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Etiquette of the Cruel
“How would it feel to kill him?”
ADELINA
I don’t get distracted.
I don’t make mistakes.
And I sure as hell don’t allow my enemies to keep breathing.
Cezar Torrim, the son of the man who took everything from me, is a loose end.
He should be dead.
He knows it.
I know it.
The plan always ends with his father six feet under. Everyone else is just in the way.
So why is Cezar still alive?
Why is he tied to my chair instead of buried in the ground where he belongs?
This should’ve been simple.
Except he doesn’t act like a hostage. He doesn’t try to run. He doesn’t even pretend to fear me.
He just watches me—too calm for a man marked for death, like this is all a game.
It’s irritating.
Dangerous.
And I wonder how far he’d let me go.
“I wasn’t good for her. But I was greedy.”
CEZAR
I should probably be more concerned.
She broke into my life, tied me to a chair, and made it very clear she could end me whenever she felt like it. And all I can think about is how good she looked doing it.
Everything Lina does is deliberate—controlled. She is dangerous.
The problem?
I’ve never been good at staying away from things that will ruin me. After all, I like to play.
If she wanted me dead, I would be. That’s what makes this fun. She hasn’t decided, and I can tell it bothers her.
The way she looks at me, like I’m hers to kill…
Or keep.
It turns me on.
Yeah.
I’m not going anywhere.
Etiquette of the Cruel is a dual POV, fast-paced, character-driven dark mafia romance where insta-lust grows into obsession, then love, with high chemistry, a romance-focused plot, explicit scenes, graphic violence, mature themes, and a hard-won HEA. Reader discretion is advised. Please see the front matter for detailed content warnings.
Tropes & Microtropes:
* Safe word... for him
* BDSM elements
* Touch her/him and die
* Femdom/power exchange
* He whimpers
* Found family
* Tortured MMC
* Morally black characters
* Dark humor (in the worst moments)
* Enemies to lovers
* Revenge plot
* Forbidden love
* Captive/captor
* Cat & Mouse
* Black cat & golden retriever vibe
* Completely unhinged MMC
* Female assassin FMC
* He falls first. Hard. And doesn't get back up
* Romantic suspense
Author's Note: Etiquette of the Cruel is the first book in The Damned series and can be enjoyed as a standalone romance.
ADELINA
I don’t get distracted.
I don’t make mistakes.
And I sure as hell don’t allow my enemies to keep breathing.
Cezar Torrim, the son of the man who took everything from me, is a loose end.
He should be dead.
He knows it.
I know it.
The plan always ends with his father six feet under. Everyone else is just in the way.
So why is Cezar still alive?
Why is he tied to my chair instead of buried in the ground where he belongs?
This should’ve been simple.
Except he doesn’t act like a hostage. He doesn’t try to run. He doesn’t even pretend to fear me.
He just watches me—too calm for a man marked for death, like this is all a game.
It’s irritating.
Dangerous.
And I wonder how far he’d let me go.
“I wasn’t good for her. But I was greedy.”
CEZAR
I should probably be more concerned.
She broke into my life, tied me to a chair, and made it very clear she could end me whenever she felt like it. And all I can think about is how good she looked doing it.
Everything Lina does is deliberate—controlled. She is dangerous.
The problem?
I’ve never been good at staying away from things that will ruin me. After all, I like to play.
If she wanted me dead, I would be. That’s what makes this fun. She hasn’t decided, and I can tell it bothers her.
The way she looks at me, like I’m hers to kill…
Or keep.
It turns me on.
Yeah.
I’m not going anywhere.
Etiquette of the Cruel is a dual POV, fast-paced, character-driven dark mafia romance where insta-lust grows into obsession, then love, with high chemistry, a romance-focused plot, explicit scenes, graphic violence, mature themes, and a hard-won HEA. Reader discretion is advised. Please see the front matter for detailed content warnings.
Tropes & Microtropes:
* Safe word... for him
* BDSM elements
* Touch her/him and die
* Femdom/power exchange
* He whimpers
* Found family
* Tortured MMC
* Morally black characters
* Dark humor (in the worst moments)
* Enemies to lovers
* Revenge plot
* Forbidden love
* Captive/captor
* Cat & Mouse
* Black cat & golden retriever vibe
* Completely unhinged MMC
* Female assassin FMC
* He falls first. Hard. And doesn't get back up
* Romantic suspense
Author's Note: Etiquette of the Cruel is the first book in The Damned series and can be enjoyed as a standalone romance.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Jane Carmine
1 book29 followersWelcome to House of Carmine.
I started out writing poetry.
Just random stuff—feelings I didn’t know what to do with, so I put them somewhere.
I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember, but at some point I got tired of waiting for the “right” time and just said screw it. I’m doing this. And I did.
Now I write dark romance worlds that feel like a safe place for the beautifully twisted. The morally gray and not interested in redemption. The ones who want something that burrows under your skin and doesn’t leave.
Obsession. Violence. Devotion. Messy and screwed up, with something real and absolutely feral underneath.
If you like characters with ruined morals and stories that go too far, you’ll fit right in here.
These stories are meant to consume you.
—
When I’m not writing, I’m usually working on some DIY project, dealing with real estate, or taking care of animals that run my life.
I started out writing poetry.
Just random stuff—feelings I didn’t know what to do with, so I put them somewhere.
I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember, but at some point I got tired of waiting for the “right” time and just said screw it. I’m doing this. And I did.
Now I write dark romance worlds that feel like a safe place for the beautifully twisted. The morally gray and not interested in redemption. The ones who want something that burrows under your skin and doesn’t leave.
Obsession. Violence. Devotion. Messy and screwed up, with something real and absolutely feral underneath.
If you like characters with ruined morals and stories that go too far, you’ll fit right in here.
These stories are meant to consume you.
—
When I’m not writing, I’m usually working on some DIY project, dealing with real estate, or taking care of animals that run my life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
June 29, 2026
Release Date - 14th July
Will be available on - paperback, ebook and currently accepting preorders !
First of all, a message to the author - CONGRATULATIONS on writing and almost releasing your first book! This was such a good book to kick off your writing career!
I loved the :
» The cat & mouse chase
» Their mutual attraction
» The power play ! - He had a safe word
» The fact he got hard when she drew a weapon and threatened to kill him- I mean fair play!
» The way they protected eachother even as enemies.
» The dark humour
» Found family vibes
I enjoyed this book so much! Cezar was dangerous, mysterious, obsessive , possessive and OTT but he cared so much! His cheeky personality was just a cover for the pain and torture he endured. Even being a mafia heir , he wasn’t protected . He was no golden boy, something Adelina could relate too.. Their lives were built on heartache , death and misery
Lina was seeking vengeance and revenge. She was strong with a weapon, a vigilante and an assassin - she was his dream woman. Their chemistry , mutual attraction and feelings would soon become a battle in their minds. They were FERAL for eachother . They had a goal and one of them should be dead. Like I said, their love was doomed from the beginning . Could they really survive the threats against them?
I liked the writing style. Short chapters which made it easy to say “ just one more chapter” , the dual POV which is my absolute favourite. Although it is fast pace, a lot has happened in a short amount of time BUT I just knew that was start of their whirlwind of a dangerous romance. I really enjoyed the characters too! Both endured their fair share of trauma but found a way to survive
“Rose” THAT BROKE ME 😭😭😭
♡ Thank you Jane Carmine for the opportunity for reading your debut novel. Congratulations on being one step closer to your first book release! I am so proud of you!
Will be available on - paperback, ebook and currently accepting preorders !
First of all, a message to the author - CONGRATULATIONS on writing and almost releasing your first book! This was such a good book to kick off your writing career!
I loved the :
» The cat & mouse chase
» Their mutual attraction
» The power play ! - He had a safe word
» The fact he got hard when she drew a weapon and threatened to kill him- I mean fair play!
» The way they protected eachother even as enemies.
» The dark humour
» Found family vibes
I enjoyed this book so much! Cezar was dangerous, mysterious, obsessive , possessive and OTT but he cared so much! His cheeky personality was just a cover for the pain and torture he endured. Even being a mafia heir , he wasn’t protected . He was no golden boy, something Adelina could relate too.. Their lives were built on heartache , death and misery
Lina was seeking vengeance and revenge. She was strong with a weapon, a vigilante and an assassin - she was his dream woman. Their chemistry , mutual attraction and feelings would soon become a battle in their minds. They were FERAL for eachother . They had a goal and one of them should be dead. Like I said, their love was doomed from the beginning . Could they really survive the threats against them?
I liked the writing style. Short chapters which made it easy to say “ just one more chapter” , the dual POV which is my absolute favourite. Although it is fast pace, a lot has happened in a short amount of time BUT I just knew that was start of their whirlwind of a dangerous romance. I really enjoyed the characters too! Both endured their fair share of trauma but found a way to survive
“Rose” THAT BROKE ME 😭😭😭
♡ Thank you Jane Carmine for the opportunity for reading your debut novel. Congratulations on being one step closer to your first book release! I am so proud of you!
July 28, 2026
I wanted to love it
Let me start out by saying this cover is absolutely positively gorgeous, which is one of the reasons why I picked this book. I really wanted to love this story, but it felt like the first 40% was more about the chemistry between the two main characters than anything else. I didn’t feel as if there was any real plot to explain what was going on, what the background was, why “petal” felt the way she did, etc. I also didn’t find the quickness to the chemistry between enemies to be believable. I definitely think there are some readers who are going to absolutely devour and love this story at the end of the day I just wanted something more earlier on in the story. I highly recommend that you give it a try and maybe it will be for you.
Let me start out by saying this cover is absolutely positively gorgeous, which is one of the reasons why I picked this book. I really wanted to love this story, but it felt like the first 40% was more about the chemistry between the two main characters than anything else. I didn’t feel as if there was any real plot to explain what was going on, what the background was, why “petal” felt the way she did, etc. I also didn’t find the quickness to the chemistry between enemies to be believable. I definitely think there are some readers who are going to absolutely devour and love this story at the end of the day I just wanted something more earlier on in the story. I highly recommend that you give it a try and maybe it will be for you.
July 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-Star Review | Etiquette of the Cruel
Etiquette of the Cruel is a mafia romance that begins with tragedy, and from the very first page you know this story is destined to end the same way. It’s dark, emotional, and filled with the kind of tension that keeps you wondering whether love can ever truly survive in a world built on violence.
One of my favorite parts was how the traditional power dynamic is flipped. The FMC is the true force of nature—powerful, ruthless, and completely in control. She’s the one everyone fears, while the MMC, despite being a deadly killer, willingly kneels before her and accepts whatever punishment she decides to give. Their relationship is unconventional, layered, and fascinating to watch unfold.
Don’t go into this expecting a super spicy read—the spice level is fairly mild—but the strength of the story lies in its characters, the mafia politics, and the emotional weight they carry. The plot keeps you invested from beginning to end, making this a solid read for anyone who enjoys character-driven dark mafia romances.
If you’re looking for a mafia romance with a dominant, unapologetically badass heroine, a fiercely devoted hero, and a story that embraces the idea that not every ending is meant to be happy, Etiquette of the Cruel is worth adding to your TBR.
Etiquette of the Cruel is a mafia romance that begins with tragedy, and from the very first page you know this story is destined to end the same way. It’s dark, emotional, and filled with the kind of tension that keeps you wondering whether love can ever truly survive in a world built on violence.
One of my favorite parts was how the traditional power dynamic is flipped. The FMC is the true force of nature—powerful, ruthless, and completely in control. She’s the one everyone fears, while the MMC, despite being a deadly killer, willingly kneels before her and accepts whatever punishment she decides to give. Their relationship is unconventional, layered, and fascinating to watch unfold.
Don’t go into this expecting a super spicy read—the spice level is fairly mild—but the strength of the story lies in its characters, the mafia politics, and the emotional weight they carry. The plot keeps you invested from beginning to end, making this a solid read for anyone who enjoys character-driven dark mafia romances.
If you’re looking for a mafia romance with a dominant, unapologetically badass heroine, a fiercely devoted hero, and a story that embraces the idea that not every ending is meant to be happy, Etiquette of the Cruel is worth adding to your TBR.
July 15, 2026
4.25⭐/5
Lina was absolutely something we don’t see often enough and I loved her! She was deadly, strong, fierce, dominant, mean, rude, cold, and wanted his pain. Cezar cracked me up with his pervy, stalker-y, aggressive, obsessive, vulnerable thoughts and his desire to just have her. This had vengeance, tragedy, mafia politics and drama, and retaliation, besides obsession and steamy spice. The writing felt so quick and to the point with not a lot of dramatization or detail, but I found it made for really interesting reading as if I was playing a movie on x1.2 speed that left out all the unnecessary dialogue. That was unusual for me at first, but it didn’t take away from who these two characters were, what pain they’d experienced, and how they connected with each other. These two broken people found themselves in each other, which made this a dark, fun read.
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy, this review is given voluntarily.
Lina was absolutely something we don’t see often enough and I loved her! She was deadly, strong, fierce, dominant, mean, rude, cold, and wanted his pain. Cezar cracked me up with his pervy, stalker-y, aggressive, obsessive, vulnerable thoughts and his desire to just have her. This had vengeance, tragedy, mafia politics and drama, and retaliation, besides obsession and steamy spice. The writing felt so quick and to the point with not a lot of dramatization or detail, but I found it made for really interesting reading as if I was playing a movie on x1.2 speed that left out all the unnecessary dialogue. That was unusual for me at first, but it didn’t take away from who these two characters were, what pain they’d experienced, and how they connected with each other. These two broken people found themselves in each other, which made this a dark, fun read.
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy, this review is given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The instalust was just too strong in this one ....
I'm sad. Etiquette of the Cruel had everything I should've loved: an assassin FMC and an unhinged MMC who worships and willingly surrenders to her. I have to admit, Cezar's POV even made me laugh a few times.
When it comes to books like this, I usually don't mind the smut taking over the plot, but I still need SOME plot. I need a foundation. You can't just throw me straight into the "OMG I'm so obsessed 😍😍" phase and expect me to be invested.
What made it worse was that I struggled with the writing. It felt jumpy and lacked detail. I'd finish a chapter only to find myself wondering: What is happening? Where is this scene taking place? Why are they even here? I was so confused. I also thought the dialogue felt very stiff. I just don't think real people talk like that. Even when the main characters were flirting, it came across as unnatural. Chemistry? Never heard of her.
By the time I reached the first smut scene and realized I was skimming the pages instead of reading them, I knew it was time to let go.
DNF @17%.
Sorry, author.
I'm sad. Etiquette of the Cruel had everything I should've loved: an assassin FMC and an unhinged MMC who worships and willingly surrenders to her. I have to admit, Cezar's POV even made me laugh a few times.
When it comes to books like this, I usually don't mind the smut taking over the plot, but I still need SOME plot. I need a foundation. You can't just throw me straight into the "OMG I'm so obsessed 😍😍" phase and expect me to be invested.
What made it worse was that I struggled with the writing. It felt jumpy and lacked detail. I'd finish a chapter only to find myself wondering: What is happening? Where is this scene taking place? Why are they even here? I was so confused. I also thought the dialogue felt very stiff. I just don't think real people talk like that. Even when the main characters were flirting, it came across as unnatural. Chemistry? Never heard of her.
By the time I reached the first smut scene and realized I was skimming the pages instead of reading them, I knew it was time to let go.
DNF @17%.
Sorry, author.
July 18, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wanted to love this book so much. The blurb and the cover drew me right in, and I was SO excited.
I have not yet completed the book. I do not want to call it a DNF yet. I want to give it a second chance when I am in a better headspace.
Then I will review again.
I wanted to love this book so much. The blurb and the cover drew me right in, and I was SO excited.
I have not yet completed the book. I do not want to call it a DNF yet. I want to give it a second chance when I am in a better headspace.
Then I will review again.
July 15, 2026
Etiquette Of The Cruel 🌹🗡️- Jane Carmine
Happy Release Day Jane!🤗🖤🫶 Go grab your copy now!✨
In this dark romance we follow our FMC Adelina, a stubborn and badass syndicate leader, who is deeply feared by others and possesses lots of power.😈 She is also trying to get revenge on those that killed her parents and take back their legacy✨. We then meet our MMC Cezar; a sarcastic, cheeky, golden retriever man, who masks his pain and traumas with snarky banter and smirks😏. Who is also one of the sons, and mafia heir, to the man currently ruling the legacy of Lina’s parents😱. Lina and Cesar’s chemistry and dynamic was undeniably fatal from the beginning🌶️. Lina taking the dominant reigns and Cezar stepping into the submissive role, taking their relationship to a whole new level🖤.
Working together to seek vengeance, and take back Lina’s rightful throne, will they survive all of the threats?🫢😨
This books was truly an amazing read. I absolutely was OBSESSED with our dom FMC and sub MMC dynamic, very different and it HIT!😮💨🥴 I also absolutely loved how they were so feral over one another and possessive.😈 This book had the perfect amount of twists to keep you drawn into their story. I loved the structure of the shorter chapters, keeping you turning the page, and of switching narratives of our main characters.
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Happy Release Day Jane!🤗🖤🫶 Go grab your copy now!✨
In this dark romance we follow our FMC Adelina, a stubborn and badass syndicate leader, who is deeply feared by others and possesses lots of power.😈 She is also trying to get revenge on those that killed her parents and take back their legacy✨. We then meet our MMC Cezar; a sarcastic, cheeky, golden retriever man, who masks his pain and traumas with snarky banter and smirks😏. Who is also one of the sons, and mafia heir, to the man currently ruling the legacy of Lina’s parents😱. Lina and Cesar’s chemistry and dynamic was undeniably fatal from the beginning🌶️. Lina taking the dominant reigns and Cezar stepping into the submissive role, taking their relationship to a whole new level🖤.
Working together to seek vengeance, and take back Lina’s rightful throne, will they survive all of the threats?🫢😨
This books was truly an amazing read. I absolutely was OBSESSED with our dom FMC and sub MMC dynamic, very different and it HIT!😮💨🥴 I also absolutely loved how they were so feral over one another and possessive.😈 This book had the perfect amount of twists to keep you drawn into their story. I loved the structure of the shorter chapters, keeping you turning the page, and of switching narratives of our main characters.
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 15, 2026
“How would it feel to kill him?”
Adelina doesn’t get distracted.
She doesn’t make mistakes.
And she sure as hell doesn’t allow her enemies to keep breathing.
Cezar Torrim, the son of the man who took everything from her, is a loose end.
He should be dead.
He knows it.
She know it.
The plan always ends with his father six feet under. Everyone else is just in the way.
So why is Cezar still alive?
Why is he tied to Adelina’s chair instead of buried in the ground where he belongs?
This should’ve been simple.
Except he doesn’t act like a hostage. He doesn’t try to run. He doesn’t even pretend to fear her.
He just watches her—too calm for a man marked for death, like this is all a game.
It’s irritating.
Dangerous.
And Adelina wonders how far he’d let her go.
“I wasn’t good for her. But I was greedy.”
Cezar should probably be more concerned.
She broke into his life, tied him to a chair, and made it very clear she could end him whenever she felt like it. And all Cezar can think about is how good she looked doing it.
Everything Lina does is deliberate—controlled. She is dangerous.
The problem?
Cezar’s never been good at staying away from things that will ruin him. After all, he liked to play.
If she wanted him dead, he would be. That’s what makes this fun. She hasn’t decided, and he can tell it bothers her.
The way she looks at him, like I’m hers to kill…
Or keep.
It turns Cezar on.
Yeah.
He’s not going anywhere.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first.
Reader discretion is advised.
Tropes: Safe word... for him, BDSM elements, Touch her/him and die, Femdom/power exchange, He whimpers, Found family, Tortured MMC, Morally black characters, Dark humor (in the worst moments), Enemies to lovers, Revenge plot, Forbidden love, Captive/captor, Cat & Mouse, Black cat & golden retriever vibe, Completely unhinged MMC, Female assassin FMC, He falls first. Hard. And doesn't get back up, Romantic suspense, Enemies to Lovers, Captor/Captive Romance, Forced Proximity, Touch Her and Die / Protective Obsession, Morally Gray Heroine, Morally Gray Hero, Revenge Plot, Family Feud, Forbidden Romance, Cat-and-Mouse Chase, Obsessive Attraction, "I Can Fix Them"/"I Want the One Who Will Destroy Me" Energy, Slow-Burn Romance, Psychological Tension, Power Struggle, Strong Female Lead, Antihero Romance, Crime/Mafia Elements, Dark Romance, Deadly Attraction, "You're Mine" Dynamic, A deadly game of attraction, Dominant heroine × fascinated, fearless hero, Emotional and psychological warfare, Revenge, Mutual obsession that blurs the line between hunter and prey, Enemies to Lovers, Captor/Captive, Forced Proximity, Revenge Romance, Morally Gray MCs, Dark Romance, Psychological Cat-and-Mouse, Obsessive/Possessive Love, Family Feud, Slow Burn, Crime/Mafia Romance, Strong Female Lead/Dominant Heroine.
Etiquette of the Cruel is the 1st book in Jane Carmine’s The Damned series. This book is a dual POV, fast-paced, character-driven dark mafia romance where insta-lust grows into obsession, then love, with high chemistry, a romance-focused plot, explicit scenes, graphic violence, mature themes, and a hard-won HEA. Reader discretion is advised. Please see the front matter for detailed content warnings.
Jane Carmine's Etiquette of the Cruel, the first book in The Damned Series, plunges readers into a dark tale where vengeance and lust simmer dangerously. At its core, the story is a dark romance with thriller elements, following Adelina, a brutal FMC seeking payback, and Cezar Torrim, the son of her most hated enemy.
This is an interesting story if you enjoy tales that challenge power and morality.
Jane doesn’t mince words from the first page: Adelina is a woman who has endured loss, and her cold ruthlessness is focused on eliminating her enemies and anyone who stands in her way. The narrative, however, does not allow Adelina to be only a savage avenger. Her violent actions are less straightforward than they first appear, especially in her dynamic with Cezar, the one-character brave enough not to adopt fear or victimhood. I found this subversion of the typical hostage trope interesting: the captive isn’t a wilting wallflower; instead, she is a captivating magnet, creating an unexpected pressure-cooker dynamic between Adelina and Cezar and adding turbulent intrigue.
One of the biggest strengths of this novel is its characterization. When you are so completely fixated on a goal in life that nothing and no one can stray you from it, that is Adelina, who, alongside Cezar, radiates reckless charm. Electric friction runs like a current through their relationship, built on obsession and play so that no bright lines emerge between hunter and prey. Jane exploits this delicious ambiguity in lines like “The way she looks at him, like I’m hers to kill… Or keep.” The push and pull between power and surrender, violence and lust, is provocative enough to raise the story above your typical revenge plot.
While Adelina and Cezar’s chemistry is combustible, some readers may still struggle to fully buy into the endless darkness and grey morality. The narrative sometimes leans too heavily on cliché in its depiction of dangerous attraction; the brooding, enigmatic bad boy and the lethal femme fatale are both familiar templates. However, Jane brings just enough nuance and unexpected emotion to keep the dynamic from feeling stale or stock. The pacing can also be slower, relying on simmering dialogue and psychological warfare rather than action to build tension, so those seeking a constant thrill may be disappointed.
Jane was clever in her plotting, avoiding revenge tropes by focusing on the mental games between Adelina and Cezar. The fact that he is still alive and tied up, rather than dead, leaves the narrative with an unanswered question that keeps the suspense going. It is gratifying to have a revenge story with an actual antagonist, one who is not just a target to dispatch in the service of redemption, but a flesh-and-blood provocateur who makes you think and crave.
Etiquette of the Cruel is a dark romance that pulls readers in and refuses to let them escape. If you are a fan of steamier, more psychologically charged romances with complicated antiheroes, there’s much more to sink your teeth into in this book. For readers who prefer cleaner stories with corresponding white or light grey hats, this book may be a test of your patience. But for those readers who are truly enticed by the tension that comes from near-takes-on-darker-liaisons territory, this book is well worth diving into.
Etiquette of the Cruel challenges the reader to contemplate what it means to be both a perpetrator and a victim, and whether the ugly acts we are capable of inflicting upon each other are what truly bring us closer together. At the end of it, you may ask yourself: in the game of power and passion, who wins?
Adelina doesn’t get distracted.
She doesn’t make mistakes.
And she sure as hell doesn’t allow her enemies to keep breathing.
Cezar Torrim, the son of the man who took everything from her, is a loose end.
He should be dead.
He knows it.
She know it.
The plan always ends with his father six feet under. Everyone else is just in the way.
So why is Cezar still alive?
Why is he tied to Adelina’s chair instead of buried in the ground where he belongs?
This should’ve been simple.
Except he doesn’t act like a hostage. He doesn’t try to run. He doesn’t even pretend to fear her.
He just watches her—too calm for a man marked for death, like this is all a game.
It’s irritating.
Dangerous.
And Adelina wonders how far he’d let her go.
“I wasn’t good for her. But I was greedy.”
Cezar should probably be more concerned.
She broke into his life, tied him to a chair, and made it very clear she could end him whenever she felt like it. And all Cezar can think about is how good she looked doing it.
Everything Lina does is deliberate—controlled. She is dangerous.
The problem?
Cezar’s never been good at staying away from things that will ruin him. After all, he liked to play.
If she wanted him dead, he would be. That’s what makes this fun. She hasn’t decided, and he can tell it bothers her.
The way she looks at him, like I’m hers to kill…
Or keep.
It turns Cezar on.
Yeah.
He’s not going anywhere.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first.
Reader discretion is advised.
Tropes: Safe word... for him, BDSM elements, Touch her/him and die, Femdom/power exchange, He whimpers, Found family, Tortured MMC, Morally black characters, Dark humor (in the worst moments), Enemies to lovers, Revenge plot, Forbidden love, Captive/captor, Cat & Mouse, Black cat & golden retriever vibe, Completely unhinged MMC, Female assassin FMC, He falls first. Hard. And doesn't get back up, Romantic suspense, Enemies to Lovers, Captor/Captive Romance, Forced Proximity, Touch Her and Die / Protective Obsession, Morally Gray Heroine, Morally Gray Hero, Revenge Plot, Family Feud, Forbidden Romance, Cat-and-Mouse Chase, Obsessive Attraction, "I Can Fix Them"/"I Want the One Who Will Destroy Me" Energy, Slow-Burn Romance, Psychological Tension, Power Struggle, Strong Female Lead, Antihero Romance, Crime/Mafia Elements, Dark Romance, Deadly Attraction, "You're Mine" Dynamic, A deadly game of attraction, Dominant heroine × fascinated, fearless hero, Emotional and psychological warfare, Revenge, Mutual obsession that blurs the line between hunter and prey, Enemies to Lovers, Captor/Captive, Forced Proximity, Revenge Romance, Morally Gray MCs, Dark Romance, Psychological Cat-and-Mouse, Obsessive/Possessive Love, Family Feud, Slow Burn, Crime/Mafia Romance, Strong Female Lead/Dominant Heroine.
Etiquette of the Cruel is the 1st book in Jane Carmine’s The Damned series. This book is a dual POV, fast-paced, character-driven dark mafia romance where insta-lust grows into obsession, then love, with high chemistry, a romance-focused plot, explicit scenes, graphic violence, mature themes, and a hard-won HEA. Reader discretion is advised. Please see the front matter for detailed content warnings.
Jane Carmine's Etiquette of the Cruel, the first book in The Damned Series, plunges readers into a dark tale where vengeance and lust simmer dangerously. At its core, the story is a dark romance with thriller elements, following Adelina, a brutal FMC seeking payback, and Cezar Torrim, the son of her most hated enemy.
This is an interesting story if you enjoy tales that challenge power and morality.
Jane doesn’t mince words from the first page: Adelina is a woman who has endured loss, and her cold ruthlessness is focused on eliminating her enemies and anyone who stands in her way. The narrative, however, does not allow Adelina to be only a savage avenger. Her violent actions are less straightforward than they first appear, especially in her dynamic with Cezar, the one-character brave enough not to adopt fear or victimhood. I found this subversion of the typical hostage trope interesting: the captive isn’t a wilting wallflower; instead, she is a captivating magnet, creating an unexpected pressure-cooker dynamic between Adelina and Cezar and adding turbulent intrigue.
One of the biggest strengths of this novel is its characterization. When you are so completely fixated on a goal in life that nothing and no one can stray you from it, that is Adelina, who, alongside Cezar, radiates reckless charm. Electric friction runs like a current through their relationship, built on obsession and play so that no bright lines emerge between hunter and prey. Jane exploits this delicious ambiguity in lines like “The way she looks at him, like I’m hers to kill… Or keep.” The push and pull between power and surrender, violence and lust, is provocative enough to raise the story above your typical revenge plot.
While Adelina and Cezar’s chemistry is combustible, some readers may still struggle to fully buy into the endless darkness and grey morality. The narrative sometimes leans too heavily on cliché in its depiction of dangerous attraction; the brooding, enigmatic bad boy and the lethal femme fatale are both familiar templates. However, Jane brings just enough nuance and unexpected emotion to keep the dynamic from feeling stale or stock. The pacing can also be slower, relying on simmering dialogue and psychological warfare rather than action to build tension, so those seeking a constant thrill may be disappointed.
Jane was clever in her plotting, avoiding revenge tropes by focusing on the mental games between Adelina and Cezar. The fact that he is still alive and tied up, rather than dead, leaves the narrative with an unanswered question that keeps the suspense going. It is gratifying to have a revenge story with an actual antagonist, one who is not just a target to dispatch in the service of redemption, but a flesh-and-blood provocateur who makes you think and crave.
Etiquette of the Cruel is a dark romance that pulls readers in and refuses to let them escape. If you are a fan of steamier, more psychologically charged romances with complicated antiheroes, there’s much more to sink your teeth into in this book. For readers who prefer cleaner stories with corresponding white or light grey hats, this book may be a test of your patience. But for those readers who are truly enticed by the tension that comes from near-takes-on-darker-liaisons territory, this book is well worth diving into.
Etiquette of the Cruel challenges the reader to contemplate what it means to be both a perpetrator and a victim, and whether the ugly acts we are capable of inflicting upon each other are what truly bring us closer together. At the end of it, you may ask yourself: in the game of power and passion, who wins?
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | "She was his nightmare... and his greatest obsession."
This book didn't just grab my attention—it completely consumed me. From the very first page, Etiquette of the Cruel pulled me into a brutal, twisted world where revenge, obsession, and devotion collide in the most intoxicating way. Jane Carmine's debut is dark, addictive, and unlike any mafia romance I've read.
Adelina is an absolute force of nature. She's not the woman waiting to be rescued—she's the one everyone fears. A deadly assassin driven by vengeance, she's cold, ruthless, calculating, and unapologetically powerful. Watching her dominate every room she entered and keep everyone constantly on edge was incredibly satisfying. She's exactly the kind of morally black heroine I love reading about.
Then there's Cezar...
This man is gloriously, beautifully unhinged.
He's kidnapped, tied to a chair by the woman who fully intends to kill him... and somehow decides she's the love of his life. Instead of fearing her, he's completely captivated by her. Every threat only fuels his obsession, and watching him fall first—and fall hard—was one of my favorite parts of this story. His devotion borders on madness, but beneath the teasing, cocky exterior is a man who has endured unimaginable pain. My heart absolutely shattered for him. All I wanted was to climb into the pages, wrap him in a hug, and tell him everything would finally be okay.
The chemistry between Adelina and Cezar is explosive. Every encounter feels like a dangerous game where desire and death walk hand in hand. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic, razor-sharp banter, and constant power struggle had me completely hooked. I especially loved that the power exchange never felt forced. The femdom elements fit their personalities perfectly, making their relationship feel fresh, intense, and unforgettable. And yes... the spice absolutely delivers.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly Jane Carmine balanced everything. The brutal violence, dark humor, emotional trauma, revenge, obsession, and surprisingly tender moments all blended together beautifully. Even while they stood on opposite sides, Adelina and Cezar couldn't stop protecting one another, making their enemies-to-lovers journey feel both heartbreaking and inevitable.
The supporting characters added even more depth, especially the found-family moments that offered small flashes of warmth in an otherwise ruthless world. And Rose... I wasn't emotionally prepared for that scene. It absolutely broke me.
The short chapters and dual POV kept the pacing addictive. I constantly found myself saying, "Just one more chapter," only to realize I'd devoured half the book without meaning to.
If you love: 🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Female assassin FMC
🖤 Obsessive, tortured hero
🖤 He falls first... and never recovers
🖤 Femdom & power exchange
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Dark humor in the worst possible moments
🖤 Morally black characters
🖤 Found family
🖤 Revenge, obsession, and scorching chemistry
...then you need this book on your TBR immediately.
This isn't a story about heroes finding redemption. It's about two beautifully broken monsters finding the one person who understands the darkness inside them. Violent, passionate, heartbreaking, and completely addictive, Etiquette of the Cruel is an unforgettable debut that has me desperately waiting to see where this series goes next.
Jane Carmine has made one incredible first impression, and if this is only the beginning, I cannot wait to see what twisted masterpiece she gives us next.
This book didn't just grab my attention—it completely consumed me. From the very first page, Etiquette of the Cruel pulled me into a brutal, twisted world where revenge, obsession, and devotion collide in the most intoxicating way. Jane Carmine's debut is dark, addictive, and unlike any mafia romance I've read.
Adelina is an absolute force of nature. She's not the woman waiting to be rescued—she's the one everyone fears. A deadly assassin driven by vengeance, she's cold, ruthless, calculating, and unapologetically powerful. Watching her dominate every room she entered and keep everyone constantly on edge was incredibly satisfying. She's exactly the kind of morally black heroine I love reading about.
Then there's Cezar...
This man is gloriously, beautifully unhinged.
He's kidnapped, tied to a chair by the woman who fully intends to kill him... and somehow decides she's the love of his life. Instead of fearing her, he's completely captivated by her. Every threat only fuels his obsession, and watching him fall first—and fall hard—was one of my favorite parts of this story. His devotion borders on madness, but beneath the teasing, cocky exterior is a man who has endured unimaginable pain. My heart absolutely shattered for him. All I wanted was to climb into the pages, wrap him in a hug, and tell him everything would finally be okay.
The chemistry between Adelina and Cezar is explosive. Every encounter feels like a dangerous game where desire and death walk hand in hand. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic, razor-sharp banter, and constant power struggle had me completely hooked. I especially loved that the power exchange never felt forced. The femdom elements fit their personalities perfectly, making their relationship feel fresh, intense, and unforgettable. And yes... the spice absolutely delivers.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly Jane Carmine balanced everything. The brutal violence, dark humor, emotional trauma, revenge, obsession, and surprisingly tender moments all blended together beautifully. Even while they stood on opposite sides, Adelina and Cezar couldn't stop protecting one another, making their enemies-to-lovers journey feel both heartbreaking and inevitable.
The supporting characters added even more depth, especially the found-family moments that offered small flashes of warmth in an otherwise ruthless world. And Rose... I wasn't emotionally prepared for that scene. It absolutely broke me.
The short chapters and dual POV kept the pacing addictive. I constantly found myself saying, "Just one more chapter," only to realize I'd devoured half the book without meaning to.
If you love: 🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Female assassin FMC
🖤 Obsessive, tortured hero
🖤 He falls first... and never recovers
🖤 Femdom & power exchange
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Dark humor in the worst possible moments
🖤 Morally black characters
🖤 Found family
🖤 Revenge, obsession, and scorching chemistry
...then you need this book on your TBR immediately.
This isn't a story about heroes finding redemption. It's about two beautifully broken monsters finding the one person who understands the darkness inside them. Violent, passionate, heartbreaking, and completely addictive, Etiquette of the Cruel is an unforgettable debut that has me desperately waiting to see where this series goes next.
Jane Carmine has made one incredible first impression, and if this is only the beginning, I cannot wait to see what twisted masterpiece she gives us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
EASILY my favorite book of the year - and I have no idea how to write this review without screaming from the rooftops how much I LOVED IT!!! If I could give this book a higher star rating, I would. This is literally in my favorite books I've read in my entire life.
Listen. Cezar, my sweet man, he deserves SO MUCH MORE than the hand he was dealt. I have words for his family, and they're FAR from nice. I honestly love this man. He is everything a REAL book boyfriend should be. He is kind, loving, submissive, protective, obsessive, and a flirt to the max. HE freaking CUTS THE HAND OFF of a man who was going to touch his woman... and OMG I knew then that he was the one for me. Why is this violence so perfect for me, you ask? BECAUSE he protects her. NO ONE touches his Petal. And speaking of his absolutely adorable pet name for her, he actually EXPLAINS IT to her so she can know how wonderful she is in his eyes. What a man!!! I'm over here fanning myself because he was THAT HOT the ENTIRE freaking book.
And Adelina?! This freaking badass of a woman gave me goals to work on for myself. Okay? She is probably the coolest FMC I've ever read about. She is so strong, despite how brutal her life story was. She works so hard to protect children and take down the world's rings, and honestly, I respect the heck out of her. (Political insert - PROTECT THE CHILDREN!!!) She has built herself up and is so respected. She is so strong. AND DAMN she is into some amazing things (Sabrina Carpenter biting her lip and waving here.... because oooofffffff)
Adelina and Cezar are the most beautiful couple. Their dynamic is different but it is honestly incredibly hot. I love the different k!nks that are brought up in this world, and I love that he was the submissive one (at least most of the time *wink*) The different elements all blend so perfectly. The pacing was perfect. The story line was heartbreaking. I felt every single emotion. I laughed out loud, I sobbed, I yelled into the abyss, I even cried happy freaking tears. I felt so deeply for all of the characters.
Thank you SO much to Jane for accepting me to her ARC Team for this book. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this. I will ABSOLUTELY be coming back for the rest of the series because I have this DEEP need to see how Cezar's brothers end up handling everything that happened in this first book and seeing how they change into (hopefully) better men. PLUS the scenes in this book are going to be hard to top - and I need to know what comes next (for research purposes...)
Listen. Cezar, my sweet man, he deserves SO MUCH MORE than the hand he was dealt. I have words for his family, and they're FAR from nice. I honestly love this man. He is everything a REAL book boyfriend should be. He is kind, loving, submissive, protective, obsessive, and a flirt to the max. HE freaking CUTS THE HAND OFF of a man who was going to touch his woman... and OMG I knew then that he was the one for me. Why is this violence so perfect for me, you ask? BECAUSE he protects her. NO ONE touches his Petal. And speaking of his absolutely adorable pet name for her, he actually EXPLAINS IT to her so she can know how wonderful she is in his eyes. What a man!!! I'm over here fanning myself because he was THAT HOT the ENTIRE freaking book.
And Adelina?! This freaking badass of a woman gave me goals to work on for myself. Okay? She is probably the coolest FMC I've ever read about. She is so strong, despite how brutal her life story was. She works so hard to protect children and take down the world's rings, and honestly, I respect the heck out of her. (Political insert - PROTECT THE CHILDREN!!!) She has built herself up and is so respected. She is so strong. AND DAMN she is into some amazing things (Sabrina Carpenter biting her lip and waving here.... because oooofffffff)
Adelina and Cezar are the most beautiful couple. Their dynamic is different but it is honestly incredibly hot. I love the different k!nks that are brought up in this world, and I love that he was the submissive one (at least most of the time *wink*) The different elements all blend so perfectly. The pacing was perfect. The story line was heartbreaking. I felt every single emotion. I laughed out loud, I sobbed, I yelled into the abyss, I even cried happy freaking tears. I felt so deeply for all of the characters.
Thank you SO much to Jane for accepting me to her ARC Team for this book. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this. I will ABSOLUTELY be coming back for the rest of the series because I have this DEEP need to see how Cezar's brothers end up handling everything that happened in this first book and seeing how they change into (hopefully) better men. PLUS the scenes in this book are going to be hard to top - and I need to know what comes next (for research purposes...)
July 26, 2026
Some books whisper their tropes at you politely. This one kicks the door in, pours you a drink, and dares you to keep up.
Let's address the obvious first: yes, this is a mafia romance. Yes, it runs on the enemies-to-lovers engine that has powered a thousand paperbacks before it. But calling this book "just another mafia romance" is a bit like calling a stiletto "just another shoe." Technically true. Wildly misleading.
The heroine is where the book earns its keep. Cold, vicious, and entirely uninterested in being liked, she is not the kind of woman who softens on page two hundred because the plot demands it. She wants blood. She wants him in pieces. There is no polite ambivalence here, no charming reluctance. It's refreshing, honestly, to meet a female lead who treats cruelty as a personality rather than a phase.
Her counterpart is a different flavor of unhinged. Fixated, invasive, a little unwell in the way only a man raised on power and denial can be. He is obsessed to a degree that should probably be illegal, and yet his desperation reads less like romance-novel yearning and more like a confession he's ashamed to be making. It works, in the way car crashes work: you should look away, and you absolutely will not.
Beneath the sharp edges, there's real architecture: betrayal, grief, the machinery of criminal empires grinding against two people who refuse to be anyone's pawns. Revenge simmers under every scene. Spice, when it arrives, arrives with teeth.
Stylistically, Carmine writes like she's being charged by the word and resents it. Sentences are lean, scenes cut before you expect them to, and dialogue that other authors would stretch across a page gets dispatched in a line. At first this feels almost rude, like watching a film on fast-forward and missing the connective tissue. But the effect, oddly, is momentum. You are never bored. You are never waiting for the plot to catch its breath, because it refuses to.
What lingers, though, isn't the pacing or even the violence. It's the ache underneath both characters, two people so thoroughly wrecked by what's been done to them that cruelty became the only language they had left to trust. Watching them recognize that damage in each other, and choose it anyway, is what turns this from a fun, dark romp into something with actual weight.
Is it subtle? Not remotely. Is it elegant in its excess? Absolutely. Etiquette of the Cruel doesn't ask for your approval. It simply expects you to keep reading, and you will.
Let's address the obvious first: yes, this is a mafia romance. Yes, it runs on the enemies-to-lovers engine that has powered a thousand paperbacks before it. But calling this book "just another mafia romance" is a bit like calling a stiletto "just another shoe." Technically true. Wildly misleading.
The heroine is where the book earns its keep. Cold, vicious, and entirely uninterested in being liked, she is not the kind of woman who softens on page two hundred because the plot demands it. She wants blood. She wants him in pieces. There is no polite ambivalence here, no charming reluctance. It's refreshing, honestly, to meet a female lead who treats cruelty as a personality rather than a phase.
Her counterpart is a different flavor of unhinged. Fixated, invasive, a little unwell in the way only a man raised on power and denial can be. He is obsessed to a degree that should probably be illegal, and yet his desperation reads less like romance-novel yearning and more like a confession he's ashamed to be making. It works, in the way car crashes work: you should look away, and you absolutely will not.
Beneath the sharp edges, there's real architecture: betrayal, grief, the machinery of criminal empires grinding against two people who refuse to be anyone's pawns. Revenge simmers under every scene. Spice, when it arrives, arrives with teeth.
Stylistically, Carmine writes like she's being charged by the word and resents it. Sentences are lean, scenes cut before you expect them to, and dialogue that other authors would stretch across a page gets dispatched in a line. At first this feels almost rude, like watching a film on fast-forward and missing the connective tissue. But the effect, oddly, is momentum. You are never bored. You are never waiting for the plot to catch its breath, because it refuses to.
What lingers, though, isn't the pacing or even the violence. It's the ache underneath both characters, two people so thoroughly wrecked by what's been done to them that cruelty became the only language they had left to trust. Watching them recognize that damage in each other, and choose it anyway, is what turns this from a fun, dark romp into something with actual weight.
Is it subtle? Not remotely. Is it elegant in its excess? Absolutely. Etiquette of the Cruel doesn't ask for your approval. It simply expects you to keep reading, and you will.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
This book absolutely devoured me from page one.
If you’re looking for a dark mafia romance that flips traditional power dynamics on their head, this book delivers with blood-stained elegance. Adelina is the kind of FMC who doesn’t need saving. She’s the nightmare people whisper about, an assassin who is cold, calculated, and always in control. Watching everyone else scramble around her was incredibly satisfying.
And then there’s Cezar…
This man is gloriously unhinged. He’s kidnapped, tied to a chair, fully aware she could kill him at any second… and somehow decides this is the perfect opportunity to fall hopelessly in love. His obsession with Adelina is chaotic, hilarious, and completely addictive. The “he falls first” trope has never looked so beautifully deranged.
The chemistry? Absolutely incendiary. Every interaction feels like a game of Russian roulette where flirting and murder share the same language. The femdom and power exchange elements are woven naturally into their dynamic, making every scene crackle with tension. And yes… the spice is scorching.
What really stood out was the balance. Between the violence, twisted humor, razor-sharp banter, and emotional vulnerability hiding beneath all the blades, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are morally black, unapologetic, and impossible not to become fascinated by.
If your favorite tropes include:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Female assassin
🖤 Obsessive hero
🖤 Femdom & power exchange
🖤 He whimpers
🖤 Morally gray… actually, morally pitch-black characters
🖤 “I’d burn the world for you” energy
…then clear your schedule.
This isn’t a romance filled with heroes. It’s a love story between two beautifully broken monsters who somehow find home in each other’s darkness.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 5/5
🖤 Unhinged Energy: Off the charts.
Read the content warnings, embrace the chaos, and prepare to become just as obsessed as Cezar.
This book absolutely devoured me from page one.
If you’re looking for a dark mafia romance that flips traditional power dynamics on their head, this book delivers with blood-stained elegance. Adelina is the kind of FMC who doesn’t need saving. She’s the nightmare people whisper about, an assassin who is cold, calculated, and always in control. Watching everyone else scramble around her was incredibly satisfying.
And then there’s Cezar…
This man is gloriously unhinged. He’s kidnapped, tied to a chair, fully aware she could kill him at any second… and somehow decides this is the perfect opportunity to fall hopelessly in love. His obsession with Adelina is chaotic, hilarious, and completely addictive. The “he falls first” trope has never looked so beautifully deranged.
The chemistry? Absolutely incendiary. Every interaction feels like a game of Russian roulette where flirting and murder share the same language. The femdom and power exchange elements are woven naturally into their dynamic, making every scene crackle with tension. And yes… the spice is scorching.
What really stood out was the balance. Between the violence, twisted humor, razor-sharp banter, and emotional vulnerability hiding beneath all the blades, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are morally black, unapologetic, and impossible not to become fascinated by.
If your favorite tropes include:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Female assassin
🖤 Obsessive hero
🖤 Femdom & power exchange
🖤 He whimpers
🖤 Morally gray… actually, morally pitch-black characters
🖤 “I’d burn the world for you” energy
…then clear your schedule.
This isn’t a romance filled with heroes. It’s a love story between two beautifully broken monsters who somehow find home in each other’s darkness.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 5/5
🖤 Unhinged Energy: Off the charts.
Read the content warnings, embrace the chaos, and prepare to become just as obsessed as Cezar.
July 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
A vigilante group…
Enemies to lovers….
Yeah… I was sold!
This book grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go.
The beginning takes its time building the world, introducing everyone, and giving us some absolutely elite banter. I was just vibing… then suddenly I looked up and realized I had been sucked into this absolutely unhinged fever dream.
Lina???
Certified badass. Black cat energy. Think Kitty Softpaws. iykyk.
Cezar???
A giant Rottweiler of a man with the emotional capacity of a golden retriever… mixed with some Puss in Boots orange cat energy.
I WOULD DIE FOR THEM.
The banter had me giggling.
The tension had me kicking my feet.
And why was this man stealing her food every chance he got?? Sir… get your own.
This gave me Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes with morally gray characters, vigilante justice, emotional damage, and two people who desperately needed a hug… preferably from each other.
Now…
THE SPICE.
This book is VERY BDSM-heavy.
There were definitely a couple moments where I just stared at the page like…
“…well then.”
Was every scene my cup of tea?
No.
Was I still aggressively invested?
ABSOLUTELY.
Please 👏 read 👏 the 👏 trigger 👏 warnings.
What I loved most, though, was how well everything balanced. One chapter had me laughing so hard I had to reread the dialogue. The next had me clutching my Kindle. Then suddenly my heart was being ripped out, stitched back together, and thrown into another action scene.
THE RANGE.
I loved watching these two slowly let each other in. The romance felt earned, the emotional moments actually hit, and by the end I would’ve happily read another 300 pages just to hang out with these idiots.
This book was chaotic.
It was funny.
It was emotional.
It was unhinged.
And apparently…
So was I by the end.
Fucking incredible story. Holy fucky.
A vigilante group…
Enemies to lovers….
Yeah… I was sold!
This book grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go.
The beginning takes its time building the world, introducing everyone, and giving us some absolutely elite banter. I was just vibing… then suddenly I looked up and realized I had been sucked into this absolutely unhinged fever dream.
Lina???
Certified badass. Black cat energy. Think Kitty Softpaws. iykyk.
Cezar???
A giant Rottweiler of a man with the emotional capacity of a golden retriever… mixed with some Puss in Boots orange cat energy.
I WOULD DIE FOR THEM.
The banter had me giggling.
The tension had me kicking my feet.
And why was this man stealing her food every chance he got?? Sir… get your own.
This gave me Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes with morally gray characters, vigilante justice, emotional damage, and two people who desperately needed a hug… preferably from each other.
Now…
THE SPICE.
This book is VERY BDSM-heavy.
There were definitely a couple moments where I just stared at the page like…
“…well then.”
Was every scene my cup of tea?
No.
Was I still aggressively invested?
ABSOLUTELY.
Please 👏 read 👏 the 👏 trigger 👏 warnings.
What I loved most, though, was how well everything balanced. One chapter had me laughing so hard I had to reread the dialogue. The next had me clutching my Kindle. Then suddenly my heart was being ripped out, stitched back together, and thrown into another action scene.
THE RANGE.
I loved watching these two slowly let each other in. The romance felt earned, the emotional moments actually hit, and by the end I would’ve happily read another 300 pages just to hang out with these idiots.
This book was chaotic.
It was funny.
It was emotional.
It was unhinged.
And apparently…
So was I by the end.
Fucking incredible story. Holy fucky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
Cezar Torrim Is Worth the Price of Admission
Cezar Torrim is worth the price of admission. A man gets tackled, straddled, and held at knifepoint by a stranger, and his immediate reaction is basically, “Please do it again.” Jane Carmine sustains that dynamic for an entire novel without ever making him pathetic or making him safe. He is a genuinely frightening man who wants to be at Adelina’s mercy, and the book refuses to treat those things as a contradiction. I loved that.
This book also has teeth. Viktor is a real villain, not set dressing, and the story never treats what he did to his son as spice. Carmine also did a great job planting the pieces of the eventual reveal early on. The rose on Cezar’s ribs, the two halves of the necklace, “my little red rose.” It’s all there if you’re paying attention.
Where the book lost me was the execution. The first 25-ish chapters felt repetitive, and the story didn’t find its actual register until closer to the midpoint. Once I saw what Carmine could do with the darker chapters and the quieter aftercare scenes, the opening third felt like a warmup that made it into the final draft. At 79 chapters, the book is also longer than it needs to be, and the frequent POV shifts sometimes interrupted the tension instead of building it. Adelina is also written as hypercompetent until the plot needs her to fumble, and you can feel the seam.
But when this book gets it right, it really gets it right. The aftercare scene with Dorin patching Cezar up while Adelina kneels beside him holding onto him is exactly what I think this story is reaching for: two dangerous, deeply damaged people whose extremity eventually gives way to vulnerability and care.
It just didn’t get there often enough for me to give it four stars.
I’ll read Codrin’s book, though. And please, READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS. All of them.
Cezar Torrim is worth the price of admission. A man gets tackled, straddled, and held at knifepoint by a stranger, and his immediate reaction is basically, “Please do it again.” Jane Carmine sustains that dynamic for an entire novel without ever making him pathetic or making him safe. He is a genuinely frightening man who wants to be at Adelina’s mercy, and the book refuses to treat those things as a contradiction. I loved that.
This book also has teeth. Viktor is a real villain, not set dressing, and the story never treats what he did to his son as spice. Carmine also did a great job planting the pieces of the eventual reveal early on. The rose on Cezar’s ribs, the two halves of the necklace, “my little red rose.” It’s all there if you’re paying attention.
Where the book lost me was the execution. The first 25-ish chapters felt repetitive, and the story didn’t find its actual register until closer to the midpoint. Once I saw what Carmine could do with the darker chapters and the quieter aftercare scenes, the opening third felt like a warmup that made it into the final draft. At 79 chapters, the book is also longer than it needs to be, and the frequent POV shifts sometimes interrupted the tension instead of building it. Adelina is also written as hypercompetent until the plot needs her to fumble, and you can feel the seam.
But when this book gets it right, it really gets it right. The aftercare scene with Dorin patching Cezar up while Adelina kneels beside him holding onto him is exactly what I think this story is reaching for: two dangerous, deeply damaged people whose extremity eventually gives way to vulnerability and care.
It just didn’t get there often enough for me to give it four stars.
I’ll read Codrin’s book, though. And please, READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS. All of them.
July 30, 2026
Who ordered roses 🌹
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2026
Format: Kindle Edition
I was very fortunate to be an advanced reader for this author and I am so very grateful to get for the opportunity. This is an amazing debut novel filled with all the tropes you know and some new ones.
Please be mindful of your triggers and read the menu before ordering.
Spoiler free bit:
This story had me absolutely by the heartstrings, I fell in love with the characters from line one. Cezar is a mafia Gronk and I adore him, he is such a lovable, infuriating, cheeky, obsessive sweetheart. Lina is by far one of the most realistic FMCs I've seen for a while, she is the boss, while also being the most fiercely loyal and protective, emotional, equally obsessive killer teddy bear. The progression of their story felt well paced and natural with realistic dialogue, trauma response, difficulties and expectations when you don't know who to trust. They are so well balanced and clearly distinguishable as characters and in the internal narratives (a very difficult feat for any author, but done superbly and cleanly in EotC). I loved the vulnerability and growth both MCs showed throughout the book. The side characters were equally important in the plot and development, bless Dorin, he needs a holiday or a raise. I have adored every second, so much so EotC has been an instant recommend. The tropes were well used and not overdone, the found family and enemies to lovers drew me in and the characters made me stay. An excellent reas and a wonderful author, Jane I adore you, you should be so proud, CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!
Minor spoiler:
The amount of time I felt the need to say rose had me crying.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2026
Format: Kindle Edition
I was very fortunate to be an advanced reader for this author and I am so very grateful to get for the opportunity. This is an amazing debut novel filled with all the tropes you know and some new ones.
Please be mindful of your triggers and read the menu before ordering.
Spoiler free bit:
This story had me absolutely by the heartstrings, I fell in love with the characters from line one. Cezar is a mafia Gronk and I adore him, he is such a lovable, infuriating, cheeky, obsessive sweetheart. Lina is by far one of the most realistic FMCs I've seen for a while, she is the boss, while also being the most fiercely loyal and protective, emotional, equally obsessive killer teddy bear. The progression of their story felt well paced and natural with realistic dialogue, trauma response, difficulties and expectations when you don't know who to trust. They are so well balanced and clearly distinguishable as characters and in the internal narratives (a very difficult feat for any author, but done superbly and cleanly in EotC). I loved the vulnerability and growth both MCs showed throughout the book. The side characters were equally important in the plot and development, bless Dorin, he needs a holiday or a raise. I have adored every second, so much so EotC has been an instant recommend. The tropes were well used and not overdone, the found family and enemies to lovers drew me in and the characters made me stay. An excellent reas and a wonderful author, Jane I adore you, you should be so proud, CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!
Minor spoiler:
The amount of time I felt the need to say rose had me crying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
❤️ARC Read❤️
“Let's begin…” 😉
This book had me in a chokehold, I couldn't put it down and all other responsibilities were immediately put on the back burner until further notice lol. Thank you so much, Jane Carmine, for having me part of your ARC team! It was an absolute honor and pleasure to help you with your book. I absolutely loved everything about this book! I love how protective Adelina and Cezar were over each other physically and mentally. The banter between all the characters had me giggling at times. 😂 Cezar trusts Adelina completely with his entire heart, mind, body, and soul despite all of the horrific torture he's endured his whole life. 💔 There are so many amazing quotes. But one of my favorites was, Cezar: …”Maybe it didn't mean much to her, but in the end, our graves would lie side by side. “ 🫠🫠🥲😭❤️ Another one of my favorites from Cezar, “You are everything I thought I'd never have. Everything I thought I didn't deserve. “ 🫠🫠🫠🫠🥲❤️ He definitely made it on the book boyfriend list!
🌹enemies to lovers
🌹found family
🌹revenge
🌹safe word for him 🫠
🌹burn down the world for each other 🫠
🌹dark mafia romance 🫠
🌹good boy 🫠
🌹both FMC and MMC are baddies 🫠
🌹SPICE 🫠🔥
Even after this book, I will forever read any and all Jane Carmine's books. ❤️ I don't even have to know what they are about beforehand other than if she wrote them and it's guaranteed that I'm going to read them. ❤️ I plan on getting multiple copies of this book for myself and all my book besties! I have read 87 books so far this year and this one is definitely in my top 5 favorite reads. ❤️
“Let's begin…” 😉
This book had me in a chokehold, I couldn't put it down and all other responsibilities were immediately put on the back burner until further notice lol. Thank you so much, Jane Carmine, for having me part of your ARC team! It was an absolute honor and pleasure to help you with your book. I absolutely loved everything about this book! I love how protective Adelina and Cezar were over each other physically and mentally. The banter between all the characters had me giggling at times. 😂 Cezar trusts Adelina completely with his entire heart, mind, body, and soul despite all of the horrific torture he's endured his whole life. 💔 There are so many amazing quotes. But one of my favorites was, Cezar: …”Maybe it didn't mean much to her, but in the end, our graves would lie side by side. “ 🫠🫠🥲😭❤️ Another one of my favorites from Cezar, “You are everything I thought I'd never have. Everything I thought I didn't deserve. “ 🫠🫠🫠🫠🥲❤️ He definitely made it on the book boyfriend list!
🌹enemies to lovers
🌹found family
🌹revenge
🌹safe word for him 🫠
🌹burn down the world for each other 🫠
🌹dark mafia romance 🫠
🌹good boy 🫠
🌹both FMC and MMC are baddies 🫠
🌹SPICE 🫠🔥
Even after this book, I will forever read any and all Jane Carmine's books. ❤️ I don't even have to know what they are about beforehand other than if she wrote them and it's guaranteed that I'm going to read them. ❤️ I plan on getting multiple copies of this book for myself and all my book besties! I have read 87 books so far this year and this one is definitely in my top 5 favorite reads. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to love this one because the premise had so much potential. A dark mafia romance with two morally gray characters who are supposed to be constantly trying to outsmart each other? Sign me up.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t quite for me.
The biggest thing I struggled with was the pacing and overall flow. I felt confused for a lot of the book because scenes seemed to jump from one moment to the next without much buildup or explanation. I kept finding myself stopping after chapters thinking, Wait… what just happened? or How did we get here? I never felt fully grounded in the story.
I also wished there had been more development between the FMC and MMC. I liked both of them individually, and I honestly think they had great potential, but their relationship moved so quickly that I never really got to experience the tension, longing, or emotional buildup that I was hoping for. I wanted more of the journey before the obsession and romance took over.
That being said, I did enjoy the overall concept. I liked the darker atmosphere, the mafia setting, and the personalities of the main characters. I just wanted more depth, stronger worldbuilding, and a plot that had a little more room to breathe. I think with more development and smoother transitions, this story could have been incredibly compelling. Overall, while this one wasn’t the best fit for my personal reading style, I can definitely see readers who enjoy fast-paced, romance-driven dark romances connecting with it. The foundation is there, it just left me wanting a little more substance and a clearer direction throughout the story.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t quite for me.
The biggest thing I struggled with was the pacing and overall flow. I felt confused for a lot of the book because scenes seemed to jump from one moment to the next without much buildup or explanation. I kept finding myself stopping after chapters thinking, Wait… what just happened? or How did we get here? I never felt fully grounded in the story.
I also wished there had been more development between the FMC and MMC. I liked both of them individually, and I honestly think they had great potential, but their relationship moved so quickly that I never really got to experience the tension, longing, or emotional buildup that I was hoping for. I wanted more of the journey before the obsession and romance took over.
That being said, I did enjoy the overall concept. I liked the darker atmosphere, the mafia setting, and the personalities of the main characters. I just wanted more depth, stronger worldbuilding, and a plot that had a little more room to breathe. I think with more development and smoother transitions, this story could have been incredibly compelling. Overall, while this one wasn’t the best fit for my personal reading style, I can definitely see readers who enjoy fast-paced, romance-driven dark romances connecting with it. The foundation is there, it just left me wanting a little more substance and a clearer direction throughout the story.
July 14, 2026
To begin, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a deliciously dark and twisted story full of vengeance, revenge, betrayal, and plenty of spice. One mafia family, fractured by the execution of head of the clan and his wife; leaving their young daughter orphaned. Years later, Lina disguises herself in order to enact her revenge against the man who destroyed her family. During 1 mission, she crosses paths with the son of that very man. Being instantly drawn to Cezar, Lina finds she can't stay away from him, so she opts to dominate him, at least for a while.
Cezar, on the other hand, doesn't want their time to end. He hasn't felt so alive when he's with her, as well as free from his father, although temporary. The one thing he's not aware of is Lina's true identity. When he finally realises exactly who Lina is, he decides it's time to confront his own father.
Both Lina and Cezar have their secrets, both afraid what would happen once their secrets came out. Instead, little by little, mission by mission, together they wreak havoc on the crime family, weakening it until the day comes when Lina can finally take down Cezar's father and reclaim her rightful place as the head of the Crimson Roses. Of course, everything doesn't entirely go to plan and Lina discovers that it was Cezar who actually killed her father, but at the behest of his own father. This revelation threatens the possible future Lina was hoping to have with Cezar, however, she doesn't allow it to sway her from her ultimate objective - to kill Cezar's father.
What would you choose if you were in Lina's shoes?
This was a deliciously dark and twisted story full of vengeance, revenge, betrayal, and plenty of spice. One mafia family, fractured by the execution of head of the clan and his wife; leaving their young daughter orphaned. Years later, Lina disguises herself in order to enact her revenge against the man who destroyed her family. During 1 mission, she crosses paths with the son of that very man. Being instantly drawn to Cezar, Lina finds she can't stay away from him, so she opts to dominate him, at least for a while.
Cezar, on the other hand, doesn't want their time to end. He hasn't felt so alive when he's with her, as well as free from his father, although temporary. The one thing he's not aware of is Lina's true identity. When he finally realises exactly who Lina is, he decides it's time to confront his own father.
Both Lina and Cezar have their secrets, both afraid what would happen once their secrets came out. Instead, little by little, mission by mission, together they wreak havoc on the crime family, weakening it until the day comes when Lina can finally take down Cezar's father and reclaim her rightful place as the head of the Crimson Roses. Of course, everything doesn't entirely go to plan and Lina discovers that it was Cezar who actually killed her father, but at the behest of his own father. This revelation threatens the possible future Lina was hoping to have with Cezar, however, she doesn't allow it to sway her from her ultimate objective - to kill Cezar's father.
What would you choose if you were in Lina's shoes?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | This book didn’t just take my attention—it took my sanity.
Etiquette of the Cruel is the kind of book that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave.
I didn’t read this story—I survived it.
Every page felt like a psychological tug-of-war, constantly pulling me between trust and suspicion, hope and dread. Just when I convinced myself I understood the characters, the story shifted beneath my feet. The emotional whiplash was relentless, and I loved every second of it.
The characters are dangerously compelling. They’re flawed, unpredictable, and so vividly written that they feel terrifyingly real. I found myself questioning every motive, second-guessing every decision, and becoming completely invested in people I couldn’t always trust. That’s the magic of this book—it makes you feel everything, whether you’re ready for it or not.
The writing is razor-sharp, immersive, and dripping with tension. There isn’t a wasted sentence. Every chapter raises the stakes until you’re racing toward an ending that leaves your pulse pounding and your mind scrambling to process everything you’ve just experienced.
For a debut novel, this is nothing short of remarkable. It doesn’t play it safe. It takes risks, twists the knife, and delivers a story that’s dark, gripping, emotionally devastating, and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a book that will consume your thoughts long after you’ve closed the cover, make you cancel your plans because you have to know what happens next, and leave you staring at the wall trying to recover…
Read Etiquette of the Cruel.
This is the kind of debut that announces an author has arrived—and I cannot wait to see what they write next.
Etiquette of the Cruel is the kind of book that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave.
I didn’t read this story—I survived it.
Every page felt like a psychological tug-of-war, constantly pulling me between trust and suspicion, hope and dread. Just when I convinced myself I understood the characters, the story shifted beneath my feet. The emotional whiplash was relentless, and I loved every second of it.
The characters are dangerously compelling. They’re flawed, unpredictable, and so vividly written that they feel terrifyingly real. I found myself questioning every motive, second-guessing every decision, and becoming completely invested in people I couldn’t always trust. That’s the magic of this book—it makes you feel everything, whether you’re ready for it or not.
The writing is razor-sharp, immersive, and dripping with tension. There isn’t a wasted sentence. Every chapter raises the stakes until you’re racing toward an ending that leaves your pulse pounding and your mind scrambling to process everything you’ve just experienced.
For a debut novel, this is nothing short of remarkable. It doesn’t play it safe. It takes risks, twists the knife, and delivers a story that’s dark, gripping, emotionally devastating, and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a book that will consume your thoughts long after you’ve closed the cover, make you cancel your plans because you have to know what happens next, and leave you staring at the wall trying to recover…
Read Etiquette of the Cruel.
This is the kind of debut that announces an author has arrived—and I cannot wait to see what they write next.
July 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some books don’t just grab your attention…
They sink their claws into you and refuse to let go.
Etiquette of the Cruel is vicious, obsessive, and dripping with the kind of tension that has you feral for the next chapter.
Lina is exactly the kind of FMC I live for—a ruthless assassin who refuses to be anyone’s damsel. She’s lethal, fearless, and every bit as dangerous as the men who underestimate her.
Then there’s Cezar. A tortured mafia heir haunted by the brutality of the life he was born into… and completely undone by the one woman he should never want.
The chemistry between these two is absolutely unhinged. Every glance feels like a loaded weapon. Every confrontation dares someone to lose control. You’re constantly questioning whether they’ll destroy each other, save each other… or burn their entire worlds to the ground together.
And honestly? I was rooting for the chaos.
The suspense never lets up because you never know if love is enough to survive a world built on blood, revenge, and violence—or if that darkness will consume them both.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Badass Assassin FMC
🖤 Tortured Mafia Heir MMC
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 BDSM
🖤 He Whimpers for Her
🌶 Spice? Absolutely filthy. The tension is relentless, the chemistry is explosive, and when it finally ignites… it delivers. Please check the trigger warnings before diving in.
If your favorite fictional men are morally bankrupt, hopelessly obsessed, and willing to risk everything for the woman who could end them… Etiquette of the Cruel belongs on your shelf.
This isn’t a romance for the faint of heart.
It’s dark. It’s brutal. It’s addictive.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some books don’t just grab your attention…
They sink their claws into you and refuse to let go.
Etiquette of the Cruel is vicious, obsessive, and dripping with the kind of tension that has you feral for the next chapter.
Lina is exactly the kind of FMC I live for—a ruthless assassin who refuses to be anyone’s damsel. She’s lethal, fearless, and every bit as dangerous as the men who underestimate her.
Then there’s Cezar. A tortured mafia heir haunted by the brutality of the life he was born into… and completely undone by the one woman he should never want.
The chemistry between these two is absolutely unhinged. Every glance feels like a loaded weapon. Every confrontation dares someone to lose control. You’re constantly questioning whether they’ll destroy each other, save each other… or burn their entire worlds to the ground together.
And honestly? I was rooting for the chaos.
The suspense never lets up because you never know if love is enough to survive a world built on blood, revenge, and violence—or if that darkness will consume them both.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Badass Assassin FMC
🖤 Tortured Mafia Heir MMC
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 BDSM
🖤 He Whimpers for Her
🌶 Spice? Absolutely filthy. The tension is relentless, the chemistry is explosive, and when it finally ignites… it delivers. Please check the trigger warnings before diving in.
If your favorite fictional men are morally bankrupt, hopelessly obsessed, and willing to risk everything for the woman who could end them… Etiquette of the Cruel belongs on your shelf.
This isn’t a romance for the faint of heart.
It’s dark. It’s brutal. It’s addictive.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 Stars
🎧 Song Association: Walk Em Like a Dog by Saucy Santana
I wanted to love this book more than I did.
If I’d written this review yesterday like I originally planned, it probably would’ve been a 3star read. But then I kept thinking about Cezar… and honestly? That man single-handedly bumped it up to a 3.5.
My god.
I love a yearning, obsessed simp of an MMC, and Cezar absolutely delivered. He was hands down my favourite part of this book. And I won’t lie, this was my first time reading a romance where the MMC wasn’t the dominant one in the relationship, and I found that so refreshing. It was such an interesting dynamic to read.
For me, I think the biggest issue was simply the writing style. It just never fully clicked with me, which made it difficult to connect with the story as much as I’d hoped.
That said, I have to give credit where it’s due. Jane Carmine is genuinely such a lovely person, and I have so much respect for her as an author.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC read, and I want to express how incredibly grateful I am for that opportunity. Being trusted with an early copy is something I’ll never take for granted, and I’m so thankful to have been part of this book’s journey.
I honestly think this might have been one of those “wrong book, wrong time” situations. I can absolutely see myself picking it up again in the future because who knows? Maybe on a reread it’ll jump straight to a 4.5 star read.
Sometimes it’s not the book, it’s just the timing. ❤️
🎧 Song Association: Walk Em Like a Dog by Saucy Santana
I wanted to love this book more than I did.
If I’d written this review yesterday like I originally planned, it probably would’ve been a 3star read. But then I kept thinking about Cezar… and honestly? That man single-handedly bumped it up to a 3.5.
My god.
I love a yearning, obsessed simp of an MMC, and Cezar absolutely delivered. He was hands down my favourite part of this book. And I won’t lie, this was my first time reading a romance where the MMC wasn’t the dominant one in the relationship, and I found that so refreshing. It was such an interesting dynamic to read.
For me, I think the biggest issue was simply the writing style. It just never fully clicked with me, which made it difficult to connect with the story as much as I’d hoped.
That said, I have to give credit where it’s due. Jane Carmine is genuinely such a lovely person, and I have so much respect for her as an author.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC read, and I want to express how incredibly grateful I am for that opportunity. Being trusted with an early copy is something I’ll never take for granted, and I’m so thankful to have been part of this book’s journey.
I honestly think this might have been one of those “wrong book, wrong time” situations. I can absolutely see myself picking it up again in the future because who knows? Maybe on a reread it’ll jump straight to a 4.5 star read.
Sometimes it’s not the book, it’s just the timing. ❤️
Review of advance copy
This book had so much potential but it just missed the mark for a 5 star for me because everything felt so incredibly rushed. The beginning moves at a breakneck pace with barely any description, jumping from her kidnapping him and letting him go (with very little details) to their meeting at a party in a matter of paragraphs. I desperately wanted some breathing room in between those moments to actually build up the tension. Also throughout the book the timeline felt a bit messy and unclear as I think days would pass (for example when he was back home with his dad) without you really knowing. Lina often mentioned going off on these missions that are dangerous etc but you dont really get much detail of the missions. Some do mention the kids etc but I just feel its such a missed chance to create some big dramatic tense moments to really draw the reader into the story emotionally.
That being said, the characters themselves completely carried me through the chaos. Lina is a total badass and Cezar is the absolute definition of down bad. He completely broke my heart and I just wanted to protect him at all costs especially with everything he goes through. I just wish we got more quiet, little moments between the pair without all the surrounding drama. The book skims right over the top of Cezar dealing with some major trauma when those moments could have been explored more in depth to make their connection feel so much more real. It really could have been a five star read if it just took a breath and gave the plot and emotional depth room to grow.
That being said, the characters themselves completely carried me through the chaos. Lina is a total badass and Cezar is the absolute definition of down bad. He completely broke my heart and I just wanted to protect him at all costs especially with everything he goes through. I just wish we got more quiet, little moments between the pair without all the surrounding drama. The book skims right over the top of Cezar dealing with some major trauma when those moments could have been explored more in depth to make their connection feel so much more real. It really could have been a five star read if it just took a breath and gave the plot and emotional depth room to grow.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cezar will be the death of me!!!!!
Good
I loved the pacing, there was so much story and it went though it fast without feeling rushed. I loved the dynamics between Adelina and her people especially Dorin. I enjoyed the relationship between Adelina and Cezar and how much he worships her.
Bad
It was sometimes hard to understand the positions the characters were in especially in spicy scenes. Sometimes it felt like characters were in one spot and then with no explanation they were somewhere else in the same scene.
Overall
I am in love with Cezar and need to find him irl. I wish he used his safe word during the last spice scene when he is being forgiven but I can understand why he didn’t. I would love to see another book about Codrin and where he goes from here. It would be cute if he ended up falling for Vali. I will be waiting for the authors next book.
I want to thank the Author so much for choosing me to be an ARC reader. I am wishing you the best with your release and I will be watching closely for your next book!
Good
I loved the pacing, there was so much story and it went though it fast without feeling rushed. I loved the dynamics between Adelina and her people especially Dorin. I enjoyed the relationship between Adelina and Cezar and how much he worships her.
Bad
It was sometimes hard to understand the positions the characters were in especially in spicy scenes. Sometimes it felt like characters were in one spot and then with no explanation they were somewhere else in the same scene.
Overall
I am in love with Cezar and need to find him irl. I wish he used his safe word during the last spice scene when he is being forgiven but I can understand why he didn’t. I would love to see another book about Codrin and where he goes from here. It would be cute if he ended up falling for Vali. I will be waiting for the authors next book.
I want to thank the Author so much for choosing me to be an ARC reader. I am wishing you the best with your release and I will be watching closely for your next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to Jane Carmine for gifting me an ARC and letting me read your book, sharing the story of Adelina and Cezar, prior to release.
Next, this book is a dark romance for mature readers and the trigger warnings should definitely be reviewed prior to reading!
Now....."Let's begin...." 😉
Etiquette of the Cruel is a dark mafia romance centered around revenge! I loved that the author put how to pronounce the characters names at the beginning, we all know how we can struggle with that through an entire book, so the author helped us out right from the beginning! The story follows the life of a strong FMC, Adelina, a confident, dominant leader of many very loyal followers. She is set on revenge for the person that took her family from her when she was still very young. The MMC, Cezar, has endured more in his life than anyone ever should! This an epic tale of enemies to lovers, he falls first and hard, forbidden love, found family, touch her and die, and morally black characters! He is obsessed and will do anything for her! This book is action packed, romance heavy, and has some surprising twists! I loved the witty banter between the characters, Cezar is quite funny at times, I adore his huge heart and how much he takes care of the ones he loves, even when he has felt so alone for his entire life! I can't say much more without giving away things, so, just get the book and read it! You won't regret it!
Next, this book is a dark romance for mature readers and the trigger warnings should definitely be reviewed prior to reading!
Now....."Let's begin...." 😉
Etiquette of the Cruel is a dark mafia romance centered around revenge! I loved that the author put how to pronounce the characters names at the beginning, we all know how we can struggle with that through an entire book, so the author helped us out right from the beginning! The story follows the life of a strong FMC, Adelina, a confident, dominant leader of many very loyal followers. She is set on revenge for the person that took her family from her when she was still very young. The MMC, Cezar, has endured more in his life than anyone ever should! This an epic tale of enemies to lovers, he falls first and hard, forbidden love, found family, touch her and die, and morally black characters! He is obsessed and will do anything for her! This book is action packed, romance heavy, and has some surprising twists! I loved the witty banter between the characters, Cezar is quite funny at times, I adore his huge heart and how much he takes care of the ones he loves, even when he has felt so alone for his entire life! I can't say much more without giving away things, so, just get the book and read it! You won't regret it!
July 9, 2026
First book by this author, and I’ll definitely be back for more!
Adelina is absolutely out to both save the world and burn it down, and both of those jobs have to do with the same man. She’s not working alone though, she has a whole syndicate behind her, and the added bonus of no one knows who she is. Or where she is.
Cezar is the son of a mafia boss. The “disappointment” of a son, the one who always messes everything up. Or so he claims. He also happens to be the son of the man Adelina is determined to destroy. And he’s happy to join that mission.
Viktor is a cruel man, obsessed with power & control. He takes what he wants - no matter the consequences. Defy him, you’ll pay the price. But for Cezar, all he has to do is exist, that alone is enough to drive Viktor mad.
The spice was all there. And I love a good mafia read. Adelina was beyond a kickass FMC. She took charge, she was had a whole army behind her, ready to fight & protect her. While she was afraid to show her softer side, given the circumstances, who could blame her?!
Cezar was a loyal MMC. Bound & determined to prove he was hers. He definitely fell first & hardest. He did everything he could to protect his Petal.
I’m excited to read more & learn about Cesar’s brothers.
I received this book as an Advanced Book from the author & I’m giving this review voluntarily
Adelina is absolutely out to both save the world and burn it down, and both of those jobs have to do with the same man. She’s not working alone though, she has a whole syndicate behind her, and the added bonus of no one knows who she is. Or where she is.
Cezar is the son of a mafia boss. The “disappointment” of a son, the one who always messes everything up. Or so he claims. He also happens to be the son of the man Adelina is determined to destroy. And he’s happy to join that mission.
Viktor is a cruel man, obsessed with power & control. He takes what he wants - no matter the consequences. Defy him, you’ll pay the price. But for Cezar, all he has to do is exist, that alone is enough to drive Viktor mad.
The spice was all there. And I love a good mafia read. Adelina was beyond a kickass FMC. She took charge, she was had a whole army behind her, ready to fight & protect her. While she was afraid to show her softer side, given the circumstances, who could blame her?!
Cezar was a loyal MMC. Bound & determined to prove he was hers. He definitely fell first & hardest. He did everything he could to protect his Petal.
I’m excited to read more & learn about Cesar’s brothers.
I received this book as an Advanced Book from the author & I’m giving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Etiquette of the Cruel completely consumed me from the first page. I went into this expecting a dark mafia romance, but what I got was so much more. It was intense, addictive, emotional, and impossible to put down.
Adelina is one of the most unforgettable female characters I have read in a long time. She is fierce, calculating, and absolutely unapologetic. Cezar was the perfect match for her. Instead of fearing her, he embraced the chaos, and watching their twisted relationship unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry was electric, and every interaction had me wanting just one more chapter.
The cat and mouse dynamic, the obsession, the revenge, and the constant tension made this story impossible to stop reading. I also loved that beneath all the darkness there was a surprising amount of heart. The found family moments and the emotional depth balanced everything beautifully.
Jane Carmine created characters who are morally questionable in all the best ways, yet somehow had me rooting for them until the very end. If you love dark romance with unforgettable characters, high stakes, and a romance that burns just as fiercely as the danger surrounding it, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
I cannot wait to see what this series has in store next.
Etiquette of the Cruel completely consumed me from the first page. I went into this expecting a dark mafia romance, but what I got was so much more. It was intense, addictive, emotional, and impossible to put down.
Adelina is one of the most unforgettable female characters I have read in a long time. She is fierce, calculating, and absolutely unapologetic. Cezar was the perfect match for her. Instead of fearing her, he embraced the chaos, and watching their twisted relationship unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry was electric, and every interaction had me wanting just one more chapter.
The cat and mouse dynamic, the obsession, the revenge, and the constant tension made this story impossible to stop reading. I also loved that beneath all the darkness there was a surprising amount of heart. The found family moments and the emotional depth balanced everything beautifully.
Jane Carmine created characters who are morally questionable in all the best ways, yet somehow had me rooting for them until the very end. If you love dark romance with unforgettable characters, high stakes, and a romance that burns just as fiercely as the danger surrounding it, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
I cannot wait to see what this series has in store next.
July 15, 2026
I love stories where two rival families has to face each other!
This book takes us in the world of a badass FMC who needs no one to save her, and a MMC who wants nothing more than to save her. What could go wrong?!
I really liked Lina’s character, though I struggled a bit with Cezar. I love a man who would do anything for his woman, but he was very intense right from the start. I also would have liked to see his darker side for a bit longer. It's clear he has a heavy past, yet you quickly sense that he is a gentleman with a softer side.
Some parts could have used a bit more time or details to allow for greater depth. However, the story is interesting and I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters.
I would have liked the family drama to be more present throughout the book. It felt like it was often in the back with only little bits of information here and there, with everything finally falling into place in the last third of the book. The relationship and the obsession between the two main characters took up a lot of space. I loved their moments but I also would have appreciated more details about their world of chaos and darkness. Still a very good read and will gladly follow the Torrims brothers in the next book.
I received an advance copy and I'm leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
This book takes us in the world of a badass FMC who needs no one to save her, and a MMC who wants nothing more than to save her. What could go wrong?!
I really liked Lina’s character, though I struggled a bit with Cezar. I love a man who would do anything for his woman, but he was very intense right from the start. I also would have liked to see his darker side for a bit longer. It's clear he has a heavy past, yet you quickly sense that he is a gentleman with a softer side.
Some parts could have used a bit more time or details to allow for greater depth. However, the story is interesting and I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters.
I would have liked the family drama to be more present throughout the book. It felt like it was often in the back with only little bits of information here and there, with everything finally falling into place in the last third of the book. The relationship and the obsession between the two main characters took up a lot of space. I loved their moments but I also would have appreciated more details about their world of chaos and darkness. Still a very good read and will gladly follow the Torrims brothers in the next book.
I received an advance copy and I'm leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
July 15, 2026
Thank you, Jane Carmine, for this eARC!
I love me a mafia dark romance, and Etiquette of the Cruel hits that box. We follow Adelina, an assassin who has slowly fallen in love with Cezar, the son of her rival. Cezar is an unhinged man who does not take no for an answer; he actively pursues Adelina, worshipping and submitting to her. He follows her lead; however, his devotion to her puts him in danger at times.
I had high hopes for this book, as the tropes and microtropes pulled me in. I have not read many stories where the female is the dominant one, and I was so excited to see that throughout the book. This was a pretty quick, short read for me, as the writing is really fast-paced, which caused me to struggle a bit, leaving me confused and wanting more build-up and explanation as the story went on. The connection between the two MCs was almost immediate, and I wished it was fleshed out more for the purpose of the plot. Speaking of plot, there is a small amount of it, as we follow Adelina on her revenge; however, it felt very rushed. The sm*t scenes were also extremely quick and rushed, and with a story like this, I just wished there was more to them; it felt very cut and dry at times.
I did enjoy the story; however, I feel that with a bit more work towards building the plot, creating a smoother flow, and fleshing out the story a bit.
I love me a mafia dark romance, and Etiquette of the Cruel hits that box. We follow Adelina, an assassin who has slowly fallen in love with Cezar, the son of her rival. Cezar is an unhinged man who does not take no for an answer; he actively pursues Adelina, worshipping and submitting to her. He follows her lead; however, his devotion to her puts him in danger at times.
I had high hopes for this book, as the tropes and microtropes pulled me in. I have not read many stories where the female is the dominant one, and I was so excited to see that throughout the book. This was a pretty quick, short read for me, as the writing is really fast-paced, which caused me to struggle a bit, leaving me confused and wanting more build-up and explanation as the story went on. The connection between the two MCs was almost immediate, and I wished it was fleshed out more for the purpose of the plot. Speaking of plot, there is a small amount of it, as we follow Adelina on her revenge; however, it felt very rushed. The sm*t scenes were also extremely quick and rushed, and with a story like this, I just wished there was more to them; it felt very cut and dry at times.
I did enjoy the story; however, I feel that with a bit more work towards building the plot, creating a smoother flow, and fleshing out the story a bit.
July 17, 2026
The biggest reason for my rating is the fact that we are missing the entire context of the book. Lina goes on missions, but we barely know or understand what they are and why she goes on them. It has something to do with trafficking and children and trying to take back what's hers - but that's all we know. She's supposed to be this kick*ss FMC, but she essentially falls apart when Cezar enters the picture. Her relationship with him and the way she dominates him is all over the place and could have been done with a lot more control and finesse despite their shared chaos. Cezar...Sometimes, I felt like he was way too weak. Other times, I kind of understood it. I respect his story and honestly wish it had been written more cohesively so that I could drown in his pain with him. There is huge potential for his story to draw readers in, but it needs more meat to it. There is also huge potential for their relationship to really reel in readers and make them root for them, but there was just so much missing from the story to make that happen. I liked Dorin's character and wished we got to know him better. I also liked how everything between Lina's and Cezar's families got tied together in the end. Extra note: If you're going to go for spicy scenes, go for them! The lack of detail made me sad, haha.
July 18, 2026
Rating: 3.75 / 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐✨
Ok, so this FMC is an absolute badass! Lina is a cold killer, a mafia princess, curvy and she cares deeply for the children she is trying to save throughout the entire book. YES! If that isn't enough of an indication that things are going to get dark, you are in for a serious ride the moment you meet our MMC, Cezar.
Also... why does a bloke with a filthy mouth get me every single time?!
But wow, did the tables turn! I loved it when she gave him a safe word. Now, I’m usually not sure how I feel about submissive men, and straight after reading, I was a little taken aback. I was undecided at first as to whether his insta-lust (which honestly matches his personality perfectly) was for me but I did really enjoy this book and their journey.
Uncovering their connection and watching their relationship develop in a world where it shouldn't was fantastic. I would also love to see more of Dorin and his sister, as their relationship dynamic with the main pair was great.
Plot-wise, I will say that after all the build-up of her taking everything back, Viktor gave up without much of a fight. That said, I know she had a lot of backup, so it makes sense. Ultimately, I loved how loyalty was the main balance in the end.
Overall, the spice was amazing, the story kept me completely hooked, and it had me laughing out loud at certain points!
Ok, so this FMC is an absolute badass! Lina is a cold killer, a mafia princess, curvy and she cares deeply for the children she is trying to save throughout the entire book. YES! If that isn't enough of an indication that things are going to get dark, you are in for a serious ride the moment you meet our MMC, Cezar.
Also... why does a bloke with a filthy mouth get me every single time?!
But wow, did the tables turn! I loved it when she gave him a safe word. Now, I’m usually not sure how I feel about submissive men, and straight after reading, I was a little taken aback. I was undecided at first as to whether his insta-lust (which honestly matches his personality perfectly) was for me but I did really enjoy this book and their journey.
Uncovering their connection and watching their relationship develop in a world where it shouldn't was fantastic. I would also love to see more of Dorin and his sister, as their relationship dynamic with the main pair was great.
Plot-wise, I will say that after all the build-up of her taking everything back, Viktor gave up without much of a fight. That said, I know she had a lot of backup, so it makes sense. Ultimately, I loved how loyalty was the main balance in the end.
Overall, the spice was amazing, the story kept me completely hooked, and it had me laughing out loud at certain points!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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