I like to think that I’m entering into a new phase of my life so I figured it was time to let go of some vices. I wouldn’t exactly call it a vice, but I don’t know. I think it would be worthwhile to try something else. And if you haven’t guessed already, it’s dark romance. Dark romance books have been part of my life for nearly a decade now and I won’t lie, it’s been a huge comfort to me and am outlet to dwell in a fantasy that’s more or less impossible for me to live out.
But yeah, it’s time to let all of that go. At least for the year 2025. But I had two unfinished dark romance novels. And one thing about me is that I hate to leave things unfinished. I’d have an itch in my skin because I feel like it’s better to get things over and done with and proceed to close that chapter of your life than just leave them hanging. So even though I’d made this decision last year to let that specific genre go this year, I knew I wouldn’t be at peace till I finished both books. Took me 16 days but we’re done now.
This is the first book in the Sinners series and it stars Rory Carter who is a girl that regularly goes to the Church to make use of the confession box which is supposed to be a secret, anonymous medium to air out your dirty secrets. Unknown to her, there’s someone steadfastly listening in.
Now, Rory’s life is about to change for the potential worse. She enters a contract with the seventy year old Visconti to marry him in order to save her father’s life. The plan seems simple enough and even though a life of terror awaits her, Rory is keen on going ahead until her fiancé’s nephew, Angelo ‘Vicious’ Visconti shows up. Of all her sins, this man was going to be her deadliest. Or maybe this is her last shot at salvation.
I don’t know if it’s possible to be into the Dark Romance genre without knowing this particular book or the series it’s under. This is more or less one of the very first books I downloaded as soon as I had access to e-books but for some reason, it sat pretty on my shelf. But Booktok constantly adding it as one of the best books in the dark romance genre made me pick this up finally to read. And it proved quite delightful indeed.
The first books in The Made Men series, it tells th story of Elena Abelli, nicknamed “The Sweet Abelli,” because she is beautiful, smiles on cue, has the most docile nature and charms her way through everything. Not your typical or even likable female lead. But she’s the perfect mafia princess. That’s until she makes one impulsive mistake that takes away her father’s favour from her and nearly turns her into something of a pariah.
But then, she takes one look at her sister’s fiancé, the underworld king of New York, Nicolas Russo and there’s an unsettlement like no other in her. His reputation precedes him as the most ruthless Made Man in this part of the world. And he’s contracted to marry her sister. Elena’s first encounter with him is disastrous and she immediately detests his rude personality that is as intense as his looks. She’s grateful he isn’t hers marry. But perhaps fate has something else in store.
The similarities in these two books are clear. Mafia stories. Made Men. Mafia Princesses. Being in the dark romance world this long, there’s no way you wouldn’t be able to predict a great amount of the actions in the books. But they still proved a delight to the eyes particularly the latter book. I was hooked from the very first page and even though my nose was scrunched up at the smutty scenes, I beared with it till the end and was happy to be done with it.
The completion of these books has brought my Dark Romance journey to an indefinite end. Twas truly amazing while it lasted but now to other just as impactful genres. I have a new book that I can’t wait to read and share with you all. So, please stay tuned for that.
Images from my e-library.
