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Romance Fairytale Retellings #2
Darkest Kiss
Her lips part, waiting for the darkest kiss…
I've kept watch over Noemi Caruso for longer than she knows.
Six-foot-five and deadly, I'm an enforcer for the Irish mob, the Keane family's knife to the throat of polite society. I hunt the worst men in New York by day. By night, I watch her.
She's my delicate little dove, with dark hair and deep brown eyes and a smile that men write epics about. Noemi belongs to me on a soul-deep level. I bide my time in the shadows, because I need her kept safe in a way I never was.
My enemies steal her on the one night I'm not watching.
They drug her and offer her in a shadowy Sleeping Beauty auction. My little dove will remain frozen in sleep, unable to defend herself against the highest bidder.
I'll kill anyone who gets between me and my girl.
One kiss is all I need to make her mine and break the spell forever.
Dark mafia romance · Sleeping Beauty retelling · Obsessive hero · Stälker · Captıve heroine · Sunshine and psycho · Forced proximity · Touch her and die · Age gap · Anti-hero
I've kept watch over Noemi Caruso for longer than she knows.
Six-foot-five and deadly, I'm an enforcer for the Irish mob, the Keane family's knife to the throat of polite society. I hunt the worst men in New York by day. By night, I watch her.
She's my delicate little dove, with dark hair and deep brown eyes and a smile that men write epics about. Noemi belongs to me on a soul-deep level. I bide my time in the shadows, because I need her kept safe in a way I never was.
My enemies steal her on the one night I'm not watching.
They drug her and offer her in a shadowy Sleeping Beauty auction. My little dove will remain frozen in sleep, unable to defend herself against the highest bidder.
I'll kill anyone who gets between me and my girl.
One kiss is all I need to make her mine and break the spell forever.
Dark mafia romance · Sleeping Beauty retelling · Obsessive hero · Stälker · Captıve heroine · Sunshine and psycho · Forced proximity · Touch her and die · Age gap · Anti-hero
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Vivian Wood
153 books2,853 followersVivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 16, 2026
First, I want to thank Vivienne for letting me ARC read this book!
I love fairytale retelling and when I heard that this was a Sleeping Beauty retell, which I haven’t read yet, I was excited. We have Noemi, a bookstore owner inheriting the store from her parents. Rian, the tech savvy stalker and serial k!ller who is obsessed with Noemi pretty much as soon as he lands eyes on her.
What I wanted more from this book was more of the Sleeping Beauty connections. We have the drug of Gloss, made my a rival mafia that Riane and the Keane brothers want to rid the city of. This Gloss gives a living doll aspect to the story which hints at Sleeping Beauty but that’s really all we get.
Although I absolutely love Riane I wished that we got more of his backstory and exactly what the “beast” is or came from. I know it’s a novella and that means a shorter book but I wanted more of him.
We get a good understanding of Noemi and her family history which I appreciated but that made me want more of Rian’s story too.
I loved the patience and understanding that both characters had for their brokenness as well.
I wanted tile POV chapters because I didn’t know whose side I was reading from until already stating the chapter. There is a time jump but we don’t know how long and the last chapter is a quick change to a different person and location-we do see Ransom pop up here but I would’ve liked it as a bonus scene so the book felt like it ended on Rian and Noemi’s story.
I love fairytale retelling and when I heard that this was a Sleeping Beauty retell, which I haven’t read yet, I was excited. We have Noemi, a bookstore owner inheriting the store from her parents. Rian, the tech savvy stalker and serial k!ller who is obsessed with Noemi pretty much as soon as he lands eyes on her.
What I wanted more from this book was more of the Sleeping Beauty connections. We have the drug of Gloss, made my a rival mafia that Riane and the Keane brothers want to rid the city of. This Gloss gives a living doll aspect to the story which hints at Sleeping Beauty but that’s really all we get.
Although I absolutely love Riane I wished that we got more of his backstory and exactly what the “beast” is or came from. I know it’s a novella and that means a shorter book but I wanted more of him.
We get a good understanding of Noemi and her family history which I appreciated but that made me want more of Rian’s story too.
I loved the patience and understanding that both characters had for their brokenness as well.
I wanted tile POV chapters because I didn’t know whose side I was reading from until already stating the chapter. There is a time jump but we don’t know how long and the last chapter is a quick change to a different person and location-we do see Ransom pop up here but I would’ve liked it as a bonus scene so the book felt like it ended on Rian and Noemi’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2026
a psycho mmc whos only soft for her... swoonnn!!
August 17, 2026
3.5/3.75 ⭐️
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood is a prequel novella kicking off her newest series Psycho Saints told through dual POVs.
For being a novella, this fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty made for an interesting read. Particularly when it came to the spin author Vivian put on the story.
Then again seeing as the story was comprised of many tropes such as Obsessive Stalker Anti-Hero, Captive Heroine, Forced Proximity, Touch Her and Die, Age Gap, Anti-Hero, Dark Mafia Romance.
It was no surprise it made for an intriguing read, one that kept you flipping onwards with every page turn to see just how and where Rian and Noemi’s journey would take them.
Especially considering where the two stood at the beginning of their journeys to where they landed at the end.
It was a fast read, then again since it was a novella, it was to be expected.
From learning about Rian and Noemi individually, to how their paths cross and kept them intertwined, to the big showdown and finally the HEA.
The story managed to give a clear indication of each part, while still connecting it altogether so that there was a continuous flow. Making for a quick and easy, good read to me.
The parts that involved Rian and Beast reminded me very much of Brock and Venom from the movie Venom. Particularly their internal conversations, which IMO paved the way for laughter at times given their bickering banter.
Even if it was due to being dark humour, given the arguments started from the conversations had, it definitely made the story all the more entertaining as well as being my favourite parts of the story. Even after the story ended, it honestly had me wishing there was more included from Rian and Beast, since they were the best part to the overall story IMO.
The story managed to give a fair amount in being Dark Romance as well as Mafia considering the action packed thrills at times from the involvement of the Irish Mob courtesy of Rian's connection, which we see unfold throughout in the form of secondary characters inclusion.
Even though the story was a novella, it would've been nice to see a little more exploration within the establishing and developing of Rian and Noemi's relationship, just because there didn't seem to be enough since everything moved a little too fast with rushing through.
With that said, Darkest Kiss by author Vivian Wood made for a good read, especially with being only a novella. And even more particularly from the enjoyment of Rian and Beast who stole the show and had me wishing they would get their own novella given how entertaining they truly were.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood is a prequel novella kicking off her newest series Psycho Saints told through dual POVs.
For being a novella, this fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty made for an interesting read. Particularly when it came to the spin author Vivian put on the story.
Then again seeing as the story was comprised of many tropes such as Obsessive Stalker Anti-Hero, Captive Heroine, Forced Proximity, Touch Her and Die, Age Gap, Anti-Hero, Dark Mafia Romance.
It was no surprise it made for an intriguing read, one that kept you flipping onwards with every page turn to see just how and where Rian and Noemi’s journey would take them.
Especially considering where the two stood at the beginning of their journeys to where they landed at the end.
It was a fast read, then again since it was a novella, it was to be expected.
From learning about Rian and Noemi individually, to how their paths cross and kept them intertwined, to the big showdown and finally the HEA.
The story managed to give a clear indication of each part, while still connecting it altogether so that there was a continuous flow. Making for a quick and easy, good read to me.
The parts that involved Rian and Beast reminded me very much of Brock and Venom from the movie Venom. Particularly their internal conversations, which IMO paved the way for laughter at times given their bickering banter.
Even if it was due to being dark humour, given the arguments started from the conversations had, it definitely made the story all the more entertaining as well as being my favourite parts of the story. Even after the story ended, it honestly had me wishing there was more included from Rian and Beast, since they were the best part to the overall story IMO.
The story managed to give a fair amount in being Dark Romance as well as Mafia considering the action packed thrills at times from the involvement of the Irish Mob courtesy of Rian's connection, which we see unfold throughout in the form of secondary characters inclusion.
Even though the story was a novella, it would've been nice to see a little more exploration within the establishing and developing of Rian and Noemi's relationship, just because there didn't seem to be enough since everything moved a little too fast with rushing through.
With that said, Darkest Kiss by author Vivian Wood made for a good read, especially with being only a novella. And even more particularly from the enjoyment of Rian and Beast who stole the show and had me wishing they would get their own novella given how entertaining they truly were.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2026
Rian was a dark unicorn book boyfriend – I loved him!
Author Vivian Wood writes delicious dark romances that are so heavy on the romance that I can not help but fall in love with her twisted morally grey heroes. DARKEST KISS was a Sleeping Beauty retelling that was such an engaging book that I’ve read it twice already.
Rian was an enforcer and the surveillance guy for Ransome Keane and his group of found family, all psychos and scary in their own way, yet will unconditionally support the other.
Ms Wood injected the best in ironic humour through the traded barbs and gruesome banter between Rian and his associates. This group of dark alpha characters were brought together under the leadership of Ransome Keane through mutual respect and loyalty. These guys will go balls to the wall for each other and when the proverbial 💩💩💩 hit the fan, made sure every effort was made to ensure survival. I loved that these dark alphas had such honourable hearts. No-one and nothing would stand in their way to cover each others backs, even during a critical mission where Rian went completely off script and ended up spend $2 Million!!!
Rian was an adorable character is spite of his dark possessive, stalkery ways. Seriously, how is it possible that such a unicorn book boyfriend can exist within the realms of dark romance. No rainbow farts and glitter for Rian, when the woman he considered to be his was found to be a part of the Sleeping Beauty auction, the crew stormed in all fire and brimstone, with Rian even bringing an extra guest along within him. Beast, for me was a bonus character who didn’t get out very much and I loved that Ransome’s crew pretty much welcomed him along for the ride. Bonus points for Ms Wood’s writing where Beast also loved Noemi, and was super-enthusiastic to raze all involved who hurt her.
Noemi owned a book store and had a heart of gold. She knew she was being watched by a handsome man hidden by darkness and questioned her own sanity that she felt more comforted than frightened. I admired her feistiness even as she realised she'd been rescued by Rian but was still captive for her own protection. I loved that she became Rian's person, absolutely accepting him in his deadly complexity and even coming to love Beast.
DARKEST KISS may have been a novella length read but Ms Wood packed a lot into it from twisted plot points to spicy relationship developments between Rian and Noemi. It was a great read and introduced the rest of the group perfectly. I'm now desperate to find out more about the others! I loved it and absolutely highly recommend it to anyone who loves morally grey heroes and dark plot twists. 5-Sleeping-Beauty-and-Beast-Stars ❤️💀✯
Author Vivian Wood writes delicious dark romances that are so heavy on the romance that I can not help but fall in love with her twisted morally grey heroes. DARKEST KISS was a Sleeping Beauty retelling that was such an engaging book that I’ve read it twice already.
Rian was an enforcer and the surveillance guy for Ransome Keane and his group of found family, all psychos and scary in their own way, yet will unconditionally support the other.
Ms Wood injected the best in ironic humour through the traded barbs and gruesome banter between Rian and his associates. This group of dark alpha characters were brought together under the leadership of Ransome Keane through mutual respect and loyalty. These guys will go balls to the wall for each other and when the proverbial 💩💩💩 hit the fan, made sure every effort was made to ensure survival. I loved that these dark alphas had such honourable hearts. No-one and nothing would stand in their way to cover each others backs, even during a critical mission where Rian went completely off script and ended up spend $2 Million!!!
Rian was an adorable character is spite of his dark possessive, stalkery ways. Seriously, how is it possible that such a unicorn book boyfriend can exist within the realms of dark romance. No rainbow farts and glitter for Rian, when the woman he considered to be his was found to be a part of the Sleeping Beauty auction, the crew stormed in all fire and brimstone, with Rian even bringing an extra guest along within him. Beast, for me was a bonus character who didn’t get out very much and I loved that Ransome’s crew pretty much welcomed him along for the ride. Bonus points for Ms Wood’s writing where Beast also loved Noemi, and was super-enthusiastic to raze all involved who hurt her.
Noemi owned a book store and had a heart of gold. She knew she was being watched by a handsome man hidden by darkness and questioned her own sanity that she felt more comforted than frightened. I admired her feistiness even as she realised she'd been rescued by Rian but was still captive for her own protection. I loved that she became Rian's person, absolutely accepting him in his deadly complexity and even coming to love Beast.
DARKEST KISS may have been a novella length read but Ms Wood packed a lot into it from twisted plot points to spicy relationship developments between Rian and Noemi. It was a great read and introduced the rest of the group perfectly. I'm now desperate to find out more about the others! I loved it and absolutely highly recommend it to anyone who loves morally grey heroes and dark plot twists. 5-Sleeping-Beauty-and-Beast-Stars ❤️💀✯
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark romance · Sleeping Beauty retelling · Obsessive hero · Stälker · Captıve heroine · Sunshine and psycho · Forced proximity · Touch her and die · Age gap · Anti-hero, As soon as I read the premise of this novella I had to read it!
I couldn't put it down, read in one sitting, I loved it, relishing in the fact that Rian " talks" to Beast, the voice in his head who turns him into an even more unhinged psycho losing control of his surroundings to become a dangerouss, uncontrollable, crazy Beast! I giggled at some parts, swooned at most loving EVERY SINGLE PART of this Sleeping Beauty retelling, it was ADDICTIVE!
Noemi shy bookstore owner, bored but not boring living life quietly, her Aunt and Uncle watching over her after her parents and Grandma's death's. She has a stalker, she knows someone is watching her in the shadows at night on her way home from work. Who is he, what does he want ?
Rian becomes obsessed with her after seeing her one night. For four months he's been watching her, keeping her safe. This fast paced novella has angst, action, a decent story and lots of big , brutish men who have yet to be discovered in more detail, The Ruinous Kings.
Rian is no exception, loving danger, working for the Kings as an enforcer, who are backed by the mafia. When Noemi gets taken, drugged with 'Gloss' Rian buys her. Holding her captive , keeping her safe, they soon discover more, become more. He is already obsessed, she is a petite, sassy ball of fire. Taking down the Vitelli's is the goal, end the ones who took her.
Grab your popcorn your'e in for one wild ride with these two. Rian deserves more, BUT this is the be
Prequel to Psycho Saints, a new series that Vivian is writing, the last chapter in Darkest Kiss MUST be the start, that was intriguing, hot and holy moly aready addictive! I cannot wait to pick that book up!
Loved the ending for Rian and Noemi, although short, it is a novella and it fit. Rian will hopefully feature in the Psycho Saints series as I would live to read his backstory, get to know him better. Noemi gets to be who she wants, with the man she has learned to love.
🤩🤩🤩 💯 recommend this, thanks to Vivian for sending me an arc copy, all views are my own. Phew I need a lie down that was one wild ride! 😆
I couldn't put it down, read in one sitting, I loved it, relishing in the fact that Rian " talks" to Beast, the voice in his head who turns him into an even more unhinged psycho losing control of his surroundings to become a dangerouss, uncontrollable, crazy Beast! I giggled at some parts, swooned at most loving EVERY SINGLE PART of this Sleeping Beauty retelling, it was ADDICTIVE!
Noemi shy bookstore owner, bored but not boring living life quietly, her Aunt and Uncle watching over her after her parents and Grandma's death's. She has a stalker, she knows someone is watching her in the shadows at night on her way home from work. Who is he, what does he want ?
Rian becomes obsessed with her after seeing her one night. For four months he's been watching her, keeping her safe. This fast paced novella has angst, action, a decent story and lots of big , brutish men who have yet to be discovered in more detail, The Ruinous Kings.
Rian is no exception, loving danger, working for the Kings as an enforcer, who are backed by the mafia. When Noemi gets taken, drugged with 'Gloss' Rian buys her. Holding her captive , keeping her safe, they soon discover more, become more. He is already obsessed, she is a petite, sassy ball of fire. Taking down the Vitelli's is the goal, end the ones who took her.
Grab your popcorn your'e in for one wild ride with these two. Rian deserves more, BUT this is the be
Prequel to Psycho Saints, a new series that Vivian is writing, the last chapter in Darkest Kiss MUST be the start, that was intriguing, hot and holy moly aready addictive! I cannot wait to pick that book up!
Loved the ending for Rian and Noemi, although short, it is a novella and it fit. Rian will hopefully feature in the Psycho Saints series as I would live to read his backstory, get to know him better. Noemi gets to be who she wants, with the man she has learned to love.
🤩🤩🤩 💯 recommend this, thanks to Vivian for sending me an arc copy, all views are my own. Phew I need a lie down that was one wild ride! 😆
Review of advance copy received from Author
#Review: *Darkest Kiss* - Vivian Wood - ARC [18+]
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️
Noemi Caruso had one single thing which made her happy and that was the library she inherited from her parents, which remained that one thing which reminded her of them. But outside her little bubble was someone who was constantly watching her from the shadows. Rian was an enforcer for the Irish mob and while he was on a surveillance, he was mesmerized by Noemi's beauty and became literally obsessed with her. Too bad that Rian couldn't watch her 24/7, because Noemi was taken, drugged and offered for auction. But will he let anyone touch or hurt his little beauty? Well, for sure not!
As crazy as Rian was, he simply had something so soft inside him when it came to Noemi and I truly loved that!! He was for sure an unhinged and a brutal man, but Noemi was the only one who managed to tame the beast.🥰 I liked all that mystery which surrounded him in the beginning and how we slowly got to discover Rian, layer by layer. He had a truly dark side, which was a bit terrifying, but I guess that he had his reasons to be that way. On the other side, Noemi was his complete opposite, being that sweet, innocent girl who needed to handle things on her own after losing her parents. Apparently, it was an impossible thing to defend against the bad guys, cause they still managed to kidnap her, but she had her someone in her corner who would do anything to find her and save her. That's why I loved their connection, even if it was a bit crazy and a total obsession.
Even if this was quite a dark romance story, I was captivated by everything regarding this book - from its characters, to that suspenseful and intense plot, which has really surprised me in the end🤭. I previously read another book by Vivian, but I feel like this genre suits her so, so much better, from my point of view😅.
Thank youuu so much Vivian for accepting me to receive this e-ARC! It was a truly intense journey, that's for sure! 🫣
✨Tropes
▫️Dark Mafia Romance
▫️Man Obsessed
▫️He Falls First
▫️Virgin Heroine
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Dark Fairytale Retelling
▫️Touch Her & Die
▫️Anti Hero
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️
Noemi Caruso had one single thing which made her happy and that was the library she inherited from her parents, which remained that one thing which reminded her of them. But outside her little bubble was someone who was constantly watching her from the shadows. Rian was an enforcer for the Irish mob and while he was on a surveillance, he was mesmerized by Noemi's beauty and became literally obsessed with her. Too bad that Rian couldn't watch her 24/7, because Noemi was taken, drugged and offered for auction. But will he let anyone touch or hurt his little beauty? Well, for sure not!
As crazy as Rian was, he simply had something so soft inside him when it came to Noemi and I truly loved that!! He was for sure an unhinged and a brutal man, but Noemi was the only one who managed to tame the beast.🥰 I liked all that mystery which surrounded him in the beginning and how we slowly got to discover Rian, layer by layer. He had a truly dark side, which was a bit terrifying, but I guess that he had his reasons to be that way. On the other side, Noemi was his complete opposite, being that sweet, innocent girl who needed to handle things on her own after losing her parents. Apparently, it was an impossible thing to defend against the bad guys, cause they still managed to kidnap her, but she had her someone in her corner who would do anything to find her and save her. That's why I loved their connection, even if it was a bit crazy and a total obsession.
Even if this was quite a dark romance story, I was captivated by everything regarding this book - from its characters, to that suspenseful and intense plot, which has really surprised me in the end🤭. I previously read another book by Vivian, but I feel like this genre suits her so, so much better, from my point of view😅.
Thank youuu so much Vivian for accepting me to receive this e-ARC! It was a truly intense journey, that's for sure! 🫣
✨Tropes
▫️Dark Mafia Romance
▫️Man Obsessed
▫️He Falls First
▫️Virgin Heroine
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Dark Fairytale Retelling
▫️Touch Her & Die
▫️Anti Hero
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Villain’s Kiss, A Beast’s Heart and a Love Worth Losing Yourself In!!
Her fairy tale began with a villain’s kiss… and I was completely hooked from the very first page.
Darkest Kiss is everything I love about dark romance…intense, addictive, emotional and completely consuming. I could not put this book down!
Rian is the ultimate obsessive anti-hero. Dangerous, ruthless and absolutely unhinged when it comes to protecting the woman he loves. He is the perfect mix of villain and vulnerability, and I was captivated by every side of him.
The chemistry between Rian and Noemi was incredible. Their “I hate you” tension, undeniable attraction, and explosive connection had me glued to every page. Add in forced proximity, mafia intrigue, suspense, a dark Sleeping Beauty retelling, and plenty of delicious spice and I was completely hooked.
But what truly stole my heart was Noemi.
She doesn’t just fall in love with Rian… she embraces all of him.
Even Beast.
She sees the darkness he tries to hide, the broken pieces he believes make him unlovable and instead of changing him, she loves him exactly as he is. Their love is fierce, raw, and beautifully unforgettable.
And the Keane brothers? Every appearance left me wanting more. This family has completely captured my attention and I already know I’m going to devour their stories. But Ransom… I need his book immediately!
Vivian Wood’s writing is truly captivating. She has an incredible ability to create complex, unforgettable characters and weave them into a story that completely consumes you. Her words pull you into the darkness, make you feel every emotion and keep you turning pages long after you promised yourself “just one more chapter.”
If you love dark romance with obsessive heroes, fierce heroines, mafia danger, scorching chemistry, emotional depth and characters who stay with you long after the final page, Darkest Kiss deserves a spot on your TBR.
Trust me… once Rian steals your heart, there’s no getting it back.
Her fairy tale began with a villain’s kiss… and I was completely hooked from the very first page.
Darkest Kiss is everything I love about dark romance…intense, addictive, emotional and completely consuming. I could not put this book down!
Rian is the ultimate obsessive anti-hero. Dangerous, ruthless and absolutely unhinged when it comes to protecting the woman he loves. He is the perfect mix of villain and vulnerability, and I was captivated by every side of him.
The chemistry between Rian and Noemi was incredible. Their “I hate you” tension, undeniable attraction, and explosive connection had me glued to every page. Add in forced proximity, mafia intrigue, suspense, a dark Sleeping Beauty retelling, and plenty of delicious spice and I was completely hooked.
But what truly stole my heart was Noemi.
She doesn’t just fall in love with Rian… she embraces all of him.
Even Beast.
She sees the darkness he tries to hide, the broken pieces he believes make him unlovable and instead of changing him, she loves him exactly as he is. Their love is fierce, raw, and beautifully unforgettable.
And the Keane brothers? Every appearance left me wanting more. This family has completely captured my attention and I already know I’m going to devour their stories. But Ransom… I need his book immediately!
Vivian Wood’s writing is truly captivating. She has an incredible ability to create complex, unforgettable characters and weave them into a story that completely consumes you. Her words pull you into the darkness, make you feel every emotion and keep you turning pages long after you promised yourself “just one more chapter.”
If you love dark romance with obsessive heroes, fierce heroines, mafia danger, scorching chemistry, emotional depth and characters who stay with you long after the final page, Darkest Kiss deserves a spot on your TBR.
Trust me… once Rian steals your heart, there’s no getting it back.
August 14, 2026
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I had been really looking forward to reading this book, and unfortunately it didn't hit the mark for me. This story had quick pacing which is expected in a novella. I really enjoyed the sleeping beauty aspect of this story and would have loved to have following that plot a bit more. I also would have absolutely loved to have more backstory on the characters, specially with our MMC, Rian.
What had me interested in this story to begin with was the Sleeping Beauty retelling aspect. In this story a group kidnaps the FMC (Noemi), drug her with a new drug (that makes the user similar to a living doll), and offer her in a shadowy Sleeping Beauty auction. Rian has been stalking Noemi for months now is an enforcer for the Irish mob.
I did like the banter that we get between Rian and Noemi. The inner monologue that Rian has with Beast (a second persona for him/voice in his head).
I fully acknowledge that this is an arc copy and that changes may be made prior to release however there were a few things that left me confused while reading. Mainly, it was with the character Anders/ Andreas. The name kept switching between chapters and I was unsure if this was intentional nickname type change or a miss in editing. Something that I personally think would have been a bit beneficial would have been chapter headlining to let readers know whose POV it is. While not hard to figure out once you start reading the chapter, it would have been nice to have that especially when the last chapter does have a heading for POV in order to set up the next book. Finally, there is a time jump towards the end of the book and I would've loved to know how much time passed during this and to also be told that there was a jump in time.
I had been really looking forward to reading this book, and unfortunately it didn't hit the mark for me. This story had quick pacing which is expected in a novella. I really enjoyed the sleeping beauty aspect of this story and would have loved to have following that plot a bit more. I also would have absolutely loved to have more backstory on the characters, specially with our MMC, Rian.
What had me interested in this story to begin with was the Sleeping Beauty retelling aspect. In this story a group kidnaps the FMC (Noemi), drug her with a new drug (that makes the user similar to a living doll), and offer her in a shadowy Sleeping Beauty auction. Rian has been stalking Noemi for months now is an enforcer for the Irish mob.
I did like the banter that we get between Rian and Noemi. The inner monologue that Rian has with Beast (a second persona for him/voice in his head).
I fully acknowledge that this is an arc copy and that changes may be made prior to release however there were a few things that left me confused while reading. Mainly, it was with the character Anders/ Andreas. The name kept switching between chapters and I was unsure if this was intentional nickname type change or a miss in editing. Something that I personally think would have been a bit beneficial would have been chapter headlining to let readers know whose POV it is. While not hard to figure out once you start reading the chapter, it would have been nice to have that especially when the last chapter does have a heading for POV in order to set up the next book. Finally, there is a time jump towards the end of the book and I would've loved to know how much time passed during this and to also be told that there was a jump in time.
August 29, 2026
I think the idea of this book was a good one. The execution of it was lacking.
I don't know what it says about me, but I love a "romance" where the MMC is a murder-y psycho. Certain brands of crazy make for entertaining reading. Having said that, I absolutely LOVED Beast. I figured there had to have been some kind of abuse in Rian's childhood when he said Beast had been with him since he was a child. (The story doesn't really address it, but it's in the epilogue.)
There are what appear to be inconsistencies in this story...the most glaring being the name of the bad guy. In some places, it's Andreas Vitelli; in others, it's Anders Vitelli. Really? It's not like there were a lot of names to keep up with. Then there was the moment Noemi tells Rian that she took pictures of Andreas killing Marc...and she hands him her phone. She's been kidnapped, drugged, stripped, sold at auction...but somehow she has her phone? (And, for the record, she never mentions that they were uploaded to the cloud and/or that she needed to sign into an account to retrieve them.) We also never find out why the building exploded...because "Hale would never set charges when Rian was still in the building"... and considering Hale was still in the building....I'm gonna leave this right here...
The one thing I hate almost as much as inconsistencies in a story is when some mousey, five-pound-weakling of a FMC who can't conquer dust bunnies suddenly becomes Billie Badass. From the time she decides to investigate the drugged out girls on the porch of the abandoned house up to, and including when she insists on going with Rian when they move on the Vitellis. She says she can be backup....I'm gonna leave that right there, too...
There were moments I wanted to DNF, but I just couldn't do it. Blame it on my love for Beast.
I don't know what it says about me, but I love a "romance" where the MMC is a murder-y psycho. Certain brands of crazy make for entertaining reading. Having said that, I absolutely LOVED Beast. I figured there had to have been some kind of abuse in Rian's childhood when he said Beast had been with him since he was a child. (The story doesn't really address it, but it's in the epilogue.)
There are what appear to be inconsistencies in this story...the most glaring being the name of the bad guy. In some places, it's Andreas Vitelli; in others, it's Anders Vitelli. Really? It's not like there were a lot of names to keep up with. Then there was the moment Noemi tells Rian that she took pictures of Andreas killing Marc...and she hands him her phone. She's been kidnapped, drugged, stripped, sold at auction...but somehow she has her phone? (And, for the record, she never mentions that they were uploaded to the cloud and/or that she needed to sign into an account to retrieve them.) We also never find out why the building exploded...because "Hale would never set charges when Rian was still in the building"... and considering Hale was still in the building....I'm gonna leave this right here...
The one thing I hate almost as much as inconsistencies in a story is when some mousey, five-pound-weakling of a FMC who can't conquer dust bunnies suddenly becomes Billie Badass. From the time she decides to investigate the drugged out girls on the porch of the abandoned house up to, and including when she insists on going with Rian when they move on the Vitellis. She says she can be backup....I'm gonna leave that right there, too...
There were moments I wanted to DNF, but I just couldn't do it. Blame it on my love for Beast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
Book Tropes: Dark mafia romance · Sleeping Beauty retelling · Obsessive hero · Stalker · Captive heroine · Sunshine and psycho · Forced proximity · Touch her and die · Age gap · Anti-hero
Noemi Caruso works in a bookstore her mother once owned and worked in. She loves the simple life of books and customers. She is very shy and she doesn't like change/chaotic life. Her parents died when she was younger, and her aunt and uncle bring her over for dinner, and outings. There is a group of men who rent out the upper floors of the same building Noemi is in and they are part of another mob family - The Vitellis.
Rian, works for the mob, he is very tech savvy stalker and a hitman for the mob. Rian has been following The Vitellis and the men working in the crew. In doing that he has seen Noemi come and go from the same building and her bookstore. Rian has a fixation on Noemi and he's started following her and tracking her, making sure nothing harms her. It's been months that he's been following her. And he's never talked to her. Until she goes missing. Rian goes to her apartment, finds she's not there, she goes to her Aunt and Uncle's house, nothing there either. He knows someone must have taken her.
There is a drug out on the streets calls Gloss, where one you are injected with it, it makes you doll like. You are frozen in that position for days. The Mob Families who are trafficking girls like it as they can do anything to the girls while they can't do anything, they are frozen. The more auctions they can do and sell girls through they happier they are. Rian tracks Noemi to one of these auctions, and saves her.
But now that he has Noemi what will happen? Will he continue to be her savior? Or once Noemi can move again will she be able to leave and hide?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
Noemi Caruso works in a bookstore her mother once owned and worked in. She loves the simple life of books and customers. She is very shy and she doesn't like change/chaotic life. Her parents died when she was younger, and her aunt and uncle bring her over for dinner, and outings. There is a group of men who rent out the upper floors of the same building Noemi is in and they are part of another mob family - The Vitellis.
Rian, works for the mob, he is very tech savvy stalker and a hitman for the mob. Rian has been following The Vitellis and the men working in the crew. In doing that he has seen Noemi come and go from the same building and her bookstore. Rian has a fixation on Noemi and he's started following her and tracking her, making sure nothing harms her. It's been months that he's been following her. And he's never talked to her. Until she goes missing. Rian goes to her apartment, finds she's not there, she goes to her Aunt and Uncle's house, nothing there either. He knows someone must have taken her.
There is a drug out on the streets calls Gloss, where one you are injected with it, it makes you doll like. You are frozen in that position for days. The Mob Families who are trafficking girls like it as they can do anything to the girls while they can't do anything, they are frozen. The more auctions they can do and sell girls through they happier they are. Rian tracks Noemi to one of these auctions, and saves her.
But now that he has Noemi what will happen? Will he continue to be her savior? Or once Noemi can move again will she be able to leave and hide?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
August 23, 2026
📚🖤 Rian & Noemi
ARC Review
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood is a Dark Romance & partial fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty in about the first third of the book. Read the CWs! Rian is a golden retriever beast psycho with an absolute obsession for Noemi. Noemi is a bookstore owner in a building Rian has been observing. This is a mix of graphic violence, dark romance (no ƙïṅƙṣ), comedy, insta-love, ṣpïcƴ ṭïmėṣ and great supporting characters. A lot of witty banter between Rian & Noemi. Rian's tattoo of Noemi's Name on his body part... equal parts ṣëxƴ A.F. and majorly ṣẅọọṅ-ẅọrtḥƴ! 🥰 🥵 I hope Hale, Talon & Hawke each get their own book. 🤞🏿🤞🏾🤞🏽🤞🏼🤞🏻 Chapter 16 jumps the time line for Rian & Noemi's life together, we have no clue how much time. We find out they are married and Noemi started a book club. (100% would have loved, loved, loved the wedding be included!) No listed epilogue in the book for Rian & Noemi. (I guess you could say Chapter 16 is it.) Chapter 17 - Is Corrine's POV and we find out this is the young woman Ransom has been watching/thinking about in Darkest Kiss. It is a new intro for the next book, no note on when it will be out.
*
*
🥰
"Like the smell of old books, the odd placement of the shelves is part of the charm of the place. My parents arranged the shelves like this and I keep them exactly the same, in their honor. Maybe slightly dustier than when they ran it, though." ~Noemi
“We’re not the mob, exactly. Mob-adjacent? We’re arms dealers, recently arrived from Boston, looking to make inroads here.” ~Rian
ARC Review
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood is a Dark Romance & partial fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty in about the first third of the book. Read the CWs! Rian is a golden retriever beast psycho with an absolute obsession for Noemi. Noemi is a bookstore owner in a building Rian has been observing. This is a mix of graphic violence, dark romance (no ƙïṅƙṣ), comedy, insta-love, ṣpïcƴ ṭïmėṣ and great supporting characters. A lot of witty banter between Rian & Noemi. Rian's tattoo of Noemi's Name on his body part... equal parts ṣëxƴ A.F. and majorly ṣẅọọṅ-ẅọrtḥƴ! 🥰 🥵 I hope Hale, Talon & Hawke each get their own book. 🤞🏿🤞🏾🤞🏽🤞🏼🤞🏻 Chapter 16 jumps the time line for Rian & Noemi's life together, we have no clue how much time. We find out they are married and Noemi started a book club. (100% would have loved, loved, loved the wedding be included!) No listed epilogue in the book for Rian & Noemi. (I guess you could say Chapter 16 is it.) Chapter 17 - Is Corrine's POV and we find out this is the young woman Ransom has been watching/thinking about in Darkest Kiss. It is a new intro for the next book, no note on when it will be out.
*
*
🥰
"Like the smell of old books, the odd placement of the shelves is part of the charm of the place. My parents arranged the shelves like this and I keep them exactly the same, in their honor. Maybe slightly dustier than when they ran it, though." ~Noemi
“We’re not the mob, exactly. Mob-adjacent? We’re arms dealers, recently arrived from Boston, looking to make inroads here.” ~Rian
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW
4/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Darkest Kiss is a sleeping beauty retelling with stalking, sunshine/psycho, forced proximity, dark and possessive tropes. The story does contain trigger warnings.
The novel starts by introducing our main characters. Noemi a young, seemingly naive bookstore owner and Rain, the MMC who is an enforcer for the Keane brothers. Rain and his “beast” become completely obsessed with Noemi after seeing her while scoping out a rival family.
From the start Noemi knows she has a stalker and she is very interested in finding out who he is and why he’s stalking her. So while she tries her hardest to spot him at all times, Rain spends his time in the shadows knowing in his mind he could never involve Noemi into his life and his work business.
The sleeping beauty aspect is applied through the use of “Gloss”. A new designer drug manufactured to keep women in a doll like trance. I do wish there were more sleeping beauty connections. Although I did like how Vivian moved the story so the sole focus of the story wasn’t on the drug and its effects to the body and the citizens but rather how Noemi and Rain’s relationships grows from the aftershock.
This book is a novella and I’m craving MORE! I read the entire book in one sitting and found it hard to put down. I really hope we get to see more of Noemi and Rain in the Psycho Saints series.
The final chapter is a dive into the first book of Psycho Saints and WOW am I ready for it!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a good quick and dirty read which I myself LOVE 💜💜
4/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Darkest Kiss is a sleeping beauty retelling with stalking, sunshine/psycho, forced proximity, dark and possessive tropes. The story does contain trigger warnings.
The novel starts by introducing our main characters. Noemi a young, seemingly naive bookstore owner and Rain, the MMC who is an enforcer for the Keane brothers. Rain and his “beast” become completely obsessed with Noemi after seeing her while scoping out a rival family.
From the start Noemi knows she has a stalker and she is very interested in finding out who he is and why he’s stalking her. So while she tries her hardest to spot him at all times, Rain spends his time in the shadows knowing in his mind he could never involve Noemi into his life and his work business.
The sleeping beauty aspect is applied through the use of “Gloss”. A new designer drug manufactured to keep women in a doll like trance. I do wish there were more sleeping beauty connections. Although I did like how Vivian moved the story so the sole focus of the story wasn’t on the drug and its effects to the body and the citizens but rather how Noemi and Rain’s relationships grows from the aftershock.
This book is a novella and I’m craving MORE! I read the entire book in one sitting and found it hard to put down. I really hope we get to see more of Noemi and Rain in the Psycho Saints series.
The final chapter is a dive into the first book of Psycho Saints and WOW am I ready for it!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a good quick and dirty read which I myself LOVE 💜💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
ARC Review — Darkest Kiss by Vivian Woods
Darkest Kiss was a quick, entertaining dark romance and a creative take on a Sleeping Beauty retelling. I was able to finish it in just a few hours because the story kept me interested and wanting to see what happened next.
I really enjoyed the concept behind the Sleeping Beauty element and how it was worked into a darker mafia storyline. Noemi’s situation was disturbing and intriguing, and I liked the stalker/protector aspect of the romance and watching everything ultimately come full circle for her.
For me, though, the story moved a little too quickly. I would have loved more depth in the world-building, character development, and especially the relationship between Noemi and the MMC. There wasn’t a lot of push and pull or time for their chemistry and emotional connection to really build before the story moved forward. Some of the darker plot elements also had so much potential that I wished they had been explored more deeply rather than moving through them so fast.
Overall, I enjoyed Darkest Kiss for what it was: a fast-paced, easy-to-binge dark romance with an interesting Sleeping Beauty twist. It didn’t have quite the depth I personally look for in darker romances, but it kept me entertained from beginning to end, and I’m glad I read it!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🖤📚
ARC Review — Darkest Kiss by Vivian Woods
Darkest Kiss was a quick, entertaining dark romance and a creative take on a Sleeping Beauty retelling. I was able to finish it in just a few hours because the story kept me interested and wanting to see what happened next.
I really enjoyed the concept behind the Sleeping Beauty element and how it was worked into a darker mafia storyline. Noemi’s situation was disturbing and intriguing, and I liked the stalker/protector aspect of the romance and watching everything ultimately come full circle for her.
For me, though, the story moved a little too quickly. I would have loved more depth in the world-building, character development, and especially the relationship between Noemi and the MMC. There wasn’t a lot of push and pull or time for their chemistry and emotional connection to really build before the story moved forward. Some of the darker plot elements also had so much potential that I wished they had been explored more deeply rather than moving through them so fast.
Overall, I enjoyed Darkest Kiss for what it was: a fast-paced, easy-to-binge dark romance with an interesting Sleeping Beauty twist. It didn’t have quite the depth I personally look for in darker romances, but it kept me entertained from beginning to end, and I’m glad I read it!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🖤📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of The Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood, and I genuinely had such a good time with this one. 🖤🔥
First of all… Rian. Sir. 😂 I love me an obsessive, protective, slightly unhinged man, and he definitely delivered. I really enjoyed him and Noemi together, especially because underneath all the darkness, danger, and chaos, there were actually some really sweet moments between them that made me love their relationship even more. 🥹🖤
But we HAVE to talk about Beast.
I’m sorry, but Beast and I? Besties. 😂😭 The internal conversations between him and Rian were easily one of my favorite parts of the book. This man is basically living inside Rian’s head encouraging violence, and I was over here like… unfortunately, he has a point. 💀
I also really loved that this wasn’t just romance with a mafia label slapped onto it. There was actually ACTION. There were moments where I was sitting there like HOLY FUCK??? 👀🔥
And I have QUESTIONS about some of these side characters. 👀 Like ma’am… you cannot introduce these men, make me curious as hell about them, and then expect me to casually move on with my life. I need more. 😂
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. The romance was good, the story kept me interested, the action was probably one of my favorite parts, and Rian and Beast were such a fun combination to read.
Would I read more from this world and especially about some of these other characters?
Immediately. 👀🖤🔥
I received an ARC of The Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood, and I genuinely had such a good time with this one. 🖤🔥
First of all… Rian. Sir. 😂 I love me an obsessive, protective, slightly unhinged man, and he definitely delivered. I really enjoyed him and Noemi together, especially because underneath all the darkness, danger, and chaos, there were actually some really sweet moments between them that made me love their relationship even more. 🥹🖤
But we HAVE to talk about Beast.
I’m sorry, but Beast and I? Besties. 😂😭 The internal conversations between him and Rian were easily one of my favorite parts of the book. This man is basically living inside Rian’s head encouraging violence, and I was over here like… unfortunately, he has a point. 💀
I also really loved that this wasn’t just romance with a mafia label slapped onto it. There was actually ACTION. There were moments where I was sitting there like HOLY FUCK??? 👀🔥
And I have QUESTIONS about some of these side characters. 👀 Like ma’am… you cannot introduce these men, make me curious as hell about them, and then expect me to casually move on with my life. I need more. 😂
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. The romance was good, the story kept me interested, the action was probably one of my favorite parts, and Rian and Beast were such a fun combination to read.
Would I read more from this world and especially about some of these other characters?
Immediately. 👀🖤🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️
ARC REVIEW
I really enjoyed Noemi and Rian. They have fantastic banter with each other. There’s something about seeing the big, dangerous MMC find a soft spot for the FMC that gets me every time. I didn’t think Rian was the type to make jokes until Noemi came in with her own humor. They’re an enjoyable pair. I’m interested in seeing more from Ransom and the other Keane brothers. It’s obvious they all have their own unique personalities. It’d be fun to see their stories play out in this complicated world they live in.
My biggest issues with the book involve consistency issues. The biggest one was Andreas being referred to as Anders in some chapters and as Andreas in others. I noticed once or twice that what the characters were doing wasn’t matching what was written on a prior page. Having an ARC copy, I know the spelling and grammatical errors will more than likely be fixed before the book releases. Lastly I think the book would benefit a lot from having markers at the beginning of the chapter that indicates whose perspective the chapter is told from. I also would have loved to know the timeline better since there appears to be a gap at the start of chapter sixteen.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book! Thank you to Vivian Wood for providing me with an early copy! I am truly grateful.
ARC REVIEW
I really enjoyed Noemi and Rian. They have fantastic banter with each other. There’s something about seeing the big, dangerous MMC find a soft spot for the FMC that gets me every time. I didn’t think Rian was the type to make jokes until Noemi came in with her own humor. They’re an enjoyable pair. I’m interested in seeing more from Ransom and the other Keane brothers. It’s obvious they all have their own unique personalities. It’d be fun to see their stories play out in this complicated world they live in.
My biggest issues with the book involve consistency issues. The biggest one was Andreas being referred to as Anders in some chapters and as Andreas in others. I noticed once or twice that what the characters were doing wasn’t matching what was written on a prior page. Having an ARC copy, I know the spelling and grammatical errors will more than likely be fixed before the book releases. Lastly I think the book would benefit a lot from having markers at the beginning of the chapter that indicates whose perspective the chapter is told from. I also would have loved to know the timeline better since there appears to be a gap at the start of chapter sixteen.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book! Thank you to Vivian Wood for providing me with an early copy! I am truly grateful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood is a prequel novella to her newest series Psycho Saints told through dual POVs.
This was a very intriguing premise, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with many other tropes such as Stalker, Captive Heroine, Forced Proximity, Dark Mafia Romance; and a real page turner.
Rian has been watching Noemi for months, he was assigned to keep tabs on a member of the mafia, and she happened to work in the bookshop under their office, he just can’t shake her off, he knows he’s become obsessed but get waylayed one night and that was her worst nightmare.
Noemi has been living with her aunt and uncle since her parents died in an accident. They aren’t kind to her but she is in her own little bubble, content to work at her parents bookshop that they left to her in their will.
One night she witnesses a murder, takes photos as evidence and then tries to leave but upon getting caught she is drugged and in no control of what happens next.
This was a fast read, as it was a novella, but I think I would have flown through it if it was 400 pages as it had me hooked.
I loved the bits between Rian and Beast, their internal dialogue and the acceptance between his closest friends that they are two different personalities.
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood was a really good read and I will absolutely be reading the next book in this series.
This was a very intriguing premise, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with many other tropes such as Stalker, Captive Heroine, Forced Proximity, Dark Mafia Romance; and a real page turner.
Rian has been watching Noemi for months, he was assigned to keep tabs on a member of the mafia, and she happened to work in the bookshop under their office, he just can’t shake her off, he knows he’s become obsessed but get waylayed one night and that was her worst nightmare.
Noemi has been living with her aunt and uncle since her parents died in an accident. They aren’t kind to her but she is in her own little bubble, content to work at her parents bookshop that they left to her in their will.
One night she witnesses a murder, takes photos as evidence and then tries to leave but upon getting caught she is drugged and in no control of what happens next.
This was a fast read, as it was a novella, but I think I would have flown through it if it was 400 pages as it had me hooked.
I loved the bits between Rian and Beast, their internal dialogue and the acceptance between his closest friends that they are two different personalities.
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood was a really good read and I will absolutely be reading the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Darkest Kiss by Vivian Wood is a Dark Romance Sleeping Beauty Retelling, Novella following Rian O’Sullivan and Noemi Caruso. 🚩This is for readers 18 years and/or older as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
💭 My thoughts 💭
This is a quick, dark read that had me hooked immediately. Rian is a Mafia Enforcer for the Keane Brothers who moved to New York to do scope out potential areas they can take over…specifically taking control over the Vitelli Family. During one of his first assignments he comes across Noemi and she instantly takes over every thought he has. Ahhh I loved this novella, this is packed with so much. There’s never a moment where you’re just like ok get on with it, it’s event after event. I didn’t want to put it down! It does end with an ending leading that there may be more to come, not a cliffhanger but definitely could be the start of a new series. If you like reading Dark Retelling Romances with Mafia vibes that’s spicey then you will devour this quick read.
✨I would like to thank Author Vivian Wood for the opportunity to read and review Darkest Kiss.
💭 My thoughts 💭
This is a quick, dark read that had me hooked immediately. Rian is a Mafia Enforcer for the Keane Brothers who moved to New York to do scope out potential areas they can take over…specifically taking control over the Vitelli Family. During one of his first assignments he comes across Noemi and she instantly takes over every thought he has. Ahhh I loved this novella, this is packed with so much. There’s never a moment where you’re just like ok get on with it, it’s event after event. I didn’t want to put it down! It does end with an ending leading that there may be more to come, not a cliffhanger but definitely could be the start of a new series. If you like reading Dark Retelling Romances with Mafia vibes that’s spicey then you will devour this quick read.
✨I would like to thank Author Vivian Wood for the opportunity to read and review Darkest Kiss.
August 7, 2026
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3/5 Stars
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Darkest Kiss had a premise that immediately pulled me in, and I really wanted to love it. The story has a lot of potential, but for me it felt like everything moved a little too quickly.
I kept wanting more—more world-building, more history, and more insight into the characters’ pasts. Understanding what shaped them and why they made the choices they did would have added so much depth and made it easier to connect with them emotionally.
The banter between the characters was enjoyable and kept the story moving, but it also felt fairly surface-level. I found myself wishing for more meaningful conversations, disagreements, and tension. The characters seemed to agree with each other a little too easily, which made some of their relationships feel less layered than they could have been.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing concept and plenty of promise. While it didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I’d definitely be interested in seeing how the world and characters develop in future books.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Darkest Kiss had a premise that immediately pulled me in, and I really wanted to love it. The story has a lot of potential, but for me it felt like everything moved a little too quickly.
I kept wanting more—more world-building, more history, and more insight into the characters’ pasts. Understanding what shaped them and why they made the choices they did would have added so much depth and made it easier to connect with them emotionally.
The banter between the characters was enjoyable and kept the story moving, but it also felt fairly surface-level. I found myself wishing for more meaningful conversations, disagreements, and tension. The characters seemed to agree with each other a little too easily, which made some of their relationships feel less layered than they could have been.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing concept and plenty of promise. While it didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I’d definitely be interested in seeing how the world and characters develop in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for a review!
I found Darkest Kiss to be a really easy book to get into, and I enjoyed the overall premise. The story immediately caught my attention, and I was intrigued by where the plot was going.
That being said, I think the book would have benefited from being longer. There were so many interesting ideas and characters that I would have loved to see explored in more depth, particularly when it came to the characters’ backgrounds and motivations. The characters were likeable and intriguing, but I felt that they lacked some of the depth and development that could have made me feel more connected to them.
I also really liked the premise of the plot, but the pacing was very fast. At times, so much was happening so quickly that I found myself a little confused and wishing certain moments had been slowed down and explored further.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Darkest Kiss and think the story had a lot of potential. I just wish there had been more room for the characters, world, and storyline to breathe.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for a review!
I found Darkest Kiss to be a really easy book to get into, and I enjoyed the overall premise. The story immediately caught my attention, and I was intrigued by where the plot was going.
That being said, I think the book would have benefited from being longer. There were so many interesting ideas and characters that I would have loved to see explored in more depth, particularly when it came to the characters’ backgrounds and motivations. The characters were likeable and intriguing, but I felt that they lacked some of the depth and development that could have made me feel more connected to them.
I also really liked the premise of the plot, but the pacing was very fast. At times, so much was happening so quickly that I found myself a little confused and wishing certain moments had been slowed down and explored further.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Darkest Kiss and think the story had a lot of potential. I just wish there had been more room for the characters, world, and storyline to breathe.
August 26, 2026
This book was so intriguing and had me completely hooked from the start. For a shorter read I wasn’t expecting to get so invested. But here we are. I devoured this book. Turning page after page so quickly. Sleeping Beauty is not my favorite fairytale. But if the original was like this one it might have been. This was phenomenal. Noemi and Rian were pure perfection. Noemi is one of the most realistic and relatable characters. The portrayal of her anxiety issues was genuine and respectful. Rian was utterly obsessed with Noemi. And it was epic watching him fall harder and deeper with each page turn. He’s completely unhinged and brutal but for her he’s soft and caring. These two shouldn’t work but oh man were they perfect together. Complements in every way that just fit with one another. The connection they had was undeniable. And their chemistry was off the charts. But it was the genuine care and vulnerability between them that truly melted my heart. The way they accepted and embraced each other was beyond endearing. This story is raw and dark and twisted and beautiful. It will crawl under your skin and burrow its way into your heart, staying there long after you close the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got an advanced readers copy of this book.
Darkest kiss by Vivian Wood is a dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast and add in a little of sleeping beauty into the mix. Beast is someone who is intriguing, he starts out in the shadows and then makes himself not so hidden any more. Rian, who the beast is apart of is keeping a watchful eye on the Mafia family the Vitelli’s. They moved into a building by a bookshop owned by a woman named Noemi. Once Rian and the beast caught sight of her they decided she was theirs. So when Noemi goes missing Rian/beast do whatever it takes with the help of his mafia family to get her back.
I felt like This book pulled me in really fast. I loved the characters from start to finished. BUT I wanted more. The book was short and did not explain much so it kind of felt like it jumped or slightly brushed through certain situations. This book deserved to be more. I wanted to get to know the characters a little better than what was given on paper.
Regardless I enjoyed this book and Vivian wood does a great job!
Darkest kiss by Vivian Wood is a dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast and add in a little of sleeping beauty into the mix. Beast is someone who is intriguing, he starts out in the shadows and then makes himself not so hidden any more. Rian, who the beast is apart of is keeping a watchful eye on the Mafia family the Vitelli’s. They moved into a building by a bookshop owned by a woman named Noemi. Once Rian and the beast caught sight of her they decided she was theirs. So when Noemi goes missing Rian/beast do whatever it takes with the help of his mafia family to get her back.
I felt like This book pulled me in really fast. I loved the characters from start to finished. BUT I wanted more. The book was short and did not explain much so it kind of felt like it jumped or slightly brushed through certain situations. This book deserved to be more. I wanted to get to know the characters a little better than what was given on paper.
Regardless I enjoyed this book and Vivian wood does a great job!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Rian and the mob like crew are like family and care for each other like family. More than Naomi and her aunt. I love that even before she knew Rian, and he didn’t scare her when he was just a stalker. It did annoyed me towards the end when she pressed him about going, even though, she said she kept out of the loop and that her aunt is involved. In a way, I am thankful because she got to meet Beast out and face to face. Rian didn’t that because of his past and not everyone rejecting him. Now to mention of Beast, I was confused at first because I was so used to werewolf stories acting like this with the other side/voice in their head. But it’s a voice or part of him born out of trauma. I have to hand it to the author because she didn’t try to make it untruth of DID situation. Beast was born out of trauma and surviving but remain respectful to not push it into a harmful stereotype of a disorder. This book made me laugh out loud more than once. This is my personal preference, but I wish we had more of the stalking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁 and 🌶️🌶️ : keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Going into this book I had no idea what to expect. This was my first retelling of a childhood story and I absolutely enjoyed it! Darkest Kiss has so many of my favorite tropes: billionaire romance, morally grey, possessive MMC and mafia style.
Vivian is easily becoming one of my favorite authors! I’ve loved everything I have read from her. Thankfully but unthankfully I have a backlist for her.. here goes some weekends!
I don’t want to give anything away but I really appreciated how Vivian wrote about Beast. It’s about as realistic as it could be in my opinion.
I thought the Mafia retelling really goes well with the adult version of the story.
One of my favorites this year! Shorter story and very fast paced! Took me about half a day!
⚠️:
👧 Kidnapping and human trafficking (by third party)
👀 Stalking
Organized crime violence
👧 Child abuse (not on page)
☠️ On-page death
🚫 Family betrayal
☠️ Parental death (not on page)
🏥 Panic disorder, past hospitalization
💉 Drugging (by third party)
😅 Explicit sexual consent
🖤 Dark, possessive themes
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @vivianwoodswrites. I absolutely love your books 🥰🥰
Going into this book I had no idea what to expect. This was my first retelling of a childhood story and I absolutely enjoyed it! Darkest Kiss has so many of my favorite tropes: billionaire romance, morally grey, possessive MMC and mafia style.
Vivian is easily becoming one of my favorite authors! I’ve loved everything I have read from her. Thankfully but unthankfully I have a backlist for her.. here goes some weekends!
I don’t want to give anything away but I really appreciated how Vivian wrote about Beast. It’s about as realistic as it could be in my opinion.
I thought the Mafia retelling really goes well with the adult version of the story.
One of my favorites this year! Shorter story and very fast paced! Took me about half a day!
⚠️:
👧 Kidnapping and human trafficking (by third party)
👀 Stalking
Organized crime violence
👧 Child abuse (not on page)
☠️ On-page death
🚫 Family betrayal
☠️ Parental death (not on page)
🏥 Panic disorder, past hospitalization
💉 Drugging (by third party)
😅 Explicit sexual consent
🖤 Dark, possessive themes
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @vivianwoodswrites. I absolutely love your books 🥰🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Sleeping Beauty Retelling: Rian and Noemi
“You’re a freaking psycho. But you’re my psycho.”
Darkest Kiss was an entertaining blend of suspense, danger, dark humour, and mafia intrigue.
Rian is so, so far beyond morally grey… He's a complete psycho with his own twisted code, and somehow the story makes that work. His obsessive, stalker-like protectiveness isn't softened or excused, and paired with the suspense, betrayal, designer-drug plot, and the mystery surrounding his inner "Beast," it made for a gripping read.
Despite the darker themes, there were moments of humour that balanced the tension, and Noemi held her own in the chaos surrounding her. The Sleeping Beauty-inspired storyline added an interesting twist, while the action and constant sense of danger kept me turning the pages.
Now, if you enjoy truly unhinged anti-heroes, obsessive protectiveness, and dark mafia romance with plenty of suspense, this one delivers. Thoroughly enjoyed.
“You’re a freaking psycho. But you’re my psycho.”
Darkest Kiss was an entertaining blend of suspense, danger, dark humour, and mafia intrigue.
Rian is so, so far beyond morally grey… He's a complete psycho with his own twisted code, and somehow the story makes that work. His obsessive, stalker-like protectiveness isn't softened or excused, and paired with the suspense, betrayal, designer-drug plot, and the mystery surrounding his inner "Beast," it made for a gripping read.
Despite the darker themes, there were moments of humour that balanced the tension, and Noemi held her own in the chaos surrounding her. The Sleeping Beauty-inspired storyline added an interesting twist, while the action and constant sense of danger kept me turning the pages.
Now, if you enjoy truly unhinged anti-heroes, obsessive protectiveness, and dark mafia romance with plenty of suspense, this one delivers. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark Mafia Stalker Romance
Rian and Noemi are opposites coming from different worlds. Rian’s past has carved him into a freaking psycho killer with voices in his head. (I do wish the author had told more about his past because I definitely have questions from the hints we were given). Noemi appears to be a shy, mink bookshop owner with panic attacks, however, Rian soon learns she is so much stronger than that. He wants to be perfect for her and he will sacrifice himself to protect her. Their connection is sizzling, alive and electric. Promises are made though and once she is safe they will go their separate ways. An intriguing steamy dark mafia romance plot with stalking, sex trafficking, drugs, violence, danger and suspense. I quickly fell for these two characters who are not what they seem at first glance. A quick captivating read.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Rian and Noemi are opposites coming from different worlds. Rian’s past has carved him into a freaking psycho killer with voices in his head. (I do wish the author had told more about his past because I definitely have questions from the hints we were given). Noemi appears to be a shy, mink bookshop owner with panic attacks, however, Rian soon learns she is so much stronger than that. He wants to be perfect for her and he will sacrifice himself to protect her. Their connection is sizzling, alive and electric. Promises are made though and once she is safe they will go their separate ways. An intriguing steamy dark mafia romance plot with stalking, sex trafficking, drugs, violence, danger and suspense. I quickly fell for these two characters who are not what they seem at first glance. A quick captivating read.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
August 21, 2026
I only have one complaint about the book. It didn’t give me enough time with them together. I knew it was a novella, still, I wanted more. Not as dark as I was expecting either. At least, for my preferences haha. Especially the TATTOO. Literal dream to have that happen. And a calm room. I love a fairytale retelling and I knew I was going to love this book. Even still, I hated Kathleen and her uncle. They seriously never cared about her, especially Kathleen; I was just happy she got what she deserved.
He’s such a softy. For a serial killer who literally has a beast that begs him to lose control. Even his friends can tell he’s different with her. They even make jokes in front of her about it. I love that kind of friendship. Everyone deserves to have a friend who’s just as crazy as you are. Again, I just wish we got more time with them. Hopefully in the next book. I will be sad to not be focused on beasty. I love a protective man. Obsessed men are the best kind of men.
This was such a good read. Responsibilities took me away or else I would’ve finished it all in one sitting.
He’s such a softy. For a serial killer who literally has a beast that begs him to lose control. Even his friends can tell he’s different with her. They even make jokes in front of her about it. I love that kind of friendship. Everyone deserves to have a friend who’s just as crazy as you are. Again, I just wish we got more time with them. Hopefully in the next book. I will be sad to not be focused on beasty. I love a protective man. Obsessed men are the best kind of men.
This was such a good read. Responsibilities took me away or else I would’ve finished it all in one sitting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very dark Beauty and the Beast retelling
This novella is part of the Romance Fairytale Retellings and also seems to be the beginning of a new series for Vivian.
I enjoyed this quick read that introduced us to the members of the infamous Keane family a group of morally grey men.
This is Rian and Noemi’s story and how they came to be.
A story of a man with a beast within, who was obsessed with Noemi from first sight and the lengths he went to, to protect her from the evil that surrounds her.
There was not only betrayal, danger and revenge but also an obsessive love that turned into more for both of them.
I enjoyed the storyline and all of the characters.
Would I read future books in the world?
Yes I would - I’m looking forward to Ransom and Corinne’s story.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Vivian Wood for the gifted copy and the opportunity to read this story - all opinions are my own.
This novella is part of the Romance Fairytale Retellings and also seems to be the beginning of a new series for Vivian.
I enjoyed this quick read that introduced us to the members of the infamous Keane family a group of morally grey men.
This is Rian and Noemi’s story and how they came to be.
A story of a man with a beast within, who was obsessed with Noemi from first sight and the lengths he went to, to protect her from the evil that surrounds her.
There was not only betrayal, danger and revenge but also an obsessive love that turned into more for both of them.
I enjoyed the storyline and all of the characters.
Would I read future books in the world?
Yes I would - I’m looking forward to Ransom and Corinne’s story.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Vivian Wood for the gifted copy and the opportunity to read this story - all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noemi, our FMC, runs a bookstore. She lost her parents and her only family left are her aunt and uncle. After her parents passed she ended up in the psych unit. Her aunt and uncle use this to manipulate her. Rian, our MMC, works for the Hayes Brothers and is tasked with watching the Noemi’s building. Upstairs in the offices above the bookstore, the Vitelli mob family run part of their empire. While watching the building he sees her, and his Beast decides that he wants her.
Noemi sees something that she isn’t supposed to and gets pulled into their ‘Dolly’ scheme. Rian and the Hayes brothers help her escape.
The banter between the Hayes brothers and Rian is fun to read. Rian’s conversation with his Beast is like the devil on your shoulder answering every question you have. Weird thing to say - the way he stalks her is actually pretty sweet.
I’m looking forward to next in the series.
Noemi sees something that she isn’t supposed to and gets pulled into their ‘Dolly’ scheme. Rian and the Hayes brothers help her escape.
The banter between the Hayes brothers and Rian is fun to read. Rian’s conversation with his Beast is like the devil on your shoulder answering every question you have. Weird thing to say - the way he stalks her is actually pretty sweet.
I’m looking forward to next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶🌶
Humor: 😂
Chemistry: 💣💣💣💣
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkest Kiss is a take on Sleeping Beauty. Noemi is being stalked by Rian, who came across her while working a job for a mafia family. He is instantly obsessed, and does everything he can to protect her. Unfortunately, he work pulls him away one day, and she winds up being placed on the auction block while heavily drugged.
I would've loved a little more detail in some of the scenes, but that's a personal preference as someone who regularly reads mafia romances. This is a good book for someone who doesn't want graphic details in every major scene. The chemistry between the main characters is excellent. You can see how they are both broken in their own ways and how they help one another heal. Its a great spin on Sleeping Beauty, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Humor: 😂
Chemistry: 💣💣💣💣
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkest Kiss is a take on Sleeping Beauty. Noemi is being stalked by Rian, who came across her while working a job for a mafia family. He is instantly obsessed, and does everything he can to protect her. Unfortunately, he work pulls him away one day, and she winds up being placed on the auction block while heavily drugged.
I would've loved a little more detail in some of the scenes, but that's a personal preference as someone who regularly reads mafia romances. This is a good book for someone who doesn't want graphic details in every major scene. The chemistry between the main characters is excellent. You can see how they are both broken in their own ways and how they help one another heal. Its a great spin on Sleeping Beauty, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rian and Noemi’s story is a hell of a ride: dark, suspenseful, and full of unexpected twists. And I loved every second of it. Both characters have been through a lot in their pasts and still bear the scars to this day. Rian is the classic antihero - impossible to resist despite his conflicted personality - while Noemi embodies the classic innocent in need of a savior …
Ms. Wood has masterfully put her own unique stamp on this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The plot keeps you glued to the pages right from the beginning, starting off as deeply mysterious until, little by little, light is shed on the mystery as the story unfolds. The suspense remains consistently high, making it incredibly difficult to put the book down, even for a moment. I absolutely love this latest work by this multifaceted author, and I’m already looking forward to the next books in this series!
Ms. Wood has masterfully put her own unique stamp on this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The plot keeps you glued to the pages right from the beginning, starting off as deeply mysterious until, little by little, light is shed on the mystery as the story unfolds. The suspense remains consistently high, making it incredibly difficult to put the book down, even for a moment. I absolutely love this latest work by this multifaceted author, and I’m already looking forward to the next books in this series!
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