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Savage Jewels #1
Diamond in the Dark
First they break me. Then they claim me. All I want is freedom from the world I left.
When my sister called me, panicked because her surprise pregnancy violated the terms of her soon-to-be-arranged marriage, I took her place in a Faustian bargain with the three men who’d intended to buy her.
My new partners are violent and uncompromising men who threaten everything I’ve built over the past decade. Will I find a way to stand before them as an equal? Or will they drive me straight into the danger I so desperately tried to escape?
Diamond in the Dark is a standalone, fast burning, dark, mafia romance. For a complete list of content notes and trigger warnings, please visit my website.
When my sister called me, panicked because her surprise pregnancy violated the terms of her soon-to-be-arranged marriage, I took her place in a Faustian bargain with the three men who’d intended to buy her.
My new partners are violent and uncompromising men who threaten everything I’ve built over the past decade. Will I find a way to stand before them as an equal? Or will they drive me straight into the danger I so desperately tried to escape?
Diamond in the Dark is a standalone, fast burning, dark, mafia romance. For a complete list of content notes and trigger warnings, please visit my website.
354 pages, ebook
First published August 19, 2022
1498 people are currently reading
4282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
November 1, 2022
BDSM is safe and consensual.
This book is filled with sexual assaults, humiliation and rape.
This book is filled with sexual assaults, humiliation and rape.
January 28, 2023
Bit too much of a fast burn for my tastes and the h spent a lot of time crying while also being a tough girl. It didn't really mesh.
I liked the start and the premise but the guys turned from hard asses to marshmallows a little too fast. I wanted them to be meaner for longer and then grovel or something.
For a first book it was pretty good though and it looks like lots of people are enjoying it so probably just ignore me 😂
I liked the start and the premise but the guys turned from hard asses to marshmallows a little too fast. I wanted them to be meaner for longer and then grovel or something.
For a first book it was pretty good though and it looks like lots of people are enjoying it so probably just ignore me 😂
January 23, 2023
Non-con in this way is not for me.
May 15, 2023
They rape her. No cute way of saying this, they just do.
January 8, 2023
A very dark book
I did not like this book. Wasn't able to finish. The humiliation in what these three men did to her was totally degradation. Cormac was the worst. Calling her whore and slut while he f--ked her. I read some of the other comments about this book saying it gets better. I've read a lot of dark mafia type books but one thing I do not care for is degradation. The book says that her body responded but her brain definitely didn't. Not a book for me.
I did not like this book. Wasn't able to finish. The humiliation in what these three men did to her was totally degradation. Cormac was the worst. Calling her whore and slut while he f--ked her. I read some of the other comments about this book saying it gets better. I've read a lot of dark mafia type books but one thing I do not care for is degradation. The book says that her body responded but her brain definitely didn't. Not a book for me.
August 15, 2022
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. I still can’t believe this was written by a debut author!!! This story was original and captivating. I can’t wait for the next book.
Ginevra is such a strong MFC and I love her spirit and her intelligence and the way she carries herself. Each of the guys have their own little traits that I love as well. Liam is so insane. And I love insane characters that can bring that spice to a book. But he hides it so well until it’s needed or required. Rian is such an amazingly strong and ruthless leader and lover. He knows what he wants and just goes for it. Then there’s Cormac… my beautiful, strong, dominant, broody, exceptionally intelligent Cormac. Yes he is being added to my long list of book boyfriends. I love how he not only handles Genevra but Liam and Rian as well.
If you’re looking for plot, intrigue, great story line, angst, drama and a hell of a lot of spice… THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!! Read the trigger warnings please… this is a dark romance and is listed as such for a reason.
Ginevra is such a strong MFC and I love her spirit and her intelligence and the way she carries herself. Each of the guys have their own little traits that I love as well. Liam is so insane. And I love insane characters that can bring that spice to a book. But he hides it so well until it’s needed or required. Rian is such an amazingly strong and ruthless leader and lover. He knows what he wants and just goes for it. Then there’s Cormac… my beautiful, strong, dominant, broody, exceptionally intelligent Cormac. Yes he is being added to my long list of book boyfriends. I love how he not only handles Genevra but Liam and Rian as well.
If you’re looking for plot, intrigue, great story line, angst, drama and a hell of a lot of spice… THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!! Read the trigger warnings please… this is a dark romance and is listed as such for a reason.
November 28, 2022
Fast read. Lots of dirty talking rough sex. There are some parts that tight rope walk on not acceptable. But she sacrificed herself so in a way it was her choice. Again a tight rope to walk. There is spanking public sex, debasement, praise kink, forced submission, yet she gets tougher and even stronger from it. I think she had trouble submitting because she was so independent and it was the opposite of what she is to submit. There is M/M too and a really hot Mfmm scene.
Overall good read but be aware of some questionable parts 3.5 stars
Overall good read but be aware of some questionable parts 3.5 stars
August 7, 2022
This was such a great book! MMMF why-choose/poly, mafia, arranged marriage, full of suspense and intrigue. I loved Ginevra! She is a kick-ass heroine. This book has fantastic spice, well-developed characters and plotline, overall I loved it! I especially loved Genevra's relationship with Rian, Liam and Cormac. I can't wait to read Sofia's story! 4☆
August 8, 2022
This was one hell of a roller coaster ride. It goes from 0 too 100 really quickly. Five shining stars!
important bits:
no virgins
no cheating
HEA
triggers/content warnings: PAY ATTENTION LOL
noncon & dubcon
bdsm
knife and blood play
degradation
public unwilling exhibitionism & humiliation
impact play
important bits:
no virgins
no cheating
HEA
triggers/content warnings: PAY ATTENTION LOL
noncon & dubcon
bdsm
knife and blood play
degradation
public unwilling exhibitionism & humiliation
impact play
August 8, 2022
I can’t believe this book was written by a first time author! It doesn’t read like one. It was so good! Mafia, smut, bad ass female, dominant and crazy possessive men!!! Loved it all!!!! I was drawn in and hooked instantly. I didn’t want the story to end. The plot was really good! The spice was on point and there is quite a bit in it!! I can’t wait to read Sofia’s story!
August 5, 2022
Diamond in the Dark by Poppy Jacobson is the first book in the Savage Jewels series. We meet Ginevra who is a mafia princess who got away from the family and made her own life on the west coast. When her sister calls, she comes to help. She comes home to meet Rian, Cormac, and Liam. Great world building. Lots and lots of action. Lots and lots of spicy, hot, spicy parts. Ginevra is one tough, smart, did I say tough FMC. Great mafia RH. Make sure to read through the TW. And then read them again. HEA. No cheating. No bullying. Looking forward to reading Sophia's story.
November 17, 2022
3.5 stars
August 8, 2022
Turn up the AC - this book is hot!! Diamond in the Dark is the first book in the Savage Jewels Series. This new-to-me author created a dark, captivating world that I’ll definitely come back for more of.
Ginevra, the escaped Italian mafia princess, left home and created a life for herself outside of the violence and crime. Having survived her childhood trauma, she’s living the good life as CEO of her own company. We’ll, until she receives a call from her sister… who’s pregnant and will not be able to fulfill her upcoming arranged marriage….
Rian, Cormac and Liam… uncompromising, dangerous and sinful have risen to the top of their game. They built their empire from nothing, but need to marry into the Russo family to “legitimize” their claim - without those ties, their empire is at a stalemate. How will they react to the pregnancy?
When these 4 come together, it’s absolute fire. The chemistry come off the pages. The characters and incredible world building make this dark tale stand out. I cannot wait for the rest of the series (and to read about her sisters story next)!
Highly recommend if you love dark, mafia books with a touch of Dom/sub action.
Ginevra, the escaped Italian mafia princess, left home and created a life for herself outside of the violence and crime. Having survived her childhood trauma, she’s living the good life as CEO of her own company. We’ll, until she receives a call from her sister… who’s pregnant and will not be able to fulfill her upcoming arranged marriage….
Rian, Cormac and Liam… uncompromising, dangerous and sinful have risen to the top of their game. They built their empire from nothing, but need to marry into the Russo family to “legitimize” their claim - without those ties, their empire is at a stalemate. How will they react to the pregnancy?
When these 4 come together, it’s absolute fire. The chemistry come off the pages. The characters and incredible world building make this dark tale stand out. I cannot wait for the rest of the series (and to read about her sisters story next)!
Highly recommend if you love dark, mafia books with a touch of Dom/sub action.
February 20, 2023
Wow! This book was phenomenal!
The roller-coaster ride this book took me on was just as delicious as the men in it!
With the perfect balance between action and.... Activities 😜 this story gives everything you could possibly want from it!
Can't wait to read more from this author!
The roller-coaster ride this book took me on was just as delicious as the men in it!
With the perfect balance between action and.... Activities 😜 this story gives everything you could possibly want from it!
Can't wait to read more from this author!
September 17, 2022
Writing is good. But this book wasn't for me, i personally didn't like it especially some the dark themes.
August 12, 2022
It probably wasn’t the best idea to start reading this on my 15 minute break in work. I could focus the rest of my shift. This book has me in a chokehold (pun intended). I devoured this book in two days (would’ve been shorter had I not had to go to work)
This book is dark and exciting and sexy but also sweet and heartwarming. Ginevra is a strong badass woman who has overcome significant trauma in her past and is still working on it. Her husbands-to-be are dark brooding b*$%€£ds who take what they want but they hadn’t expected to want her. There are many triggers in this book as it is VERY dark. It has BDSM, dub-con, non-con, knife play, force marriage, degradation and praise, lots of dirty talk.
Im in awe of the author. The fact that this is the quality of work in her debut novel has me excited to see what is to come. I will be recommending this to all my friends and can’t wait for Sophia’s story.
The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is because I would’ve like more scenes between the MMC. I think it would’ve benefited for Ginevra to observe Liam or Rian submit to Cormac and show the strong choose to submit they can’t be broken.
This book is dark and exciting and sexy but also sweet and heartwarming. Ginevra is a strong badass woman who has overcome significant trauma in her past and is still working on it. Her husbands-to-be are dark brooding b*$%€£ds who take what they want but they hadn’t expected to want her. There are many triggers in this book as it is VERY dark. It has BDSM, dub-con, non-con, knife play, force marriage, degradation and praise, lots of dirty talk.
Im in awe of the author. The fact that this is the quality of work in her debut novel has me excited to see what is to come. I will be recommending this to all my friends and can’t wait for Sophia’s story.
The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is because I would’ve like more scenes between the MMC. I think it would’ve benefited for Ginevra to observe Liam or Rian submit to Cormac and show the strong choose to submit they can’t be broken.
August 19, 2022
A mafia reverse harem with an extremely strong heroine and three delicious men. 👀
It's quite unbelievable that this is someone's debut. The writing was good for someone writing for the first time. I know mine wouldn't be as polished. The pacing is quite quick but I think it suits the book.
I don't want to bash someone's first book baby so I will try to be the kindest I can and not go into details. I hate to say this but I didn't enjoy the story of this book. This has nothing to do with the author because I know this type of book will find its audience and while I enjoy a dark book from time to time this one didn't click with me. The mafia aspect combined with the unrealistic deal and the lusty connection were probably the things that bothered me the most but to other people, this sounds like a dream!
For those interested in the nitty gritty. There was knife play, public play, MM, praise and quite an extreme degradation (not my cuppa) and some BDSM. So if you are looking for a dark mafia reverse harem with the steam, here you are! 🔥
2.5 stars ✨
I got this book as an ARC. Thank you, Poppy Jacobson, for the opportunity!
It's quite unbelievable that this is someone's debut. The writing was good for someone writing for the first time. I know mine wouldn't be as polished. The pacing is quite quick but I think it suits the book.
I don't want to bash someone's first book baby so I will try to be the kindest I can and not go into details. I hate to say this but I didn't enjoy the story of this book. This has nothing to do with the author because I know this type of book will find its audience and while I enjoy a dark book from time to time this one didn't click with me. The mafia aspect combined with the unrealistic deal and the lusty connection were probably the things that bothered me the most but to other people, this sounds like a dream!
For those interested in the nitty gritty. There was knife play, public play, MM, praise and quite an extreme degradation (not my cuppa) and some BDSM. So if you are looking for a dark mafia reverse harem with the steam, here you are! 🔥
2.5 stars ✨
I got this book as an ARC. Thank you, Poppy Jacobson, for the opportunity!
August 21, 2022
Steam: 4/5 Strong Language: 3/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot: 4.5/5.
Triggers: Vio!ence, BD$M, $exual Assault/Human Tra££icking (off page), Murder, n0n c0n, dub c0n
This is the first installment in Poppy Jacobson's Cruel Empire series. These stories are standalone but have interconnected characters.
Gin is living her best life in Hollywood when she gets a call from home that will alter her life's trajectory. Her mafia family is in grave danger and her own self sacrifice is only way to save them, not just from financial ruin but their very lives. What will be the price she has pay? Her life & freedom, in the form of a poly BDSM marriage, to the head of the Irish mafia and his two top guys.
Rian, Cormac, and Liam are used to getting everything they want. The prospect of Ginevra fighting and submitting to them both pleases and arouses their desire. This is going to be a bumpy ride.
This was an interesting story with a strong heroine. She may do what's necessary but she has a spine of steel. Gin is a fully developed and intriguing heroine. A complex woman that never loses her own power even throughout her submission to the men. The characters are portrayed really well. Overall, the writing, story, and aesthetics are amazing. Excellent book. I can’t wait to see what this amazing new author has in store for us next.
5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.
Triggers: Vio!ence, BD$M, $exual Assault/Human Tra££icking (off page), Murder, n0n c0n, dub c0n
This is the first installment in Poppy Jacobson's Cruel Empire series. These stories are standalone but have interconnected characters.
Gin is living her best life in Hollywood when she gets a call from home that will alter her life's trajectory. Her mafia family is in grave danger and her own self sacrifice is only way to save them, not just from financial ruin but their very lives. What will be the price she has pay? Her life & freedom, in the form of a poly BDSM marriage, to the head of the Irish mafia and his two top guys.
Rian, Cormac, and Liam are used to getting everything they want. The prospect of Ginevra fighting and submitting to them both pleases and arouses their desire. This is going to be a bumpy ride.
This was an interesting story with a strong heroine. She may do what's necessary but she has a spine of steel. Gin is a fully developed and intriguing heroine. A complex woman that never loses her own power even throughout her submission to the men. The characters are portrayed really well. Overall, the writing, story, and aesthetics are amazing. Excellent book. I can’t wait to see what this amazing new author has in store for us next.
5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.
January 26, 2023
Ok so let me explain, I’m giving this 2.75⭐️ and there’s a reason for that. The idea/plot itself is fine. To a certain extent it would really work. However there are several thing that just made it too unrealistic and therefore took the enjoyment away for me.
Firstly everything happened too damn fast for me! I’m pretty sure the time span from 0-80% was only 2 weeks!! It was just a bit too mad!
Then the fact that the FMC kept on bloody crying!! I swear she cried in every time she appeared in the book! After a while it just got too much and too anting for me!
Now I love me a Reverse Harem! It’s literally my favourite current reads. I also love a mafia romance. However in this story and who and how the characters were, it just didn’t work at all for me. If they would have just been super powerful and important/wealthy businesses men (the MMC’s + FMC) the story would have worked so much better. There is no way the ceremony at the end would have worked with the mafia the way the mafia families and friends were being described throughout the book. I’m sorry but no. It was too much a clash of old world and new and it just didn’t work for me.
With how fast everything went there was no build up either and as a reader that’s what I love, and sadly that was completely missing.
Firstly everything happened too damn fast for me! I’m pretty sure the time span from 0-80% was only 2 weeks!! It was just a bit too mad!
Then the fact that the FMC kept on bloody crying!! I swear she cried in every time she appeared in the book! After a while it just got too much and too anting for me!
Now I love me a Reverse Harem! It’s literally my favourite current reads. I also love a mafia romance. However in this story and who and how the characters were, it just didn’t work at all for me. If they would have just been super powerful and important/wealthy businesses men (the MMC’s + FMC) the story would have worked so much better. There is no way the ceremony at the end would have worked with the mafia the way the mafia families and friends were being described throughout the book. I’m sorry but no. It was too much a clash of old world and new and it just didn’t work for me.
With how fast everything went there was no build up either and as a reader that’s what I love, and sadly that was completely missing.
August 12, 2022
Wow. I cannot believe this is a debut novel from an author. Surely she writes under a different pen name? This book was simply so good. There was spice. There was angst, amazing plot and storytelling. Action and drama. Did I mention spice? It was just so good I had a really bad time putting it down and this book was pretty lengthy. Luckily, it wraps up Genevra, Liam, Rian and Cormacs’ story up but paves the way for Sophia’s book really well.
This book would absolutely appeal to those who are fans of dark, dark romance. Like bully romance because these boys are pretty brutal to start. There’s definite triggers too, so head what the author states in the beginning for sure. Overall, though the book flows nicely from enemies to lovers amongst the men and Genevra and they would burn the world for her. It’s what all us romance readers love. I’m so excited to read the next installment in this series!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am leaving my voluntary and honest review.
This book would absolutely appeal to those who are fans of dark, dark romance. Like bully romance because these boys are pretty brutal to start. There’s definite triggers too, so head what the author states in the beginning for sure. Overall, though the book flows nicely from enemies to lovers amongst the men and Genevra and they would burn the world for her. It’s what all us romance readers love. I’m so excited to read the next installment in this series!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am leaving my voluntary and honest review.
August 10, 2022
Huge thank you to Poppy and her team for this ARC! ☺️
———
What a lovely debut novel!
RH 🤝 Mafia = a violent, suspenseful and spicy good time.
For the first 50% I will say the story was extremely mafia plot driven, so if you’re newer to mafia stories it could be harder to follow. If you’re down with spice happening EARLY, this is the story for you! Like it legit happens in the first few chapters 😂👏🏻
I will say Poppy had me HATING these men in the first half but she was able to somehow make me swoon over them 🙃🫠 Liam is sommmmmmethinnng 🥵
This comes out on Aug 19!! 🎉
And before you dive in, please read over the TW’s and take care of yourself 🖤
———
What a lovely debut novel!
RH 🤝 Mafia = a violent, suspenseful and spicy good time.
For the first 50% I will say the story was extremely mafia plot driven, so if you’re newer to mafia stories it could be harder to follow. If you’re down with spice happening EARLY, this is the story for you! Like it legit happens in the first few chapters 😂👏🏻
I will say Poppy had me HATING these men in the first half but she was able to somehow make me swoon over them 🙃🫠 Liam is sommmmmmethinnng 🥵
This comes out on Aug 19!! 🎉
And before you dive in, please read over the TW’s and take care of yourself 🖤
August 9, 2022
I absolutely loved this debut dark mafia why choose romance. It has sooo much spice but still has a strong story line with great characters and plenty of drama. It is a standalone but part of a bigger world and I can't wait to read the next one. Poppy is an author I will be putting on my "buy everything they write" list.
August 2, 2023
more like a 2.5 but it didn't really deserve the full 3
bdsm should always be safe and consensual and this was not it, at least in the first half. not my kind of spice.
the three mmc are just not it for me.
liked the diversity of the other mafia organizations that were mentioned - Nigerian mafia was new to me and that's refreshing.
ending was kinda sped-up idk.
hope the next one is better.
bdsm should always be safe and consensual and this was not it, at least in the first half. not my kind of spice.
the three mmc are just not it for me.
liked the diversity of the other mafia organizations that were mentioned - Nigerian mafia was new to me and that's refreshing.
ending was kinda sped-up idk.
hope the next one is better.
August 11, 2022
this book was so freaking fantastic! everyone was right once you hit that 8% mark you’re HOOKED. Ginerva is a strong badass heroine and I absolutely loved her. I loved that each of the boys but I think Liam might be my favorite. 10/10 recommend! amazing job Poppy!!
August 12, 2022
The first book from debut author, Poppy Jacobson, was well written and entertaining. A lot of spice in this RH MMMF, dark mafia story.. definitely contains things that could be triggers for some, but I enjoyed it. Great character development and storyline. Ginerva is a badass MFC. Can't wait to check out the next story in this series!
August 14, 2022
Fantastic debut novel!
I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down! Each character has amazing depth and I felt sad when the book was over. The overall story arc was interesting and kept me on my toes!
Well done and highly recommend!
I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down! Each character has amazing depth and I felt sad when the book was over. The overall story arc was interesting and kept me on my toes!
Well done and highly recommend!
September 22, 2022
It was ok. She sacrificed a lot for her family and I feel like they weren’t nearly as appreciative as they should have been. I just couldn’t connect with the heroine who is willing to sacrifice for crappy family.
Stars: 3
HEA?: yes
Cheating: no
Cliffhanger?: no
Tropes: mafia
Stars: 3
HEA?: yes
Cheating: no
Cliffhanger?: no
Tropes: mafia
October 1, 2024
This was the best why choose mafia romance I ever read I loved the drama the built up between them all
Ginerva is such a bratty ànd soft yet strong woman
Mafia is my favorite but the why choose added to it is absolutely the best .it's a must read 100%
Ginerva is such a bratty ànd soft yet strong woman
Mafia is my favorite but the why choose added to it is absolutely the best .it's a must read 100%
November 12, 2022
Holy hell! This book is freaking phenomenal for a debut book. It immediately captured my attention and I couldn’t put it down.
After a traumatic past, Ginevra left her mafia family to make her own way in California. When a call from her sister has her coming back home, Ginevra has to take her place in a world she never wanted with men she knows nothing about.
Ginevra is such a fierce FMC. She’s strong, intelligent, and can kick a**. Liam, Rian, and Cormac are used to dominating everything in their path. When Ginevra both challenges and submits to their authority, their interests are piqued and makes for some spicy interactions.
This story is action packed with a whole lot of spice 🔥🔥🔥. If you love a good RH mafia read than Diamond in the Dark is what you need.
After a traumatic past, Ginevra left her mafia family to make her own way in California. When a call from her sister has her coming back home, Ginevra has to take her place in a world she never wanted with men she knows nothing about.
Ginevra is such a fierce FMC. She’s strong, intelligent, and can kick a**. Liam, Rian, and Cormac are used to dominating everything in their path. When Ginevra both challenges and submits to their authority, their interests are piqued and makes for some spicy interactions.
This story is action packed with a whole lot of spice 🔥🔥🔥. If you love a good RH mafia read than Diamond in the Dark is what you need.
July 23, 2022
I loved the book and how ginevra was a strong female lead. And how she fits into the as a submissive into the relationship but that didn't stop her outside of the bedroom and took charge when she need to. The guys were perfect for her and understand what she needed and as the relationship grew they feel more in love with her. I just wish there were more m/m scenes I want to see the guys build a deeper relationship with each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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