Mirror, mirror…this mafia romance SLAYED
“You want my brain and not my body. Trust me!”
“I will possess both” 😮‍💨

If you love a good mafia romance and a fairytale retelling, buckle up. This Snow White-inspired story comes with a side of spice, danger, and pure delicious tension.

She’s an innocent lawyer. He’s her devastatingly hot, freshly released client. And when he sets his sights on her, he doesn’t take no for an answer. BAY-BY… it. is. on.

I adored the clever nods to Snow White throughout, especially her hilarious group of seven old men (they stole every scene they were in). There’s even a fun layer of mystery woven in to keep things interesting.

Zero disappointment here. This book was a win from page one.

Grim Bargains series is the Grimm Fairytale for adults. And just like the children's stories; I will be delving into this series again and again. I was intrigued with One Cursed Rose, and excited to see what came next. One Dark Kiss was worth the wait.

Conspiracies riddle the pages. At times it seemed as if no one was safe, no one could be trusted. Rosalie, an attorney that did not ask for any of it. Once she is assigned to Alexi's case; her life will never be the same. She soon finds her self into deep. He chose her and would not let her go.

Rosalie may have thought it was a simple dismissal after a corrupt judge and District Attorney are exposed. She was so wrong. How do you prove someone innocent when everyone is trying to frame him for something, anything.

Alexi is part of the underworld, the Russian mafia. He is part of the four families that control the internet. He is as determined to return to power, as others are determined to take him down. They will use anything, anyone to get to him.

His relationship with Rosalie adds an interesting element. What he will do for her had me all a twitter. My kindle might have needed sometime in the freezer the sex was that hot. Their relationship was very entertaining. Add in the increasing body count and the many who done it questions, One Dark Kiss was a fantastic escape into a world I would never venture into in the real world.

Do you need a dark mafia romance retelling of Snow White? The answer is yes, you do and One Dark Kiss is exactly that! This is the second book in Rebecca Zanetti’s Grimm Bargains series, but it can be read as a standalone. It follows Rosalie who is a lawyer hired to represent Alexei when his murder trial is being questioned. From her first meeting with him she knows even if he didn’t commit the murder he’s in prison for that doesn’t mean he’s innocent. Alexei is clear that he is ready to get out of prison and retake control of his family’s company. From their first meeting Alexei decides he wants Rosalie by his side through everything and won’t take no for an answer. This story is dual POV and has lots of action that will keep you hooked until the end!

One Dark Kiss by @rebeccazanetti
Narrated by Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

e A R C • R E V I E W 📱
This is the second book in the Grimm Bargain Series it is a dark romance with a hint of fantasy.
Alexei was wrongfully convicted of a crime and spent 7 years in prison. Rosalie is his lawyer who is working on getting him a re-trial.

He becomes obsessed with Rosalie and they become more than attorney/client. This book has mafia/mob boss and she figures out who set him up. Once that is revealed the whole story is mind blowing 🤯…

I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but if you love mafia books then this one definitely is for you.

I absolutely loved this book, it is my first book by this author and I immediately ordered the first book!
Can’t wait to read it 🤗

Thank you @good.girls.pr and @netgalley for gifting me a eARC.

When I received this as an ARC and realized it was #2 in a series...so obviously I went to read #1 first (see review on goodreads for that one).

For this one I knew what to expect in terms of the overall content and this being a dark romance book. I liked this one a lot more though--I found the couple had better chemistry and banter between them and the world overall wasn't as mysterious anymore so the focus was more on the characters and their relationship themselves.

I liked the more overt mafia element in this book and the deception of the characters. The FMC, Rosalie, was much more likable than Alana for me. I also really liked the development of the side characters in this book more and the 7 little old men featured were my favourites <3

I read the first book in the series last summer, and I couldn’t wait for the second book. I enjoyed this one even more. I liked the tension between the two characters, and the spice was A+. I kind of forgot about the social media aspect, but I do enjoy that storyline. I think it’s something different and unique. I was curious to see how this book could be a Snow White retelling and I thought it was done really well, without being corny (I was hoping the seven dwarfs would be written in an interesting way). I can’t wait for the third book!

Thank you, Rebecca Zanetti, Good Girls PR, and NetGalley for the ARC of One Dark Kiss. This was my first mob romance book, and I did like it more than expected. This is the second book in a series, and I found myself very confused with the charging of the gemstones and the stones running social media, and wish they had gone more into it in this book. I enjoyed the humor and absolutely fell in love with the boarders and the best friend, Ella. I do feel like the story was rushed along, though. Don’t get me wrong, I love a quick story, but this one needed a bit more depth. I didn’t buy the romance between Alexei and Rosalie. She pretty much didn’t have a choice in the matter and was just like, “okay,” and went along with whatever Alexei said.
I did have an issue with the first bedroom scene, considering she told him, “no,” several times, yet he kept going. With the other “bedroom” scenes, I felt the “pain” delivered was a bit much. At what point does rough turn into just beating? Consent is a real thing.
I also feel like the ending left so many questions. What happened with her license? Was she still being looked at for the murders? What happened at the firm now that Cage is gone? How the heck did they explain to the police what happened during the very quick and lackluster ending? And what about Ella? Is she still in danger. I’m sure the next book in the series will be about her, but, still, give us a little sting at the end that gets us excited for it.
The reveal at the end was extremely predictable, but with all that being said, I still rate it 3 stars because I did find myself wanting to know what happens. And 2 chili peppers, because though there were a lot of spicy scenes, they seemed to be all the same.

I was anxiously awaiting Alexei's book the second I finished One Cursed Rose, and I was not disappointed in this book. It's an interesting retelling of Snow White that incorporates the mafia and a somewhat supernatural element. I'm not the biggest fan of the whole "crystal element," but it was featured far less in this book than it was in the first one. Definitely like this book more than One Cursed Rose, 4.25 stars!

Unfortunately, the MMC really didn't do it for me. I think the best thing he did was buy her all the kitten heels after he got his funds back. The first book was easier to relate to personally. Thorn was superior Alexei.

The story begins with a frugal FMC who just wants to make partner at her high-profile law firm. Tasked to represent a social media heir bad boy (MMC) who was framed for a murder he didn’t commit, she has her work cut out for her. Thinking the whole deal will be strictly legal and professional turns lustful and dark as she learns he isn’t just a spoiled rich bad boy, but in league with the Russian mafia. You mafia ladies with LOVE this one. Amazing plot. A bit of mystery. Plenty of sexual tension which turns into spicy moments.

🍎 He fell first
🍎 Touch her and you ☠️
🍎 Forced proximity
🍎 Fairytale retelling
🍎 3/5 🌶️


If you like dark, spicy retellings of fairytales, One Dark Kiss is for you.

I have not read the first book in the series, but I enjoyed One Dark Kiss. I occasionally read dark romance, and this one checked all the boxes. As the FMC, I liked Rosalie. She was compassionate but loyal to her friends and boarders - her seven dwarves. I admit the poor girl needed to catch a break about 10% in the book.

Alexei as the MMC was intense. I agree with Rosalie that he was a lot to take in. Although if one thinks about it, if you crave for a dark yet all-in MMC, Alexei was indeed written well. He knew what he needed to do to reach his goal, and he was not ashamed about who he was.

I loved the seven boarders. If you have seen the movie RED, they gave those vibes. I wish the author introduced the others more though. Maybe we can get a spin off of their lives before meeting Rosalie.

The story was fast paced and was not boring at any point. The climax and resolution of the conflict felt a little abrupt however. I was hoping to read more about what happened to the true perpetrator.

Still, I enjoyed reading One Dark Kiss. I will definitely read the first one and wait for the next book, which I am guessing will be about Ella.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for allowing me to review One Dark Kiss.

While I did finish this book, I felt very torn between whether I liked it or not. The premise felt promising, there were moments that kept me engaged, elements that were intriguing throughout, and I enjoyed the spice. However, there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on that just simply didn't make this a book I would rave about or recommend. It felt like too much was going on at one time, specifically with the crystal and mob subjects, but really I think it just wasn't executed as well as it could have been. It was just a so-so read for me.

The story centers around Alexei, who has spent seven long years in jail for a crime he insists he didn’t commit. Enter Rosalie, his new attorney, who is determined to help him reclaim his freedom. With recent twists and turns, it seems that a glimmer of hope might just be on the horizon for Alexei!

The excitement is palpable, and the chemistry between the characters is electric. Their unyielding passion and determination keep you on edge, making it impossible to predict what will happen next—or who will be affected by their actions.

I sincerely hope there’s another installment in this gripping series; it would be a shame for such a riveting tale to end here!

A quick read with an interesting premise, but I had a lot of problems with this book. This seems to be a case where a traditional publisher picked up a Kindle Unlimited hit and didn't do anything other than repackage it. This book sorely needs editing because things that I would forgive from a self published book I am not as forgiving from a traditionally published book.
Lets start at the beginning, this is more of a personal pet peeve but I hate when the world building of a fantasy book is just all explained in a prologue. To me it comes across as lazy writing, if you can't interweave the worldbuilding then you shouldn't have it. And in this case I still was left with so many questions that weren't really answered - what does the general public understand of the crystals and the social media? Do they realize that they are contributing their emotions, desires, thoughts to these families? Also the structure of society, do governments and countries still operate in the same way? Do they know how the crystals work and are they involved? Then on a more basic level the non-fantasy world is also barely sketched out - the overlap of the families and the mafias is very confusing and not explained well. Also the application of AI seems to me like the author doesn't really understand AI, or at least it doesn't match up to what AI is currently and what it is in the books isn't really explained. The application of the law also seems like there was the barest of research done, because Rosalie would have been disbarred so fast (also tangent but the random note that she dated one of the founding partners?? yeah that would have been a big deal not just a passing note).
The next problem is partly the writing style, but an editor should have stepped in. I at no point forgot I was reading. The writing feels clunky and many times (on both POVs) the exact same information is said and offered like it's new information which because of the writing style stuck out as Checkov's gun spotlight EVERY TIME. It was hard to tell what was supposed to be a important for later because it all stuck out.
I am mostly frustrated because the basic idea of this is really good and interesting. I was excited for something similar to Ilona Andrews Prime series but with more mafia, and none of that was delivered. As someone who's only experience with books is that I've read a lot of them, the editor and publisher of this book did the author a huge disservice because I feel like this review is more work on this book than was put into this republishing.

“Kindness is a danger to you, Rosalie”

“Give me an inch, and I’ll swallow all of you”

This book was … wild. I think this is the appropriate description for it. I felt like dark … and dark … and fifty shades darker. And he is such a morally grey character … and I so have to admit that I enjoyed it !!!!! Like for the first book, it felt perfect for the fans of the never after series and anyone who enjoys spicy (very much so) dark romance books where in the end the girl falls for the villain. Only the girl is a little wild herself, and despite being his lawyer and constantly reminding herself that she shouldn’t … bad boys with scars are fascinating in a way no others are. And Alexei was exactly that. Add an unhealthy obsession he has for her for which she is his from the very first moment and you’re created a recipe for disaster. I have to admit though that I appreciated a lot characters from the previous book been mentioned. I feels always bittersweet no matter the topic of the genre of the series I am reading. But aside from the plot which was entertaining and fast paced, the thick sexual tension between the main characters was impossible to ignore and he definitely makes it even more so. Very Christian Grey of him … especially considering what he says in one of the last chapter … ohhhhh my knees went absolutely weak !!!!
I can’t wait for another book in this universe !!!

“Good girl”

“What was that, another claiming? … No, baby. That was a taming”

While certainly better than the first volume, this second installment in this series also feels really thrown together, with everything that stereotypically belongs to Mob romance. The part about the crystals remains largely in the background and honestly, if it hadn’t been written by Rebecca Zanetti, I would never have read it. Now I just hope the book about Elle comes out as soon as possible, since she seems by far the most interesting character — and then that’s it for me.

Per quanto sicuramente migliore del primo volume, anche questo secondo sembra veramente raffazzonato con tutto quello che appartiene stereotipicamente ai Mob romance. La parte dei cristalli resta ampliamente sullo sfondo e sinceramente, se non l'avesse scritto Rebecca Zanetti, non l'avrei mai letto. ora spero che arrivi prima possibile il libro su Elle, che mi sembra di gran lunga il personaggio piú interessante e poi basta.

I received from the Publisher a digital advanced review copy in exchange for a honest review.

A dark romance with extra spice. The plot is engaging, easy to follow while getting the spine alert for danger. It has all the best hot and dry love and fighting suspense. I read it as a standalone but I would love to read the first book too.

Alexei spent the last 7 yrs in prison planning his revenge against the men who framed him. Rosalie is the lawyer trying to free him....

Lots of sparks, sizzle and chemistry. Love the funny banter especially. I love this crystal magical world. It's just as good as the first book in the series which was a very loose retelling of beauty and the beast. This is another loose retelling of snow white. Alexei is so swoony and perfectly alpha. Love that he's super intelligent and a total mastermind. Rosalie's seven brothers are hilarious. Enjoy this book tremendously.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

✨ Dark romance meets fantasy, mystery, and just a little mayhem…
One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti is book 2 in the Grimm Bargains series—but it reads perfectly as a standalone!

Rosalie Mooncrest is a sharp, no-nonsense lawyer hired to prove Alexei Sokolov was framed for a murder that cost him 7 years behind bars. But Alexei? Oh, he’s immediately obsessed—and he’s not playing fair. He’ll do anything to keep Rosalie close:
😈 Implicate her in his chaos
😈 Kidnap her friends (casual!)
😈 Befriend her 7 elderly housemates like it’s a sport
😈 And drop her into high-stakes, what-would-you-do style mind games

A loose Snow White & the Huntsman retelling, with a unique magical crystal mythology that brings a fresh twist to dark fairytale romance.

🎧 Audio lovers: Erin Mallon & Lance Greenfield nailed it!

This book is technically second in a series, but l think it's okay as a stand alone because I haven't read the first one. This is a solid 4 star read for me!
I liked the romance and the spice was perfect. It was balanced well with the plot. The plot is fast paced and extremely engaging! I was gasping on multiple occasions. One Dark Kiss didn't trigger many emotions for me and I think the ending was abrupt and left me with a lot of questions related to the plot. Which is ultimately why I chose 4 stars.