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Lethal Beauty & Smoking Steel #1
Mafias Kiss
One witnessed murder can change your life forever. How it changes depends on you.
My life was full of one-night stands and dirty alleyways, but the moment I witnessed Dominik Romanov, Washington's most powerful crime lord, commit murder, my life as I knew it was over.
After being tossed head first into a world of blood, drugs, and sex, I climbed the ranks until I proved my worth. I became the prodigy. I proved that I could handle the mafia life.
But then, three drool worthy hellions walk into my life. They are my boss’ nephews and to me, everything about them is perfect; their loud music, fierce loyalty, and cold-blooded lifestyles… But when is perfect ever a good thing?
The hierarchy of the Mafia is put to the test when a traitor exposes the underground to the light of day. Overnight a war is started and our hold on the throne is shaken.
With all the bedlam and bloodshed, will I be able to survive until the end? Or will the people gunning to take over territory win?
War is brutal, but the mafia is deadly.
---------------
This story is a #whychoose, which means there will be mfmmm & mfm.
Please be warned, there are possibly multiple triggers and this series is intended for mature audiences due to its sexual content and graphic language.
My life was full of one-night stands and dirty alleyways, but the moment I witnessed Dominik Romanov, Washington's most powerful crime lord, commit murder, my life as I knew it was over.
After being tossed head first into a world of blood, drugs, and sex, I climbed the ranks until I proved my worth. I became the prodigy. I proved that I could handle the mafia life.
But then, three drool worthy hellions walk into my life. They are my boss’ nephews and to me, everything about them is perfect; their loud music, fierce loyalty, and cold-blooded lifestyles… But when is perfect ever a good thing?
The hierarchy of the Mafia is put to the test when a traitor exposes the underground to the light of day. Overnight a war is started and our hold on the throne is shaken.
With all the bedlam and bloodshed, will I be able to survive until the end? Or will the people gunning to take over territory win?
War is brutal, but the mafia is deadly.
---------------
This story is a #whychoose, which means there will be mfmmm & mfm.
Please be warned, there are possibly multiple triggers and this series is intended for mature audiences due to its sexual content and graphic language.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 2, 2019
Ok, so I read the summary of the plot here and I thought "Hey, sounds interesting, let's give it a try". Yeah, NO. Just no. Dude, you lost me after the prologue, even though I read at least half or more of the book, just to give it, a second, third, 20th chance. There is nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING believable in the whole story. I'm okay when the story is paranormal or fantasy for things to be out of this world, but the female MC isn't that. I'm sorry, but considering this was contemporary, I personally like for the literary universe I'm in to be somewhat believable, thought-out, plot-wise sound, even if it is weird or far-fetched or kinky. I repeat, this WASN'T the case.
In what universe:
1. can you combine Russian mob and Italian Mafia into one concept? No, just no.
2. would the (adopted) daughter of a Mob Boss/Mafia Don work as an escort? No, just no, these guys take their honor very seriously, they might marry off their daughters but whatever they might use them for, it's private, not as a high-class prostitute for all the world to see.
3. a girl who is raised by the Mob/Mafia under the close eye of its leader would be such an airhead/stupid bimbo? Again, unlikely. These girls are raised with expectations (let's not forget both are organizations, criminal ones, but still organizations) where information is key, where manners count that high up the ladder, where the way you act reflects on your leader (in this case 'adoptive' father).
4. after acting like she does for nearly a decade, would the Boss/Don suddenly spring to her that "Hey, I want you to take my place, so now I'm going to show you how things work, just like that" ?
BIG NO-NO!! People in the Mob/Mafia are taught the rules and initiated (usually violently) into it since they are young kids, because they are expected to follow orders as adults and do what needs to be done and be loyal. To be a leader, and especially a WOMAN leading a bunch of bloodthirsty, violent men, she would need to be extra cunning, extra smart, extra ruthless, extra strong. You want an example of a female MC that actually manages that and reads as a very possible character reality-wise, you should consult Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy. Bloody fucking Mel.
So, there. I'm sorry if this review sounds harsh for someone's first book, but I think it's better to fix mistakes at the beginning of their career. I hope at their next book, they are more believable, research more about the topic they write and avoid being read as the first draft written by a horny 15-year-old. Cheers.
In what universe:
1. can you combine Russian mob and Italian Mafia into one concept? No, just no.
2. would the (adopted) daughter of a Mob Boss/Mafia Don work as an escort? No, just no, these guys take their honor very seriously, they might marry off their daughters but whatever they might use them for, it's private, not as a high-class prostitute for all the world to see.
3. a girl who is raised by the Mob/Mafia under the close eye of its leader would be such an airhead/stupid bimbo? Again, unlikely. These girls are raised with expectations (let's not forget both are organizations, criminal ones, but still organizations) where information is key, where manners count that high up the ladder, where the way you act reflects on your leader (in this case 'adoptive' father).
4. after acting like she does for nearly a decade, would the Boss/Don suddenly spring to her that "Hey, I want you to take my place, so now I'm going to show you how things work, just like that" ?
BIG NO-NO!! People in the Mob/Mafia are taught the rules and initiated (usually violently) into it since they are young kids, because they are expected to follow orders as adults and do what needs to be done and be loyal. To be a leader, and especially a WOMAN leading a bunch of bloodthirsty, violent men, she would need to be extra cunning, extra smart, extra ruthless, extra strong. You want an example of a female MC that actually manages that and reads as a very possible character reality-wise, you should consult Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy. Bloody fucking Mel.
So, there. I'm sorry if this review sounds harsh for someone's first book, but I think it's better to fix mistakes at the beginning of their career. I hope at their next book, they are more believable, research more about the topic they write and avoid being read as the first draft written by a horny 15-year-old. Cheers.
May 27, 2019
h was in love with one of the H’s (she wasn’t with this one yet), so when she caught him with another woman, she kills OW in the middle of them having sex and then has sex with the H right there on the bed where the OW body just was. Then, she’s all “I know he really cares for me because he’s cleaning me up” and the H is a “I love you so much, hold on while I call a clean up crew for the body of the woman I was just f*cking”.
Shelved as 'avoid'
September 13, 2021note to self:
"she caught him with another woman, she kills OW in the middle of them having sex and then has sex with the H right there on the bed where the OW body just was"
gag
"she caught him with another woman, she kills OW in the middle of them having sex and then has sex with the H right there on the bed where the OW body just was"
gag
May 13, 2019
I received this ARC for an honest review. I'm usually not into the Mafia books but after reading this I have no idea why! After reading the description of this book I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it! It was a fast paced action packed RH with 5 amazing men! Parts of this story seemed a bit rushed but it was amazing anyways! Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down and didn't want to!
Selene had her whinny moments but with her past I probably would too. However, when it came down to taking charge and getting stuff done she turned BAD AF! She stepped her game up and did what was needed to be done! She turned straight savage and it was amazing! The guys all had their talents and were so HOT! I cannot wait for the next book in this series to learn more about them. Especially Godfrey. I need his secrets!
All in all this book was pretty darn great! See how I put that? (Amazon can't handle Adult words. Haha) Hopefully I won't have to wait too awful long for the next book in this series! I need more ASAP! And by ASAP I mean yesterday! So Darcy just know I will stalk you (No not literally cause that would make me seem crazy but maybe just media stalking??!!!) until I get all the answers I need! I definitely recommend you reading this book of you like a good RH with a strong heroine! And even if you don't then you should still give this a try because you might just change your mind and find you like them anyways!
Selene had her whinny moments but with her past I probably would too. However, when it came down to taking charge and getting stuff done she turned BAD AF! She stepped her game up and did what was needed to be done! She turned straight savage and it was amazing! The guys all had their talents and were so HOT! I cannot wait for the next book in this series to learn more about them. Especially Godfrey. I need his secrets!
All in all this book was pretty darn great! See how I put that? (Amazon can't handle Adult words. Haha) Hopefully I won't have to wait too awful long for the next book in this series! I need more ASAP! And by ASAP I mean yesterday! So Darcy just know I will stalk you (No not literally cause that would make me seem crazy but maybe just media stalking??!!!) until I get all the answers I need! I definitely recommend you reading this book of you like a good RH with a strong heroine! And even if you don't then you should still give this a try because you might just change your mind and find you like them anyways!
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 23, 2020DNF at 20%.
Weird dialogs and I kind of dislike the FMC.
Weird dialogs and I kind of dislike the FMC.
May 14, 2019
First book from a new author in a genre with an ever expending amount of authors and books, can she pull it off and make a success from this book?
I read the blurb quite awhile before the book came out, so the anticipation was building. An imperfect girl with imperfect guys making the most of their circumstances, resulting in a darker read, it all seemed perfect. So when I was offered an ARC of this book I started reading it straight away. I liked the relationship between the FMC and Dominick, it was just right During her interactions with Dominick I really liked the FMC.
The relationship between FMC and Frank was lovely, so well described, I really liked Frank, but I wasn't always happy with how the FMC dealt with their interaction, she definitely did not act her age and according to experience when it came to Frank. He just makes it all better though, we all need a Frank in our lives.
Then we have a few other guys playing a role in the book and whilst their characters are described, they did not come to life for me like Dominick, Frank and even the FMC. On occasions you could see something shine through. I hope that they get a bit more depth in the next book, as for now they take a bit of a backseat.
So far so good. Now with a new author I am less picky with regards to some of the text not flowing as well, but this author really surprised me. Big parts of the book are brilliantly described, certain scenes just come to life. However that is not the case for the entire book, some scenes feel a bit stunted and great a bit stiff, especially some of the scenes with no action or passion in it and I understand that it is very difficult to get everything perfect. I think the author did a tremendous job writing this book and the fact that this book is already that well written promises a lot of things for the future from this author.
Now why does the book not get the full amount of stars? Well that is on me. I don't have any triggers or anything, so I pick up any book and read it, but sometimes there is something in the book that has me pause, has me wanting to stop reading all together. In this case it had to do with the first kill the FMC made and the circumstances surrounding it. I found it made her a bit of a hypocrite. I also found it way over the top even for people with a shady past. If he was already hers, I would understand her actions, but he wasn't.
All in all I was happy that I continued to read as this was the only instance of the dark behaviour I wasn't happy with. It has been a very entertaining read and I will be reading book 2 when it comes out. This new author is carving out a place for herself amongst the other good reverse harem authors. Let's hope the second book gets even better.
I read the blurb quite awhile before the book came out, so the anticipation was building. An imperfect girl with imperfect guys making the most of their circumstances, resulting in a darker read, it all seemed perfect. So when I was offered an ARC of this book I started reading it straight away. I liked the relationship between the FMC and Dominick, it was just right During her interactions with Dominick I really liked the FMC.
The relationship between FMC and Frank was lovely, so well described, I really liked Frank, but I wasn't always happy with how the FMC dealt with their interaction, she definitely did not act her age and according to experience when it came to Frank. He just makes it all better though, we all need a Frank in our lives.
Then we have a few other guys playing a role in the book and whilst their characters are described, they did not come to life for me like Dominick, Frank and even the FMC. On occasions you could see something shine through. I hope that they get a bit more depth in the next book, as for now they take a bit of a backseat.
So far so good. Now with a new author I am less picky with regards to some of the text not flowing as well, but this author really surprised me. Big parts of the book are brilliantly described, certain scenes just come to life. However that is not the case for the entire book, some scenes feel a bit stunted and great a bit stiff, especially some of the scenes with no action or passion in it and I understand that it is very difficult to get everything perfect. I think the author did a tremendous job writing this book and the fact that this book is already that well written promises a lot of things for the future from this author.
Now why does the book not get the full amount of stars? Well that is on me. I don't have any triggers or anything, so I pick up any book and read it, but sometimes there is something in the book that has me pause, has me wanting to stop reading all together. In this case it had to do with the first kill the FMC made and the circumstances surrounding it. I found it made her a bit of a hypocrite. I also found it way over the top even for people with a shady past. If he was already hers, I would understand her actions, but he wasn't.
All in all I was happy that I continued to read as this was the only instance of the dark behaviour I wasn't happy with. It has been a very entertaining read and I will be reading book 2 when it comes out. This new author is carving out a place for herself amongst the other good reverse harem authors. Let's hope the second book gets even better.
June 7, 2020
Unlikable FMC
I wanted to like this but there wasn't much to like. Selene is a brat. As far as I can see she has no redeeming character traits. She's in her late 20s but acts like she's 10. She takes no responsibility for anything and basically spends her days getting high and sleeping around. Then all of a sudden in the last 10% she decides she's going to take over the mafia and becomes a badass. Yeah, not buying it. I don't understand what her guys see in her. Though to be honest, I didn't like them very much either. They're very 2 dimensional and I had a hard time telling them apart. The only character I actually liked was Octavia. I probably won't read the rest of the series.
I wanted to like this but there wasn't much to like. Selene is a brat. As far as I can see she has no redeeming character traits. She's in her late 20s but acts like she's 10. She takes no responsibility for anything and basically spends her days getting high and sleeping around. Then all of a sudden in the last 10% she decides she's going to take over the mafia and becomes a badass. Yeah, not buying it. I don't understand what her guys see in her. Though to be honest, I didn't like them very much either. They're very 2 dimensional and I had a hard time telling them apart. The only character I actually liked was Octavia. I probably won't read the rest of the series.
October 29, 2021
I have to say this was an interesting to read. I’m still not quite sure what to think! I would classify this as a slightly dark mafia RH romance if I had to describe it.
Selene, the fmc, after witnessing something she shouldn’t have, is offered a choice: stay on the streets, or start a new life. After a troubled youth, she takes this opportunity to take a different path. Selene pretty independent, a bit of a wildcard, and is extremely outspoken. This seems to come from the fact that she’s somewhat protected and is in a pretty cushy position after 9 years of working for Dominik, her boss/father figure. This is definitely not your typical relationship between Dominik and Selene.
The guys: Frank, Vik, Joe, Godfrey, and Jaime. Frank is definitely a protector and has been around Selene for a long time. Vik, Joe, and Godfrey come as a package deal and immediately get Selene’s attention. Jaime, he seems like an extra and a little unexpected as far as being involved with Selene.
One of the things that took away a little from the story for me was that it is mentioned that Dominik is part of the Russian mafia, but the terminology didn’t seem to fit. There was an Italian mafia hierarchy which, was a little weird but, again, I may be nitpicking there. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
**Mafia
**RH
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Selene, the fmc, after witnessing something she shouldn’t have, is offered a choice: stay on the streets, or start a new life. After a troubled youth, she takes this opportunity to take a different path. Selene pretty independent, a bit of a wildcard, and is extremely outspoken. This seems to come from the fact that she’s somewhat protected and is in a pretty cushy position after 9 years of working for Dominik, her boss/father figure. This is definitely not your typical relationship between Dominik and Selene.
The guys: Frank, Vik, Joe, Godfrey, and Jaime. Frank is definitely a protector and has been around Selene for a long time. Vik, Joe, and Godfrey come as a package deal and immediately get Selene’s attention. Jaime, he seems like an extra and a little unexpected as far as being involved with Selene.
One of the things that took away a little from the story for me was that it is mentioned that Dominik is part of the Russian mafia, but the terminology didn’t seem to fit. There was an Italian mafia hierarchy which, was a little weird but, again, I may be nitpicking there. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
**Mafia
**RH
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2019
Mafia Kiss is a fast paced, action packed, RH mafia story. What isn’t there to like about that?!
Selene is an unapologetically flawed heroine who destroys the cookie cutter image of what a “powerless” female should be. While not badass in the typical sense I struggle to find another word to describe her. Not only does she rally when hitting rock bottom, she doesn’t shy away from the gory mafia world.
The men in her life go beyond the standard of what you expect from RH. It’s like Darcy took each of the normal characteristics and cranked the level up to 100. Not going to spoil anything but I might know some things that make me itching to find out more about Godfrey in book 2!! Let’s just say if you are looking for calm, rational, shy, conventional males you should probably just turn around now and start running.
There is barely a lull in the story. It’s action packed starting at the first page and ends on such a cliff hanger! You basically clutching your device the whole time waiting for the rollercoaster to slow down.
Hopefully book 2 is right around the corner, because I have to know what happens next!!!
Selene is an unapologetically flawed heroine who destroys the cookie cutter image of what a “powerless” female should be. While not badass in the typical sense I struggle to find another word to describe her. Not only does she rally when hitting rock bottom, she doesn’t shy away from the gory mafia world.
The men in her life go beyond the standard of what you expect from RH. It’s like Darcy took each of the normal characteristics and cranked the level up to 100. Not going to spoil anything but I might know some things that make me itching to find out more about Godfrey in book 2!! Let’s just say if you are looking for calm, rational, shy, conventional males you should probably just turn around now and start running.
There is barely a lull in the story. It’s action packed starting at the first page and ends on such a cliff hanger! You basically clutching your device the whole time waiting for the rollercoaster to slow down.
Hopefully book 2 is right around the corner, because I have to know what happens next!!!
May 23, 2019
This book has a lot of potential to be a great story.
The prologue absolutely sucked me in and showed me the strength of the MC Selene and how she would face anything head on.
I really enjoyed the story and loved how everything was flowing but then at around 25%-30% I started to loose interest as I felt like the MC wasn’t acting her age (she was acting like a 17-18yr old rather than 27yr old).
I liked the guys when there were first introduced and was able to tell them apart but as the story progressed I got them confused sometimes.
This is a very fast paced story that moves along quickly.
The few things that I found to be kind of inconsistent with a mafia story is
1. This is a Russian Mafia and yet some of the terms were Italian (that was a little confusing)
2. The Mob boss says that the MC Selene is like his daughter and loves her as such, yet she works as an escort in his club and entertains paying clients.
3. Selene was kinda bratty and a bit of a bully sometimes which for me didn’t relate to the MC at the beginning of the story.
This series could be great with a bit of tweaking.
The prologue absolutely sucked me in and showed me the strength of the MC Selene and how she would face anything head on.
I really enjoyed the story and loved how everything was flowing but then at around 25%-30% I started to loose interest as I felt like the MC wasn’t acting her age (she was acting like a 17-18yr old rather than 27yr old).
I liked the guys when there were first introduced and was able to tell them apart but as the story progressed I got them confused sometimes.
This is a very fast paced story that moves along quickly.
The few things that I found to be kind of inconsistent with a mafia story is
1. This is a Russian Mafia and yet some of the terms were Italian (that was a little confusing)
2. The Mob boss says that the MC Selene is like his daughter and loves her as such, yet she works as an escort in his club and entertains paying clients.
3. Selene was kinda bratty and a bit of a bully sometimes which for me didn’t relate to the MC at the beginning of the story.
This series could be great with a bit of tweaking.
May 17, 2019
Homeless & living on the streets 17 year old Selene witnesses something that will change her life forever. Sucking her into a life where danger is everywhere but also where loyalty & family is everything. Into that life comes 3 hot next door neighbours-Joe, Viktor & Godfrey, 1 hot protector -Frank, 1 hot policeman-Jaime and a hell of a lot of sexual scenarios. Blimey they're good!! I cant express enough how much i loved this book. Yes there are parts that shocked me but its a mafia story so be prepared for a little blood. The heart of the story to me is about love & family. If you keep that in mind your in for one hell of great book
May 19, 2019
Great read from a first time author
This is Darcy Ray’s first novel and it was a very interesting read. I was impressed with the story line and how the author managed to paint a vivid picture throughout the book. There are some minor grammatical and sentence structure issues that need finessing but it wasn’t to the extent that it took away from the overall vibe of the book. For a first time author, I can’t emphasis enough how spectacular this book was. I’m definitely ready to see what happens next in book #2!
This is Darcy Ray’s first novel and it was a very interesting read. I was impressed with the story line and how the author managed to paint a vivid picture throughout the book. There are some minor grammatical and sentence structure issues that need finessing but it wasn’t to the extent that it took away from the overall vibe of the book. For a first time author, I can’t emphasis enough how spectacular this book was. I’m definitely ready to see what happens next in book #2!
October 2, 2019
Gah I seriously need book 2 today 🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♀️ this is my first book by Darcy Ray and it was life! Selene is our main girl who was taken in by Dom the head honcho in the mafia and raised as his daughter, she’s fierce, loyal and a complete bad as*. She takes charge when shit gets real and knows how to handle the tough situations. Her guys are just as amazing and freaking sexy as sin! Godfrey our little Asian assassin, Joe our blue eyed Russian, Viktor our chiseled hunk, Jamie our new recruit and ol loyal Frank 😘 I can’t wait to watch her get revenge and become even more killer!
May 17, 2019
Freaking loved this book. There were times where I thought the FMC would do the right thing and then she blows someone's head off. Love it! Her first murder? I was cheering in my head. The story line is gripping and intense and keeps you turning the page to find out what's next. I am in love with the Male interests, especially Frank. He's mine. It's such an unusual book and certainly goes outside of the norms when it comes to mafia books but it's well worth it. Would recommend over and over. I cant wait to reread it. Plus-Darcy is kinda a badass.
August 17, 2019
Wow
Fuck' n Brilliant
Ok I've read a couple of Mafia books but this is the first one that I am fully invested in.
I can't wait to see where Darcy will take this storyline.
You will be snagged within the first chapter it may seen low key to begin with but keep reading
Darcy thank you my dear I can not wait for the next installment of these people
Fuck' n Brilliant
Ok I've read a couple of Mafia books but this is the first one that I am fully invested in.
I can't wait to see where Darcy will take this storyline.
You will be snagged within the first chapter it may seen low key to begin with but keep reading
Darcy thank you my dear I can not wait for the next installment of these people
Want to read
September 1, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/1/2019)! 🎁
January 27, 2020
Great first book
I really liked Mafias Kiss by Darcy Ray and I'm looking forward to reading what comes next in the Lethal Beauty & Smoking Steel series.
I really liked Mafias Kiss by Darcy Ray and I'm looking forward to reading what comes next in the Lethal Beauty & Smoking Steel series.
April 2, 2024
mmm
I mean it I got through it but it's a no for me..
It started off good and it just went downhill from there..
I mean it I got through it but it's a no for me..
It started off good and it just went downhill from there..
April 30, 2019
This was such a kick ass book! The entire time I caught myself laughing and sneering right along with Selene and cheering her on! I absolutely loved how instead of rooting for the good guys you get to see everything from the viewpoint of the “bad guys”! And man oh man are the bad guys oh so sexy!
From the start of the first chapter you get sucked in and before I knew it I was finished! I can’t wait for more because I know it’s going to be epic!
From the start of the first chapter you get sucked in and before I knew it I was finished! I can’t wait for more because I know it’s going to be epic!
May 19, 2019
DNF
ew.
The female main-character; her storyline and her personality? Just no. No, no, no, NO.
ew.
The female main-character; her storyline and her personality? Just no. No, no, no, NO.
June 9, 2019
*******Spoilers *******
Well her announcement as underboss is followed by the death of her father the mafia boss. Her time playing escort is hardly enough training to make it a smooth transition. Add to that the fact no one knows her. This is going to make for an uphill battle. I’m looking forward to reading about her becoming mafia boss. Hopefully with fewer hysterics.
Also I knew Neal was a traitor.
Well her announcement as underboss is followed by the death of her father the mafia boss. Her time playing escort is hardly enough training to make it a smooth transition. Add to that the fact no one knows her. This is going to make for an uphill battle. I’m looking forward to reading about her becoming mafia boss. Hopefully with fewer hysterics.
Also I knew Neal was a traitor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2019
BRAND NEW AUTHOR DOES IT RIGHT!Hot and dangerous! Deliciously dark! This book has all the right stuff for a reverse harem romance!
BADASS HERIONE ✔
HOT ALPHA MALES✔
DANGER AND PLOT TWISTS✔
STEAM LEVEL 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The story starts off with a glimpse into the past so you can understand the wonder that is Selene. Its perfect. It doesn't linger or drag out and leave you with so many questions like most prologues do. It gives you what you need and then moves on to the good stuff.
The relationship between Selene and the guys is natural and isn't insta-love but does pick up fairly quickly. The passion between Selene and the guys is so well written that you will be sucked in from page one.
The world building is complex and criminal, taking you into the dark side for a ride.
This book does have darker elements like drugs/violence/kink but they are done realistic and tasteful. This book is definently just the beginning so be prepared for cliffhanger and major plot twist that will leave you begging for the next one.
Overall Darcy Ray is one to watch out for. Can't wait for the next one!
BADASS HERIONE ✔
HOT ALPHA MALES✔
DANGER AND PLOT TWISTS✔
STEAM LEVEL 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The story starts off with a glimpse into the past so you can understand the wonder that is Selene. Its perfect. It doesn't linger or drag out and leave you with so many questions like most prologues do. It gives you what you need and then moves on to the good stuff.
The relationship between Selene and the guys is natural and isn't insta-love but does pick up fairly quickly. The passion between Selene and the guys is so well written that you will be sucked in from page one.
The world building is complex and criminal, taking you into the dark side for a ride.
This book does have darker elements like drugs/violence/kink but they are done realistic and tasteful. This book is definently just the beginning so be prepared for cliffhanger and major plot twist that will leave you begging for the next one.
Overall Darcy Ray is one to watch out for. Can't wait for the next one!
January 5, 2020
Ummm...
First I want to say I liked the concept of the book. However Selene the lead girl was a total a$$-hole. I'm sorry, but a mid 20 something " adult" acting the way her and her bff did out in public? Just...no. I don't care if you're next in line to be the mob boss. You don't act like a piece of sh!+ to people just because you think you're entitled. Immature doesn't even come close to being the right word to describe her. All her little tantrums and her stupid selfies because she's just oh so hot ?? Please, she's a prostitute. I can't even really say much about the guys either because the book basically just focuses on her and her selfishness and her getting dressed or eating and getting drunk or taking a nap. You don't get to really know the other characters or see any growth in the relationship. I could only get half way through before I was just over this chick.
First I want to say I liked the concept of the book. However Selene the lead girl was a total a$$-hole. I'm sorry, but a mid 20 something " adult" acting the way her and her bff did out in public? Just...no. I don't care if you're next in line to be the mob boss. You don't act like a piece of sh!+ to people just because you think you're entitled. Immature doesn't even come close to being the right word to describe her. All her little tantrums and her stupid selfies because she's just oh so hot ?? Please, she's a prostitute. I can't even really say much about the guys either because the book basically just focuses on her and her selfishness and her getting dressed or eating and getting drunk or taking a nap. You don't get to really know the other characters or see any growth in the relationship. I could only get half way through before I was just over this chick.
August 11, 2019
DNF at 65%...I rarely do that, maybe the third time I’ve ever not finished a book but...
After Selene and Frank have sex in a bed occupied by a dead body, murdered by Selene herself just minutes before, I couldn’t continue. I read dark stuff y’all, but damn. Also I wasn’t sold on the RH relationship between Selene and the “nephews”. It felt very forced with little character development.
After Selene and Frank have sex in a bed occupied by a dead body, murdered by Selene herself just minutes before, I couldn’t continue. I read dark stuff y’all, but damn. Also I wasn’t sold on the RH relationship between Selene and the “nephews”. It felt very forced with little character development.
August 7, 2020
I wanted to like this, I really did. I have a very hard time reading contemporary novels, but sometimes they catch my eye, like this one. Any novel that has “Mafia” in it, automatically gets my blood pumping because I know the characters will be badass, human or not.
However, I find the FMC to be really damn annoying. She’s bratty, extremely bratty, and so is her friend. The scene at the diner was uncalled for with the way they treated the waitress. There’s a difference between giving someone what is owed, and just being a total bitch for no reason, which is exactly what Selene and Octavia were.
Their relationship is weird to me as well. Everything they do together screams “spoiled brats,” and it makes their connection seem less than described because when Octavia starts having wounds, Selene just takes her excuses for what it is. A black eye is rough sex and a broken arm is falling.
Selene even has a mental talk where she says she doesn’t believe her “best friend” but then a moment later she says “oh, she wouldn’t lie to me.” If they were truly best friends, Selene would tell her that she doesn’t believe her lies, but instead she never does. That screams fake friendship to me, no matter how you spin it.
Not only that, but she’s an escort, despite being the daughter to the boss of the Mafia. That doesn’t really add up to me, especially since in the end of the book, it’s explained that he wants his daughter to take over.
Unlike some others, I actually really enjoyed the moment when Selene shot that woman. I found the entire scene super cathartic because it added to the whole “daughter of Mafia boss” aspect. It was the first time I actually felt respect instead of annoyance for Selene.
And yet, I found everything else lacking. The three nephews that show up are instantly filled with “insta-lust” and while that’s okay, the author doesn’t give the readers any time between the characters to help us understand their relationship. One second they show up, and the next is a time jump that just says “they’ve grown on me.”
I would have rather the author added the extra pages to show a decent bit of interaction between the four of them, if she really wanted the ending to stay the same. Instead, it made me feel like the characters lacked depth, and in turn, their relationship seemed false and made up.
I wasn’t able to understand her love for the men, because I saw nothing between them. Time skipping is fine, but time skipping an entire relationship is not. Especially because the very next thing we get between them is sex. That’s not love, that’s lust.
The fifth member of the harem was even worse. As a member of the Mafia, especially one who is going to be calling the shots eventually, you would *think* that she’d be more wary of Jaime. Instead, all it takes is one moment, and she automatically accepts him. Enough so that he’s even at the dinner in the next chapter.
This story could have been great, and I’m so sad that it wasn’t what I was expecting. I don’t think I’ll be reading the rest of the series.
However, I find the FMC to be really damn annoying. She’s bratty, extremely bratty, and so is her friend. The scene at the diner was uncalled for with the way they treated the waitress. There’s a difference between giving someone what is owed, and just being a total bitch for no reason, which is exactly what Selene and Octavia were.
Their relationship is weird to me as well. Everything they do together screams “spoiled brats,” and it makes their connection seem less than described because when Octavia starts having wounds, Selene just takes her excuses for what it is. A black eye is rough sex and a broken arm is falling.
Selene even has a mental talk where she says she doesn’t believe her “best friend” but then a moment later she says “oh, she wouldn’t lie to me.” If they were truly best friends, Selene would tell her that she doesn’t believe her lies, but instead she never does. That screams fake friendship to me, no matter how you spin it.
Not only that, but she’s an escort, despite being the daughter to the boss of the Mafia. That doesn’t really add up to me, especially since in the end of the book, it’s explained that he wants his daughter to take over.
Unlike some others, I actually really enjoyed the moment when Selene shot that woman. I found the entire scene super cathartic because it added to the whole “daughter of Mafia boss” aspect. It was the first time I actually felt respect instead of annoyance for Selene.
And yet, I found everything else lacking. The three nephews that show up are instantly filled with “insta-lust” and while that’s okay, the author doesn’t give the readers any time between the characters to help us understand their relationship. One second they show up, and the next is a time jump that just says “they’ve grown on me.”
I would have rather the author added the extra pages to show a decent bit of interaction between the four of them, if she really wanted the ending to stay the same. Instead, it made me feel like the characters lacked depth, and in turn, their relationship seemed false and made up.
I wasn’t able to understand her love for the men, because I saw nothing between them. Time skipping is fine, but time skipping an entire relationship is not. Especially because the very next thing we get between them is sex. That’s not love, that’s lust.
The fifth member of the harem was even worse. As a member of the Mafia, especially one who is going to be calling the shots eventually, you would *think* that she’d be more wary of Jaime. Instead, all it takes is one moment, and she automatically accepts him. Enough so that he’s even at the dinner in the next chapter.
This story could have been great, and I’m so sad that it wasn’t what I was expecting. I don’t think I’ll be reading the rest of the series.
May 12, 2020
Very unlikable and difficult to believe
So, spoilers ahead...
The Main Chatacter Selene, is really unlikable. On top of the unironic use of "bomb dot com", "on fleek", and other truly awful, dated, slang, her vocabulary in general made her seem at times like a an immature uneducated brat. She acted more like a 16 year old than a 27 year old most of the time.
Beyond her vocabulary and temper tantrums her abysmal treatment of service staff was abhorrent. The waitress did not deserve to be tripped or treated badly. Who does that?? The cashier was sort of a dick so that might have been warranted a little but still. The way you treat service staff tells alot about the kind of person you are imo. And Selene is an immature bitch.
More to that point, outing your super rich clients in front of thier wives in what seemed to me like a Dennys is so so so unprofessional.
It was also completely unrealistic that if her "father" intended to promote her to his successor that he wouldn't have been showing her the ropes, at least on some level, for the last 9 years.
There were also a bunch of scenes that were pointless. They could have been summarized in a couple of sentances since nothing of much value happened durring them.
Tbh the interpersonal relationships, and romance aspect, was great. The concept and characterization was pretty good too but it needs a rewrite. Trim the fat out, more detail for the primary plot, make the main character less awful.
Now that I look back I can see so much potential. The tension with Selene and Frank at the beginning was gold. The "my dark assassin" comment was super hot. It just didnt come together by the end. This really could have been so so good.
So, spoilers ahead...
The Main Chatacter Selene, is really unlikable. On top of the unironic use of "bomb dot com", "on fleek", and other truly awful, dated, slang, her vocabulary in general made her seem at times like a an immature uneducated brat. She acted more like a 16 year old than a 27 year old most of the time.
Beyond her vocabulary and temper tantrums her abysmal treatment of service staff was abhorrent. The waitress did not deserve to be tripped or treated badly. Who does that?? The cashier was sort of a dick so that might have been warranted a little but still. The way you treat service staff tells alot about the kind of person you are imo. And Selene is an immature bitch.
More to that point, outing your super rich clients in front of thier wives in what seemed to me like a Dennys is so so so unprofessional.
It was also completely unrealistic that if her "father" intended to promote her to his successor that he wouldn't have been showing her the ropes, at least on some level, for the last 9 years.
There were also a bunch of scenes that were pointless. They could have been summarized in a couple of sentances since nothing of much value happened durring them.
Tbh the interpersonal relationships, and romance aspect, was great. The concept and characterization was pretty good too but it needs a rewrite. Trim the fat out, more detail for the primary plot, make the main character less awful.
Now that I look back I can see so much potential. The tension with Selene and Frank at the beginning was gold. The "my dark assassin" comment was super hot. It just didnt come together by the end. This really could have been so so good.
November 8, 2019
Mafias Kiss
I really enjoy reading a mafia romance and this book really delivered that. Selene is a badas$ female main character mostly because she was forced to take care of herself from a young age. I loved how her connection to Dominik brought out a softer side to the mafia boss. Add some swoonworthy men to the mix and you have a solid foundation for an entertaining series.
While I did like this book, I wanted more character development. Except for Frank and Jaime, all the other men lacked some depth. I missed the way the relationship between the main characters developed. One moment they were moving in her apartment building and the next they were in a relationship. There was some instant attraction but further development was glossed over pretty quickly. On the other hand, the character development of Frank was amazing. The way Selene and Frank slowly grow towards each other is exactly my cup of tea.
This book was action-packed. there is so much going on with Selene, Dominik and Octavia you can't help but continue reading to find out what's going on.
Overall I really liked the plot idea, but there were multiple occasions where I had the feeling that some scenes could use some fleshing out to avoid plot holes. There were these moments where I felt like we just jumped from one scene to another without a solid transition. The author shows a lot of potential and I'm certain that with a good content editor this series would become even better.
I really enjoy reading a mafia romance and this book really delivered that. Selene is a badas$ female main character mostly because she was forced to take care of herself from a young age. I loved how her connection to Dominik brought out a softer side to the mafia boss. Add some swoonworthy men to the mix and you have a solid foundation for an entertaining series.
While I did like this book, I wanted more character development. Except for Frank and Jaime, all the other men lacked some depth. I missed the way the relationship between the main characters developed. One moment they were moving in her apartment building and the next they were in a relationship. There was some instant attraction but further development was glossed over pretty quickly. On the other hand, the character development of Frank was amazing. The way Selene and Frank slowly grow towards each other is exactly my cup of tea.
This book was action-packed. there is so much going on with Selene, Dominik and Octavia you can't help but continue reading to find out what's going on.
Overall I really liked the plot idea, but there were multiple occasions where I had the feeling that some scenes could use some fleshing out to avoid plot holes. There were these moments where I felt like we just jumped from one scene to another without a solid transition. The author shows a lot of potential and I'm certain that with a good content editor this series would become even better.
May 3, 2021
I wanted to like it because I want to find more mafia books to read but this… this wasn’t it. I originally rated it a 2 star, but I couldn’t even give it that. The MC was too shallow. I couldn’t connect with or get behind anything she said or did.
Also, if Dom wanted the MC to take over one day, why would he wait so long and spring that on her? Why not just start preparing her from the get-go when she got there at 18? She seemed a little naïve to how that world work for having to been surrounded by it for so many years.
All in all, nothing really happened in the book. You were mostly just following a spoiled, rich, party-girl through her day to day life, and then something happens at the end but I was so bored and over it by that point that I didn't even care.
Also, if Dom wanted the MC to take over one day, why would he wait so long and spring that on her? Why not just start preparing her from the get-go when she got there at 18? She seemed a little naïve to how that world work for having to been surrounded by it for so many years.
All in all, nothing really happened in the book. You were mostly just following a spoiled, rich, party-girl through her day to day life, and then something happens at the end but I was so bored and over it by that point that I didn't even care.
October 23, 2021
Mafia Kiss is book 1 in Lethal Beauty & Smoking Steel series. This book and series comes with triggers so read them and if you can’t handle don’t read book. That being said Mafia Kiss has one of the best FMC I had read one in a mafia series in awhile. I love Selene. I love that she know what she wants and doesn’t give up on it. But when Dominick take her in as his daughter when she turns 18 her life changes. Now 9 years later she is work at his club Sub Rosa. But she has fall in love with her driver Frank which is forbidden and Frank is in love with her. Then Dominick nephew move in across Joe, Godfrey, and Viktor. They have knew about her for long time, but the chemistry between everyone is incredible. Then she meets F.B.I. Agents Jamie who has to show he can be trust. But after everything the six of them go through the cliffhanger in the end is fantastic. I can’t wait to read book 2.
Mafia kiss one of my favorite FMC series. Darcy gives us some strong characters especially Selene (I know some might she is spoiled but look what she been through.) I really love the storyline and how she doesn’t let the guys get away with anythings. I am definitely going to keep read this series and more from Darcy Ray.
Mafia kiss one of my favorite FMC series. Darcy gives us some strong characters especially Selene (I know some might she is spoiled but look what she been through.) I really love the storyline and how she doesn’t let the guys get away with anythings. I am definitely going to keep read this series and more from Darcy Ray.
October 25, 2021
This book was awesome. Selene was a teen who had a hard youth, living on the streets, addicted to drugs and one night she witnessed something that ends up changing her life. Given a choice, play their game and let fate decide or die. She chose to play and it changed her life in every way possible. This is Selene’s story of how she rose from the depths of the gutters to one of the most important positions in the mafia world. Selene is a strong independent woman who finds love next door and right at her doorstep. From troubled drug addicted teen to fighting to survive and remain sober she finally turns 18 and gets the call to change her life. She becomes a top dancer and escort and becomes the adopted daughter of a Mob Boss. Working her way from daughter to protege to underboss she faces hardships, losses and by the end of book one she will be pushed to her limits. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to start book two and find out which direction her story leads me to next. If you like steamy mafia books where women step up and take charge you will love this book. Highly recommended this book and series 100%.
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