Read-Love-Blog

Book Promotion & Review

Release Day Blitz & Review…Whispers in the Dark by Ashley Elizabeth

Whispers.

That’s what he offers me when he asks me to marry him,

my heart racing beneath my chest as if it’s waited its whole life for this moment.

But I’m not naïve.

I won’t let myself get swept away in the fantasy that this is anything more than it seems.

An arrangement to help me inherit what’s rightfully mine.

Even if it’s all a lie.

And to ensure things don’t get messy,

we establish rules.

Rules to remind us both that this is all an illusion.

But when those rules start unraveling and a buried secret becomes impossible to ignore,

will he prove to be my knight in shining armor,

saving me from the monsters that terrorize this world?

Or will he become the villain of my story, 

shattering my beating heart?

To everyone in the darkness, he’s a dangerous weapon that many fear for all the right reasons.

To me, he’s my temporary husband.

A man I’ve quietly loved my whole life:

Mauro Alarie. 

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0dOXyILc   

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/4vUCjwp     

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/46tOIMp 

There are alot of books with aptly titled books but I would have to say that this title, Whispers in the Dark, nails this story in multiple ways.

Mauro is no longer able to speak due to a horrific accident that took their father. However, the one person he chooses to “talk” to is Alina. They somehow understand one another in ways no else does and yet, neither seek the other out on purpose.

Now Alina finds herself in a position where she is forced to marry someone and she has asked Mauro – a man who was more than happy living alone for the rest of his life.

The way Ashley crafted this story had me glued to the pages. The secrets, the plot twists and the mystery behind who was forcing her to marry, I loved how it all came together to create this thrilling story. And yes, this can be read as a standalone. While there is an overall plot that runs through each book, I feel as though readers can quickly catch on to that too without needing much from previous books and it’s just as exciting to read.

If you’re wanting a suspenseful, semi-dark romance, this book is for you. It’s got the dark elements but not too dark that will turn you away. The characters are absolutely perfect and carry their weight in helping create a superb story.

This was my favorite book of the three and I really enjoyed the entire series.

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz & Review…Wicked Sanctuary by Jane Henry

Wicked Sanctuary: A Dark Irish Mafia Age Gap Romance by Jane Henry is now live!

A deliciously sexy age gap, stalker dark romance from USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry


I’ve been watching her for six years.
Bianca White is sunshine and innocence.

I’m the monster they whisper about in the dark.
And she hates me, for good reason.
I told myself I’d stay away. That I’d keep my distance and just make sure she was safe. But on the night of her college graduation, I have no choice.
So I take her.

I cage my little bird in the woods where no one can touch her. Where no one can take her from me.
Yet she doesn’t take it easy. She fights me and begs to go back to the man who will kill her.
She’ll learn, though, that some cages are gilded for a reason, and that anyone who wants to harm her will have to come through me first.

Bianca didn’t know it, but she was always mine. Now everyone else will too.

TROPES

Age gap
Stalker
He falls first
Plus Sized Heroine
Bad Boy/Good Girl
Captor/Captive
Escaping a Killer
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Obsessive Hero
Morally Gray MMC
Mafia

Wicked Sanctuary
 is a STANDALONE dark Irish mafia romance featuring an obsessed enforcer, his captive sunshine, and the brutal lengths he’ll go to keep her. Morally gray doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Please be warned this story is for a mature audience and contains kidnapping, stalking, forced proximity, and a possessive antihero who’s been celibate for six years waiting for HER.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://bit.ly/4rGbU28

Audible: https://bit.ly/4dIoXwB

Amazon Audiobook: https://bit.ly/4mtYXXZ

Narrated by: Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott


Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4kAWUR4

Wicked Sanctuary is the second book in this Irish Mafia series by Jane Henry.

Ashland saved Bianca years ago at his family’s gym. And ever since then, he’s stayed in the shadows, not only protecting her, but obsessing over her.

Let me just say that Ashland carried this book for me. Jane created morally grey MMC with teddy bear tendencies when it came to Bianca but with a fierce protective streak. I loved everything about him.

I do wish that the insta-love part on Bianca’s half was more developed. For as long as this book is, I felt that part was too rushed and not built out fully. I did love seeing her become more self assured and stronger as an individual. But that failed to flow into her change of heart with Ashland.

Overall, Wicked Sanctuary is an enjoyable mafia romance read.

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz & Review…Wicked Altar by Jane Henry

Wicked Altar: A Dark Irish Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance by Jane Henry is now live!

I’ve hated Cavin McCarthy since the day he made me cry in a school cupboard.

He was my tormentor—the cruel bastard who turned my name into a joke and my life into hell.

Now? He’s my fiancé.

An arranged marriage neither of us wanted, brokered by families who deal in blood and power. I’d refuse if I could. But my sister is dying, and the McCarthy’s hold the key to saving her life.

So I’ll walk down the aisle. I’ll say the vows. I’ll become Mrs. Cavin McCarthy.

But I’ll never forgive the arrogant jerk.

Except… the monster I remember isn’t the man before me now. The boy who destroyed me has become someone who’d burn the world down to keep me safe. Who touches me like I’m something precious instead of ruined. Whose rough hands and rougher words unravel every defense I’ve built.

When his fingers wrap around my throat and his voice goes low in my ear, I’m not thinking about revenge anymore…

I’m thinking about surrender.

And in the McCarthy family, surrender might be the most dangerous thing of all.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://bit.ly/47Pmwox

Audible: https://adbl.co/49Ja4Gr

Narrated by: Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/440y9H1

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz & Review…Pretty Prey by A. Zavarelli

PRETTY PREY BY A. ZAVARELLI 

Release Date: January 26th

Series: Book 2 of the Empire of Kings series

Complete standalone, interconnecting, no cliffhanger

Genre/Tropes: Dark Romance / Stalker / Masks / Obsessive/Possessive / Touch Her and Die / Mafia / Secret Society / Protective Hero / Morally Gray / Only Soft for Her / Neurodivergent FMC / Storm X Sunshine /Tortured Artsy Hero / Second Chance / Untouched Hero / Woman in Peril

PRETTY PREY by A. Zavarelli is NOW LIVE!

Make sure to grab this all-new, secret society, dark mafia romance TODAY!

NOW AVAILABLE!

BLURB

It started with a message from a stranger.

Or so I thought.

Beneath a veil of anonymity, he lured out my secrets, fears, and desires.

Behind the mask, he could be anyone.

And somehow, it felt safer not knowing.

He comes to me under the cover of darkness, pulling me deeper into this forbidden game.

I give myself to him, knowing the consequences could destroy my life.

I just didn’t expect him to be the one to ruin me.

When the mask comes off, the truth cuts deep.

He isn’t just a man obsessed.

He’s the same man who’s hated me for the last nine years.

In the Cosa Nostra, they call him Il Lupo.

The wolf.

And all this time…

I’ve been his prey.

This book was everything!! It was so good, I never marked that I was reading it, and over a week after finishing it, I can still vividly picture this story in my head.

Romeo – wow this man impressed me with his unhinged ways. He is why women love fictional chaotic, and psychotic stalkers.

Gabi – Zavarelli wrote this character perfectly and beautifully. She is neurodivergent, and Zavarelli captures this so well – she is one of my favorite characters ever written. I was able to so easily understand and relate to her so well.

I will not go into story details, just know that the blurb only scratches the surface, and Zavarelli delivers a compelling story with multifaceted characters and a very well-developed plot. And while this is lower on the mafia-level side, it was still high-octane in other ways, and that definitely made for a very intriguing read.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

About A. Zavarelli:

A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

Connect w/A. Zavarelli: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azavarelliauthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/943497375705372/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azavarelli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azavarelli/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/AZavarellibooks

Mailing List: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/b7o9l3

Website: https://www.azavarelli.com

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13549895.A_Zavarelli

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/A-Zavarelli/e/B00U2562W8

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-zavarelli

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz & Review…A Hateful Negotiation by Tijan

A Hateful Negotiation by Tijan is now live!

In a slow-burn mafia romance from New York Times bestselling author Tijan, a dangerous psychopath—and deadly crime boss—drops his defenses for the one girl he’s vowed to protect.

Creighton was a dangerous crime boss with a growing empire. And he’s a psychopath.

He’s also obsessed with Blake.

She wanted a normal life. That meant new friends and a life without Creighton.

Except when Blake moves to New York for her senior year of college, Creighton follows because he knows that danger is close behind. He has always protected Blake, and he always will protect her, even if Blake hates how ruthless Creighton has become for her.

However, once they’re in New York, the dynamics between the two begin to change. Tensions heat up, and soon their chemistry is sizzling beyond what Blake can handle.

That means that their usual back-and-forth has to change, with new rules and a new agreement.

Perhaps this negotiation could be for their happily ever after?

They’ll just need to survive each other first…

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4forSch

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/B2HZ

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/46K8Z1w 

Listen to the audiobook!

Narrated by: Benjamin Sands & Mia Madison

Audible: https://bit.ly/3MUJSkB

Tijan – you never fail to deliver a gripping story that keeps me invested from start to finish.

We met Blake in a previous book (A Captive Situation) but we really get to know her in this book. And boy do I love her so much.

Creighton is without a doubt, a villain. But Blake is his kryptonite. However, she just wants her freedom from him. I won’t on into their background (you will know if you read A Captive Situation) as I want new readers to experience their connection authentically without knowing before diving into this book.

I will that reading A Captive Situation before this one will probably help in setting the stage for this story, but isn’t necessary as only the ending of that book is helpful to the start of this one. But you will probably want to read other books in this series (Kings of New York) after reading this and see what they’re all about.

I digress, this is a slow-burn romance. Blake and Creighton have a past, but it’s not one you expect. The chemistry is there but can an obsession lead to a healthy relationship between Creighton and Blake?

Definitely a recommended read for those slow-burn, mafia romances.

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz…My Dark Ever After by Giana Darling

My Dark Ever After by Giana Darling is now live!

Wrapping up this daring duet, bestselling author Giana Darling takes readers back to Tuscany for another tantalizing mafia romance, where dark players and passions collide to reveal explosive secrets.

Guinevere

My trip to Italy shattered my dreams. I just wanted to connect with our family’s roots, but that meant defying my father’s wishes. I was looking for truth and goodness. All I found was darkness and deceit. And one man who embodies it all: the capo dei capi, Raffaele Romano.

Raffaele saved my life—then stole my trust. But my broken heart still pulses for him. When his enemies follow me home to Michigan, I realize I’ll never be free of him. Now I’m right back where it started.

Raffaele

I will do anything to keep Guinevere safe, even abduct her back to Italy and earn her hatred forever. I know the villain never gets the girl. But as ghosts from our families’ pasts arise to haunt us, I decide there is only one thing worth fighting for: a dark ever after with my brave, beautiful American girl. And I will raze everything else to the ground to get it.

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/MyDarkEverAfterGD

Audible: http://bit.ly/3KZwD16

Narrated by CJ Bloom Dane Anderson

Goodreads: https://geni.us/MyDkEverAftrGoodreads

No Comments »

Cover Reveal…Beautiful Torment by A. Zavarelli

 

 

BEAUTIFUL TORMENT BY A. ZAVARELLI

 

Release Date: September 26th

 

Genre/Tropes: Dark Romance / Millionaire / Fake Dating / Stalker x Obsession / Mafia / Primal Play / Masks / Fear Play / Stolen Bride / My Wife / Touch Her and Die / Hero Needs an Heir / Bloody Vows / Only Soft for Her / Tattoos Her / Obsessed Hero / Revenge / Arranged Marriage / Billionaire Romance / Mafia Princess / Secret Society / Morally Gray

 

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster / @lanefotograf

Cover Model: Chad Hurst

 

Check out this GORGEOUS cover!!

 

We are honored to reveal the cover for the upcoming release of BEAUTIFUL TORMENT by A. Zavarelli, coming September 26th!

 

Make sure to preorder this secret society, dark mafia romance TODAY!

 

PREORDER NOW!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKKKC5LC

 

 

 

 

BLURB

 

They call him Il Diavolo

When the devil dressed in black crashes my wedding

I know he didn’t come to offer me his blessing

He came to collect what was always his

For months, he’s watched me from the shadows

Haunting me

Biding his time

Planning his revenge

Before he was King of the Cosa Nostra

I was fated to be his queen

I promised him forever

Now, he’s here to remind me what forever really means.

 

 

 

 

 

About A. Zavarelli:

Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

 

Connect w/A. Zavarelli:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azavarelliauthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/943497375705372/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azavarelli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azavarelli/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/AZavarellibooks

Mailing List: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/b7o9l3

Website: https://www.azavarelli.com

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13549895.A_Zavarelli

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/A-Zavarelli/e/B00U2562W8

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-zavarelli

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz & Review…Unrequited by Jane Henry

Unrequited: A Dark Bratva Age Gap Romance by Jane Henry is now live!

A forbidden, age-gap romance of secrets, loyalty, and obsession.

He was never supposed to touch me.
I was never supposed to love him.
But some lines don’t stay drawn.

I live in a world of rules and expectations, where obedience is survival and love is a liability. I was the innocent one. The youngest sister. Sheltered by my brothers and kept far away from the family’s darker affairs.

Until him.

He’s dangerous. Nameless. Obsessive.

Mine for one stolen hour a week, and every time he leaves me, he takes a piece of me with him.

But when I find out his true identity, my world implodes.

They call him the Undertaker.
The man who buries problems no one else can solve.

Loving him means betraying my family.
Choosing him means choosing war.
But he’s already chosen…me.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: geni.us/UnrequitedJaneHenry


Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4fg2CVW

This book was perfection!!

I was so excited when I realized this was going to be Zoya’s and The Undertaker’s book. These two could not be any more different and yet they are immediately drawn to one another.

Jane did what Jane does best – she writes a phenomenal story with fantastic characters that standout on their own but when they meet their match, the chemistry is off the charts.

I won’t tell you how everything goes down because that will ruin this book for you. But I will tell you that you will fall in love with these two and their story.

And let’s not forget the spicy scenes – oh yes, they are worth the slow burn.

Unrequited is an absolute must-read!

No Comments »

Cover Reveal…Betrayed in the Darkness by Ashley Elizabeth

Ashley Elizabeth has revealed the cover for Betrayed in the Dark!

Releasing October 21, 2025

Betrayed.
With one letter, that’s what he did to me,
irrevocably splitting my heart down the middle, causing everything we once shared in secret to become nothing more than a distant memory.
One I try desperately to forget.
So, imagine my shock when my brothers stood before me to tell me who my new bodyguard would be while I fought back tears, pretending my heart had never belonged to him.
And only him.
Especially since another man’s ring now rests on my finger.
Yet, every moment spent in his presence makes it harder to stay away.
Every secret embrace makes it nearly impossible to remember why I should hate him.
Even though I never could.
But as lines get crossed and feelings threaten to unravel everything,
there’s one thing I must remind myself:
This wedding is happening, whether I want it to or not.
There’s just one problem.
The same man who is doing everything in his power to stop me from walking down the aisle is the one I’m ultimately doing it all for:
Eli Lyon.

Cover Designer: Y’all. That Graphic.  

Preorder your copy today!

Amazon US: https://bit.ly/4lyKGHS       

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Tm0qlA 

Meet Ashley Elizabeth


Ashley Elizabeth is an author of steamy contemporary romance. Her books will always tell a love story with just the right amount of spice and, most importantly, end with a happily ever after. When she’s not reading a romance novel or overthinking everything, you can find her at Starbucks, keeping them in business, or watching Jurassic Park for the thousandth time with her fur baby, Bailey.

Connect with Ashley

Website | https://ashleyelizabethauthor.com/  

Amazon | http://bit.ly/44QcosR 

Goodreads | http://bit.ly/40h9k7E      

Instagram http://bit.ly/3IsS898      

No Comments »

Release Day Blitz & Review…Unbroken by Jane Henry

Unbroken by Jane Henry is now live!

A dark single dad, forbidden, mafia romance from USA Today Bestselling author Jane Henry

Vadka Dragunov—Bratva executioner, cold-blooded strategist… and my dead sister’s husband.

The man who built his empire in blood and protected it with silence. The man with a stare that holds me hostage—and a voice that cuts straight through me. I’ve avoided him, and the way he makes me feel, as I’ve wallowed in my own grief following my sister’s death.

But now there’s no escape. I’m living in his world. I’ve been targeted. The Irish want war. And the only safe place left is under his watch… or under him.

He’s a single father now—haunted, vengeful, and dangerous. A man who reads bedtime stories with the same blood thirsty eyes that promise death and retribution. The man who would raze the world to keep his son safe.

He thinks I’m reckless, chaotic, unpredictable. I was only a child when we first met. But he doesn’t see me as one anymore.

I see what he hides beneath all that control—the obsession simmering just below the surface. The way he watches me like he wants to equally destroy and devour me.

And now the same loss that tore us apart is now pulling us together.

I wasn’t supposed to end up in his bed.

But the Bratva is splintering. The Irish want blood.
And I’m spiraling – holding a secret that could end it all while falling for the man I can’t have.

Is there a future for Vadka and me, or will the secrets between us cause another tragedy?

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4jaCcox


Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3YKxTsX

Unbroken is definitely the most emotional book in this series so far.

If you read the previous book, we were left on a cliffy with Vadka losing Mariah, Ruthie’s sister.

Vadka, now a single dad, and Ruthie are now trying to navigate a world without Mariah. On top of dealing with grief, working through very emotional feelings these two share alot with one another and grow closer. And then the Irish attack.

I like that readers can empathize with Vadka and Ruthie as they navigate their loss and you see things start to come to reality for them in how they feel towards one another. I will say that Ruthie’s was easier to accept than Vadka’s but you could see he was not replacing Mariah with her sister.

Jane does a great job of blending the suspense of the Bratva and the relationship growth in this. I love how the plot of this book just helps move the romance part of this story along and yet doesn’t get lost either. This family is not one to mess with and you can visualize that with every book.

And that ending – oh I have quite a few thoughts on what we get next but I will not spoil anything.

No Comments »

Cover Reveal…Unbroken by Jane Henry

Jane Henry has revealed the cover for Unbroken!

Releasing: July 11, 2025

Cover Designer: The Book Brander Boutique

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Model: Lucas Loyola

A dark single dad, forbidden, Bratva romance from USA Today Bestselling author Jane Henry

Vadka Dragunov—Bratva executioner, cold-blooded strategist… and my dead sister’s husband.

The man who built his empire in blood and protected it with silence. The man with a stare that holds me hostage—and a voice that cuts straight through me. I’ve avoided him, and the way he makes me feel, as I’ve wallowed in my own grief following my sister’s death. 

But now there’s no escape. I’m living in his world. I’ve been targeted. The Irish want war. And the only safe place left is under his watch… or under him.

He’s a single father now—haunted, vengeful, and dangerous. A man who reads bedtime stories with the same blood thirsty eyes that promise death and retribution. The man who would raze the world to keep his son safe.

He thinks I’m reckless, chaotic, unpredictable. I was only a child when we first met. But he doesn’t see me as one anymore.

I see what he hides beneath all that control—the obsession simmering just below the surface. The way he watches me like he wants to equally destroy and devour me.

And now the same loss that tore us apart is now pulling us together. 

I wasn’t supposed to end up in his bed.

But the Bratva is splintering. The Irish want blood.

And I’m spiraling – holding a secret that could end it all while falling for the man I can’t have.

Is there a future for Vadka and me, or will the secrets between us cause another tragedy?

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4jaCcox

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3YKxTsX

Meet Jane


Fueled by dark chocolate and even darker coffee, USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry writes what she loves to read— character-driven, unputdownable romance featuring dominant alpha males and the powerful heroines who bring them to their knees. She’s believed in the power of love and romance since Belle won over the beast, and finally decided to write love stories of her own. 

Connect with Jane

Website: https://janehenryromance.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/237501.Jane_Henry

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jane-Henry/author/B01BYAQYYK/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janehenryromance/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/275445129563714

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janehenryauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janehenryauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-henry

No Comments »