals my own. She is clever, seductive, and cunning. But, most importantly -- she is mine.


Marisa

My life may not have been a fairytale, but a smart woman finds a way to survive in this cruel world. I may be a thief, a con artist, a fraud; but if I am unsavory it is only because I was made this way. I have carved out a nice little gig for myself--find a mark, lure them in, and take what I need before disappearing into the anonymity of the thousands who populate this city.

That is until him.


Phoenix is the most obnoxiously attractive man I have ever met. After he steals a payday right out from under my nose, we make a deal--whoever is able to steal the next item wins. I have no intention of losing, especially not when more than just money is on the line.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 2, 2026

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LO Gold

6 books100 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Persephone.
191 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2026
ARC Read! 4.5⭐️

This was a fun read! It was more plot than spice with the mafia element, and had some good tension, but when that spice hit it hit🤌🏼 both Marisa and Phoenix were hilarious and had my laughing throughout the book. A sexy flame daddy with wings and double peens?!ABSOFUCKINLUTELY ! Whiskey flavored 💦😏 if you’re looking for your next quick monster smut that gives great sexual tension and has you laughing, THIS IS THE ONE!
Profile Image for emotionALLYreads.
74 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2026
To quote this delightful and chaotic novella, my thought while reading this arc was, “Down girl, we have a job to do.”
L.O. Good once again had me immediately invested. This was a fast-paced mafia romance that was filled with heart and spice. I love it when the possessive MMC is down bad for their FMC, which leads to some questionable choices. It also had some hilarious moments that really solidified my love for unhinged monster romances. If that’s your vibe too, you should definitely read this when it’s released on June 2nd.
Profile Image for Amber.
197 reviews78 followers
May 24, 2026
I don’t usually give novellas 5 stars because they’re not long enough for me to be invested but OMG…this was amazing! Monster romances aren’t usually my thing, but this was the second one I read by Lo Gold and I loved it! I love a badass FMC and that’s exactly what Marisa was. I also loved how terrifying Phoenix was but that he had such a soft spot for her (I LOVE a touch her and 💀 trope). Also, I say this for every review for one of her books but I stand by it…she writes the BEST spicy scenes. You NEED to add this to your TBR if you’re a fan of dark/monster romances!
Profile Image for Febe.
47 reviews
Read
May 21, 2026
This was exactly what I needed. ARC review to come
Profile Image for neeshreads.
447 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Listen, I think it’s kismet that Phoenix came into my life…did I exclusively consume fireball in my 20s? Yes. Do I happen to have a tattoo of his namesake? Yes, the feathered version at least 🤣 Does that also mean I’m ready for his true monstrous form to come turn up the heat and swoop in to save me at a minor inconvenience? Also, yes. I’m chaotic and would fully embrace the “Little Spark” nickname. Thank you for reading my delusions 🤣

🔥Monster x Human Mafia Romance
🖤Motorcycle Riding Monster with TWO 🍆
🔥Sassy AF Conwoman Who Spits His 💦in His Mouth
🖤Fated Mates
🔥He's an Ancient Firebird Shifter
🖤Writing “Mine” on Her Window in His 💦as a Love Language
🔥Touch My Mate & Get Torched
🖤Slavic Folklore
🔥His 💦Tastes Like Cinnamon Whiskey

Phoenix is the immortal embodiment of fury, fate and flames. Normally, he can keep his monster at bay…until her. She’s a rival thief he can’t stop thinking about, and he and his beast agree that she belongs to him.

Marisa has always found a way to survive in a world that has been cruel to her. She’s used to finding a mark, luring them in and taking what she needs before disappearing…until him. Crossing paths with Phoenix, the most infuriatingly attractive man she’s ever met, ends with him stealing a payday from under her nose. Now? They make a bet that the best thief wins, and Marisa has no intention of losing.

I don’t know how you can read this and not fall for Phoenix! He tastes like Fireball, is packing double the fun, will scorch your enemies and those who harm others, and has a quick wit to keep you on your toes. Marisa gave as good as she got and was not one to back down, which I loved! The sexual tension was palpable and when the spark ignited? Whew!
Profile Image for Novellaworm.
180 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Flames by Lo Gold was EVERYTHING I wanted in a monster romance and more. Honestly, the second I saw “monster romance + mafia vibes + fated mates” I already knew this book had me in a chokehold.

Phoenix is the perfect morally black MMC — possessive, dangerous, ancient, completely feral, and obsessed with Marisa in the best possible way. The “she is mine” energy throughout this book?? Absolutely immaculate. Lo Gold somehow made him terrifying, seductive, and weirdly lovable all at once.

And Marisa was SUCH a refreshing FMC. She isn’t helpless or naive — she’s smart, chaotic, witty, and fully capable of matching Phoenix’s energy. Their dynamic was one of my favourite parts of the book because it never felt one-sided. They challenge each other constantly, and the chemistry between them was unreal from start to finish.

The tension in this book was honestly insane. Every interaction felt charged with danger, flirting, and obsession in the best way possible. I loved the mix of monster romance and mafia elements because it made the whole story feel so addictive and unique.

Also this trope list deserves appreciation:
🔥 Monster romance
🔥 Fated mates
🔥 Mafia vibes
🔥 Morally black MMC
🔥 Kickass FMC
🔥 Touch her and perish
🔥 Obsession
🔥 Dangerous bargains
🔥 Forced proximity vibes
🔥 Delicious tension

This was such a fun, spicy, fast-paced read and I genuinely had the best time with it. Phoenix and Marisa completely consumed my attention from beginning to end. If you love chaotic chemistry, possessive monster MMCs, and strong FMCs who fight back, I highly recommend picking this one up.

Lo Gold absolutely nailed this one for me
Profile Image for InkedSirenXO.
193 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

Flames absolutely devoured me. This book felt like striking a match in a room already filled with gasoline.

Phoenix is the kind of MMC that walks onto the page and immediately owns the atmosphere. Immortal, possessive, dangerous, and completely feral for Marisa? Say less. Every line from his POV carried this ancient predator energy that made the tension feel razor sharp. “She is mine” could’ve been cringe in another book, but here it landed like a curse carved into stone.

And Marisa? I loved that she wasn’t some helpless FMC waiting to be saved. She’s a thief, a con artist, clever enough to challenge a literal monster, and their dynamic turns into this intoxicating game of cat-and-cat because neither of them is prey. The chemistry between them crackles like live wires dipped in gasoline. Every interaction felt like a dare.

The atmosphere deserves its own standing ovation too. The fire imagery, the danger, the obsession, the seductive chaos woven through every chapter… it felt cinematic in the best way. Like smoke curling off tarot cards at 2 a.m. while the world burns outside the window.

If you love:

* obsessive paranormal romance
* morally black MMCs
* powerful FMCs who fight back
* dangerous bargains
* “touch her and perish” energy
* tension so thick it could start its own wildfire

…then this book is pure molten gold.

Phoenix didn’t just fall in love. He consumed. And honestly? I enjoyed every second of the destruction.
Profile Image for Jess23Read.
207 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
As soon as I found out that there was going to be another monster introduced by LO Gold for the Monstrously Mine stories I knew I had to read it. Frost was so amazingly good and had such a fantastic folklore depth to it as soon as I heard about Flames I was all about it.

I can say though that Flames and Frost are two completely different stories and folklore focus for storytelling and are so very different. Sure there are some similarities with them being monsters, double peens and other fun special bonuses of being monster dark romances but Phoenix really caught my attention. Mafia Firebird. Need I say more?

Not to mention the snark and wit of two thieves after the same item. The reader first meets Marisa as she is being finger serviced in an alleyway by a man she is trying to con while Phoenix watches on from the shadows. As the story continues Phoenix and Marisa cross paths until the two agree to take on the challenge of a friendly competition between thieves and cons. Marisa is determined to win but given losing means she will be Phoenix's to do with as he pleases she doesn't so much mind the idea of losing.

This is a quick,, cinnamon spicy novella with hot scenes, mafia crime bosses, winged men that taste like Fireball and have a passion that burns even brighter. Those that appreciate some lore, she's mine, and a fated mate trope will be all about Flames. Trust me anyone that loves some monster smut and a dark romance combo will love Phoenix. You will not be disappointed. Until next time, happy reading!
Profile Image for Heids_in_books.
128 reviews9 followers
May 25, 2026
This novella was EPIC!
A firebird shifter, a thief FMC, spice, and the mafia! You would think it couldn’t get any better, but boy oh boy it did.

Marisa is a thief/con woman who crosses paths with Phoenix, an ancient firebird shifter and mafia monster, when they both end up after the same target.
Phoenix becomes instantly obsessed with her, and what starts as a rivalry and a bet between two very stubborn thieves quickly turns into tension, danger, banter and a whole lot of spice. It’s basically a fast, fiery monster mafia romance with heist vibes, fated mates, an obsessive MMC and a FMC who gives as good as she gets.

I ATE THIS UP! Was done and dusted in an hour, because it was that good!

Phoenix is an ancient firebird shifter, mafia monster, walking red flag and somehow also the man you would not say no to. He is possessive, dangerous, obsessive, ridiculous, and the second Marisa catches his attention, that man is toast. He only has eyes for Marisa.

Marisa - I loved her. She’s a thief, a con woman, sharp as hell, and she gave Phoenix just as much attitude as he gave her. Their banter was so good and I had multiple laughs! The two of them together were so entertaining, and the whole bet/heist situation was a great sub plot.

This novella was fast, spicy, and funny! From the dedication to the talk of two eggplants before page 12

Thank you Lo Gold for the arc, I really appreciate it and even more so being in your ARC team so I get to read all of these magnificent books before they even come out!

5 ⭐️
3.5/4 🌶️
Profile Image for Shannon.
103 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Omg I loved this Novella. Marisa is my kind of FMC. A spit fire with an attitude and confidence that dominates when she walks in a room, and she's completely unhinged and I love it! Phoenix the ancient, giant, sexy, tattoed, fire-bird, whos a cocky, possessive monster with a code!! And he has not just 1 but 2 🍆🍆 and cinnamon whiskey flavored 💦. Yum wheres mine?!🤣 The chaotic mess that they go through before they accepts eachother is so worth it!! They are one couple you dont want to mess with. And definitely dont let Phoenix catch you touching his mate.
But I do hope that there are translations in the finished copy because I had to look them up so I knew what was being said.

Quote:

“You taste like…” she says between panting breaths, searching for the right description for my unique flavor. “Cinnamon whiskey.”

A smirk pulls at the corner of my lips. It’s one of my monstrous qualities that I choose not to hide.

Before I have a chance to figure out what she’s doing, she licks the remaining remnants from my tip.

Then she stands, brings a hand to my face and uses her fingers to push in my cheeks. Instinctively, my lips fall open slightly. And then, this mildly unhinged female sp*ts the remnants of my own release into my mouth.

“Swallow,” she demands with the c*ck of a dark eyebrow. I comply, letting the sweet and smoky substance slide down my throat.

“You should probably take a break from the Fireball if your cxm tastes like it, Pyro,” she quips as she pulls down her skirt and begins to walk back towards the door.
Profile Image for Amber Murphy.
75 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2026
Burning Desire & Chaotic Chemistry

Flames was such a wild ride in the best way possible. From the very beginning, this book leans fully into its dark fantasy chaos, morally gray characters, and over-the-top tension — and honestly, I was hooked.
Phoenix being able to shift between a monster form and a human form added such an interesting layer to his character. He’s dangerous, unpredictable, and completely infuriating to Marisa, which made their chemistry even better. And Marisa herself? I loved her immediately. She’s spent her whole life surviving however she can in a cruel world, using her skills as a thief to stay one step ahead of everyone else. Watching her meet someone who could actually challenge her made the story so entertaining.

The rivalry between them was one of my favorite parts. It turns into this constant game of who can outsmart and outsteal the other, and it kept the pacing exciting the entire time. Their banter, tension, and power struggles had me fully invested.

One thing this author absolutely excels at is detail. Every scene feels vivid and intentional, especially the more intense and intimate moments. Some scenes genuinely had me staring at the page in shock because the author fully committed to the chaos and drama of it all.

Overall, Flames is intense, addictive, spicy, and completely unhinged in the best possible way. If you like fantasy romance with dangerous characters, high tension, and a battle of wills between two thieves who can’t stay away from each other, this one is worth picking up.
Profile Image for Anya.
130 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
ARC review

This novella was fantastic! I think Phoenix is one of my favorite MMCs I’ve read, and Marisa is such a badass FMC.

I have never read or seen any Fire Bird monster/shifter books and now I need more!

I loved the banter between Phoenix and Marisa, I also really enjoyed the inner monologue moments especially with Phoenix trying to justify his obsession and—not at all creepy—sta|k!ng.

Two quotes I highlighted that really stuck out to me;
“strong women stand up, not just for themselves, but for other women who need them”.
&
“ кто не рискует, тот не пьет шампанское” (translates to, those who don’t take risks, don’t drink the champagne)

I really liked the Russian mafia undertone and the fact that all the Russian dialogue was spoken/written correctly.

Flames is definitely a novella I’ll be re-reading!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 spice

Tropes/content:
🐦‍🔥Fire Bird x Human
🔥Russian mafia Pakhan x Thief
🐦‍🔥Fated mates
🔥Slavic folklore
🐦‍🔥Size difference
🔥He has two 🍆
🐦‍🔥Fireball flavored 💦
🔥He writes “mine” with his 💦 outside her window
🐦‍🔥She spits his 💦 into his mouth and tells him to swall0w
🔥Touch her and ☠️

Content warning:
🐦‍🔥On page g0re, vi0lenc£, and murd£r
🔥Mentions of human and $£x traff!ck!ng
🐦‍🔥Mentions of implied and past r*pe, SA, and abu$e
🔥K!dnapp!ng
🐦‍🔥Sta|k!ng
🔥£xpl!c!t s£xual scenes
🐦‍🔥Attempted murd£r of FMC
258 reviews69 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026

A scorching hot, obsessive and protective male who’ll burn to a crisp anyone who harms his FMC or commits heinous crimes? Why yes, please, give me Phoenix! This mafia monster romance was pure pleasure to read, and I would love to be the MMC’s ‘Little Spark’!

My synopsis:

Marisa is a con artist who is looking to complete a heist that will set her for life when she has it snatched out from under her by Phoenix, an annoyingly gorgeous thief. Phoenix also happens to be an immortal creature straight from hell. Obsessed with the gorgeous red-headed rival, he decides she will be his and devises a competitive heist where if she loses, he wins her. With a lot at stake, both of them don’t plan on losing!


My thoughts:

I loved how sassy and badass Marissa’s character is. She takes care of herself and stands up for other women while giving men, especially Phoenix, a run for their money. As for the flaming creature from hell? Who wouldn’t fall for a hot MMC who happens to taste like Fireball, has dimples and fries anyone who messes with his woman?! Oh, and did I mention he’s huge down there and his monster has not one, but two peens? 🥵 Sweet gods of fire!

If you love a possessive mafia MC, a strong FMC, fated mates and sizzling spice (see what I did there?), then you will love Flames.
Profile Image for Morgan Marie.
80 reviews
May 22, 2026
When I saw that this book featured a monster x mortal romance, double the trouble with double peens, and fireball flavored cum, I knew I had to sign up for the ARC immediately! Getting chosen was an absolute dream, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The story follows Phoenix, an obsessive, possessive monster dripping with sex appeal, quick wit, and an incredibly smart mouth. Opposite him is Marisa, a confident con woman who refuses to let a dark past define her. She effortlessly oozes girl power and femininity all in the same breath, making her the kind of main character you low-key want to be.
Beyond the high heat smut parts, I was thoroughly impressed by how much I genuinely enjoyed the actual storyline. Sometimes books with tropes this wild sacrifice plot, but this one delivered a captivating narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish. Having such high hopes going in can be risky, but the execution was flawless. This was my very first time reading from this author, and after this brilliant introduction, it safely won’t be my last!

4/5 ⭐️
🔥 Monster x Mortal
🔥 Fated Mates
🔥 Double Peens
🔥 Touch Her & Die
🔥 Fireball Flavored C*M
🔥 Mafia Romance
Profile Image for Canieshia Powell.
178 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Ok Lo I see you! And finee I’ll read Frost! Monster smut is not my first choice BUT I figured this is Lo Gold it has to be good right? So I gave it a chance and let me tell you I devoured this in like 2 hours.

Here we follow Marisa, our conwoman, who is in the middle of working a con when our MMC beats her to the prize but not before she catches his eye.

Enter Phoenix 🐦‍🔥, our Monster Man, he comes up with a bet for them but it slowly turns into an obsession.

I love the feistiness of Marisa and how she’s not going to back down for any man!

Favorite quotes

I am hot, burning rage. I am vengeance. I am death.

“You’re a dangerous temptation, Little Spark,”

…Again, stalking is nefarious. This was just…research. You have to know your competition, right?

I don’t just want her—I crave her, down to the very marrow of my fucking bones.

🖤🌶️.5

Tropes
Mafia Romance
Possessive MMC
Slavic Folklore
Conwoman
Monster x Mortal
Touch My Mate and Get Torched
Double Peen
Cinnamon Whiskey Flavored C*m

Profile Image for Sarah.
195 reviews12 followers
May 22, 2026
🔥 Flames by Lo Gold 🔥

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 🌶️🌶️🌶️

“He is fire. He is fury. He is flames. And he is most certainly mine.”

If you love a fast paced, fated mates, insta-lust romance but also love monster and mafia romance - yes I know, what a WHIRLWIND - this is the novella for you! 🔥🤌🏻 also, if you loved Frost - you’ll love this one too! 🖤

Phoenix is an ancient Firebird shifter, and once he meets Marisa, he immediately is obsessed and possessive. Marisa is literally a feisty FMC & she holds her own. So when they two of them clash in their line of work, they turn it into a quick little game for funsies.. except what Marisa doesn’t seem to know going into it is that Phoenix wants her as the prize. They have their fun and it’s all cool until Marisa gets taken.. Can Phoenix find her in time before something bad happens to her? And if so, what will happen between them when she finds out who & what he really is? 👀 Mafia man? Firebird? Art Thief? Which one is the real Phoenix? 🔥🫣🤌🏻
Profile Image for Alice Zombie .
43 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
Flames
By LO Gold


He is old, He is vengeance, he is born of flame.

Phoenix is hot in every definition. Dark, tall and slightly obsessive in an unhinged way.
Our beast of a man is a leather clad motorcycle rider that will have you clenching your thighs and biting that lip.

Marissa/Rose is a curvy, smart and sassy badass FMC. Will her quick wit and con woman talents be enough in this deadly competition?

This book was so much fun! I loved the humour, sass and true reactions.

This is a monster romance with a huge Mafia storyline to kick!

This is a game of mouse and wolf one that will have you kicking your feet and instantly making a few online purchases like our FMC that specifically has two twisted points to be exact.

I cannot wait for another like this so much fun!

Thank you for the opportunity @LO Gold Author
I will now be a firm fan 🖤
#bookcommunity #supportindieauthors #romancebook #monsterromancerecs #bookrecommendations
Profile Image for Alisha Pascual.
381 reviews25 followers
May 22, 2026
The spice, the attraction and chemistry, the banter, oh my god! I was invested right from the beginning. From the moment Phoenix laid eyes on Marisa there was an instant obsession with the little fiery human, and when he swoops in and takes something that Marisa was after a little wager is inacted. And I swear, the banter between them is so freaking hot! Like literally hot, since Phoenix is a firebird. His obsession with her is so abbrupt and fast but it makes sense why a little more into the book. I loved their inner monolgues, it’s so hilarious and hot. I love how possessive, obsessive,a nd enraptured Phoenix is with Marisa, like that window and “MINE” scene, whew! Oh, and his swirly double p33n?! Wow, like I get he’s a shifter and all but I was not expecting that lol. And then the whole mafia part on top of everything was a nice touch. Mafia with paranormal vibes, love! Would definitely recommend this short spicy roamnce.
Profile Image for viki edwards.
86 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
Hear me out... if you thought one male appendage was good, then two has got to be incredible?! Right??
This super steamy monster mafia romance is not going to help you cool down on a hot day. Phoenix is hot, incredibly hot, and being a demon made our of fire will do that. Marisa is one damn fine woman as well. So when they cross paths, expect to feel the fire.
Dual POV, from both of them, takes the story into an arc that has you wanting to read more, and maybe if Baba Yaha has her way there will be!
Intense from start to finish, with a dark and twisted storyline, I read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. Two highly competitive beings after the same target. High stakes and funny moments all mixed up together to make a great story.
Thankyou LO Gold for allowing me to arc read this book, it was an absolute pleasure!
Profile Image for Whitney Cruthird.
43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
This book really said “what if the mafia was already chaotic enough…but then we added a monster packing heat?” 🔥😂

I just finished this wild ride and honestly I never knew what was coming next. One minute I’m thinking dark mafia vibes, the next I’m blushing and questioning my sanity in the best way possible. LO GOLD absolutely knew what she was doing with this one.

The suspense kept me on my toes the entire time and the chemistry? Whew. Dangerous, addictive, and ridiculously entertaining. This book was fun, spicy, unexpected, and completely consumed my attention from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a read that’s dark, chaotic, a little unhinged, and leaves you saying “umm excuse me???” every few chapters… add this to your TBR immediately. 🔥🖤

Thank you LO for the advanced copy. I loved this❤️🖤
Profile Image for Ali Lussier.
203 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
This was such a fun novella! I adored Frost and so I was excited for this one and it was even better! I loved the inner monologue bits by both Phoenix and Marisa - gave me a good chuckle each time
These two were both different levels of unhinged. Marisa is such a fiery spirit, absolutely adored her and how even in the face of dangerous men she refused to back down and show fear even if she was feeling it internally. Marisa really was the perfect counterpart to Pheonix. I loved their banter and how even for a novella their chemestry was believable.

A fire god/pheonix who is also in the criminal world? Yes please. And the two of them going head to head as thieves was fun to read especially because Pheonix was a little sneaky shit. 🤭 I also love how even though he's a "monster" - he is truly only a monster to those who deserve it.
Profile Image for Jamie Wright.
172 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy
May 24, 2026
I love LO Gold books. Always will.

I have not always been a big Monster lover reader but this one def. had me giggling and rooting for their connection. Her Pyro and his moya putenici.

He was drawn to her from the first time he saw her but he didn't realize why. She thought she was seeing things the first time she ssw him. Both knew what they saw was the most beautiful being they had ever seen (or thought they saw).

When she gets into a dangerous situation it doesn't take him too long to come and save her. He burn hotter than the sun and she is his gasoline to let it loose on others.

This was a seriously fun read. I truly loved every page and yes you will get hooked from page one.

Great for dark romance readers, mafia lovers, and monster romance readers alike. It was hilarious and had the right amount of spice. Especially for two - ya know......
Profile Image for Carolyn Johnson .
103 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
This quick novella packs a punch.

We get a firebird mafia boss MMC and a thief mortal FMC, and their chemistry is absolutely sizzling from the start.

The MMC was completely swoon-worthy. A possessive firebird who also runs the mafia? Immediate obsession.

The FMC was fierce, confident, and the perfect match for him. Their banter and tension worked so well together.

I also loved the Slavic folklore elements woven into the story. The paranormal world felt unique and added so much atmosphere.

And let’s talk about the monster romance elements for a second… because yes, our monster MMC has double appendages and leaves messages for her using his fluids.

If you’re looking for a spicy monster romance with paranormal vibes, tension, and a possessive MMC, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Profile Image for Crista Sedlacek.
201 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
May 17, 2026
“My bike’s out front,” he says before smacking my ass so hard that several patrons of the bar turn and stare. “I bet you’d love being my backpack.” Wow. Does that line actually work, bro?

“It’s definitely the double dicks and the whiskey flavored cum that have me sticking around.”

These two parts made me laugh and I love that. This book was so fun!! I love LO Golds work and this was another fun novella! The nickname Pyro was so perfect obviously for him. The banter that Pheniox and Marisa had was fun and adorable!!! I also know this was a novella but a lot actually happened within in and there was some spicy scenes...with 2 dicks...so you can't catch me complaining!

If you're looking for a quick little monster book, I'd say definitely worth a read!! 🫶🏻
Profile Image for theliterarylair_.
135 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
I LOVED Frost and I knew immediately that I was going to love this one as well.
And I wasn’t wrong.
I’m obsessed. I sat down this morning, started this book, and didn’t put it down until I was done.
@logold_author REALLY knows how to write a story that keeps you gripped from beginning to end.
I’m 100% fully obsessed with Phoenix and Marisa.
A hell of a pair with IMMEDIATE chemistry from the beginning.

Marisa was SO MUCH fun. There is never a time I’ll say no to strong FMC. We love a woman that can hold her own.
And Phoenix? 🔥😈😮‍💨 don’t get me started on him. I’ll never stop.

And the little twist at the end? I definitely wasn’t expecting it and I squealed a little.😂
10/10 would recommend.
Absolutely obsessed.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,559 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
Rcvd an ARC from the author.

We meet thief Marisa, who is so close to getting a payout but is interrupted by a sexy as hell man who just stole her prize. WTH. We meet Phoenix, the said sexy man who decided to play with the Lil thief. There is smtg about her that has him reeling and when he follows her home he sees just how sexy she is. Marisa has had a hard life, left alone as a child to be helped by a wonderful woman. This is the life she knows and what she's good at. When she runs into Phoenix again, they decide to make a little wager...to steal a painting. Marisa though she was a shoe in until she was kidnapped. Phoenix is having a fit..Marisa was taken and has no idea where she is. He is fury and will stop at nothing to get her back.
Profile Image for Kay✨.
93 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2026
This is the perfect blend of monster romance and mafia romance!!!! I am a HUGE fan of both and I love a steamy mafia romance and monster romance and this one took the cake by combining them both!! I love Lo Golds books but I think this one just took the place as her number 1 book for me!!

Marisa is a spicy badass thief and the phoenix is a fire god who melts more than just bones and flesh if you know what i mean😏. I throughly enjoyed this little read it was spicy and flirty and so much fun!!! I highly recommend if you are looking for a short fun flirty read with monster and mafia vibes then this is your book!!!

Do you think Lo could bring Phoenix to life because oh boy what I would give to go on a ride with that monster let me tell ya!!!!
Profile Image for Ryanne Reads.
103 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
3🌶

This fun, monster-mafia novella will keep you hooked from this first chapter! I normally struggle with novellas because of the fast-paced nature but I was instantly hooked on Marisa and Phoenix. Their dynamic was cheeky and engaging. He may be an ancient Immortal monster but she definitely can stand her own and give him a run for his money!

And the storyline 💋🤌 such a great
balance of plot and spice.


This story might be for you if you enjoy any of the following tropes/themes:
🔥 Slavic Folklore
🔥Russian mafia
🔥 strong and confident MFC
🔥Obsessed and possessive MMC
🔥 Monster x mortal
🔥 2 🍆


Check the trigger warnings ❤️


I am absolutely going to read more by LO Gold! Thank you LO Gold for the opportunity to read an arc of this book!
Profile Image for Jessica Jade.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Flames by LO Gold was my first dark monster romance, and I have to admit… I get the hype now 😂

This little novella was steamy, chaotic, slightly unhinged, and exactly the kind of quick read I needed to pull me out of a reading slump. Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, though.

Marisa was a fun FMC to follow because she had plenty of attitude, strong survival instincts, and enough trust issues to keep things interesting. And Phoenix? Ancient, powerful, intense, and bringing some very strong possessive energy to the table.

The vibes? Tension. Chaos. Questionable decisions. Me sitting there thoroughly entertained.

What surprised me most was how much story LO Gold packed into such a short book. Somehow it delivered a heist rivals-to-lovers dynamic in around 130 pages, which honestly impressed me.

For my first dark monster romance experience, I’d call that a success, and now I’m definitely curious to explore more of the genre because I see the appeal. 👏🏽
Profile Image for Brittni.
99 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
🔥I am hot, burning rage. I am vengeance. I am death.🔥

This was a short, quick and hot read! (Pun intended) Lo Gold takes Slavic lore and transforms it into a monster mafia romance with a con woman fmc and an ancient Firebird shifter mmc. The tension between them is instant and sweltering, and the Mmc's obsession with our con woman is steamy, to say the least. I absolutely loved the inner monologues in this book, they were both funny and relatable! And the Russian mafia vibe was an excellent touch!

I really enjoyed this one and now I feel like I need to push Frost (book 1) up on my tbr! I believe these are standalones in the series, so I don't think I was missing anything by reading book 2 first!
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