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His Deadly Darling

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Luke Knight thinks he can own me, can hurry me into a wedding and then into his bed. He seems to know everything about me. But he’s missed the most important point—I’m dastardly. But I like his estate and all his money, so I’ll bide my time. I don’t obsess over his good looks and the way he makes me feel. Not a bit. Once he’s dead, I’ll be more than happy to be the grieving widow … on a yacht … in Seychelles … drenched in diamonds.


Cassandra truly believes I’m the bad guy in her world. She’s wrong. I can show her how much she means to me. It will take time and coaxing, but I’ll prove to her our love is deep and true. If she tries to knife me a few times along the way, what of it? After all, a spirited woman is exactly what I need, and Cassandra Carlisle was made for me.


(MINK's note: His Deadly Darling is an instalove, steamy, dark romantic comedy with a HEA, perfect for reading with a kitty in your lap and a spiced coffee sitting next to you.)

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2020

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Mink

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5 stars
678 (42%)
4 stars
497 (30%)
3 stars
322 (20%)
2 stars
77 (4%)
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30 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
Profile Image for Saswati.
518 reviews342 followers
November 24, 2020
Story: 3.75 hilarious stars ⭐️

The story here is quite simple. There's a reluctant bride:

I call him Luke. Everyone else calls him Mr. Knight. It makes it so much worse that his last name is Knight. Because believe me, he’s not one in shining armor.

and a hero determined to have her:

I know that I was made for this woman. She’s young, and rash, and possibly violent, but all of that only makes me want to tame her, to make her my darling one with claws that scratch anyone who dares cross us.

Honestly, this was all kinds of ridiculous, but I loved it 😂 💖

Also, I can't believe how much this author loves cats!

Audio: 4.5 stars ⭐️
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,681 followers
February 28, 2021
2,5 stars

I normally do not read novellas as they are short and do not have the depth that I need. However, I have been intrigued by the blurb and decided to try it.

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The heroine, Cassandra, was kept locked away by her parents all her life. She had no access to the outside world. She was home-schooled. Her parents never loved her, she was just an asset they wanted to sell to gain money for their own benefit.

Luke sees her, all broken parts of her and falls in love with her. He wants to take her away from her evil parents and give her the life that will make her happy but she needs to marry him first. Cassandra is horrified by the idea of being sold to a man so despite finding Luke handsome and hot, she is pissed and she feels murderous. Her threats about killing him are in fact very cute and adorable.

*********************************************

At first, Cassandra refuses to go to the altar but Luke's men threaten her with her cat although they never intend to hurt the cat. She relents and marries him, all the while saying she will kill him and then live in his big mansion and spend all his money as his widow.

*********************************************

When they get married, Luke slowly proves her that he is in fact not holding her captive but freeing her. He shows her how much he cares about her, how much he loves her and she slowly realizes that. However, she never stops her threats of killing him :)

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That was a ridiculously funny book with lots of hot moments. I just wish writers didn't turn virgins into sex kittens in one night. Well, whatever, I guess it sells.

All in all, if you need a short fun read, it can be read as a nice pastime.

*********************************************

My grading for novellas will never be high as I am never satisfied by their depth but I must admit that I enjoyed this short and cute read however ridiculous it was from time to time. I think I enjoyed its crazy ridiculous parts most.



Here are some examples of its crazy 😊

My father sold me, just up and handed me off in exchange for the cliché briefcase full of cash. Those jerks agreed upon a price and exchanged money for me. As easy as if they were at the grocery store, buying a gallon of milk.

***

“Welcome home.” Luke takes my hand as he opens his car door. I hadn't realized we’d stopped moving. He pulls me from the car.
My head tilts back, taking in his home. Our home. The one that will be all mine after I kill him. I smile. I’ve always wanted a castle.

***

“You still plan on murdering me?” I don’t doubt she’ll try. But I also felt the way she clutched me, the way she responded to my kiss, her body heating as her tongue danced with mine. Her mind and body are in a disagreement, but I’ve been quite adept at dividing and conquering my entire life.

“Yep, you’re a dead man walking.” She struts forward, her hands on her hips. “But I’ll like living here without you. I’ll keep it nice, so don’t fret about that.”




"I’m in total control here, I tell myself. I’m letting him take my mouth in a deep, knee-weakening kiss. I could push him away if I wanted to, but I dig my fingers into his shirt. I’m totally the one who's driving this bus. I’m just making a detour.

My new plan is to let him think he’s in control. The more he thinks I’m willing to go along with this, the easier it will be to catch him off guard when he least expects it. This is my new attack strategy, I reason with myself. His attraction to me will lead to his death. I’ll use every advantage I can get.

***

My body pushes into his hand, wanting what he’s giving more than anything. “Since my death is imminent, I’m going to enjoy what might be my last meal.” He removes his hand and replaces it with his tongue. He groans as he tastes me for the first time, and it’s the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.

I don’t even try to resist or pull away. He’s the one that wanted to be my husband, and it’s his duty to pleasure me. It strikes me how kind and considerate I’m being, giving a dying man his last wish. I am a magnanimous killer, it seems.

Damn, his mouth on me feels good. Maybe I should keep him around a bit longer. Not because I feel anything toward him but for what he does to my body.

***

I grab the nearest pillow and hold it for a few minutes, contemplating whether I should smother him. I haven't been trying very hard to kill him these past few days. He keeps making me forget.

It’s hard to try to kill a man that keeps doing nice things for you.

***

“Luke. We should talk about your safety. You are really too careless.” I sit up, “Only I get to kill you. You know this, right?”

***

“Don’t.” She pulls back, her eyes glistening. “Don’t send me away.”

My heart seems to burn for her when she clutches me close, worry coating her words. “Never.” I wipe the wetness from her cheeks as more tears fall. “I wouldn’t let you go without me.”

She sighs. “Good.” She rests against my chest again, then mumbles half-heartedly, “I couldn’t kill you if we were apart.”

“Of course.”


*********************************************

Writing: Dual point of view / 90 pages

Safety: Safe with no cheating, no OW/OM drama

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Warning:

After finding this book funny, I tried 2 more books from this writer and saw that they are as bad and as ridiculous as Alexa Riley books. If you also, like me, hate Alexa Riley books, then maybe this writer isn't for you because I believe His Deadly Darling is the only cute one. The others that I tried are over the top nonsense.

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You can follow my instagram page from here
Profile Image for Pinky.
639 reviews662 followers
December 14, 2021
Trigger Warnings:

“I’ll choose whichever room I want once your body’s in the ground.”
“Of course,” I agree affably.
She wrinkles her nose. “I’m serious.”
“Yes”
“No.” She stops. “I mean I’m serious. I’m going to kill you.”


This book should’ve been called His Little Vixen rather than His Deadly Darling.

This was my first book by MINK and it was so fun. It was a super short nouvella which I don’t normally read. This book does lack in-depth but it’s because it’s so short. I feel like I would give this 5 stars if it was longer and had more build-up. The story is insta-love which I normally hate, I don’t know the age of Luke so I dunno if this is an age-gap romance but I think Cassandra is 18. Cassandra was hilarious and Luke was sweet, this is a mafia romance, on the chill side. It was funny and quick, exactly what I needed after exam season. Cassandra had more of a personality compared to Luke, who was just so in love with Cassandra. They don’t really have conversations other than having sex and a little background on Cassandra, but I still found this book entertaining. I recommend going in with low expectations because this was a pleasant surprise.


Cassandra’s parents sold her off to Luke, a random guy who wants to marry her. She has lived a sheltered life with no control and she is fed up. She makes a plan to kill Luke once they are married and take all of his money and properties and finally be free. Ever since Luke laid his eyes on Cassandra he became obsessed. So he decided to marry her and win her heart. But will he be able to?



Now for spoilers



I hope to read more by this author in the future, stay safe folks!
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,255 reviews517 followers
January 5, 2020
Spoilers ahead


This book was utterly ridiculous lol but again I found myself enjoying it and wishing it was longer

h's parents sold her to the H
H me her and was obsessed with her
She plans to kill him....ya know someday
Crazy kitty

Safe
No cheating
No history
J/P H

I'd like Clayton's story too though I admit this one wasn't as good as the first 2 by this author. It felt more rushed I think
Profile Image for Rayne.
485 reviews149 followers
October 25, 2022
This novella was a wild ride. If this was a novel I probably would have wanted more depth and not such cliche unrealistic, terrible partners but I rate novels and novellas on a completely different scale. For novellas there are no thoughts, just vibes. I liked this one. It had all the parts of a good novella and I can’t complain.
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,676 reviews2,430 followers
December 28, 2019
I am loving this author!!! Read 2 books from her and book 3 is even more funny.

Luke is marrying Cassandra its a arrange marriage since he first saw her he always wanted her, and since her parents sold her to him she hates it and him. And since he is using her cat to make sure she goes through with it. But deep down Cassandra has some attraction towards her new husband. She just warns him  24/7 that she can't wait to kill him.  😂😂😂

Her and her kitty miss kittle are ploting away.

As for Luke he loves the bantering and baiting her on when she'll kill him, as they grow closer together he learns more about the crap her parents put her through.

My only flaw it was to short.. and the authors love of cats lol can the next gal have a different animal?? A dog?

No ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times, virgin gal no manwhore

Recommend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐


Slowish-insta
Older/younger couple
Safe-ish
Anal play/sex
Mentions of almost sexual assault
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,461 reviews86 followers
January 2, 2020
Again Mink delivers a delightfully funny read that will have you laughing. Throw in the steaminess and you have a perfect combination and an awesome read ahead.

When Luke Knight sees his future sitting opposite him he does what he has to to secure his intended bride, even if that means buying her from her greedy parents.

Cassandra has been kept locked away, no access to the outside world. They don't love her she is a means to an end. And that end goal is money to the right person with the right amount of money.

Cassandra though is not impressed, in fact she's feeling down right murderous. Pity her poor husband. She'll figure out a way to get rid of him right after she stops falling in love with him.

Mink has wormed her way up there as a favourite one click author. She's witty, absolutely spot on with her comedic delivery and she provides a story that you can't help but read till the end. Add in that steam and she takes it to an 11.

Profile Image for One chapter more.
788 reviews152 followers
March 9, 2020
We have finally gotten a heroine that is not afraid 'to kill' from the beginning. Even if these are just empty promises, she still has claws that only our hero has skin thick enough for her to not damage him.

If you're reading this review, than you have a small interest in this novella so my only words to you are:
JUST READ IT ALREADY.
Profile Image for ❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️.
1,089 reviews774 followers
June 1, 2021
3.25 Stars

Good. It was funny at times, but a little ridiculous at others, and it got annoying how the heroine kept saying she was gonna kill the hero- so repetitive. Still enjoyed it though.
Profile Image for girlwithhearteyes.
1,685 reviews223 followers
October 20, 2023
4 stars

This was hilariously OTT and so much fun! We have the rich+dangerous MMC and his very reluctant bride. She spends most of her time plotting his demise, but he is indulgent and smitten because her personality is basically a feisty kitten (there is also an actual kitten in the mix). Great palate cleanser, I really enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for lily.
1,266 reviews
September 21, 2020
3.5 stars
Lovely naughty and funny read
Enjoyed it alot
Profile Image for Chris.
1,316 reviews38 followers
May 17, 2020
Cassandra is a damn cute crazy cat lady! Ms. Kittles was my favorite kitty! Luke and Cassandra are meant to be together! Such a perfect couple! This book was very pleasant to read and it had a nice dose of action, steamy and sweet moments. Additionally, the epilogue was spot on for closure!
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,097 reviews624 followers
June 13, 2022
“His deadIy darling” is the story of Cassandra and Luke.

A fun read with a bad boy hero, a heroine with murderous instincts, kidnapping, forced marriage, hissing kitty, loads of banter, lovemaking and HEA!

The heroine keeps trying to murder the hero but instead ends up kissing him! Very cute!

Safe
4.5/5
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,642 reviews
January 6, 2020
First book that I have read from this author and I loved it. This story was so good. It will have you laughing and swooning at the same time. Cassandra and Luke were such a great couple. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristie (read_between.the_wines).
223 reviews3,614 followers
April 28, 2022
short - sweet - funny - fun

mafia, captive/arrange marriage where her parents sell her to him. He is OBSESSED with her and makes sure to have all of her favorites in the house, hoping to make her fall for him. But the whole time she wants to kill him... until she doesn't.

I devoured this! I think it's a perfect palette cleanser for in between books or to get you out of a book slump!
2,014 reviews24 followers
January 8, 2020
This was not my cup of tea, so disappointed
Profile Image for Jess.
3,181 reviews26 followers
January 9, 2020
Blah

This one was not a good story for me. I can’t believe I even finished this story if I’m being honest.
Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
945 reviews67 followers
September 13, 2021


A fun and silly escape
4 stars

I tend to avoid books involving mafia tropes - just not my thing. I mean, how can I believe in an HEA when someone’s likely always going to be trying to kill our hero? I’m sure the life expectancy of a mob boss is fairly short. But I digress.

This audiobook was featured on the Read Me Romance podcast so I gave it a listen.

The book is about Luke who is presumably (although it’s only ever eluded to) some sort of mob boss. He owns mines, apparently. He’s ridiculously smitten with the daughter of another family, Cassandra, and pretty much purchases her as his bride.

But Cassandra isn’t the spoilt princess that we might expect. She doesn’t want to be married to Luke - she just wants to be free. So she decides to kill her new husband - if she could just stop kissing him!

So yes, this is a mafia-type trope - but with a huge dose of hilarious ridiculousness injected into it. I listened to this while out and about and found myself laughing out loud at the wit and clever silliness of this story.

Cassandra was slightly crazy and I loved that about her. Her internal monologues as she debates killing Luke just made me love her all the more. Luke is the archetypal alpha bad boy - well, he’s all man - who’s obsessed with his woman and wants to give her the world. The fact that she wants to kill him is just a cute quirk of her feisty personality, in his eyes!

The chemistry between Cassandra and Luke is borderline filthy. Not too over the top but definitely satisfying. I skipped the 1 anal sex scene but apart from that, was happy.

MacKenzie Cartwright is a great narrator for Cassandra. She’s concise and clear and conveys Cassandra’s personality without ever giving her a whiny edge. Lance Greenfield as Luke has the kind of voice that ears dream of. It’s so deep and gruff and manly. Perfect for Luke and, well, for reading anything and everything, ever.

This was a fun audiobook - a short little diversion into some humour, obsessions, killing and cats. Coming in a few minutes under 3 hours for the audiobook (158 pages for the book), definitely one you can fit in of an evening or afternoon. 4 stars.

Plus I have to add my voice to the ‘why the hell was Gordon Ramsey in this book?’ club. When I realised what was happening I rolled my eyes so hard I could see behind me. Horrible, horrible man. If I was to let Miss Kittles loose on anyone - it would be him! Anyway - I didn’t let it affect my rating.


Profile Image for Another hopeless romantic (temp hiatus).
235 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2022
“Since my death is imminent, I’m going to enjoy what might be my last meal.” He removes his hand and replaces it with his tongue.”

(Thank you Kellie for recommending this author, you saved me😭)

Well…I found myself another book bf 😩

Idek where to start but first I guess I’ll say, this saved me from a book slump. I was hanging on by a thread and this made everything better so naturally I gotta recommend this book (and author) to anyone struggling to read right now. This was short, sweet, light hearted, simple, and very funny —the best cure for a slump apparently.

The heroine is 100% a tsundere and I absolutely love that. Her “crazy” personality was perfectly balanced by the hero’s calm, cool demeanor.

Luke (hero) was amazing. I didn’t find a “flaw” (I say this loosely lol) in him until the 70% mark and that’s a win in my book. I can confirm he says the right thing 99% of the time and as of right now, he’s the closest to my ideal type (which is scary). I don’t like re-reading books because my TBR pile is so high already but I definitely want to read this again before the year ends.

If Mink’s other books are like this, she can gladly take all my money 🤑

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Emotions: 🤔🤨😅😮😲😳🧎‍♀️😍🥵🥰😩‼️(notice my descent to madness lol)

Profile Image for ✏️Bellas.
357 reviews16 followers
January 23, 2021
Whow Whow Whow (fans myself)

LUKE KNIGHT u fucking Gem of a Speciman!!
Jesus I love a man who goes gets his girl no bullshit armour and tells it how it is.

He's a bad mother fucker. But not to his girl, he's soft and mushy until its time for bed... U get my Drift??

He has just earned a spot on my top fave Heros. This man is legend, I cud read him alday.

Top it off with a feisty not goin to bend to your will hardcore woman and I'm in book heaven. Vixen is not gona take his shit. She stands her ground. This birdy has just got her wings and she won't be tied down no more! She's got a sexual appetite for Luke and doesn't mind taking wat she wants in the bedroom (sure why not? Hell give her wat she wants)

This was a great story that was tied up in a tidy book bow. I loved how we still got a full sexy real depth story in 1 book. No unnecessary dragging out with a series.

I'm totally a fan of MINK now

THIS GIRL KNOWS HOW TO DO IT :-) :-) :-)
Profile Image for I'm Fine, Just Tired.
1,215 reviews18 followers
October 12, 2022
I love Mink books.

Hilarious and absurd storylines full of sexy couples and fun!

My head tilts back, taking in his home. Our home. The one that will be all mine after I kill him. I smile. I’ve always wanted a castle.

Is there anything better than our heroine trying to murder her new husband, our hero? All the while he simply falls more in love with her.

“When are you coming back?” I hate when he’s gone for too long.
“Miss me?” I do, but he’ll never hear me utter those words.
“I’m planning your death,” I remind him.
“I’ll be home soon so you can have your way with me.” He laughs.

“I love you,” he says before the call ends.
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews34 followers
December 29, 2019
Lol funny and a wonderful read!!

Cassandra has been sold to Luke and will be his wife. She plans to kill him and live a long and happy life with her cat and his money. Luke knew the instant he saw Cassandra that she was his one and only, now if he can just convince her of that before she kills him. This is a wonderfully funny, steamy, twisted read that will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. Loved this book and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Liz.
3,710 reviews64 followers
January 6, 2020
His Deadly Darling by Mink was a surprising read. A fun, steamy and quick read about an arranged marriage. Luke wants Cassandra, but she feels forced. She is determined to walk away with everything, except her husband. But he is just as determined to win her over. Can she see what is right in front of her?

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,214 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2020
Laugh out loud

This story is laugh out loud funny! Luke uses a sneaky way to get his Vixen,but only because he truly wants her. Vixen is so funny in the ways she thinks up to try and kill him. This was such an uplifting story!
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,616 reviews148 followers
Read
March 28, 2020
DNF at 34%.
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