Dark Ruler

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and most definitely won’t be the last!!!
This book is about Benicio, head of the Benett family and Chantal
I loved all the characters names they are so unique and beautiful!!
This is not a typical mafia romance wherein the hero kidnaps or forces the heroine, that’s something I really liked!
I also loved the way the heroine is portrayed in this book! She’s not a timid, submissive woman
It does contain elements of bdsm but is not a dark romance. Loved the fact that though she lets him dominate her in the confines of their room she refuses to let him dominate outside it and stands for what she wants and believes in!!
My favorite character in this book apart from the mcs is Miko
What I didn’t like though was the fact that there was too much Italian. In the initial chapters in Chantal’s didn’t have that many translations so was a little difficult for me to understand!! Also the conversations were so long that I had to go back to read what was actually happening!!
Also since it’s a mafia romance I was expecting a little more action and the author could have gone into a little detail about chasing and threats I felt I was reading the gist/ outline of the story rather than the story itself! I also would have liked to see how the characters say ‘I love you’ the first time!! Felt it was a little rushed!! But other than these I really liked the story and eagerly awaiting the second book😊

2020

Amanda Davanzati

684 reviews21 followers

This is my first book by Xavier Neal and I’m happy to say, I thoroughly enjoy her writing. To me her writing style was different from what I typically read. It was like a breath of fresh air.

Dark Ruler was intriguing. The story instantly draw you in with the commanding billionaire Benicio. He is set in his ways of how things have fun for his personal and professional life. So when a beautiful Chantal stumbles into his office, those ways start to quickly change. There is so much mystery they have to deal with that has you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between these two is steamy. Such a strong attraction that they both don’t want to lose. Benicio and Chantal both put in some strong dedication for their relationship to work. There are ups and downs the entire time but they both know what they want.

This books was a good start to these two as for they did end on a cliffhanger. However, this cliffhanger definitely keeps you wanting more and curious to see what happens next. I’m excited to see where this story goes next!

BreakingtheEpigraph

1,282 reviews14 followers

I really enjoyed this book; the characters were well developed. Chantel Brooks is a boss with a writing code superpower that Benicio Bennett wasn't ready for but had to have in his life. She barged her way into his life, and he refused to let her go. This story had all the elements of an alpha male who loves a woman but doesn't realize he can't put her on the backburner or make her feel like an afterthought. She just isn't going to take it.

Becky Ballenger

664 reviews19 followers

Chantal and Benicio are sexy, steamy, and oh so good!!!!! Miko is absolutely phenomenal!!!!! I always love the way Xavier Neal gives us strong, beautiful heroines!!!! I absolutely love this!!!! It makes the characters storylines that much better!!!! It’s what makes me dig into their journey, and the journey of all of Xavier’s characters with fervor!!!!! She gives us the best characters and the most amazing reads!!!! What a phenomenal author!!!!!

Beyond The Covers Blog

2,518 reviews91 followers

Excited!!!! What a great new take on a mafia romance. I loved it! I know there are already a lot of exclamation marks in just these few sentences but damn this book was uber good! (ok, I couldn’t resist that last one) Dark Ruler by Xavier Neal is book one in The Bennett Duet and there was just no way this book could be singular. Dear Lawd, the dynamics between Chantal and Benicio is over the top hot, hot hot. Chantal is snarky and sassy and Benicio is a heavy handed “Sir” that loves to be in control, and they play well off each other. I liked for once that the MFC wasn’t a wilting flower that had to be coddled and the head of the mafia the MMC didn’t run a casino, finally there was a different business that was explored in the world of organized crime. Thank you, Xavier Neal for this 5-star book. Now we just need the second part of the duet to continue this wonderful storyline.

Benicio Bennett is the head of his famiglia and is expected to marry and produce an heir. He is resigned to this fact till a mocha skinned goddess barges into his office and makes her presence known. Never in a million years did Chantal Brooks think that when she found financial discrepancies in the Bennett Meats books that she would catch the eye of Mr. Bennett himself. With an attraction stronger than he has ever felt Benicio is determined to set tradition aside and make a new set of rules to make the beautiful accountant his own. Now he must keep her alive long enough to do it.

celeste

Tiffany Levin

545 reviews

Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault

“I didn’t plan for you to barge into my office. I didn’t plan to be so painfully attracted to you or for the attraction to continue to grow every time you open your beautiful bocca. I didn’t plan for our date to be…a date or for that date to leave me so desperate for another. I didn’t plan to have you come into my life, capture my every free thought, and make me incapable of caring about anything other than the next time I’m going to see you.”

I was initially hesitant about this book because I prefer to keep my reading light and fun but decided to give it a shot because I’ve read many other things from Xavier and loved them. This was no exception!!! Benecio portrays to the outside world what a typical mafia boss is supposed to be. But when Chantal busts into his office, his world is forever changed - as evidenced by the quote above! Xavier does an amazing job of bringing that side of him out while still keeping the mafia boss in clear view. This is the first part of the duet and I cannot wait for part two! So if you aren’t typically the type to delve into darker or more suspenseful romances, this is definitely a good one to start with and take a chance on. I am so very glad I did!!!!

897 reviews38 followers

Dark Ruler is the first book that I’ve read by Xavier Neal and while it was good, I just couldn’t connect with Benicio and Chantal or the story until midway through. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary dialogue between them in the beginning and some parts of the story dragged. However, the story did get better, it was engaging and I grew to like these two characters a lot. I loved the mafioso aspect, the edginess, twists and turns and Benicio and Chantal sexy times were quite dark and delicious. The father/daughter relationship between Chantal and Luther was a wonderful addition to the book and the author did a great job with this. I’m looking forward the reading the second book.

Kathy Coopmans

Author 77 books2,690 followers

Benicio!! Where have you been hiding my man?!?! I need to re-read because I never want to let you go.
Guys. I devoured this book.
It’s such a different take on mafia. But, oh so fulfilling.
I’m in love with Chantal and Beni. Jealous of her in a bad way.
This book is scorching hot. It’s packed with everything I love in a book. I can’t stop thinking about it and I finished two nights ago. I can’t wait to read more, because let me tell you, Xavier has weaved a remarkable, hook, line and sinker story.
Kathy Coopmans
USA Today Bestselling Author.

Amber K

1,223 reviews48 followers

Dark Ruler by Xavier Neal

Loved this dark mafia romance!! Benicio and Chantal are great characters and I loved how stubborn & sassy Chantal is! Well written, dark and definitely steamy! The back and forth dialogue between characters, especially Beni & his 2nd, Miko had me laughing out loud several times.
Beni & Chantal make an amazing couple!! But ugh, the ending...I cannot wait for the last part of this duet!!!

arc e-book

Brandy Goodman

350 reviews9 followers

Wow...another amazing read by Xavier. Chantal is fierce and independent, even though Beni was looking for something different because of tradition he can not fight his attraction to this outspoken beauty. The twists and turns will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Books, Pjs,

168 reviews2 followers

My first time reading this author, definitely going to be reading the rest of her books 😁
I loved Chantal's character, so fiery, takes no shit!
And Beni 😍
Wouldn't mind a bit of Beni myself 😂
That endings though 🤬
I definitely need the next book!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Robyn Corcoran

2,293 reviews91 followers

What an exciting ride this story is! The romance is one for the books and I loved the confidence and strength of Chantal, she is definitely not one to sit back and be told what to do, especially by a man, yet is quick to see when perhaps they might be right too. The way she schooled Benicio in manners and common curtesy is fantastic and works well. There is a good balance in their relationship that gradually builds over time.

Beni is one very arrogant, self-assured, workaholic boss, literally! He really is knocked for six when he meets Chantal and discovers her sassy mouth and intelligence is an aphrodisiac for him. Together, Benicio and Chantal, are physically on fire, their passion is red hot and they steam up nearly everywhere they go! Coupled with their deeper care for each other I really felt they had a great connection.

Special mention must go to Miko, Beni’s cousin and second in command. His sense of humour is terrific and he loves nothing more than to tease Beni, it’s hilarious. He is also dedicated to his work as security chief and guards Benicio well.

This is definitely a darkish story but there are some fantastic scenes with great humour whether it be the actual style of writing within a scene or the fun banter between characters. This banter often had me chuckling and I loved the alliteration used in the book too. For example when Beni says “... the who, the why, the when and the win...” Without going into specifics and giving anything away this reply says it all very succinctly and in a less austere manner.

The underlying mystery of who is ripping off Beni is a conundrum that is still unanswered. Every time I thought I had an inkling something new would develop and oh boy, what an exciting ending. I can not wait to read second book now!

Booksaddict2020

854 reviews3 followers

This is the first part of the duet series.
Benicio is a king of the business and the underground world. His life was monotonous until he met Chantel. But someone is threatening to take her away from him. He will protect her at all costs.

This a Mafia Romance novel with a lot of drama, romance, comedy with a lot of steamy scenes and a quirky FC that makes this book a great read. It is a little dark, which is expected. There are a lot of dialogs in Italian and some without its translation below, which makes it a little strenuous for readers who don't understand the language and a cliff hanger at the end that will make the readers eagerly wait the next book. Nonetheless, it is a highly recommended book for readers who like this genre.

Personal Take:
I quite enjoyed reading this book. Miko and Chantel were hilarious. The author's writing style was also unique, in a quite poetic way. I hope the next part is coming soon or else I'll die of frustration with the cliff hanger in the book.

Sheri Bishop

507 reviews7 followers

Benicio has been raised to rule his kingdoms with an iron fist. Chantal has been raised to be a strong, take no crap woman. And when their two worlds collide, watch out!

Xavier never disappoints with her books. Yes, it is dark mafia but the romance seems to be more important than the dark and the mafia parts. I loved that Beni and Chantal met in a "normal" way, rather than her being sold to him or blackmailed into being with him.

I will warn that there is a cliffhanger, and what a CLIFFHANGER, so be prepared. I'm debating about sneaking into Xavier's and reading over her shoulder as she writes. Maybe if I bring coffee, she won't be too mad.

Andrea Turner

300 reviews19 followers

October 29, 2025

I’m loving this book so hard!! This story is one of my favorites by XAVIER and I couldn’t get enough of them.

Benicio Bennett is a Alpha male that will make you swoon, and want to slap him at the same time. He was thought that is family legacy was going to be his at an early age, and he has stepped into that roll without batting an eye. I adore his dark side so much!

Chantal Brooks is this smart and sassy woman that knows how to take care of herself. She can be a woman on a mission, and knows how to get what she wants.

These two meet in a unexpected way to say the least, but when they do their worlds collide together. Beni will do whatever it takes to make her his, while Chantal pushes his every nerve to get what she needs. There is such a push and pull with them that had me craving for more. These crazy two are meant for each other. Ying and Yang! I loved the personal growth that happens with them, and let’s not forget the kinks in and out of the bedroom. I’m praying that I get what I want in the next installment side your girl left us hanging. She gutted me at the end of this book, and now I have to wait for the next one. My heart hurts for them!
Also please check out her book Unleashed! It’s not part of this series, but it will give you a look into what his illegal dealings are. Plus it’s also one of my faves by her!!!

Karry

1,420 reviews21 followers

October 18, 2020

This book began in a “Coming to America,” Cosa Nostra (Italian Mafia) kind of style. So fun, so sexy, so dangerous. The D/s aspect did my heart good. I loved every bit of it, but the end. I can’t say why because it will spoil it for everyone else, but my heart hurts for it. Definitely have tissues. I thoroughly enjoyed all the funny back talk and banter. It softened the dark and dangerous edges and complimented them perfectly. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Jenn Allen

3,237 reviews46 followers

alpha-dom crime-family dom-sub-ish

Holy smoking OMG! When I can't put down a book, when I am up half the night because I can't make myself stop reading... I have an amazing book in my hands. Let's start with Chantal. I adore her. She's amazingly strong, she's so smart, fierce, loyal and I love the quirks that have helped her navigate life. Now for Beni. Just WOW! He's intense, he demands loyalty, he's full of fire and grit. The two of them have such a great back and forth, I had so many smiles and giggles, and just as many gasps and time fanning myself. The story is fantastic, this swirl of mystery and danger is perfect and I loved every second. I was on the edge of my seat and I will be anxiously waiting on the second part of this duet!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Alison

483 reviews27 followers

Heather Chaotic Creatives

5 Dangerously, Powerful Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

Benico is not destined to find a Queen to love and be by his side. In his world, he chooses a betrothed who is to act as required. Then Chantal walked into his office, and everything destined for him, for them, changed.

Xavier Neal has written a captivating and enticing story, with an edge of darkness, she has written in a way that we use our imagination to picture the darkness, which I absolutely love. Sometimes it is nice to read a story without the need for a detailed/gruesome account of how dark a character can and will go, or how truly dangerous they are. Instead Xavier Neal has used the power of words to show us/suggest how truly powerful, dark and dangerous Benico is.

I equally loved and adored Benico and Chantal. Both are strong, independent characters, who will stop at nothing to protect the people they love. Together they are a force to be reckoned with, they are the light of each other’s lives, they bring out the part of them, that they otherwise try to keep hidden from the rest of the world. Neither tries to change the other, nor do they try to change the lives they lead. Chantal is not a weak character, she knows who Benico is, and she accepts and embraces his life, for him. Together they are a strong and powerful force.

Part one of this Bennett duet, builds suspense and anticipation from the very start, towards something bigger, something darker. Just as we see Benico and Chantal sharing in a happy occasion, that happiness is suddenly torn away, leaving us shocked, scared and more importantly wanting MORE! This first half of the duet does end with a cliff hanger; however, you will not be left annoyed, or angry, you will be wanting more, wanting to see justice prevail! Thank you, Xavier Neal, for another brilliant story, I cannot wait for part two!!!!

Romance, edge of darkness, and more importantly, a great storyline, you will not be disappointed!

Read All About It

2,028 reviews23 followers

October 15, 2020

Beni Bennett is a mafioso. He doesn’t take no for a answer when he wants something and he wants Chantal. Alpha male,Possessive and ruthless.

I didn’t plan to be so painfully attracted to you or for the attraction to continue to grow every time you open your beautiful bocca.

Chantal Brooks is a strong and outspoken woman. She can hold her own against Beni.

I love this book the characters are snarky and hilarious. There are dark parts but they tie right into the story line.

His curt recalling of how the Bennett side of my DNA operates causes me to sarcastically comment, “You should’ve been a motivational speaker instead of my second.”
Miko places a hand over his heart and offers me a theatrical, “Grazie.”

Miko needs his own book. This was my first book by this author but not my last.

Oh My Gosh That Cliffhanger Ending is Killing Me!!

1,138 reviews51 followers

December 22, 2020

What it is it with books giving me book hangovers lately?.... This is my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last, and not because this books ending leaves you hanging. No its because this author has written a world that I completely fell in love with. Fyi
Beni was raised to to believe women should behave and just be a certain way. When he lays eyes on the oh so sassy and beautiful Chantel all of that gets thrown out the window. Their initial meeting has his eyes opening in more ways than one... Their explosive chemistry is unbelievably hot and you may or may not find yourself fanning yourself to cool off. I love how she doesn't "bow" down, but stands on her own two feet. Her wittiness is what helps Beni realize that there is so much more to life than being head of the family.
The writing flows amazing and it did not drag at all. The secondary characters are written just as well as the main characters, and they help this story flow. Miko needs to have a story of his own, and even though I might find Beni hot I volunteer as tribute ;)

arcs favorites

Everything Bookish Blog

779 reviews32 followers

Let’s just start this by saying you’re not ready. I sure wasn’t. And I’m still not okay. This book ruined me in the most beautiful ways. The book hangover is real for this one. I’m still trying to put my heart back together. Benicio is used to not being questioned. He’s confident and unapologetically him. Chantel challenges him at every turn with a sharp tongue and sass that doesn’t quit. These two fit so well together it’s undeniable. They butt heads in such delicious ways. Their passion is volcanic and brought me to my knees. He’s a dominant alpha but she won’t be forced into submission. Watching their dance for dominance was pure art. It brought out so many unexpected pieces of myself that I saw in them. The little moments had such a simple beauty I could not get enough. The push and pull was enthralling it pulled me under and never let go.

LORRIE

3,535 reviews63 followers

October 8, 2020

An excellent dark read

Renee Megee

144 reviews12 followers

This book is definitely a book that everyone must read. It is filled with so many emotions and attitudes. Meet Benicio and Chantel. You will love this couple. It is a dark read so be ready.

Puss'N'Books

204 reviews274 followers

Reviewed by PussnBooks.net

Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.

This is my first read of Xavier Neal’s and it was well written. The characters were actually hilarious and interesting.

CHANTAL
This woman is super sassy and intelligent...and not to be fucked with.
She tells it like it is and gives zero fucks as to what you think of her.
The more I read about her, the surer I was that she’s on the spectrum somewhere (my son is autistic).
She gives me a run for my money when it comes to over analyzing everything someone says and does, lol!

These are the qualities that attracted Benicio to her but he may have bitten off more than he can chew when it comes to Chantal.
They first meet when she pretty much barges into his office, again giving zero fucks about the armed guard that’s chasing after her, to bring the fact that she’s discovered someone may be stealing from him to his attention.
She’s cautious however and blows him off when he asks-or more like demands-she go to dinner with him.

Taking a chance she finally gives in and is actually beginning to feel like there might be something there...that is until he fucks up in a major way by being the arrogant ass that he is.
You get one chance with Chantal and that’s it, dude.

BENICIO
Arg! This guy is a right twat in some regards.
Yes, he’s sexy as sin.
Yes, he’s charming and smart.
Yes, got a big dick….wait...where was I going with this..?
Oh, yes!

But he’s also arrogant, self-assured and chauvinistic
But things are expected of him and this is the way he was raised.
Women have a role to play and are to be seen but not heard.

FUCK!! People like that need a swift kick up the arse, lol.
There are deals and traditions that he can’t just break...can he?
The banter between the two was excellent and I was snorting pretty much on and off through the whole book.
Especially when Miko (his second in command) was involved.

SEX SCENES

Rumbles of restlessness vibrate my lips when I grab a fistful of her pinned up hair to command her hooded stare to widen. I harshly hold her gaze needing it in my possession the first time my cock pierces her pussy. My first thrust inside isn’t graceful or gentle. It lacks poise. Patience. However, the immediate enveloping of her white-hot heat burns away the ability to give a fuck. “Sir,” Chantal whimpers, needy and pleading already. “Can I come?” Both hands fall to grip her thighs for leverage in tandem with the answer. “No.” Her brown gaze widens in objection, bottom lip wordlessly imploring for permission to answer the call of the orgasm she’s been denying for at least an hour. She turns the begging over to her soaking wet pussy, who weeps and weeps and weeps for release only to physically receive the same denial she was given verbally. I ruthlessly pound, scolding us both for barely being able to hold on so early into our next level conquering. While this isn’t the first time I’ve experienced a woman without a barrier, it is the first time it’s ever felt like I wasn’t in control. Like one poorly timed pulse from her pussy would have me busting without any ability to stop it. The lack of rule over the situation despite the displayed dominion pushes me to pump faster. More vicious. Carve my name, my claim, my hierarchy into every sopping crevice my cock can reach. And those it can’t, cause me to me cruelly heave harder until I can. Until Chantal is savagely screaming at the top of her lungs for satisfaction. For mercy. The sight of her body flailing and jerking mixing with the sounds of her moaning and the rope twisting have me unleashing beastly roars in rapid succession. I dig my fingers deeper into her leg, bruising the beautiful brown territory, littering her flesh with marks I want to see again and again. Her suspended nature makes it easy to maintain the speed and velocity in which she takes my dick, but the greediness of her tight muscles effortlessly hands her back power I don’t think I’ll ever truly get back. I hiss and heave. Hit the hilt. Hit her clit. Have her walk the tight rope of her orgasm so closely that tears clog her lids and voice in tandem. “Please,” she weakly calls out, “please, Sir.” My balls lift to insist we go first, no longer finding enough gratification in just basking in the juices dripping free. I groan through another round of self-denial to give her hers. She will always be given hers. Her happiness, her relief, her… satiation trumps my own. “Gambe,” I growl as I tangle one arm around her frame. “Wrap them around me.” Chantal whimpers, knowing the depth it’ll force my dick to dive, and follows the instruction. “Bravissima, Mia Bella,” my breathless compliment is proceeded by me winding my free hand around her neck. “Tell me… tell me who this pussy belongs to.” “You.” The lack of reluctance causes my cock to kick in excitement. “Who your pleasure belongs to.” “You.” “Who you come for.” “You…” Chantal’s watery gaze attaches to mine. “Sir.” My fingers flex to better feel her fluttering pulse at the same time I growl her permission. “Come, Mia Bella. Come for me.” There’s the faintest breath followed by the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard in my entire fucking life. Orgasmic cries and screams and shouts have long been a favorite, but the quiet sigh of surrender that slips from her parted lips easily surpasses all of them. The sweet sonance shatters whatever strength I had and I savagely come with her.

Final Thoughts On DARK RULER by Xavier Neal
So here’s the thing. I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the sex, lol. But when I read a mafia story I want the dark and nasty. I want more alpha instead of a charmer. If you want something a bit lighter than your usual mafia romance then this is one for you.
If like me, you need the dark in order for your wee black heart to beat faster, then this won’t satisfy you.
3.5 Stars.

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Aztiana

9 reviews