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Beautiful Things #1
Beautiful Things Obey
Three authors. Two morally grey characters. One deadly world.
In the silence of the morgue, she fixes what violence ruins. Bullet wounds disappear beneath careful stitching. Evidence vanishes. Secrets are buried with the dead. Every crew in the city relies on her.
All except one.
The largest. The most powerful. The one even other criminals fear.
She has spent years avoiding them.
Until the night their leader walks through her doors.
He does not shout. He does not threaten. He simply watches her work, calm, immaculate, disturbingly intrigued. When he tells her she will be working for him from now on, it sounds less like a request and more like fate closing in.
She refuses.
He returns.
Again.
And again.
And again.
The more she resists, the more fascinated he becomes. He calls her extraordinary. Says her talent is wasted on small men with smaller ambitions. Says beautiful things belong in powerful hands.
He thinks she will bend.
He has no idea she has been surrounded by monsters her entire life and survived them all.
Written consecutively by three authors meaning every twist, betrayal, and obsession forced the next writer deeper into the dark.
In the silence of the morgue, she fixes what violence ruins. Bullet wounds disappear beneath careful stitching. Evidence vanishes. Secrets are buried with the dead. Every crew in the city relies on her.
All except one.
The largest. The most powerful. The one even other criminals fear.
She has spent years avoiding them.
Until the night their leader walks through her doors.
He does not shout. He does not threaten. He simply watches her work, calm, immaculate, disturbingly intrigued. When he tells her she will be working for him from now on, it sounds less like a request and more like fate closing in.
She refuses.
He returns.
Again.
And again.
And again.
The more she resists, the more fascinated he becomes. He calls her extraordinary. Says her talent is wasted on small men with smaller ambitions. Says beautiful things belong in powerful hands.
He thinks she will bend.
He has no idea she has been surrounded by monsters her entire life and survived them all.
Written consecutively by three authors meaning every twist, betrayal, and obsession forced the next writer deeper into the dark.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2026
About the author
T.L. Smith
88 books7,097 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.
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Twitter - @LsmithT
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 612 reviews
July 16, 2026
I just KNEW a dark mafia romance would pull me out of my reading slump!!!!!
July 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Some blurbs quietly pique my interest. This one kicked the door down.
A forensic mortician who secretly repairs and buries the dead for the city's criminal underworld? A powerful mafia boss who becomes obsessed with recruiting her? I thought this was about to become one of those books I obnoxiously recommend to everyone with the words - "Just trust me".
Instead, I ended up with a genuinely fascinating mafia mystery, a romance that took its sweet time finding its emotional footing and a final stretch that reminded me why I kept turning the pages.
What worked for me
(aka: the reason this didn't end up with a lower rating)
A premise that deserved my immediate attention
This is easily one of the freshest mafia romance concepts I've read in a while. Leonore's profession wasn't just there for aesthetics either - it was woven into the plot, the politics of the underworld and her relationships with the different crime families. Watching her navigate the criminal world as someone everyone needed but no one truly owned was incredibly compelling.
The mystery stole the show
Ironically, I found myself far more invested in the mafia mystery than the romance for a large portion of the book.
Leonore's hidden past, the stolen identity, the body thefts and the shifting mafia politics had me constantly wanting answers. Every time the story leaned into those elements, my interest shot right back up.
Konstantin also made for a genuinely threatening villain. He felt intelligent, calculated and dangerous enough that I never questioned why everyone feared him.
The final quarter finally gave me the romance I'd been waiting for
Once the emotional walls started coming down, everything clicked.
The conversations. The vulnerability. The trust that had been missing for so much of the book. The quiet moments where Silas stopped trying to conquer Leonore and simply sat with her pain. Those chapters completely changed how I felt about their relationship.
By the end, I absolutely believed these two belonged together.
I just wish I'd believed it sooner.
Where it lost me
(aka: why this wasn't a four-star read)
I needed feelings, not just fireworks
For a long stretch, the romance felt like it was running on the same loop.
Silas is obsessed. Leonore tells him to leave her alone. They have explosive chemistry. Repeat.
The sexual tension was never the issue. It was fantastic.
The problem was that the emotional relationship didn't seem to evolve alongside it. I kept waiting for the conversations that would make me understand why these two needed each other beyond attraction and those moments didn't really arrive until well over halfway through the book.
I wanted to know these characters much earlier
Leonore became infinitely more compelling once we finally learned her past. Suddenly her walls, her stubbornness and her refusal to surrender control all made perfect sense.
Silas also became so much more interesting once we saw him with his sister, niece and away from Leonore. Those quieter domestic moments humanised him in ways that endless internal monologues about being obsessed simply couldn't.
Unfortunately, a lot of that characterisation came so late that I spent much of the first half admiring the characters more than truly connecting with them.
The romance kept circling before it finally moved
There were several points where it felt like the relationship kept revisiting the same emotional beat with different dialogue.
Every time I thought we'd reached a turning point, we'd reset back to the push-pull dynamic before eventually arriving at the emotional progression I had been waiting for all along.
Once it got there, I loved it.
I just wish the journey had trusted those emotional moments sooner instead of relying so heavily on physical chemistry to carry the relationship.
Final thoughts
This is one of those books where the ending genuinely elevated my overall enjoyment.
The premise is incredibly original, the mystery kept me hooked and the final stretch delivered the emotional vulnerability I'd been craving from the beginning. By the time I reached the last chapters, I finally understood both Leonore and Silas - and that's exactly what I'd been waiting for since the beginning.
If the emotional character work from the final third had been woven throughout the first half, this easily could have been a four star read for me.
Instead, it's a very solid 3.5 stars - a book with a brilliant concept, an engaging mystery and a romance that eventually found its heart after taking the scenic route.
Final verdict
The premise carried.
The mystery delivered.
The romance finally got the memo.
Turns out her best career move wasn't the mortuary....it was the networking.
LinkedIn could never.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Forensic mortician FMC
• Mafia boss MMC
• Obsessive hero
• "Who did this to you?"
• Competent FMC
• Protective MMC
• Forced proximity
• Touch her and die
• Hidden identity
• Dark family secrets
• Trauma healing
• Emotional vulnerability (eventually)
• Found family vibes
• Strong mafia mystery subplot
• Morally grey characters
• Banter & power plays
• Domestic vibes
• Slow-burn emotional payoff
• Spice: plentiful
• Mystery > romance (for most of the book)
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Pre-read:
A forensic mortician FMC and the mafia boss responsible for half her workload? That's called networking 💀
Please don't waste this premise 🤞🏼✨️
Some blurbs quietly pique my interest. This one kicked the door down.
A forensic mortician who secretly repairs and buries the dead for the city's criminal underworld? A powerful mafia boss who becomes obsessed with recruiting her? I thought this was about to become one of those books I obnoxiously recommend to everyone with the words - "Just trust me".
Instead, I ended up with a genuinely fascinating mafia mystery, a romance that took its sweet time finding its emotional footing and a final stretch that reminded me why I kept turning the pages.
What worked for me
(aka: the reason this didn't end up with a lower rating)
A premise that deserved my immediate attention
This is easily one of the freshest mafia romance concepts I've read in a while. Leonore's profession wasn't just there for aesthetics either - it was woven into the plot, the politics of the underworld and her relationships with the different crime families. Watching her navigate the criminal world as someone everyone needed but no one truly owned was incredibly compelling.
The mystery stole the show
Ironically, I found myself far more invested in the mafia mystery than the romance for a large portion of the book.
Leonore's hidden past, the stolen identity, the body thefts and the shifting mafia politics had me constantly wanting answers. Every time the story leaned into those elements, my interest shot right back up.
Konstantin also made for a genuinely threatening villain. He felt intelligent, calculated and dangerous enough that I never questioned why everyone feared him.
The final quarter finally gave me the romance I'd been waiting for
Once the emotional walls started coming down, everything clicked.
The conversations. The vulnerability. The trust that had been missing for so much of the book. The quiet moments where Silas stopped trying to conquer Leonore and simply sat with her pain. Those chapters completely changed how I felt about their relationship.
By the end, I absolutely believed these two belonged together.
I just wish I'd believed it sooner.
Where it lost me
(aka: why this wasn't a four-star read)
I needed feelings, not just fireworks
For a long stretch, the romance felt like it was running on the same loop.
Silas is obsessed. Leonore tells him to leave her alone. They have explosive chemistry. Repeat.
The sexual tension was never the issue. It was fantastic.
The problem was that the emotional relationship didn't seem to evolve alongside it. I kept waiting for the conversations that would make me understand why these two needed each other beyond attraction and those moments didn't really arrive until well over halfway through the book.
I wanted to know these characters much earlier
Leonore became infinitely more compelling once we finally learned her past. Suddenly her walls, her stubbornness and her refusal to surrender control all made perfect sense.
Silas also became so much more interesting once we saw him with his sister, niece and away from Leonore. Those quieter domestic moments humanised him in ways that endless internal monologues about being obsessed simply couldn't.
Unfortunately, a lot of that characterisation came so late that I spent much of the first half admiring the characters more than truly connecting with them.
The romance kept circling before it finally moved
There were several points where it felt like the relationship kept revisiting the same emotional beat with different dialogue.
Every time I thought we'd reached a turning point, we'd reset back to the push-pull dynamic before eventually arriving at the emotional progression I had been waiting for all along.
Once it got there, I loved it.
I just wish the journey had trusted those emotional moments sooner instead of relying so heavily on physical chemistry to carry the relationship.
Final thoughts
This is one of those books where the ending genuinely elevated my overall enjoyment.
The premise is incredibly original, the mystery kept me hooked and the final stretch delivered the emotional vulnerability I'd been craving from the beginning. By the time I reached the last chapters, I finally understood both Leonore and Silas - and that's exactly what I'd been waiting for since the beginning.
If the emotional character work from the final third had been woven throughout the first half, this easily could have been a four star read for me.
Instead, it's a very solid 3.5 stars - a book with a brilliant concept, an engaging mystery and a romance that eventually found its heart after taking the scenic route.
Final verdict
The premise carried.
The mystery delivered.
The romance finally got the memo.
Turns out her best career move wasn't the mortuary....it was the networking.
LinkedIn could never.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Forensic mortician FMC
• Mafia boss MMC
• Obsessive hero
• "Who did this to you?"
• Competent FMC
• Protective MMC
• Forced proximity
• Touch her and die
• Hidden identity
• Dark family secrets
• Trauma healing
• Emotional vulnerability (eventually)
• Found family vibes
• Strong mafia mystery subplot
• Morally grey characters
• Banter & power plays
• Domestic vibes
• Slow-burn emotional payoff
• Spice: plentiful
• Mystery > romance (for most of the book)
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Pre-read:
A forensic mortician FMC and the mafia boss responsible for half her workload? That's called networking 💀
Please don't waste this premise 🤞🏼✨️
July 24, 2026
5 ⭐️: Obsessed doesn’t cover it!
✎𓂃♥︎ This book is ranked within my top reads of the year! I love a dark romance story that shows how strong women can be! Our FMC doesn’t hold back for anyone and makes the MMC grovel until he becomes obsessed with her being!
✎𓂃♥︎ After 40% of the book there are a few spicy scenes, however, it’s not too overbearing at all. I love how the authors showcase Silas and Leo dual POV with their constant fight to not be pulled into each other…however obviously fail.
✎𓂃♥︎ The plot twist was SO good. I’m not going to touch basis on much of it because I don’t want spoilers to ruin it for readers. Just know…there’s a reason we don’t know much about a character…😏
Now, if the authors decide to continue the storyline I would love to be an ARC reader!!!
✎𓂃♥︎ This book is ranked within my top reads of the year! I love a dark romance story that shows how strong women can be! Our FMC doesn’t hold back for anyone and makes the MMC grovel until he becomes obsessed with her being!
✎𓂃♥︎ After 40% of the book there are a few spicy scenes, however, it’s not too overbearing at all. I love how the authors showcase Silas and Leo dual POV with their constant fight to not be pulled into each other…however obviously fail.
✎𓂃♥︎ The plot twist was SO good. I’m not going to touch basis on much of it because I don’t want spoilers to ruin it for readers. Just know…there’s a reason we don’t know much about a character…😏
Now, if the authors decide to continue the storyline I would love to be an ARC reader!!!
July 26, 2026
Three of my favourite female authors writing a book together – of course I had to read it. It didn’t let me down.
I love books featuring strong women who are just as morally ambiguous as the men. And Leonore is a female lead whom everyone respects, who knows how to put any gangster in their place, who works with the dead, is fiercely independent, might just be a little bit mad, and has a past she’s hiding.
And Sillas… He’s got that powerful energy that makes everyone know they have to respect him. His persistence will eventually break down Leo’s defences.
I really loved the world the authors have created. All the families, their conflicts, the whole plot of betrayal running parallel to the main storyline and the mystery that kept me hooked.
No, beautiful things don’t always obey.
I love books featuring strong women who are just as morally ambiguous as the men. And Leonore is a female lead whom everyone respects, who knows how to put any gangster in their place, who works with the dead, is fiercely independent, might just be a little bit mad, and has a past she’s hiding.
And Sillas… He’s got that powerful energy that makes everyone know they have to respect him. His persistence will eventually break down Leo’s defences.
I really loved the world the authors have created. All the families, their conflicts, the whole plot of betrayal running parallel to the main storyline and the mystery that kept me hooked.
No, beautiful things don’t always obey.
July 14, 2026
3 amazing authors came together to write an amazing dark mafia romance that I couldn’t put down. The storyline, the characters, the spice… there’s not a single thing I didn’t like about this book besides that it had to end 🥹
July 11, 2026
I’m not finishing this. The premise of the whole book is weak. The MMC has an inner dialogue of Batman, I was literally cackling when he was describing his need for late night walks and the descriptions the authors’ used. It was so cliche and clunky.
July 7, 2026
The leads were not particularly interesting and they had no chemistry. Silas was like any generic mafia character that could be written. The story drug on for really no reason. I was tired by the end.
July 5, 2026
Three of my favourite authors coming together to write one book? Well I absolutely here for it and Leonore and Silas’s story certainly did not disappoint, that’s for sure.
Now our FMC is Leonore is a mortician for the families of the underworld when they need to keep things discrete, so she is more or less a neutral player in this world as she doesn’t care as long as she gets what she is owed. Leonore is simply just a straight up Queen if I’m honest, I absolutely loved her. She was sassy, feisty and she is certainly not a woman to withhold her feelings especially when it comes to a mafia boss by the name of Silas Vescari.
And you might be wondering how their paths cross? Well Silas’s uncle was unalived and brought straight to Leonore but when word got out Silas came straight to her door demanding he be returned so his family can grieve and give a proper burial. But a complication is thrown into the mix when the body goes missing without a trace and now Silas has more or less demanded Leonore’s help to assist him on retrieving it.
While these two embark on their journey (a reluctant journey for Leonore) Silas makes it quite known through this book that he is very interested in pursuing her. Leonore is a woman who keeps her head down and she rejects his advances and flattery in many cases in this book which was quite hilarious but Silas is a persistent guy.
The reason Leonore tries to keep to herself more or less is she is running from a past that eventually does catch up to her after becoming involved in Silas’s world. But the moment this occurs ever so protective Silas vows that no harm will ever come to her as long as he breathes. Leonore is definitely a woman who can look after herself and you would definitely not want to get on her bad side, but Silas offers his protection nonetheless as by this point he has accepted that he is obsessed with this woman and wants a future standing by her side.
I loved the dynamic of these two and I didn’t want the story to end. I do hope these authors will explore more of this world and write together again.👏🏼
Thank you to the authors who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Now our FMC is Leonore is a mortician for the families of the underworld when they need to keep things discrete, so she is more or less a neutral player in this world as she doesn’t care as long as she gets what she is owed. Leonore is simply just a straight up Queen if I’m honest, I absolutely loved her. She was sassy, feisty and she is certainly not a woman to withhold her feelings especially when it comes to a mafia boss by the name of Silas Vescari.
And you might be wondering how their paths cross? Well Silas’s uncle was unalived and brought straight to Leonore but when word got out Silas came straight to her door demanding he be returned so his family can grieve and give a proper burial. But a complication is thrown into the mix when the body goes missing without a trace and now Silas has more or less demanded Leonore’s help to assist him on retrieving it.
While these two embark on their journey (a reluctant journey for Leonore) Silas makes it quite known through this book that he is very interested in pursuing her. Leonore is a woman who keeps her head down and she rejects his advances and flattery in many cases in this book which was quite hilarious but Silas is a persistent guy.
The reason Leonore tries to keep to herself more or less is she is running from a past that eventually does catch up to her after becoming involved in Silas’s world. But the moment this occurs ever so protective Silas vows that no harm will ever come to her as long as he breathes. Leonore is definitely a woman who can look after herself and you would definitely not want to get on her bad side, but Silas offers his protection nonetheless as by this point he has accepted that he is obsessed with this woman and wants a future standing by her side.
I loved the dynamic of these two and I didn’t want the story to end. I do hope these authors will explore more of this world and write together again.👏🏼
Thank you to the authors who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
August 7, 2026
the concept of the book is brilliant but the actual turn out wasn’t the greatest nor the worst.
July 11, 2026
This was a really good read! It had the perfect mix of tension, chemistry, and dark moments that kept me turning the pages. The characters pulled me in, and I enjoyed watching everything unfold between them.
July 5, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
4.5⭐️
This was just phenomenal. It’s more of a light dark romance but man does it have so much action! Each one of these authors knows how to keep you intrigued. I absolutely adore both main characters. I never would have guessed Leonore’s backstory and it was so intriguing to see it all come together and why she hadn’t let anyone close to her before Silas. I loved the where her past came back to haunt her and I could have devoured more pages on it, I almost wish that he had gotten her toward the front door or she stabbed him instead of what actually happened but it does make sense for Leonore’s past to be wrapped up more quickly to look for the future. Also can I just say she is a total baddie and used Silas for her own pleasure throughout this and I loved it. She’s a queen!
4.5⭐️
This was just phenomenal. It’s more of a light dark romance but man does it have so much action! Each one of these authors knows how to keep you intrigued. I absolutely adore both main characters. I never would have guessed Leonore’s backstory and it was so intriguing to see it all come together and why she hadn’t let anyone close to her before Silas. I loved the where her past came back to haunt her and I could have devoured more pages on it, I almost wish that he had gotten her toward the front door or she stabbed him instead of what actually happened but it does make sense for Leonore’s past to be wrapped up more quickly to look for the future. Also can I just say she is a total baddie and used Silas for her own pleasure throughout this and I loved it. She’s a queen!
July 11, 2026
5⭐️
4🌶️
🔥Mafia Romance
🔥Stalking/Obsession
🔥He Falls First
🔥Strong FMC
🔥Touch Her & ☠️
🔥Alpha Male
🔥She Has a Secret
🔥Dual First Person POV
In the Boston Underworld, if you need evidence to disappear and the body to tell the story you want, you go to Lenore Graves. Nicknamed the Grim Reaper,
she’s made a name for herself as the mortician for the families of the underworld. Well, three of the four families. Leo is the boss of her domain and takes her work seriously. She believes everyone deserves a proper burial and for their families to be able to grieve. She knows how to be discreet and acting as a neutral party she doesn’t ask any questions. She also does not reveal anything to the other families. Her quiet and controlled world gets flipped upside down when the Don of the most powerful family in the city enters her lab demanding answers. Silas Viscari has never needed her services and she’s avoided working with his family. The more Leo refuses to work for Silas, the more he wants her. Silas loves how unimpressed she is with him and his offers. He keeps showing up at her work and when she’s out, because he’s captivated and wants to learn her secrets. What started out as Silas needing Leo to find his uncle quickly turns into an obsession. The magnetic chemistry between these two burns up the pages, or the kindle in my case. Leo is a special character, she lives up to her nickname, and isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with these men. She’s fiercely protective and can back it up. Silas is a broody grump and is used to everyone doing what he says. They are equally stubborn and headstrong creating an addictive push and pull. These two morally grey characters go absolutely feral for each other. Leo slowly began to trust Silas, she showed him her vulnerable side and revealed her secrets. I loved how Leo’s surprising backstory influenced how she hid in plain sight, behind the bodies where she felt the most at ease. This is action packed, filled with undeniable fiery chemistry, and a plot that had me hooked from the start.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you TL Swan, Penny Dee, Kia Carrington-Russel for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“The type of man I hate the most, because what’s more dangerous than a man with pure muscle and bloodlust? One who actually has a brain.”
“Beautiful things like her should obey. Yet she has a fire that I’ve never come across before.”
“I’m pretty sure I just threatened not that long ago to bite off his p£nis and shove it up his a$$. Yet here he is asking me on a date.”
“I’m waiting to explore the type of unhinged crazy that’s in her bloodstream.”
“See, you can be a good girl and obey.” He slams into me. “I reward good girls like you, especially you,” he says, and pulls out and f _ € ks me again.
“I know all her magnetic strengths and temptations, but I want to—no—need to know what her undoing is.”
“Impossible,” he says. “I’ve seen you cut open bodies. I’m sure nothing you do will turn me off.”
“Remember, it’s a privilege that I let you touch me at all. Next time you see me, I might not be so nice.”
“It’s an obsession I can’t shake. The more Leonore shoots me down, the more she sucks me in.”
“Her gaze dances with mischief. And that’s when it hits me like a f _ € k!ng bullet. This is beyond obsession. This is the f _ € k!ng need to claim her as mine.”
“Her body’s demand is something I will always obey.”
4🌶️
🔥Mafia Romance
🔥Stalking/Obsession
🔥He Falls First
🔥Strong FMC
🔥Touch Her & ☠️
🔥Alpha Male
🔥She Has a Secret
🔥Dual First Person POV
In the Boston Underworld, if you need evidence to disappear and the body to tell the story you want, you go to Lenore Graves. Nicknamed the Grim Reaper,
she’s made a name for herself as the mortician for the families of the underworld. Well, three of the four families. Leo is the boss of her domain and takes her work seriously. She believes everyone deserves a proper burial and for their families to be able to grieve. She knows how to be discreet and acting as a neutral party she doesn’t ask any questions. She also does not reveal anything to the other families. Her quiet and controlled world gets flipped upside down when the Don of the most powerful family in the city enters her lab demanding answers. Silas Viscari has never needed her services and she’s avoided working with his family. The more Leo refuses to work for Silas, the more he wants her. Silas loves how unimpressed she is with him and his offers. He keeps showing up at her work and when she’s out, because he’s captivated and wants to learn her secrets. What started out as Silas needing Leo to find his uncle quickly turns into an obsession. The magnetic chemistry between these two burns up the pages, or the kindle in my case. Leo is a special character, she lives up to her nickname, and isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with these men. She’s fiercely protective and can back it up. Silas is a broody grump and is used to everyone doing what he says. They are equally stubborn and headstrong creating an addictive push and pull. These two morally grey characters go absolutely feral for each other. Leo slowly began to trust Silas, she showed him her vulnerable side and revealed her secrets. I loved how Leo’s surprising backstory influenced how she hid in plain sight, behind the bodies where she felt the most at ease. This is action packed, filled with undeniable fiery chemistry, and a plot that had me hooked from the start.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you TL Swan, Penny Dee, Kia Carrington-Russel for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“The type of man I hate the most, because what’s more dangerous than a man with pure muscle and bloodlust? One who actually has a brain.”
“Beautiful things like her should obey. Yet she has a fire that I’ve never come across before.”
“I’m pretty sure I just threatened not that long ago to bite off his p£nis and shove it up his a$$. Yet here he is asking me on a date.”
“I’m waiting to explore the type of unhinged crazy that’s in her bloodstream.”
“See, you can be a good girl and obey.” He slams into me. “I reward good girls like you, especially you,” he says, and pulls out and f _ € ks me again.
“I know all her magnetic strengths and temptations, but I want to—no—need to know what her undoing is.”
“Impossible,” he says. “I’ve seen you cut open bodies. I’m sure nothing you do will turn me off.”
“Remember, it’s a privilege that I let you touch me at all. Next time you see me, I might not be so nice.”
“It’s an obsession I can’t shake. The more Leonore shoots me down, the more she sucks me in.”
“Her gaze dances with mischief. And that’s when it hits me like a f _ € k!ng bullet. This is beyond obsession. This is the f _ € k!ng need to claim her as mine.”
“Her body’s demand is something I will always obey.”
July 27, 2026
Silas is known to be one of the most ruthless mob bosses in the city… the enters Lenore who threatens to perform a very creative, highly un-medical procedure on his anatomy to stick it where the sun don’t shine. And honestly? That’s when the real romance started.
Watching a terrifyingly ruthless mob boss fall head over heels for a heavily unhinged medical examiner who treats the mafia like mildly annoying coworkers was pure gold. Two hyper protective, zero shit taking psychos colliding until they couldn't fight the explosive chemistry anymore. And when these two finally combust, the spice is spicing for sure.
If you like your mafia romances to have FMCs who are total badasses and give the MMC a run for their money then give this one a chance. I promise you Lenore is not a beautiful thing that will obey.
July 26, 2026
Ohh, a badass fmc! Love it❤️🔥
July 3, 2026
Beautiful Things Obey, by TL Smith, Penny Dee, and Kia Carrington-Russell, is scheduled for release on July 9th.
This is my first read by TL Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell, and I absolutely love everything by Penny Dee. This was a phenomenal dark romance that had me laughing at what the main characters said/thought. This read includes tropes such as alpha MMC, bad-ass MFC, he falls first, obsession, stalking, stolen identity, touch her and ☠️.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher.
As this was a pre-release edition, some content may differ from the final published version.
This is my first read by TL Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell, and I absolutely love everything by Penny Dee. This was a phenomenal dark romance that had me laughing at what the main characters said/thought. This read includes tropes such as alpha MMC, bad-ass MFC, he falls first, obsession, stalking, stolen identity, touch her and ☠️.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher.
As this was a pre-release edition, some content may differ from the final published version.
August 22, 2026
Pretty solid read. Gotta love a book that features a strong and stabby FMC who doesn't take shit from dangerous men. She has secrets and a past she's running from which is basically the plot for the latter half of the book.
MMC was deliciously alpha but not an asshole. It's cute how he was amused by her icy demeanor and constant rejection. She wasn't exactly dickmatized and he actually became the clingy one. Definitely fell first and hard.
Did not like the side character Nessa. Shady as hell how she hooked up with FMC's ex and basically chose him over their friendship and FMC ends up apologizing at the end. Ugh.
Another thing I found lacking was that the true villain from her past didn't get enough page time considering he was this big bad dude whom everyone feared. Didn't expect him to die to easily. There were allusions to the torture she suffered through at her hands that readers can infer. While I don't like gratuitous details regarding abuse, it would've been nice to get a tiny bit more color just to add some impact on how this fierce ass FMC ends up shaking at the sound of the villain's name.
Lastly, I noticed the first and middle parts blended easily and can't tell who wrote what but the tone of the latter portion of the book changed where the dialogue was a bit off and things weren't phrased as smoothly.
Otherwise, I did actually enjoy this book. It did suck me in and I do love when the MMC is just proud of how badass his girl is and how she doesn't need a man but chose him.
Safety - both non virgins, not much insight into sexual past but no manwhore vibes, it's mentioned she slept with a lot of men (yes, thank you!), no OWD, slight OMD, no cheating, no sharing, no on page sex with OP.
MMC was deliciously alpha but not an asshole. It's cute how he was amused by her icy demeanor and constant rejection. She wasn't exactly dickmatized and he actually became the clingy one. Definitely fell first and hard.
Did not like the side character Nessa. Shady as hell how she hooked up with FMC's ex and basically chose him over their friendship and FMC ends up apologizing at the end. Ugh.
Another thing I found lacking was that the true villain from her past didn't get enough page time considering he was this big bad dude whom everyone feared. Didn't expect him to die to easily. There were allusions to the torture she suffered through at her hands that readers can infer. While I don't like gratuitous details regarding abuse, it would've been nice to get a tiny bit more color just to add some impact on how this fierce ass FMC ends up shaking at the sound of the villain's name.
Lastly, I noticed the first and middle parts blended easily and can't tell who wrote what but the tone of the latter portion of the book changed where the dialogue was a bit off and things weren't phrased as smoothly.
Otherwise, I did actually enjoy this book. It did suck me in and I do love when the MMC is just proud of how badass his girl is and how she doesn't need a man but chose him.
Safety - both non virgins, not much insight into sexual past but no manwhore vibes, it's mentioned she slept with a lot of men (yes, thank you!), no OWD, slight OMD, no cheating, no sharing, no on page sex with OP.
July 14, 2026
-I don’t know if I would consider this enemies to lovers but if I did it would definitely be one sided (the FMC holds a gun to his head and a scalpel to his neck, he’s basically just obsessed with her)
-this FMC has a secret past that is out to get her and eventually does
-the MMC is the leader of the most powerful organized crime syndicate in the state
-the FMC is a mortician that works for all of the crime families (except his) to change the cause of death to the ones that were killed in order to give them a proper burial
-the FMC is very calm, collected, and cool until she is not. very black cat, doesn’t let too many people in, stabby, bossy, and doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. she knows how to handle herself
-the MMC is an obsessive stalker-ish man that exudes power. he wants her to obey him but she refuses and he keeps going back to her again and again
4/5 stars (a real good story)
1/5 spice rating (quantity and quality rating)
It was a unique read and I enjoyed it mostly.
I wished the MMC didn’t want to shelter the women in his life so much from what he does. And I really didn’t like that the FMC let him in the end. She was really headstrong and standing on business in the beginning to about 75% of the book then it went downhill when it came to her resolve.
-this FMC has a secret past that is out to get her and eventually does
-the MMC is the leader of the most powerful organized crime syndicate in the state
-the FMC is a mortician that works for all of the crime families (except his) to change the cause of death to the ones that were killed in order to give them a proper burial
-the FMC is very calm, collected, and cool until she is not. very black cat, doesn’t let too many people in, stabby, bossy, and doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. she knows how to handle herself
-the MMC is an obsessive stalker-ish man that exudes power. he wants her to obey him but she refuses and he keeps going back to her again and again
4/5 stars (a real good story)
1/5 spice rating (quantity and quality rating)
It was a unique read and I enjoyed it mostly.
I wished the MMC didn’t want to shelter the women in his life so much from what he does. And I really didn’t like that the FMC let him in the end. She was really headstrong and standing on business in the beginning to about 75% of the book then it went downhill when it came to her resolve.
July 26, 2026
Beautiful things obey." Or do they? I'll let you discover that for yourselves in the gripping, dark, and addictive story of Dr. Leonore Grave.
Known as Grim Reaper ,Leonore runs one of the most unusual medical practices in the heart of Boston—a morgue. Death is her sanctuary, the only place where she truly feels safe. Working for the city's most powerful mafia families, she has earned an untouchable reputation. Calm, fearless, and exceptionally skilled, she refuses to bow to anyone.
Then she meets Silas Vescari.
If Leonore thinks pointing a gun—or even a scalpel—at him will make him walk away, she's terribly mistaken. Silas isn't a man who backs down. Instead, her fearless attitude, sharp tongue, and unwavering defiance are exactly what ignite his obsession. What starts as a dangerous clash of wills quickly becomes an intoxicating game of power, tension, and undeniable attraction.
A dark mafia romance filled with sizzling chemistry, unforgettable characters, razor-sharp banter, and a captivating enemies-to-obsession dynamic. This was exactly the kind of book I needed to break my reading slump, and I couldn't put it down.
Known as Grim Reaper ,Leonore runs one of the most unusual medical practices in the heart of Boston—a morgue. Death is her sanctuary, the only place where she truly feels safe. Working for the city's most powerful mafia families, she has earned an untouchable reputation. Calm, fearless, and exceptionally skilled, she refuses to bow to anyone.
Then she meets Silas Vescari.
If Leonore thinks pointing a gun—or even a scalpel—at him will make him walk away, she's terribly mistaken. Silas isn't a man who backs down. Instead, her fearless attitude, sharp tongue, and unwavering defiance are exactly what ignite his obsession. What starts as a dangerous clash of wills quickly becomes an intoxicating game of power, tension, and undeniable attraction.
A dark mafia romance filled with sizzling chemistry, unforgettable characters, razor-sharp banter, and a captivating enemies-to-obsession dynamic. This was exactly the kind of book I needed to break my reading slump, and I couldn't put it down.
August 8, 2026
It’s been a bit since I read a mafia romance and this one did not disappoint.
Loved the fierce and unpredictable FMC and how the mafia MMC respects her while trying to break down her walls which she has built for good reason.
The smart banter added to their dynamic and I appreciated that she was older and accomplished (Dr)
The plot unfolded at a great pace and kept me intrigued.
The mafia type scenes are more grey as it doesn’t go into a lot of details as other dark reads would.
Looking forward to Book 2 which I think may be the sisters?
Mafia romance. Dark themes.dual POV
“He’s like the cold storm to my fiery chaos, but only when I let her out.
And often only when she needs to protect herself.”
Loved the fierce and unpredictable FMC and how the mafia MMC respects her while trying to break down her walls which she has built for good reason.
The smart banter added to their dynamic and I appreciated that she was older and accomplished (Dr)
The plot unfolded at a great pace and kept me intrigued.
The mafia type scenes are more grey as it doesn’t go into a lot of details as other dark reads would.
Looking forward to Book 2 which I think may be the sisters?
Mafia romance. Dark themes.dual POV
“He’s like the cold storm to my fiery chaos, but only when I let her out.
And often only when she needs to protect herself.”
June 29, 2026
I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE EXCITED FOR ANOTHER collab between T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell! Of course, we had our introduction to Penny Dee, and ALL I WILL SAY is that these three authors WORK WELL TOGETHER!
Working with the dead, Dr. Leonore Graves has SEEN AND DEALT WITH SOME SHIT. Until one day, while working at the morgue, one of the most notorious crime leaders is looking for answers. Using his charm, Silas Vescari is determined to find what he is looking for, only if a certain mortician wouldn’t refuse him. With the nickname that is ABSOLUTELY WARRANTED, Leonore is SUCH A BAD ASS BITCH! OH MY GOD! I LOVED HER! She took no shit FROM NO ONE LITERALLY and I REALLY ENJOYED everything about her character! Even if he seemed like a broody grump on the outside, I KNEW SILAS WAS A CUTIE PIE! Especially for those he cares about and would DO ANYTHING FOR to protect them. Seeing the small vulnerable sides to him made my HEART WARM! The relationship between Leonore and Silas was COMICAL, AND WITTY, HAVING A SPRINKLE OF INTENSE PUSH AND PULL with DEFINITELY HAVING TO MENTION the FIERY SPICE! The chemistry between them was FLAMING HOT!
Not knowing what was going to happen next, THOSE PLOT TWISTS CAME THROUGH AND HOLY SHIT! I was NOT expecting that! Larissa was JUST A SWEETIE and she was TOO ADORABLE! I did have some mixed feelings about Nessa HOWEVER! I did feel like she redeemed herself in the end FOR SURE. Even though we had a small glimpse of them, I really liked the vibe from Valen and Gia and I hope MAYBE we can see them again in the future! Overall, I REALLY ENJOYED this book, and I can’t wait for what’s next!
Working with the dead, Dr. Leonore Graves has SEEN AND DEALT WITH SOME SHIT. Until one day, while working at the morgue, one of the most notorious crime leaders is looking for answers. Using his charm, Silas Vescari is determined to find what he is looking for, only if a certain mortician wouldn’t refuse him. With the nickname that is ABSOLUTELY WARRANTED, Leonore is SUCH A BAD ASS BITCH! OH MY GOD! I LOVED HER! She took no shit FROM NO ONE LITERALLY and I REALLY ENJOYED everything about her character! Even if he seemed like a broody grump on the outside, I KNEW SILAS WAS A CUTIE PIE! Especially for those he cares about and would DO ANYTHING FOR to protect them. Seeing the small vulnerable sides to him made my HEART WARM! The relationship between Leonore and Silas was COMICAL, AND WITTY, HAVING A SPRINKLE OF INTENSE PUSH AND PULL with DEFINITELY HAVING TO MENTION the FIERY SPICE! The chemistry between them was FLAMING HOT!
Not knowing what was going to happen next, THOSE PLOT TWISTS CAME THROUGH AND HOLY SHIT! I was NOT expecting that! Larissa was JUST A SWEETIE and she was TOO ADORABLE! I did have some mixed feelings about Nessa HOWEVER! I did feel like she redeemed herself in the end FOR SURE. Even though we had a small glimpse of them, I really liked the vibe from Valen and Gia and I hope MAYBE we can see them again in the future! Overall, I REALLY ENJOYED this book, and I can’t wait for what’s next!
August 7, 2026
Love me a good mafia romance! Leonore is a complete badass, and I’ll always be a sucker for a badass boss man who becomes completely obsessed. 😂 The storyline was decent overall, although there were definitely some cringey moments and a few things that just didn’t make sense. Like… a little girl sleeping through multiple gunshots?! Be so for real.
Overall, though, it was definitely enough to keep me hooked throughout the entire book! I flew through it and can’t wait to see what happens in the second one. 👀
Overall, though, it was definitely enough to keep me hooked throughout the entire book! I flew through it and can’t wait to see what happens in the second one. 👀
August 7, 2026
I really wanted to love this one and was so excited to read it but it just wasn’t for me. It was an easy read and I liked the overall concept with such a bold FMC but unfortunately, I never felt connected to the characters at all. I felt as though everything was very surface level, like we didn’t get to really know the characters until over half way through the book. The pacing felt uneven, some parts dragged while others moved too quickly. Plus I felt like none of the big reveals or shocking moments actually surprised me. I really hate to give this a 2 but I have to be honest.
July 16, 2026
İlk 230 sayfayı atlatabilirseniz aslında kitap güzel 🤣
Yani kitabın ilk 70% i oku oku bitmedi, elime her aldığımda esnemeye başladım ve baya 200 sayfayı 1 haftada falan okuyabildim ama kalan 130 sayfa bi oturuşta bitti ve gayet güzeldi.
Adamı da kadını da çok sevdim, karakterle bağ kurmak zor değildi. Tabi ki bazı cringe yerler vardı ama overall vaad ettiğini veren bi kitaptı.
Yani kitabın ilk 70% i oku oku bitmedi, elime her aldığımda esnemeye başladım ve baya 200 sayfayı 1 haftada falan okuyabildim ama kalan 130 sayfa bi oturuşta bitti ve gayet güzeldi.
Adamı da kadını da çok sevdim, karakterle bağ kurmak zor değildi. Tabi ki bazı cringe yerler vardı ama overall vaad ettiğini veren bi kitaptı.
August 7, 2026
𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯, 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭.
I loved this book, the plot twists. Whoah.. cannot wait for the second book. ♥️
I loved this book, the plot twists. Whoah.. cannot wait for the second book. ♥️
August 20, 2026
*2.5 stars
Loved the premise, but was let down by the execution.
The first half was pretty decent, though something was missing from the relationship - or maybe we weren't getting enough background from the characters to provide some depth. He was obsessed with her (why?), and she pushed him away (again, why?), and that got repetitive when we didn't find out anything deeper than that even within her own thoughts for 3/4 of the book.
The plot and pacing were uneven. More than half of the book, the plot was centered around Silas' uncle's death, and once that plot was resolved, what should have been the higher-stakes plot moved so quickly and was resolved so fast that it just fell completely flat for me.
Some dropped threads/details just did not make sense within the book's logic and threw me right out of it. There's only so much I can suspend my disbelief; I need it to at least make sense within the confines of the book.
Loved the premise, but was let down by the execution.
The first half was pretty decent, though something was missing from the relationship - or maybe we weren't getting enough background from the characters to provide some depth. He was obsessed with her (why?), and she pushed him away (again, why?), and that got repetitive when we didn't find out anything deeper than that even within her own thoughts for 3/4 of the book.
The plot and pacing were uneven. More than half of the book, the plot was centered around Silas' uncle's death, and once that plot was resolved, what should have been the higher-stakes plot moved so quickly and was resolved so fast that it just fell completely flat for me.
Some dropped threads/details just did not make sense within the book's logic and threw me right out of it. There's only so much I can suspend my disbelief; I need it to at least make sense within the confines of the book.
July 21, 2026
This is so, so good. One of the best Mafia romance books I've read. It gives and keeps giving! It's a shortish read, but it packs such a punch - I've already preorded the audio book so I can read it again!
It's dark, both MCs are morally black, they are violent, they bicker, he falls first and he is obsessed. She is a strong, confident MMC, who holds her own - she runs an independent morgue that essentially services the 4 families in Boston, but she has a past and hidden secrets.
It's dual POV and moves at a really consistent pace. While there's a bit of a mystery, it's more about the hidden secrets and the romance - which will make you kick your feet. This man is down bad!
This was written by three different authors, and while I tired to guess where the crossovers takes place, it's very seamless - which is crazy!
If you like Mafia romance. Read this now!
It's dark, both MCs are morally black, they are violent, they bicker, he falls first and he is obsessed. She is a strong, confident MMC, who holds her own - she runs an independent morgue that essentially services the 4 families in Boston, but she has a past and hidden secrets.
It's dual POV and moves at a really consistent pace. While there's a bit of a mystery, it's more about the hidden secrets and the romance - which will make you kick your feet. This man is down bad!
This was written by three different authors, and while I tired to guess where the crossovers takes place, it's very seamless - which is crazy!
If you like Mafia romance. Read this now!
August 12, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I didn't really connect to the characters and I also felt no chemistry between them. The first time he asked her out I was like genuinely why?
Also the plot felt super weird because at first it was about his uncle and once that was kinda resolved Silas never questioned how they stole the body from the morgue again which doesn't make sense. And then we had the whole other plot for the last 30% which is crazy because how are you going to plot twist a main character, introduce a new villain, tell us all about how inhuman he is and have him defeated stupidly fast in only 100 pages.
It was still an easy read, and I'll admit it was entertaining but the whole book just didn't wow me or anything. I think this is supposed to be a part of an interconnected series so if there's more books I'll probably check them out.
I didn't really connect to the characters and I also felt no chemistry between them. The first time he asked her out I was like genuinely why?
Also the plot felt super weird because at first it was about his uncle and once that was kinda resolved Silas never questioned how they stole the body from the morgue again which doesn't make sense. And then we had the whole other plot for the last 30% which is crazy because how are you going to plot twist a main character, introduce a new villain, tell us all about how inhuman he is and have him defeated stupidly fast in only 100 pages.
It was still an easy read, and I'll admit it was entertaining but the whole book just didn't wow me or anything. I think this is supposed to be a part of an interconnected series so if there's more books I'll probably check them out.
August 4, 2026
I'm so torn on what to rate this book. The first 60% was magnificent, I loved the bossiness, the darkness and the pallable longing between these two MC's. It was extremely entertaining .
I guess my gripe is that the writing in the last 30% seemed a bit rush and different, it wasn't as intense and that was a bit confusing as the reader. I understand this was written by different authors but I just wish the flow and overall tone of the book continued.
I'm not sure if the next book will be about the same couple but I wouldn't mind honestly 😉
Honestly I enjoyed this book enough to l ace a review so I clearly liked it.
4 stars
I guess my gripe is that the writing in the last 30% seemed a bit rush and different, it wasn't as intense and that was a bit confusing as the reader. I understand this was written by different authors but I just wish the flow and overall tone of the book continued.
I'm not sure if the next book will be about the same couple but I wouldn't mind honestly 😉
Honestly I enjoyed this book enough to l ace a review so I clearly liked it.
4 stars
July 20, 2026
Leonore completely stole the show for me. She works in a morgue, quietly cleaning up the aftermath of violence, making evidence disappear, and keeping dangerous secrets buried with the dead. She's fearless, morally grey, and refuses to be intimidated even by the city's most powerful mafia leaders.
Then there's Silas... and I absolutely adored him. He may be ruthless when it comes to protecting his people, but with Leonore? He was such a good boy. Watching these two dance around each other while the tension slowly built was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I loved that both main characters are morally grey. Neither of them is pretending to be the hero, and that's exactly what made their relationship so addictive to read. The chemistry, the obsession, the danger, and the slow-burn tension kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Now I'm officially hoping this isn't the last time we visit this world because I would love a Valen and Gia story next. I already know I'd be obsessed.
Then there's Silas... and I absolutely adored him. He may be ruthless when it comes to protecting his people, but with Leonore? He was such a good boy. Watching these two dance around each other while the tension slowly built was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I loved that both main characters are morally grey. Neither of them is pretending to be the hero, and that's exactly what made their relationship so addictive to read. The chemistry, the obsession, the danger, and the slow-burn tension kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Now I'm officially hoping this isn't the last time we visit this world because I would love a Valen and Gia story next. I already know I'd be obsessed.
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