Warning: May be some spoilers!
Trigger/Content Warnings:
- Sexual coercion / non-consensual sexual encounters
(Scenes that border on or read as assault without clear consent, not framed as dark/taboo romance) - Graphic violence and murder
(Including multiple on page deaths, some gruesome and abrupt) - Pregnancy and pregnancy loss / death of pregnant character
(Sudden subplot with no emotional resolution) - Abuse / controlling behavior
(Male lead exhibits behavior that may be triggering to readers sensitive to psychological or physical abuse) - Stockholm syndrome type elements
(Main character begins to fall for “captor / abuser” despite repeated harm) - Toxic relationships / unhealthy romantic dynamics
- Gaslighting and manipulation
- Threats of violence and torture
- Jail / Prison scenes
- Adultery
One Dark Kiss: Deluxe Special Edition by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Book 2 of two: Grimm Bargains
on June 24, 2025
Published by Kensington Publishing Corp Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy, Fiction / Romance / Billionaires, Fiction / Romance / Suspense, Mafia Romance
Format: ARC
Pages: 384 
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Source: NetGalley and the PublisherThank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an early copy of One Dark Kiss in exchange for my honest review.
This was a quick read with plenty of heat and danger, but unfortunately, I had some major issues with the execution that kept me from fully enjoying it.
It’s pitched as a Snow White retelling, but aside from a pair of mirror earrings and seven housemates (a nod to the 7 dwarves, I assume), there’s not much fairy tale here. If you’re hoping for a creative reimagining, this isn’t it.
The story’s pacing felt off and rushed in places, with important plot points glossed over or barely explained. The setting felt modern, like a big city in present day, but we opened with kingdoms, magic crystals, and mafia crime lords with almost no context or worldbuilding. It left me feeling more confused than intrigued.
The romance? It starts off as instant lust, but then out of nowhere we’re told the male lead has been in love with the FMC for years... but that’s never developed or explained. Their entire dynamic is jarring. The sex scenes walk a very fine line, too fine honestly, and often crossed into deeply uncomfortable territory. For a book that isn’t labeled as taboo or dark romance, some of these scenes felt way more like coercion than consent. The MMC's behavior repeatedly came off as violent, controlling and mentally / physically abusive (there is a definitive line between bdsm and abuse / coercion) and the FMC’s reactions didn’t track with the strong, no nonsense personality she was supposed to have. It gave serious whiplash. One moment she’s a fierce, capable attorney, the next she’s accepting being manhandled, manipulated, and watching people die violently... and still falling head over heels? Yeah I dunno, just didn't jive with me.
There were also a lot of strange narrative choices, like a sudden, seemingly pointless pregnancy subplot that ends in death with no emotional fallout or reflection. It all just felt oddly detached and, frankly, insensitive. The female characters were flat, inconsistent, or written in ways that didn’t feel authentic or grounded in reality. At times, it genuinely didn’t feel like it was written by someone who understands how women think or feel, especially when it comes to trauma and agency. Some of the scenes came across as just being thrown in for the sensationalism and shock value.
There are glimpses of an interesting idea buried in this story, but the lack of cohesion, inconsistent characterization, and troubling romantic dynamics made it hard to connect with or root for anyone.
Again, if this had been billed as a dark romance or taboo genre read, it might have been a different story for me. But a Romantasy, this is definitely not. Im giving it 2.8 stars (rounded to 3) because it did hold my attention and had potential, but for me, it missed the mark in too many ways to go any higher.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
I received this book for free from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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