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Zephyra

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Violet Cole has spent her whole life slipping through the cracks—quiet enough to be overlooked, determined enough to survive, and desperate enough to do whatever it takes to protect the only person who matters.

One choice was all it took to shatter the careful life she built.
One drug she never meant to create.
One night that spirals out of control.

Now the city is hunting for the girl who made Zephyra… and the most dangerous man in New York gets to her first.

Asher Redmont rules the underground with ice in his veins and blood on his hands. He doesn’t believe in coincidence, and he definitely doesn’t believe in letting go of something once he’s claimed it—including the quiet chemist who should have never crossed his path.

He says he’s protecting her.
She knows she’s being trapped.
But the longer she’s in his world—his shadowed halls, his locked doors, his too-steady gaze—the harder it becomes to tell the difference.

Because danger isn’t the only thing closing in. The fire between them might burn hotter than the war her creation ignited.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2026

6 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Francesca Rae

5 books8 followers
Francesca Rae writes dark, deliciously spicy romance full of heat, heartache, and characters who never play by the rules. Her writing journey began unexpectedly—while working as a PA for author B. Shytle, a story idea hit her in the middle of a sleepless night. What started as a few notes meant for someone else turned into a full-blown obsession, and with a little push (okay, maybe a shove), Francesca started writing the story herself—and never looked back.

Now, she spends her days dreaming up dangerous men, fierce women, and all the twisted, steamy drama in between. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her spirited daughter Charlotte and her 110-pound German Shepherd, Tiberius—who may not be a fan of writing sprints, but is always there for the sleepless nights that inspire them.

Francesca hopes her books make readers proud to love dark romance—and maybe need a cold shower (or two) along the way.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Marija Unkind.
130 reviews24 followers
March 22, 2026
The story itself is very strong and interesting. The original idea immediately caught my attention. As an avid dark romance reader, it’s always refreshing to come across something that feels different. The first 50% were so good, I could barely put the book down.

The connection between the main characters happens quite quickly, and while I enjoyed their dynamic, I personally would have loved to see a bit more development in their relationship as the story progressed.

At times, there is a lot of inner monologue, which may work well for readers who enjoy being deeply inside the characters’ thoughts. For me, I found myself wanting a little more interaction between the characters, as well as more movement in the plot.

Overall, this is a well-balanced read and a good option for readers who are looking to explore dark romance, especially if they’re newer to the genre.

Thank you to Francesca Rae and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC 🖤
All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Terri Holmes.
43 reviews
February 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, this is the first time I’ve ever really read this trope and I really liked it, it starts with violet in college who wants to make a drug that creates an high without being dangerous. However an event happens that causes violet to leave college. With no money and no other option she creates the drugs she once did in college to survive and make money. In comes Asher after she steps Into his territory unaware of what he really wants. This book had was well written and loved the plot and the drama that came with it not to mention the spiceeeeee.
Profile Image for Katie Levesque.
91 reviews19 followers
March 15, 2026
This book was everything I wanted and more. The storyline and the characters had me unable to put it down. Even after the longest, and most exhausting days, I wanted to come home and read. Violet is a strong and lovable character, and Asher is one you kind of hate to love. But nevertheless, I loved him. There was something very Beauty & The Beast about this. The prisoner in a penthouse, love/hate relationship and the broody and troubled love interest.

Hoping for a book 2 that digs deeper into the story of Cami and Maverick.
Profile Image for picking_up_the_pages.
88 reviews
March 7, 2026
Overall, this is a 3.5 stars for me.
So this story started out really strong. I love going from the front cover and flipping through the first pages so the preface was beautifully written. I loved what the author had to say and her intentions with the book.
This idea that there's a super intelligent chemist girl who made this really cool drug appealed to me. You don't see that storyline in a lot of books and that's why I requested this. I love unique ideas. And the first portion of the book was interesting and I liked it.
My reason for not having a higher rating is I "think" this is like an enemies to lovers but to me the "enemies" just felt very thinly veiled lust. Over any kind of enemy. To me there were a lot of "I hate you's" in the same scene where she's spread like a turkey dinner. And this is coming from someone who totally thinks smut can add to the story. I don't know.....the hate wasn't believable for me.
And then it felt like there is so much inner monologue in this that it took me out of the story a bit. Both main characters got in their own heads so much that I started to feel very disconnected from the story.
I think it was a good book but I wasn't as attached to it as I'd hoped to be.


I would like to thank Francesca Rae and Victory Editing for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance of its release.
So thank you so much.
Profile Image for Raea.
14 reviews
March 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I was honestly hooked from the dedication alone, and the story did not disappoint. This is a dark, emotionally charged romance featuring a morally grey crime boss and a fiercely intelligent heroine—and the tension between them? Immediate and addictive.

The story follows Violet, a former chemistry student forced into survival mode after a life-altering tragedy. When she reintroduces a designer drug she once created to make ends meet, she unintentionally draws the attention of Asher, a powerful and emotionally guarded crime boss. What follows is a dangerous entanglement where Violet is pulled into his world—and kept there for her own protection… whether she wants to be or not.

Violet was incredibly easy to root for. She’s smart, resilient, and driven by her need to protect her sister, which made her choices feel grounded even in extreme circumstances. Asher, on the other hand, is the definition of a morally grey MMC—controlled, possessive, and emotionally unavailable, but with glimpses of something softer beneath the surface that made him impossible not to love.

The chemistry between them was strong and consistently engaging. The banter hit, the tension built naturally, and the dual POV added a lot of depth, especially since neither character is particularly open about their emotions. You feel everything they’re not saying, which made their dynamic even more compelling.

I also appreciated how the book handled darker themes. It doesn’t shy away from them, but the pacing and writing style made it feel digestible while still impactful (definitely check content warnings if needed).

My only reason for not giving a full 5 stars is that the MMC’s inner monologue became a bit repetitive toward the end, and I found myself really craving more external dialogue between the two main characters. Some key moments felt slightly rushed, and I just wanted more time with them on page, especially in those emotionally charged interactions.

Overall, this was a gripping, addictive read with strong characters, high tension, and a dynamic that will absolutely work for dark romance readers. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
854 reviews17 followers
March 27, 2026
Zephyra by Francesca Rae is a dark, tension-heavy story that leans into power, control, and the consequences of choices that spiral far beyond intention.

From the start, there’s a sense that everything is already on the edge.

The atmosphere feels tight, like every decision carries weight, and there’s no real way to step back once things start moving. That underlying pressure drives the story forward and keeps the tension steady throughout.

Violet stands at the center of that tension. She’s not written as someone powerful in the traditional sense, but there’s a quiet determination in her that shapes the entire narrative. Her choices feel driven by necessity rather than ambition, which adds a layer of emotional weight to everything she does.

Asher brings the opposite energy.

Controlled, calculated, and very much used to being the one in charge, his presence shifts the tone of every scene. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t need to raise his voice to hold power, and that makes the dynamic feel even more intense.

And that dynamic?

Dark. Possessive. Unbalanced.

It leans into control and tension more than softness, creating a connection that feels just as dangerous as the world surrounding it. This is not a light or comforting romance, it’s one built on pressure, proximity, and shifting control.

The setting plays a big role as well. There’s a constant sense of being watched, of things happening behind the scenes, which adds to the overall unease and keeps the story feeling layered without needing heavy exposition.

Themes of survival, morality, and the cost of protection run throughout the story. It raises the question of how far someone is willing to go for the people they care about, and what happens when those choices can’t be undone.

Overall, Zephyra is a strong pick for readers who enjoy:

Dark romance with organized crime elements
Morally gray, controlling characters
High emotional tension and pressure
Stories where choices carry real consequences

If you like your romance darker, more intense, and built on power and control rather than comfort, this is definitely one to check out.

As always, what I enjoy, you may not.

Happy Reading! ✨📚
Profile Image for YourBookBestieLinzy.
22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 6, 2026
Review: Zephyra by Francesca Rea
netgalley Arc

First off, I have to give a shout-out to the trigger warnings page, because it’s genuinely one of the best setups I’ve seen. It reads like a conversation rather than a dry disclaimer, and it’s a great reminder that consent matters even in books. It felt thoughtful and reader-friendly right from the start.
The story follows Violet, a former chemistry major whose life derails after a tragic event forces her to leave college. Instead of writing lab reports, she ends up creating a designer drug—which, as you might imagine, lands her in some very dangerous territory. Specifically, the territory of Asher.
Asher is a crime lord/businessman (the classic multitasker) who’s dealing with trauma from past losses and his complicated relationship with his father. When Violet gets caught selling her drug in his territory, he pulls her into his world—and things get very interesting very quickly.
Violet was such an easy character to like. She’s smart, sassy and capable, which made following her through the chaos a lot of fun. Asher balances her out perfectly with that sharp, witty energy and strong “I will absolutely burn the world down for you” vibes. The chemistry between them? Excellent. No notes.
The pacing was fantastic, and the story kept moving in a way that made it really hard to stop reading. In fact, I was so caught up in the book that I completely forgot to take notes for this review… which honestly might be the best compliment I can give.
And yes, the spice was great. Well-placed, well-written and definitely added to the tension between the characters.
Overall, this was one of those books that pulls you in and refuses to let go until the last page. If you like smart heroines, dangerous men with a soft spot, fast pacing, and some excellent spice, this is definitely one to pick up. 📚✨
Profile Image for Chloe Woodley.
14 reviews
March 6, 2026
This Is an ARC Review. I got this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

This book is about Violet and Asher, Violet is a quiet and smart girl she was a college chemistry student making her own party drug(Zephyra). Then one day tragedy struck and she is left taking care of her little sister. 6 years later she struggles to make ends meet until her best friend suggests make Zephyra for a high class party. That’s where she catches the attention of the crime boss Asher. Asher rules the underground of New York with ice in his veins and blood on his hands. He doesn’t believe in coincidence so when he finds out that Violet made Zephyra he doesn’t let go. He convinces himself that he is protecting her, she knows she’s being trapped

I really enjoyed this book, I couldn’t stop reading it. The emotions I felt while reading this book were crazy one second I felt like i was gonna cry for the fmc then i was laughing because of the banter and then I got mad at the mmc for saying something stupid then I was happy because of the ending. I loved that the plot of the book is unique. The fmcs struggle was so real and the mmc he built up so many walls so he didn’t get hurt. The whole story in my opinion was raw emotion

Highly recommend reading this book.

Also please read the trigger warnings there are very heavy topics and a lot of the things the mmc does are not agreeable.
92 reviews
March 7, 2026
#review

This is my first book from Author Francesca Rae. I read this book as an ARC. I’m leaving this review with my own thoughts and opinions.

Violet is attending college when she creates her own drug without the normal dangers and addiction, Z. It’s modified to make you feel intense want and romance. One day, tragedy strikes leaving Violet as her sisters guardian. She has to leave college and go home to take on the parenting role.

Life’s expensive. The insurance money quickly ran out. Covering a mortgage, daily expenses and schooling. She’s barely making ends meet. Cami convinces her to make Z again. To help get Elli to College.

Asher is a crime boss. He rules The Order. Everyone fears him. He see’s Violet at a party and wants her. He hears about Z. Puts two and two together and realises Violet is the Chemist and creator. As he’s stalking her to find out if she’s a free agent or if she’s working for someone else, he realises he isn’t the only one following her.

When someone tampers with Z and causes death, Violet is put at risk. He ‘kidnaps’ her to keep her safe. Can he work out who is threatening her and how to keep her safe before it’s too late?

This book was very well written. If you have triggers, check them before reading the book. I’ll definitely be seeing what other books Francesca has released!
Profile Image for Shynika.
4 reviews
March 7, 2026
Violet Cole had her whole life ahead of her, attending her dream school trying to stay afloat with grades to creating, with her brilliant mind, a drug that did all the right things with no consequences. Unfortunately things took a turn when tragedy struck and life’s focus went from living to surviving.

Asher Redmond was the billionaire to be, handsome by nature with an aura that demands respect. By day a business mogul and by night an organized crime lord. He ran the city with a reputation of control and no room for nonsense.

The two worlds collide when violet gets targeted for her creation that takes the underworld by storm and Asher is “forced” to help as it happens on his turf.

With tensions high and an already thin restraint on the attraction they have for one another. Will they clear her name and restore control or will it all burn to the ground.

Firstly I have to say this book is so well written. You can really relate to Violet as a young adult trying to keep a sense of normalcy while barely hanging on in the background.
I love love love her fierce personality and the banter between characters.
Asher is literally my new book boyfriend. If you love a man who exudes confidence, control and pure sex appeal. He’s your man.
This book was genuinely so well rounded and I applaud the author for this story.
Profile Image for Nikki B..
1,003 reviews22 followers
March 10, 2026
Zephyra is the first story I have ever read with a chemist/scientific aspect to it and while that sounds like it could be really boring, this was not that... not by any means.
Violet is now responsible for taking care of her little sister after their parents die in a car crash. Violet has a chemistry major in her past and in need of coming up with cash to send her sister to school, she takes an opportunity to sell a designer drug that she made. The only problem is that she is selling her drug on some else's turf.
Asher usually wouldn't allow this, but he is absolutely intrigued with Violet. He does his stalkery thing though a place cameras in her home and watch her every move. He wants her and will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe. And he will get his opportunity to do so. Because some one dies and is pinning the murder on Violet and her drug. Violet knows it's not hers and that someone is making a replica, but it isn't being carefully monitored. And now, they're after her for the recipe.
Violet is such a smart woman. Her sass with Asher's protective, obsessive nature was a great combination. The tension between them is intense.
The story is gripping right from the beginning and will have you wanting to read more. The story is evenly paced and keeps you hooked. If you like your fmc's smart, educated, and sassy, Violet is it. I really enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Brandy Slifer.
208 reviews
March 28, 2026
Zephyra by Francesca Rae
ARC Review | NetGalley

I went into this expecting chaos… and got Breaking Bad meets The Sopranos with a side of obsession and chemistry (literal and otherwise 👀).

Violet Cole—a quiet chemist dragged into a dangerous world—and Asher Redmont—a man who doesn’t just live in the criminal underworld, he owns it—were such a refreshing duo. Their dynamic? Chef’s kiss. The slow burn, the tension, the banter… it all worked. You can feel the foundation being laid for more stories here, and honestly? I’d absolutely come back for them.

This blends stalker + mafia tropes in a way that feels familiar but still fresh, and I appreciated that balance a lot.

Now… the but.

Once the main threat was resolved, the story shifted into smaller conflicts that didn’t quite hit the same. It felt a little disjointed, like we were building toward something bigger that never fully landed. Because of that, the ending came off a bit anticlimactic for me—even though I did enjoy the reunion.

The story itself is strong, it just needed a tighter, more cohesive finish.

The spice though… BABY. 🌶🔥
The build-up? Immaculate.
The tension? Delicious.
The payoff? Worth it.
This author knows how to tease and deliver.



Rating Breakdown:
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Emotional Impact: 💀💀💀
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Bella James.
26 reviews
March 13, 2026
Zephyra - 4 ⭐️
If you are looking for a steamy science romance with dark and illegal connections this book is definitely worth the read. Violets dreams got crushed early during school when her parents passed away in an accident leaving her to look after her younger sister causing her to stop her studies.
Being left with no money have having to scrape by to support her and her sister, Violet decides to go back to how she made money during school. By selling her drug Z which gives people a release and makes them want others. This catches the eye of Asher who runs the underground operations of the entire city. He wants the drug to be in his hands and under his rules!

i would advise to read the trigger warnings thoroughly before this book to grasp an understanding about how deep it gets.

Whole book contains a dark atmosphere, forced proximity, power imbalances and an immediate connection which is denied by both characters.
Full of steamy chapters dotted about the book which may lead you to confusion about the relationship just as it did Violet.

Recommend this book to people who love dark romance with elements of science such as authors like Ali hazlewood but DARKER.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read this book, in return for my honest review!
Profile Image for Chelsea Walsh.
367 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2026
Francesca Rae’s Zephyra is a gritty, high-octane dive into the New York underground that manages to feel both claustrophobic and expansive. The story follows Violet Cole, a chemist who finds herself in the crosshairs of a powerful crime lord after creating a dangerous drug she never intended to release.

The standout element is the dynamic between Violet and Asher Redmont. Asher is the quintessential "morally gray" ruler of the underworld—dangerous and cold, yet intensely protective of the woman who accidentally shattered his control. The "who hurt you?" and "captive" tropes are handled with a refreshing level of deliberate, slow-burn tension that really makes the eventual spice feel earned.

The world-building within the criminal organizations feels authentic, and the stakes stay high because Violet’s motivation remains centered on protecting her sister, giving her a relatable, fierce heart.

I’m giving this four stars instead of five only because the technical details of the chemistry and the drug's creation occasionally slowed the otherwise breakneck pacing in the middle. That said, the final act is explosive, leaving you with just enough of an ache to want more from this dangerous world.
Profile Image for EwreckaAnnReads.
39 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2026
Zephyra by Francesca Rae. 4.5 Stars

We follow Violet – a chemistry major forced to drop everything after tragedy reshapes her life – who’s doing whatever it takes to survive and take care of her younger sister. And by whatever it takes, I mean creating a designer drug that skyrockets in popularity…which, of course, lands her directly in the orbit of Asher – a businessman with power, control, and just enough danger to make you nervous.

Or intrigued.

Or both.

Asher claims he is protecting her…but the line between protection and obsession…well, it disappears real quick.

Francesca Rae built a world that feels effortless but layered. Everything flows – the characters, the tension, the stakes. I loved how we get pieces of Violet’s past that make her choices hit harder, and those glimpses into Asher? Ice in his veins doesn’t even begin to cover it. The man is calculated, controlled…and completely undone by her.

The banter…sharp, addictive, and honestly…it felt like foreplay half the time.

The spice is spicy.
The tension is tight.

It’s giving:
He falls first
Burn it all for her
Touch her and you’re done

Safe to say…I was hooked.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Regina 00regi00 .
267 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2026
POV: you wanted a dark romance… and now you’re questioning your life choices 😭
Zephyra is NOT soft, not comforting, and definitely not here to fix you.
From the first page, it’s giving: something is about to go very wrong… and you can’t stop it.
The tension?? constant.
Like every decision feels heavy, and once things start—you’re stuck.
Violet isn’t your typical “powerful” FMC, but don’t get it twisted. She’s driven, she’s surviving, and every choice she makes feels like it costs her something.
And then there’s Asher…
cold. controlled. always in charge.
He doesn’t even need to try to dominate a scene, he just does—and it makes everything 10x more intense.
And their dynamic???
🚩 possessive
🚩 unbalanced
🚩 lowkey dangerous
This is not romance that makes you feel safe. This is the kind that keeps you on edge the entire time.
Also the vibe of the world?? paranoid in the best way.
Like… someone is ALWAYS watching, something is ALWAYS happening behind the scenes.
It’s giving:
✨ power & control
✨ morally gray choices
✨ consequences that actually matter
No easy outs. No clean solutions.
If you like dark romance with tension, pressure, and characters who probably need therapy… this is for you.
⭐️ 4.5/5 — stressful, intense, and impossible to look away from
Profile Image for Shannon Heck.
734 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 1, 2026
Violet was a college chemistry student creating her own party drug when her entire life changed. He parents were killed in a car accident, and she took custody of her teenage sister. 6 years later, Violet is just trying to survive financially day to day when an opportunity to resurrect her party drug presents itself. Unfortunately, she attracts the wrong kind of attention and the interest of a notorious crime boss.

Zephyra is a spicy, wild ride, and I devoured the book in two days. Violet is a spunky FMC; she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. She made all sorts of bad life choices, so there were times I had to remind myself that it's necessary for the plot to move forward, and I kept reading. However, overall, I enjoyed the book. Violet and Asher's story seems to be over, but I could see the series continuing and following her friend Cami (who made equally bad life choices) or her sister Ella. I'd read either story. 4 stars for this engaging, organized crime romance!
Profile Image for Jenny Heron.
31 reviews
March 13, 2026
Zephyra by Francesca Rae pulls you into a dark, tension-filled world where survival and morality blur in all the most addictive ways.

Violet Cole has spent her life being invisible—quiet, overlooked, and doing whatever it takes to protect the one person who matters most. But one decision shatters everything. One drug she never meant to create becomes the spark that lights a fire across the city… and suddenly everyone is hunting for the girl behind Zephyra.

Enter Asher Redmont.

Cold, calculated, and ruling New York’s underground with ruthless precision, Asher doesn’t believe in coincidences. And once Violet lands in his world, he has no intention of letting her disappear again.

This was a slow burn with immediate chemistry, and the tension between them simmers from the very beginning. The forced proximity vibes add to the intensity, especially as Violet tries to figure out whether Asher is protecting her… or quietly building a cage around her.

Dark atmosphere, simmering tension, and just enough spice to keep the pages turning.

4 stars | 2 chili peppers 🌶🌶
Profile Image for Jade aka MrsTosh.
1,172 reviews62 followers
April 27, 2026
This is a new to me author and I have to say I really like the trigger warning pages, it was done almost as a conversation not as a list, which I usually skip over to be honest. But really appreciate the way it has been done so people can choose whether to continue or not.

The book itself is very strong and has a lot going on. Violet is a smart cookie and creates a drug in college, that can give an immense high without devastating consequences. When her circumstances change devistatingly due to her family being in an accident, she needs to find a way to support herself and her sister and she starts making the drug again to survive, unknowing stepping on Ashers toes. He is a crime boss and she is dragged into his world, against her will. He is the prefect definition of morally grey!

The building chemistry and relationship between the pair is great. You are rooting for her to get through another day, and the while hating to love Asher.

I will certainly be looking out for this author in the future. I really enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Even the introduction was beautifully done.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
5 reviews
March 7, 2026
I received an ARC of Zephyra thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. Even before the story began, the content warning immediately caught my attention. The way it was written was original and witty, which already set the tone and made me excited to start reading.

Once I began the novel, I was completely absorbed in the story. What stood out the most to me—and what makes a great book in my opinion—is how deeply you connect with the characters and their emotions. The author does a wonderful job of pulling you into the characters’ inner worlds, making you feel everything alongside them.

The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and I never felt bored for a moment. It was the kind of book that keeps you turning pages, fully invested in what will happen next.

Overall, this was a captivating and emotionally engaging read that I truly enjoyed.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
3,785 reviews116 followers
March 18, 2026
I absolutely loved the creativity that was put into this book. those TW's were awesome. great start going into this story.
this was a great enemies to lovers with Violet and Asher. her being a college student that had to leave college due to circumstances. but she takes it upon herself to create a drug that allowed you to unwind without all the side-effects that other drugs produce.
of course Asher catches wind of this and he wants. he wants her too.
the push and pull between them was great. and when those walls finally came down... explosive.
from the very first chapter, this pulled me in. the twists and turns had me turning pages like my iPad was on fire lol.
this was such a great and captivating story. it was definitely one that a person could devour.
I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of this ARC team ❤️
Profile Image for Dark Reader.
678 reviews23 followers
March 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this unique story. Violet has had to drop out of school and take care of her younger sister, and to help pay for her sister's school and keep her safe, she sells a drug that she created and synthesized herself. This brings her into the orbit of a crime syndicate, where she is held captive by Asher until he can neutralize the threat she poses. Of course, Violet and Asher have explosive chemistry - and the enemies-to-lovers arc is real here.

Now, is it a little wild that Violet could have created this drug herself? Yeah, not so realistic. But it's fiction, and I absolutely loved that Violet was smart and resourceful on her own, so I'll allow it.

This story doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it does feel like the author left room for a few other standalones featuring other couples that are mentioned in the story, so I'll be on the lookout for more!
Profile Image for Shannon Priaulx.
183 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2026
What would you do to survive and provide for your family? Unfortunately for Violet she has to decide.

After her parent suddenly die Violet is unexpectedly responsible for her younger sister. When her sister needs money for school, Violet needs to make money and fast. Using her chemist brain she starts up an old hobby of making an ecstasy like drug and selling it at exclusive parties of the rich and famous. She attracts the attention of dark and moody Asher, she is selling drugs in his city, she made a drug that can’t be replicated, she puts his business and authority in danger.

What’s a guy to do? Obviously pay for her sister to go to school. Kidnap Violet (I mean ya she was in danger from others as well). Make her fall for him - I love a good Stockholm story.

I really enjoyed this. The story line was good, no holes. Dark romance with a slice of humour.
296 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
For where this book sits within its genre, I’m giving it a 4-star rating. It has the dark romance, the vibes, and the level of spice and darkness that fans of this genre look for. For me personally, however, it lands closer to a 3.5. While the story itself is solid and will no doubt be loved by many, I found the characters felt a bit flat, or like versions of characters I’ve read many times before.

Story-wise, I also needed a little more. While I know the romance will satisfy a lot of readers, I personally wanted more emotional depth. Keep in mind, this is all down to personal preference. Even though this wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, the writing is still good and the story is well written overall. If you like the sound of the synopsis, I think you’ll genuinely enjoy this book.
Profile Image for B. Shytle.
Author 19 books166 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
First, I want to just say that this book had me in a freaking chokehold. The way that Asher just takes whatever he wants and then keeps it has me weak in the knees. I loved the depth of this story. The way every page drew you into the storyline further. It made you want to turn the page immediately to see what happened next. I felt what the fmc was feeling. I felt what the mmc was feeling. The agony in the pages. I seriously loved these characters. This is a dark romance and Asher hits all the boxes. He makes you hate him then love him while you hate him. He is broody and also a little soft in only certain moments. And who doesn't love a man willing to burn everything down for the woman? I have found my new book boyfriend and I'll fight every single one of you :P
Profile Image for TomiAnn.
68 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2026
This is my first time reading a dark romance with a scientific background.....and I throughly enjoyed it.
Violet creates something in college to make extraoney but the her whole world crashes and she is forced to give things up to raise her sister.
Asher is a billionaire control freak who is also into the underworld. He believes control is everything and love is weakness.
They meet bc of Zephyra and Asher wants the formula tht is Violets baby/creation. He "protects" her and she fights most of the time. Their worlds explode together together volatile but very spicy. He teaches her to let go and to fight. She teaches him to loose control and to love.
Very well written....I finished it in one setting.
Profile Image for Shelby Brodman.
74 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2026
thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC!

Ok, i was hooked after reading the dedication alone.

so you want a morally grey, complex, emotionally unavailable crime lord? look no further. seriously this man, *swoonnnn* the tension and chemistry between these two was palpable. the dual POV definitely helped as neither character was particularly forthcoming about their emotions. also, the story deals with darker themes but in a way that felt easy to read and digest (for me, as always check triggers).

my only gripe was it did feel like certain key scenes were rushed which frustrated me, just because i enjoyed the story so much and wanted to know more about the characters and their motivations, emotions, etc. however, super enjoyable read overall!
Profile Image for Jessica Bradford.
553 reviews20 followers
April 7, 2026
Violet Cole is a girl after my own heart. After her parents died and she was left to care for her sister, she is struggling. She was forced to leave college and get a job to pay the bills and make ends meet. She has to sale her family’s house and when her sister is accepted into the college of her dreams she has to tell her that she can’t afford it. This makes her feel like she is failing at filling her parent’s shoes because they would have found a way. Left with no other options she makes a risky choice when her college roommate reaches out to her for a favor. In college Violet created a drug she sold to earn a few extra dollars. The drug was next level, top tier and unlike any other on the market. Although she’s hesitant to get back into that activity she knows that is the only way to get her sister into college but when she steps into someone else’s territory, danger comes knocking. Asher Redmont rules the streets and he staked his claim in Violet the moment he laid eyes on her but when he finds out she’s the one that created the drug, he’s a crossroads as to what to do. One thing’s for sure, he can’t let anyone else get to her. Violet on the other hand knows she’s not safe, even with him.
Profile Image for Kayla.
50 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026
ARC
I really enjoyed this story. It's a lot different then what I normally read witch is quite refreshing. I thought it was a great read with great banter from the characters in this story. as well as some scenes that made me chuckle. I absolutely loved and thought it was absolutely creative that the author had the main characters of the book be the one that tell you the trigger warnings. Some of them put a smile on my face. I liked seeing the growth that both the mfc and the mmc had. If your wanting a story that is different with an out spoken female character this is definitely the book for you.Thank you for such a great read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bookish_Ashleigh.
222 reviews11 followers
February 17, 2026
This book had so many layers to it that gave such a compelling story. Everything started 6 years ago when she lost her parents in a car crash. What was supposed to be a simple way to earn extra cash at college turned into so much more. She needed the money. Needed the security to protect her little sister and give her the wings she so desperately craved. Every aspect of this book provided drama, intense interactions along with the mafia aspect for Asher. Everything was well planned and plotted out to give us such a page turner of a book. I loved the intensity of every interaction and found myself wanting and needing to learn what happened next.
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