Published: August 1, 2021

Beena Khan

I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Beena Khan is a storyteller based in NYC, where she brings dark fairytales and myths to life. She writes mafia crime romance, romantic thrillers, edgy new adult that gives you a book hangover. Her books are painful, messy, dangerous, and raw. She has a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and a minor in Arabic studies. She often explores the human psyche. She published her first book, The Name of Red, when she was 26.

“It was spring outside, but winter was in my soul, and it wasn’t leaving this time.”

Miran is a dark, complex man. He has one foot in the light and one foot in the dark. As the DEA Chief, he is responsible for upholding the law. But with family ties to the mafia underworld- he also has a dangerously deadly side he works hard to hide. Lada is the docile daughter of a powerful man. She does what she is told, no questions asked. When her family arranges her marriage, the last thing anyone expected was the bride to be stolen from the alter.

This was my favorite book in the series! I loved Miran from the beginning when he was mysterious and represented safety. Getting to know him and getting to explore who he is finally was fantastic.

The characters in this book were excellent. I think this is Beena’s best work to date. The emotion, passion, power, and familial dynamics that were captured were expressed so beautifully.

Lada was the perfect leading lady. She was the most confident character I think Beena has written. And I love that she is flawed, but that her inner self is so strongly represented. Everything about this character screamed perfection. I enjoyed how sassy, caring, resourceful, intelligent, and bold Lada is. She radiates light.

I enjoyed the tango between light and dark throughout this novel. The imagery was stunning, and the manipulation of the words was so well played. The pacing of this book was perfect for the story, and the extended epilogues were an excellent way to finish this mythology.