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The Severed Heirloom #1
Scarred Angel
Where desire ignites between bullets, blood, and burning rubber.
The man I last saw when I was just a girl came crashing back into my life—literally—after fourteen years.
Same smile. Those same mesmerizing eyes. Only now, they’re darker, more haunted.
He carries demons I can’t touch. And a past my father destroyed before I was born.
The miles and years between us made us strangers, but the pull is instant, electric.
Not even the speed, the danger, the way the world blurs behind the wheel has ever made me feel as alive as I do in his arms.
But when he spills the wrong blood in my honor, everything spirals into chaos.
Loyalties shatter and alliances burn.
And the only thing more dangerous than loving him…is losing him.
Our names were carved in the stars long before our story began.
I used to think that meant something beautiful. That destiny had a plan and our love would come easy.
I was wrong.
Fate might have lit the match, but it never promised we’d survive the burnout.
The man I last saw when I was just a girl came crashing back into my life—literally—after fourteen years.
Same smile. Those same mesmerizing eyes. Only now, they’re darker, more haunted.
He carries demons I can’t touch. And a past my father destroyed before I was born.
The miles and years between us made us strangers, but the pull is instant, electric.
Not even the speed, the danger, the way the world blurs behind the wheel has ever made me feel as alive as I do in his arms.
But when he spills the wrong blood in my honor, everything spirals into chaos.
Loyalties shatter and alliances burn.
And the only thing more dangerous than loving him…is losing him.
Our names were carved in the stars long before our story began.
I used to think that meant something beautiful. That destiny had a plan and our love would come easy.
I was wrong.
Fate might have lit the match, but it never promised we’d survive the burnout.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2025
236 people are currently reading
1657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
📚ARC Review📚
”My Kolibri.”
Elle has yet to disappoint me with her writing.😮💨
Scarred Angel, the first book in the second generation series, The Severed Heirloom, featuring Valentina and Maksim. The chemistry between these two was instantaneous, colliding with a world of organized crime, fast cars, and violent loyalties. Elle did a beautiful job at blending this book to feel both forbidden and irresistible.
Maksim was saved. Haunted by his demons. But he fell in love with the daughter of his family’s kíller. Valentina is an independent woman, and when she wants something, she doesn’t hesitate to take it.
P.S. I absolutely cannot wait for Remi’s story. She was a badasssssss!
I can’t wait for you all to read ALL of my favorite scenes. 😉 Thank you so much, Elle, for the ARC! 💜
Tropes:
🏁 Street Racer FMC
🔪12-Year Age Gap
🏁 OTT Possessive MMC
🔪 FMC’s Father Unalived MMC’s Family
🏁 Fast and Furious Meets the Bratva & John Wick
🔪 Touch Her and Get Curb Stomped
🏁 He Cooks for Her
🏍️ Fast Cars, Fast Bikes
“Truth or dare, Maksim Belov?” “Truth.” I brush my mouth over hers. “I love you, Valentina. I was born to love you. Born to be yours. That’s my truth.”
📚ARC Review📚
”My Kolibri.”
Elle has yet to disappoint me with her writing.😮💨
Scarred Angel, the first book in the second generation series, The Severed Heirloom, featuring Valentina and Maksim. The chemistry between these two was instantaneous, colliding with a world of organized crime, fast cars, and violent loyalties. Elle did a beautiful job at blending this book to feel both forbidden and irresistible.
Maksim was saved. Haunted by his demons. But he fell in love with the daughter of his family’s kíller. Valentina is an independent woman, and when she wants something, she doesn’t hesitate to take it.
P.S. I absolutely cannot wait for Remi’s story. She was a badasssssss!
I can’t wait for you all to read ALL of my favorite scenes. 😉 Thank you so much, Elle, for the ARC! 💜
Tropes:
🏁 Street Racer FMC
🔪12-Year Age Gap
🏁 OTT Possessive MMC
🔪 FMC’s Father Unalived MMC’s Family
🏁 Fast and Furious Meets the Bratva & John Wick
🔪 Touch Her and Get Curb Stomped
🏁 He Cooks for Her
🏍️ Fast Cars, Fast Bikes
“Truth or dare, Maksim Belov?” “Truth.” I brush my mouth over hers. “I love you, Valentina. I was born to love you. Born to be yours. That’s my truth.”
December 18, 2025
arc review to come 🖤
December 17, 2025
the story drew me in, it’s fast paced, intense, emotional and addictive.
valentina cain. fearless, badass street racer that oozes power. she is such a force and i absolutely loved her.
maksim is exactly what i want in a morally grey mafia mmc. violent, possessive, only soft for her, and on top with the dirty talk.
their chemistry and connection between maksim and valentina is everything. it’s so clear that they belong to each other and are meant to be together.
love the family dynamics and this was a perfect 2nd gen book.
also got me so excited for Remis book!
valentina cain. fearless, badass street racer that oozes power. she is such a force and i absolutely loved her.
maksim is exactly what i want in a morally grey mafia mmc. violent, possessive, only soft for her, and on top with the dirty talk.
their chemistry and connection between maksim and valentina is everything. it’s so clear that they belong to each other and are meant to be together.
love the family dynamics and this was a perfect 2nd gen book.
also got me so excited for Remis book!
January 6, 2026
Wow, I loved this book! This is my first book by Elle Maldonado and it won't be my last for sure. This romance is a taboo romance in that Makism has known Valentina since she was a child, so we get that age gap that some of us love. Makism comes back into Valentina's life after being away for several years and the chemistry between these two can be felt from the start. I love how Valentina is the type of girl who can hold her own and takes no shit! There's action, spice, and sweet moments that are fantastic!!
December 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW ✨
Valentina - daughter of Derek Cain, street racer, biker, Maksim was her childhood best friend… even though he was 12 years older
Maksim - mafia boss, took over daddy’s business after Derek Cain wiped his whole family out, grew up with a ‘found family’ - literally (his ‘mom’ is Valentina’s aunt), grew up with Valentina as his ‘annoying little sister’
Maksim left for Russia… as a mafia moss does lol - fast forward 14 years - he’s back
His driver runs a red light and hits a biker - enter Valentina
I mean this guy has the worst luck. This was the worst reunion anyone could imagine
But of course, they are both adults now.. and they’re thinking “hmm… I don’t see you as family anymore, you’re kinda hot” 🥵
I love a Russian mafia man, I mean the nicknames are the best. Is English just that boring? 😭 also… soft only for me? I’ll take 10 of them thank you
This story was easy to read (love that for me).. not a slow burn, but we also aren’t off the deep end in 2 chapters 😂
I also loved the fact that Valentina’s racing plot was actually shown - she’s an absolute badass
This is book 1 in a new series - pretty sure there is a series for the first generation that I need to read now 🫣 - can’t wait for book 2 especially after that extended epilogue
Valentina - daughter of Derek Cain, street racer, biker, Maksim was her childhood best friend… even though he was 12 years older
Maksim - mafia boss, took over daddy’s business after Derek Cain wiped his whole family out, grew up with a ‘found family’ - literally (his ‘mom’ is Valentina’s aunt), grew up with Valentina as his ‘annoying little sister’
Maksim left for Russia… as a mafia moss does lol - fast forward 14 years - he’s back
His driver runs a red light and hits a biker - enter Valentina
I mean this guy has the worst luck. This was the worst reunion anyone could imagine
But of course, they are both adults now.. and they’re thinking “hmm… I don’t see you as family anymore, you’re kinda hot” 🥵
I love a Russian mafia man, I mean the nicknames are the best. Is English just that boring? 😭 also… soft only for me? I’ll take 10 of them thank you
This story was easy to read (love that for me).. not a slow burn, but we also aren’t off the deep end in 2 chapters 😂
I also loved the fact that Valentina’s racing plot was actually shown - she’s an absolute badass
This is book 1 in a new series - pretty sure there is a series for the first generation that I need to read now 🫣 - can’t wait for book 2 especially after that extended epilogue
Review of advance copy received from Author
it feels very symbolic that i started the year reading the last book of the first generation series, the severed signet, and ended it with the first book of the second gen, the severed heirloom – a full circle moment. this was more than coming home because i never really left, these characters have stayed with me, both parents and their children alike. although this can be read as a standalone without the previous series, the plot and characters stand on their own, it was a love letter to readers of it. there was so much care and thought put into it, and all the cameos and the different dynamics between the families were so fascinating to analyze; you’d assume “like mother like daughter”, but in this case the main couple paralled more other adults than their respective parents. furthermore, it’s a true testament to this author’s craft how impactful her fmcs are that after writing 3 of the most badass women in dark romance, she managed to outdo herself with a whole new generation of strong, empowering women (and you haven't seen the half of it). the highlight of this story for me was by far the female friendship between val and remi, i’d never read anything quite like it because they were not only raised like sisters (they’re cousins), but they are best friends and platonic soulmates. even more so, i loved leni’s many roles throughout the entire story because who would’ve thought she’d become a mom, let alone a matchmaker.
December 18, 2025
ARC Review of ‘Scarred Angel’ by Ellen Maldonaldo
This is a spin off from the Severed Signet series.
We follow the children from the series and we start with Maksim and Valentina.
Maksim and Valentina have always felt a pull ever since they were young, best friends. As Maksim had to leave to continue what his father built, he and Valentina lose touch of each other.
Years later when Maksim comes back, they realize their feelings are more than the friendship they had.
This is a slow-burn, push and pull dark romance. And when they finally take that step, it is life altering for them.
Their 🌶️ is delicious
This story is fast paced, lots of action and witty banter.
4/5⭐️
This is a spin off from the Severed Signet series.
We follow the children from the series and we start with Maksim and Valentina.
Maksim and Valentina have always felt a pull ever since they were young, best friends. As Maksim had to leave to continue what his father built, he and Valentina lose touch of each other.
Years later when Maksim comes back, they realize their feelings are more than the friendship they had.
This is a slow-burn, push and pull dark romance. And when they finally take that step, it is life altering for them.
Their 🌶️ is delicious
This story is fast paced, lots of action and witty banter.
4/5⭐️
December 22, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this book- the FMC being a badass street racer was different for the typical mafia romance but I thought it was really cool
This was a “second chance” romance with trobes such as touch her and die and morally grey//possessive MMC
I honestly wish the MMC and the FMC would have given into their feelings for each other sooner in the story but regardless their chemistry was obviously genuine and very steamy at times ❤️🔥
I’m excited for the next installment of this series
Spice level- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was a “second chance” romance with trobes such as touch her and die and morally grey//possessive MMC
I honestly wish the MMC and the FMC would have given into their feelings for each other sooner in the story but regardless their chemistry was obviously genuine and very steamy at times ❤️🔥
I’m excited for the next installment of this series
Spice level- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
December 24, 2025
Oh. My. God.
I could not put this book down. I’ve been waiting for this series and she did not disappoint. I fell in love with the previous series and I just knew I’d love the this one.
Valentina is such a badass fmc and Maksim is that morally grey mmc that will do anything for her. It’s full of action, witty banter, suspense and of course spice.
Elle, you’ve done it again!! I’m so excited for more of this series 😍
I could not put this book down. I’ve been waiting for this series and she did not disappoint. I fell in love with the previous series and I just knew I’d love the this one.
Valentina is such a badass fmc and Maksim is that morally grey mmc that will do anything for her. It’s full of action, witty banter, suspense and of course spice.
Elle, you’ve done it again!! I’m so excited for more of this series 😍
December 30, 2025
I have been so excited to jump back into the Severed word. I’ve missed many of these characters and it was so fun to see them on page again (special shoutout to my fave, Leni ❤️). But that prologue with Maksim to start was- oof 😭
While I enjoyed Valentina and Maksim, Remi low-key stole the show every time she entered the scene. She’s a whole lot of fiery, fun, and trouble. And after certain events that take place in this book, I’m chomping at the bit to see the impact they leave on her, and how her story will unfold.
The bond between Maksim and Leni warmed my heart, and the moment between him and Silas was an added bonus. 🥹 I especially loved the sisterhood and bond between Valentina and Remi. I look forward to more of them together in the next book. “My other half in chaos.” The interactions between Valentina, Remi, and the younger siblings and cousins were also sweet and fun.
The rating was brought down a little due to the pacing feeling inconsistent at times throughout the book. I can appreciate a fast-paced, action-packed story but sometimes the disruption in flow pulled me out of the story. This was also quite spicy, which I’m not complaining about by any means! 🔥 However, I wish we’d gotten just a little more of the bonding / connection building between Vali and Maksim outside of sexual interactions. But that’s just a personal preference!
Overall, this was an entertaining read—3.5⭐️ rounded up. I’m super intrigued by the overarching plot and how it will interconnect through each of the installments. The extended epilogue has me SO ready for Remi and Thiago’s story!
Lastly, this second generation series is advertised as being able to be read without reading the first generation books prior—this is not incorrect. However, there are several cameos and references to the original characters and previous storylines. I genuinely believe that readers will get the most out of these books if they do read the first generation series beforehand. Experiencing the original characters and plot lines will help provide the appropriate nuances and context when reading the second generation books—which only enriches the reading experience!
Thank you so much to Elle Maldonado for the ARC copy!
While I enjoyed Valentina and Maksim, Remi low-key stole the show every time she entered the scene. She’s a whole lot of fiery, fun, and trouble. And after certain events that take place in this book, I’m chomping at the bit to see the impact they leave on her, and how her story will unfold.
The bond between Maksim and Leni warmed my heart, and the moment between him and Silas was an added bonus. 🥹 I especially loved the sisterhood and bond between Valentina and Remi. I look forward to more of them together in the next book. “My other half in chaos.” The interactions between Valentina, Remi, and the younger siblings and cousins were also sweet and fun.
The rating was brought down a little due to the pacing feeling inconsistent at times throughout the book. I can appreciate a fast-paced, action-packed story but sometimes the disruption in flow pulled me out of the story. This was also quite spicy, which I’m not complaining about by any means! 🔥 However, I wish we’d gotten just a little more of the bonding / connection building between Vali and Maksim outside of sexual interactions. But that’s just a personal preference!
Overall, this was an entertaining read—3.5⭐️ rounded up. I’m super intrigued by the overarching plot and how it will interconnect through each of the installments. The extended epilogue has me SO ready for Remi and Thiago’s story!
Lastly, this second generation series is advertised as being able to be read without reading the first generation books prior—this is not incorrect. However, there are several cameos and references to the original characters and previous storylines. I genuinely believe that readers will get the most out of these books if they do read the first generation series beforehand. Experiencing the original characters and plot lines will help provide the appropriate nuances and context when reading the second generation books—which only enriches the reading experience!
Thank you so much to Elle Maldonado for the ARC copy!
January 15, 2026
I'm not sure why I haven't read anything by Elle Maldonado sooner but I'm definitely going to be reading more of her books. I loved the FMC Valentina from the get-go (she owns a gun range, knows how to fight and enjoys street racing, need I say more??) and seeing her be unafraid of her feelings for Maksim was so refreshing, even when Maksim is hesitant to take things further due to their upbringing and age gap (they were raised together but aren't blood related). I also have to say I LOVE the family dynamics and banter between the cousins, aunts and uncles. They are ruthless, loving and protective as hell and their scenes had me laughing out loud several times. There are many layers to the plot aside from the romance aspect (I won't give away any spoilers) and although I didn't read the series prior to this one I still felt like I was able to keep up with what was going on which I appreciated. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book and how invested I became in not only the relationship between Maksim and Valentina but between some of the cousins and their budding love interests as well. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series and will definitely be catching up on her Severed Signet series in the meantime.
December 19, 2025
Elle! Yes. My first ever ARC and it didn’t disappoint!
What a way to kick start a 2nd gen series. It’s exhilarating, violent, sexy and possessive.
Valentina & ‘Maxy’ OMFG the push and pull btw them before they finally give into their attraction. Phwoar!! Their chemistry is insane, INSANE. I love a MMC who is grumpy with everyone else but her, the way he finds himself buying fruit loops because they’re her favourite.
I loved seeing all of the 1st gen characters as parents- and silver fox daddy Derek Cain, HELLO.
I absolutely adored Val & Remi’s relationship. 2 strong, sassy females who race cars, shoot guns and are hot to trot. I am chomping at the damn bit for Remi & Thiago’s book, I know I’m going to love it!
“There’s no one else. You’re all I want. All I see…even in my dreams.” A pause, and a breath. “And I don’t even fucking dream, Valentina. Not until you.”
Just yesterday, this woman broke beneath me, wearing my hand like a collar. But right now, I realise she’s the one with hers around my throat. There’s no turning back. She owns me. I’m fucked if she wants me, and I’m even more fucked if she doesn’t.
“You draw blood,” he growls, “You pay for it.” “That was barely a nick!” I’m laughing, breathless, clinging to him as he stalks us into the bedroom. “Then you should have slit my throat if you didn’t want to be handled.”
“Woman, you have no idea how fucking sexy you look when you drive like a goddam maniac.” Her laugh breaks something open inside of me, and every feeling I’ve ever tried to bury shoves its way to the surface. I love her, I fucking love her. And she needs to know it. “Valentina-“
“Ask me,” I whisper. Her brows knot in confusion. “What?” “Ask me, baby. Truth or dare.” A tremor of a smile curves her lips, her eyes locked on mine. “Truth or dare Maksim Belov?” “Truth.” I brush my mouth over hers. “I love you, Valentina. I was born to love you. Born to be yours. That’s my truth.”
Just go read it. READ IT!
What a way to kick start a 2nd gen series. It’s exhilarating, violent, sexy and possessive.
Valentina & ‘Maxy’ OMFG the push and pull btw them before they finally give into their attraction. Phwoar!! Their chemistry is insane, INSANE. I love a MMC who is grumpy with everyone else but her, the way he finds himself buying fruit loops because they’re her favourite.
I loved seeing all of the 1st gen characters as parents- and silver fox daddy Derek Cain, HELLO.
I absolutely adored Val & Remi’s relationship. 2 strong, sassy females who race cars, shoot guns and are hot to trot. I am chomping at the damn bit for Remi & Thiago’s book, I know I’m going to love it!
“There’s no one else. You’re all I want. All I see…even in my dreams.” A pause, and a breath. “And I don’t even fucking dream, Valentina. Not until you.”
Just yesterday, this woman broke beneath me, wearing my hand like a collar. But right now, I realise she’s the one with hers around my throat. There’s no turning back. She owns me. I’m fucked if she wants me, and I’m even more fucked if she doesn’t.
“You draw blood,” he growls, “You pay for it.” “That was barely a nick!” I’m laughing, breathless, clinging to him as he stalks us into the bedroom. “Then you should have slit my throat if you didn’t want to be handled.”
“Woman, you have no idea how fucking sexy you look when you drive like a goddam maniac.” Her laugh breaks something open inside of me, and every feeling I’ve ever tried to bury shoves its way to the surface. I love her, I fucking love her. And she needs to know it. “Valentina-“
“Ask me,” I whisper. Her brows knot in confusion. “What?” “Ask me, baby. Truth or dare.” A tremor of a smile curves her lips, her eyes locked on mine. “Truth or dare Maksim Belov?” “Truth.” I brush my mouth over hers. “I love you, Valentina. I was born to love you. Born to be yours. That’s my truth.”
Just go read it. READ IT!
December 19, 2025
This was a mix of street racing, mafia, and secret assassin society (mainly the parents). This is book 1 of a new series following the second gen, and as this was my first book by the author I was slightly confused with certain terms, people, or events that readers who read the previous series would understand (a little bit more info in some places would have been nice).
Loved how all the racing scenes were depicted and the way their relationship rekindled after having no contact for 14 years. It was nice that the FMC felt a little more mature for her age (although she does have some childish moments here and there), so the age gap didn't feel like it was there at all. It was cute how bits and pieces of their childhood together were shown as well as the close and hilarious relationship between all the cousins. Loved how soft Maksim was with Valentina, and how extremely protective and possessive he was, yet he gave her the respect and space she needed, to be the strong-willed street racer who earned her spot and the respect of other racers.
The pacing of the plot was good and it was refreshing to see all the different family dynamics portrayed. The only downside was the inconsistencies/minor plot holes, such as incorrect injured leg or taking a step closer when they were already seated on a couch (hopefully those parts were revised prior to publishing, as I read an ARC).
3.75
Loved how all the racing scenes were depicted and the way their relationship rekindled after having no contact for 14 years. It was nice that the FMC felt a little more mature for her age (although she does have some childish moments here and there), so the age gap didn't feel like it was there at all. It was cute how bits and pieces of their childhood together were shown as well as the close and hilarious relationship between all the cousins. Loved how soft Maksim was with Valentina, and how extremely protective and possessive he was, yet he gave her the respect and space she needed, to be the strong-willed street racer who earned her spot and the respect of other racers.
The pacing of the plot was good and it was refreshing to see all the different family dynamics portrayed. The only downside was the inconsistencies/minor plot holes, such as incorrect injured leg or taking a step closer when they were already seated on a couch (hopefully those parts were revised prior to publishing, as I read an ARC).
3.75
December 28, 2025
WOW!!!
Elle ma’am, you truly did yourself with this beautiful book which I’m not surprised at all. I fell in love with your writing in 2024 and you absolutely didn’t disappoint with this spectacular book. There’s something about your writing that just digs its claw in me and never let’s go.
This beautiful book made me laugh, made me swoon, utterly destroyed my poor heart, made me bawled my eyes out, made me hot and bothered and so many other things. This book had so many twist and turns that I didn’t know what was gonna happen next. I absolutely love Valentina and Maksim. He has known her all her life and she was his shadow when she was a little girl.
The bonds that everybody has is so fierce and unrelenting that you don’t have any doubt they would sacrifice everything. This spectacular book has tension, revenge, found family, a love that has never faded, and a bond that I envy, then this book is for you. What are you waiting for people? You need to get this book today.
Elle ma’am, you truly did yourself with this beautiful book which I’m not surprised at all. I fell in love with your writing in 2024 and you absolutely didn’t disappoint with this spectacular book. There’s something about your writing that just digs its claw in me and never let’s go.
This beautiful book made me laugh, made me swoon, utterly destroyed my poor heart, made me bawled my eyes out, made me hot and bothered and so many other things. This book had so many twist and turns that I didn’t know what was gonna happen next. I absolutely love Valentina and Maksim. He has known her all her life and she was his shadow when she was a little girl.
The bonds that everybody has is so fierce and unrelenting that you don’t have any doubt they would sacrifice everything. This spectacular book has tension, revenge, found family, a love that has never faded, and a bond that I envy, then this book is for you. What are you waiting for people? You need to get this book today.
December 17, 2025
OMG this book! I could not put it down once I started it, Elle your writing is simply amazing
Fast paced, spicy, and kept you going back for more!
Vali and Maksims story from the pieces of their childhood to the hot and heavy hit you like a knife to the heart. If you love fast and the furious, street racing, our badass FMC with a mouth that will put any man in their place you need to pick up this book. Maksim brings in Bratva meets John Wick with the mouth that will swoon and drop your panties in a heartbeat. The tension between the two of them trying to fight off the spark because they grew up together and look at each other almost like siblings, until they don’t, ughhh so good!
Fast paced, spicy, and kept you going back for more!
Vali and Maksims story from the pieces of their childhood to the hot and heavy hit you like a knife to the heart. If you love fast and the furious, street racing, our badass FMC with a mouth that will put any man in their place you need to pick up this book. Maksim brings in Bratva meets John Wick with the mouth that will swoon and drop your panties in a heartbeat. The tension between the two of them trying to fight off the spark because they grew up together and look at each other almost like siblings, until they don’t, ughhh so good!
December 22, 2025
This book was amazing. I am loving that we got to read the original series and now we are getting the next generation with their kids. So far Valentina is the best combo of her mom and dad and I’m loving it. I can’t wait to read Remi’s book. It was fast paced, spicy, action packed and completely swoon worthy. I love the age gap and street racing vibes. The street racing was new for me and I ate it up! I love Maksim and how possessive he is over her and just completely falls. Once again Elle hit it out of the park.
January 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of Scarred Angel!
I’m rating this a 3 - mostly because the beginning felt really rushed. The relationships between Val and Maksim was undeveloped and was SO FAST. I did enjoy the plot and action toward the end but the romance would have been better with more depth.
I’m rating this a 3 - mostly because the beginning felt really rushed. The relationships between Val and Maksim was undeveloped and was SO FAST. I did enjoy the plot and action toward the end but the romance would have been better with more depth.
December 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW
A good book to end 2025!
I enjoyed the romance. And also each character individually. The pacing of the story made the book an easy read, and the romantic aspect made me love the book even more!
A good book to end 2025!
I enjoyed the romance. And also each character individually. The pacing of the story made the book an easy read, and the romantic aspect made me love the book even more!
December 14, 2025
Valentina and Maxism are officially one of my top book couples. Their love felt easy, natural, and genuine. I wasn’t sure how their time apart would affect the connection, but it worked so well. Valentina is the definition of the perfect FMC—strong, stunning, and lethal. Getting more insight into everyone’s past made the story hit even harder, and seeing the parents again had me squealing and kicking my feet 😝
Also… I need book two immediately. Remi stole my heart her personality and her relationship with Val were everything. This plot brought such a big spin to their universe and I can’t wait to see where Elle takes it. Thank you truly for trusting us with your work my first ARC experience and I loved this read so much!
January 6, 2026
I did like the concept of the book, but I did feel that it was rushed. I wish there was more character development and world building so that I could better connect. It was an easy read and did have you rooting for the couple! The smutty scenes were well written.
December 19, 2025
Dark, gritty, and emotionally charged
Fast cars + mafia vibes = perfection
Chemistry was intense from the start
Possessive MMC who would burn the world
Fate + trauma made this hit harder
Fast cars + mafia vibes = perfection
Chemistry was intense from the start
Possessive MMC who would burn the world
Fate + trauma made this hit harder
January 3, 2026
Found family but not in a sibling way...now grown up but I don’t see you as family anymore and I kinda want you to rail me. This was one of my anticipated reads of the last quarter of 2025 and it didn’t disappoint! I could kick my own ass for not realizing that this was a 2nd gen series...now I gotta go start from the beginning! LOL! Here we are again with another forbidden romance and I ate it up! The angst and chemistry b/w Valentina and Maksim were HOT AF! I loved the family dynamics and the side characters. The pace was spot on and I never got bored. The spice was top notch. The plot was there...it was a perfect balance. The author said think John Wick meets Fast and Furious meets Bratva. She was accurate.
December 21, 2025
I can't believe it's the second-gen book already. I still remember when I started reading Elle's book when she was writing their parents' book...such nostalgia. The severed signet series is really close to my heart, and one of my top recommendations for mafia series; the way Ellee has written that series was such a rollercoaster.
Can we take a minute and talk about the Prologue, Maksim 😭😭 and when his dckhead uncle told him he is gonna sell him, i was like tf u are not because we didnt know what happens to him in his past we only saw him discussing with Amara but we dont get to see how he was tortured, so you can assume where my thoughts went. I am glad it didnt went that far, and Maksim did what he had to do. And I really would love an artwork of Leni coming through the woods in the prologue, the Cheshire smile I know she was giving would be too pleasing. No one could have been a better choice than Leni and Silas, being his parents, especially Leni.
Honestly, I loved Maksim and Val together; there couldn't be a better partner for him than Val(imo). She has known him for so long and knows what he has been through and could kill anyone for him, and I just love Elle for writing badass FMC (not only for name sake but actually ). This is one of the most impt thing that drew me towards Elle's books. Anws, The way Maksim is only Val could have gotten hold of him, and the way their story started was really testing the push and pull limit (looking at u Maksim), my gurl literally was throwing herself on him, but Maksim testing his own limit was making me slap my own forehead.
The bond between Remi and Val is not recognized enough. They have the most awesome and strong bond, and I just know Remi is THAT GURL. But shit went sideways really quickly for Remi, I knew she would end up with Thiago, but Renji's bro sacrificing himself for her just showed he fell in love with you, and imo I think in some way Remi was falling too, but laterIi realized what Elle has done just made me laughed and this is my theory. Ik a foreshadowing when I see one, we know Remi and Thaigo, but we also saw AJ and Renji, and we know AJ is gonna get her book in the future, and pple i think we got the MMC for that book, and it makes sense. Renji will be taking the role of leader in yakuza, would something else, and I just know things are gonna get interesting.
Plus Leni showing Val what's gonna happen or might happen really started to put all the pieces together, the ledger and the Architect, yeah, things are gonna get interesting.
So, I am going to be honest: I do wish there were some scenes added to it, such as more interaction between Amara and Maxim, because of their history together, and Santinoo as well. Fam was there but didnt spoke a word 😭. And other scenes when Maksim gets tricked by one of his members, and thank god for Silas being there to back him, i wanted more of the action later on when they go into the building especially when Silas calls for Leni and Santino, i wanted to see more Leni (as you can see she's my girl no one can beat her in my eyes).
Also, when Silas says to Maksim that he loves him, I was like, you ain't dying dont you dare say those words. PLUS I KNEW MAKSIM WAS GONNA CALL SILAS DAD AT THE END OR AT SOME PT, I JUST KNEW IT, because it was long overdue, and I really want that novella of Silas and Leni going on a hunt.
I did feel like there was no plot before the 40%, but later on, the way things started to shift, and I just knew Elle was creating the beginning of the second-gen series, and how things are gonna start popping off, and how it's going to connect with the whole second-generation series. And also since the book is fast paced its understandable why things were cut short or move to the next scene, which is fine, one of the things I love about Elle's books is when the chapters are short to mid-range, and very few chapters were long, like give me more chpt but don't make the chapter too long and that's it.
I am excited for this ride. Now I gotta wait for the second book 😭😭😭. I can't wait for Thiago and Remi. I have one thing to say to Thiago, ALL THE BEST 😂.
Can we take a minute and talk about the Prologue, Maksim 😭😭 and when his dckhead uncle told him he is gonna sell him, i was like tf u are not because we didnt know what happens to him in his past we only saw him discussing with Amara but we dont get to see how he was tortured, so you can assume where my thoughts went. I am glad it didnt went that far, and Maksim did what he had to do. And I really would love an artwork of Leni coming through the woods in the prologue, the Cheshire smile I know she was giving would be too pleasing. No one could have been a better choice than Leni and Silas, being his parents, especially Leni.
Honestly, I loved Maksim and Val together; there couldn't be a better partner for him than Val(imo). She has known him for so long and knows what he has been through and could kill anyone for him, and I just love Elle for writing badass FMC (not only for name sake but actually ). This is one of the most impt thing that drew me towards Elle's books. Anws, The way Maksim is only Val could have gotten hold of him, and the way their story started was really testing the push and pull limit (looking at u Maksim), my gurl literally was throwing herself on him, but Maksim testing his own limit was making me slap my own forehead.
The bond between Remi and Val is not recognized enough. They have the most awesome and strong bond, and I just know Remi is THAT GURL. But shit went sideways really quickly for Remi, I knew she would end up with Thiago, but Renji's bro sacrificing himself for her just showed he fell in love with you, and imo I think in some way Remi was falling too, but laterIi realized what Elle has done just made me laughed and this is my theory. Ik a foreshadowing when I see one, we know Remi and Thaigo, but we also saw AJ and Renji, and we know AJ is gonna get her book in the future, and pple i think we got the MMC for that book, and it makes sense. Renji will be taking the role of leader in yakuza, would something else, and I just know things are gonna get interesting.
Plus Leni showing Val what's gonna happen or might happen really started to put all the pieces together, the ledger and the Architect, yeah, things are gonna get interesting.
So, I am going to be honest: I do wish there were some scenes added to it, such as more interaction between Amara and Maxim, because of their history together, and Santinoo as well. Fam was there but didnt spoke a word 😭. And other scenes when Maksim gets tricked by one of his members, and thank god for Silas being there to back him, i wanted more of the action later on when they go into the building especially when Silas calls for Leni and Santino, i wanted to see more Leni (as you can see she's my girl no one can beat her in my eyes).
Also, when Silas says to Maksim that he loves him, I was like, you ain't dying dont you dare say those words. PLUS I KNEW MAKSIM WAS GONNA CALL SILAS DAD AT THE END OR AT SOME PT, I JUST KNEW IT, because it was long overdue, and I really want that novella of Silas and Leni going on a hunt.
I did feel like there was no plot before the 40%, but later on, the way things started to shift, and I just knew Elle was creating the beginning of the second-gen series, and how things are gonna start popping off, and how it's going to connect with the whole second-generation series. And also since the book is fast paced its understandable why things were cut short or move to the next scene, which is fine, one of the things I love about Elle's books is when the chapters are short to mid-range, and very few chapters were long, like give me more chpt but don't make the chapter too long and that's it.
I am excited for this ride. Now I gotta wait for the second book 😭😭😭. I can't wait for Thiago and Remi. I have one thing to say to Thiago, ALL THE BEST 😂.
December 24, 2025
From the very moment I found out Elle was doing this second generation series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I think we all have those select few authors that we know when we read their book, we won’t ever be disappointed! Elle is one of those authors for me! Her writing has never let me down, and with the way that she weaves her stories together, I am ALWAYS left salivating for the next book! And like with all of her others, this book was no different!
This books hits you from the very beginning starting with the dedication. I felt every single word of that dedication. I was already dying to dive into this book, then I read the dedication and it just made me want to devour the pages so I could reach the heartbreak that much faster! (Yes I know, I’ve got issues! But the heartbreak and the rebuild is always my favorite part.) But then that prologue happened… literally the scene I never wanted but absolutely needed, because Leni! (When you read it, you’ll completely understand.) She comes in and steals the show in that one of a kind Leni way of hers and my god it was fantastic!
A few of my favorite parts about this book were:
The vibe and family dynamic stayed the same as in the first generation only expanded on. The parents act the same as their characters did in their own books, only older. They allow their children freedom, while having their backs, because they know that they trained them well. Also, they trust them to come to them if they are in over their heads.
I also truly liked that you could see bits of the parents in their kids. If you haven’t read the first generation, I highly recommend starting with it, but Elle does have a way of pointing out a few key features that Valentina and Remi inherited from their parents.
All of the action! There is street racing, mafia, car wrecks, shoot outs, someone putting out a hit order on one or more of the family members. Truly, there is so much action in this book and it keeps you on your toes!
And finally, the best for last right! Maxy and Kolibri! Seriously, Maksim and Valentina were an obvious destined end game pairing for me in the first generation series. So it makes me so happy that Elle saw the same future (just them together) that I did and decided to write it! Now I don’t just have to imagine it! And boy were these two EVERYTHING!
As for the characters, well like always both the men and the women are badass characters in this book! Both are equals, and both save each other!
This is a dark romance and does contain some dark subject matter, so I do recommend checking out the trigger warnings before diving in.
Happy Reading
-Whiskey
This books hits you from the very beginning starting with the dedication. I felt every single word of that dedication. I was already dying to dive into this book, then I read the dedication and it just made me want to devour the pages so I could reach the heartbreak that much faster! (Yes I know, I’ve got issues! But the heartbreak and the rebuild is always my favorite part.) But then that prologue happened… literally the scene I never wanted but absolutely needed, because Leni! (When you read it, you’ll completely understand.) She comes in and steals the show in that one of a kind Leni way of hers and my god it was fantastic!
A few of my favorite parts about this book were:
The vibe and family dynamic stayed the same as in the first generation only expanded on. The parents act the same as their characters did in their own books, only older. They allow their children freedom, while having their backs, because they know that they trained them well. Also, they trust them to come to them if they are in over their heads.
I also truly liked that you could see bits of the parents in their kids. If you haven’t read the first generation, I highly recommend starting with it, but Elle does have a way of pointing out a few key features that Valentina and Remi inherited from their parents.
All of the action! There is street racing, mafia, car wrecks, shoot outs, someone putting out a hit order on one or more of the family members. Truly, there is so much action in this book and it keeps you on your toes!
And finally, the best for last right! Maxy and Kolibri! Seriously, Maksim and Valentina were an obvious destined end game pairing for me in the first generation series. So it makes me so happy that Elle saw the same future (just them together) that I did and decided to write it! Now I don’t just have to imagine it! And boy were these two EVERYTHING!
As for the characters, well like always both the men and the women are badass characters in this book! Both are equals, and both save each other!
This is a dark romance and does contain some dark subject matter, so I do recommend checking out the trigger warnings before diving in.
Happy Reading
-Whiskey
January 10, 2026
Found this book through some instagram sponsored posts with some scenes that caught my interest.
We have a pretty cool FMC, a childhood MMC that has returned after many years away, and a story of them rediscovering who they are to each other. The characters are both a little morally grey, as their families functioned well outside the law and that is how they were brought up.
The FMC was a decent idea as a character, but I felt that she was lacking. She’s still fairly young so some of her childish reactions and impulsive behaviour could be explained away with that, but I was expecting a little more levelheadedness and cunning from her. The MMC is older and had been through a lot starting at such a young age. He was written with more ruthlessness, as would make sense, but was lacking in some of the logic that would come with experience.
This was definitely a romance story that tried to push into the mafia and underground society trope, but didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The initial romance story line was doing great, we were focused on the feelings of our MCs as they developed in a slow burn of young insecurity. It was a decent slow burn with a gradual increase in the spice that then got turned right up into smutty.
When we weren’t trying to push the other tropes it was a decent story for me, we didn’t delve deep into the MMCs expansion of his mafia or the secret society that the FMCs family was a part of. This all gets thrown out the window towards the latter half of the book, all of a sudden we’re dealing with these loose ends that only had the one slightest thread pulling them toward our MCs. I feel the story would’ve been far better without this last minute addition of a new mystery that never gets anywhere near being solved.
Overall the writing was fine, there were random location and time jumps that I didn’t enjoy, at one point I thought I was missing pages when an interaction seemed to cut off and we were in the next chapter. There were also times when I would’ve liked to know how things played out, some action scene that cut off at a point and we moved on to the other POV. When it was a romance story I accepted that we wouldn’t get to delve into the full loop of what’s happening with the MMC, but that all changes towards the end when the author decides to toss in a new mystery.
There is an extended epilogue that (I guess) vaguely pulls in the last minute mystery to the next book, but that wouldn’t be why I would pick up the next in the series, it may be the reason I don’t. I did like the characters of this universe quite a bit, so I may need to check out the story of the BFF in the next book.
We have a pretty cool FMC, a childhood MMC that has returned after many years away, and a story of them rediscovering who they are to each other. The characters are both a little morally grey, as their families functioned well outside the law and that is how they were brought up.
The FMC was a decent idea as a character, but I felt that she was lacking. She’s still fairly young so some of her childish reactions and impulsive behaviour could be explained away with that, but I was expecting a little more levelheadedness and cunning from her. The MMC is older and had been through a lot starting at such a young age. He was written with more ruthlessness, as would make sense, but was lacking in some of the logic that would come with experience.
This was definitely a romance story that tried to push into the mafia and underground society trope, but didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The initial romance story line was doing great, we were focused on the feelings of our MCs as they developed in a slow burn of young insecurity. It was a decent slow burn with a gradual increase in the spice that then got turned right up into smutty.
When we weren’t trying to push the other tropes it was a decent story for me, we didn’t delve deep into the MMCs expansion of his mafia or the secret society that the FMCs family was a part of. This all gets thrown out the window towards the latter half of the book, all of a sudden we’re dealing with these loose ends that only had the one slightest thread pulling them toward our MCs. I feel the story would’ve been far better without this last minute addition of a new mystery that never gets anywhere near being solved.
Overall the writing was fine, there were random location and time jumps that I didn’t enjoy, at one point I thought I was missing pages when an interaction seemed to cut off and we were in the next chapter. There were also times when I would’ve liked to know how things played out, some action scene that cut off at a point and we moved on to the other POV. When it was a romance story I accepted that we wouldn’t get to delve into the full loop of what’s happening with the MMC, but that all changes towards the end when the author decides to toss in a new mystery.
There is an extended epilogue that (I guess) vaguely pulls in the last minute mystery to the next book, but that wouldn’t be why I would pick up the next in the series, it may be the reason I don’t. I did like the characters of this universe quite a bit, so I may need to check out the story of the BFF in the next book.
December 17, 2025
How is it every book she writes seems to have me in a chokehold??
First, the age gap on this was perfect. 12 years, but they were childhood friends and their families are family. They also grew up in the same dark world, though Maksim more so than Valentina.
Which actually makes them such a good pair. Maksim has spent most of his life in the dredges. Derek killed his (mafia) parents, he was beaten and abused by his uncle, and even though Leni and Silas took him in and loved him, he left less than a decade later to take over his biological father’s business and repair his name.
Valentina was raised with love and compassion and surrounded by family. She had a literal lethal force at her back her whole life. But her family never hid what they did from her. She knows what her father and aunts and uncles did. She knows about the dark underworld, prepared for what it could bring, but had the choice to do other things. She had her mother’s sense of justice and compassion. And she was exactly the right person to understand Maksim and his world but show him that the darkness wasn’t everywhere.
Also, the plot for this book? Stellar. It’s clear that a storyline is being set up for the entire series, an EPIC one, and we have barely gotten a taste of it. I am chomping at the bit for the rest of the story.
And the romance didn’t overshadow the plot or vise versa. You watched them both grow, both fall in love. You learned so much about them and their personalities. The spice was, as always, completely off the charts.
My literal only complaint was Valentina after she took off her cast. The recovery was actually super well done. Maldonado never forgot about her injury or her restrictions or had her doing things that she couldn’t really do. My biggest complaint was that she was walking immediately after taking off her cast. As someone who has broken an ankle and been in a cast for 8 weeks… that’s not happening. Your muscles just aren’t physically able to hold you up. And it doesn’t take LONG for you to recover enough to walk (I think within literally a few days to a week I was able to have it bear a lot of weight and I wasn’t as physically fit as Valentina), but she wouldn’t have been able to walk immediately and definitely not drive a car like that.
This second gen book was astounding and a perfect set up to the remainder of the series. And while you don’t HAVE to read Severed Signet series to read this book, I most definitely recommend doing so.
First, the age gap on this was perfect. 12 years, but they were childhood friends and their families are family. They also grew up in the same dark world, though Maksim more so than Valentina.
Which actually makes them such a good pair. Maksim has spent most of his life in the dredges. Derek killed his (mafia) parents, he was beaten and abused by his uncle, and even though Leni and Silas took him in and loved him, he left less than a decade later to take over his biological father’s business and repair his name.
Valentina was raised with love and compassion and surrounded by family. She had a literal lethal force at her back her whole life. But her family never hid what they did from her. She knows what her father and aunts and uncles did. She knows about the dark underworld, prepared for what it could bring, but had the choice to do other things. She had her mother’s sense of justice and compassion. And she was exactly the right person to understand Maksim and his world but show him that the darkness wasn’t everywhere.
Also, the plot for this book? Stellar. It’s clear that a storyline is being set up for the entire series, an EPIC one, and we have barely gotten a taste of it. I am chomping at the bit for the rest of the story.
And the romance didn’t overshadow the plot or vise versa. You watched them both grow, both fall in love. You learned so much about them and their personalities. The spice was, as always, completely off the charts.
My literal only complaint was Valentina after she took off her cast. The recovery was actually super well done. Maldonado never forgot about her injury or her restrictions or had her doing things that she couldn’t really do. My biggest complaint was that she was walking immediately after taking off her cast. As someone who has broken an ankle and been in a cast for 8 weeks… that’s not happening. Your muscles just aren’t physically able to hold you up. And it doesn’t take LONG for you to recover enough to walk (I think within literally a few days to a week I was able to have it bear a lot of weight and I wasn’t as physically fit as Valentina), but she wouldn’t have been able to walk immediately and definitely not drive a car like that.
This second gen book was astounding and a perfect set up to the remainder of the series. And while you don’t HAVE to read Severed Signet series to read this book, I most definitely recommend doing so.
December 29, 2025
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ "You belong to me the same way I belong to you—violently, completely." ₊˚⊹ᰔ
OMGGGG!!! So I absolutely love The Severed Signet Series and was very much excited to dive back into the second gen and Elle did not disappoint. It was so fun seeing all the first gen back, as parents, and so happy that none of their characters were ruined.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Valentina
I absolutely love my baby Valentina🥰. She is definitely her mother's daughter but has her father's edginess. I love a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it without fearing what others think. I never read a story where the fmc was a street racer, and this literally made me wish I wasn't scared to street race myself lol. But the way she was so caring and thoughtful with everyone around her, especially in the relationship with her cousin Remi, made me emotional🥺. I absolutely love how fierce her love for Maksim is, and how she loves him for everything he is, even when he is scared that his darkness will turn her away. I can't wait to see her pop in for the other books in the series.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Maksim
My baby Maxyyyy🥺. His background was so heartbreaking, but I am so happy Leni and Silas raised him; sadly, that still didn't take away the ghosts that haunt him at night🥲. He was truly down bad for Valentina, but was very worried that he was too tainted for her to be with someone like him. I love how he loved and cared for his family even when he felt like he didn't deserve to be in their presence. And the way he was willing to kill anyone who made Valentina sad without a question, ughh what a man🤭. Also, can we talk about the mouth on that man, omg the sex scenes were hot asf 🥵. I was so happy when he finally had the courage to say, "I love you" to Valentina, because it showed that he was able to enjoy life and not fear that good things would be taken away from him.
. ݁˖ . ݁Lastly, Elle the stress you had me going through toward the last few pages was insane but I am happy everything came together. I can't wait for Thiago and Remi's book to be so bad, because both of these individuals are definitely going to be broken souls, and I can tell the angst and passion will be worth the wait. And the mystery that is at the center of this series has definitely intrigued me.
OMGGGG!!! So I absolutely love The Severed Signet Series and was very much excited to dive back into the second gen and Elle did not disappoint. It was so fun seeing all the first gen back, as parents, and so happy that none of their characters were ruined.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Valentina
I absolutely love my baby Valentina🥰. She is definitely her mother's daughter but has her father's edginess. I love a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it without fearing what others think. I never read a story where the fmc was a street racer, and this literally made me wish I wasn't scared to street race myself lol. But the way she was so caring and thoughtful with everyone around her, especially in the relationship with her cousin Remi, made me emotional🥺. I absolutely love how fierce her love for Maksim is, and how she loves him for everything he is, even when he is scared that his darkness will turn her away. I can't wait to see her pop in for the other books in the series.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Maksim
My baby Maxyyyy🥺. His background was so heartbreaking, but I am so happy Leni and Silas raised him; sadly, that still didn't take away the ghosts that haunt him at night🥲. He was truly down bad for Valentina, but was very worried that he was too tainted for her to be with someone like him. I love how he loved and cared for his family even when he felt like he didn't deserve to be in their presence. And the way he was willing to kill anyone who made Valentina sad without a question, ughh what a man🤭. Also, can we talk about the mouth on that man, omg the sex scenes were hot asf 🥵. I was so happy when he finally had the courage to say, "I love you" to Valentina, because it showed that he was able to enjoy life and not fear that good things would be taken away from him.
“I love you,Valentina. I was born to love you. Born to be yours. That's my truth."
. ݁˖ . ݁Lastly, Elle the stress you had me going through toward the last few pages was insane but I am happy everything came together. I can't wait for Thiago and Remi's book to be so bad, because both of these individuals are definitely going to be broken souls, and I can tell the angst and passion will be worth the wait. And the mystery that is at the center of this series has definitely intrigued me.
January 6, 2026
I honestly can’t believe we’re already in the second generation but I am SO here for it!!! The Severed Signet series remains one of my top mafia recommendations. Elle’s writing takes you on a wild ride and truthfylly I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I can tell a book is going to be great usually by the prologue and as always Elle did NOT disappoint!!! Because wow. We didn’t fully know what Maksim endured in his past; we’d only seen fragments through his conversations with Amara. Obviously given the previous stories your mind goes to some dark places and I’m glad it wasn’t as terrible as I would’ve thought and that Maksim did what he had to do.
Maksim and Val together is ABSOLUTE perfection. Val has known him forever, understands his trauma, and would absolutely kill for him without hesitation. And this is one of the reasons I love Elle’s books so much because her FMCs are actually badass. Val being the only person who can truly get a handle on Maksim says everything. Their push-and-pull dynamic tested my patience in the best way.
The bond between Remi and Val deserves way more recognition. Their relationship is strong, loyal, and beautifully written and I know Remi is THAT girl. But things went sideways for her so fast. I always knew she’d end up with Thiago, but Renji’s brother sacrificing himself for her? That hurt. It was clear he had fallen for her, and honestly, I think Remi was falling too in some way. But Elle does what she does and I know foreshadowing when I see it. We already know about Remi and Thiago, and we’ve seen AJ and Renji. I feel like they’re all getting their own books and things are about to get VERY interesting.
Leni showing Val what could or might happen was another turning point and suddenly all the scattered pieces started coming together.
If I’m being completely honest, I did wish for a few more scenes. I wanted more interaction between Amara and Maksim, especially given their shared history—and Santino too. The family was present, but oddly quiet. I also would’ve loved more of the action later on, especially when Maksim gets betrayed by one of his own men (thank God for Silas having his back). And when they went into the building? I needed more. Especially once Silas called for Leni and Santino—because clearly, I can never get enough Leni. She’s my girl, and no one beats her in my eyes.
The fast pacing explains why some scenes were shorter or transitioned quickly, and honestly, I don’t mind. I really love Elle’s writing style short to mid-length chapters with very few long ones it keeps me hooked and definitely doesn’t lag at all. Honestly, I know many people don’t like it but I’d rather a ton of short chapter than 25-30 extremely long chapters.
Honestly, I’m SO pumped for this series and I cannot WAIT to see whats in store!!
Thank you Elle for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can tell a book is going to be great usually by the prologue and as always Elle did NOT disappoint!!! Because wow. We didn’t fully know what Maksim endured in his past; we’d only seen fragments through his conversations with Amara. Obviously given the previous stories your mind goes to some dark places and I’m glad it wasn’t as terrible as I would’ve thought and that Maksim did what he had to do.
Maksim and Val together is ABSOLUTE perfection. Val has known him forever, understands his trauma, and would absolutely kill for him without hesitation. And this is one of the reasons I love Elle’s books so much because her FMCs are actually badass. Val being the only person who can truly get a handle on Maksim says everything. Their push-and-pull dynamic tested my patience in the best way.
The bond between Remi and Val deserves way more recognition. Their relationship is strong, loyal, and beautifully written and I know Remi is THAT girl. But things went sideways for her so fast. I always knew she’d end up with Thiago, but Renji’s brother sacrificing himself for her? That hurt. It was clear he had fallen for her, and honestly, I think Remi was falling too in some way. But Elle does what she does and I know foreshadowing when I see it. We already know about Remi and Thiago, and we’ve seen AJ and Renji. I feel like they’re all getting their own books and things are about to get VERY interesting.
Leni showing Val what could or might happen was another turning point and suddenly all the scattered pieces started coming together.
If I’m being completely honest, I did wish for a few more scenes. I wanted more interaction between Amara and Maksim, especially given their shared history—and Santino too. The family was present, but oddly quiet. I also would’ve loved more of the action later on, especially when Maksim gets betrayed by one of his own men (thank God for Silas having his back). And when they went into the building? I needed more. Especially once Silas called for Leni and Santino—because clearly, I can never get enough Leni. She’s my girl, and no one beats her in my eyes.
The fast pacing explains why some scenes were shorter or transitioned quickly, and honestly, I don’t mind. I really love Elle’s writing style short to mid-length chapters with very few long ones it keeps me hooked and definitely doesn’t lag at all. Honestly, I know many people don’t like it but I’d rather a ton of short chapter than 25-30 extremely long chapters.
Honestly, I’m SO pumped for this series and I cannot WAIT to see whats in store!!
Thank you Elle for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2025
🖤🖤Book Review – Scarred Angel🖤🖤
Scarred Angel is the first book of the next generation….the children of the parents from the Severed Signet Series by Elle Maldonado. This is a mafia romance with a twist with the street racing.
Family could be blood relationship, found family or other situations. In Scarred Angel, it is combination of all the above. The relationship of Valentina (Vali-MFC) and Maksim (Maxy-MMC) is a loving relationship that started when Valentina was two years old. She was Maxy’s shadow and now at 22 years old Valentina is a woman with memories from childhood of Maxy and new attractions as a grown women who is attracted to a sexy man. She shots a gun, carries a knife and is not afraid to defend herself and those she loves.
Maksim is a complex character with unresolved feelings of how to belong to family but is attracted to Valentine. She is no longer his shadow. She is a sexy, hot woman that has set his emotions on fire.
Maksim is coming back home to Philly when his driver hits Valentine on her motorcycle by accident. Valentine has a broken leg, but her heart goes into overdrive when she wakes up and sees Maxy by her bedside. All her family, extended family, is by her bed but all she sees is Maxy other than Remi (her best friend and Maxy’s sister).
The chemistry between Vali and Maxy is boiling over with both🔥🔥🔥. However, Maxy is trying to reconcile the age difference and found family relationships – it has a slow burn feeling. They are related to one another, and Remi tells Maxy to take a chance of their relationship which is known by everyone who encounters them. Their chemistry, banter, and attraction is that strong and powerful between them.
The past of the families comes into play with their relationship and brings their family into the plot. This adds additional depth to the plot and if you have read the Severed Signet Series you know the other characters. This book had some twists especially at the end that I did not see coming.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏁 Street Racer FMC
💚 12 Year Age Gap
🏁 OTT Possessive MMC
💚 FMC’s father unalived MMC’s family
🏁 Fast & Furious meets the Bratva & John Wick
💚 Touch her and get curb stomped
🏁 Fast Cars, Fast Bikes
Scarred Angel is the first book of the next generation….the children of the parents from the Severed Signet Series by Elle Maldonado. This is a mafia romance with a twist with the street racing.
Family could be blood relationship, found family or other situations. In Scarred Angel, it is combination of all the above. The relationship of Valentina (Vali-MFC) and Maksim (Maxy-MMC) is a loving relationship that started when Valentina was two years old. She was Maxy’s shadow and now at 22 years old Valentina is a woman with memories from childhood of Maxy and new attractions as a grown women who is attracted to a sexy man. She shots a gun, carries a knife and is not afraid to defend herself and those she loves.
Maksim is a complex character with unresolved feelings of how to belong to family but is attracted to Valentine. She is no longer his shadow. She is a sexy, hot woman that has set his emotions on fire.
Maksim is coming back home to Philly when his driver hits Valentine on her motorcycle by accident. Valentine has a broken leg, but her heart goes into overdrive when she wakes up and sees Maxy by her bedside. All her family, extended family, is by her bed but all she sees is Maxy other than Remi (her best friend and Maxy’s sister).
The chemistry between Vali and Maxy is boiling over with both🔥🔥🔥. However, Maxy is trying to reconcile the age difference and found family relationships – it has a slow burn feeling. They are related to one another, and Remi tells Maxy to take a chance of their relationship which is known by everyone who encounters them. Their chemistry, banter, and attraction is that strong and powerful between them.
The past of the families comes into play with their relationship and brings their family into the plot. This adds additional depth to the plot and if you have read the Severed Signet Series you know the other characters. This book had some twists especially at the end that I did not see coming.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏁 Street Racer FMC
💚 12 Year Age Gap
🏁 OTT Possessive MMC
💚 FMC’s father unalived MMC’s family
🏁 Fast & Furious meets the Bratva & John Wick
💚 Touch her and get curb stomped
🏁 Fast Cars, Fast Bikes
January 9, 2026
📚Scarred Angel
✍🏻Elle Maldonado
Blurb:
Where desire ignites between bullets, blood, and burning rubber.
The man I last saw when I was just a girl came crashing back into my life—literally—after fourteen years.
Same smile. Those same mesmerizing eyes. Only now, they’re darker, more haunted.
He carries demons I can’t touch. And a past my father destroyed before I was born.
The miles and years between us made us strangers, but the pull is instant, electric.
Not even the speed, the danger, the way the world blurs behind the wheel has ever made me feel as alive as I do in his arms.
But when he spills the wrong blood in my honor, everything spirals into chaos.
Loyalties shatter and alliances burn.
And the only thing more dangerous than loving him…is losing him.
Our names were carved in the stars long before our story began.
I used to think that meant something beautiful. That destiny had a plan and our love would come easy.
I was wrong.
Fate might have lit the match, but it never promised we’d survive the burnout.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by Elle Maldonado and it will not be the last. This book is a mafia-style romance about a man who’s adopted into a powerful family and ends up falling for one of the daughters. The action the tension the spice all of it was so good. Maksim and Val together is perfection. Val has known him forever, understands his trauma, and would absolutely kill for him. The chemistry and connection between Valentina and Maksim are undeniable. You feel it in every interaction, every shared moment, it’s intense, natural, and utterly captivating..Just as powerful is the friendship between Vali and Remi. This is the kind of bond every woman deserves: a true soul sister, a ride-or-die, unwavering in loyalty and love..
Thanks NetGalley,and Author Elle Maldonado for the advanced copy of "Scarred Angel" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#ElleMaldonado
#ScarredAngel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Mentions of Child Abuse, Child Abuse Physical/Emoional,Trauma, Car Accident, Violence, Drowning, Near Drowning, Poisoning, Murder, Death, Blood, Explicit Language, Explicit Sex, Spanking, Public Sex, Gun Violence, Torture, Suicide Ideation, Mention of Cancer and Curb Stomp
✍🏻Elle Maldonado
Blurb:
Where desire ignites between bullets, blood, and burning rubber.
The man I last saw when I was just a girl came crashing back into my life—literally—after fourteen years.
Same smile. Those same mesmerizing eyes. Only now, they’re darker, more haunted.
He carries demons I can’t touch. And a past my father destroyed before I was born.
The miles and years between us made us strangers, but the pull is instant, electric.
Not even the speed, the danger, the way the world blurs behind the wheel has ever made me feel as alive as I do in his arms.
But when he spills the wrong blood in my honor, everything spirals into chaos.
Loyalties shatter and alliances burn.
And the only thing more dangerous than loving him…is losing him.
Our names were carved in the stars long before our story began.
I used to think that meant something beautiful. That destiny had a plan and our love would come easy.
I was wrong.
Fate might have lit the match, but it never promised we’d survive the burnout.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by Elle Maldonado and it will not be the last. This book is a mafia-style romance about a man who’s adopted into a powerful family and ends up falling for one of the daughters. The action the tension the spice all of it was so good. Maksim and Val together is perfection. Val has known him forever, understands his trauma, and would absolutely kill for him. The chemistry and connection between Valentina and Maksim are undeniable. You feel it in every interaction, every shared moment, it’s intense, natural, and utterly captivating..Just as powerful is the friendship between Vali and Remi. This is the kind of bond every woman deserves: a true soul sister, a ride-or-die, unwavering in loyalty and love..
Thanks NetGalley,and Author Elle Maldonado for the advanced copy of "Scarred Angel" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#ElleMaldonado
#ScarredAngel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Mentions of Child Abuse, Child Abuse Physical/Emoional,Trauma, Car Accident, Violence, Drowning, Near Drowning, Poisoning, Murder, Death, Blood, Explicit Language, Explicit Sex, Spanking, Public Sex, Gun Violence, Torture, Suicide Ideation, Mention of Cancer and Curb Stomp
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