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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. Narrated in duet style.
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. Narrated in duet style.
418 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2026
About the author
T.L. Smith
89 books7,227 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 913 reviews
July 16, 2026
I just KNEW a dark mafia romance would pull me out of my reading slump!!!!!
July 12, 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 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 author used. It was so cliche and clunky.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 Stars / 3 Spice
Beautiful Things Obey by T.L. Smith, Penny Dee, and Kia Carrington-Russell hooked me from the very first page and never loosened its grip. Dark, twisted, deliciously gruesome, and dripping with tension—I absolutely devoured this book.
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Strong FMC
🖤 Obsessive / Possessive MMC
🖤 Secret Identities
🖤 Touch Her and Die
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
🖤 Slow Burn Obsession
The opening chapter immediately pulled me in.
And from that moment, I couldn't put the book down.
One of my favourite aspects of this story was the world-building. Rather than focusing on a single mafia family, the authors created an entire criminal underworld where multiple families coexist, each serving their own purpose within the city. It made the world feel alive and constantly shifting as alliances, secrets, and rivalries unfolded.
✮⋆˙ 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞
Leonore was an incredible heroine. She refuses to be intimidated, even when surrounded by some of the most dangerous men imaginable. Sharp-tongued, fiercely independent, and wonderfully stubborn, she goes toe-to-toe with people far more powerful than herself without ever backing down. She sets firm boundaries and demands respect.
At least...
...until Silas begins dismantling those walls brick by brick.
✮⋆˙ 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢
Silas completely stole this book for me.
He walks into every room already in control. Wealth, power, confidence—it practically radiates from him. Yet beneath all of that authority was a man who fascinated me. His internal monologues were surprisingly witty, a little cheeky, and often had me smiling despite how dark the story could become.
Once Silas decides someone belongs to him...
There really isn't another option.
His persistence, unwavering loyalty to his family, and relentless pursuit of Leonore made him impossible not to love. Honestly, I could have happily read another thousand pages with this man.
The chemistry between Leonore and Silas was addictive. Their banter was razor-sharp, their power struggles were endlessly entertaining, and every interaction seemed to build another layer of anticipation. The spice landed exactly where it needed to—passionate, exciting, and perfectly suited to their dynamic.
The mystery woven throughout the novel kept me hooked just as much as the romance. Hidden identities, long-buried secrets, and revelations from the past constantly shifted the story in unexpected directions. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would pull the rug out from under me.
I was also pleasantly surprised to discover this was written by three authors. Multi-author books have always made me a little hesitant, but you genuinely couldn't tell where one author's voice ended and another began. The writing flowed seamlessly, the pacing never faltered, and every chapter felt perfectly balanced. It was an incredibly impressive collaboration.
Overall, Beautiful Things Obey was an addictive blend of dark romance, mafia politics, mystery, and obsession. I flew through it in three days and never once wanted to put it down. Between the unforgettable characters, gripping plot, brilliant banter, and deliciously dark atmosphere, this easily became one of my favourite mafia romances of the year.
Thank you to the authors for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book.
Beautiful Things Obey by T.L. Smith, Penny Dee, and Kia Carrington-Russell hooked me from the very first page and never loosened its grip. Dark, twisted, deliciously gruesome, and dripping with tension—I absolutely devoured this book.
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Strong FMC
🖤 Obsessive / Possessive MMC
🖤 Secret Identities
🖤 Touch Her and Die
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
🖤 Slow Burn Obsession
The opening chapter immediately pulled me in.
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.
And from that moment, I couldn't put the book down.
One of my favourite aspects of this story was the world-building. Rather than focusing on a single mafia family, the authors created an entire criminal underworld where multiple families coexist, each serving their own purpose within the city. It made the world feel alive and constantly shifting as alliances, secrets, and rivalries unfolded.
✮⋆˙ 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞
Leonore was an incredible heroine. She refuses to be intimidated, even when surrounded by some of the most dangerous men imaginable. Sharp-tongued, fiercely independent, and wonderfully stubborn, she goes toe-to-toe with people far more powerful than herself without ever backing down. She sets firm boundaries and demands respect.
At least...
...until Silas begins dismantling those walls brick by brick.
✮⋆˙ 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢
Silas completely stole this book for me.
He walks into every room already in control. Wealth, power, confidence—it practically radiates from him. Yet beneath all of that authority was a man who fascinated me. His internal monologues were surprisingly witty, a little cheeky, and often had me smiling despite how dark the story could become.
Once Silas decides someone belongs to him...
There really isn't another option.
His persistence, unwavering loyalty to his family, and relentless pursuit of Leonore made him impossible not to love. Honestly, I could have happily read another thousand pages with this man.
The chemistry between Leonore and Silas was addictive. Their banter was razor-sharp, their power struggles were endlessly entertaining, and every interaction seemed to build another layer of anticipation. The spice landed exactly where it needed to—passionate, exciting, and perfectly suited to their dynamic.
The mystery woven throughout the novel kept me hooked just as much as the romance. Hidden identities, long-buried secrets, and revelations from the past constantly shifted the story in unexpected directions. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would pull the rug out from under me.
I was also pleasantly surprised to discover this was written by three authors. Multi-author books have always made me a little hesitant, but you genuinely couldn't tell where one author's voice ended and another began. The writing flowed seamlessly, the pacing never faltered, and every chapter felt perfectly balanced. It was an incredibly impressive collaboration.
Overall, Beautiful Things Obey was an addictive blend of dark romance, mafia politics, mystery, and obsession. I flew through it in three days and never once wanted to put it down. Between the unforgettable characters, gripping plot, brilliant banter, and deliciously dark atmosphere, this easily became one of my favourite mafia romances of the year.
Thank you to the authors for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book.
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.
October 13, 2026
A slow start, a baddie FMC, and a climax that had me on my toes!
The blurb had me hooked from the beginning. A mafia man and a doctor working for powerful men? I was immediately interested in this concept, and the book definitely delivered an addictive reading experience, especially in the second half.
My favourite thing about this book was undoubtedly the FMC. She was a pure baddie, and I absolutely loved watching her personality unfold. The way her past was revealed genuinely caught me off guard, and instead of just being a surprising twist, it made me feel much more connected to her character.
The MMC, on the other hand, was a little difficult for me to connect with. At certain points, he didn't feel entirely human, almost as if his character lacked genuine human emotions. However, he definitely got better in the second half.
The same goes for their chemistry. During the first 40% or so, I wasn't really feeling the emotional connection between them. It felt more physical than emotional, and I wanted something deeper. Thankfully, their dynamic improved as the story progressed.
I also really liked the new villain angle and how he connected to the overall story. The tension built up beautifully during the climax, and I was genuinely on my toes! My only disappointment was the ending. After all that buildup, I wanted something more from the climax. It felt like there was still room for more.
Overall, Beautiful Things Obey was a good read for me. Despite its flaws, the addictive second half, the FMC's character development, and the suspenseful climax made the reading experience worthwhile. It took some time to win me over, but once it did, I was invested!
Definitely a book where the second half worked much better for me than the first. 🖤
The blurb had me hooked from the beginning. A mafia man and a doctor working for powerful men? I was immediately interested in this concept, and the book definitely delivered an addictive reading experience, especially in the second half.
My favourite thing about this book was undoubtedly the FMC. She was a pure baddie, and I absolutely loved watching her personality unfold. The way her past was revealed genuinely caught me off guard, and instead of just being a surprising twist, it made me feel much more connected to her character.
The MMC, on the other hand, was a little difficult for me to connect with. At certain points, he didn't feel entirely human, almost as if his character lacked genuine human emotions. However, he definitely got better in the second half.
The same goes for their chemistry. During the first 40% or so, I wasn't really feeling the emotional connection between them. It felt more physical than emotional, and I wanted something deeper. Thankfully, their dynamic improved as the story progressed.
I also really liked the new villain angle and how he connected to the overall story. The tension built up beautifully during the climax, and I was genuinely on my toes! My only disappointment was the ending. After all that buildup, I wanted something more from the climax. It felt like there was still room for more.
Overall, Beautiful Things Obey was a good read for me. Despite its flaws, the addictive second half, the FMC's character development, and the suspenseful climax made the reading experience worthwhile. It took some time to win me over, but once it did, I was invested!
Definitely a book where the second half worked much better for me than the first. 🖤
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.
August 7, 2026
the concept of the book is brilliant but the actual turn out wasn’t the greatest nor the worst.
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 🥹
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 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 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 💭
July 1, 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 10, 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.
August 24, 2026
So i accidentally marked this as read and 1 star when i was looking it up, but then i tried to start reading it and its terrible. It’s about a mortician who works for the mob boss families in Boston and get this, her last name is GRAVES. Like give me a break.
So apparently this woman is a tough cookie and she gets threatened all the time by these scary mob guys but she holds her ground and they just leave her be??? Ok. But literally the first 20% of this book is Silas threatening her and Lenore saying “I’m not gonna do that” and that’s it. TWENTY PERCENT OF NOTHING. So I’m giving up. THREE AUTHORS AND THIS IS THE SHITE WE GET
So apparently this woman is a tough cookie and she gets threatened all the time by these scary mob guys but she holds her ground and they just leave her be??? Ok. But literally the first 20% of this book is Silas threatening her and Lenore saying “I’m not gonna do that” and that’s it. TWENTY PERCENT OF NOTHING. So I’m giving up. THREE AUTHORS AND THIS IS THE SHITE WE GET
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 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 26, 2026
Ohh, a badass fmc! Love it❤️🔥
August 30, 2026
Mafia standalone - kartais viskas ko reikia😄 Patiko - lengvas ir greitas, nieko too deep, bet ir siužetas buvo gan logiškas, tai labai smagiai susiskaitė. Labai patiko He falls first🫢
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 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.
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.”
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.
June 28, 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. 👀
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