This was a wild, addictive ride. I wasn’t expecting to be so hooked, but the chemistry between Rosalie and Alexei is electric from the start. He’s dark, damaged, and obsessive in a way that toes the line—but somehow it works. Rosalie is smart and capable, though she occasionally fades under the weight of Alexei’s intensity. There’s a gritty fairytale undercurrent (think Snow White with mafia drama and tech secrets) that gives the story a unique edge. Some moments felt a little over-the-top, and the possessiveness might not be for everyone—but I couldn’t look away.

I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti, have been for years. This series is a lot darker than her other books. And I am loving it. This is the second book in an interconnected series that blends old fairytales with newer technology. The series is about four families who run social media empires.

Book one ( One Cursed Rose) is a loose based on Beauty and the Beast while ( One Dark Kiss) is a Snow White retelling. There are even 7 elderly gentleman protecting our heroine.

The “Hero” of this story, ALEXEI ( and I use that term loosely) is a morally grey ( or morally black ) ex mob leader and first son of one of the media moguls sent to prison for murder. However when corruption was discovered he is granted a new trail and a new lawyer.

Our heroine , ROSALIE, who is best friends with our heroine for book one, the lawyer assigned to Alexei case. Rosalie is a very confident, kind, determined and stubborn woman. She believes in right and wrong and will fight for those she loves.

While the book unfolds there are a lot of mysteries going around. Who killed who, who is kidnapping who, and who can out play everyone else.

I would definitely recommend this if you like mafia stories with morally grey men and woman can stand on their own and protect those they love. I can’t wait for the next one.

4.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Rebecca Zanetti ,and headline for the ARC

A Snow-White style retelling, but the seven dwarves are actually seven elderly men with mysterious pasts who protect and look after her? Count me in.

It might just be me, but One Dark Kiss was WAY darker and spicier than One Cursed Rose. I’m not complaining, I loved it. Rosalie and Alexei are the perfect main characters for a taboo and obsessive twist on a fairytale.

Rosalie Mooncrest, a lawyer that is known for getting things done, is brought on to represent Alexei Sokolov and ultimately get him out of prison. Sokolov, who is effectively the morally grey Prince throughout One Dark Kiss, has spent seven years in prison for what he claims, is a murder that he did not commit. However, with ties to the Russian Bratva and an entitlement to one of the biggest social-media companies in the world, the ‘Prince’ needs Rosalie to help create his very own happy ever after.

The modern and magical twists in the Grimm Bargains series means that although this could be read as a standalone, you’re ideally going to want to get familiar with the whole ‘powerful social media platforms run by extremely powerful families with an affinity for crystals’ thing. And although that concept could so easily be confusing, Zanetti keeps it limited just enough to easily understand whilst also adding another layer to the story.

“man could find solace from everlasting torment just staring into those velvety depths.”

Rosalie is such an endearing character. Hard working and independent but trying to make ends meet for the benefit of her seven elderly tenants. Little does she know, her boarders have some secrets of their own. The truth only comes to light after the release of Alexei, especially once he claims the lawyer for himself.

Alexei is obsessed. In like an unhealthy, toxic yet still kind of cute way? I don’t know, maybe I’m desensitised and, in that case, I definitely need some help. But the PERSISTENCE. Ugh. He may be a mobster and (potential? Definite?) murderer, but he is the epitome of ‘if he wanted to, he would’.

“Obsession can be a life saver. The mere idea of you got me through the nights.”

Rosalie may think things are moving too fast, but are they really? Because the plot twists in this book had me doubting every thing I thought I knew about the genre.

Highly recommend! Thank you NetGalley and Headline Eternal for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

this was a new one for me. new genre type new types of characters and i was here for it. i must admit i was a bit with my own trepidation at the start as i didn't want it to be the kind of dark that might be an excuse for abuse of shocking behaviour. but im glad to say it didn't push me too far, ha. and i was all in from the beginning. and i didn't have to wait for the engaging and twisty plot to begin with gusto. even from the first moment and learning where our characters find themselves we are right in there with the rush of angst and "whats going to happen next?" excitement.
i was kept guessing and because it was a new type of book for me i had no clue what type of events or story lines might be to come so it felt really fresh.
right from the beginning our characters Alexei and Rosalie came in strong. Rebecca new exactly who they were that she was building for us and i felt like i instantly had a picture of them too.
Alexei has spent years in prison. a maximum security prison no less. and hes angry and hell bent on revenge and justice from those who he knows must have framed him for the crime. not just that but also from the family that took everything he owned from him. Rosalie is his lawyer and is there to get him this new trial. and when it all goes to plan and he is released Alexei wastes no time in taking control back in every aspect of his life. Alexei is hard and harsh. be ready for that! there is no in between with him, he will go for it and do what it takes to get the outcomes he wants. there are things about him though. their are grey areas in his own life and self. a softer part to the sharp edges he refused to blunt for others.
i admit i was worried for Rosalie around this man. she seemed like such a kind spirited and had her smarts about her. yet was also strong willed and fought hard for what she believes in.
but watching how these two would interact and what was to come for them both is another skill from the author.
i really did enjoy this new book for me. and i want to explore more not least from this author.

I really liked this book! Rosalie was a really cool FMC, and I really liked her.
The lawyer aspect to the story was honestly really intriguing and i had a lot of fun learning new things and seeing everything build.
I will say a lot less happened in this book versus the first book in the series which isnt a bad thing but it did feel like it was dragging in some parts.

Devoured.
Having read the first one in this series, although these could probably be read as stand-alones, I was very happy to see that Rebecca Zanetti had kept the same premise as the previous: a dark romance with the added twist that crystals play a part in the way the world runs. The characters were great and the storyline progressed quickly with lots of action interspersing the angst and spice.
I hope that there are more in this series that I will look forward to reading!

Thank you to Rebecca Zanetti, Headline and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this one! The beginning started out slower but stick with it and you will be rewarded MASSIVLEY! the writing is phenomenal and well thought out

Genre & Tropes : Dark Romance x Scifi Vibes x Snow White Retelling x Russian Mafia x Lawyer / Client romance x Some murder plot x Stalker vibes x Spicy

A second book that I devoured !

After a first book that disappointed me a little (I had trouble with the heroine, the universe seemed vague, and the romance was too dark for me ><), I still wanted to try the second book because I love Rebecca Zanetti's books, and while her other series, Dark Protectors, is one of my favorites today, I didn't like the first book at all ><

And I don't regret sticking with it at all because I LOVED it !

This second book is much better than the first, in my opinion : we meet Rosalie again, a lawyer (and also one who runs a sort of boarding house with seven men ... With interesting pasts =D), one of the best friends of the heroine of the first book, and Alexei (Cal's brother, who died in the previous book), who was arrested for a murder he didn't commit and is ready to do anything to get his revenge !

I absolutely loved their first meeting and how their relationship evolved afterward (yes, it's dark romance, so Alexei has creepy, very controlling stalker tendencies, BUT he also has some super cute and romantic moments (the shoes and the wedding <3)).

The universe is more developed here, and we learn more about the use of crystals and what it means for social media and extended families ! It's super original, and I can't wait to learn more (especially about this potentially mysterious new group ...).

The plot was interesting, and I must admit that even though I saw the culprit's identity coming and the ending moved a bit quickly, I loved all the tension surrounding Alexei's imprisonment (I HAVE TO ADMIT I wasn't expecting the outcome for this part ><) and the attacks !

In short, a dark romance with a touch of scifi that I devoured without moderation !

Normally I do love this author's books, they're like my most favourite things ever. This one unfortunately didn't cut it as it should. Not sure why. Just felt off. Maybe it was me. I just felt bit bored. but 4 stars for author anyways, normally it would be 5 tho.

I didn’t realise this was the second book in a series when I picked it up but even without reading the first one, I enjoyed it. Snow White retelling x mafia romance. Recommend for fans of Emily McIntire