What do you think?
Rate this book
San Ricardo #1.5
Grey
Before she became our queen, she was somebody's doll.
They don’t know.
How could they?
I’ve been lying to my twin brother and my boss for years.
You see, I have a secret. Dozens of them.
They reach a peak the night I meet her: GREY.
Nobody knows I was there to witness the abuse GREY suffered under her mafioso husband that celebratory night in Katantia, but unfortunately, I was.
She carved out a piece of my heart and swallowed it whole.
This is the story of how I met the woman I lost my mind for.
This is a prequel novella to The Chief, a Reverse Harem with mafia elements (twin brothers + boss).
They don’t know.
How could they?
I’ve been lying to my twin brother and my boss for years.
You see, I have a secret. Dozens of them.
They reach a peak the night I meet her: GREY.
Nobody knows I was there to witness the abuse GREY suffered under her mafioso husband that celebratory night in Katantia, but unfortunately, I was.
She carved out a piece of my heart and swallowed it whole.
This is the story of how I met the woman I lost my mind for.
This is a prequel novella to The Chief, a Reverse Harem with mafia elements (twin brothers + boss).
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
29 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Arabella Black
26 books423 followersBest known for her dark and edgy style, Arabella Black specializes in genres like dark romance and reverse harem. Her stories often feature toxic book boyfriends and strong, rebellious heroines, designed to push the boundaries of traditional romance narratives. Her work appeals to fans of darker, more intense romance, often filled with high-stakes emotional drama and complex characters.
Social Media Presence
| WEBSITE
| NEWSLETTER
| AMAZON
| INSTAGRAM
| FACEBOOK
| TIKTOK
| BOOKBUB
Social Media Presence
| WEBSITE
| NEWSLETTER
| AMAZON
| TIKTOK
| BOOKBUB
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 30, 2021
WHICH SHOULD YOU READ FIRST: GREY OR THE CHIEF?
My original intention was to read Grey first. That’s the way the books were ordered when I first came across the San Ricardo series. Arabella Black felt that she needed to change the reading order of the books as readers were too confused by events when reading Grey before The Chief. While I debated reading The Chief first, I figured that wasn’t the author’s original intent and decided to stick with Grey. I can see how reading Grey first may put some readers off the rest of the series, but if you’re going into San Ricardo to read all three books, stick with it. It’s worth it.
DO YOU NEED TO READ THE WRAITH ROYALS SERIES FIRST?
In a word, no. You could quite easily read this book on its own, but the setting may not make much sense. Katantia is a difficult concept to get your head around and having read one of the Wraith Royals books (I’d recommend starting with #1, Exposed) will make it easier to slip into the Katantian world.
GREY – MY REVIEW
In her Explicit Warning, Black notes that this novella includes some of the darkest chapters she’s ever had to write. When you consider that the Wraith Royals series includes depravity and the likes of non-con/dub-con, incest, abuse and a total lack of humanity from some characters (Aram Wraith, I’m looking at you), this is not a warning that should be taken lightly.
Grey is written from two points of view: the Assasin (we don’t yet know who this is, only that he is a twin) and Máximo Martí (Grey’s husband). Despite his dark origins, the Assasin is a beautiful soul, capable of seeing the emotion in everybody.
I enjoyed reading the way Black depicted this and really connected to the character. Máximo is an ass. He’s quite possibly a mirror of Aram Wraith if Wraith was a little more depraved and a little less powerful. After reading the Wraith Royals series I became a little too accepting of Katantia and what it stood for, so much so that I barely noticed the corruption of Katantian society in this book, it was so commonplace. This really made the violence and perversion of Máximo stand out.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ GREY
*If you like dark and depraved, Grey is up there with the best of them
*A quick but powerful read
*Excellent way of connecting two series
My original intention was to read Grey first. That’s the way the books were ordered when I first came across the San Ricardo series. Arabella Black felt that she needed to change the reading order of the books as readers were too confused by events when reading Grey before The Chief. While I debated reading The Chief first, I figured that wasn’t the author’s original intent and decided to stick with Grey. I can see how reading Grey first may put some readers off the rest of the series, but if you’re going into San Ricardo to read all three books, stick with it. It’s worth it.
DO YOU NEED TO READ THE WRAITH ROYALS SERIES FIRST?
In a word, no. You could quite easily read this book on its own, but the setting may not make much sense. Katantia is a difficult concept to get your head around and having read one of the Wraith Royals books (I’d recommend starting with #1, Exposed) will make it easier to slip into the Katantian world.
GREY – MY REVIEW
In her Explicit Warning, Black notes that this novella includes some of the darkest chapters she’s ever had to write. When you consider that the Wraith Royals series includes depravity and the likes of non-con/dub-con, incest, abuse and a total lack of humanity from some characters (Aram Wraith, I’m looking at you), this is not a warning that should be taken lightly.
Grey is written from two points of view: the Assasin (we don’t yet know who this is, only that he is a twin) and Máximo Martí (Grey’s husband). Despite his dark origins, the Assasin is a beautiful soul, capable of seeing the emotion in everybody.
I enjoyed reading the way Black depicted this and really connected to the character. Máximo is an ass. He’s quite possibly a mirror of Aram Wraith if Wraith was a little more depraved and a little less powerful. After reading the Wraith Royals series I became a little too accepting of Katantia and what it stood for, so much so that I barely noticed the corruption of Katantian society in this book, it was so commonplace. This really made the violence and perversion of Máximo stand out.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ GREY
*If you like dark and depraved, Grey is up there with the best of them
*A quick but powerful read
*Excellent way of connecting two series
October 6, 2021
“I’m not here to be a good boy tonight.” Who is he.!!???
This is a short novella on Grey's time with her husband Máximo. They take a trip to Katantia. While Aram is still king. This novella is set before Exposed (book 1 Wraith Royals) and set before The Chief but you must read The Chief first to get a better understanding. You don’t have to read The Wraith series but I would recommend it.
Grey story is dark, heartbreaking and very uncomfortable to read so be aware. You get a better understanding of her this book and what she’s going through and what she been through. Maximo is sick truly one of the sickest men I’ve read. This book is set in Maximo POV and a mystery man. It’s one of the men she cares for from the chief but you won’t know until you read The Twins book. Reading this killed me, I kept guessing but Arabella wasn’t giving anything away. This book is set in the country of set Katantia so you know it’s going to be dark. Even though I found it to be dark and a little uncomfortable to read it had to be. What Grey goes through is worse than hell.
Arabella does not hold back. You feel everything. I don’t know how she wrote it. 🖤
This is a super quick read. It was definitely needed and I’m glad Arabella wrote it. I definitely look at Grey in a new light. 💅🏼
This is a short novella on Grey's time with her husband Máximo. They take a trip to Katantia. While Aram is still king. This novella is set before Exposed (book 1 Wraith Royals) and set before The Chief but you must read The Chief first to get a better understanding. You don’t have to read The Wraith series but I would recommend it.
Grey story is dark, heartbreaking and very uncomfortable to read so be aware. You get a better understanding of her this book and what she’s going through and what she been through. Maximo is sick truly one of the sickest men I’ve read. This book is set in Maximo POV and a mystery man. It’s one of the men she cares for from the chief but you won’t know until you read The Twins book. Reading this killed me, I kept guessing but Arabella wasn’t giving anything away. This book is set in the country of set Katantia so you know it’s going to be dark. Even though I found it to be dark and a little uncomfortable to read it had to be. What Grey goes through is worse than hell.
Arabella does not hold back. You feel everything. I don’t know how she wrote it. 🖤
This is a super quick read. It was definitely needed and I’m glad Arabella wrote it. I definitely look at Grey in a new light. 💅🏼
October 6, 2021
To Whom This May Concern:
This is the second book of the San Ricardo series. However, I had read the first book previous to reading this one. In my opinion, this novella should be read first to understand the first book better. Also, the book is not a novella but have explicit scenes that are very dark and not for the typical romance readers.
There is not really a couple in this book, but two male characters that become important in the first book. Maximo and one of the twins from the first book, Remo and Vegas, are the two male characters. Maximo is a domestic abuser, while one of the twins is on an assassination mission. They meet through conventional means on Katalina.
In this novella, there are only 7 chapters with alternating point of views between them. The plot is set on Katalina, which is an island with sexual indulgence in preferences to men. However, there is not much more to the story than character development.
The “romance” scene were not of romance, but abuse. I will never judge on the amount of romance scenes in a book, but more the quality of the scenes themselves. There was approximately 2 scenes and they are both graphic. Like the author forewarn, the scenes are not for the faint of heart and they are darker scenes.
The ending of the book tied the book together and helps set the plot up for the third book in the series.
With that being said, I give the book a 4 out of 5. The novella should’ve been released before the first book, in my opinion.
With thanks.
This is the second book of the San Ricardo series. However, I had read the first book previous to reading this one. In my opinion, this novella should be read first to understand the first book better. Also, the book is not a novella but have explicit scenes that are very dark and not for the typical romance readers.
There is not really a couple in this book, but two male characters that become important in the first book. Maximo and one of the twins from the first book, Remo and Vegas, are the two male characters. Maximo is a domestic abuser, while one of the twins is on an assassination mission. They meet through conventional means on Katalina.
In this novella, there are only 7 chapters with alternating point of views between them. The plot is set on Katalina, which is an island with sexual indulgence in preferences to men. However, there is not much more to the story than character development.
The “romance” scene were not of romance, but abuse. I will never judge on the amount of romance scenes in a book, but more the quality of the scenes themselves. There was approximately 2 scenes and they are both graphic. Like the author forewarn, the scenes are not for the faint of heart and they are darker scenes.
The ending of the book tied the book together and helps set the plot up for the third book in the series.
With that being said, I give the book a 4 out of 5. The novella should’ve been released before the first book, in my opinion.
With thanks.
September 16, 2021
What?
I did not understand a word of this book! No backstory, jumped right in to total chaos, no idea who is who? Whew!! Sorry. Too unclear for my mind to comprehend.
I did not understand a word of this book! No backstory, jumped right in to total chaos, no idea who is who? Whew!! Sorry. Too unclear for my mind to comprehend.
September 24, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and options are my own.
Grey is a prequel to The Chief and well worth the read! It’s a perfect, quick and fast read that I easily devoured in 30 minutes or less. I thought it was quite dark especially for how short of a read and somehow even felt much darker then all the other books I’ve read by Arabella but it’s SO good!! It’s a must read for anyone who has read The Cheif, is going to read it or is looking for something dark!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grey is a prequel to The Chief and well worth the read! It’s a perfect, quick and fast read that I easily devoured in 30 minutes or less. I thought it was quite dark especially for how short of a read and somehow even felt much darker then all the other books I’ve read by Arabella but it’s SO good!! It’s a must read for anyone who has read The Cheif, is going to read it or is looking for something dark!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 12, 2022
DNF @36%
WTF nonsense is this? I don't understand anything that's going on.
Then I read reviews that say, oh read this one first, no read Chief first. Well someone figure it out because this book is so dumb. I'm not going to bother reading anything past the ridiculousness I already wasted my time with.
WTF nonsense is this? I don't understand anything that's going on.
Then I read reviews that say, oh read this one first, no read Chief first. Well someone figure it out because this book is so dumb. I'm not going to bother reading anything past the ridiculousness I already wasted my time with.
October 3, 2021
This short read is best read after the Chief! A quick dive into the Assasins and Maximo (Greys husbands) a devilishly dark twisting read that keeps you on your toes and begging for the Twins story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2021
This is another wow book
This book was short but not so sweet. I loved that this book keeps you guessing which twin it's about. And it also filled in some gaps from Chief. I'm dying to know which twin it is, which I guess that's what the author wanted because once you've read Chief and this book you can't wait to get your hands on the Twins book! Love love love. Also I can't wait to read Exposed after I finish this series! I love how the series are different from each other but still tied together some how! This book is like a missing piece you didn't know you needed. Overall an amazing novelle by Arabella!
This book was short but not so sweet. I loved that this book keeps you guessing which twin it's about. And it also filled in some gaps from Chief. I'm dying to know which twin it is, which I guess that's what the author wanted because once you've read Chief and this book you can't wait to get your hands on the Twins book! Love love love. Also I can't wait to read Exposed after I finish this series! I love how the series are different from each other but still tied together some how! This book is like a missing piece you didn't know you needed. Overall an amazing novelle by Arabella!
February 13, 2022
I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Even though it was in 1st pov.
▪︎ It was as if the character (White or Máximo, depending on the chapter) was speaking to the reader. Telling us the story.
▪︎ This book made no sense to me. I found myself either thinking wtf or shaking my head constantly.
▪︎ "White" whoever he was, was an idiot.
▪︎ Máximo was a dumb disgusting dickhead!
▪︎ It was as if the character (White or Máximo, depending on the chapter) was speaking to the reader. Telling us the story.
▪︎ This book made no sense to me. I found myself either thinking wtf or shaking my head constantly.
▪︎ "White" whoever he was, was an idiot.
▪︎ Máximo was a dumb disgusting dickhead!
December 18, 2025
Don't read this book if you're looking for a romance. There is none to be found here. Instead, this is a prequel relating how the narrator came to be obsessed with the heroine when she was being brutalized by her abusive husband on an island nation set up for the express purpose of raping and exploiting women in every way possible. There are some really gruesome acts described in these pages.
Besides that, the author's style of writing is different. Not necessarily unpleasant but more on the stilted side. I had to reread a few passages to confirm content, because she doesn't express ideas in a straight forward manner. Chapters, also, are not well hinged together, so that stepping out of one leads you naturally into the next. It was an odd reading experience from all vantage points. Proofing was well done, though.
Besides that, the author's style of writing is different. Not necessarily unpleasant but more on the stilted side. I had to reread a few passages to confirm content, because she doesn't express ideas in a straight forward manner. Chapters, also, are not well hinged together, so that stepping out of one leads you naturally into the next. It was an odd reading experience from all vantage points. Proofing was well done, though.
February 3, 2023
★ Raw and dark beginnings for Grey ★
—>>> This prequel novella is told from the point of views of two males, the “Assassin” and Máximo Martí, Grey’s husband, and this ties in well with this author’s other series, The Royals, a four-book series you do not have to read to understand this series, but it describes the independent kingdom of Katantia, the backdrop of the kind of depravity Grey is subjected to. This series does wind up back there, eventually, however. All the characters here intertwine significantly. This story is raw and dark beginnings for Grey, and the shaping of the second chance she so desperately needs.
—>>> This prequel novella is told from the point of views of two males, the “Assassin” and Máximo Martí, Grey’s husband, and this ties in well with this author’s other series, The Royals, a four-book series you do not have to read to understand this series, but it describes the independent kingdom of Katantia, the backdrop of the kind of depravity Grey is subjected to. This series does wind up back there, eventually, however. All the characters here intertwine significantly. This story is raw and dark beginnings for Grey, and the shaping of the second chance she so desperately needs.
Read
January 3, 2022Grey - Arabella Black
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
RATING: 4 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grey is a short novella on Grey's time with her husband Máximo. This novella is set before Exposed #1 from The Wraith Royals series (another series that I need to get my hands on ASAP) it is also set before The Chief. But I think you must read The Chief first to get a better understanding. Otherwise you might get confused. This book was dark. It has a warning at the beginning and it should not be taken lightly.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
RATING: 4 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grey is a short novella on Grey's time with her husband Máximo. This novella is set before Exposed #1 from The Wraith Royals series (another series that I need to get my hands on ASAP) it is also set before The Chief. But I think you must read The Chief first to get a better understanding. Otherwise you might get confused. This book was dark. It has a warning at the beginning and it should not be taken lightly.
October 10, 2021
Although it is very short for my taste, it has been great to be able to read a little more about the characters of The Chief, a book that I have already read and I loved it by the way.
This book is perfect for you to see what awaits you if you read The Chief, it will enter a world of pain, danger, depravity ... that will make your hair stand on end at times.
The Katantia thing has left me freaking out, what a place!
An author that I like more and more.
This book is perfect for you to see what awaits you if you read The Chief, it will enter a world of pain, danger, depravity ... that will make your hair stand on end at times.
The Katantia thing has left me freaking out, what a place!
An author that I like more and more.
February 13, 2022
Color me intrigued
I don't know much about the story ahead but this novella does it’s job, it intrigues me into jumping to the next story. I'm excited to explore more about these guys that get intense over a woman they barely know and want to protect, and the woman who has been through hell and still keeps going.
I don't know much about the story ahead but this novella does it’s job, it intrigues me into jumping to the next story. I'm excited to explore more about these guys that get intense over a woman they barely know and want to protect, and the woman who has been through hell and still keeps going.
February 12, 2022
I love prequels because they give a glimpse into the author’s writing without taking up too much time. This story has potential, unfortunately the characters’ POVs were just to scattered and hard to read for me and because of that, I won’t be delving into this series.
September 13, 2021
Too Confusing
Interesting story. Too choppy for me to understand. Glad it was free. Probably won't read the rest of this series.
Interesting story. Too choppy for me to understand. Glad it was free. Probably won't read the rest of this series.
October 9, 2021
Memories of the past and the making of Grey. Ships that have pasted in the night are now at the port. But are they recognisable? How many lives have Grey crossed paths with? and how have these crossings influenced her future without either person knowing? A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2021
This was an intriguing read. Good characters. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 20, 2022
Short
This is a short read. Its very confusing and muddled in its presentation. I'm not sure what the goal of this prequel is
This is a short read. Its very confusing and muddled in its presentation. I'm not sure what the goal of this prequel is
March 24, 2022
A quick and intoxicating read! If you enjoy dark and depraved this is for you!
:༻🦋༺: Definitely a must read! :༻🦋༺:
:༻🦋༺: Definitely a must read! :༻🦋༺:
September 13, 2022
What the heck did I just read and why do I want to know more. NOW.
November 26, 2022
I don’t know if I am the only one rating this book a one star.. I really didn’t understand it much and didn’t like it,,
October 15, 2021
My poor baby Grey. She went through so much. My heart was really breaking for her.
I know that in The Chief we had some flashback of her experience a bit and her trauma was real, but loving it all through thus novella was so heavy.
Honestly it made me root for her getting whatever the heck she wants, when she wants it, all that more. She deserves the men in her life to dot on her.
I know that in The Chief we had some flashback of her experience a bit and her trauma was real, but loving it all through thus novella was so heavy.
Honestly it made me root for her getting whatever the heck she wants, when she wants it, all that more. She deserves the men in her life to dot on her.
Want to read
December 18, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/13/2021)! 🎁
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews