EMBER - Niama Simone
The Hunted Kingdom (Book #2)
Bramble Publishing
BUY
Brenda Larnell (A)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
REVIEW: EMBER by Naima Simone is a searing entry in the dark mafia romance genre, a tale that draws readers into a world where power, betrayal, and forbidden passion collide beneath the glittering surface of high society. With its razor-sharp focus on morally grey protagonists and the hidden dangers of organized crime, this novel is tailor-made for readers who crave complexity and a little bit of darkness with their romance.
At the heart of EMBER are two unforgettable leads: Asad Prince and Ember Cross. Asad is the definition of a morally grey alpha male—a ruthless anti-hero whose ambition knows no bounds. His calculated moves to take over the infamous Cross empire are as thrilling as they are chilling. Asad does not shy away from violence or manipulation. However, Ms Simone paints him with enough nuance to make readers question where the line between villain and hero truly lies. Ember Cross, the female lead, is equally compelling. She’s no damsel in distress. Instead, Ember is a formidable anti-heroine, shaped by the legacy of her crime family. The Cross empire is a high-fashion shoe business as their public face, but beneath the designer heels, they control a high-stakes drug operation that Ember controls behind the scenes.
Rounding out the cast is Michelle Prince Cross, the quintessential evil stepmother. She is not just cold or dismissive; she actively schemes against Ember, embodying the kind of antagonism that fuels the novel’s most tense family scenes. Kareem Prince, Asad’s younger brother, adds another layer. His loyalties, ambitions, and relationship with Asad offer valuable insight into the tangled web of family and power that defines the story. What a family! Power is a constant undercurrent, not just in the criminal empire, but also within the family walls.
EMBER is a dark, addictive read that stands out for its unflinching portrayal of two anti-heroes who refuse to play by anyone’s rules but their own. The novel is rich with mafia tropes—rival families, brutal enforcers, and shadowy alliances. For fans of dark romance who appreciate layered characters and high-stakes storytelling, EMBER is must-read. Just be prepared to question where your loyalties lie in this deliciously toxic family drama.
14th July 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com | romcol1962@gmail.com
At the heart of EMBER are two unforgettable leads: Asad Prince and Ember Cross. Asad is the definition of a morally grey alpha male—a ruthless anti-hero whose ambition knows no bounds. His calculated moves to take over the infamous Cross empire are as thrilling as they are chilling. Asad does not shy away from violence or manipulation. However, Ms Simone paints him with enough nuance to make readers question where the line between villain and hero truly lies. Ember Cross, the female lead, is equally compelling. She’s no damsel in distress. Instead, Ember is a formidable anti-heroine, shaped by the legacy of her crime family. The Cross empire is a high-fashion shoe business as their public face, but beneath the designer heels, they control a high-stakes drug operation that Ember controls behind the scenes.
Rounding out the cast is Michelle Prince Cross, the quintessential evil stepmother. She is not just cold or dismissive; she actively schemes against Ember, embodying the kind of antagonism that fuels the novel’s most tense family scenes. Kareem Prince, Asad’s younger brother, adds another layer. His loyalties, ambitions, and relationship with Asad offer valuable insight into the tangled web of family and power that defines the story. What a family! Power is a constant undercurrent, not just in the criminal empire, but also within the family walls.
EMBER is a dark, addictive read that stands out for its unflinching portrayal of two anti-heroes who refuse to play by anyone’s rules but their own. The novel is rich with mafia tropes—rival families, brutal enforcers, and shadowy alliances. For fans of dark romance who appreciate layered characters and high-stakes storytelling, EMBER is must-read. Just be prepared to question where your loyalties lie in this deliciously toxic family drama.
14th July 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com | romcol1962@gmail.com
