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No one can take Fiona away from me again. Not even her.

I’ve only wanted one thing my whole life: Fiona McNally, the boss of the Irish mob’s little sister. Now destiny has brought her to me, and she’s begging me to live out my darkest fantasies. To use her, hurt her.

Heal her.

She doesn’t know it’s me. She thinks she found a stranger in a mask, but I’ve always been there, watching and waiting for my chance. Now it is time to claim what has always been mine.

I’ve been warned I’ll die if I touch her, but I know I’ll die if I don’t.

And once she learns who is under the mask, she might just kill me herself.

246 pages, ebook

Published July 10, 2023

53 people want to read

About the author

Bella Barnes

5 books45 followers
I live in Texas with my twins and Mr. Barnes. I work full time and write steamy mafia stories when I should be asleep.

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5 stars
17 (37%)
4 stars
20 (44%)
3 stars
7 (15%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 19, 2025
Not feeling the writing

The heroine is giving too much woe is me energy and the hero isn't swoony dark, but lame dark. He's been pining after the heroine for 9 years and yet she still got taken by a bad guy for months? Lame.

The writing is also superficial and boring.



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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
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Profile Image for Kat.
377 reviews74 followers
July 16, 2023
Loved it ♥️👌
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
3,913 reviews126 followers
August 17, 2023
What a mind warp of a book! So good, too. I like books that make me think. And this book certainly gave me food for thought.

Here’s the breakdown:

MMC/FMC- Jack and Fiona

POV- 1st person dual

Genre- Mafia Romance

Sub Genre- Irish Mob

Heat- The heat in this book can best be described with four letters: B, D, S, and M.

Bonus- Link to free novella

Series? Y

Safety? N. No cheating, but contains flashbacks of S. Violence. No Cliffhanger.

HEA/HFN? Y

Triggers- Explicit Erotic Content, Language, Graphic Violence, Consensual Nonconsent, Unprotected S., Torture, Trafficking (human, drug), S. Assault (non-explicit, past), Birth Control Tampering/Forced Pregnancy.

Tropes- Childhood Crush, Age Gap (OWYM), He Falls First, Opposites Attract, Dear Diary, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Off-Limits, That’s Not My Leg, Morally Gray Hero.

What I liked- The Red Stiletto makes Fifty Shades look like Dick and Jane. And, although he does some….questionable things, there’s something inherently likable about Jack. And his absolute love for Fiona.

What I didn’t like- I’m not a fan of Birth Control Tampering. I can see where it’s consistent with the character, though.

Verdict- highly recommended. Be prepared for your mind to be blown.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alyx Reese.
358 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2023
This is my first book by Bella Barnes and it won’t be my last. Red Stiletto is book four in the Boys of Hell’s Kitchen series, each one is a standalone, though four contain spoilers for books two and three.
I didn’t have a lot of expectations when I started reading, I thought normal stalker obsessed kink. Nope! Barnes writing, her world building, character creation, attention to detail, the way she fills in the gaps for background details as we move through the story, is all amazing. I was astounded at how great the writing was. The book addresses a lot of very dark themes, violence, rape, murder, torture, forced pregnancy, bdsm, so read the authors trigger warnings.

Fiona was a victim of a sexual assault, (no spoilers read the book), but everyone treats her like she is made of spun glass. She has a bodyguard everywhere she goes, she constantly has to check in with her older brother, everything in her life is guarded. She’s slowly healed, she’s ready to take her life back, but no one seems to want to let her. So one night she just slips away and Jack, well Jack finally sees his chance.

Jack is 7 years younger but has been in love with Fiona since, almost the first moment he met her. His love has grown from a crush to a full blown stalkers obsession, with everything that entails. Fiona has no idea the things Jack does to watch over her.

Their story is incredible, both of them have obstacles they need to face. Some of their growing and healing they do together, some alone. But their love is absolutely intense, as is their passion for each other. From start to finish I could not put this down, Jack was willing to go to any lengths, even sacrificing himself, to give Fiona what she needed to finally completely heal. It is an emotionally and mentally charged read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,976 reviews
July 28, 2023
Jack, the hero was so in love with her and did so many crazy things for her.

He has loved her since he was 11. She lived at his house for a short time after her foster family kicked her out. He is 7 years younger than her, he is 21 and she is 28.

The heroine was previously kidnapped, raped, and abused for 6 months by an evil cartel leader. She has post traumatic stress disorder.

The hero comes up with a plan. He will help her realize she loves him back.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER

He hides an invitation to a sex club in her bookstore where she works. She goes. He is wearing a mask. They have kinky sex with bondage and riding crop whipping. She is happy. He is happy. She doesn't know it was him.

He pulls strings to get her a medical residency in Boston. So she can finish her schooling to become a doctor.

He switches her birth control shot for a fake shot so she will get pregnant with his baby. He never tells her. She thinks the shot just didn't work.

He pays a corrupt cop to break her rapist out of jail in Mexico and bring the rapist to the hero. He tells the heroine she can kill him, or watch him kill the rapist for her. He blinds the rapist with a knife so he can't look at her ever again. Heroine kills the rapist.

They get married, and have kids. He quits the mob (they kick him out after he broke a rule by having sex with the heroine). He has millions in money stashed away so they are fine. Heroine's brother forgives the hero and they all are a happy family.
Profile Image for Lola.
189 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2023
This is a reverse age gap story (well a small age gap of 7 years to be precise) which is rather refreshing!

21 year old Jack has been in love with 28 year old Fiona ever since they were kids more or less. This is no simple sweet boy met girl and finally gets her story and there are serious triggers here so you have been warned.

Fiona was the victim of a kidnap by an evil cartel head who abused her in the worst ways possible - leaving her with a serious case of PTSD -but Jack is hellbent on helping her heal and 'making' her fall in love with him.

Now there are no machinations our Jack won't employ from wearing a mask during their seemingly "anonymous' meeting at a club through to some seriously morally grey behaviour. No spoilers here.

Normally, I would be rolling my eyes at some of this hero's desperate antics but Jack wears his heart some beautifully embroidered on his sleeve spelling only the name Fiona that I was willing to forgive him and indeed root for him to win her heart.

This is solely due to the writing of Bella Barnes, who sure knows how to craft a character you can get on board with. Maybe Jack's actions were a little beyond the wheelhouse of a 21 year old, but I was so enthralled by him, I just didn't care.

Lucky Fiona!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2023
Jack has always loved Fiona and he will do whatever he must to make her his for always. But Fiona went through something horrific when she was younger and it has left a mark on her, a darkness in her soul.

Fiona's family has treated her with kid gloves since then and it drives Fiona crazy. Yes, she still has nightmares but tries to play it off in front of her family so they don't worry as much. Fiona's brother Darrah is Irish Mafia. Jack also works for Darrah.

Jack is 7 years younger than Fiona, they met when Jack's family fostered Fiona when she was a minor. She is attracted to Jack but between the age difference and her traumatic past, she cannot let anything happen. Jack has quite a reputation as a love'm and leave them type of guy which is why Fiona's brother has threatened him to stay away from Fiona.

Will Jack be able to convince Fiona how happy they could be together? What will it take?

Fiona needs to find her freedom, freedom from the horrors of her past and acceptance from those who love her. She will never be the same person as she was but is fully able to recover and have a good life.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Erin Pippins.
13 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2023
READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS.
When going through this book, I instantly loved the beginning, it took off quickly and was filled with smut, which I loved. I do wish that there were more scenes that had more details in them (more of Fiona’s diary scenes, more details regarding their relationship, the scenery etc.) I did feel like some sentences were just “placed” in the book, I am a reader who loves details and “seeing” the scenes, so when Fiona entered into the club I would have loved more details versus just short sentences. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was the aftercare scenes, it’s very rare (so far) in the books I’ve read so reading about the MMC taking the time to do this made me super happy. Also something else that I enjoyed was the humor with smit books “… making my heart pound. There’s a whole self somewhere decided to that kink”. Sadly I do feel like some parts left the reader wondering, for example, I would have LOVED to know how jack did in the cellar for a month, his thoughts, feelings and what he went through, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed since the reader didn’t get to go through this scene. Overall a good book and something I would recommend to my friends BUT would caution them on huge trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Daneka Stout.
22 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2023
“He’s the chaos in the club. He’s the drug in my mothers veins. He’s the gun in my hands”

I received an advance reader copy of this book for free for an honest review.
Let’s start of by saying, Wow did this story started off with a bang!
The spice level in just the first chapter was 🥵 and I love the fact that Fiona is older than Jack. It’s not often I read a book where the FMC is older than the MMC.
I also loved how the author made all these characters mixed in with one another, everyone had history somehow.
Fiona and jacks banter together is hilarious. Fiona tries really hard but can’t help always reacting at his witty ways and neither could I.
Jack does some really messed up things just so he can spend time with Fiona, to desperately show her how much he loves and cares for her.
I was back and forth about how I felt about how he showed his love to her, but when he took her to his safe house 🥰 I fell a little in love with him too reading it all.
This book definitely has some TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ So definitely read those before diving in!
It was hard sometimes understanding timeline though, but other than that it was an amazing book that I really enjoyed.
I’m definitely going to read her other books in the series.
One character I REALLY hope gets his own book is Finn 😍
Profile Image for Jules .
37 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2023
This book really kept what it promised. It is quite dark, pls check the TWs and the door is very open. But if you're up to it you should really read it. Usually I'm not a big fan of reverse age-gap but except her brief insecurities it's not really a huge topic.
Jack is way more mature than his 21 years (maybe because of his position) and he is really obsessed with her. Fiona recovers from a traumatic incident in her past and he is the only person who doesn't treat her like a broken mess, even though his way to show it are a little "questionable".
His plan to win over Fiona is quite dangerous for himself. There is a lot in the line and Jack really risked everything for Fiona. The last chapters made me hold my breath!!
Even though it is an interconnected standalone, I would recommend to read the third book before this one.
The book is very explicit and again pls check the TWs. But it is really addictive and a really good dark romance!! I could not put it down and loved the ending!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Annareads.
40 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2023
What can I say Fiona has been through so much an is now dealing with a lot of trauma.
Nothing and no one feels right for her with the exemption of Jack.

Now Jack is brutal, manipulative, charming and obsessed with Fiona since he’s been old enough to be interested in girls.

They both have dark sides that complete each other and it was a hot and quick read which I loved.
The only thing is Jack did some very questionable things to manipulate her and doesn’t tell her not even in the end. It didn’t bother me because he wanted to achieve his goals and we love toxic men in books.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5,952 reviews30 followers
July 26, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

OMG! I am so in love with this series the books just keep you on the edge of your seat, the story was exhilarating to read and the characters were absolutely captivating. This story was about Jack and Fiona, Jack works for Darrah their involved with the Irish Mob he has had a crush on his boss's sister and would go to any extreme to have her. Fiona is struggling with PTSD after she was sold to the cruelest, sickest man. Fiona want to complete her residency but gets knock backs from having PTSD, can she over come her nightmares to live the happiest she could ever imagine.
Profile Image for Whitney.
20 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2023
If I could rate this 10 stars out of 5, I would! I couldn't get enough of Jack! Oh my goodness. This is the book of my dreams! His stalkerish tendencies aren't even creepy. You can feel his love for Fiona as clear as day. I don't even know how to describe my feeling for this book. I'm just sad it ended but I'm glad that it has a happy ending. I just feel bad that Fiona didn't know the truth about Xavier getting broken out of prison and all of a sudden caught by Jack. But other than that, I loved it so so much! Highly recommended!

P.S. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,385 reviews73 followers
July 11, 2023
Everyone loves the forbidden, right? And forbidden is exactly what Fiona McNally is for Jack Callahan. Fiona's brother Darragh, is the Head of the Irish Mob. Jack is "employed" by Darragh and things could go downhill fast if Jack made a move on Fiona. Or maybe it's the other way around. The chemistry between these two is HOT and it's definitely not one sides. The Red Stiletto is a fantastic, intense, steamy story and these characters engulf the readers from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Sarah.
706 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2023
He was amazing but for being a reverse age gap i expected her to be a mature adult not a broke joke who lives off her brother and wines about life. She acts like a dog mb teenager while he acts her age which is so disappointing. There was not one good quality about her I found her to be a boring whiny 1 star heroine luckily he is a 5 star hero so made the book tolerable. He is just so amazing i decided to give it 3 stars.
Profile Image for Alison Laun.
55 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2023
The Red Stiletto
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this book! Sometimes a short spicy dark romance is exactly what you need and this book was it for me. one of my favorite things in a book is when he falls first and ding ding ding!!! this book has it!

If you’re into mafia romances, then this book is for you! check the trigger warnings before diving into this book but if you read it you’re gonna love it!

Jack for life 🖤
Profile Image for Angie.
27 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2023
ARC Review:

I truly did not expect to enjoy this book. But I ABSOLUTELY DID!!!
The pacing was perfect from each one of them going through the motion of their trauma and past to dealing with their current situations was just perfect.
I also loved that he helped get over her past not the same way her family did as they treated her like a fragile thing or a ticking bomb but he truly saw her and was with her through it all.

So without spoilers the ending where he was helping her get her revenge was just mwah chef's kiss!!!
Profile Image for rebecca.
1,013 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2023
I have waited for Jack and Fiona book for ever. And let me tell you it was worth it. Jack is a little bit obsessed with her, I should say a lot. Fiona has a lot of issues with him and age also everything she was through. It will take a lot to get her to see she loves him. But it was so worth it. Would recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nicole Deanne Veracruz.
2,488 reviews15 followers
July 18, 2023
20% in and I was already in love with Jack. I would have gladly climbed into the book to be with him. Everything that Fiona went through broke my heart. But the amount of pain in the book was outweighed by all the love. This is truly an exceptional book

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,168 reviews26 followers
July 19, 2023
I love this series and was so pleased that the author did. Fiona and Jack s story. it's a little bit darker than the others Fiona has stuff in her childhood that she wants the darker side Jack is obsessed with Fiona she needs to face her demons yet again the author has done another addictive read in this series I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Jamie Kuhn.
13 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book hooks you immediately. Before I even finished it I was telling all my smutty book lover friends this is a MUST READ!!! The spice was so so good… like need a cold shower good but that plot?!! Dang! I’m not a big mafia fan but this one got me!!!!!! Make sure you check the triggers before hand.
Profile Image for Chloé.
162 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2023
I loved reading this book and could not put it down! Seeing Fiona work through her trauma and seeing the story work through with Jack was amazing. I love their story, and their 🌶️ scenes were amazing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for audiobook_chaos.
2,051 reviews37 followers
July 13, 2023
Irish Mafia reverse age gap romance . Jack has lived Fiona since he was a young boy even more after her horrifying ordeal but he knows the code his bosses Sister is off limits. Really enjoyed Fiona and Jacks story this is my first book by Bella Barnes but I’ll be looking into more of her books.
38 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2023
I received an arc for this book and was not disappointed. This book is a standalone in a series. It is dark and steamy with some trigger warnings. Fiona has ptsd from past trauma. Jack has been in love with her for years. He will do anything to get her. Can’t wait for the next book in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
805 reviews17 followers
August 31, 2025
READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS

This is a Mafia read at its finest. Fiona was trying to get over her scrappy Ex that treated her badly. Jack just wanted her and would do anything to make that happen. This is filled with a lot of trauma, stalker vibes.and spice.
Profile Image for Megan Packnett.
209 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
.... needed more. I needed more than an after thought comment that Jack was making such big moves. I needed more from the brothers.... I need more from Ruby and Natalia... just needed more.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,532 reviews31 followers
December 19, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book so much, because I don’t care for reverse age-gap. The author did a great job of proving me wrong! Fiona and Jack have awesome chemistry. Will they get their HEA? This is a spicy mafia story with an entertaining plot. It’s a very good read. **this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review**
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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