Greed

The Dark Kings #0.5

by Nikki Rome

If the first cut is the deepest, then I’m scarred for life.

TOXIC. As the ink ripples across Anton Tirelli’s forearm, it reminds me exactly what we are together. Never again, Maya.

And believe me, I wouldn’t be standing on his doorstep if I didn’t really, really need him. I’m a big enough girl to take care of myself, usually.

But I screwed up — again. My line of work always comes at a cost, and this time it’s going to be my freedom. Unless Anton can help.

I’d forgotten how regal he’s always looked. How wild. Those ice blue eyes and creamy skin have always betrayed exactly who he is — the son of a Bratva princess and a formidable leader of the Corsetti crime family.

I know he’s dangerous, but right now I need someone who understands danger to get me out alive.

Yet even as our denied lust engulfs our better judgement, the greed of those to whom I’ve been beholden for so long looms large — and threatens to consume us both.

Greed is a dark romance novella featuring a dominant MMC, feisty submissive FMC, a whole lot of kink and an HEA. Go to Nikki Rome's website for a full list of content warnings.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Steamy

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Romance Author Nikki Rome has been a romance junky since a young age. As a girl she reached for book after book, looking for that happily ever after she always believed in. She loves all forms of romance and you can find her latest read not far from her reach.

Nikki writes contemporary romance with a touch of danger and kink. Her love of realistic characters who face real problems provides a story that touches the hearts of many. As a writer, reader and lover of words, it only made sense that she publish her stories.

Now years letter she owns and manages Smut Lovers: The Community. A group of like minded individuals that come together to talk about their love of all things smut. You can find her hosting Smut Lovers: The Podcast or running Smut Lovers: The Conference. Either way you know she'll always be talking about her love of books.

Reviews

[Arabella Auberon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good short story, it follows a lot of the standard tropes, but for novella’s tropes make storytelling a little quicker so the reader can move on to the more original aspects of the story. This is a good solid novella that is worth taking the time to read.

5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.

4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.

3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.

2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.

1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.

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

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply couldn't put this yummy book down!!
I devoured it from the first chapter! Anton is just such a alpha to fall in love with, his past and utter love and devotion to Maya just made me love him more. This was steamy hot and perfect!! Full of action as well, the story is well balanced and well developed. It instantly made me a fan of the author and I love her writing style.
I highly recommend this book, so clear out a night cause you won't be putting it down!!.

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

[Christina Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Nikki Rome and I really enjoyed it!!! I love the chemistry between Anton and Maya!!! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!!! Read and enjoy!!!.

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

[Bourbon N Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: Rape, Murder

Holy Hell

What an amazing book wrapped into 12 chapters. Nikki kills it in this novella!!

Anton is a powerful man who would do anything for Maya.

Maya is an strong willed woman who only submits to Anton.

Their passion and chemistry make me hot 🥵

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, Anton and Maya had such a hold over me. This is the prequel to a new series by Nikki Rome, it can be considered a second chance dark mafia romance. Super steamy and fast paced and sets the tone for the new series. Loved this and can’t wait for more!.

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anton can’t get enough of Maya regardless of if together they are toxic when they are together. His love for her runs so deep, that he would do anything to keep her safe and in his life. This book has been a steamy roller-coaster, in almost every chapter there is smut and emotions are high as they try to figure out what type of relationship they are going to have in the end. This is the first book I have read from Nikki Rome and I can’t wait to read more!.

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

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heck of read. Talk about steamy Anton and Maya share a past. She goes to him for help after getting herself in a bad situation he makes her pay for leaving him. He wants to keep her safe and he also has connections.

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

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we have the perfect novella which sets us up for The Dark Kings. It was short and sweet but packed a mighty punch, there was action and twists at every turn.
Anton is one alpha male, his need for Maya is all consuming and it rules everything. It's hot!
I'm super excited for what's to come, I can't bloody wait!!

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily leaving this review. This was a great start to a new series by Nikki Rome. This is a prequel to the series and gives you a bit of information on what is to come. The book is a quick read, dark romance and does have trigger warnings. Be warned, you will be hooked from the very first page!

I loved how even after all the time apart, Anton and Maya’s love prevailed. I loved all the steamy chemistry, bratty behavior and action. I love that they were both willing to sacrifice everything to safe each other.

I can’t wait for Lust to come out so I can get more background information on Dante, Ares and Nico!

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

He can’t get enough of her even if together they are toxic. His love for her runs so deep, that he would do anything to keep her safe and in his life. This book has been a steamy roller-coaster, in almost every chapter there is smut and emotions are high as they try to figure out what type of relationship they are going to have in the end.

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

[Lili Midnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from Nikki Rome and I must say I am not disappointed.

This is a dark romance novella that involves a second chance romance between Anton and Maya.

The book starts off with three years after their breakup with Maya showing up on Anton’s seeking his help. Throughout the book it was a guessing game on what went wrong in their relationship, but it was eventually reveled later on what broke them apart and I truly felt for them.

“I’d give anything to get back the life we all had here, but so much had gone wrong it was tarnished with more bad memories than good ones”

Anton was very hot and cold towards Maya, which was very understandable with what they went through together during their relationship. They are childhood sweethearts, so they have a lot of history together. You really do feel their love, longing, and heartbreak for each other.

“I was serious about what I said, Maya. You can’t leave me again. I don’t think I’d survive it. Especially now.”
“Because of Dante?”
“No. Because I know what it’s like without you and it’s not a life worth living.”

They both got me in my feels and I loved that they got back together. I just wished that they had a conversation about what happened before she left.

Though this is a novella, I felt like it was evened out with spice and plot, and I just wanted more of them and I hope they make apparences in the next books!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton loves Maya almost obsessively. Their chemistry is fiery but also hot and passionate. I loved that about these two.
I like the to fro, push pull of the relationship and all the drama they do through to get together is just amazing.
This is a Mafia theme book but Anton is scarred, intense and overwhelming at times. His feelings for Maya run deep but in sure he doesn't realise in the beginning how deep they run.
This was an amazing story that was gripping and involving. Highly recommend it. Nikki Rome is a fairly new to me author and well worth the time.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fast pace. Anton don't take prisoners when doing everything to make sure his woman is safe.
The bdsm in their smegsi are 🔥! Definitly an insurance to read more from the author.
Maya is... Now this is tricky. I'm not sure about her since their background wasn't explicitly told. What happened three years ago? Why did she said, Anton kick her out?
What happened that drove her to be street worker?
What happened to their great love story?
I can only put the strings together in my head of their story, so I'm not really sure about Maya.
But from her brattyness alone, she's not my fav person.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow what an absolutely amazing book and this is the story that will have you gripping the seat hoping that they can find the cruel person that laid a hand on his childhood friend. There was a group of boys and one girl that grew up together. Maya left Anton the day he told her to leave so she got up and left and left all he belongings. Three years later and she was back asking for help, but as soon as Anton seen her he wanted to kill the person that laid a hand on her. Will they get their revenge on the person that hurt Maya.

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

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREED is one smoking hot story. For a novella, it packs in a whole lot of action of both the mafia and carnal variety.

Anton and Maya were already hopelessly in love but separated by their anger and hurt. When Maya goes to Anton as the only person that can help her, it sets off a chain of events that makes for a dynamite second chance romance.

Part of the purpose of the novella seems to be setting the stage for The Dark Kings - Dante, Nico and Ares and the world of the Corsetti mafia family. I’m ready for the rest of the series.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been three years since Anton had seen Maya. She has returned and is asking for his help, no matter the pain she causes, Anton is not ready to let her go again.

Greed is a story that is full of suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The heat, passion and lust between Maya and Anton will have you melting in your seat. The danger that Maya faces keeps you turning the pages.

Great story that left me spinning.

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

[Amber Keehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Rome’s books pop up on my feed often, so I though LT this quick novella was a good opportunity to check out her stuff. Greed did not disappoint! The novella was a quick page turner and had action, suspense and some racy romance scenes. The couple in the book, Anton and Maya, were a second chance romance but there was a definite enemies to lovers vibe that I enjoyed in their banter. I am for sure a fan of her work!.

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

[Meluvbooks2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first knock at the door it’s non stop drama, action, alpha hotness and loyalty. Absolutely love this author. You are introduced to Anton in her book “Micah”. There’s no back story of Anton and Maya, but this book goes over their history without feeling rushed. Great start of the next series leading into Dante( who you meet in “Luca”. This book wasn’t drawn out. It was a great fast read.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the prequel to the Dark Kings series. Anton and Maya were involved until tragedy struck. Now three years later she is in trouble and has no one else to turn to, she is at Anton's house.

Anton knows there is no way he can send her on her way, he will do all he can to protect her, no matter where that path takes him.

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

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella for this author’s Dark King’s series. I thought it was terrific. Very fast paced and kept me compelled and I read it in one sitting. The story revolves around Anton and Maya, and from the first,0age you are rooting for them and engaged. The only thing that would have made it better was if it was longer,- I didn’t want it to be over. I’m looking forward to Dante’s story.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read novella which is Anton and Maya’s story. Anton is dangerous and dominant, while Maya is feisty, and the love and devotion he has for her shines throughout. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, action packed, with intrigue, danger, suspense, mystery, emotions, complex characters, and love, which leads to a steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anton Tirelli

Greed is a second chance dark romance. It's a prequel story as an introduction to The Dark Kings series. Anton & Maya have been friends since childhood then as adults their love became toxic so Maya left.

Three years later Maya is in trouble and needs Anton's help. This story was full of action with twists and turns which keep you turning the pages. I can't wait to start reading the rest of The Dark King series.

[K.M. Mixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, to the point. This is my first read from this author, and I am looking forward to this world. I felt it was a good little dip into what’s to come. It gets the readers ready for the The Dark Kings. Though it be little, it be fierce! Lots of action stuffed in between the covers, and spice, too! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed: A Dark Romance Novella
The Dark Kings
Nikki Rome

The story and characters, Anton and Maya, are well written and nicely developed. I enjoyed the love between the characters and the protectiveness of each other. Great read.

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

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great 2nd chance love story

This was an amazing story about getting a second chance at romance, she found herself at the door of her ex needing help after she killed her John and her pimp was after her, their love story gets a second chance and he gets to make this second chance count oh so good.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Anton, he was the perfect H, but Maya was so annoying. She comes to Anton for help and then immediately threatens to leave and tries at every chance she can to leave. Things like this are annoying; there was enough plot and drama to carry without this unnecessary dialogue. The spice is spicy, and the story is great. I just can't give it 5 because I hate a weak h.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book from the start. I love how all the details make it possible for me to just get lost in the book. I fell in love with characters that I can’t wait to be able to read more of this series.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton and Maya have a past together, butbwhen trouble comes for Maya she goes to the one man who can protect her, Anton, but he wants her return. Well written steamy hot second chance mafia romance.

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

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed: A Second Chance Dark Romance (The Dark Kings) By Nikki Rome. Anton Tirelli list her once! Can these two make it a second time after cleaning up the mess Maya has created? I enjoyed this story and recommend it…

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton & Maya had an entertaining read. I screwed up — again. My line of work always comes at a cost, and this time it’s going to be my freedom. Unless Anton can help. And am voluntarily leaving my review.