A review by destynnee
Lies like Rubies, Part One by Poppy Jacobson

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 
Oh yes, breaking this beautiful woman would be a fucking delights. I so rarely had an opportunity to indulge my darkest whimsies. What a gift she was - a chance to let loose the demons within me and fuck with Sergio at the same time.
-Dante

Lies like Rubies, Part One: A Dark, Reverse Harem, Mafia Romance (Savage Jewels Book 2)
By Poppy Jacobson
352 pages
Currently on KU in the USA.
Publication date April 7, 2023

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review. Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Spicy, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Violence, CNC, BDSM, Why Choose, Polyam, Best Friends Sister, Bossy’s Daughter, Abusive Ex, Money Laundering, Cliffhanger, noncon, dubcon, impact play, bondage, her and die vibes, knife and blood play, degradation, unwilling exhibitionism, public humiliation, explicitly non-RACK BDSM, guns, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, violence, torture, kidnapping, murder, domestic violence (off page), direct threats to children (but no violence) and possibly more. 

First off, thank you to the author for having a good range of TW on their website for this book. As well as speaking on how this is NOT “model for how to conduct a safe, sane, and consensual BDSM relationship”. BDSM, is almost NEVER like what  you see on tv, read about in books, etc.

This is the first book I have read by Poppy, and based on this, I will be reading many more.

Now, for the book… HOLY FUCKING SHIT BALLS BATMAN. I loved, and hated characters from the moment they hit the pages. They felt so fleshed out, and real.

The spicy scenes, even when CNC/Dub/Non was in play were good and spicy. Iykyk.

The cliffhanger is making me wish I had book two in my hands already. Yes, there is a cliffhanger, but I think it is worth it to read this one and sit biting your nails till book two comes out.

If you enjoy dark spicy romances, with mafia, pet play, humiliation/praise, and touch her and die vibes from her guys.. This is 100% for you.

I highly recommend this book..

5 / 5 stars
-Destynnee