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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
dark
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As with the first book in this series, I felt the ending of this book was a bit rushed. A lot was going on at 98%, so that wrap-up was all done in the last teensy bit. To be fair, I don’t think it will be just me who knows who the bad guy is, even though it can be argued that everyone in this story could be considered a bad guy. You get my meaning, however. I also want to note that this isn’t really a standalone. I suppose it could be read as such, but there was a lot of world-building in the first book that you don’t get here, so you may not understand what is going on with the crystals and such.
Before I talk about the main couple, Rosalie and Alexei, I want to talk about Rosalie’s boarders. From the series title alone, you know this is a retelling of sorts. The author mashes a lot of fairy tales into one book, same as she had with the first. Rosalie’s main persona would be that of Snow White, as Rosalie has an affinity for apples and also has seven older men who rent from her. While it was a cute touch and they do end up playing a part in the story, I wish there had been a bit more depth to that part of the story. I don’t see how they will play too large a part in later books, so I guess it’s okay that they weren’t well-rounded characters. I feel this author (whom I love when it comes to her paranormal romance and romantic suspense type stories) struggles with fantasy characters. It’s odd since she’s often very good at that in other books. And these aren’t “high” fantasy.
When it comes to the romance part of this book, I didn’t fully buy into these two. While I could see that Alexei was obsessed with Rosalie and that Rosalie was intrigued by Alexei, their connection wasn’t solid. Again, another thing with this author I find a problem in her fantasy books that isn’t generally a problem in the other sub-genres she writes. For whatever reason, I was still invested in the story. I wanted to see how things would play out, although I knew a lot about the who and the why of it all. To me, that means something was done right in this story.
Here’s the thing: I’m not a dark romance reader on the regular. It crosses my path here and there and I have no objection to it at all; it’s just not my preference. That means that my views on this story may be drastically different than someone who loves dark romance and someone who despises the genre (but why read this book if you don’t like the genre?) I am, though, a huge fan of this author. That means that I will let things slide that I wouldn’t with an author I’m unfamiliar with because I trust her. It remains to be seen how the rest of this series will play out, but I’ll be along for the ride.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Torture, Trafficking
This reimagination of the Grimm Brothers’ Snow White takes us deep into a world of violence, revenge, and barely leashed passions.
The romance wasn’t quite my particular cup of tea. There was a bit too much angry sex to make their declaration of love believable. Devotion and obsession, yes, absolutely. It was undeniably hot. Alexei fixated on Rosalie from the moment he met her. Rosalie was a bit naïve about dealing with Alexei on a personal level, but shrewd when it came to defending him as his lawyer.
I really enjoyed the other parts of the story. I was never 100% sure about what the truth was regarding Alexei’s actions. Every duplicitous act was revealed in a clever way that had me riveted. The politics and interpersonal dynamics were complex and fascinating. This book focused less on the fantasy aspects of the series, though we did get a small glimpse. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go read the first book. It sets this world up really well.
If you like a possessive, always-in-control mafia boss kind of MMC, in a dark romance setting with fantasy elements, then this is definitely for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
challenging
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A story full of twists, crime, mystery, and romance!
Defense attorney Rosalie finds herself immersed into a world of danger when she’s assigned a new client, Alexei. Determined to do right by him, Rosalie tries to find who framed Alexei seven years ago. Plans don’t come together as they should and Rosalie and Alexei find passion amongst the mysteries surrounding them.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt the plot was a little chaotic at times, but I was definitely invested story as a whole.
Defense attorney Rosalie finds herself immersed into a world of danger when she’s assigned a new client, Alexei. Determined to do right by him, Rosalie tries to find who framed Alexei seven years ago. Plans don’t come together as they should and Rosalie and Alexei find passion amongst the mysteries surrounding them.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt the plot was a little chaotic at times, but I was definitely invested story as a whole.
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A wrongfully imprisoned social media heir/mafia boss seeks revenge and draws his lawyer into his tangled web. Alexei is dangerous, controlling and cruel; Rosalie is ambitious, stubborn, with an inherently kind nature. It's a fast burn, with Alexei claiming Rosalie very quickly. There's quite a bit of power play, both in and out of the bedroom. But the (sexual) punishment and humiliation is not my jam (it's hers though). That aside, the possessive, obsessive nature of the romance worked for me.
He's a murderous asshole, but one that would protect her and burn the world for her. Andhe'd actually wanted for her for 7 years ! Rosalie is the stronger MC for me, she's very sweet but she's all spark and fire when defending Alexei and her family. There are some Snow White elements (seven old men, mirrors) but it's not really a retelling. The drama/revenge makes for some solid suspense. And I loved his nickname (Peaflower) for her! CW: dubcon, humiliation, exhibitionism, belt play, spanking
He's a murderous asshole, but one that would protect her and burn the world for her. And
Audiobook: Narrators - Erin Mallon and Lance Greenfield
This story translates beautifully to audio, thanks to a strong dual performance that captures every bit of the dark intensity between Alexei and Rosalie. These narrators bring a raw, emotional edge to their characters, heightening the tension, chemistry, and underlying danger. If you enjoy immersive, well matched narration, this one’s a standout.
********************************
This wasn’t anything like my childhood fairytales. It was darker, deadlier, and dripping with heat. Rebecca Zanetti gives us a razor sharp tale of obsession and vengeance in this modern, sinful reimagining of Snow White. Packed with brutal power plays, steamy tension, and betrayal at every turn, this book sank its claws into me from the first page.
I loved Alexei’s raw, almost feral, intensity. His calculated rage, especially toward his family and the empire that betrayed him, makes every scene simmer with tension. While Rosalie wasn’t immune to his pull, she was no pushover either. The force of Alexei’s presence and the gravity of what he’s endured quickly pull her into his orbit. Their chemistry is wild, electric with heat, but also layered with danger, obsession, and moments of vulnerability.
This isn’t just dark romance for spice’s sake, although it definitely has that; there are high stakes power moves, manipulation, and emotional landmines at every turn. Themes of control, corruption, redemption, and twisted loyalty run deep through the story. And while it’s part of a series, this installment holds its own with a sharp pace and a plot that never lets you relax. Fans of morally gray characters and dangerously sexy dynamics will devour this installment.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As a long time Rebecca Zanetti fan, I need to preface that this is not like her other books/series. One Dark Kiss is a dark romance that features a twisted modern fairy tale of Snow White and the Huntsman. Please check your trigger warnings before reading.
**Trigger Warnings**
This book may contain the following: murder, kidnapping, assault, torture, graphic violence, sexual violence, and child trafficking.
Reading One Dark Kiss was a little difficult for me. While I enjoyed the majority of the storyline, the trigger warnings tripped me up and made me uncomfortable. Again, please check those warnings.
I thought Rosalie was a strong heroine with a beautiful heart. I loved her page time with her seven boarders. There were lots of fun surprises around them and I wished they had more scenes together.
Alexei was a very bad guy. I didn’t think he was redeemable but in this dark and twisted world of Grimm Bargains, you need a bigger monster to fight the real evil saturating the city. Alexei was definitely good at that. I felt that his possession of Rosalie was cruel and I would have liked someone better for her. But somehow in the end, their puzzle pieces strangely fit together.
This is absolutely a book for readers who enjoy the dark romance genre.
**NetGalley generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
**Trigger Warnings**
This book may contain the following: murder, kidnapping, assault, torture, graphic violence, sexual violence, and child trafficking.
Reading One Dark Kiss was a little difficult for me. While I enjoyed the majority of the storyline, the trigger warnings tripped me up and made me uncomfortable. Again, please check those warnings.
I thought Rosalie was a strong heroine with a beautiful heart. I loved her page time with her seven boarders. There were lots of fun surprises around them and I wished they had more scenes together.
Alexei was a very bad guy. I didn’t think he was redeemable but in this dark and twisted world of Grimm Bargains, you need a bigger monster to fight the real evil saturating the city. Alexei was definitely good at that. I felt that his possession of Rosalie was cruel and I would have liked someone better for her. But somehow in the end, their puzzle pieces strangely fit together.
This is absolutely a book for readers who enjoy the dark romance genre.
**NetGalley generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder
˗ˏˋ 5 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
nothing is going to top the first book but this was still soo damn good. it was so fast-paced and there were so many twists and turns. reading this book literally felt like as if you're in a crime movie. although kind of a stretch, i still loved the snow white retelling aspect of the book.
as of the characters, i loved rosalie and alexei's interactions, they were so adorable together. i loved the seven elderly boarders so much. they were so cute and funny at times. i love how they were all very protective of rosalie. i was definitely eating the thornalana crumbs up.
cant wait for the third book in the grimm bargains series. i'm finger crossing, praying that it's gonna be ella's book.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher, good girls pr and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶
₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
omg i got the arc! i just recently finished the first book so i have super high expectations for this one. hoping we get some thorn and alana cameos here.
tropes:
nothing is going to top the first book but this was still soo damn good. it was so fast-paced and there were so many twists and turns. reading this book literally felt like as if you're in a crime movie. although kind of a stretch, i still loved the snow white retelling aspect of the book.
as of the characters, i loved rosalie and alexei's interactions, they were so adorable together. i loved the seven elderly boarders so much. they were so cute and funny at times. i love how they were all very protective of rosalie. i was definitely eating the thornalana crumbs up.
cant wait for the third book in the grimm bargains series. i'm finger crossing, praying that it's gonna be ella's book.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher, good girls pr and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶
₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
omg i got the arc! i just recently finished the first book so i have super high expectations for this one. hoping we get some thorn and alana cameos here.
tropes:
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A