Rebecca Zanetti continues to wow us with One Dark Kiss! This book tells the story of the black sheep of a powerful family who has spent the last seven years in prison while his stepmother and stepbrothers take over the family business. After it was discovered he was convicted using planted evidence, Alexei Sokolov’s verdict was overturned. After his attorney Rosalie Mooncrest secures his release, he is back with a vengeance and it’s not safe for anyone standing in his way.

If Rebecca is writing it then I am reading it. Just incredible story and I want more of her writing immediately. So much character development and story depth. I felt fully immersed.

I may need to reread this book because the whole premise just flew over my head. It could be because I just finished an amazing book just before this one and this is definitely not going to be a favorite by far. However this book wasn't bad I just think it may not be for me. I wanted it to have a bit more fantasy. I also wasn't a fan of this spice.

This one is definitely going to give you a book hangover. I read it in one sitting and the missed sleep was worth it. I loved Alexei and Rosalie. Action and suspense and sexy steamy romance. I'm embarrassed to admit i didn't catch on to the Snow White aspect until way too far into the story. I find the crystal storyline intriguing. I loved the first book so much and this one surpassed it! I can't wait for more.

Thank you to Kensington publishing & NetGalley for a copy, all opinions are my own.

Yes! This was everything I was hoping for. As a fan of Rebecca Zanetti, I knew I would probably like this, but it sucked me in completely, I couldn't put my book down and just wanted more. I loved the slightly paranormal aspect where humans generated and powered crystals to run conglomerates and obtain special abilities, though this wasn't the major focus of the book. Alexei and Rosalie were. They had an instant connection of lust that evolved into love, and he brought out her darker side. Alexei is definitely your morally gray to black MMC who, if you like alpha males, you will love. Rosalie, however, is smart, funny, and has a heart of gold, falling for the bad boy even though she knows she shouldn't.

This was a perfect vacation read that I completely devoured. It's a mafia billionaire "Snow White & the Huntsman" fairytale retelling which even included the seven old men as her boarders with their own secrets about who they really were.

When Rosalie walked into the maximum-security prison that housed convicted murderer Alexei Sokolov and told him she could get him out she was under the impression she was charge, boy was she wrong as he was about to show her. Forget morally grey, Alexei was as dark as it gets and out for revenge on those who had wronged him while taking back everything that rightfully belongs to him.

I read the first book in this series, and it left me feeling a bit meh, but One Dark Kiss, a dark romantasy book with vibes of Snow White was so much better than that book. To begin with it had less of a dystopian vibe, focusing more on the organised crime element and Alexei’s ties to the Russian mafia and less on the crystals. The crystals still played a part but weren’t front and centre. This book also had a darker tone than anything I’ve read previously from this author with an intricate fast-paced plot laden with twists and turns galore and several red herrings thrown in to throw any armchair detectives reading off the scent. As I said the fantasy element was still there but not in a way, that overpowered the story. The relationship between the hero and heroine was equally fast paced with Alexei apparently taking one look at Rosalie and becoming obsessed with her. The spice between them was sizzling, dirty and borderline CNC – let's just say the dominant Alexei was very persuasive towards the more reluctant Rosalie. I loved the Snow White tie in with Rosalie’s seven boarders even if her naïveté when it came to their histories was a bit unbelievable. And after finishing One Dark Kiss and seeing how elements of the story are part of a larger plot that I’m assuming will arc across the series it’s made me decide a re-read of One Cursed Rose, the first book is in order. Perhaps looking at it with fresh eyes with change my initial review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, hot, fast-paced and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

This book had a hold on me. I could not stop reading it. I was so excited to be back in this world with some new additions. I loved getting to know more about Rosalie. I liked her a lot in book one but really got to know her in this book and I love her sassiness. Alexis is someone who at first when I read the description was like how on the heck will this play out but it was amazing. You really outdone yourself again! Cant wait to read what you do next! Thank you so much Rebecca Zanetti for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!

🕯️ Book Review: One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Dark romantic suspense | Billionaire revenge | Redemption

One Dark Kiss is book 2 in the Grimm Bargains series, released TODAY! It’s a gripping, modern twist on Snow White—part fairy‑tale enchantment, part billionaire vengeance fantasy. Honestly, what more could you ask for?

🔥 Characters
Alexei is a brooding, lethal, and magnetic ex-heir to an empire—he’s done being played after 7 years in prison. He’s driven by revenge against those who betrayed him, But once he stakes his claim.
Rosalie is the brilliant, determined lawyer who takes on Alexei’s case. She is poised, smart, and not easily shaken—except when dealing with Alexei’s dangerous charm
As he plots revenge, their chemistry ignites and she becomes his tether to reality—and to redemption.
✅ Who will love it
Fans of brooding, billionaire‑type heroes with violent pasts. (Is there anyone who isn’t?)
Those who enjoy smart, moral heroines who challenge their men. (🥰)
Readers craving a mix of revenge thriller + passionate romance.
One Dark Kiss is a darkly seductive journey of love entwined with vengeance. Alexei and Rosalie’s chemistry burns bright against a backdrop of betrayal and power—this isn’t just romance; it’s poetic vengeance with a heart. Rebecca zanetti’s writing captivates you and takes you on a journey with a modern take on Snow White. Highly recommend.

I usually a big fan of this author. She writes spicy romances with dominant men, strong females and a paranormal setting. At first glance this book fits in those categories. However, it is more of a mafia style book than paranormal romance. There is one component of a type of magic use using crystals for healing but it really is only used in the story to allow the male lead to heal from grievous wounds swiftly so he can get back at killing. This book is far darker than most of Zanetti's novels. However I find several aspects very off-putting. The relationship between the two main characters does not start off consensual. The female character wakes up to the male she told nothing was going to happen to him touching her sexually. This is rape. I just cannot with that. Later he beats her with a belt to "protect her and his standing" in front of his mafia men. I found it all a bit too much really. Dark is one thing, rape in a story line is another.

First of all, I was so happy that the book contained a little recap of the magical world at the beginning. We should normalize that in fantasy series! It had been a while since I read the first book, so it was a nice reintroduction to the world.

Here is the thing: the first book was not bad, but it was missing a lot of things for me. Still, I love to give authors a second chance, especially in romantasy, so I decided to read that one nonetheless. For me, there was an improvement. Things are explained a little bit better, and the plot made sense. The magic system is still a little bit of an afterthought, but it does not really matter. There are also a lot of great Easter eggs to the Snow White story.

Overall, I liked it and will continue reading this series. For me, this was a 3.5 stars.

4.5 stars

I liked this better than the first book! Poor Rosalie got placed in a ridiculous situation but she stood strong and resolute. Some of the plot could be read as a little cheesy, but I don't think it distracted me out of the story at all. I will say tho, that for being a lawyer, she is a bit slow to catch on to some things. She really is a pure Snow White. Alexei is not the perfect man, but his immediate connection with and protection of Rosie was heart warming. The smattering of her boarders was adorable as well. My only issue is the conclusion between Rosie and the police after the "final battle" scene was non-existent, let alone trying to just gloss over it. I mean, it makes sense that everything would be cleaned up, but it did stick in my head.

I can't wait for Ella's story next!

This cover is so beautiful, but it was absolutely misleading for me. I like to read books without reading the blurb first so I was not expecting mobster romance in a kind of dystopian world. The world building was poor, the story not for me, but I wanted to read so I don't return it and ruin my percentage here on NetGalley.

If you are a fan of dark romance, I guess, this could be for you, but it was not for me. The moment a non consensual sex happened, the book immediately was a big no no. I am so sorry, but I just can't finish the story. If you do not have a problem with that, it could be a fun read for you.

One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti is the second standalone dark romantasy in the Grimm Baragins series. Alexei & Rosalie’s romance had sizzling chemistry, wicked banter and plenty of suspense. I devoured this and cannot wait for the next one.

I love the world Zanetti has created, but if I am honest, I love everything she writes. In the Grimm Baragins series, there is a magical system of sorts involving gems and social media influence, healing and more. Alexei was wrongfully imprisoned for murder and after the discovery of corruption within the courts, Rosalie is assigned to be his attorney by the firm who represents him.

I loved their first encounter. It was sizzling and promises were made. Alexei is all alpha. Rosalie is determined to make partner and has taken in boarders to afford her pink Victorian home. I adored this group of geriatric men and you will too.

Alexei is the rightful heir to his family’s billion dollar business, but his step-mother and half brother don’t want to release control. Zanetti delivered an intense tale with plenty of danger and twists, all while making the reader root for the romance and become attached to secondary characters. It was perfectly paced and delicious.

If you love dark steamy romance, fantasy, and forbidden romance, I recommend you add One Dark Kiss to your summer reading list. For those who read One Cursed Rose, we get to see our first couple and hints at who is next.

One Dark Kiss is a seductive, high-stakes whirlwind of vengeance, power, and heat 🔥. Alexei is the ultimate morally gray antihero—brooding, dangerous, and completely unhinged in the best way. Rosalie? A strong-willed lawyer caught in a web of lies, lust, and legacy.

This Snow White & the Huntsman-inspired world blends billionaire drama 💰, gritty betrayal, and forbidden romance into a story that’s darkly intoxicating. Think corporate warfare meets deadly fairy tale 💉🪞. The tension is chef’s kiss and the chemistry? Off. The. Charts. 💋

A fast-paced romantasy that keeps you turning pages and questioning who’s really pulling the strings. The deluxe edition is GORGEOUS, but it’s the story inside that truly bites 😈.

Rating: 4.5/5 🖤

I didn’t realise this was the second book in the series when I requested the eARC so that was an oversight on my behalf and I think I may have enjoyed it more if I had have read book 1 first. Good writing, just not 100% for me!

This is the second book in this series that involves a world where famous, successful and powerful families run 4 of the most powerful social media platforms. In the first book we dealt with the antics focusing on the kind of - well sort of merger of 2 of these platforms. Two of the leaders of these two families started dating....

In this book, we move forward with Rosalie Mooncrest - Alana's best friend -who is a successful attorney, and she is given the legal case of Alexei Sokolov (his family runs another of the social media firms). He has been in prison for 7 years, but Rosalie is there to tell him that she was able to get him a new trial. And....he will be out of prison during this timeframe.

Alexei is enamored by Rosalie the moment he first lays eyes on her. Rosalie, while not really wanting to admit it, also feels something for him. Things take off from there and the level of action increases exponentially.

There is conflict between Alexei and his family - which ends up affecting Rosalie. She owns a building where she has garnered 7 borders/tenants - elderly gentleman whom she adores and would do anything for. It's hilarious when we discover that her tenants all had super secret identities/backgrounds and were not the calm docile old men that she thought they were.

Then there is Alexei. We discover that there is all sorts of information discovered regarding what has been done to him. He has been railroaded, and framed and should never have been convicted and placed in prison.

This is definitely a dark romance, but once it gets started, I was completely on board and eager to continue going because uncovering the truth made everything lots of fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on June 24, 2025.

Thank you to @Netgalley and Rebecca Zanetti for allowing me to read this wonderful book it was amazing for me. I fully enjoyed getting to know the characters and grow to love each character. The FMC Rosalie is an attorney she is a bit calmer and innocent in a sense. Alexei now he a bad boy and is determined to do whatever it takes to get her.

Rosalie is an attorney and is handed a pro bono case. When she gets this case she sits and wonders why was this given to her specifically !! As you read you realize that two worlds will collide with one another and Alexei becomes her client and he will stop at nothing to ensure that he gets what he wants!

Thank you to NetGalley for this amazing ARC and to the author once Rebecca Zanetti !!

ALC and book review

First and foremost thank you NetGalley, tantor audio and Rebecca zanetti for the early copy of One Dark Kiss audiobook and ebook!.

I absolutely devoured this audio and book! The narration was great, the storyline and plot flowed nicely and the characters growth and banter were excellent! I love a good fairytale retelling but it has to be done right and Rebecca nailed it! Thank you for this immersive reading experience.

The second book in this series focuses on Alexei who has spent seven years in a maximum security prison before his new attorney gets him released from prison with a new trial. This is his lawyer Rosalie’s first criminal trial, but she is confident of her abilities. These two are opposites, he is an aggressive man who tells Rosalie he is in charge, and it is certain that he will control everything.

I really enjoyed Rosalie’s relationship with the elderly boarders who live with her in her inherited Victorian home. They were a very interesting group, full of surprises. Rosalie also had two girlfriends who added a lot to the story. Alexei was focused on retaking control of the family business, having the criminal charges dropped, and meeting commitments to his prison cellmate.

This book is darker that the first book in the series, and the relationship between Alexie and Rosalie was intense.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC of One Dark Kiss. This review is my honest opinion.