The Cellist

by Shelly Gray

She was a cellist protégée with an ear for soulful music. When her father, a known hitman, is murdered, Maggie, a daughter kept hidden from the mafia world, rises from her father's shadows, showing no mercy to those responsible. There’s just one problem: Declan, the hot Irish mob boss Maggie tries to kill in a case of mistaken identity. Declan falls immediately head over heels for the only woman crazy enough to make such an attempt on his life, and nearly succeeds.

Warning:

The pages you are about to turn contain graphic, in-depth, detailed death and sex scenes. From torture to questionable non-consensual. Rape, Stalking, and kidnapping. Violence and lots of swearing.

I do not make any claims to know the way an Irish man speaks, so as with all books, please use your imagination and know that Declan speaks with a very sexy, deep Irish accent.

Paperback

Expected publication August 18, 2026

About the author

Just an Indie Author trying to bring happiness to dark-minded readers one page at a time.

Reviews

[Brittany Harville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well the Queen of dark romance does it again! I’m always super thankful for having the absolute pleasure of being one of Shelly’s ARC readers and just devour each one I read! This was a great, dark, spicy read. Check your triggers!

Maggie is a sweet innocent ( so she seems) famous cellist who’s out for revenge after her highly respected assassin father is brutally murdered. Declan, who is also a powerful mob boss is who she thinks she sees as her father’s killer.After connections are put together we have an action packed story with drama, trauma and lust! Maggie was not suppose to follow in her father’s footsteps but there is no denying she is the daughter of who they call The Butcher. Her character growth was amazing to watch unfold!

The connection and insta love between these two is the only way this trope is done right! Declan is the ultimate bad boy who is a golden retriever just for her. The touch her and die vibes are perfection!

[Nellie aka Cult Menace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cellist is everything I want in a dark mafia romance. From the very first chapter, Shelly Gray pulled me into a world where every choice carried weight and every page raised the stakes. The writing is absolutely stunning; beautifully emotional, immersive, and impossible to put down.

Maggie is the kind of FMC who doesn’t just survive the chaos, she becomes the storm. She doesn’t wait for someone to save her; she takes control and handles business herself. Watching her step out of the shadows after unimaginable loss made for an unforgettable journey.

Declan is the perfect morally gray, burn-the-world-down, touch-her-and-die Irish mafia don. He’s ruthless, protective, obsessive, and exactly the kind of MMC that reminds me why I love dark mafia romance.

The chemistry between Maggie and Declan is electric from the very beginning. Their relationship is filled with tension, passion, vulnerability, and a love that doesn’t just exist on the page….it bleeds through every chapter.

The pacing is phenomenal, keeping the story moving without ever sacrificing character development or emotional impact. The flow is seamless, every reveal lands exactly when it should, and the plot twists kept me completely invested. The emotional moments hit hard, while the spice was woven into the story with purpose. The spice is intense, meaningful, and unforgettable. Nothing felt like it was there for shock value; every scene served the characters, their relationship, and the story as a whole.

If you’re looking for a dark mafia romance with incredible emotional depth, relentless high stakes, unforgettable characters, breathtaking chemistry, and writing that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, The Cellist absolutely delivers.

[Kristi Schatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Gray absolutely knocked it out of the park with The Cellist. What starts as a revenge mission quickly turns into something much bigger when Maggie realizes that the man she believes is responsible—Declan, a powerful mob boss—isn’t the killer after all. The chemistry between Maggie and Declan was fantastic, filled with tension, mistrust, and undeniable attraction. Watching them go from enemies to reluctant allies kept me turning the pages. Filled with danger, secrets, betrayal, and a romance that develops beautifully amidst the chaos, The Cellist is a mafia romance that delivers on every level. If you love strong heroines, morally gray heroes, suspenseful plots, and shocking twists, this is a must-read.

Shelly Gray has once again reminded me why she’s one of my favorite authors. 📚❤️

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie wasn't supposed to follow her father's footsteps being an assassin, but his blood ran hot through her veins.

Declan thought he had it all, the head of an Irish Mafia, brothers who would never betray him, living a mobster lifestyle never thinking he needed anything or anyone.

That was all until Maggie the "little devil cat" showed up one night to hunt him down...

The Cellist is an amazing enemies to lovers story with a few shocking twists that definitely keep you on your toes. The fire rages between Maggie and Declan while they navigate vengeance, revenge and love throughout this "can't put it down" book.

"I never truly knew love until you. Never had my heartbeat so hard, I thought it would burst through my chest until you."

[Mrs. Beady P · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Advanced e-ARC from the Author**

This boom hooked me from the very first chapter. Maggie is a fierce, determined FMC who sets out to assassinate the man she believes murdered her father Only to discover that Declan isn't who she thought he was, but has an identical twin. The twists kept me turning the pages.

I also loved the connection to the Ghosted series and highly recommend reading that first if you love dark mafia romance.

While the insta love wasn't my favorite, I still really enjoyed the story. I just wish the ending had been a little stronger.

Be sure to check the trigger warnings, but if you enjoy dark mafia romance with betrayal, loyalty, action, and a satisfying HEA, check this out when it drops August 18th.

Thank you Shelly for trusting me with your books.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is his lil devil cat & He is her Don enforcer.

From the anger & tension to the pure hatred that turns into love. From her wanting to kill him to her falling for him.
Maggie & Declans love story was so beautiful. All the pain & hurt they both went through, Doing it together even at times when they didnt want to.

Even when Maggie lost the one thing that meant the most to her, Declan was right there to do everything he possibly could to make it right. Everyone needs a Declan in their life.

My favorite qoute:
"Everything happens for a reason; at the exact moment it is meant to."

[KB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the mix of action, romance, and emotional depth throughout the story. Maggie and Declan’s relationship wasn’t just about attraction; it was about trust, loyalty, healing, and two people who found strength in each other while facing their own battles. Even though their connection developed quickly, their chemistry was undeniable and their bond felt like something they both needed.

If you enjoy dark mafia romance with a fierce FMC, a protective Irish Don, revenge, secrets, and an enemies-to-lovers romance full of spice, The Cellist is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

[Brittany Nickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romance is definitely Shellys best genre. Their books are always quick, spicy, high risk, and just a good time.

This one has a lot of secrets, betrayal, and chaos, which kept me hooked the whole time. And Maggie is such a badass FMC. (Another thing Shelly does well is write a strong powerful FMC! )

I was literally on the edge of my seat for the whole ending.

And as always check your trigger warnings when you read any of Shelly’s books

[Jessica Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly does such a great job pulling you in and getting you out of reality. I was on the edge of the seat multiple times. I love how Shelly makes every one of her Fmc are so strong and badass. Shelly stories make you like you can get through any thing and become stronger. I love how we always get a man that has the touch her and die aspect. I love how we get easter eggs for Shelly other stories. I can't wait to see what Shelly will give us next.

[Larie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seem to say this every time I read a book by Shelly, but she has done it again! This book was action packed from the beginning. The way she makes the FMC such a badass made me so happy. Who doesnt love a badass woman seeking revenge? Shelly thank you so much for giving us another amazing book
Oh and the spice is amazing and very spicy! All together this book had me on the edge of my seat from page one!

[Victoria Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review of The Cellist by Shelly Gray.

I love a slightly unhinged bad ass FMC. This is where Shelly delivers. This is an action packed dark mafia romance with lots of twists and turns. Such a great read.

I received this as an advanced reader copy and am truly grateful to have been giving this opportunity.

[Audrey Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Shelly Gray. This one is a dark Mafia Romance that follows Maggie and Declan. Maggie, after finding her father unalived, goes after Declan thinking he is the one responsible. This book has betrayal, love, secrets, and family drama. It's a book that is hard to put down and will keep you guessing to the end. A definite five-star read.

[Krystin]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

He is the Irish mob boss and she is his feisty little devil cat. I love the dynamic between Declan and Maggie. She tries to kill him and he instantly falls for her. Maggie proves that even though she was hidden from the mafia world... it wasn't hidden from her.

"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯; 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰."

[Maggie Haught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly always knows how to knock it out of the park with a mafia romance!
The cellist “Maggie “ and the mafia boss “Declan” come together in this steamy romance.
Out of so many secrets, so much chaos, and so many truths a love is born.
There is one thing always in common with Shelly’s books, A STONG FMC!
And this book will not disappoint!

[Jessica Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg Shelly has done it again. If you love enemy to lovers type of books you will love this. From Maggie hating Declan to her feelings changing. This book will make you wanna stay up late and lose sleep over. If you like dark spicy mafia romance this is your book

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhm obviously this is 5 ⭐️ If you haven’t already read anything Shelly Gray, you need to start now. This one has great character chemistry. Like pairing fire with fire. Fast paced read that I finished in a blur. 🔥

[Jessaloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly books are amazing Delcan is my favorite im love

[Deanna Keri]

ADVANCE READER COPY

📖 Book Review: The Cellist by Shelly Gray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 to 5 chili peppers 🌶️

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, dark mafia romance with high stakes and plenty of action, this one delivers.

🎻 Mafia
👑 Mafia Princess
🩸 Revenge-driven plot
🌶️ Dark romance

This gave me serious John Wick vibes… except with a gorgeous woman by his side (and don’t worry—no animals are harmed! 😂).

Shelly Gray knows exactly how to write a short, spicy, action-packed romance that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. There are darker themes and potential triggers, so check content warnings if needed, but once again she proved why she’s an auto-read author for me.

I can always count on Shelly Gray to leave me satisfied, and this book was no exception.