Tease: A contemporary dark romance

by KD Marie, Nicole Sheldon (Editor)

Kailey Caine.

One look from her when she was cruising the strip, and I knew I was in trouble in the best way possible. She’s beautiful, smart, and outgoing. Our summer love was hot and heavy, until one night ultimately changed everything. Even though I wasn’t the one who broke her heart, she ran from her small town—and me— never looked back.

Now I know she’s in Chicago, and it’s no coincidence that I just signed a six-month contract with a cage-fighting team in the Windy City. I quickly found myself in the middle of two warring Mafia families, but my mission is I’m going to let Kailey know that my heart can’t beat without her anymore. She’s mine. No matter who tries to stand in my way.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 15 stars if I could! I loved all the characters so much. It felt like I KNEW them! I felt like I was shooting the shit with them too on these campfires and cruises down Vegas! It's definitely lighter for a dark romance but there's definitely dark elements. Theres lots of cozy vibes and I won't even lie...I absolutely cried!

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

Some books flirt with obsession… Tease practically drags you under by the collar and whispers you were never leaving anyway.

From the first glimpse of Kailey Caine through Jared’s eyes, the story hums with that electric, can’t-look-away tension. Their summer romance feels like fire licking at gasoline… intoxicating, reckless, and destined to leave scorch marks. And when everything falls apart? It doesn’t just crack, it shatters.

Jared (MMC perfection, let’s be honest) is the kind of hero who doesn’t love halfway. He’s intense, a little dangerous, and completely unhinged in the most addictive way. The moment he re-enters Kailey’s world in Chicago, wrapped up in cage fights and Mafia chaos, you can feel the shift… this isn’t young love anymore. This is possession. This is war. This is I will burn the world before I lose you again.

And Kailey? She’s not some fragile heroine waiting to be saved. She’s layered, guarded, and shaped by heartbreak in a way that makes every interaction with Jared feel like a push-pull storm. You feel her resistance. You understand her fear. Which makes the tension between them absolutely delicious.

The backdrop of rival Mafia families and underground fighting adds a gritty edge that keeps the stakes razor sharp. Every chapter feels like standing too close to something dangerous… you know you might get hurt, but you’re not stepping back.

✨ What makes this a 5-star knockout:

* Second chance romance with teeth
* A possessive, relentless MMC (Jared = walking red flag you’ll gladly wave)
* High-stakes tension with Mafia drama woven in seamlessly
* Emotional angst that actually earns its payoff
* Chemistry that crackles like live wires

By the end, this book doesn’t just tell you they’re meant to be… it proves it through fire, blood, and stubborn, undeniable love.

If you like your romance a little dark, a little dangerous, and completely consuming… Tease will have you hooked before you even realize you’re drowning.

[T.L. Albrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author- thank you KD!

Firstly, congratulations on your debut and all the hard work you put into this book! Your passion for storytelling is evident on the pages, and I'm excited to see what you come out with next!

This book is a contemporary dark romance, which is not a genre I typically see, though I do read a lot of contemporary romance and dark romance. The author does a great job of really digging into the emotions of the characters at certain points in the book, and you can tell she spent a lot of time contemplating what the characters were going through and how they would react to certain scenarios (specifically, the bit before the time jump). I absolutely loved the cage fighting aspect of this book and felt that it added a really raw and gritty feel to the book, which is something we love in dark romance. I honestly wish there was more of the cage fighting aspect!

I did feel there were a few parts of the story/plot points that either didn't add a ton to the story itself, or (in my opinion) should have been fleshed out a little more on page. The mafia aspect of the story was a perfect example of this. I loveeee myself a mafia trope BUT, I found myself wondering when that part was going to show up, and then wishing there was a little more to it once it did. I do think KD set it up well for the next book, and I'm hoping we get a ton more mafia in that one!

All in all, some of the elements just weren't for me, and I found myself wanting a little more out of the story, but I'm excited to see what KD comes out with next.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not crying.
I’m not.
I’ve just got something in my eye…
It’s windy….

For real though, Tease emotionally body-slammed me… and I’m suing KD for damages. Seriously, I was giggling, screaming and kicking my feet and next thing I know… here comes the emotional freaken' freight train hits five pages later.

Holy plot twist ya’ll.

The chemistry? Feral
The spice? Illegal in some counties
The emotional damage? Catastrophic

Tease is a dark second chance contemporary romance with just a lil hinttttt of mafia. Mashing together contemporary vibes, dark romance with a little small town romance, the story takes place over a dual time line.

MMC we have Jared, a scarred MMA fighter who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. And then we have FMC Kailey, an emotionally-closed-off cam girl, who’s convinced herself love only ends in pain. Add mafia ties, second chance tension and off-the-charts spice and oh baby you know I AM SAT!

It's so good.

And just fair warning… you might cry.
I didn’t. Nope. Damn wind again…
But SOME people might cry.

Check your TWs with this one.

So, if you like dark contemporary romance, a lil bit of mafia, super fun banter, spicy SPICE, and want to be emotionally WRECKED, then grab your emotional support plushie and lock TF in, cause this story is a RIDE.

Five stars.

Also KD where’s book 2? ‘cause imma need that asap.

[Kellie Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.5
I want to start off by thanking the author for this ARC that was gifted to me. The dedication drew me in immediately, and I thought I was going to be so invested in this story. Unfortunately, this had so much going on in one book that it made it very difficult to connect to the characters. I felt that there was a lot of unnecessary topics that were repeatedly worked into the plot that were not truly relevant to keep the storyline going, which made the story longer than it needed to be. While reading, I found myself cringing on descriptive details that I found unnecessary, and it made it not so enjoyable for me, which at times made it difficult to want to pick up and read. There wasn’t much tension pull between KC and Jarred that I had hoped for given their chemistry, and felt that it just needed more. In parts it was repetitive, which made it hard to grasp feelings throughout this read. It was spicy, which we as dark romance readers do love; however, some scenes were a bit too much cringe. I do wish that this was more focused on the cage fighting, mafia and human trafficking. There just wasn’t enough of this throughout the book. Most of the action happened at the bitter end of it, which was disappointing. Unfortunately, I found myself less entertained during this and wanting more out of it.

[Destin Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
What a completely addictive dark romance read! I had the pleasure of ARC reading Tease by KD Marie and this book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The tension, mystery, and emotional chaos pulled me in immediately, and the spice? Absolutely scorching. The chemistry between these characters was intense and completely addictive. What I loved most was the emotional depth woven throughout the story. Beneath all the heat and obsession were raw, vulnerable moments filled with angst, longing, heartbreak, and emotional turmoil that made the characters feel so real. The push and pull between them had me fully invested the entire time. This book was packed with some of my favorite tropes… found family, secret identity, stalker vibes, and second chance romance, and every one was done so well. And we talk about the MMC? Protective, possessive, dangerous… yes please. (Cage fighter?!... Immediately YES) If you love dark romances full of angst, tension, obsession, and spice, Tease is definitely one to add to your TBR. I already cannot wait for the next book in this series!

[Alexandria Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10 would recommend.

It’s summer love, it’s love at first sight!
A little bit biker romance, a little bit Mafia romance, a little bit contemporary, and a little bit dark. The spice is spicy, the plot is complex.

I was thrilled when I got the email to ARC read this story! However, I was worried for the first 15% of the book that it would be too all over the place for me, but i’m glad I stuck through it. Kailey and Jared have a love at first sight, cozy, spicy, meant to be, love story, until tragedy strikes. She chooses a path of moving on to heal. He will never stop fighting to win her back.

This story is a little bit of everything, and not too intensely dark, while still being nice and spicy🌶️. It is heartbreaking, heartwarming, and keeps you in the edge of your seat to see what, or who 😉, is coming next.

Releasing May 29, 2026. Tease is the first book in this series, and it’s a story I recommend you don’t want to miss. 🤭

[Mushmookie (Karla P) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars!

Arc review - I really enjoyed this book! It was definitely a ride reading it! From the beginning, I loved the chemistry between Kailey & Jared. He knew he loved her from the moment he laid eyes on her. They defined the phrase “meant to be”!

The story felt so real. The trauma and tragedies were heartbreaking. People deal with trauma differently and this book showed some of the different sides of grief management. This book was full of suspense, second chances, tragedies, spicy spice spice, MMA cage fighting, mafia ties, stalking and just so much going on. This book was far from boring! And the nostalgic playlist was amazing! KD Marie hit that 2000’s vibe perfectly!

Make sure to check your triggers before reading.

Oh and there is a paper cut scene that made my jaw drop. I caught myself looking away as if I was watching it happen 😳. KD, very creative! I felt it had a great flow, great pacing and loved the side characters.

[Renee Getty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book!! The title releases 5/29/26
I enjoyed this story! It is a dark romance with explicit scenes, so it will not be for everyone (18+ definitely and check your triggers!)
At age 20, Kailey lives in a small town and meets the man of her dreams! “Cap guy” is everything she thought she’d never get to experience. Then tragedy strikes, and she runs off to Chicago to start a new life with her bestie effectively cutting off all contact with Jared (cap guy).
Five years later, we find Kailey (now going by KC) in Chicago and who pops up again? Cap guy! She hasn’t been able to commit to a relationship since theirs, but she does have a friends w/ benefits situation going on with a possessive mafia man. I don’t feel like I need to elaborate there, and I won’t because I don’t want to give anything away! This book has suspense, warring mafia families, a strong FMC, 2nd chance love, and the smut is smutty!

[Mackenzie Zook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Jaw dropped! This book had tears in my eyes at times. At others times I was laughing, or even shocked! I thought this book would just be a fun time but it was so much more! The pacing of this book is amazing the way everything is tied together is perfect. I had so many theories and I still wasn’t completely right at the end. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, I couldn’t put it down! I was able to relate to the fmc so much. Also there are side characters who actually have depth to them! ( I’m so excited for the next book ) I love how the mmc was possessive but not gross or weird about it. Also the spice in this book 🥵. I loved so much about this book it’s hard to put it all into one review!

[Chad Alan Honestly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if Tease is what I would call this emotional trip that these pages took me on. It’s more like jump in and enjoy the ride, pretty boy. I finished this book a couple of days ago and had to process what this book did to me. My brain had to replay this repeatedly; the characters feel like people I know, and some of the events felt personal even though I did not experience them. The layers you experience getting inside the minds of these people in this world, but what happens to these characters is wild. The lead M/F characters are not the typical couple that you read in every other book. Brittany, though … man. Definitely a good read and can’t wait to read what this author has next.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC

Jared and Kailey completely hooked me from the start. The playlist alone had me feeling nostalgic and brought back so many fun memories.

This story takes you on an emotional ride as Kailey learns how to navigate life after a heartbreaking tragedy.

And then there’s Jared… because who doesn’t love a possessive MMC? 🥵 He definitely wasn’t about to let her slip away without a fight. The chemistry and spice between these two were EVERYTHING.

I also loved the comedic relief from Kailey’s nurse friend, Shelah — those moments had me genuinely laughing and balanced the heavier emotions perfectly.

Such a great read overall, with emotion, heat, humor, and characters that keep you invested. I already can’t wait for the next book!

[Sarah Schoonover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read "Tease" as an ARC read, so a thank you to the author for that! With that being said, I thoroughly enjoy the tropes included in this book; mafia-ties and a second chance at love, and the spice was FIRE!!
Jared and Kailey's journey is emotionally messy, from young love to a tragic accident to finding each other years later, each with different lives and how to deal with who they've become.
However, I did struggle to stay looped into the book and didn't feel a pull to want to pick it back up. I felt that major parts of the plot did not play a big enough role throughout the book. A lot of the major plot happens within the last 20% of the book. Some of the verbiage/descriptive words used I found a smidge cringey, however my yuck is someone else's yum.

[Jessica Ehmcke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the arc.

If you enjoy a contemporary dark romance with unique tropes like a MMC, who is a cage fighter, found family, second chance, mafia ties, stalker, secret identity. Then Tease, book one in the Unforgettable series, is for you.
Found family was definitely felt throughout the book. The friendship and bond the characters have throughout the book feels like it comes from a true place in the authors heart.
There is one scene that takes place in the first half of the book that leads us into part two, this scene is so raw and emotional it moved me to tears. I felt every emotion right along with the characters.
This is the author's debut novel. It was heartfelt, funny, emotional, and spicy, it has it all.

[Michael Dominianni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It usually takes me a significant amount of time to finish books but I consumed this book in a week. KD Marie knocked this one out…. Pun intended! She does such amazing job of making you care about these characters. You really feel what each person is going through in the story. There is highs and really low lows for the main characters. I love the 90”s-2000s references like burned cd or pink razr phone. I love the short chapters that make it easier to consume. In this book just when you think it’s happy ending and all is well Marie takes a on a short turn you didn’t see coming and takes you on a wild ride. I can’t wait to read more books from her and she has become quickly one of my favorite authors. I love this book and will be recommending it to so many people. 5 star read!!!!!

[Tina Rudisaile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and Kailey and Jared’s story delivers a second chance romance packed with mafia ties and plenty of spice.

This book definitely keeps you on your toes with all the twists and turns, and there’s no shortage of action throughout. While I enjoyed the overall storyline, some of the FMC’s changes felt a bit too dramatic for me at times, which made it harder to fully connect with her character.

That said, at its core, this is a strong love story with a satisfying HEA. If you’re a fan of action-filled romances with a small-town second chance vibe (and don’t mind a little extra drama), this one is worth checking out.

[Hallie Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

AMAZING!! HOOKED FROM CHAPTER 1!!

this book scratched an itch in my brain i didn’t know needed scratch.

i loved kailey and jared. the pain the grief the true love you literally on see in books.

YES!!

ugh. i laughed. i cried. i shouted FINALLY. i screamed NOOOOOO. i said damn things are fixing to get dicey.

it had everything you needed and i’ve done told my book club we needed this as a book club book as soon as it releases because they need this book in their life. 
kailey and jared a love story i’ll remember and think of always.

they kinda reminded me of “a love letter to whiskey” but not as toxic😂

[Corina Recendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.75)

This one was a mix of genres—biker, mafia, contemporary, with a touch of dark—and it definitely kept things interesting. The story leans into a love-at-first-sight romance that quickly turns emotional and complicated.

I had the chance to ARC read this, and while I did struggle a bit with the beginning feeling somewhat scattered, it found its footing as the story went on. Kailey and Jared’s journey is messy, emotional, and filled with ups and downs that kept me curious to see how it would all play out.

Overall, it’s a solid read with spice, drama, and heart. If you enjoy a mix of romance with a little edge, this one is worth checking out!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy recieved from author.

This book hurt me in the best way possible. Tease by KD Marie started slow for me, but once it picked up, I was OBSESSED. The chemistry? Insane. The Tension? Suffocating. & The heartbreak? Devastating. The twists had me staring at the wall questioning everything. Kailey went THROUGH it, and the emotional weight of everything she faced had me completely invested.

It’s a second-chance romance with that love-at-first-sight energy, but it also dips into darker moments, so definitely check trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain topics.

Overall it was a great read & I’m excited to see how the rest of the characters’ stories unfold!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tease by KD Marie

🌶️ Cage fighter MMC
🌶️ Second chance dark romance
🌶️ Stalker
🌶️ Spicy

Kailey and Jared 😮‍💨 I adored their love early on and then I realized there was so much book left and I was about to get my feelings hurt. I was in fact correct. The heartbreak that Kailey experiences.. it's understandable why she made the decisions that she did. Jared never stopped loving her though and that was evident as more things came together towards the end. There were multiple twists towards the second half that opened up so much for this series and I cannot wait to see how it all comes together. The playlist? Chefs kiss. So many nostalgic songs.

[Crystal Crist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and couldn't be more grateful to the author for allowing me to read it!

The banter between the MMC and MFC was unforgettable. I loved the way they spoke to each other, and the little things between them that just made them so unique. I appreciated the blend between spice and emotional depth in the book, as well as the way the author handled trauma. It felt real and immersed me into the scene like I was experiencing it for myself.

I won't say too much, I'd much rather you read the book for yourself. But their love was sweet, spicy, and one for the ages.

Thank you again, KD, for letting me read this!

Five stars from me. 🖤

[Katina Sites · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of "Tease".
I am voluntarily writing.this review. This is a contemporary 2nd chance dark romance with trauma, a stalker, mafia ties, cage-fighting, a secret occupation and wow spice. 🔥 Witnessing Kailey and Jared's interactions blossom into a sweet young love, fall apart after a horrible tragedy and then re-ignite after years apart into a gritty, steamy and emotionally complex relationship resulted in an entertaining read - add in the other factors/characters and it became a compelling read that I did not want to put down.

[Merlou Blaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an intense and emotionally charged second chance romance that grabs your heart from the very first page. The chemistry between Kailey and her determined fighter is electric, blending passion, heartbreak, and unwavering devotion into a story that’s impossible to put down. The added danger of rival Mafia families raises the stakes, making every reunion and confrontation even more powerful. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and packed with emotion. A captivating romance that leaves you rooting for love until the very end.

[Ninfa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary dark romance had me on the edge of my seat. I didnt want to put it down.

I really felt the emotions and heartbreak of Kailey losing Beth. So raw and devastating. Im a sucker for a second chance romance and loved how the series of events lead Jered and Kailey back together.

Im excited to see where her next books lead us. I was left with quite a few unanswered questions that I hope I get answers to in the next book!

Overall this book was hands down one of my favorites and wouldn't have an issue re reading it

[Banshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is UH-mazing!!! It starts off sweet and quickly takes a dark turn which leads to some of the spiciest scenes i have EVER read, which is saying something…. It’s a 5/5 spice, Carolina Reaper Heat. The characters are relatable and yet surprises abound. Reasonable level of predictability with enough shock to leave you questioning what you just read. Honestly one of the best ARCs I’ve ever read.

[Lexi H · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADVANCE READER COPY****

This books scratches a nostalgic itch in my brain. There is something so satisfying about reading a book set in the 2000s. This will be a treat for the millennial readers for sure.
There is insta love to hate
Second chances
A sprinkle of mafia men
Found family
No shortage of trauma
Handful of spice

Overall I had a good time reading it. I think the author hit the 2000s correctly.

[Amanda Dresselhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance lovers is always hit or miss. This time 100% justifiable. If I was in Kailey’s shoes I probably would have made the same choice. It showed a real struggle that anyone would go through after losing someone close to you. The choices she made to survive after starting over were ones people do make all the times. Then sprinkle in a little mafia action and this book was so good. Start to finish. Be prepared with some tissues there might be a small spot you shed a tear or two!

[Kelsey Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS 👏🏻 BOOK 👏🏻 IS 👏🏻 SO 👏🏻 GOOD👏🏻

So lucky I got this amazing arc!! Let me just say this book was a 5⭐️ read!!! From the love story, to second chances, the friendships, the twists, ohhhhh and the SPICEEEEE 🥵🔥 I ate this book up!!! If you love a good spicy dark romance look no further!!! This book was a page turner from the very beginning and I could not put it down!!! And that ending!!!!!!! I need more!!!!! 🥵🥵🥵 Jared is now one of my new book boyfriends 🔥🔥🔥

[Kristina Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️ rounded up! Tease is a fantastic debut with a lot to offer, & a lot to tease you with 🤭. I loved the connection between Kailey & Jared. Parts of this will break your heart, but true to KD's word, you'll get your HEA. The spice is slappin', and the twists put in were a fun bonus that I hope she plays into more for the series. I look forward to watching KD grow as an author & for all that comes next!!! ❤️

[Tosha Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely loved Tease by KD Marie. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its intense chemistry, emotional tension, and unforgettable characters. The push-and-pull between the main characters kept me turning pages, and the author did an excellent job balancing romance, drama, and suspense.

If you enjoy dark romance with plenty of tension, strong emotions, and characters who stay with you long after you’ve finished the book, Tease is definitely worth reading.