Dark mafia romance where the fmc Lucia is on the run with her father where she ends up meeting Roman while working at a cafe in Malaga.

There is so many twists and turns throughout this book as more information about the main characters gets revealed! It is gut wrenching seeing how they interact with each other but aren’t open and honest about who they are or what they’ve been through.

It had nanny romance, mafia tension, no strings attached relationship, pining for each other, explosive chemistry! This book was spectacularly written in a dual pov which helped with understanding both sides of the relationship.

This book had equal parts plot and spice! I’m so excited to find out what happens to the couple after the ending of this book!

Wow! This was a fast paced, hot read! I loved the chemistry between the characters. The plot was amazing and I will definitely read again from this author.

It took me a while to get through this. At first the book felt slow, then all of a sudden it was HOT. I enjoyed the plot and the book overall was a great read. I was confused on if I read the book in the right order or not because at the end of the ARC it said Lethal Alliance is already out on Amazon. I have added it as my next read but really confused if it is the continuation of the story because the end was such a cliff hanger, or is Lethal Alliance supposed to be read first? Or are they stand alone books.

This book is intense!!!! Got to say it took me by surprise that it ended in a cliffhanger and there are two more books.. guess I will have to continue reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review!

I don't always reach for mafia romances, but the description of this one caught my eye and I found myself quickly drawn into the world. While a little long for my taste, I enjoyed watching the relationships play out throughout this story. There's a little bit for everyone here--forced proximity, mafia/crime families, nanny/employer, etc. I enjoyed the duel POV and felt like both main characters had very clear and distinct voices, making it easy to know who was narrating. Overall, this book was a very quick read (considering I finished it in under 36 hours!) and I enjoyed it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (10 stars in my heart)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It made me laugh, cry, fall in love, and it broke my heart. I am forever wrecked from this read in the best way.

I want to preface by saying that this is a series and it does leave off on a cliffhanger, but please don’t let that detour you. I truly think this is a story worth investing your time in if you are someone who is into smutty mafia romance.

The storyline is everything I didn’t know I needed in a mafia romance. It was so well planned and executed, I was honestly in awe with the authors brain power to be able to accomplish such an amazing feat. But it’s not just well written. The depths of this story is honestly unmatched. I truly spent a lot of time trying to wrap my head around how a human being could possibly write a story with so many layers and keep everything so organized. I personally didn’t notice any plot holes and I was actually looking for them because surely there was no way something wouldn’t be missed with the amount of detail in this book. I was wrong and Paula Walsh’s is some sort of literary wizard.

On top of the story line being impressive, the character development is unmatched. There are quite a few characters in this book and the author pulled it off effortlessly. It’s very easy to get confused when reading a story with multiple people in it, but that was definitely not the case here. Every single person had so much personality that it was easy to distinguish who was who. Even the lizard in the garden seemed to jump off my kindle screen. I mean honestly, what person can make a simple garden lizard come to life through words? A damn good author, that’s who.

Even though all of the characters deserved to be raved about, I specifically want to talk about Roman. When we meet him, he is cold and distant. The way Lucia helps him open his heart especially towards his godchildren….. my heart can’t possibly swell any more. It was so beautiful to witness the children thawing this man out and taking part in his journey from becoming guardian to father. Daddy Roman seriously has my heart.

As if the general story wasn’t enough, we are given incredible backstories to our characters that really bring them to life and makes them more relatable. I’m not saying I know anything about the mafia life, but I can definitely understand what it’s like to have a difficult childhood and having to shape your adult life accordingly.

I will say, the miscommunications between our couple could be frustrating at times but I definitely understood where both of them were coming from. Despite the trust they have for one another, both have secrets that they can’t share. There was definitely times where I wanted to yell at these two to get it together and talk it out, but I also know why they couldn’t. In short, I’m mad but I’m not mad at it lol. As annoying as miscommunications can be, these weren’t pointless and only added to the depths of my affections for the characters and this story.

The spice in this book is honestly *chefs kiss*. There is a ton of spicy scenes that will have your toes curling. I will say, it’s not necessarily kinky so no whips and chains here. It’s just well written and often which I am totally here for. If you are someone who doesn’t do a lot of spice, I would definitely avoid this read.

Now the ending… like it said earlier, huge cliffhanger. Even though I was gasping at the last page, I’m not even upset. Thankfully the next book is already available but I don’t think I am able to pick it up right away. I desperately need a moment to breathe and process everything. I will say, even though the story is far from over, I am satisfied with the ending of book one in the series. I think it was the perfect stopping point for the next installment but it also leaves the reader dying for more. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.

Overall, I’m in complete awe of Paula Walshe and this book. Somebody give this author an award!

I recommend to anyone looking for a mafia romance with all the spice and all the feels. Especially if you are looking for a very intricate and captivating story. Don’t hesitate and read this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had EVERYTHING—nanny romance, mafia tension, a no-strings-attached contract, and an exclusive free-use agreement that escalates in the best way. Add in a hero who will literally kill anyone who so much as looks at her wrong, and I was hooked.

The smut? Immaculately written. Meaningful, intense, and that first time? Absolutely breathtaking. “The world disappears, taking with it the ever-present tension and worry. The stress slides away, as does my past, and all the darkness.” You feel every emotion in that moment.

The dual POV gives such deep insight into their feelings—pining, miscommunication, and angst done so well that it’s frustrating in the best way. You feel every ounce of their struggle and longing. And the way the story calls back to key moments—like the charity ball—keeps the suspense and tension constantly building.

Also, let’s talk about the soundproofing—because wow, that man has skills.

The ending?? Absolute perfection. Past and present colliding in a way that leaves you breathless. I need more ASAP.

Lethal Legacy by Paula Walshe is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that expertly blends mystery, suspense, and complex character development. The novel follows a strong protagonist who uncovers dark secrets tied to a legacy of violence, all while facing high stakes and dangerous twists. Walshe’s writing keeps you hooked from start to finish, delivering tension-filled moments and an unpredictable plot. Fans of psychological thrillers will find this book an engaging and satisfying read.

First, I wanted to thank NetGalley and Paula Walshe for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of Lethal Legacy.

This is a spicy Mafia romance that follows Lucia who is on the run from people in her past that have hurt her and her family. She works at a cafe and this is where she meets Roman - hot business mafia man who seems cold. Everything changes when he offers her employment - to watch his 3 god children that she instantly adores. When Lucia’s old life starts to catch up to her and her new employment, Roman and others dig deeper to see who Lucia really is.

It was very well written and had me glued to the book until I finished it. I cannot wait for the second book!

I would give this book more than five stars if I could. I could not put this book down until I finished and was left with one of the most intense cliffhanger I have read. You will be so invested in these characters and the story that you will devour this book. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

How DARE it end like that. I’m downloading the second book right now. This was a great and spicy read. REALLY spicy. I loved Darya and Roman together. And then with the kids! Such a happy little family. How this book ended on a cliffhanger. Oooooo. Biggest pet peeve, but now I’m excited for the next one!

This book kept me hooked from the start. I loved that it was written with both main characters perspectives. To me that always gives so much more tension when you can see the thoughts and feeling from both sides. There was a bunch of spice, but it didn’t feel overdone. Personally I loved it mixed in with the rest of the story. I did love the characters so much, the kids and Roman and Lucia. I hope that we get even more of Dimitry and Abby in the next book, and I am excited to read the next book to find out what happens!

Absolutely Fantastic!!!

This is my first read by this author but won’t be my last, in fact I’m off to download book two of this series from Amazon Kindle Unlimited as I need to know how it the story concludes!

I love the way it was written, well crafted characters and storyline… Bratva Mafia Story done right!

I received this first book as an ARC for an honest review and I’m happy to say I would definitely recommend!!!

I went into this book completely blind, and the premise immediately intrigued me—Lucia is on the run from the Bratva, and our MMC is a mob boss. High stakes? Danger? Forbidden attraction? I was ready for it!

But while the setup was promising, the execution didn’t fully land for me. Lucia is supposed to be hiding and protecting herself (and her father) from the mob, yet after a single encounter—delivering coffee to the MMC’s office—things escalate fast. One meeting spirals into a hookup, and suddenly, the tension of her situation takes a backseat.

I struggled with how quickly things moved. There wasn’t much of a build-up between Lucia and the MMC—no real connection beyond physical attraction. It just didn’t feel believable that someone terrified for their life would give in that easily. A little more development and emotional depth could have made their relationship feel more organic and intense.

That said, the foundation for a great story is definitely there. With some tweaks—more tension, a slower burn, and deeper character development—this could have been a gripping, unforgettable read. Unfortunately, it just didn’t fully connect with me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. This book was engaging and kept me interested throughout, though I do wonder how far you’d get, in reality, with such a frail and elderly man. It was refreshing that while there was dominance between the two main characters, it was consensual and some of the angst was true of many relationships. An enjoyable read and I’ll be reading the next to see how it all plays out from here.

How am I going to last the two and half hours until midnight so I can get the second book? I am on the edge of my seat. The book was amazing.! I loved every page. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the no sleep I will get when book two drops at midnight!

Dark, dangerous, and utterly captivating, Paula Walshe’s Lethal Legacy is a gripping foray into the world of the Russian mafia, blending high-stakes tension with moments of unexpected tenderness. While dark romance and mafia-inspired stories are nothing new, this novel stands out with its compelling character dynamics, tight pacing, and emotionally charged storytelling.

One of the strongest aspects of Lethal Legacy is its balance. Walshe masterfully walks the fine line between the raw intensity of a mafia narrative and the softer, more intimate moments that humanize her characters. The relationships, whether romantic or familial, are nuanced, adding depth beyond the expected power struggles and criminal intrigue. The family dynamic, in particular, is well-executed, giving the story an added layer of emotional weight that makes the stakes feel real.

The writing itself is immersive and evocative. Walshe’s descriptions pulled me into a world where danger lurks at every corner, yet the moments of vulnerability shine just as brightly. Even the mature scenes, while undeniably intense, are handled with care and fit seamlessly within the novel’s tone and genre.

As someone familiar with dark romance, I found Lethal Legacy refreshingly distinct, especially as my first deep dive into a Russian mafia setting. Walshe’s attention to detail made it easy to sink into the story, and by the end, I was hooked. It’s no surprise that I immediately followed her on Amazon, eager to see what the rest of the series has in store.

For fans of dark romance looking for a novel that balances grit with heart, Lethal Legacy is a must-read. Walshe delivers a thrilling, emotionally rich experience that lingers long after the final page.

A big thank you to Books Go Social, Netgalley, and Paula Walshe for giving me this ARC in return for my honest review!

For a spicy Mafia romance, this book was surprisingly well written and has an intriguing plot! We start with Lucia who is secretly on the run from the Orlov Russian mafia family. She is working in a coffee shop in Spain where she meets Roman, the head of the Stevanovsky mafia family. She's hoping his influence keeps the other Russians off her doorstep while he's hoping she'll become au pair to his adopted children while secretly visiting his bed at night. They both have secrets and hidden pasts but are quickly falling in love.

This book was fun to read and it ends on such a glorious cliffhanger that I can't wait to pick up book 2. The only real thing that bothered me was the five-year-old character because she acts and speaks like a three-year-old. Not sure if she's supposed to be behind in some way that's not mentioned or if the author just doesn't know any five year olds.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it. I gave it a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
There is a lot of spice in this book, I would probably rate it 4 on a spice scale.

Loved reading the exciting and engaging story. When Lucia gets a unique job offer from Roman, she willingly accepts the offer, but she starts to develop feelings for Roman and the children. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and romance, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the amazing author, Paula Walshe!

This was everything! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - guessing and attempting to piece together the stories and characters. I was thrilled to receive an ARC. I read a lot of books and this one stands out as one of those that will live rent-free in my head for a long time - easily one of the best books I've read in a long time.

I loved the twists and turns, the emotional struggle, the way Paula makes you fall in love with her characters, the sweet children, the next-level spice. All of it.

Of course, I had to sit and finish this in nearly one sitting...and of course it's the middle of the night and I'm desperate for more of this story and more of these characters. And of course, I'll most likely sleep through my alarm in the morning after having stayed up too late reading. Worth it. 100% worth it. 5 🌟