What do you think?
Rate this book
Beyond the Darkness
Sebastian Corsaro spent twenty years building a flawless public image until everything is taken from him. Cast out and unprotected, he returns to the ruthless origins he once denied, chasing a power no one will ever dare challenge again.
Elena Ducale has never owned her life. Born into a powerful mafia family, her future was decided before she could choose. When a forced marriage threatens to trap her forever, she makes one desperate move.
A fake engagement. A calculated alliance. No feelings allowed.
Because in the mafia, love isn’t a weakness, it’s a death sentence.
But when Elena is kidnapped and a brutal war ignites, rules collapse, blood is spilled, and survival becomes uncertain.
Beyond the Darkness is a raw, high-stakes mafia romance where power, loyalty, and desire collide and loving the wrong person may cost everything.
Elena Ducale has never owned her life. Born into a powerful mafia family, her future was decided before she could choose. When a forced marriage threatens to trap her forever, she makes one desperate move.
A fake engagement. A calculated alliance. No feelings allowed.
Because in the mafia, love isn’t a weakness, it’s a death sentence.
But when Elena is kidnapped and a brutal war ignites, rules collapse, blood is spilled, and survival becomes uncertain.
Beyond the Darkness is a raw, high-stakes mafia romance where power, loyalty, and desire collide and loving the wrong person may cost everything.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beyond the Darkness was everything I wanted and more.
Going into this book, I’d forgotten Sebastian’s connection to Piper from the previous books, so I started with a fresh, open mind—and I’m so glad I did.
I loved getting deeper insight into Sebastian’s life growing up in Palermo and the daily struggles that shaped him into the ruthless man he became. Watching his journey was gripping, especially when he finally learned the truth about his mafia blood. Seeing him use everything he’d endured and learned to claim his rightful place as a leader was incredibly satisfying. I especially loved how he challenged old traditions and created new ones, doing it all with a strong woman by his side.
Elena was the perfect FMC for a mafia boss. As a Don’s daughter, she understood the rules and realities of the world she lived in but where her father saw her as nothing more than a pawn, Sebastian truly saw her. He recognized her strength, intelligence, and ruthlessness, treating her as the boss she was meant to be.
Together, they were completely unstoppable. Their chemistry was intense, their partnership powerful, and I loved them as a couple. And that boat scene in Palermo? 🔥🔥 Absolute perfection.
Beyond the Darkness was raw, ruthless and unforgettable. It delivered high-stakes mafia chaos, brutal power plays, and a romance that burns just as dangerously as the world it's set in. Loyalty is tested, blood is spilled, and falling in love may be the deadliest move of all.
Thank you to D.G Keene for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this book, I’d forgotten Sebastian’s connection to Piper from the previous books, so I started with a fresh, open mind—and I’m so glad I did.
I loved getting deeper insight into Sebastian’s life growing up in Palermo and the daily struggles that shaped him into the ruthless man he became. Watching his journey was gripping, especially when he finally learned the truth about his mafia blood. Seeing him use everything he’d endured and learned to claim his rightful place as a leader was incredibly satisfying. I especially loved how he challenged old traditions and created new ones, doing it all with a strong woman by his side.
Elena was the perfect FMC for a mafia boss. As a Don’s daughter, she understood the rules and realities of the world she lived in but where her father saw her as nothing more than a pawn, Sebastian truly saw her. He recognized her strength, intelligence, and ruthlessness, treating her as the boss she was meant to be.
Together, they were completely unstoppable. Their chemistry was intense, their partnership powerful, and I loved them as a couple. And that boat scene in Palermo? 🔥🔥 Absolute perfection.
Beyond the Darkness was raw, ruthless and unforgettable. It delivered high-stakes mafia chaos, brutal power plays, and a romance that burns just as dangerously as the world it's set in. Loyalty is tested, blood is spilled, and falling in love may be the deadliest move of all.
Thank you to D.G Keene for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2026
Oh my heart…. “We are two blades of the same knife. Two voices of the same command. Two hearts that learned survival not alone, but together.”
This is DGs first intro to mafia and it was fantastic! I loved seeing this gritty side of her writing! DGs writing and her ability to create a setting that feels so real and tangible is pure skill. Her writing is so eloquent in that way!
This was Sebastian’s redemption story and honestly I was here for it. I’m reality who created his redemption, our girl Elena! Seeing such a strong female at the lead for this book was perfect! She was feisty, commanding, and determined, which I LOVE. I could have had 2-3 books of their story.
I can’t wait to see what DG does next with mafia!
This is DGs first intro to mafia and it was fantastic! I loved seeing this gritty side of her writing! DGs writing and her ability to create a setting that feels so real and tangible is pure skill. Her writing is so eloquent in that way!
This was Sebastian’s redemption story and honestly I was here for it. I’m reality who created his redemption, our girl Elena! Seeing such a strong female at the lead for this book was perfect! She was feisty, commanding, and determined, which I LOVE. I could have had 2-3 books of their story.
I can’t wait to see what DG does next with mafia!
February 19, 2026
This is SUCH a gripping, atmospheric read that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. Dark, intense, and emotionally charged, the story balances suspense with deep character struggles that feel raw and real. Keene's writing creates a constant sense of unease, making every page feel heavy with tension and anticipation.
If you love dark fiction with strong emotions, high stakes, and a haunting edge, Beyond the Darkness is absolutely worth the read. A chilling journey that lingers long after the final page.
If you love dark fiction with strong emotions, high stakes, and a haunting edge, Beyond the Darkness is absolutely worth the read. A chilling journey that lingers long after the final page.
February 15, 2026
WOW, Mafia story's are not usually my favorite but this one hooked me in and was so much for then the Mafia. There was so much emotion, betrayal, love and fight in all the characters.
Thank you D.G for an ARC!
Thank you D.G for an ARC!
February 14, 2026
“I loved you even when I didn’t know what to call it” Ohhh my 💓💗. D. G. always makes me fall in love-and then she adds mafia into the mix?? I’m still sighing!
Review of advance copy
I was unsure how I'd feel about Sebastian getting a book but I was so pleasantly surprised. His and Elena's story was fantastic. Full of banter, twists and turns. Seeing Sebastian's past and him finding his father and staking a claim in the family was full of emotions. Elena knew her father thought she was only good as a pawn in the mafia world, just to be used to form alliances. She was strong and independent and took control, setting up her marriage of convenience with Sebastian. Things didn't go as planned and they had to fight everyone in their path. They realized how strong they could be together.
March 12, 2026
This book takes a completely different direction. We are in the world of the mafia. Things are happening and everyone has a part to play. The roles are set, supposedly. In these world women were used to make alliances that benefit the family. Though - was in a prominent role in the organization, she was still expected to marry for a beneficial alliance. To circumvent the forced marriage, - went to someone and proposed a union. She can't be forced to marry if she is already married, right?
- had to pivot. After his mother's death, he found out that who his father was. His father was in desperate need of an heir. - came in right on time. At least that was the plan. - and - had a little fun together despite - being engaged. That engagement was off and - needed him to get out the forced marriage. -slowly started building an empire with trusted soldiers and - by his side. This woman was a force. She could not be stopped. This made it hard for her to stick to the role of the silent partner when out. They both tried to keep the marriage as a business arrangement. Their connection ran too deep. Their attraction to each other could not be denied.
Ms. Keene gives readers the a mafia story that has it all. Let's not forget get the action. These mafia families did not play. What I loved the most is how strong - stayed throughout it all. That woman held everything together behind the scenes. Will - finally let - step into the light? I can't wait to see if this goes anywhere. I definitely want more. Hint, hint.
- had to pivot. After his mother's death, he found out that who his father was. His father was in desperate need of an heir. - came in right on time. At least that was the plan. - and - had a little fun together despite - being engaged. That engagement was off and - needed him to get out the forced marriage. -slowly started building an empire with trusted soldiers and - by his side. This woman was a force. She could not be stopped. This made it hard for her to stick to the role of the silent partner when out. They both tried to keep the marriage as a business arrangement. Their connection ran too deep. Their attraction to each other could not be denied.
Ms. Keene gives readers the a mafia story that has it all. Let's not forget get the action. These mafia families did not play. What I loved the most is how strong - stayed throughout it all. That woman held everything together behind the scenes. Will - finally let - step into the light? I can't wait to see if this goes anywhere. I definitely want more. Hint, hint.
March 9, 2026
⭐️4🌶️3💧0
I devoured this book. Had me hooked line and sinker from the start. Couldn’t get enough..
I was loving the FMC and her IDGAF mentality and almost bratty behaviour, especially in a mafia world where women are to be seen and not heard. She’s all NOPE! Not today Satan! Haha then we have our MMC who is a rough and tough “man” who eventually has his emotional side come out. Who knew there was a softie under all that abrasiveness
My only reason for it not being a 5⭐️ read… I feel shafted we didn’t get their wedding!!!
Otherwise great read!!
#Slowburn #forcedproximity #powercouple #mafiaromance #fakeengagement
I devoured this book. Had me hooked line and sinker from the start. Couldn’t get enough..
I was loving the FMC and her IDGAF mentality and almost bratty behaviour, especially in a mafia world where women are to be seen and not heard. She’s all NOPE! Not today Satan! Haha then we have our MMC who is a rough and tough “man” who eventually has his emotional side come out. Who knew there was a softie under all that abrasiveness
My only reason for it not being a 5⭐️ read… I feel shafted we didn’t get their wedding!!!
Otherwise great read!!
#Slowburn #forcedproximity #powercouple #mafiaromance #fakeengagement
February 17, 2026
This is a mafia book read spicy and enjoyed the relationship between MCs
February 19, 2026
Received ARC copy for my honest review
This was a really good book it’s the first book I’ve read from this author and I really enjoyed it
This was a really good book it’s the first book I’ve read from this author and I really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews