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One Dark Kiss
by Rebecca ZanettiSeries: Grimm Bargains #2
Published by Kensington Books on June 24, 2025
SubGenres: Fantasy Romance
Format: eBook
Pages: 385
Source: Library - Libby
Audience: 18+/Adult
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Rebecca Zanetti explores the forbidden and the taboo in this modern dark romance twist on Snow White—the second in a captivating new series set in a seductive world of money, power, billionaires, and the dangerous desires that drive them.
Mirror, Mirror . . . Innocence or Sin. The reflection holds a darker truth.
ALEXEI I’ve spent the last seven years in the hell of a maximum-security prison, every moment consumed by the need for revenge—revenge against the bastards who framed me, and revenge against the family who stole everything I owned. Now that I’m finally free, nothing will stand in my way. Not even her—my hot as sin new lawyer. Maybe she’s another weapon sent by my enemies to break me, or maybe she’s the key to my freedom. Either way, once she’s mine, I’m never letting her go.
ROSALIE When I took this case, I thought I had it under control. But Alexei is no typical convicted killer—he's a dangerously seductive force of nature. Perhaps it's the lingering power from his days as heir to a global social media empire. Innocent or not, he's dangerous in the worst and best ways.
I secure Alexei’s release as we prepare for a new trial, but he wastes no time turning against his traitorous relatives and plotting his return to power. Amidst the chaos, our explosive chemistry ignites, putting us—and everyone I care about—in the crosshairs of ruthless enemies. If we can’t stop them, Alexei plans to burn the whole world down. And if anything, he’s a man of his word . . .
I always love picking up books that retell stories from my childhood, and this time, One Dark Kiss offers a darker take on Snow White. I was excited to read Rebecca’s version, and I found myself really drawn into the second installment of her Grimm Bargains series.
I enjoyed both main characters and how different they are from each other. The FMC, Rosalie, works in the legal system, while the MMC, Alexei, is her new client who’s just been released from prison. Alexei’s mission is to get revenge on whoever put him in prison, while Rosalie tries to claim his innocence, unfortunately being thrown into a dark and dangerous world. Not only that, but Alexei quickly claims her, and she’s not sure how to feel about it, especially since she knows he’s not a good guy.
It was clear to me that Rosalie was in over her head with Alexei, but she managed to handle it (at times, not always). She did have some elderly renters looking out for her in the book that definitely had their own stories.
Alexei is a morally grey character who often crosses the line. He might not appeal to everyone, but since this is a dark romance, that fits. He’s definitely a bad guy, but he has some standout qualities. He’ll protect Rosalie from anyone who tries to hurt her, but he also pushes her limits and makes her question herself.
Like the first book, this story features crystals that power social media and the families who control them. If you read the previous book, you’ll recognize this part of the plot. I found it even more interesting this time around.
Some parts of the book were predictable, especially when it came to figuring out who the villain was. There were clues along the way, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. My focus was more on Rosalie and Alexei’s relationship and how these two were complete opposites, but seemed to make sense. (If that makes sense. You’ll have to read the book to determine your own opinion.)
Overall, I really liked this book and would give it four stars. I’m looking forward to the next one, especially since I know which characters will be featured to get their own HEA. I loved revisiting the previous characters from book one in this book that played a role in this story too.
POV: Dual POV (First Person)
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. If you like dark fantasy romance and want to read a darker version of Snow White, you might enjoy this one. It mixes mafia and fantasy themes with a darker Snow White retelling, which makes for an engaging storyline.
What to Expect:
✔️Snow White Retelling
✔️Lawyer & Client
✔️Opposites Attract
✔️Instant Attraction – He Falls First
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Mafia & Billionaire Elements
✔️Morally Grey Hero
✔️Touch Her and I’ll ☠️ You
Favorite Quotes:
Baby, I’m going to fuck you hard next time, and you’ll feel me forever.
“What was that? Another claiming?” I want to sound snappy, but my voice is hoarse. He smiles and the sight is nowhere near kind. “No, baby. That was a taming.”
You are meant to be mine. Darkness and light. Wildness and control. It’s both of us.”
About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than seventy novels and novellas, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus starred reviews, favorable Washington Post and New York Times Book Reviews, and been included in Amazon best books of the year.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
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My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
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