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He was never a fairy-tale prince. He's a beast…
Stephan Lord is not only the new mafia king. He is also my greatest enemy. Brutally cruel but heartbreakingly beautiful, he has been tormenting me my whole life.

He ridiculed me, humiliated me, and now he is back for more.

He can tease me, spank me, and play with my body all he wants. Only now I have something he desires as well.

But to give in to him, he will have to pay the price…

*If you are a good girl dreaming of a knight in shining armor, then step away from this novel! If you fantasize about hot, wildly sexy alpha males, then this one's for you! My heroes are dangerous, dark, and demanding—a HEA guaranteed with no cheating but lots of pain and pleasure. You have been warned! Proceed at your own risk…

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2021

234 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Faye Pierce

38 books363 followers
As a teenager, Faye used to read at night with a flashlight underneath her bed covers. She fantasized of bad boys who stopped at nothing to capture the hearts and bodies of their women, and of equally strong heroines. Make no mistake, there are no damsels in distress in her world.

Her addiction is the “enemies to lovers” trope, and maybe that’s why when she first met her husband, their chemistry was just as sizzling as their disapproval of each other. But as in her novels, passion won, and now they live through their happily ever after.

By day, she is taking care of her household. By night, her shadow self emerges to satisfy her undisclosed desires. Literary and not.

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5 stars
87 (44%)
4 stars
70 (35%)
3 stars
25 (12%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Florence Nunn.
120 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2022
How do you not love Stephan and Diana? This was as cute as a dark mafia romance can get.
There are some triggers, as to be expected. And OMG the SPICE.
The way they find each other, the struggles they go through and an amazing happily ever after.
If you want to tie this book in with the second even more, be sure to read the extended epilogue but be warned, you will be left with a bit of a cliffhanger if you do.
I think it is so worth it though.
As always, Faye Pierce has done an incredible job capturing the danger and passion in this book!
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,530 reviews322 followers
January 2, 2024
This was a pretty good read Diana Angelo has been in love with Stephen Lord since she was a young girl. He wasn't very nice to her when it came to her feelings, he broke her heart. Stephen Lord is the son of a powerful Mafia Don when his father is murdered, he returns home. The business is less than stable with his cousin vying to take over the Family. His uncle counsels him to marry to stabilize his claim. His mind immediately thinks of the only Mafia Princess, but she hates him, so he is surprised when she lands on his doorstep needing a favor. This was a down and out dirty read that was everything that I love when reading a mafia romance. Stephen is an alpha male with some sadistic tendencies. This book was full of action and the sex scenes were hot. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
1,264 reviews
April 1, 2022
This is the first book in Faye Pierce's "Monsters and Devils" series, each one a standalone.
He had tormented her,he had taunted her, he had humiliated her but she was not the same person now, she had loved him but he didn't give her a second glance............or so she thought.
Diana Angelo was the only daughter of the mighty Angelo mafia family, Stephan Lord had been her brother Nathaniel's best friend, he was in line to lead the Lord mafia family, the friendship had broken up probably because Nathaniel was protective of his sister and didn't like the way that Stephan treated her, Nathaniel carried on leading his family and Stephan went away to peruse his own businesses.
Nathaniel was missing, everyone thought that he was dead but Diana knew in her heart that he wasn't.
On his father's death, Stephan came home to take his place as head of the family, his cousin Elijah had other ideas and he would do anything in his power to stop him.
Although Diana hated Stephan with a passion she agreed to marry him to join the two powerful families in condition that he helped her find her brother. Stephan had never forgotten Diana Angelo, he had made her life a misery when they were younger, but why, he had always been attracted to her.
This story follows the hatred and passion that Diana felt for Stephan, the search for Nathaniel, the lengths that Elijah would stoop to to take Stephan's place as head of the family, the hoops that Stephan would jump through to make Diana his wife and the hideous cruel things that Elijah would undertake to stop this happening, he wanted Diana for himself but most of all the magnetic attraction between Diana and Stephan that quickly turned to a deep passionate love.
This book is action packed with nail biting suspense, I have now downloaded the next book in the series.
1,069 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2021
3.75 Overall the story was very entertaining with decent character development and a backstory that helped explain Stephen and Diana's past. The plot was well done with plenty of suspense and intrigue. Nathanial's character was an added benefit to the story even though he was technically a ghost until the very end of the book.

Diana's character was good; a bit whinny and self-deprecating at times, but overall was a good heroine role model. She grew on me as the book unfolded. Her tenacity was commendable and the reason for finally finding her brother alive.

Stephen's role was good until the (50 Shades of Grey) became the focus. The whole "daddy thing" was a bit too much for me, but that's just my personal preference. Submissive story lines are overrated unless that's your thing. I prefer hero's that know when to use "rough, hard sex" and when to make love to a female character. He really liked the whole submissive thing and Diana had no problem giving him what he wanted. Sometimes I felt as though Diana was still the girl that got ignored, bullied and treated like yesterday's trash as a young girl. Stephen wasn't a good character when it came to showing his true feelings for her and frequently mocked her throughout the story only to do an about face to protect her. Stephen fought his feelings throughout this book which changed drastically from one thing to another when it came to Diana. There's was to be an arranged marriage so he could take over as Don, nothing more.....until everything changed.

It was an entertaining read. There were a few editing issues, typo's etc., but nothing the reader couldn't handle.
Profile Image for Laura.
286 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2021
Dark and dirty

Diana Angelo has been in love with Stephen Lord since she was a young girl. He wasn't exactly the kindest when it came to her feelings. In fact, he stomped all over them, breaking her heart in the process. She vowed to hate him for all time.

Stephen Lord is the son of a powerful Mafia Don. He returns home to find his father murdered and his less than stable cousin vying to take over the Family. His uncle counsels him to marry to stabilize his claim. His mind immediately thinks of the only Mafia princess he'd want, but she's vowed to hate him for all time.

Until Diana, afore mentioned Mafia princess, lands on his doorstep seeking his help.

What follows is a fairly expected Mafia tale with a couple of twists and interesting subplots. Stephen is a sadist and he exerts his dominance over Diana. And for all of the blustering that Diana does, she submits quickly. Not that they don't sizzle, it's just a missed opportunity to up the stakes and prolong that dynamic in the story.

Another missed opportunity was the handling of Delores Angelo, Diana's mother. As the acting head of the Angelo Family it would have been exciting to see her exert her power. She had plenty of opportunities to do so.

I did enjoy the story, I rate it 3.5 to 4 stars. I believe it could have been better with a few minor changes
Profile Image for Sandi.
693 reviews46 followers
October 19, 2021
Darker, dirtier, sexier, better and better. There’s a lot to love here for lots of different types. Mafia, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and plenty of spice. Growing up in the mafia world, Diana and Stephan were well acquainted. He lived to torment her when they were younger, teasing and mocking her about her weight, etc. But despite it all, she secretly loved him - until she told him and he crushed her and then left town. But the death of his father brings him back to town, unbeknownst to her, and family rivalry has him setting his sights on Diana for his wife to secure his position as head of the family. Except, he never hated her, just hid his feelings in his quest for power.

There’s a little bit of an enemies to lovers feel at the beginning, but really, that’s not what this is. As they spend more and more time together, Diana and Stephan finally open up to each other and realize their mutual attraction, and that it’s more than just skin deep. Their chemistry is sizzling. And as the story unfolds, and the betrayal and deceit of others is revealed, they stop fighting what’s between them and become a force to be reckoned with. The twists and turns are great, the story moves along at a good pace, and the spice is dark, dirty, and oh so good!
Profile Image for Jennifer Mallon.
236 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2021
Stephan and Diana

Faye Pierce once again writes a great and intriguing story. It will pull you in and you won't want to stop reading until the end. This book is filled with suspense, drama, crazy hotness- Diana and Stephan are fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, and a crazy delusional cousin. Stephan is coming home to find out his father has been killed and he is now a head of the Family. His Uncle thinks it would be a good idea to get married and the only woman that comes to mind is Diana. Diana is the daughter of a powerful Mafia Family and she has been in love with Stephan since they were children. Stephan was always mean to Diana and even though he was always mean he still has had feelings for her. Stephan wants to marry Diana, he wants her to submit to him. Diana needs helps and uses the fact that Stephan wants to marry her to her advantage. This book is full of craziness, but it is well worth the read. This is the latest book I've read from Faye Pierce and they just keep getting better and better. You definitely should check out her other books.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Carol ann hughes.
272 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2021
Savage lord!!

I love this book!!!
Totally gripped from the very beginning could not put it down and honestly didn't want to put it down either.
Everyone loves a little power struggle in a mafia family and this book is that and way more. How one jealous relative with a massive ego can try to ruin the family for their own cause to become heir to the throne.
Diana gets involved kinda by accident and a quick visit to enquire the whereabouts of a friend sends her life in a totally different direction.

Lots of twists and turns and a fair bit of spice for Diana and Stephan who against all odds find their happy ever after.
This story is not over I think that Nathaniel has much still to explore hopefully in the next installment for these guys.
My favourite Faye Pierce book so far definitely recommend for an action packed read. Really looking forward to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Karen Wood.
749 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2022
Every now and then I deviate from the genres that I usually read and try something different, and I am so glad I did, this book is brilliant it has you captivated from the start to the end.

Diana Angelo is the younger sibling of the Angelo family, she has been in love with Stephan Lord since she was a young girl, now head of the rival Lord family.

After her brother goes missing her mother takes the head of the family, but when Violet comes to Diana telling her that her fiancé Thomas has been kidnapped by the Lord family, she vows to get him back and the only way is to face Stephan Lord and demand he release him.

Little did she know that Stephan had a rival for the head of the family his cousin Elijah and both men want her to be their wife, they will kill to get her to marry them

This is a fast paced dark romance and well worth reading, I loved the story and want to know more.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,175 reviews77 followers
June 22, 2022
Stephan….

After being bullied and teased for years by Stephan in high school, Diana is reunited with him again. But things are different this time. She always thought he disliked her, but it was the opposite.
This was a good read, kinda felt rushed and I was hoping to get some answers regarding Diana’s brother, Nathaniel, but those will answered in the next book. I found myself laughing at times with what Stephan said and his ways of thinking. The way he automatically stepped in and agreed to help get answers regarding Diana’s brother, who’s also his best friend, disappearance and how he admitted his true feelings for Diana was refreshing.
I can’t wait to start the next book, Nathaniel’s story, and get answers to questions I’ve been wondering. Who helped Elijah send Nathaniel to prison, and what exactly happened to him while there. Also fingers crossed that maybe we’ll see a baby for Stephan and Diana!
1,469 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2021
Life altering changed

Thinking you know your family is not always true. Knowing they can be cruel but not thinking they wouldn't harm anyone to get what they want is reckless. This is what the story is about, joining forces to eliminate the devil.

I felt the story was on the weak side. Stephen appeared too weak to be a leader even at the end of the story he showed no strong interest in being a good mafia leader.
515 reviews12 followers
October 15, 2021
Good book

Although this is not the type of book I usually read I have to admit to enjoying this book. Its not just a dark steamy romance there is a very good story line too. Murder, kidnapping, revenge, and jealousy also two men wanting the same woman for there own reasons and becoming Mafia Lord. Certainly a book worth reading.
2,300 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2021
I liked the action, but not the rest. Diana was weak around Stephen. Stephen bullied her when they were younger and still bullied her. He wanted Diana to bend to his will. I never believed he respected her. One of his reasons to justify bullying her was he wanted to make her string. Bullies rarely change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aly.
150 reviews
June 12, 2022
OH. MY. GOD.

Dark Desires: Savage Lord had me all messed up and in my feels a few times! The enemies-to-lovers (ish) relationship between Diana and Stephan was so good and I loved watching it unfold. The danger of the plot only made it that much better!

I’ve read quite a few mafia/dark mafia romance books but this is definitely one of my favorites🔥🔥 10/10 recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stacey Woods.
1,092 reviews30 followers
July 9, 2022
You can find cuteness in the dark and even serenity. This takes the saying "he hit you because he likes you" and turned it into a story. Diana and Stephan used to be friends. They eventually marry. Through their marriage they fall in love with each other. Throw in a man who is determined to have Diana for himself and other chaos he causes then you have the perfect suspense.
Profile Image for Brittany.
9 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It’s not a typical mafia romance book. There was more focus on the romance than mafia aspect. The villain needed a bit more back story, such as why did he do what he did and what drove him to do it?
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
October 20, 2021
You are hooked from the start and the twists and turns keep you reading. Great mafia family wars, rivalry between family members and friends in the strangest places. Excellent reading that won't disappoint I'm sure.
392 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2021
Savage Lord

An exciting book Been a long while since I enjoyed a read like this. Looking forward to a sequel as is expected!
Profile Image for Nstefa.
3,464 reviews21 followers
April 8, 2022
Wow!!! I really enjoyed this quick read. Love all the alpha ness going on! Great afternoon read. Quick and to the point
792 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2022
I enjoyed this book it was not what I expected when downloaded but it was very good. The love story was good. the sort of good versus the very bad man was ok. Not sure it depicted the correct view of life but it was a fantasy read.
Profile Image for Lisa Taylor .
2,654 reviews7 followers
April 28, 2022
lovely

I loved it , great storyline and characters. Sexy alpha bad boys who will do anything for their family and friends
1,059 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2022
Loved it..

A superb story of suspense and intrigue with lots of steamy passionate love. This is a tale of two mafia families who are literally tied up with each other. A must read.
Profile Image for Kimberly Fadul.
6 reviews
March 25, 2025
I mean it has a good story line. But the grammar and spelling is absolutely terrible. It doesn’t even look like it was proofed properly.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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