I went into this book completely blind, and the premise immediately intrigued me—Lucia is on the run from the Bratva, and our MMC is a mob boss. High stakes? Danger? Forbidden attraction? I was ready for it!

But while the setup was promising, the execution didn’t fully land for me. Lucia is supposed to be hiding and protecting herself (and her father) from the mob, yet after a single encounter—delivering coffee to the MMC’s office—things escalate fast. One meeting spirals into a hookup, and suddenly, the tension of her situation takes a backseat.

I struggled with how quickly things moved. There wasn’t much of a build-up between Lucia and the MMC—no real connection beyond physical attraction. It just didn’t feel believable that someone terrified for their life would give in that easily. A little more development and emotional depth could have made their relationship feel more organic and intense.

That said, the foundation for a great story is definitely there. With some tweaks—more tension, a slower burn, and deeper character development—this could have been a gripping, unforgettable read. Unfortunately, it just didn’t fully connect with me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. This book was engaging and kept me interested throughout, though I do wonder how far you’d get, in reality, with such a frail and elderly man. It was refreshing that while there was dominance between the two main characters, it was consensual and some of the angst was true of many relationships. An enjoyable read and I’ll be reading the next to see how it all plays out from here.

How am I going to last the two and half hours until midnight so I can get the second book? I am on the edge of my seat. The book was amazing.! I loved every page. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the no sleep I will get when book two drops at midnight!

Dark, dangerous, and utterly captivating, Paula Walshe’s Lethal Legacy is a gripping foray into the world of the Russian mafia, blending high-stakes tension with moments of unexpected tenderness. While dark romance and mafia-inspired stories are nothing new, this novel stands out with its compelling character dynamics, tight pacing, and emotionally charged storytelling.

One of the strongest aspects of Lethal Legacy is its balance. Walshe masterfully walks the fine line between the raw intensity of a mafia narrative and the softer, more intimate moments that humanize her characters. The relationships, whether romantic or familial, are nuanced, adding depth beyond the expected power struggles and criminal intrigue. The family dynamic, in particular, is well-executed, giving the story an added layer of emotional weight that makes the stakes feel real.

The writing itself is immersive and evocative. Walshe’s descriptions pulled me into a world where danger lurks at every corner, yet the moments of vulnerability shine just as brightly. Even the mature scenes, while undeniably intense, are handled with care and fit seamlessly within the novel’s tone and genre.

As someone familiar with dark romance, I found Lethal Legacy refreshingly distinct, especially as my first deep dive into a Russian mafia setting. Walshe’s attention to detail made it easy to sink into the story, and by the end, I was hooked. It’s no surprise that I immediately followed her on Amazon, eager to see what the rest of the series has in store.

For fans of dark romance looking for a novel that balances grit with heart, Lethal Legacy is a must-read. Walshe delivers a thrilling, emotionally rich experience that lingers long after the final page.

A big thank you to Books Go Social, Netgalley, and Paula Walshe for giving me this ARC in return for my honest review!

For a spicy Mafia romance, this book was surprisingly well written and has an intriguing plot! We start with Lucia who is secretly on the run from the Orlov Russian mafia family. She is working in a coffee shop in Spain where she meets Roman, the head of the Stevanovsky mafia family. She's hoping his influence keeps the other Russians off her doorstep while he's hoping she'll become au pair to his adopted children while secretly visiting his bed at night. They both have secrets and hidden pasts but are quickly falling in love.

This book was fun to read and it ends on such a glorious cliffhanger that I can't wait to pick up book 2. The only real thing that bothered me was the five-year-old character because she acts and speaks like a three-year-old. Not sure if she's supposed to be behind in some way that's not mentioned or if the author just doesn't know any five year olds.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it. I gave it a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
There is a lot of spice in this book, I would probably rate it 4 on a spice scale.

Loved reading the exciting and engaging story. When Lucia gets a unique job offer from Roman, she willingly accepts the offer, but she starts to develop feelings for Roman and the children. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and romance, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the amazing author, Paula Walshe!

This was everything! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - guessing and attempting to piece together the stories and characters. I was thrilled to receive an ARC. I read a lot of books and this one stands out as one of those that will live rent-free in my head for a long time - easily one of the best books I've read in a long time.

I loved the twists and turns, the emotional struggle, the way Paula makes you fall in love with her characters, the sweet children, the next-level spice. All of it.

Of course, I had to sit and finish this in nearly one sitting...and of course it's the middle of the night and I'm desperate for more of this story and more of these characters. And of course, I'll most likely sleep through my alarm in the morning after having stayed up too late reading. Worth it. 100% worth it. 5 🌟

Wow!

Twists, turns, drama, action, emotion, secrets and so much more! I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the conclusion. I need all to be revealed!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This absolutely went hard. Mafia romance can be so hit or miss and this was an absolute hit, it has it all! Characters with mysterious origins, revenge, forced proximity, intrigue, a mystery within a mystery. This is probably the first bratva romance that I have actually enjoyed end to end. 4.5 stars, solidly recommend, cannot wait for the second book.

I was fortunate to be able to read this book ARC. I can’t emphasize this enough that this book is for readers who enjoy some spice and storyline. Lucia and Roman are often found stuck between a rock and a hard place, especially in the context of their histories. The ending leaves one wanting to read book two to understand the cliffhanger and the choices that the main characters will make regarding the future.