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Vicious Little Liar
This is the full length novel. It is a dark, and forbidden Roman & Juliet retelling.
Vicious Little Liar is intended for mature audiences 17+. It is very much a DARK romance and includes themes common in the genre including moments of dubious consent. Please read responsibly.
Vicious Little Liar is intended for mature audiences 17+. It is very much a DARK romance and includes themes common in the genre including moments of dubious consent. Please read responsibly.
Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2022
266 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Daniela Romero
36 books1,068 followersDaniela Romero is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She enjoys writing steamy, new-adult and paranormal romance that delivers an emotional roller coaster sure to take your breath away.
Her books feature a diverse cast of characters with rich and vibrant cultures in an effort to effectively portray the world we all live in. One that is so beautifully colorful.
Daniela is a Bay Area native though she currently lives in Washington State with her sarcastic husband and their three tiny terrors.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys frequent naps, binge reading her favorite romance books, and is known to crochet while watching television because her ADHD brain can never do just one thing at a time.
Stop by her website to find all the fun and unique ways you can stalk her. And while you’re there you can check out some free bonus scenes from your favorite books, learn about her Patreon, order signed copies of her books, and swoon over her gorgeous alternative cover editions.
www.daniela-romero.com
You can join her newsletter by visiting
https://hi.switchy.io/VIP
Her books feature a diverse cast of characters with rich and vibrant cultures in an effort to effectively portray the world we all live in. One that is so beautifully colorful.
Daniela is a Bay Area native though she currently lives in Washington State with her sarcastic husband and their three tiny terrors.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys frequent naps, binge reading her favorite romance books, and is known to crochet while watching television because her ADHD brain can never do just one thing at a time.
Stop by her website to find all the fun and unique ways you can stalk her. And while you’re there you can check out some free bonus scenes from your favorite books, learn about her Patreon, order signed copies of her books, and swoon over her gorgeous alternative cover editions.
www.daniela-romero.com
You can join her newsletter by visiting
https://hi.switchy.io/VIP
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 25, 2023
I read this because the sequel comes out on my birthday. Maybe not the most logical reason to read a book, but why not? I am conflicted in how to rate this though, because there were parts I found entertaining and parts that I really didn't like.
Because so many scenes in this book are assault after assault after assault. And I thought, since the fiance was crappy, that the love interest would be better. Yeah...not really.
It's crazy to me that he knew what happened to Leticia when she was younger, he witnessed it, defended her, but now that they're both adults it's like he forgot all of that in favour of thinking with his dick. I really don't get it. He's just another Maxim, but one who Leticia actually liked at one point, that's their only difference.
What I did like, is that they storyline wasn't too bad and it got me interested enough to maybe check out the next book to see if Leticia will free herself of every single man and run off into the sunset with her fortune. I DOUBT IT BUT I CAN DREAM.
I also like that it was a pretty quick and easy read, but at the same time I hate how it ended, not just because of yet another assault, but it didn't feel like a natural place to end the book.
Because so many scenes in this book are assault after assault after assault. And I thought, since the fiance was crappy, that the love interest would be better. Yeah...not really.
It's crazy to me that he knew what happened to Leticia when she was younger, he witnessed it, defended her, but now that they're both adults it's like he forgot all of that in favour of thinking with his dick. I really don't get it. He's just another Maxim, but one who Leticia actually liked at one point, that's their only difference.
What I did like, is that they storyline wasn't too bad and it got me interested enough to maybe check out the next book to see if Leticia will free herself of every single man and run off into the sunset with her fortune. I DOUBT IT BUT I CAN DREAM.
I also like that it was a pretty quick and easy read, but at the same time I hate how it ended, not just because of yet another assault, but it didn't feel like a natural place to end the book.
November 9, 2022
I tried really but come on, u don't see the man for 5 years and the 1st thing he does is play with u in front of everyone?? haibo..
November 25, 2022
I saw this novella and thought it would be the perfect quick and easy read.
We’re introduced to our main character Leticia in a nightclub with her forced fiancé Maxim. She appears quiet and is being controlled by her husband-to-be. Internally she appears fierce and determined but on the outside meek and submissive. We know that she is daughter of a cartel leader and marrying Maxim solidifies their position but also their finances.
Andrès is our male main character. He’s also the leader of an organised crime group. He has a history with Leticia and as a reader we get a vivid and disturbing flashback of him saving her from Maxim where she’s being sexually assaulted. This was very early on in the book and I was really surprised to see this.
I had a difficult time reading this. Leticia is in one forced arranged marriage, where she’s treated horribly and suddenly she’s reunited with her first love who proceeds to touch her sexually in front of everyone while she struggles to comprehend his return.
This doesn’t appear to be the first time. The entitlement Andres feels towards her is awful. I think through the entire novella, the two have one conversation regarding their potential marriage. He proceeds to touch her further while in between her protests to the essentially a kidnapping and her attempted escape.
By the end, a meeting takes place with Andres, Leticia, her father and their respective men where they try to negotiate a deal that leaves her with Andres and this would fulfil the debt owed from Andres father being killed by him.
Leticia’s entire inheritance relies on her remaining a virgin until marriage, apparently the reason behind this is her religious upbringing. A doctor attends this meeting where her father insists she is inspected to see ‘if her virtue is intact’. So here’s where I had the problem. She expresses she’s not comfortable with that, her father insists but our MMC thinks bending her over a desk and having sex, if you can call it that, with her, showcasing her clear pain and distress as proof to her father, deeming her ‘worthless’. I was gobsmacked. I’ve read dark romance, consensual non-consent and this honestly felt like assault. She expressed the importance of her inheritance and Andres and his brothers knew the clauses to this contract. But what was even worse was Andres genuinely not seeing the issue with what he did in that meeting.
And this is where the novella ends. Both characters leaving this meeting, Leticia clearly distressed, Andres fumbling over his words on what he’d done.
I enjoyed the initial story of escaping one arranged marriage for another that would be safer and more comfortable for Leticia, as well as the conflicting families, the cartel, mafia etc. but the issues discussed above really stuck with me.
Obviously my opinion is only my own and it you enjoyed this novella then I’m happy you did. Enjoying books is subjective to your own feeling and experiences and that’s the power of reading.
I think the author set the novel really well at the beginning. I didn’t feel lost or confused about what was happening or who the characters were
We’re introduced to our main character Leticia in a nightclub with her forced fiancé Maxim. She appears quiet and is being controlled by her husband-to-be. Internally she appears fierce and determined but on the outside meek and submissive. We know that she is daughter of a cartel leader and marrying Maxim solidifies their position but also their finances.
Andrès is our male main character. He’s also the leader of an organised crime group. He has a history with Leticia and as a reader we get a vivid and disturbing flashback of him saving her from Maxim where she’s being sexually assaulted. This was very early on in the book and I was really surprised to see this.
I had a difficult time reading this. Leticia is in one forced arranged marriage, where she’s treated horribly and suddenly she’s reunited with her first love who proceeds to touch her sexually in front of everyone while she struggles to comprehend his return.
This doesn’t appear to be the first time. The entitlement Andres feels towards her is awful. I think through the entire novella, the two have one conversation regarding their potential marriage. He proceeds to touch her further while in between her protests to the essentially a kidnapping and her attempted escape.
By the end, a meeting takes place with Andres, Leticia, her father and their respective men where they try to negotiate a deal that leaves her with Andres and this would fulfil the debt owed from Andres father being killed by him.
Leticia’s entire inheritance relies on her remaining a virgin until marriage, apparently the reason behind this is her religious upbringing. A doctor attends this meeting where her father insists she is inspected to see ‘if her virtue is intact’. So here’s where I had the problem. She expresses she’s not comfortable with that, her father insists but our MMC thinks bending her over a desk and having sex, if you can call it that, with her, showcasing her clear pain and distress as proof to her father, deeming her ‘worthless’. I was gobsmacked. I’ve read dark romance, consensual non-consent and this honestly felt like assault. She expressed the importance of her inheritance and Andres and his brothers knew the clauses to this contract. But what was even worse was Andres genuinely not seeing the issue with what he did in that meeting.
And this is where the novella ends. Both characters leaving this meeting, Leticia clearly distressed, Andres fumbling over his words on what he’d done.
I enjoyed the initial story of escaping one arranged marriage for another that would be safer and more comfortable for Leticia, as well as the conflicting families, the cartel, mafia etc. but the issues discussed above really stuck with me.
Obviously my opinion is only my own and it you enjoyed this novella then I’m happy you did. Enjoying books is subjective to your own feeling and experiences and that’s the power of reading.
I think the author set the novel really well at the beginning. I didn’t feel lost or confused about what was happening or who the characters were
November 10, 2022
Yes, Please!
I was sucked into this story from the very beginning! Andres is the head of the DeAnde Cartel. Leti is the daughter of a rival family. Andres wants her. She's betrothed to another. The odds are completely against them, but Andres isn't one to sit back and allow someone else to claim what's his. The only problem? Leti doesn't want to be anyone's possession.
This was a quick and steamy read, and I can't wait for the next installment to see how their story plays out!!
I was sucked into this story from the very beginning! Andres is the head of the DeAnde Cartel. Leti is the daughter of a rival family. Andres wants her. She's betrothed to another. The odds are completely against them, but Andres isn't one to sit back and allow someone else to claim what's his. The only problem? Leti doesn't want to be anyone's possession.
This was a quick and steamy read, and I can't wait for the next installment to see how their story plays out!!
December 1, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for my advanced reader’s copy of Vicious Little Liar by Daniela Romero.
Trigger warnings include: assault, abuse, and dubious consent
“Kindness is a weakness in our world, and I won’t show weakness in front of anyone, let alone my enemies.”
Vicious Little Liar is intended for those 17 and up. It is a very mature and dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
With feuding families and romance what else could you need? This book was very good. It was steamy, but still had an exciting plot. You never knew what was going to happen next. Our main characters Andres and Leticia were constantly keeping us on our toes. Leticia is strong and always has a plan for whatever situation she’s in. Andres is possessive and level headed, except when it comes to Leticia.
I liked Leticia as a character I have no complaints with her, Andres on the other hand… I won’t spoil what he did, but he made some poor decisions in my opinion. Overall I enjoyed this book up until the end. The story ended in the middle of a scene, which is my only complaint. Other than that, know what you are reading. Because there were some dark and heavy moments in the book.
I would recommend this book to those just getting into dark romances or those who like Romeo and Juliet retellings.
Trigger warnings include: assault, abuse, and dubious consent
“Kindness is a weakness in our world, and I won’t show weakness in front of anyone, let alone my enemies.”
Vicious Little Liar is intended for those 17 and up. It is a very mature and dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
With feuding families and romance what else could you need? This book was very good. It was steamy, but still had an exciting plot. You never knew what was going to happen next. Our main characters Andres and Leticia were constantly keeping us on our toes. Leticia is strong and always has a plan for whatever situation she’s in. Andres is possessive and level headed, except when it comes to Leticia.
I liked Leticia as a character I have no complaints with her, Andres on the other hand… I won’t spoil what he did, but he made some poor decisions in my opinion. Overall I enjoyed this book up until the end. The story ended in the middle of a scene, which is my only complaint. Other than that, know what you are reading. Because there were some dark and heavy moments in the book.
I would recommend this book to those just getting into dark romances or those who like Romeo and Juliet retellings.
December 18, 2022
I did not enjoy this book. I DNFed around 75%. I put it down, hoping to WANT to continue reading it, but I just couldn't drag myself to the end, kicking and screaming.
December 4, 2022
This just did nothing for me, I really thought it would be a quick and easy read since the book is so short but it was a massive disappointment I didn't like either of the main characters. It was stereotypical and cringy and I found Andres very disgusting and borderline rapey + not much different from Maxim at all other than how Leti feels about him.
The ending was very abrupt and didn't feel like the proper way to end a book but more like end a chapter. In my opinion this book was just. Really bad. I had too many issues with it and it annoyed me a lot.
The ending was very abrupt and didn't feel like the proper way to end a book but more like end a chapter. In my opinion this book was just. Really bad. I had too many issues with it and it annoyed me a lot.
December 5, 2022
Just trying to get to my reading goal at this point…
November 29, 2022
I have mixed emotions with this one. While I’m not sure if I like what happens, this story is definitely pulling a lot of emotions out. While I wanted our main couple to have a second chance, I feel that Andres needs to step up and do more to show that he cares for Leticia. There is physical chemistry and a past where he looked out for her, but it seems Andres has a long road before he can fulfill his vows to Leticia of making her an equal. Even if he is a cartel leader, it felt he didn’t have control over things. I was hoping for some reconciliation too which I’m sure the author will give us in future books since we didn’t really get it here but I’m having a hard time accepting what happens between Leticia and Andres, especially when Andres could see how his actions were going to have repercussions for Leticia.“No matter the cost” shouldn’t mean that Leticia has to be the one paying the price when she clearly wasn’t comfortable with it and was forced into it (maybe I prefer the hero being able to come out of a situation that doesn’t hurt the heroine in the process). My heart broke definitely for her because every step of the way she has had to pay the cost of others’ actions and I’m a mix of frustrated and dejected on her behalf. I want to scream and cry at the same time. I’m really hoping Leticia can secure her freedom because she deserves the world right now. She is a strong person but there’s only so much she can do in her situation. I need book 2 after that cliff and I really hope we see Leticia become the phoenix she is inside and rise above the ashes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of Vicious Little Liar by Daniela Romero. This is a mafia, second chance romance (a friends to lovers to strangers to enemies to lovers…?😳) and it was full of tension, plot twists and action! I will definitely be reading more from Daniela Romero.
However, I found myself unable to connect or care for any of the characters. Everything happened a bit too quickly and I think it could have been a bit longer to give everything space to happen. It felt rushed. I don’t think this couple should end up together as nothing has been done with her consent so far. She’s basically had to pick the lesser of two evils to marry and then he took her virginity non consensually in front of HER FATHER.
The Trigger Warnings that I picked up on are as follows:
-physical assault
-sexual assault
-infidelity
-forced marriage
-physical abuse
-dub con (dubious consent)
-rape
However, I found myself unable to connect or care for any of the characters. Everything happened a bit too quickly and I think it could have been a bit longer to give everything space to happen. It felt rushed. I don’t think this couple should end up together as nothing has been done with her consent so far. She’s basically had to pick the lesser of two evils to marry and then he took her virginity non consensually in front of HER FATHER.
The Trigger Warnings that I picked up on are as follows:
-physical assault
-sexual assault
-infidelity
-forced marriage
-physical abuse
-dub con (dubious consent)
-rape
January 7, 2023
Leti was born and raised in a mafia family where her father believes her true value is who she marries. She finds herself about to marry a man she despises is she can’t find a way to escape before it is too late.
Andres is part of a rival family so even though he loves her it has also created a distance between them. Finding out she is about to marry another becomes the breaking point and leads to an action that Leti may never forgive him for.
Leti is strong and fierce while Andres is determined to protect her even if his methods are unorthodox and leave us wanting more of this couple and their story.
Andres is part of a rival family so even though he loves her it has also created a distance between them. Finding out she is about to marry another becomes the breaking point and leads to an action that Leti may never forgive him for.
Leti is strong and fierce while Andres is determined to protect her even if his methods are unorthodox and leave us wanting more of this couple and their story.
November 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!! The characters were fantastic. I loved Leti, our mafia princess FMC. She was so smart and strong!! She really got a bad deal when her “papa” promised her to a rival. Maxim, her fiancée, is a horrible person. He treats Leti like garbage and a piece of property. He wants to force her into a sexual relationship, but fortunately her mother put stipulations in the rules of her inheritance. Once Leti and Maxim are married, he’ll have access to her inheritance also. Leti is counting down the days until she can run, but she knows she has to be smart about it. Maxim was also one of Leti’s tormentors when they were younger. Andres has also known Leti since childhood. They’ve been in love with each other. Unfortunately Andres had to let her go, because they were supposed to be enemies. However, Andres knows Leti would never marry Maxim willingly, so while planning an attack, Andres wants to rescue Leti. In his mind, she belongs to him!! I really loved Leti and Andres’s story ♥️
Also, Daniela’s books are all connected. Characters crossover, so you might’ve seen some of them in other books before. Definitely be on the lookout for easter eggs 😉
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🖤
Also, Daniela’s books are all connected. Characters crossover, so you might’ve seen some of them in other books before. Definitely be on the lookout for easter eggs 😉
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🖤
December 28, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting a completely different book. I didn't like it at all. I have read other books of this genre but in my opinion the author really went overboard.
The male protagonist does nothing but use violence (both psychological and physical) against the poor famale protagonist, up to the point of almost raping her in front of other people.
Not to mention that the book ends in the middle of a major part of the plot. I understand that this is a novella but it does not have a conclusion.
I was expecting a completely different book. I didn't like it at all. I have read other books of this genre but in my opinion the author really went overboard.
The male protagonist does nothing but use violence (both psychological and physical) against the poor famale protagonist, up to the point of almost raping her in front of other people.
Not to mention that the book ends in the middle of a major part of the plot. I understand that this is a novella but it does not have a conclusion.
December 27, 2022
This book was awesome!
Leticia is an heir in the mafia and is betrothed to a bully from high school, but will only receive her inheritance if she is untouched when she marries.
Andrés is the head of his family who is in love with Leti, but they are forbidden to be together.
When the time is right, Andrés waits to take Leti back and will try to figure out a way for them to be together (all the while she is angry with him).
Oh and it is left on a Cliffhanger 😫
Leticia is an heir in the mafia and is betrothed to a bully from high school, but will only receive her inheritance if she is untouched when she marries.
Andrés is the head of his family who is in love with Leti, but they are forbidden to be together.
When the time is right, Andrés waits to take Leti back and will try to figure out a way for them to be together (all the while she is angry with him).
Oh and it is left on a Cliffhanger 😫
November 29, 2022
I love a good mafia book and This book was fast paced and pulled me in almost immediately. I can’t wait for the next one.
Stars: 4
POV: dual
HEA?: no
Cheating: no
Cliffhanger?: yes
TW: dubcon
Tropes: mafia/cartel, enemies families, second chance, forced marriage.
**I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Stars: 4
POV: dual
HEA?: no
Cheating: no
Cliffhanger?: yes
TW: dubcon
Tropes: mafia/cartel, enemies families, second chance, forced marriage.
**I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
October 22, 2023
I was curious to read this and the beginning seemed good but this ended up just being a disappointment. . .
Thank you, next 🥴
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: forbidden romance, captor x captive, rivals
▬ 𝐭𝐰: rape
Thank you, next 🥴
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: forbidden romance, captor x captive, rivals
▬ 𝐭𝐰: rape
November 13, 2022
Finally Downloaded
It took me a while to finish this book, because of the corrupted file I received. Fortunately, I found a way to get a clean copy. I have more than email, so I created a new Amazon account. This allowed me purchase a clean copy of the book.
I love Daniela's books, and this does not disappoint. Leti and Andres are meant to be together. Even in the world of cartels and the mafia, love can exist. A world where women are pawns and chattel Leti is cunning, not willing to be owned by any man. Andres is a man who needs to right a wrong and to have his revenge for all the sins committed to his family. With all this going on Andres needs to maintain control over his world, sacrifices are made and lines are crossed. It's a little spicy and there is an undercurrent of what's to come. For an initial story to a series, I can see where this story can go. Enjoy.
It took me a while to finish this book, because of the corrupted file I received. Fortunately, I found a way to get a clean copy. I have more than email, so I created a new Amazon account. This allowed me purchase a clean copy of the book.
I love Daniela's books, and this does not disappoint. Leti and Andres are meant to be together. Even in the world of cartels and the mafia, love can exist. A world where women are pawns and chattel Leti is cunning, not willing to be owned by any man. Andres is a man who needs to right a wrong and to have his revenge for all the sins committed to his family. With all this going on Andres needs to maintain control over his world, sacrifices are made and lines are crossed. It's a little spicy and there is an undercurrent of what's to come. For an initial story to a series, I can see where this story can go. Enjoy.
November 14, 2022
Andres is hot AF!!!
There are not enough Cartel Romances so I'm very happy VLL is bringing up another entry into this genre!!!
I did not see the ending playing out how it did and that cliffy has me ready for Twisted Day Dreamer!!
Leti is the kind of FMC I always love to see. Fierce and calculating. She’s always trying to think ahead like she’s in a giant chess board!
There are not enough Cartel Romances so I'm very happy VLL is bringing up another entry into this genre!!!
I did not see the ending playing out how it did and that cliffy has me ready for Twisted Day Dreamer!!
Leti is the kind of FMC I always love to see. Fierce and calculating. She’s always trying to think ahead like she’s in a giant chess board!
January 5, 2023
I want to scream after reading this one! God my heart broke for Leti. She didn’t deserve the way anyone treated her. While I liked the friendship between younger Leti & Andres, I really wasn’t sold on older Andres. This one is definitely dark & left me feeling sad & angry on Leti’s behalf. I’m interested to see what happens in the next book.
December 28, 2022
Enjoyed it but looking forward to the next one cause this left off on a sour note to a certain degree for me but definitely will read the next one
November 12, 2022
Give me more!
What a great start to Leti and Andrés story.
I did not have any of the issues that other reviewers have claimed to have (missing the end of the book of whatever) and thoroughly enjoyed the tension filled story.
I loved getting to see into their shared past and how their friendship came to be, as well as getting to meet the DeAnde boys and see how they interact.
While I disliked the way that Andrés dealt with the subject of Leticia's purity, I could understand his reluctance to let someone else touch what is his.
No doubt, he is a protector, through and through.
I'm super excited to see where their story goes in the next book!
What a great start to Leti and Andrés story.
I did not have any of the issues that other reviewers have claimed to have (missing the end of the book of whatever) and thoroughly enjoyed the tension filled story.
I loved getting to see into their shared past and how their friendship came to be, as well as getting to meet the DeAnde boys and see how they interact.
While I disliked the way that Andrés dealt with the subject of Leticia's purity, I could understand his reluctance to let someone else touch what is his.
No doubt, he is a protector, through and through.
I'm super excited to see where their story goes in the next book!
January 9, 2023
Poor Leti, she's been used & abused by her family, and now she's stuck marrying a terrible man to help her crime family out. Andres wants her, and is going to do whatever it takes to make her his, and honestly, some of his actions left a bad taste in my mouth, so it will be interesting to see if my mind can be changed in the next books. I've been going over & over in my mind how to write this review because of the issues I had without ruining it for others since different strokes for different folks & all that, so I'll just keep it short & sweet. Vicious Little Liar is a dark story, so please check the trigger warnings before going in as there are quite a few. I will say that I was sucked into the plot immediately so it was easy to actually devour in one sitting but that ending really enraged me a great deal, and yes, it's a cliffhanger. I have no clue as to what direction their story will go in the coming books, but I am intrigued so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 12, 2023
Sooo goood
Be warned though -book 2 is not out (I had no idea) and can't find any release date or info and I'm unable to find the actual book on Amazon (so no preorder) which is bullshit because of how this ended. ARGH!
I thought each book would be about a different brother so I went ahead and read this and now I'm suffering. Although the story was really good, I'm really disappointed that book 2 isn't finished and published yet.
What the MMC did.. WOW. He could've talked to her and told her what to expect. He could've explained what he feels mays happen and work together to come up with ideas. He claims that she is his equal ...but he has yet to treat her as such. No wonder she walked away and of course she is going to hate him.
I love that he fights for her though and I do believe he actually loves her. The way he is refusing to give up on her is just <3 amazing. I want to know why he waited 5 years to come for her.. and why he left so suddenly without a word to her. So yeah, she had every right to be angry at him. She was hurt and he broke promises and lied, she felt used. How else is she supposed to understand what happened if he didn't reach out over the years and doesn't talk to her now.
I can't wait to see how this is going to play out. There has to be something that happened to her once he left her. He kept asking her what her deal was and she had told him I know at least 2x why she hated him yet he doesn't understand why. Like dude... how many times will she have to tell you. Then he goes and pulls the shit he just did. I NEED more. I am over thinking everything because I need to know what's happening and my brain is just firing off so many different outcomes lmao .
Spice 1/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 25
World Building 3/5
Overall 4/5
Be warned though -book 2 is not out (I had no idea) and can't find any release date or info and I'm unable to find the actual book on Amazon (so no preorder) which is bullshit because of how this ended. ARGH!
I thought each book would be about a different brother so I went ahead and read this and now I'm suffering. Although the story was really good, I'm really disappointed that book 2 isn't finished and published yet.
What the MMC did.. WOW. He could've talked to her and told her what to expect. He could've explained what he feels mays happen and work together to come up with ideas. He claims that she is his equal ...but he has yet to treat her as such. No wonder she walked away and of course she is going to hate him.
I love that he fights for her though and I do believe he actually loves her. The way he is refusing to give up on her is just <3 amazing. I want to know why he waited 5 years to come for her.. and why he left so suddenly without a word to her. So yeah, she had every right to be angry at him. She was hurt and he broke promises and lied, she felt used. How else is she supposed to understand what happened if he didn't reach out over the years and doesn't talk to her now.
I can't wait to see how this is going to play out. There has to be something that happened to her once he left her. He kept asking her what her deal was and she had told him I know at least 2x why she hated him yet he doesn't understand why. Like dude... how many times will she have to tell you. Then he goes and pulls the shit he just did. I NEED more. I am over thinking everything because I need to know what's happening and my brain is just firing off so many different outcomes lmao .
Spice 1/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 25
World Building 3/5
Overall 4/5
December 14, 2022
NetGalley ARC
3.7 stars
A spicy mob book with friends to enemies to lovers?! Heck yes! Sign me up for a great read. This book didn't disappoint for the most part.
Leti is a mob princess that is used, abused and her life manipulated to meet the agenda of her father and everyone else. Andres is the son of a rival mob boss and through a series of events becomes Leti's best friend and only person she can rely on. Until Andres breaks his promises to her and her heart. Fast forward 5-years and Andres is back to claim the girl that he has always loved, and deal with the repercussions of abandoning Leti. Will she allow him back into her life? And what will be the costs?
For a spice level, this book wasn't super spicy. And honestly, the spice that was in there wasn't to my taste. It was well written, just not my preference, which is OK. To each their own. The story was engaging through I found myself rolling my eyes at times because of the decisions that were being made.
All in all, a great read and a SERIES that I would recommend. Why not just the book you ask? Because it had an absolutely HORRIBLE ending that had me wanting to throw the book across the room in frustration. I kept flipping back and forth between the pages wondering where the rest of the story was. It was like the ending to the Sopranos where you are left with a WTF let down moment. If it was a strategy to get the reader to buy the rest of the series it was well executed.
3.7 stars
A spicy mob book with friends to enemies to lovers?! Heck yes! Sign me up for a great read. This book didn't disappoint for the most part.
Leti is a mob princess that is used, abused and her life manipulated to meet the agenda of her father and everyone else. Andres is the son of a rival mob boss and through a series of events becomes Leti's best friend and only person she can rely on. Until Andres breaks his promises to her and her heart. Fast forward 5-years and Andres is back to claim the girl that he has always loved, and deal with the repercussions of abandoning Leti. Will she allow him back into her life? And what will be the costs?
For a spice level, this book wasn't super spicy. And honestly, the spice that was in there wasn't to my taste. It was well written, just not my preference, which is OK. To each their own. The story was engaging through I found myself rolling my eyes at times because of the decisions that were being made.
All in all, a great read and a SERIES that I would recommend. Why not just the book you ask? Because it had an absolutely HORRIBLE ending that had me wanting to throw the book across the room in frustration. I kept flipping back and forth between the pages wondering where the rest of the story was. It was like the ending to the Sopranos where you are left with a WTF let down moment. If it was a strategy to get the reader to buy the rest of the series it was well executed.
December 22, 2022
I didn’t like this book very much. It wasn’t very long but it did end in a cliffhanger. Leticia and Andres are the main characters in this novel. Leticia is engaged to Maxim at the beginning of the novel. Maxim bullied her during high school. He is a second son and doesn’t have any power unlike Andres. Leticia must marry him in order to one day take over her fathers cartel but must remain pure in order to do so. Andres decides to kidnap Leticia away from Maxim since Leticia’s father murdered his father while they were all still in high school. Andres and Leticia meet for the first time in years since he left. Andres finds out about the marriage contract and how Leticia will inherit her father’s cartel. And he finds out she has to remain pure in order to inherit but her father doesn’t want her to and she just wants her inheritance that her mother left her in order to leave the cartel and go to college. Andres tells her father that he has her and her father brings a doctor to insure that she is still pure and demands he let them marry. To make sure the doctor her father brought doesn’t touch her Andres shows them that she’s still a virgin but in the process he ruins everything but her father does sign the contract but she refuses to talk to him. That’s where the book ends.
December 29, 2022
I really tried to like this one. It's a super fast read, but I found myself not wanting to pick it back up... Took me a few sittings to finish it up.
The writing style was good, just was not a fan of the story itself. It felt rushed, awkward and unbelievable. Maybe it's because I don't read a ton of mafia romance, but others I've read were more believable and enjoyable. I mean, the guy comes back for her and immediately hand f**** her in front of everyone.... that immediately put me off. Then later on, more cringy/rapey things happen. I saw a few other reviews complain about it as well. Glad I wasn't the only one that felt it was a bit off 😅
As stated above, maybe it's because I don't usually gravitate to Mafia romance. I have read a few and know they are dark and forceful (which I generally enjoy), but this one was more rapey and offputring than others. I just couldn't get down with the characters and story.
The writing style was good though. I think the author had the right idea, it just wasn't executed quite right. And based on the writing itself, I would check out another book from the author to see if it was just this story.
* book kindly provided through Netgalley
The writing style was good, just was not a fan of the story itself. It felt rushed, awkward and unbelievable. Maybe it's because I don't read a ton of mafia romance, but others I've read were more believable and enjoyable. I mean, the guy comes back for her and immediately hand f**** her in front of everyone.... that immediately put me off. Then later on, more cringy/rapey things happen. I saw a few other reviews complain about it as well. Glad I wasn't the only one that felt it was a bit off 😅
As stated above, maybe it's because I don't usually gravitate to Mafia romance. I have read a few and know they are dark and forceful (which I generally enjoy), but this one was more rapey and offputring than others. I just couldn't get down with the characters and story.
The writing style was good though. I think the author had the right idea, it just wasn't executed quite right. And based on the writing itself, I would check out another book from the author to see if it was just this story.
* book kindly provided through Netgalley
Read
January 11, 2023Having read Daniela Romero's work before I've been looking forward to picking up more of her books.
Vicious Little Liar is intended for those 17 and up... it is a quick and steamy read with dark elements. If you have triggers, read the warnings prior.
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Andrés DeAnde and Leticia (Leti)
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes.
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = Yes. This is book 1 of Daniela's new series: the DeAnde Cartel
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance ♥ Dual POVs ♥ Forbidden ♥ Mafia/Cartel ♥ Enemies families ♥ second chance ♥ forced marriage ♥ a Roman & Juliet retelling ♥
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧(𝙨): Language ♥ Sexual Content ♥ Flashbacks ♥ Women = possessions
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Leticia: born and raised in a mafia family. Father believes her true value is who she marries. She is betrothed/engaged to a bully, Maxim, from high school. Her mom saves her in a way by putting a stipulation on her inheritance, she will receive is she is untouched when she marries.
Andrés is the head of his family, the rivals/enemies of Leti's family. He is in love with Leti and they wanted to be together but they are forbidden to. He know she is set to marry, no choice in the matter, so he has a plan.
Vicious Little Liar is intended for those 17 and up... it is a quick and steamy read with dark elements. If you have triggers, read the warnings prior.
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Andrés DeAnde and Leticia (Leti)
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes.
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = Yes. This is book 1 of Daniela's new series: the DeAnde Cartel
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance ♥ Dual POVs ♥ Forbidden ♥ Mafia/Cartel ♥ Enemies families ♥ second chance ♥ forced marriage ♥ a Roman & Juliet retelling ♥
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧(𝙨): Language ♥ Sexual Content ♥ Flashbacks ♥ Women = possessions
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Leticia: born and raised in a mafia family. Father believes her true value is who she marries. She is betrothed/engaged to a bully, Maxim, from high school. Her mom saves her in a way by putting a stipulation on her inheritance, she will receive is she is untouched when she marries.
Andrés is the head of his family, the rivals/enemies of Leti's family. He is in love with Leti and they wanted to be together but they are forbidden to. He know she is set to marry, no choice in the matter, so he has a plan.
December 30, 2022
Leticia, the daughter of a cartel leader, is set to marry a member of a Sidorov family. However Andrés DeAnde, the leader of another family, has other plans. But Leticia had her own secret plan.
Leticia has no reason to trust Andrés anymore after what happen in the past. This novel features flashbacks to give insight into their friendship. I enjoyed the flashbacks and seeing how their pasts shaped the characters. Can they rebuild their broken relationship because of this history they once shared? Will they only tell the truth and learn to trust again? Is Andrés’s need to protect Leticia going to ruin her future and their relationship?
Be prepared this novel does end on a cliffhanger. This dual POV is told by both Leticia and Andrés.
This is a cartel/mafia romance that isn’t super dark. It is still dark so please check the content/trigger warning. If you are wanting to test the waters & venture into the dark mafia romance (or read something a little lighter in the dark romance world) I would highly recommend.
Thank you Daniela for the copy to read and review.
Leticia has no reason to trust Andrés anymore after what happen in the past. This novel features flashbacks to give insight into their friendship. I enjoyed the flashbacks and seeing how their pasts shaped the characters. Can they rebuild their broken relationship because of this history they once shared? Will they only tell the truth and learn to trust again? Is Andrés’s need to protect Leticia going to ruin her future and their relationship?
Be prepared this novel does end on a cliffhanger. This dual POV is told by both Leticia and Andrés.
This is a cartel/mafia romance that isn’t super dark. It is still dark so please check the content/trigger warning. If you are wanting to test the waters & venture into the dark mafia romance (or read something a little lighter in the dark romance world) I would highly recommend.
Thank you Daniela for the copy to read and review.
January 8, 2023
With an enticing blurb, smoldering cover, possessive hero, and allure of the mafia trope, I was excited to read Daniela Romero’s latest novel. I love mafia romances … they call to my dark side. And second chance romances are my kryptonite.
While Vicious Little Liar had steamy and enticing moments, I need more of a dark mafia romance. Reveling in the dark elements with high intensity are what draw me to mafia stories. I needed a bigger spotlight on the ugly parts of the mafia world, a deeper dive into the darkness that makes mafia life—the hits, the takeovers, the sinister elements.
Additionally, I couldn’t forge a connection to the hero, heroine and their story. I wanted to feel more passion, more background and dirt on the heroine’s family, and more character development. While I was wowed by Romero’s previous work with new adult novels like The Savage, which I rated five stars, I just could not connect to this story as much as I wanted to badly. I wanted to love Vicious Little Liar. I really did.
While Vicious Little Liar had steamy and enticing moments, I need more of a dark mafia romance. Reveling in the dark elements with high intensity are what draw me to mafia stories. I needed a bigger spotlight on the ugly parts of the mafia world, a deeper dive into the darkness that makes mafia life—the hits, the takeovers, the sinister elements.
Additionally, I couldn’t forge a connection to the hero, heroine and their story. I wanted to feel more passion, more background and dirt on the heroine’s family, and more character development. While I was wowed by Romero’s previous work with new adult novels like The Savage, which I rated five stars, I just could not connect to this story as much as I wanted to badly. I wanted to love Vicious Little Liar. I really did.
November 20, 2022
This is a new author for me, I’ve never read her books before but she seems to have a good following.
It’s a short novella which is the beginning the a story between the two characters, they come back into each other’s lives after 5 years apart, there is anger, resentment and pain that’s underpinned by a deep love that grew when they were teenagers.
Unfortunately this book didn’t sit right with me, I’m not thrilled to be reading a modern book featuring women being treated like possessions, their bodies subjected to being touched without their consent and passed around like objects. There is a whole genre of fiction where the female ‘hates’ the male but finds him so attractive that she eventually gives in to her feelings. This book wasn’t that, this was bullying, violence and misogyny at every level, the main objective being a female character being humiliated in public repeatedly.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It’s a short novella which is the beginning the a story between the two characters, they come back into each other’s lives after 5 years apart, there is anger, resentment and pain that’s underpinned by a deep love that grew when they were teenagers.
Unfortunately this book didn’t sit right with me, I’m not thrilled to be reading a modern book featuring women being treated like possessions, their bodies subjected to being touched without their consent and passed around like objects. There is a whole genre of fiction where the female ‘hates’ the male but finds him so attractive that she eventually gives in to her feelings. This book wasn’t that, this was bullying, violence and misogyny at every level, the main objective being a female character being humiliated in public repeatedly.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
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