What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost Marked: A Dark Captive Romance
Three years ago, she left him bleeding in the street. Now she's his captive, and he's dead set on revenge.
Lia
I was only fifteen when I made the biggest mistake of my life and lost my only protector.
Now I'm running from the mafia with a daughter in my arms, and they sent Logan Colt to hunt me down.
He says he's taking me back to my abusive husband---to the don's son. But first, he's determined to break me...
Logan
Lia Cabello has always belonged to me. Even after she chose the first man who wasn't me. Even after she gave birth to the living, breathing sign of her betrayal.
I'm not the boy who was hopelessly in love with her anymore. Pain has turned me into a hardened criminal. A monster. And she's about to find that out.
The mafia ordered me to find her, but I'll never hand her over.
She's mine. Mine to hurt, mine to own, mine to keep.
Tropes:
- captor/captive
- mafia
- forced proximity
- possessive obsession
- morally grey MMC
- revenge
- found family
Note: This is a very dark romance. Please read the content note at the beginning of the book.
Lia
I was only fifteen when I made the biggest mistake of my life and lost my only protector.
Now I'm running from the mafia with a daughter in my arms, and they sent Logan Colt to hunt me down.
He says he's taking me back to my abusive husband---to the don's son. But first, he's determined to break me...
Logan
Lia Cabello has always belonged to me. Even after she chose the first man who wasn't me. Even after she gave birth to the living, breathing sign of her betrayal.
I'm not the boy who was hopelessly in love with her anymore. Pain has turned me into a hardened criminal. A monster. And she's about to find that out.
The mafia ordered me to find her, but I'll never hand her over.
She's mine. Mine to hurt, mine to own, mine to keep.
Tropes:
- captor/captive
- mafia
- forced proximity
- possessive obsession
- morally grey MMC
- revenge
- found family
Note: This is a very dark romance. Please read the content note at the beginning of the book.
- GenresDark RomanceDarkSpicy
400 pages, ebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 19, 2026
I went into this blind, wasn't sure what to expect. Lia and Logan are the main mcs. Lia is from a broken home of Irish and Italian descent. Logan is a foster kid. They both grow up in shady environments. Each having to pave their own way.
The beginning of the book starts on a wild chase and is interspersed with flashbacks so you're not quite sure on the characters. The second setting is a school setting. Both of the mcs are supposed to be around age 19. Although in certain parts that's hard to believe. They dance around their attraction to each other with a love/ hate push and pull. Lia trying to flee with her child from her abusive husband. Add in the mafia and other relationships it's a total powder keg.
I will have to admit I found it hard to connect to plot/characters. I think it's partly by author design but it made this read a bit slower for me. Mafia is either a hit or miss genre for me, this was more of a miss. Do the characters grow yes, did I find the latter third more enjoyable then the beginning also yes. Would I read the sequel as this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, yes again.
Tropes and triggers: BDSM, captor and captive, da, hurt/comfort, mafia, single mom, touch her and ☠️
The beginning of the book starts on a wild chase and is interspersed with flashbacks so you're not quite sure on the characters. The second setting is a school setting. Both of the mcs are supposed to be around age 19. Although in certain parts that's hard to believe. They dance around their attraction to each other with a love/ hate push and pull. Lia trying to flee with her child from her abusive husband. Add in the mafia and other relationships it's a total powder keg.
I will have to admit I found it hard to connect to plot/characters. I think it's partly by author design but it made this read a bit slower for me. Mafia is either a hit or miss genre for me, this was more of a miss. Do the characters grow yes, did I find the latter third more enjoyable then the beginning also yes. Would I read the sequel as this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, yes again.
Tropes and triggers: BDSM, captor and captive, da, hurt/comfort, mafia, single mom, touch her and ☠️
July 22, 2026
4.25⭐️
3.75🌶️
“My little captive. That's what you are, and what you always will be."
This book was a rollercoaster if you will. Originally I got this as an arc which I’m very thankful for, Thank you A.V. But let me just tell you this book was insane. First one hundred pages in, I didn’t know how to feel.
This book definitely takes a deep dive into BDSM, if you’re like me, I read the initial warning, thought it couldn’t be that bad, and leave it up to me to get myself into a crazy situation. Yep, sure did.
I have to say these two were so toxic to each other but for a good reason somewhat, Lila, poor girl, she just kept taking until it bit her in the ass twice as hard which led to Logan absolutely losing his shit, which is fair. I felt for him the entire time because if these two would’ve just communicated, so much could’ve been avoided but then we wouldn’t have the story we do.
That Cliffhanger though!! So lucky I have Mutual Prey to read next but, I’m still mad about the cliffhanger, I just hope it ends good.
Thank you so much personally to A.V and their team for letting me be apart of the journey to publishing! If you enjoy these things… ->
🔪captor/captive
🔪mafia
🔪forced proximity
🔪possessive obsession
🔪morally grey MMC
🔪revenge
🔪found family
This is for you, but please take care of yourself, this book can be really heavy at times.
3.75🌶️
“My little captive. That's what you are, and what you always will be."
This book was a rollercoaster if you will. Originally I got this as an arc which I’m very thankful for, Thank you A.V. But let me just tell you this book was insane. First one hundred pages in, I didn’t know how to feel.
This book definitely takes a deep dive into BDSM, if you’re like me, I read the initial warning, thought it couldn’t be that bad, and leave it up to me to get myself into a crazy situation. Yep, sure did.
I have to say these two were so toxic to each other but for a good reason somewhat, Lila, poor girl, she just kept taking until it bit her in the ass twice as hard which led to Logan absolutely losing his shit, which is fair. I felt for him the entire time because if these two would’ve just communicated, so much could’ve been avoided but then we wouldn’t have the story we do.
That Cliffhanger though!! So lucky I have Mutual Prey to read next but, I’m still mad about the cliffhanger, I just hope it ends good.
Thank you so much personally to A.V and their team for letting me be apart of the journey to publishing! If you enjoy these things… ->
🔪captor/captive
🔪mafia
🔪forced proximity
🔪possessive obsession
🔪morally grey MMC
🔪revenge
🔪found family
This is for you, but please take care of yourself, this book can be really heavy at times.
July 18, 2026
Like all of Blackmoor's books, this was a quick read for me, I just forgot to post my review. This was an ARC. Thank you A.V. Blackmoor for allowing me read an early version. Finished it Friday. Was already looking for book two, even though I know it's not out, yet.
Here's what got me. Logan should be unforgivable. He IS unforgivable, honestly. But Blackmoor writes him in a way where you understand exactly how he got there, and understanding it is worse than not understanding it. Every awful thing he does to Lia traces straight back to something she did when they were kids. His math almost works. You catch yourself going "well, I mean—" and then you have to put the book down and think about your choices.
And oh Lia. I was prepared for the shaking captive thing this genre does so much of. She's not that. She's already survived one man's house. She knows what a locked door costs, she's done this before, and when she looks at Logan she's definitely not scared so much as paying very close attention to everything he says, does, and allows. . She's looking for the boy she left in the street. He's not giving her that version of himself.
The kid could have been a pawn, but she's not. She's a live wire sitting in the middle of the story and every single time Logan looks at her you can feel him losing an argument with himself. The found family stuff doesn't get announced, it just sort of creeps in — a hand on a small back, a door he doesn't lock one night — and by the time you catch what's going on… well, you'll have to read it.
Prose is lean. Nothing wasted. That middle third nearly killed me.
Real talk though, this is dark. Not "dark for the aesthetic" dark, actually dark. He doesn't get softened up to make him easier to root for and the husband backstory has real weight to it, it's not just there to justify things. Check the warnings, know yourself.
But if you want captor/captive where the obsession has actual history behind it, where the revenge has a shape and a price tag — this is the one.
Five stars. Feral. Please hurry with book two.
Here's what got me. Logan should be unforgivable. He IS unforgivable, honestly. But Blackmoor writes him in a way where you understand exactly how he got there, and understanding it is worse than not understanding it. Every awful thing he does to Lia traces straight back to something she did when they were kids. His math almost works. You catch yourself going "well, I mean—" and then you have to put the book down and think about your choices.
And oh Lia. I was prepared for the shaking captive thing this genre does so much of. She's not that. She's already survived one man's house. She knows what a locked door costs, she's done this before, and when she looks at Logan she's definitely not scared so much as paying very close attention to everything he says, does, and allows. . She's looking for the boy she left in the street. He's not giving her that version of himself.
The kid could have been a pawn, but she's not. She's a live wire sitting in the middle of the story and every single time Logan looks at her you can feel him losing an argument with himself. The found family stuff doesn't get announced, it just sort of creeps in — a hand on a small back, a door he doesn't lock one night — and by the time you catch what's going on… well, you'll have to read it.
Prose is lean. Nothing wasted. That middle third nearly killed me.
Real talk though, this is dark. Not "dark for the aesthetic" dark, actually dark. He doesn't get softened up to make him easier to root for and the husband backstory has real weight to it, it's not just there to justify things. Check the warnings, know yourself.
But if you want captor/captive where the obsession has actual history behind it, where the revenge has a shape and a price tag — this is the one.
Five stars. Feral. Please hurry with book two.
July 23, 2026
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this arc. Here is my honest review.
Dark romance is such a hit or miss for me. I either love it or I hate it. And this one definitely hit. Sometimes dark romance tends to be more about the smut and the plot gets lost, but this book had everything I could ask for. The spiciness, the high stakes, mafia vibes, touch her and ☠️, an ACTUAL plot. I loved it all.
I love that our FMC is an actual baddie. Shes been through it. She's tough. And she has a mind of her own. I dont usually see that in a dark romance (maybe ive just been reading the wrong ones).
Im rating this 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️.
But really, how dare you leave us with a cliffhanger like that? 🤣😭 Im absolutely desperate for the next book.
Dark romance is such a hit or miss for me. I either love it or I hate it. And this one definitely hit. Sometimes dark romance tends to be more about the smut and the plot gets lost, but this book had everything I could ask for. The spiciness, the high stakes, mafia vibes, touch her and ☠️, an ACTUAL plot. I loved it all.
I love that our FMC is an actual baddie. Shes been through it. She's tough. And she has a mind of her own. I dont usually see that in a dark romance (maybe ive just been reading the wrong ones).
Im rating this 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️.
But really, how dare you leave us with a cliffhanger like that? 🤣😭 Im absolutely desperate for the next book.
July 16, 2026
This was so intense. And dark? Hell yeah. A. V. always delivers when it comes to an amazing story. And this one is definitely on my top five. An absolutely great read. Chaos and danger, regret and betrayal. This pulled me in and had me turning the pages like my fingers were on fire. I was obsessed. This was such a spicy and delicious read. I can’t wait for the next one.
July 10, 2026
THE ENDING?!!!😫😫😭 i need to know what happens next!!!! 10/10 read highly recommend perfect amount of spice and emotion you will be hooked. The chemistry between the MMC and the FMC is chefs kiss
July 7, 2026
Since she was 7, Lia has noticed the boy in her class watching her, and made him pay for it. When they were 15, she took things a step too far, and has been paying for it ever since. 3 years later, she managed to escape from the son of the mafia don, with her daughter in her arms, only to be found by the boy she tormented. He claims he’s going to bring her back to her abusive husband, but will make her pay for every mistake she’s ever made first.
When he was 7, Logan decided that Lia belonged to him, and that hasn’t changed in the years since. Even when she did the unforgiveable, she was still his, while wearing another man’s ring. But Logan is no longer the heartsick boy who followed her around, now he’s the hardened man she left in her wake, and with her in his grasp, he won’t let her go.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and absolutely loved it! With all the darkness I’ve come to expect from her work, the storyline here captivated me right from the beginning. Having read the devil and monster duets, I loved that this one was set long before DEVIL got its name, and gave us a glimpse of some of the characters we’ve come to know in the after. There was always something different about Logan’s relationship with Damien, so getting to see its origin story gave a different perspective to their dynamic. Logan and Lia may seem like the most unlikely pair, but somehow they’re both broken sides of the same soul, only able to heal when they come together in all their chaos. After the revelations at the end of monster’s claim, I was eagerly waiting to see more of Piper’s origin story.
When he was 7, Logan decided that Lia belonged to him, and that hasn’t changed in the years since. Even when she did the unforgiveable, she was still his, while wearing another man’s ring. But Logan is no longer the heartsick boy who followed her around, now he’s the hardened man she left in her wake, and with her in his grasp, he won’t let her go.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and absolutely loved it! With all the darkness I’ve come to expect from her work, the storyline here captivated me right from the beginning. Having read the devil and monster duets, I loved that this one was set long before DEVIL got its name, and gave us a glimpse of some of the characters we’ve come to know in the after. There was always something different about Logan’s relationship with Damien, so getting to see its origin story gave a different perspective to their dynamic. Logan and Lia may seem like the most unlikely pair, but somehow they’re both broken sides of the same soul, only able to heal when they come together in all their chaos. After the revelations at the end of monster’s claim, I was eagerly waiting to see more of Piper’s origin story.
June 17, 2026
I received an Advance copy of this book from the author. This book has trigger warnings and I suggest you read the warning before you start the book. Lia and Logan have a complicated relationship and let me tell you, the smut is hot 🥵 the story is full of surprises and all the emotions that one roller coaster can give you. Logan has loved Lia since they first met in school and she’s absolutely horrible to him. He joins the mafia and so the adventure begins. I will not spoil it but I’m so not happy with the cliffhanger and I’m now impatiently waiting for book two.Bring it on.
July 22, 2026
If you are looking for a dark, heart-pounding, emotional rollercoaster that will completely consume your mind, look no further. This book grabbed me by the throat from chapter one and did not let go until the very last page!
🎭 Why You Need to Read This Immediately:
Unmatched Chemistry & Tension: The sheer intensity between Lia and Logan is off the charts. The history between them adds so much weight to every glance, every touch, and every argument. You can feel the pain, longing, and possessive energy sizzling off the page.
The Ultimate Morally Grey MMC: Logan Colt redefined the "if I can't have her, no one can" trope for me. He claims he wants revenge and that pain turned him into a monster, but watching his ruthless possessiveness clash with his buried history with Lia had me absolutely swooning. He's terrifying, obsessed, and completely unhinged in the best way possible.
A Heroine You Want to Root For: Lia isn't just a damsel in distress; she's a mother running with her daughter in her arms, surviving against impossible mafia odds. Her strength and resilience in the face of her dark past make her journey so deeply compelling.
Trope Perfection: Captor/captive? Forced proximity? Possessive obsession? Revenge turning into a protective nightmare?
Checked, checked, and checked. Plus, the subtle thread of found family amidst all the dark mafia chaos gave it the perfect emotional depth.
🎭 Why You Need to Read This Immediately:
Unmatched Chemistry & Tension: The sheer intensity between Lia and Logan is off the charts. The history between them adds so much weight to every glance, every touch, and every argument. You can feel the pain, longing, and possessive energy sizzling off the page.
The Ultimate Morally Grey MMC: Logan Colt redefined the "if I can't have her, no one can" trope for me. He claims he wants revenge and that pain turned him into a monster, but watching his ruthless possessiveness clash with his buried history with Lia had me absolutely swooning. He's terrifying, obsessed, and completely unhinged in the best way possible.
A Heroine You Want to Root For: Lia isn't just a damsel in distress; she's a mother running with her daughter in her arms, surviving against impossible mafia odds. Her strength and resilience in the face of her dark past make her journey so deeply compelling.
Trope Perfection: Captor/captive? Forced proximity? Possessive obsession? Revenge turning into a protective nightmare?
Checked, checked, and checked. Plus, the subtle thread of found family amidst all the dark mafia chaos gave it the perfect emotional depth.
June 20, 2026
When I saw the tropes listed for Ghost Marked, I almost passed. These aren't usually my go-to, but something made me give it a chance and I am so glad I did.
This book genuinely surprised me. A.V. Blackmoor does an incredible job balancing action and emotion. The pacing never felt rushed or slow and I found myself completely absorbed in Logan and Lia's story. Their history is heartbreaking and complicated in all the best ways and the push and pull between them had me hooked from the start. Logan is a character you'll have a lot of feelings about, and the backstory woven throughout the narrative added so much depth to their dynamic.
A heads-up: this is a very dark romance. Please do yourself a favor and check the trigger warnings before diving in. Blackmoor doesn't hold back. But if you're going in prepared, it's an absolutely gripping read.
As for the ending… buckle up. It's one heck of a cliffhanger. I won't say more than that, but I genuinely didn't see it coming and now I desperately need book two.
Highly recommend for dark romance fans.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book genuinely surprised me. A.V. Blackmoor does an incredible job balancing action and emotion. The pacing never felt rushed or slow and I found myself completely absorbed in Logan and Lia's story. Their history is heartbreaking and complicated in all the best ways and the push and pull between them had me hooked from the start. Logan is a character you'll have a lot of feelings about, and the backstory woven throughout the narrative added so much depth to their dynamic.
A heads-up: this is a very dark romance. Please do yourself a favor and check the trigger warnings before diving in. Blackmoor doesn't hold back. But if you're going in prepared, it's an absolutely gripping read.
As for the ending… buckle up. It's one heck of a cliffhanger. I won't say more than that, but I genuinely didn't see it coming and now I desperately need book two.
Highly recommend for dark romance fans.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 10, 2026
I received this ARC from booksirens thank you to the Author as well for the opportunity. I am writing this review voluntarily.
This is the second book I’ve read from A.V. Blackmoor and yes her work is incredibly dark (check those TW) but it is so well done that her characters are so multidimensional not just Lia and Logan but Especially Damien, you could hate them one moment and be swooning over them the next. Ghost Marked I would highly recommend if you love dark and intense stories with a semi bully romance with mafia ties vibe this book is for you. Also that freaking cliffhanger I am not okay but that’s the lovely thing is you will want more of this story. Ps this Author just has incredible writing skills that just keep you glued to the story, well done.
This is the second book I’ve read from A.V. Blackmoor and yes her work is incredibly dark (check those TW) but it is so well done that her characters are so multidimensional not just Lia and Logan but Especially Damien, you could hate them one moment and be swooning over them the next. Ghost Marked I would highly recommend if you love dark and intense stories with a semi bully romance with mafia ties vibe this book is for you. Also that freaking cliffhanger I am not okay but that’s the lovely thing is you will want more of this story. Ps this Author just has incredible writing skills that just keep you glued to the story, well done.
July 15, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author
Ghost Marked completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The chemistry between the main characters is intense, and the second-chance romance mixed with the dark mafia storyline kept me hooked the entire time.
I loved that the characters felt flawed and realistic. They carried so much pain and baggage, which made watching them reconnect feel emotional and earned rather than rushed. The suspense, action, and emotional moments were balanced really well, and there were plenty of twists that kept me wanting “just one more chapter.”
If you enjoy dark romance with protective, morally gray characters, emotional depth, high stakes, and a storyline that keeps you guessing, this book is definitely worth reading. Just be prepared for a cliffhanger that will have you reaching for the next book immediately!
Overall, this was an addictive read that had me laughing, stressing, and tearing up all at once. I can’t wait to see how the story continues.
Ghost Marked completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The chemistry between the main characters is intense, and the second-chance romance mixed with the dark mafia storyline kept me hooked the entire time.
I loved that the characters felt flawed and realistic. They carried so much pain and baggage, which made watching them reconnect feel emotional and earned rather than rushed. The suspense, action, and emotional moments were balanced really well, and there were plenty of twists that kept me wanting “just one more chapter.”
If you enjoy dark romance with protective, morally gray characters, emotional depth, high stakes, and a storyline that keeps you guessing, this book is definitely worth reading. Just be prepared for a cliffhanger that will have you reaching for the next book immediately!
Overall, this was an addictive read that had me laughing, stressing, and tearing up all at once. I can’t wait to see how the story continues.
July 20, 2026
A dark romance that is based on revenge. Logan has never forgiven Lia for leaving him and now he has been given the task of bringing her back to mafia. This book was the total package, and I read it in one sitting. I couldn't get enough and I refused to put it down. I felt the raw emotions and the obsession from Logan. I understand why Logan was angry towards Lia because she didn't treat him well.
This couple had a toxic relationship with some of the hottest chemistry that I have read about. Despite the violence that happen in this book, I was actually rooting for this couple to heal and find love. I enjoyed reading this book and it left me wanting more. This book ended in a cliff hanger, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This couple had a toxic relationship with some of the hottest chemistry that I have read about. Despite the violence that happen in this book, I was actually rooting for this couple to heal and find love. I enjoyed reading this book and it left me wanting more. This book ended in a cliff hanger, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2026
I’d say this book was a 4.5 star, so I rounded up. I really enjoyed learning more about Logan, and Damien’s friendship. It explains so much about how they acted it the previous books. I didn’t love the fmc (Lia) she felt kind of one note, and needed a few more brain cells. That being said it’s likely due to how she was raised. It’s just surprising as her daughter is so smart. The spice was really well done, and I really enjoyed the plot. The balance between the two was very well done. I can’t wait to read the second part of this duet! Best book in this universe so far imo.
July 18, 2026
So. I liked this book it ended on a cliff hanger so I will be reading the next book when it comes out because I’m curious about what’s going to happen. However I wasn’t in love with this book. It’s very obvious that they’re only 18 because they are childish and all over the place. This book didn’t have a natural flow to me. It was just one thing after another. And my biggest issue is with the end of the book Logan is reckless but he’s not stupid there’s no way he shot Coltello and didn’t make sure he was dead or shot him in the head and the only reason that happened was because there needed to be a cliff hanger for the second book. The smut was really good though. Oh and I did receive an ARC for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2026
✨ Logan and Lia ✨
Lawddddd. Have. Mercy. Their chemistry and their backstory are 💋🤌🏼 hot hot hot.
I’ve never seen an author write characters that are “unredeemable” and make me be drawn to them. But A.V. Blackmoor can. She does every single damn time. Her stories have amazing plots, sizzling spice, so much depth in her characters, and I cannot put them down. I finish her books in one sitting.
I need the second book like I need oxygen. Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC read. I am writing this review with my honest thoughts and my very vocal demand for the second book. lol.
Lawddddd. Have. Mercy. Their chemistry and their backstory are 💋🤌🏼 hot hot hot.
I’ve never seen an author write characters that are “unredeemable” and make me be drawn to them. But A.V. Blackmoor can. She does every single damn time. Her stories have amazing plots, sizzling spice, so much depth in her characters, and I cannot put them down. I finish her books in one sitting.
I need the second book like I need oxygen. Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC read. I am writing this review with my honest thoughts and my very vocal demand for the second book. lol.
June 23, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
I’m not usually a fan of a mafia setting but I loved this book. It was really well written, with great plot and filthy spice! The tension between the characters was soo good and I loved the dark elements to both their pasts. If you’re into dark romance, I really recommend this book.
I’m not usually a fan of a mafia setting but I loved this book. It was really well written, with great plot and filthy spice! The tension between the characters was soo good and I loved the dark elements to both their pasts. If you’re into dark romance, I really recommend this book.
July 4, 2026
I was really excited to have received an advanced copy of this book via BookFunnel. So, firstly, thanks so much to the author for having this book as an ARC. Now, let's get into the review.
First and foremost, make sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. They are fairly heavy and mentioned throughout the book.
Next, when I tell you I could hardly put this book down? I couldn't put it down. Logan and Lia's relationship, despite their complicated past, kept me on my toes. The consistent push and pull between the main characters amongst the smut kept me hooked. Not to mention, the friendship between Logan and Damien. I didn't find myself bored or wanting to skip parts. A.V. Blackmoor does an excellent job at mixing plot with smut.
The mafia aspects of this book also kept me intrigued. The suspense of not knowing what's going to happen next mixed with the thrill of 'what if' had me on the edge of my seat.
The main characters are well-written and absolutely flawed. There is no picture perfect with these two. I will also mention that the supporting characters make the story just as enjoyable, and I enjoyed the relationships you see develop between them and Lia. Between friendship, loyalties, and everything in the middle, it is enough to keep you guessing as you get closer to the end of the book.
Overall, this book was addicting and kept me reading. As I got to the end of the book and got to the cliffhanger, I was left wanting more. I have to know what happens next in this duology and plan on grabbing the next book (as well as a physical copy of this one). I would certainly recommend this book for those who enjoy dark romance with a bratty FMC and an obsessed MMC who have a complex relationship filled with emotion.
First and foremost, make sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. They are fairly heavy and mentioned throughout the book.
Next, when I tell you I could hardly put this book down? I couldn't put it down. Logan and Lia's relationship, despite their complicated past, kept me on my toes. The consistent push and pull between the main characters amongst the smut kept me hooked. Not to mention, the friendship between Logan and Damien. I didn't find myself bored or wanting to skip parts. A.V. Blackmoor does an excellent job at mixing plot with smut.
The mafia aspects of this book also kept me intrigued. The suspense of not knowing what's going to happen next mixed with the thrill of 'what if' had me on the edge of my seat.
The main characters are well-written and absolutely flawed. There is no picture perfect with these two. I will also mention that the supporting characters make the story just as enjoyable, and I enjoyed the relationships you see develop between them and Lia. Between friendship, loyalties, and everything in the middle, it is enough to keep you guessing as you get closer to the end of the book.
Overall, this book was addicting and kept me reading. As I got to the end of the book and got to the cliffhanger, I was left wanting more. I have to know what happens next in this duology and plan on grabbing the next book (as well as a physical copy of this one). I would certainly recommend this book for those who enjoy dark romance with a bratty FMC and an obsessed MMC who have a complex relationship filled with emotion.
July 23, 2026
Wow
This book was amazing. Can’t wait for the next book
Totally recommend if you love very dark romance
This book was amazing. Can’t wait for the next book
Totally recommend if you love very dark romance
July 20, 2026
Review from (ARC from author)
"You're mine, ghost girl...."
This book is a dark captive romance, heavy on the dark. I barely put it down. It was well written and well worth the read.
"You're mine, ghost girl...."
This book is a dark captive romance, heavy on the dark. I barely put it down. It was well written and well worth the read.
July 3, 2026
You know when you read something and you have to sit for 5 minutes staring into the void questioning your life choices because you're emotionally traumatised? That's where I am right now.
What a rollercoaster. This book kicked my anxiety in the face from the first page and from then on I have trusted no one. I have suspected every single character of being a double agent at some point whilst reading this book and I was more than happy to write Delores off at the gas station when I thought she might be a spy for the mafia.
Lia is a complex character that did irritate me at times but I think my expectations of her were probably too high as I often forgot how young she actually was - the trauma she'd experienced alongside the maternal side of her character made her seem older than her 18 years. That said, the way she talks to Logan at times is very "mean girls" and she often doesn't think about the consequences of her actions- which is how Logan got 27 broken bones in the first place!
I absolutely loved watching Logan's character development from childhood sweetheart, to mafia thug to family man...and how both he and the reader realised just how far he would go to protect the woman he loves.
The spice. GOOD GRIEF the spice. It is plentiful. It is spicy. You don't want anyone reading over your shoulder when you read this book.
In the words of Mrs Bennett, A V Blackmoor had no respect for my nerves reading this book and that cliffhanger was worthy of an EastEnders Christmas special.
What a rollercoaster. This book kicked my anxiety in the face from the first page and from then on I have trusted no one. I have suspected every single character of being a double agent at some point whilst reading this book and I was more than happy to write Delores off at the gas station when I thought she might be a spy for the mafia.
Lia is a complex character that did irritate me at times but I think my expectations of her were probably too high as I often forgot how young she actually was - the trauma she'd experienced alongside the maternal side of her character made her seem older than her 18 years. That said, the way she talks to Logan at times is very "mean girls" and she often doesn't think about the consequences of her actions- which is how Logan got 27 broken bones in the first place!
I absolutely loved watching Logan's character development from childhood sweetheart, to mafia thug to family man...and how both he and the reader realised just how far he would go to protect the woman he loves.
The spice. GOOD GRIEF the spice. It is plentiful. It is spicy. You don't want anyone reading over your shoulder when you read this book.
In the words of Mrs Bennett, A V Blackmoor had no respect for my nerves reading this book and that cliffhanger was worthy of an EastEnders Christmas special.
July 29, 2026
A Certified Emotional Hazard I Happily Walked Into
ARC Review: Thank you to the author/publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own, including the unhinged ones.
🖤 This book looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Make a bad decision.” So I did. Repeatedly. With enthusiasm. 😮💨
This book didn’t just flirt with emotional chaos—it dragged me into it, locked the door, and made me question every fictional standard I thought I had. This is exactly the kind of pitch-black mafia romance it promises to be: obsessive, brutal, emotionally messy, and completely unwilling to apologize for the darkness it explores. And honestly? I respected that. This story knew its lane, stayed in it, and committed fully.
The biggest strength for me was the emotional tension. Not just the romance—the emotional warfare. Logan and Lia don’t simply have chemistry; they have history. Years of unresolved pain, betrayal, longing, and resentment sit between them like a third character. Every conversation feels loaded. Every moment of vulnerability feels dangerous. Watching revenge collide with buried feelings created the kind of tension where I was simultaneously thinking, “This is a terrible idea,” while also refusing to look away.
Logan is walking proof that therapy could have prevented approximately ninety percent of his problems. He is possessive, ruthless, emotionally damaged, and about as morally questionable as they come. My moral compass filed several formal complaints throughout this book. And yet, the author does something important: she allows him to be more than just his darkness. His anger, obsession, and cruelty are rooted in pain, and those glimpses of vulnerability made him frustrating, fascinating, and impossible to ignore.
Lia was another major highlight. She could have easily been overshadowed by Logan’s intensity, but she never was. She is resilient, protective, and shaped by survival rather than weakness. Her trauma impacts her choices, but it does not erase her strength. I appreciated that she felt like a fully realized character with her own fears, motivations, and emotional battles, rather than simply existing as part of Logan’s redemption arc.
The relationship is exactly the kind of fictional disaster this genre promises. Toxic? Absolutely. Manipulative? Yes. Complicated? Extremely. But the emotional construction is what made it work. This isn’t a romance built on healthy communication and perfect decisions—it’s built on obsession, grief, guilt, survival, and two deeply damaged people trying to navigate feelings they don’t know how to handle. The connection works because the story doesn’t pretend their choices are easy or uncomplicated.
What impressed me most was that the darkness actually had purpose. The possessiveness, power struggles, trauma, violence, and moral grayness weren’t included just for shock value. They shaped the characters and the emotional stakes of the story. The book constantly explores the difference between obsession and devotion, protection and control, love and ownership. It doesn’t ask readers to excuse the characters—it asks readers to understand the damage that created them.
The writing was immersive and incredibly bingeable. The dual POV worked especially well because it allowed both Logan and Lia to have emotional depth without excusing either of them. The pacing kept the tension high, and the shifts between past and present added layers to their relationship instead of simply filling in background information. The atmosphere stayed dark and heavy throughout, and the mafia setting felt like an active force in the story rather than just decoration.
This is a book that absolutely requires the right reader. It is intense, morally complicated, and intentionally uncomfortable. If you’re looking for a soft romance, healthy communication, or characters who consistently make smart choices… this is probably not your book. But if you love dark romance that explores obsession, trauma, power dynamics, morally black heroes, and relationships that exist in the messy gray areas? This delivers exactly what it promises.
If your favorite fictional men make objectively terrible choices but would still burn the world down for the woman they love, welcome. If “this is a horrible idea and I absolutely need to know what happens next” is your reading mood, you’re in the right place.
By the end, I wasn’t asking whether these characters were perfect. They weren’t. Not even close. I was asking whether two people this damaged could survive their own history long enough to find something worth saving. That’s what made this story work. It delivered the darkness it promised, backed it up with layered characters and addictive emotional tension, and never tried to sanitize the uglier parts of its romance. It entertained me, stressed me out, made me question my fictional standards, and somehow left me wanting the next book immediately.
I knew this book was going to be emotionally hazardous. I just didn’t expect to be sitting there, defending red flags as if they'd hired me as legal counsel. 🚩
It looked my emotional support playlist in the eye and said, “You’re gonna need overtime.”
⭐️Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫠Emotional Damage Level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 — I Need Therapy
🔥Chaos Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 — Unhinged Masterpiece
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — We Need to Talk
⚠️Toxicity: ❌ — Problematic… And Yet
‼️Content Intensity: 🔴 — Proceed With Caution/ Emotional Hazard Zone
🖤 Tone: Obsessive & Dangerous/ Darkly Twisted & Taboo/ Toxic & Unhinged
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC Review: Thank you to the author/publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own, including the unhinged ones.
🖤 This book looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Make a bad decision.” So I did. Repeatedly. With enthusiasm. 😮💨
This book didn’t just flirt with emotional chaos—it dragged me into it, locked the door, and made me question every fictional standard I thought I had. This is exactly the kind of pitch-black mafia romance it promises to be: obsessive, brutal, emotionally messy, and completely unwilling to apologize for the darkness it explores. And honestly? I respected that. This story knew its lane, stayed in it, and committed fully.
The biggest strength for me was the emotional tension. Not just the romance—the emotional warfare. Logan and Lia don’t simply have chemistry; they have history. Years of unresolved pain, betrayal, longing, and resentment sit between them like a third character. Every conversation feels loaded. Every moment of vulnerability feels dangerous. Watching revenge collide with buried feelings created the kind of tension where I was simultaneously thinking, “This is a terrible idea,” while also refusing to look away.
Logan is walking proof that therapy could have prevented approximately ninety percent of his problems. He is possessive, ruthless, emotionally damaged, and about as morally questionable as they come. My moral compass filed several formal complaints throughout this book. And yet, the author does something important: she allows him to be more than just his darkness. His anger, obsession, and cruelty are rooted in pain, and those glimpses of vulnerability made him frustrating, fascinating, and impossible to ignore.
Lia was another major highlight. She could have easily been overshadowed by Logan’s intensity, but she never was. She is resilient, protective, and shaped by survival rather than weakness. Her trauma impacts her choices, but it does not erase her strength. I appreciated that she felt like a fully realized character with her own fears, motivations, and emotional battles, rather than simply existing as part of Logan’s redemption arc.
The relationship is exactly the kind of fictional disaster this genre promises. Toxic? Absolutely. Manipulative? Yes. Complicated? Extremely. But the emotional construction is what made it work. This isn’t a romance built on healthy communication and perfect decisions—it’s built on obsession, grief, guilt, survival, and two deeply damaged people trying to navigate feelings they don’t know how to handle. The connection works because the story doesn’t pretend their choices are easy or uncomplicated.
What impressed me most was that the darkness actually had purpose. The possessiveness, power struggles, trauma, violence, and moral grayness weren’t included just for shock value. They shaped the characters and the emotional stakes of the story. The book constantly explores the difference between obsession and devotion, protection and control, love and ownership. It doesn’t ask readers to excuse the characters—it asks readers to understand the damage that created them.
The writing was immersive and incredibly bingeable. The dual POV worked especially well because it allowed both Logan and Lia to have emotional depth without excusing either of them. The pacing kept the tension high, and the shifts between past and present added layers to their relationship instead of simply filling in background information. The atmosphere stayed dark and heavy throughout, and the mafia setting felt like an active force in the story rather than just decoration.
This is a book that absolutely requires the right reader. It is intense, morally complicated, and intentionally uncomfortable. If you’re looking for a soft romance, healthy communication, or characters who consistently make smart choices… this is probably not your book. But if you love dark romance that explores obsession, trauma, power dynamics, morally black heroes, and relationships that exist in the messy gray areas? This delivers exactly what it promises.
If your favorite fictional men make objectively terrible choices but would still burn the world down for the woman they love, welcome. If “this is a horrible idea and I absolutely need to know what happens next” is your reading mood, you’re in the right place.
By the end, I wasn’t asking whether these characters were perfect. They weren’t. Not even close. I was asking whether two people this damaged could survive their own history long enough to find something worth saving. That’s what made this story work. It delivered the darkness it promised, backed it up with layered characters and addictive emotional tension, and never tried to sanitize the uglier parts of its romance. It entertained me, stressed me out, made me question my fictional standards, and somehow left me wanting the next book immediately.
I knew this book was going to be emotionally hazardous. I just didn’t expect to be sitting there, defending red flags as if they'd hired me as legal counsel. 🚩
It looked my emotional support playlist in the eye and said, “You’re gonna need overtime.”
⭐️Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫠Emotional Damage Level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 — I Need Therapy
🔥Chaos Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 — Unhinged Masterpiece
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — We Need to Talk
⚠️Toxicity: ❌ — Problematic… And Yet
‼️Content Intensity: 🔴 — Proceed With Caution/ Emotional Hazard Zone
🖤 Tone: Obsessive & Dangerous/ Darkly Twisted & Taboo/ Toxic & Unhinged
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was completely hooked on Ghost Marked by A. V. Blackmoor and ended up reading it in just two days. From the very first chapter, I found myself unable to put it down. This is one of those books that pulls you into its world and refuses to let go, leaving you thinking about the characters long after you’ve finished reading.
Where it all starts
Set in the small town of Oakley, Ghost Marked follows Lia and Logan, two characters with a complicated past and an even more complicated present. Their relationship is filled with tension, conflict, and undeniable chemistry, creating a captivating dynamic that kept me invested from beginning to end. Every interaction between them felt charged with emotion, and I was constantly eager to see what would happen next.
The characters
One of the things I loved most about this book was the character development. Both Lia and Logan are flawed, complex characters who have been shaped by their experiences and struggles. As their stories unfold, you gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what drives them. I found myself becoming more attached to them with every chapter.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition. The friendships, loyalties, and relationships between the characters add depth to the story and help make the world feel believable. Each character serves a purpose, and I enjoyed seeing how their stories intertwined with the main plot.
The Mafia
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the mafia element. It adds an underlying sense of danger and unpredictability to the story, making it difficult to know who can be trusted or what might happen next. The combination of romance, suspense, and darker themes creates a gripping atmosphere that keeps the pages turning.
The writing itself is incredibly engaging. A. V. Blackmoor does a fantastic job of balancing emotional moments with suspenseful scenes, ensuring that the story never feels slow. I was fully immersed in the world and found myself completely invested in the characters’ journeys.
As a dark romance, this book explores themes that won’t be for every reader, including obsession, possessiveness, and morally grey characters. However, if these are elements you enjoy in your romances, I think you’ll find a lot to love here. The intensity of the story and the emotional stakes made it a memorable read for me.
Final Thoughts
Ghost Marked was an addictive and captivating start to a duology that has left me desperate for more. Between the compelling characters, emotional tension, dark romance elements, and intriguing mafia storyline, there was never a moment when I wasn’t fully invested.
The ending left me needing answers and counting down the days until I can pick up the next book. If you’re a fan of dark romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, BDSM, mafia romance, morally grey characters, and stories packed with tension and emotion, I would definitely recommend adding Ghost Marked to your reading list.
Where it all starts
Set in the small town of Oakley, Ghost Marked follows Lia and Logan, two characters with a complicated past and an even more complicated present. Their relationship is filled with tension, conflict, and undeniable chemistry, creating a captivating dynamic that kept me invested from beginning to end. Every interaction between them felt charged with emotion, and I was constantly eager to see what would happen next.
The characters
One of the things I loved most about this book was the character development. Both Lia and Logan are flawed, complex characters who have been shaped by their experiences and struggles. As their stories unfold, you gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what drives them. I found myself becoming more attached to them with every chapter.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition. The friendships, loyalties, and relationships between the characters add depth to the story and help make the world feel believable. Each character serves a purpose, and I enjoyed seeing how their stories intertwined with the main plot.
The Mafia
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the mafia element. It adds an underlying sense of danger and unpredictability to the story, making it difficult to know who can be trusted or what might happen next. The combination of romance, suspense, and darker themes creates a gripping atmosphere that keeps the pages turning.
The writing itself is incredibly engaging. A. V. Blackmoor does a fantastic job of balancing emotional moments with suspenseful scenes, ensuring that the story never feels slow. I was fully immersed in the world and found myself completely invested in the characters’ journeys.
As a dark romance, this book explores themes that won’t be for every reader, including obsession, possessiveness, and morally grey characters. However, if these are elements you enjoy in your romances, I think you’ll find a lot to love here. The intensity of the story and the emotional stakes made it a memorable read for me.
Final Thoughts
Ghost Marked was an addictive and captivating start to a duology that has left me desperate for more. Between the compelling characters, emotional tension, dark romance elements, and intriguing mafia storyline, there was never a moment when I wasn’t fully invested.
The ending left me needing answers and counting down the days until I can pick up the next book. If you’re a fan of dark romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, BDSM, mafia romance, morally grey characters, and stories packed with tension and emotion, I would definitely recommend adding Ghost Marked to your reading list.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to BookSprout and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to start by saying… I DEVOURED this book.
I finished it in a single day because I could not put it down. I had to know what happened next. Honestly, you had me at a morally black MMC.
And the spice? 10/10.
One thing I really appreciated was how the story took the time to build its characters. Instead of simply telling us Logan was obsessed or explaining Lia’s past through exposition, we actually experienced those moments through their POVs. That made both characters feel much more authentic and helped me connect with them.
The spice was also chef’s kiss. In this genre, it’s surprisingly difficult to find books where the spice feels both well written and meaningful. It often ends up either incredibly well done or unintentionally cringey, with very little middle ground. Here, the chemistry between the MCs made every scene feel earned, and the romance added to the story instead of taking away from it.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was that Logan was truly morally black. I feel like many authors soften their dark romance because they’re afraid readers will think they’ve gone too far. Logan never lost that darkness, and I loved that. Even as his relationship with Lia evolved, he remained obsessive, dangerous, and completely committed to the person he loved.
From the moment the story opened with a mother running away with her daughter, I knew this book was going to pull at my heartstrings. Aurora was handled so well. She wasn’t simply used as a plot device—she felt like an important part of the story. As a mom myself, I found myself constantly thinking, “She better be fed!” and “Someone better be buying this little girl toys!” I appreciated that the author continually reminded us Aurora was being cared for, even while the darker parts of the story unfolded. It made those family moments feel genuine.
There wasn’t much that pulled me out of the story. If I had one critique, it’s that I would have happily read a longer version. I wanted more time to explore the mob, Logan’s role within it, and the dynamics between him and his friends. Expanding those elements would have raised the stakes even further and added more depth to an already engaging story.
Overall, I loved that this book delivered both an addictive plot and incredible chemistry between the characters. It struck a great balance between dark romance and genuine emotional investment.
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I’ve grown attached to these characters, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to start by saying… I DEVOURED this book.
I finished it in a single day because I could not put it down. I had to know what happened next. Honestly, you had me at a morally black MMC.
And the spice? 10/10.
One thing I really appreciated was how the story took the time to build its characters. Instead of simply telling us Logan was obsessed or explaining Lia’s past through exposition, we actually experienced those moments through their POVs. That made both characters feel much more authentic and helped me connect with them.
The spice was also chef’s kiss. In this genre, it’s surprisingly difficult to find books where the spice feels both well written and meaningful. It often ends up either incredibly well done or unintentionally cringey, with very little middle ground. Here, the chemistry between the MCs made every scene feel earned, and the romance added to the story instead of taking away from it.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was that Logan was truly morally black. I feel like many authors soften their dark romance because they’re afraid readers will think they’ve gone too far. Logan never lost that darkness, and I loved that. Even as his relationship with Lia evolved, he remained obsessive, dangerous, and completely committed to the person he loved.
From the moment the story opened with a mother running away with her daughter, I knew this book was going to pull at my heartstrings. Aurora was handled so well. She wasn’t simply used as a plot device—she felt like an important part of the story. As a mom myself, I found myself constantly thinking, “She better be fed!” and “Someone better be buying this little girl toys!” I appreciated that the author continually reminded us Aurora was being cared for, even while the darker parts of the story unfolded. It made those family moments feel genuine.
There wasn’t much that pulled me out of the story. If I had one critique, it’s that I would have happily read a longer version. I wanted more time to explore the mob, Logan’s role within it, and the dynamics between him and his friends. Expanding those elements would have raised the stakes even further and added more depth to an already engaging story.
Overall, I loved that this book delivered both an addictive plot and incredible chemistry between the characters. It struck a great balance between dark romance and genuine emotional investment.
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I’ve grown attached to these characters, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2026
3 dark, unhinged stars.
Well, I went into this one not really having many expectations and boy did it make me feel conflicted! This one's about the FMC and MMC who meet in first grade, when the guy immediately falls for the girl, but the girl is awful to him. This continues right through to high school, where the backstory ends when they're 15. The FMC decides to lash out and hurt the MMC by taking herself to a dodgy bar in their dangerous home town, where a local Mafia family are, and go in, against the wishes (and begging) of the MMC. She ends up getting violated, and the guy gets beaten to within an inch of his life when he tries to stop her. This is when he decides he's done trying with her but secretly stalks her anyway, regardless of his fuming hatred for her. The girl gets forced to marry the man who violates her, and she is pregnant because of this. Then we skip to two years later when she is on the run with her toddler to escape the husband and his Mafia family. Logan, the MMC, is tasked with bringing her back since he now works for the same family she is running from, and the story explodes from there.
I found this book to be highly engaging, I read it in 48 hours and found I couldn't really put it down. I didn't think it would be quite as dark as it was, but there are trigger warnings and a note from the author at the start, so ensure you read those first. This is not a 'Lights out' type of dark romance. I believe the author described it as pitch-black. I also learned about a new kink in this book too, and I will never be able to look at carrot cake the same way again.
I enjoyed the banter between the main characters, and I really enjoyed two of the side characters, Damien and Everest; they were like a balm to a burn, when the other characters always showed such violence and cruelty. The spice was frequent and spicy, definitely explicit, and sometimes had me questioning the sanity of the FMC. The trouble I had with the book was with Lia, the FMC. She was so incredibly mean as a child and stupidly cruel for no reason. She was also naive and honestly dumb, the whole way through the book. She had the survival instincts of a wet paper towel. I found her use of the 'asshole' insult to be way, way overdone. It became a frustration for me, and if you were to take a drink every time you read that word, you would be completely plastered by the end. Logan got off on her tears and pain, which was...interesting. However, he did become very protective and loving towards he by the end of the book. Well, as loving as he's able to be, with their history and unusual kinks. Logan was a lot more worldly than Lia and quite intelligent, regardless of his awful upbringing, so that was good to read, but Lia was annoying a lot of the book. And she absolutely, positively needed therapy. Lots and lots of it. Actually, send all the characters to therapy while you're at it, and maybe me too, after reading some of those scenes!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-arc of Ghost Hunted. All opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.
Well, I went into this one not really having many expectations and boy did it make me feel conflicted! This one's about the FMC and MMC who meet in first grade, when the guy immediately falls for the girl, but the girl is awful to him. This continues right through to high school, where the backstory ends when they're 15. The FMC decides to lash out and hurt the MMC by taking herself to a dodgy bar in their dangerous home town, where a local Mafia family are, and go in, against the wishes (and begging) of the MMC. She ends up getting violated, and the guy gets beaten to within an inch of his life when he tries to stop her. This is when he decides he's done trying with her but secretly stalks her anyway, regardless of his fuming hatred for her. The girl gets forced to marry the man who violates her, and she is pregnant because of this. Then we skip to two years later when she is on the run with her toddler to escape the husband and his Mafia family. Logan, the MMC, is tasked with bringing her back since he now works for the same family she is running from, and the story explodes from there.
I found this book to be highly engaging, I read it in 48 hours and found I couldn't really put it down. I didn't think it would be quite as dark as it was, but there are trigger warnings and a note from the author at the start, so ensure you read those first. This is not a 'Lights out' type of dark romance. I believe the author described it as pitch-black. I also learned about a new kink in this book too, and I will never be able to look at carrot cake the same way again.
I enjoyed the banter between the main characters, and I really enjoyed two of the side characters, Damien and Everest; they were like a balm to a burn, when the other characters always showed such violence and cruelty. The spice was frequent and spicy, definitely explicit, and sometimes had me questioning the sanity of the FMC. The trouble I had with the book was with Lia, the FMC. She was so incredibly mean as a child and stupidly cruel for no reason. She was also naive and honestly dumb, the whole way through the book. She had the survival instincts of a wet paper towel. I found her use of the 'asshole' insult to be way, way overdone. It became a frustration for me, and if you were to take a drink every time you read that word, you would be completely plastered by the end. Logan got off on her tears and pain, which was...interesting. However, he did become very protective and loving towards he by the end of the book. Well, as loving as he's able to be, with their history and unusual kinks. Logan was a lot more worldly than Lia and quite intelligent, regardless of his awful upbringing, so that was good to read, but Lia was annoying a lot of the book. And she absolutely, positively needed therapy. Lots and lots of it. Actually, send all the characters to therapy while you're at it, and maybe me too, after reading some of those scenes!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-arc of Ghost Hunted. All opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.
Read
July 18, 2026Like all of Blackmoor's books, this was a quick read for me, I just forgot to post my review. This was an ARC. Thank you A.V. Blackmoor for allowing me read an early version. Finished it Friday. Was already looking for book two, even though I know it's not out, yet.
Here's what got me. Logan should be unforgivable. He IS unforgivable, honestly. But Blackmoor writes him in a way where you understand exactly how he got there, and understanding it is worse than not understanding it. Every awful thing he does to Lia traces straight back to something she did when they were kids. His math almost works. You catch yourself going "well, I mean—" and then you have to put the book down and think about your choices.
And oh Lia. I was prepared for the shaking captive thing this genre does so much of. She's not that. She's already survived one man's house. She knows what a locked door costs, she's done this before, and when she looks at Logan she's definitely not scared so much as paying very close attention to everything he says, does, and allows. . She's looking for the boy she left in the street. He's not giving her that version of himself.
The kid could have been a pawn, but she's not. She's a live wire sitting in the middle of the story and every single time Logan looks at her you can feel him losing an argument with himself. The found family stuff doesn't get announced, it just sort of creeps in — a hand on a small back, a door he doesn't lock one night — and by the time you catch what's going on… well, you'll have to read it.
Prose is lean. Nothing wasted. That middle third nearly killed me.
Real talk though, this is dark. Not "dark for the aesthetic" dark, actually dark. He doesn't get softened up to make him easier to root for and the husband backstory has real weight to it, it's not just there to justify things. Check the warnings, know yourself.
But if you want captor/captive where the obsession has actual history behind it, where the revenge has a shape and a price tag — this is the one.
Five stars. Feral. Please hurry with book two.
Here's what got me. Logan should be unforgivable. He IS unforgivable, honestly. But Blackmoor writes him in a way where you understand exactly how he got there, and understanding it is worse than not understanding it. Every awful thing he does to Lia traces straight back to something she did when they were kids. His math almost works. You catch yourself going "well, I mean—" and then you have to put the book down and think about your choices.
And oh Lia. I was prepared for the shaking captive thing this genre does so much of. She's not that. She's already survived one man's house. She knows what a locked door costs, she's done this before, and when she looks at Logan she's definitely not scared so much as paying very close attention to everything he says, does, and allows. . She's looking for the boy she left in the street. He's not giving her that version of himself.
The kid could have been a pawn, but she's not. She's a live wire sitting in the middle of the story and every single time Logan looks at her you can feel him losing an argument with himself. The found family stuff doesn't get announced, it just sort of creeps in — a hand on a small back, a door he doesn't lock one night — and by the time you catch what's going on… well, you'll have to read it.
Prose is lean. Nothing wasted. That middle third nearly killed me.
Real talk though, this is dark. Not "dark for the aesthetic" dark, actually dark. He doesn't get softened up to make him easier to root for and the husband backstory has real weight to it, it's not just there to justify things. Check the warnings, know yourself.
But if you want captor/captive where the obsession has actual history behind it, where the revenge has a shape and a price tag — this is the one.
Five stars. Feral. Please hurry with book two.
June 30, 2026
📖 Ghostmarked by A.V. Blackmoor
ARC received from the author—thank you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ Please read the trigger warnings! I, however, continue to ignore them and walk into books like a raccoon digging through a dumpster looking for emotional support. I don’t recommend living life this way… but here we are.
A.V. Blackmoor specifically asked reviewers not to write an essay, so I’m fighting every urge in my body to yap.( sorry but I think I may have yapped)
This book follows Logan and Lia.
When Logan sees Lia for the first time in elementary school, he instantly goes “she’s mine”
Logan is basically an orphan, he’s got foster parents that could care less about him. The only person that Logan has in his corner is Damien- and let’s just say that’s questionable.
Lia in elementary may or may not have liked Logan ( emphasis on might). Fast forward to highschool and Lia upgrades herself to Logan’s number one hater.
And because Logan is apparently allergic to self-preservation, he still loves her.
Then Lia betrays him, leaving him with a concussion, broken bones.
…Except this book said, “Cute. You thought the suffering was over?”
Lia’s life spirals into its own nightmare. She’s abused and forced to marry her abuser. When she finally tries to escape, the boy who once loved her catches her instead.
Captivity? ✔️
Obsession? ✔️
Questionable decisions? ✔️
Me kicking my feet while whispering, “This is so messed up…”? Also ✔️.
These two somehow manage to fall in love all over again in the middle of absolute chaos…
Ana to top it all off the book ends on a cliffhanger. Now you’ll find me dramatically staring out my windows until book 2 comes out.
Thank you Av blackmoor for letting me read this as an arc, it was my first book of yours and I will be looking to adding more books to my never ending TBR. Rip to my bank account!
ARC received from the author—thank you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ Please read the trigger warnings! I, however, continue to ignore them and walk into books like a raccoon digging through a dumpster looking for emotional support. I don’t recommend living life this way… but here we are.
A.V. Blackmoor specifically asked reviewers not to write an essay, so I’m fighting every urge in my body to yap.( sorry but I think I may have yapped)
This book follows Logan and Lia.
When Logan sees Lia for the first time in elementary school, he instantly goes “she’s mine”
Logan is basically an orphan, he’s got foster parents that could care less about him. The only person that Logan has in his corner is Damien- and let’s just say that’s questionable.
Lia in elementary may or may not have liked Logan ( emphasis on might). Fast forward to highschool and Lia upgrades herself to Logan’s number one hater.
And because Logan is apparently allergic to self-preservation, he still loves her.
Then Lia betrays him, leaving him with a concussion, broken bones.
…Except this book said, “Cute. You thought the suffering was over?”
Lia’s life spirals into its own nightmare. She’s abused and forced to marry her abuser. When she finally tries to escape, the boy who once loved her catches her instead.
Captivity? ✔️
Obsession? ✔️
Questionable decisions? ✔️
Me kicking my feet while whispering, “This is so messed up…”? Also ✔️.
These two somehow manage to fall in love all over again in the middle of absolute chaos…
Ana to top it all off the book ends on a cliffhanger. Now you’ll find me dramatically staring out my windows until book 2 comes out.
Thank you Av blackmoor for letting me read this as an arc, it was my first book of yours and I will be looking to adding more books to my never ending TBR. Rip to my bank account!
Review of advance copy
Reviewing as an ARC...
AV Blackmoor delivers exactly what they say, dark both physically and sexually. So please READ THE WARNINGS.
That being said, if they float your boat then definitely give this your time and attention! As this story has plenty of action, in every way. It starts with fear, Blackmoor gets you into the mind set of Lia who is running with her daughter. We then meet Logan, hot headed, angry and born to murder anyone who looked at Lia. They have a lot of history, none of it pretty. Lia is married to someone very important within the mafia, while Logan has worked his way up through ranks and has some very tight friendships. (I need to read about Damien). Lia has managed to escape her abusive Husband, but runs into Logan. As you can imagine it massively impacts them and their future. Whatever that is, Logan is more than happy to keep her as his until his dying breath. They fight, argue, and catch up on old times as they are both hiding secrets preventing their epic love. I love the character development of these both. They have a powerful lust, and a lifetime of mistakes. Even though they are young.
The spicy scenes are SPICY. The smut is smutting. Enough to make you cover your eyes, maybe once or twice. It can be heavy, cheeky, lustful and a (small amount of) times felt unnecessary which is my only reason for the 4 stars. However it is written well, plenty of right hitting spots. If you catch me?
I fully enjoyed this book, the cliff hanger is off the scale! I cannot wait for the 2nd book. However Blackmoor's books are set in the same universe, so I'm off to read the others as this is my first dip into this world. And I am here for the ride. Thank you!
AV Blackmoor delivers exactly what they say, dark both physically and sexually. So please READ THE WARNINGS.
That being said, if they float your boat then definitely give this your time and attention! As this story has plenty of action, in every way. It starts with fear, Blackmoor gets you into the mind set of Lia who is running with her daughter. We then meet Logan, hot headed, angry and born to murder anyone who looked at Lia. They have a lot of history, none of it pretty. Lia is married to someone very important within the mafia, while Logan has worked his way up through ranks and has some very tight friendships. (I need to read about Damien). Lia has managed to escape her abusive Husband, but runs into Logan. As you can imagine it massively impacts them and their future. Whatever that is, Logan is more than happy to keep her as his until his dying breath. They fight, argue, and catch up on old times as they are both hiding secrets preventing their epic love. I love the character development of these both. They have a powerful lust, and a lifetime of mistakes. Even though they are young.
The spicy scenes are SPICY. The smut is smutting. Enough to make you cover your eyes, maybe once or twice. It can be heavy, cheeky, lustful and a (small amount of) times felt unnecessary which is my only reason for the 4 stars. However it is written well, plenty of right hitting spots. If you catch me?
I fully enjoyed this book, the cliff hanger is off the scale! I cannot wait for the 2nd book. However Blackmoor's books are set in the same universe, so I'm off to read the others as this is my first dip into this world. And I am here for the ride. Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2026
This book is definitely in the morally gray area. Logan has been obsessed with Lia from the first day of school when they were kids. She took his breath away. Over the following years, Lia taunted and degraded Logan, but his devotion to her never wavered. He was always in the background, making sure she was ok.
Lia always treated Logan as if he were beneath her, and in one instant she took it too far and told lies that seriously hurt Logan. That same night, things changed for Lia, one where Logan wasn't there to protect her.
Jump ahead a couple of years, and Lia is trying to flee her abusive husband and his colleagues. But the one who finds her is the last person she wants to see. Logan, together with his friends Damien and Everest, works for the Don, whose son Carmelo Lia is trying to leave. Logan's obsession with Lia has now taken a darker path. His sadistic side wants to make Lia pay with pain.
Lia and Logan's relationship intensifies. He finds that Lia has a side to her that complements his baser instincts. He should be taking her back to her husband, but plans change. Is his captive becoming more to him again? Has his obsession with her ever gone away? Can he have the relationship he has always wanted with Lia, become a family, and keep her out of her husband's clutches? But reality comes knocking at the door, and consequences have to be faced, so they can hope to have the freedom to do so. But war has exploded in the mafia ranks. Who can be trusted? Who are the rats? Will Logan and Lia survive the fallout?
The book leaves us on a cliffhanger, so we'll have to wait to see if the story has a HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lia always treated Logan as if he were beneath her, and in one instant she took it too far and told lies that seriously hurt Logan. That same night, things changed for Lia, one where Logan wasn't there to protect her.
Jump ahead a couple of years, and Lia is trying to flee her abusive husband and his colleagues. But the one who finds her is the last person she wants to see. Logan, together with his friends Damien and Everest, works for the Don, whose son Carmelo Lia is trying to leave. Logan's obsession with Lia has now taken a darker path. His sadistic side wants to make Lia pay with pain.
Lia and Logan's relationship intensifies. He finds that Lia has a side to her that complements his baser instincts. He should be taking her back to her husband, but plans change. Is his captive becoming more to him again? Has his obsession with her ever gone away? Can he have the relationship he has always wanted with Lia, become a family, and keep her out of her husband's clutches? But reality comes knocking at the door, and consequences have to be faced, so they can hope to have the freedom to do so. But war has exploded in the mafia ranks. Who can be trusted? Who are the rats? Will Logan and Lia survive the fallout?
The book leaves us on a cliffhanger, so we'll have to wait to see if the story has a HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2026
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. Packed with danger, betrayal, revenge, and intense emotions, it's the kind of dark mafia romance that keeps you glued to the pages, desperate to know what happens next.
Lia and Logan have an incredibly complicated history, and their reunion is filled with years of heartbreak, misunderstandings, and unresolved feelings. Logan is the perfect morally gray antihero—dangerous, possessive, and driven by both love and vengeance. Beneath his hardened exterior is a man who has never truly stopped caring for Lia, even after everything that happened between them. Lia is equally compelling. She's resilient, determined to protect her daughter, and willing to risk everything for the people she loves.
The chemistry between them is explosive, and the emotional push-and-pull between love, anger, and betrayal made every interaction feel charged with tension. The story balances suspense, action, and romance beautifully, with plenty of unexpected twists that kept me guessing throughout.
The pacing is fast, the stakes continue to rise, and every chapter leaves you wanting just one more. Fans of dark romance will appreciate the emotional intensity, complex characters, and gripping mafia world the author has created.
The ending left me absolutely desperate for the next book. If you enjoy dark mafia romance filled with revenge, possessive antiheroes, second chances, high-stakes danger, and emotional twists, this is one you won't want to miss. Just be prepared—you'll be counting the days until the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lia and Logan have an incredibly complicated history, and their reunion is filled with years of heartbreak, misunderstandings, and unresolved feelings. Logan is the perfect morally gray antihero—dangerous, possessive, and driven by both love and vengeance. Beneath his hardened exterior is a man who has never truly stopped caring for Lia, even after everything that happened between them. Lia is equally compelling. She's resilient, determined to protect her daughter, and willing to risk everything for the people she loves.
The chemistry between them is explosive, and the emotional push-and-pull between love, anger, and betrayal made every interaction feel charged with tension. The story balances suspense, action, and romance beautifully, with plenty of unexpected twists that kept me guessing throughout.
The pacing is fast, the stakes continue to rise, and every chapter leaves you wanting just one more. Fans of dark romance will appreciate the emotional intensity, complex characters, and gripping mafia world the author has created.
The ending left me absolutely desperate for the next book. If you enjoy dark mafia romance filled with revenge, possessive antiheroes, second chances, high-stakes danger, and emotional twists, this is one you won't want to miss. Just be prepared—you'll be counting the days until the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews