העש

War of Hearts #2

by Natasha Knight, נטשה נייט (Author's Hebrew Name), לילך בן דוד (Translator)

אני שולט בממלכה שנבנתה על דם, ואכזריות היא המורשת שלי.
ברגע שראיתי את אלגרה מורטי, ידעתי שאני חייב להשיג אותה. אבל בלילה שבו תכננתי להפוך אותה לאשתי, האויבים שלי תקפו ולקחו אותה ממני.
הם רק לא ידעו איזו מפלצת הם שחררו לחופשי.
שרפתי את העולם כדי להחזיר אותה הביתה, ועכשיו אצא למלחמה למענה.
אני אקרע את המשפחות שלנו לגזרים ואגיש לה את אויביה בחתיכות.
אלגרה היא המלכה שלי, ואני אשמיד את כל מי שיעז לפגוע בה.

העש הוא הכרך השני בדואט המאפיה האפלולי מלחמת הלבבות. קדם לו הספר הנבל.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Romance, Mafia Romance, Revenge, Crime

315 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2026

About the author

Natasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance Novels. She has sold over a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.

Write Natasha here:
natasha@natasha-knight.com

Check out her books here:
https://natasha-knight.com

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Connect with her here:
Facebook Page→ http://bit.ly/29q3s4b
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Instagram → https://bit.ly/2MeoPKk

Reviews

[Wobilba · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
After finishing this duet, I have two questions:
how many times can a girl be kidnapped in a one story?
can the storyline be anymore predicable? smh.

I think I'm done with this author for the year unless its something cowritten with Ms Zavarelli

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a great ending! I thought some scenes lack of depth but in general it was good!
It’s worth reading.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Natasha Knight that I adore! I WAS RAVENOUS FOR THIS DUET FINALE! GRIPPING, INTENSE, PAGE TURNING PERFECTION! Natasha Knight delivers another masterclass in dark romance with The Pawn. It's a raw, brutal, and intoxicating continuation of Cassian Trevino and Allegra Moretti’s story.

This sequel picks up right where The Villain left off, exploding into a world of betrayal, vengeance, and obsession where no one can be trusted and love comes at a dangerous cost. When Allegra is taken, Cassian’s world ignites in fury. He’s ready to burn it all down to save the woman who became his weakness, even as traitors close in from every side. Allegra, trapped in her enemy’s snare, must find the strength to survive and warn Cassian before Malek Lombardi’s deadly game destroys them both. What unfolds is a relentless storm of violence, secrets, and scorching devotion as two broken souls fight for their lives...and each other.

Natasha’s writing is as seductive as it is ruthless. The tension is electric, the twists cut deep, and the chemistry between Cassian and Allegra borders on combustible. Their relationship, once built on fear and power, evolves into something fierce and redemptive. Something tender and healing. Allegra’s resilience and Cassian’s single minded protectiveness make them magnetic, flawed, and utterly perfect together. And I love the metamorphis of them both. Cassian finds his heart and soul i his love for her. Allegra finds her courage and brass. He's a little bit less of a monster for loving her. She finds a little of her own inner monster in accepting him and his world....realizing that world is in fact hers for the taking too. It's a beautiful juxtaposition.

The supporting cast adds to the chaos and intrigue, each shadowed by secrets, especially Jet and Severin, who steal every scene they’re in (and desperately need their own books! PLEASE!). The blend of psychological warfare, explosive passion, and moral ambiguity keeps you guessing until the final page. All the unclear motivations and agendas, all the grey characters running around, ALL OF THE ACTION. It's mesmerizing.

The Pawn is everything a dark mafia romance should be: visceral, twisted, and achingly romantic beneath all the grit. It’s a beautifully brutal ride that proves Natasha Knight doesn’t just write dark entertainment...she orchestrates emotional carnage that grips the heart with its sharp edges and tender beauty.

If you crave morally gray antiheroes, fierce heroines, and a love story that bleeds power and pain, this one will consume you. I can not wait for more from this world!

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sólo quería terminarlo para saber quién era el traidor. Sobran escenas incómodas que no sé qué aportan y secuestros.

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 moves at a much faster pace in terms of action, and did some necessary fleshing out of some of the heroine’s big past reveal. This one felt darker, with higher stakes. Just what I wanted! But still demure and classy with the writing. I read a lot of entertaining slop, but the writing style, albeit some little typos, was a bit more understated, which gave it a more mature air. I appreciated that.

I don’t think Cassian sharing women with his stepbrother Jet subplot was ever firmly resolved. It honestly just felt random. There was sexual tension between the two. The last scene that addressed this barely provided any closure, Allegra is in Jet’s room as he is changing, coming out of the bathroom. She sort of comes on to him, poses it as a question statement, and the hero comes into the room.

Ok the full context: book 1 had a few repetitive exhibitionist scenes where Cassian either strips or puts his hands on Allegra in front of the stepbrother who is attracted to her, but is also implied to only want what Cassian wants too. Major threesome vibes.

In book 2 exhibitionism culminates in Cassian jealously “claiming” heroine in front of Jet, but then what happens immediately after that is Caasian goes to find Jet who is in mid-coitus with an escort they have shared in the past. The final scene addressing this almost-love triangle is Allegra in Jet’s room, a conversation that is rehashed and doesn’t go anywhere, followed by a declaration of love between Allegra and Cassian.

HONESTLY tho the scene where Cassian is watching Jet get it on was charged (he has a boner lol). It felt like the author wasn’t sure whether there should be this cathartic sharing moment between the three of them, was still feeling that out, and then realized the main plot still had to be written. Would have wanted something more to close this loop.

Oh and the the stepbrother is clearly infatuated with this character named Amal, the daughter of one of the bad guys. It really felt, in some ways, that Jet was selfishly used in the main couple’s kinky games. Having said all that, I don’t mind it because I love a jealous hero lol and Cassian always did that whenever he felt jealous that Jet was trying to get too close to Allegra.

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After barely surviving the cliffhanger in “The Villain,” I needed a play by play of EVERYTHING for part 2 and I can safely say that this author delivered. My heart has a million band aids over it right now but it's intact,and that's the most that I can ask for.

Picking up right after that jaw dropping cliffhanger, Allegra Moretti is now at the mercy of the one thing she truly feared the most. Time is running out and with the danger intensifying minute by minute, a war has just begun.


One thing that Cassian Trevino has learned in the past few days is to not underestimate ANYTHING. Allegra has and always will be his main focus and he's determined to get her back by any means necessary. While planning his enemies demise, Cassian is unaware of the hell that Allegra is enduring which is only making time more crucial. Will he be able to get to her in time or will he mourn his queen by burning everything to the ground?



I have to say that even though I was anticipating this story, I was not expecting that kind of intensity level. This was more fast paced than “The Villain” and darker which I loved!!! Casian was a man not to be messed with and we saw just how far he would go for his loved ones. I also really liked seeing Allegra come into her own and knowing that with or without Cassian, she could handle herself and she did that.

I'm really hoping that this author is going to give two side characters their own book because that is needed!! Their chemistry together is undeniable and has to be told. If you're looking for a dark gritty mafia duet, then you should definitely give this one a try.

[Andrea (andrea.bookster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

[Buffy・❥・ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So like I said in my review for the first part of this duet there was a few moments in this story that I didn’t like- iykyk
But overall I would recommend this book for all my dark mafia romance fans- all the typical elements and THE SPICE 🌶️🤭🥵

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two begins with Allegra Moretti now taken after the altercation. Will Cassian Trevino be able to find her in time? When Allegra learns the truth of her families past can she rise up to find the vengeance needed to take back her power? What a wild ride this one takes you on. Full of action, violence and maybe some redemption this is packed with all the best in a dark mafia romance. You won’t be disappointed! I absolutely loved Cassian & Allegra’s story and I’m hoping Jet gets a book too. Told in first person and dual POV

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book dragged on & what was the whole point with Cassian & Allegra trying to make Jet jealous by literally doing it… in front of him?! At one point I thought oh, maybe this is part of the dark side of dark romance & they’ll be a thruple.. or something! I don’t know. But it was just written in there to create more spice & it just didn’t work out.

I was more annoyed with this book than anything. The bipolarness of both characters, the horrible writing, predictable plot etc…

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

RTC

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 "In Pieces!!!" stars***



"Just because you can't see the monsters doesn't mean they're not there."

Wow!!! I just couldn't put this duet down!!!! It grabbed me from the very first chapter and it spit me out when the very last page ended!!! I adore Mrs. Knight stories so much, but this one was very powerful, heartbreaking and unforgettable!!!
Cassian and Allegra had literally fight for their lives and their love and even though they reached their HEA, it was a very difficult thing to achieve!!!
They had shed many tears, blood and they were backstabbed repeatedly in the back from people who was supposed to be by their side, but they managed to get to the other side, not unscatched, but TOGETHER!!!

"How can you stand to look at me?"
"How can I ever look away from you?"

The story picked up exactly where it left us....
When Cassian was about to make her officially his, Allegra was taken from their enemies....
Now, Cassian is losing his mind while searching non stop for her and Allegra is being forced to relive the ugly past....
Betrayals, secrets, lies are mostly in the picture here and Allegra with Cassian are constantly fighting for their lives... Their love the only light in the darkness that is surrounding them...
They need to fight back their enemies, but they are always one step ahead of them... Will they manage to get unscatched in the end??? Will their love survive this brutal war that is maining all around them???

"I vow to tear them all to pieces with my bare hands.
I vow to be her protector until the end of time...
A vow of violence in my lips.
Her breath my breath. The air I need to live."

I loved Cassian and Allegra very much!!!
Their intimate moments were hot as sin, even though from time to time a little bit confusing... I needed more infos about particular scenes...
Cassian was a true protector and Allegra changed him so much!!! This man seemed ruthless but when he was surrounded by so many snakes ready to bite him, how else he could survive???
My poor Allegra!!! She had gone through hell and back, but she never lost her light and they never broke her spirit!!! She was a true warrior and I loved her strength!!!
I loved Cassian's vow to her... In pieces!!!
These two were made for each other and I fell so deeply in love with them!!!

"There's a violence at the heart of him, and it should scare me, but it's the most beautiful thing because when he's inside me, it's for me. All that violence for me."

And now, I am wishing for more stories into this world!!!
I am very intrigued by Jet and Amala....
Severin is also a very interesting character. Don't you think????
Whatever this woman decides to give us, I am here for it, no matter if it is about Jet, Sev or someone I haven't met yet!!!
I just love getting these wild rides alongside her!!!!

"My little Moth is not a weak thing. She is no victim to be had. She is a violent, powerful thing.
And she's mine. She's mine.
My love. My heart. My queen."

**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**

[Kassandra Charlesworth]

There is more sexual tension between the MMC and his stepbrother than there is between the MMC and the FMC. WHICH I could get on board with, but I fear that was not the intention.

[Amanda Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review.

For a second book its amazing I loved how it flows from one book to the next the story lines is one of the best ive read in a long time and as always Natasha doesn't disappoint at all from start to finish.
Again there are some triggers and you will need some tissue at some points but truly amazing.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like this book. Didn't like the first one either but I thought MAYBE this one would be better. It was somewhat okay through the kidnapping and rescue, but after Allegra & Cassian reunited, it just went back to the same old bullshit that annoyed me in Book 1.

Allegra annoyed the FUCK out of me in this story. Her back-and-forth bullshit is exhausting. One moment she loves Cassian. The next, she hates him. One moment she doesn't trust Jet, the next, she is standing in his bedroom, flirting, touching his chest suggestively. <-- This scene happens the morning after she and Cassian say, "I love you," and she accepts his marriage proposal. *face palm*

Certain parts of his story had me SO confused. The same old Cassian/Allegra/Jet storyline continued to play out through this book in an uncomfortable way. Cassian makes Jet watch as he has sex with Allegra - not long after her traumatizing kidnapping experience. It's not sexy. It's gross. And Allegra has internal dialogue about enjoying Jet being there to watch. At many points, I thought the narrative was possibly heading towards a throuple romance endgame. And there were many hints of sexual tension / sexual attraction between Cassian and Jet. So much so, I was waiting for a scene where they admit they once had a sexual relationship that they hid from their family. (e.g. Cassian talking about how he knows how Jet's body feels during sex and how he gets hard watching Jet have sex with a sex worker and he only keeps his eyes on Jet during the act) This was not only confusing, but came out of nowhere and was NOT explained by the end.

It was also annoying that Cassian ONCE AGAIN left Allegra on her own with his guards when he knew she was vulnerable to attack. None of it made any logical sense. Why did he not teach her self-defense after saving her from her last kidnapping? Why does he not have state of the art surveillance at his house? He should have trackers and cameras everywhere. But many times throughout the book, people show up at his house and just walk inside without his knowledge. It doesn't make ANY sense. By the end, Cassian almost comes off like a really bad mob boss. Too many people have out-smarted him. They're all playing the long game and Cassian doesn't seem to have much of a plan for a short game. Really annoying.

[Redcurlsangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the second installment is no better than the first.
Poor Allegra is mostly naked and is tortured and mutilated.
It takes forever for Cassian to find her, and everything is dragged out...
I'm disappointed.
At a certain point I get confused, I don't know how close Jet and Cassian are, in chapter 13 they even seem to be gay?
In this book too, Cassian is driven by his jealousy and makes Jet watch while he has s@x with Allegra...
Although it becomes clear after about a third of the second installment that Allegra and Cassian love each other, they still have to overcome many obstacles before they get their happily ever after, and unfortunately, some external scars will remain.
And ultimately, my heart beats more for Jet than for Cassian.
I hope that Jet and Amal will get their own story.
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 3/5

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allegra awakens in the burned-out mansion where her mother was tortured and murdered five years earlier. Malek Lombardi, her father’s former consigliere, has orchestrated her abduction to seize control of the Moretti crime empire. His plan is to marry her, using her bloodline to legitimize his claim. The scenes in the cellar are some of Knight’s darkest work: Allegra relives the trauma of watching her mother’s mutilation, learns the horrifying truth—that her own father ordered the kidnapping that destroyed their family—and once again faces the same butcher’s block and knife.

Meanwhile, Cassian goes feral. The story alternates between his violent, desperate search and Allegra’s captivity. When he finally finds her, it’s far from a clean rescue. Allegra has lost another finger, and it takes time for Cassian to piece her back together—emotionally and physically—but she’s still hiding something from him.

At this point in the story, it becomes frustrating that Allegra continues to keep secrets. And what a secret it is: Cassian learns from Rami that Allegra was forced to marry Malek. After a long, painful confrontation, they finally begin to rebuild trust between them.

The main weaknesses of the story are the near–love triangle (or almost-sharing) with Jet and the constant miscommunication between the leads.

In the final pages, Allegra is kidnapped again—this time because there’s a new traitor among Cassian’s men, and it’s disappointingly easy to guess who it is.

[Zoë Braycotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She’s so small. A delicate thing trapped in a world of villains. Of monsters”

How’s does the old saying go “what doesn’t unlive you, makes you stronger” (ensuing the Zon bots don’t throw me out) is definitely a mantra for Allegra!

The final book in The War of Hearts duet, this was a total page turner.

Left on a cliffy from book one, I couldn’t wait to dive in and devour this.

Cassian is out for revenge, he will avenge the wrongs done to Allegra, but first he needs to let the pieces fall into place, however, they are always one step ahead of him.

You just can’t trust anyone, they were all guilty for me lol. Fantastic twists in this one, keeps you on your toes throughout.

Cassian is absolutely besotted with Allegra and will do anything to keep her safe, turns out the feeling is mutual.

“She is no victim to be had. She is a violent, powerful thing. And she’s mine. She’s mine. My love. My heart. My queen”

Looking forward to what comes next, I’m hoping it will be Jet and Amal, will also be interesting to see if anything for Severin and his black heart is on the way!

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝚆𝙰𝚁 𝙾𝙵 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝚁𝚃𝚂 #𝟸
This picks up where 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 #𝟷 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙰𝙸𝙽 left off, hanging on a huge cliffhanger!
Cassian and Allegra have quite a wild ride throughout this duet.
This story is full of secrets and betrayal. There’s plenty of action, suspense and twists galore. It’s brutal and I absolutely love how Allegra and Cassian develop such a strong dynamic, especially considering how they started off. They are a force to be reckoned with together.
I love Allegra’s strength and tenacity. Cassian became so much more likable to me in this book. I love the way they communicate with each other in this book, it’s a bit of cuteness among all of the dark danger.
I love the spicy scenes with them despite all the chaos and v!0lence around them. They are a fantastic couple and team.
I enjoyed this wild story so much! The secondary characters add a lot to the story and I was not sure who to trust. I enjoy that aspect so much. (Trust no one!)
I love this author’s dark romance and m@fia romance.
This is another stellar book and duet.
Don’t miss this dark, twisted and beautifully romantic story.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[JoyceLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg this duet was EVERYTHING. Cassian unhinged doesn’t even begin to cover it—possessive, jealous, controlling, and wrapped in pure darkness… absolute fantasy material 🤣🔥. The plot was plotting hard and nothing was ever what it seemed. Twists on twists, obsession on obsession, and that happy ending? Completely worth it. One of my most addictive reads. Definitely reading more by Natasha Knight!!!!

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn by Natasha Knight

I really enjoyed this duet! I found the book quite dark but I absolutely loved that. Allegra, what a woman! To endure everything she went through and still come out such a total badass “chef’s kiss”. It added so much depth and dimension to her character.

Cassian’s relationship with his stepbrother was fascinating, so much went unsaid, yet Natasha Knight’s writing made you feel it all. She has such a talent for painting a full picture with just the right words.

Overall, a fantastic book! Sometimes the excitement of a story fades midway through, but not this one it held me captive from start to finish.

And please, I really hope Jet gets his story soon! Ok

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn♟️

The Pawn is the final book in this amazing duet, filled with secrets, lies and betrayals. The only thing that holds true is the feelings that Allegra and Cassian hold for each other…a not to be missed story🙌

I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Mimiorphee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In my heart and in my mind.”
I have a new Natasha Knight favorite series!
With The Pawn, we reach the conclusion of the series. I had a fantastic time following Cassian and Allegra's tumultuous relationship. The mysteries and loyalties, deceit and family ties had me wondering all along about who was going to betray whom.
This series is a veritable page-turner. It's fast, intense, full of twists and turns. Be careful, you blink and get the whiplash that was waiting for you around the corner!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books where you couldn’t stop reading, but you wanted to look away, yet, you needed to know what was going to happen next! The story is full of pain, betrayal, confusion, loyalty, love, and hidden agendas. There are kidnappings, brutality, and comfort. Our characters are never on solid ground, with each other, with others, yet they solider on, knowing that their love, their bond, will survive anything and everything that comes their way <3

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In pieces”

One intense showdown!
Edge of your seat tension? Understatement!
I was practically standing , heart pounding, blood pumping, praying aloud to whatever deity protects the fictional. I need a drink 🍸after that scene.

“Just because you can’t see the monsters, doesn't mean they’re not there.”

This picks up right after the vicious blindside that ended The Villain.
There are so many backstabbing betrayals and edge-of-your-seat moments that occur here.
Not just the blatant ones that are obvious and leave so much devastation in their wake, but smaller ones that, honestly, I think did more damage.
Multiple times, I questioned how she was going to survive. If she would come out in one piece, both physically and mentally. (see next paragraph lol)

“She may be a little unhinged even. Just this side of wild.”

But don’t we love her bathed in crimson revenge!
The horrors our girl has faced and overcome would leave most on the ground whimpering.
Not our queen.
Even after a certain usurper takes from her what is not his, leaving her momentarily trying to decipher what is real from what is memory, she still finds her strength. She is done playing the victim.
And is she ever fierce in her wrath!

“A vow of violence on my lips. Her breath my breath.”

I felt for Cassian more than I thought I would. When he loves, he loves fiercely.
And he loved Allegra.
Even her sassy little violent attitude.
Maybe that the most.

He was literally carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders when you add in the stress of trying to protect those he called family and knowing that it was someone close to him that was plotting, betraying him. No wonder he seemed so dark and deadly all the time.

“That’s me coming for you.”

Cassian made his claim, and no one and nothing would change his mind.
Despite all the chaos surrounding them.
The lies. The losses. The obstructions.
They were not backing down.
When they stood side by side, they were a force to be reckoned with.

And their more intimate moments? Hades' level heat!
I also enjoyed the banter that slowly developed between them.

Secondary characters played such major roles here

Jet - I was so right about him 🥰 He is such a devious man
Sev - Mr. silent brooding. I actually think his story will be good. I do hope we get it
Malek - Makes my skin crawl and my stomach heave
I don’t want to give spoilers, but I will say trust no one, suspect everyone, and their motives!
The betrayals that happen, you don't see coming.
The who’s that are behind them (yes, more than one) Pearl clutch.
And their reasons are downright... I don't even have words.

This does end with a HEA.
But it is hard won.
The losses are high.
Their story is bespattered with drops of crimson
Who am I kidding ,the blood runs off the pages.
There is forced admissions (the torture kind)
Lots of savagery
Some harsh and, at times, tragic moments/truths that Allegra and Cassian have to face.

All of this, however, takes place within the smexy 🔥 and at times kind of sweet romance budding between these two
You would think it would be hard to find time, but they do 😏

Remeber to read the trigger warnings

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I still hate you,” I tell him what I’ve told him before although it’s not true. I know that now. “You can hate me all you want. It won’t make you any less mine.”

The heart pounding conclusion to the War of Hearts is here and WOWZA. What an ending. I think I may have spent the entire book with my jaw on the floor.

Angry kissing. Angry fucking. It’s our love language.

Cassian was impossible not to love as a villain in book one. But as a man desperate to rescue the woman he realizes means more to him than revenge? BE. STILL. MY. HEART.

If you haven't yet read book one, don't read my review, because it will reveal some mild spoilers of the first book. I'll try to limit it to the bare minimum, though. Allegra is violently kidnapped and wakes up in her waking nightmare, facing the depths of a betrayal she had assumed but never realized the full extent of. And oh how deep it goes. This woman survives hell a second time over and my heart broke for everything she goes through. But her fierce warrior heart shines through every moment and I loved her character arc and her growth. Because she goes from surviving in her world to really being her own hero and I loved that. This is not a woman afraid of death and violence and doesn't shy away from making her enemies pay.

Now Cassian. Man. I didn't think it was possible to love this man even more than I did in book one when he was mean and pushing Allegra away. But Cassian who has comes to terms with his feelings and will protect his woman at any cost? SWOON.

It's not often that a book takes me by surprise with a plot twist but this one managed to completely blind side me. When I tell you I was reeling, I mean jaw on the floor and completely blown away. I didn't see that coming at all and I love that it took me by surprise that way.

This was an epic conclusion to a deliciously dark and gritty duet and I sincerely hope we'll get more in this world because I NEED Jet's book desperately.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:

[Rina | booksofthemuggleborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4-4.5 stars!

**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**

The nail-biting suspense that had been gradually building in The Villain has not only detonated in the first third of this book, but it prompted a second heaping of anxiety as the next set of plot twists unveiled itself.

I love that this is the second half of the story and yet we’re still getting plenty of uncertainty amongst the entire cast of characters. Knight has masterfully created suspicion, secrecy, and deception that had me constantly trying to figure out the end game.

Similar to the first book, this also had some questionable developments amongst the characters. The direction it was heading or at the very least teasing wasn’t something I was a fan of. If anything I was slightly confused as it wasn’t a particular trope I was anticipating or expecting from this duet. It was a weird dynamic between certain characters. But in saying this, I’m not completely surprised by it either as Knight has written other books with this type of narrative. It’s not my reading preference, but I know there are plenty of romance readers who are fans and may enjoy this detail a lot more than I did.

If you want morally grey characters, you got it. This story is full of them. They know what they want. They’re unapologetically striking, and their actions speak for themselves.

Although I didn’t totally love every aspect of this book, I did enjoy the overall storyline. Cassian and Allegra are two complex characters and together, the drama intensified tenfold. There’s a lot of push-and-pull, and back-and-forth between the two, but it only heightens the ominous circumstances taking place.

This book is significantly more graphic than the first one. The content is dark and some readers may find it triggering. It contains kidnapping, isolation, taunting and intimidation, sexual assault, and includes vivid scenes of torture and death, reigniting past trauma. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

As this is the second book in the War of Hearts duet, it goes without saying The Villain needs to be read prior to starting this one as it’s a continuous storyline. Cassian and Allegra have always had an invisible pull towards one another. The sexual tension was fiery in the first book, but the spice level has turned up a couple of notches since, especially now that they’re no longer denying their feelings.

As with the first, the storytelling is steadily-paced and flows well into this book, which I like. It doesn’t feel rushed through, and any unanswered subplots were eventually divulged or at least acknowledged. The secondary storylines were equally intriguing.

This is a dark mafia romance with so much appeal. The highlight is undoubtedly the thrills and spills. It’s twisted, it’s gritty, it’s kinda grimy, and Cassian and Allegra take you on a dizzyingly emotional rollercoaster. I love a good adrenaline-charged dark mafia and overall, this story was a page-turner!

Avid fans of Knight’s writing will not want to sleep on this one. I recommend fellow romance readers who are addicted to the dark mafia romance sub-genre to add it to their TBR.

🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars- THE PAWN is the second instalment in Natasha Knight’s contemporary, adult WAR OF HEARTS dark, erotic, Mafia romance duet focusing on twenty year old, Mafia princess Allegra Moretti, and thirty year old Cassian Trevino. THE PAWN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one THE VILLAIN. If you have not read THE VILLAIN, there may be spoilers in my review.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE numerous TRIGGERS for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cassian and Allegra) THE PAWN focuses on the search and rescue of our story line heroine who found herself at the mercy of someone she once trusted. A pawn and a prisoner, Allegra discovers the truth about her past, her family and the possible future for a woman who is now caught between family and love. Cassian Trevino is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but at every turn betrayal, treason and a fight for power become the precipitating factors in a war for control.

The world building continues to follow the tempestuous and caustic relationship between our story line couple as Cassian fights for control of his future. Betrayal from all sides including the people he trusts, pushes Cassian to become guardian and protector wherein he struggles to keep his promise.

The relationship between Cassian and Allegra caustic and hostile. Cassian is keeping secrets that affect our story line heroine, and Allegra struggles to trust a man who is battling not only his own demons but the demons from our heroine’s past. The $ex scenes are aggressive and provocative with some scenes of voyeurism and exhibition.

Similarly to THE VILLAIN, the cast of secondary and supporting characters is questionable, untrustworthy and problematic. We are reintroduced to Allegra’s troublesome brother Michael, her late father’s power hungry consigliere Malek Lombardi and his daughter Amal, as well as Cassian’s step brothers Severin and Jet Blackstone; Cassian’s right hand man and cousin Enzo, uncle Angelo, and several members of both the Moretti and Trevino crime families. The requisite evil has many faces. I am hoping the author has plans for Cassian’s step brothers.

THE PAWN is a fast paced, character driven story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and double cross, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic, gritty and edgy; the romance is fiery and heated; the characters are desperate, determined, violent and over the top.

HEED the trigger warnings-there are many and graphic.

copy supplied for review

[Chronicallybooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Knight, you need to be studied.
No, seriously—someone call NASA, because whatever gravitational pull your books have on me is unnatural. I open one “just to peek,” and suddenly it’s 4AM, I’m emotionally malnourished, and I’ve forgotten how to blink like a normal human being.

The Pawn? More like The Pain, because this book wrecked me.

We pick up right where The Villain left my soul—dangling off a cliff, screaming Allegra’s name into the void. Cassian Trevino, our morally gray god of chaos, is out for blood, and let me tell you, vengeance has never looked so damn good in a suit. He’s unhinged, obsessive, loyal to a fault, and probably one government file away from being declared a national security threat… and yet, I love him with the kind of devotion that should concern a therapist.

And Allegra? Oh, my girl didn’t just survive—she ascended. This woman walked through fire, danced with monsters, and came out wearing their crowns. The transformation from fragile moth to flame-slinging queen had me standing up, slow-clapping like I was watching her win an Oscar for “Most Likely to Burn Her Enemies Alive.”

The tension between them? It’s not chemistry—it’s arson. Every glance, every argument, every “don’t you dare touch her” moment had me pacing my room like an unpaid bodyguard. Their love story feels less like a romance and more like divine punishment, and I enjoyed every devastating second.

This book isn’t gentle. It’s brutal, it’s bloody, and it doesn’t come with emotional airbags. Betrayals fly like daggers, secrets detonate, and every character looks guilty enough to lawyer up. There were moments I literally whispered, “Natasha, please, I’m just a girl,” while wiping tears and internally scheduling therapy.

And yet… I wouldn’t change a thing.

The way Cassian loves Allegra—raw, desperate, infinite—should be studied in dark romance history books. The man vows violence like it’s poetry. The kind of devotion that terrifies you because it’s too real.

By the time I hit the last page, I wasn’t reading anymore—I was grieving.
For my sanity. For my sleep schedule. For the fact that Jet Blackstone exists and doesn’t have his own book yet. (Natasha, I’m begging—feed us. We’re starving.)

So here I am again, ruined and reborn, looking at my reflection like, “Was it worth it?”
Yes. Every chaotic, soul-rattling page.

The Pawn isn’t just a book—it’s a war, a reckoning, and a love story carved out of vengeance and devotion.
And I’d walk straight into that fire again. 🔥

[Louise Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. The Pawn completely wrecked me, in the best possible way. This dark, Mafia-themed romance between Cassian and Allegra was intense from the very first page and only got more explosive as it went on. I didn’t think Ms. Knight could top the previous book, but she did. The emotions in this one were off the charts. My heart was in my throat the whole time as Cassian and Allegra faced betrayal, danger, and violence that tested everything between them.

I love books that make me think, where I have to piece the puzzle together, and this story kept me guessing until the last page. I couldn't put it down between Cassian’s frantic search for Allegra, Malek’s twisted obsession, and the hunt for the traitor.

For me, Allegra was the true hero here. She’s been through hell and back. She was scared, but who could blame her after having to relive the nightmares of her past, but she never let herself stay a victim. She fought hard for her life despite the odds stacked against her. She remained strong even when she didn’t know who to trust, especially Cassian. She hated him at times, but love and hate are closely linked emotions, and Cassian was always her constant in a world full of chaos.

Cassian, what a dark, dangerous man. He’s the perfect anti-hero, ruthless when he needs to be, but he is fiercely protective of Allegra. He’s filled with regret and guilt, blaming himself for her pain, but what I loved most was how he didn’t try to “fix” her. He just wanted to be her strength. And when he apologized, something so out of character broke me a little. Malek, on the other hand, was pure evil. The lengths he went to, the cruelty he showed, it was hard to read at times. He’s the kind of villain you love to hate.

I doubted Ms. Knight could ever pull off a happy ending for Cassian and Allegra after everything they went through, but she did. My only small wish? I wanted more backstory about Cassian and Jet, especially how things played out when Allegra and Cassian’s chemistry took center stage in Jet's presence. This book had everything I crave in a dark Mafia romance: passion, heartbreak, danger, redemption, and those raw, steamy moments that make you feel every emotion alongside the characters. I devoured it from start to finish