Flames

Monstrously Mine #2

by LO Gold

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

Reviews

[Persephone · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 characters 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!

[emotionALLYreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Febe]

This was exactly what I needed. ARC review to come

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jess23Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Lara Loves Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Morgan Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 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? 🔥🫣🤌🏻

[Jessica Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flames by LO Gold was my first dark monster romance, and let me say... where has this genre been all my life?! Because I fear I have unlocked a new obsession 😂

This little novella was steamy, chaotic, slightly unhinged, and exactly the kind of bite-sized read I needed to yank me out of a reading slump. But be warned- check the Trigger Warnings!

Marisa is a spitfire FMC with sharp survival instincts, deep-rooted trust issues, and enough attitude to keep things interesting. Meanwhile, Phoenix enters the chat as an ancient, powerful mafia leader with possessive energy levels set to EXTREME.

The vibes? Tension. Chaos. Questionable decision-making. Me kicking my feet and having the time of my life.

And somehow this book managed to give me an enemies-to-allies-to-lovers arc in just 130 pages?! Tiny book, HUGE personality. Dark monster romance readers, girlies, I get it now. I understand. I see the vision, and I'm fully on board 👏🏽

[Alisha Pascual · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[viki edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Whitney Cruthird · Rating 5 out of 5]

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❤️🖤

[Ali Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Crista Sedlacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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!! 🫶🏻

[theliterarylair_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kay✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!!

[Ryanne Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Brittni · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥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!

[Nightwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marisa is an expert thief with the perfect mark,but what is she to do when someone scoops in and steals her score? She gets mad and she gets even. What she doesn't gamble on is the handsome infuriating Phoenix and his bet. Now she finds herself in a race to win or risk losing herself to Phoenix. Of course that might not be so bad, right?
This was a fun entertaining read. I loved the banter between Marisa and Phoenix. The Bratva angle gave it an extra layer of excitement. There was excitement and intrigue. It contained light gore and medium spice. Overall I enjoyed this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renita · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

LO Gold is my monster romance QUEEN. I ate up Frost back in December and let me just say, this one is even better.

Phoenix and Marisa are both SO hot lmaooo. The spice is SO hot. Phoenix is literally everything and Marisa is such a badass. The story was amazing despite the book only being 100 pages. This book held my full attention from start to finish.

Some tropes you can look forward to:
😩 monster x mortal
😩 fated mates
😩 mafia romance
😩 touch her and 💀
😩 badass FMC
😩 possessive MMC
And soooo much more!

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book if you want a good time 😏 Thank you so much to LO Gold for allowing me to be an ARC reader!

[balayageandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I devour this book… yes.
Each and every time this Author writes a monsterous MMC I know they’re going to be dark and absolutely delicious in every way (iykyk)
Also I cannot forget to mention how much of a baddie the FMC is!
These two are HAWT… like burn the world down hot.
And honestly if someone touches his mate…his little spark…then that’s exactly what he will do.
This was such a great little read…. I loved how we see this dark underbelly of this society… and how nothing is as it seems.
The push and pull between these characters…and the undeniable connection they share.
It was all just so so good!

[DJJarvisReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Firebird Shifter x Mortal romance from LO Gold! It’s got mafia elements, and so much banter between the two main characters. Their dynamic with each other is everything, and I absolutely ate it up. I think that LO did a really good job writing both of their characters and giving them their personalities. I haven’t read a whole bunch of books with mafia elements in them but I liked the plot of this one and what ends of being the plot twist! I definitely did not expect it!

I definitely recommend Flames by LO Gold! I think that any monster romance readers or mafia readers should give this one a go!

[Raquel Garces · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Frost was icy, Flames was SPICY!

Another mystical being becomes obsessed with an out spoken ''don't need no man'' woman.

This time with a twist...literally...

Where Jack Frost had two separate weapons, Phoenix's were...well they were twisted together.

You know how male ducks have corkscrew shaped appendages? If you didn't, now you do, but that's Phoenix, fitting since he's the Firebird.

This was a quick and dirty read that I inhaled in less than 24 hours start to finish.

There was just enough plot for it to make sense but when it comes to Lo Gold, smut IS the plot.

[JH · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second Lo Gold book, and my second 5 star review. I am very much enjoying the monster series, so far. Although Novellas, they are enjoyable and don’t leave you unfulfilled or feel rushed.

I never thought I’d consider a monster sexy but Phoenix is, in a non-human way. Where Jack Frost was Lumberjack, gruff guy next door; Phoenix is quiet sophistication meets bad boy.

If this book had a con, I’d say Phoenix and Marisa spent more time apart than together however it didn’t take away from the story.

[Megan Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this book in a one flight 😂 It was so fun! Lo definitely has a gift for writing some entertaining monster smut and I am so happy this is part of a series!

Frost was fantastic and I’m pretty sure Flames just tied! It had me laughing and fully in the story the whole way through! For a novella I feel like a lot was happening and everything flowed really well. I mean how can you go wrong with a hot (literally) mafia boss who rides a motorcycle?!

Thank you for gifting me an early copy of this fabulous story!

[Carli Kelsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monster who hunts worse monsters, hell yes!! I absolutely loved this!

A fire demon, who does very questionable things. Yet still manages to have morals!

When he sees her thats it for him, hes hooked! To the point he hangs outside her multiple story apartment and smears his c*m on the windows.

Oh, did I forget to mention that this monsterman has, not one but two huge c@cks? Yes, you read that correct 2 big C's for her pleasure!!! Again, hell yess. We love our fictional men that are well hung.

Thank you so much for this ARC copy I had so much fun reading this!!!!!

[Besem Chu]

y’all the spice in this book??? also love a good two 🍆 moment and did i mention his womb cream tastes like cinnamon whiskey?? no, i haven’t tried it, but marisa did and she said it tasted phenomal. phoenix was literally everything you’d want in a monster MMC, and when he finds out marisa is his mate? all bets are off, but of course, she was already his way before that.

i would definitely check this book out if you love
🔥monster MMCs
🔥fated mates
🔥two 🍆
🔥slavic folklore

enjoy 🤭

[Chelsey Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was neat between the mix of mafia and paranormal world.

Phoenix was a fiery obsessed man. Marisa was a bold character and came across as a strong woman.

The cat and mouse game is always funny to see and it works with these two as well. This is a quick novella that I would have loved to see a full book so we would get more history and buildup. If you want a quick spicy paranormal read this could be perfect.

*ARC was enjoyed and will look forward to more by author.