Diabolic

Dearly Departed Duet #1

by Penn Cassidy

I've been a slave to the cartel since I was stolen from my mother's arms at only five years old. Trafficked for years, in and out of disgusting drug dens, wh*re houses and seedy clubs, violence is what I know, death is what I witness and destruction is what I crave.I've belonged to a dangerous man for ten years now, and I've found a place here among killers and criminals. I've earned his trust, and he sees me as the child he always wished he had. But I serve other purposes as well. See, I'm as beautiful as I am deadly-perfect for catching one's enemy with his pants around his ankles and a gun against his temple. I've climbed the ranks in this new, bizarre family of mine, and I have my sights set on the throne.But there are some who don't exactly approve of my aspirations. After all, who am I but just a useless s*x slave? I'm watched closely. I can feel their eyes on me everywhere I go. One who protects the Capo, one who wants me behind bars, and two that want that throne I'm after.Little do they know, I'm five steps ahead of them already.This is a RH, whychoose #agegap #taboo #dark #contemporary #triggersDiabolic is book 1 of 2Book 2. DEPRAVED, will release December 2023

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Why Choose, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Crime

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2022

About the author

I spend 95% of my life huddled in my little office, at my little desk, vividly hallucinating about characters and scenarios that don't exist. Then I write it all down for you to enjoy!

Reviews

[evelynn kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

** SPOILERS ** OH MY GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK! Our FMC, Layla, is one badass assassin and is feared by many. She had such a troubled upbringing and is making the most of it now. I loved the spice in this book and am hoping she gets her HEA. That cliffhanger twist was not so shocking because we got Gage's POV so it was only a matter of time that she figured out he was a fed but I have hopes that we are going to be seeing more of him in book 2. His love for Layla will probably win over his sense of duty. At least I hope it will. I love the dynamics of her RH crew so far and am looking forward to more spice - especially with Sarge. Omg that one scene was not enough!!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, great ending

I just want to gush about the ending of this book. I loved it. Completely brought up my rating for the book because I really enjoyed how things played out. No hints or spoilers but it is such a great lead in for the next book and I can’t wait to see what happens and how characters react to the events.

I adore a FMC that is strong, independent and don’t need no man. Layla had been burned down for most of her life but then she rose from the ashes and became such a force to be reckoned with. She knows what she wants, and she is still full of surprises.

The men are all so different and I can’t wait to learn more about what’s going on in their heads and how they are going to potentially work together (or apart). Again, can’t say too too much but I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens with Sarge.

I ended up really enjoying this book. It has a pretty steady build up and the ending completely makes the book. Very much looking forward to book two.

[Rae (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, please can we have the next book 🥺

I devoured this book in one sitting and was left with a cliffhanger to rival all cliffhangers, so I need the next beautiful book to release soon.

I see Penn Cassidy, I one-click. I had no regrets even with that cliffy, because if there were to ever be a mafia book with an absolute badass, BOSS woman, it's this one. Finally, a strong FMC that I can back 100% and believe in. I loved it so much. The RH aspect was great and makes me desperate to see more of the guys. The intrigue, the deception, gah 😍

I read this back in March and am only reviewing it just now, but I actually remember this story almost perfectly, it was that good.

This cover is absolutely gorgeous btw.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good! I’m fairly new to Penn Cassidy having only read like one or two other books by her and she blows me away every book I read! The writing is gritty it’s dark and twisted I was captivated from beginning till end I loved the characters love that it’s multiple POV the ending blew me away I just can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend if you love a good dark contemporary RH romance with mafia ties than definitely read this book!

[Inga O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penn has done it again pulling me into another absolutely incredible book Diabolic. Our FMC Layla is scarred but not traumatised she’s strong, sassy and deadly. Adoptive daughter to a Mafia Boss who is dying she’s on the verge of being handed the kingdom but at what cost when there’s blood in the water? Sarge, Gage, River and Alex (I licked River he is mine no one else’s!! Ahem) are all drawn to Layla’s undeniable aura of confidence beauty and even that hint of her inner past pain that shines through. They all form some kind of bond relationship at different paces making it believable and each are so well developed that you just can’t help but love them. The world itself is really well thought through and the plot is full of twists, betrayals and a cliffhanger that as Penn always likes to leave you with driving you crazy for the next book!

[booklover1816 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major cliffhanger!!

I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself 😭 I swear one day these cliffhangers are gonna kill me. This is my first book by this author and it was amazing!! I love Layla and how she has a no shi* attitude. I’m really hoping that book 2 comes out asap because I have to know what happens next!

Also I really love the the guys. Alex, River, Sarge, and Gage are honestly so perfect for our fmc. They challenge and accept her for who she is and she definitely needs people like that in her life.

You guys. I HIGHLY recommend this series!!

[Cat Vann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

⚠️ Possible Spoilers Ahead ⚠️

Whoa 🤯

I can honestly say at this point, I’m addicted. This book was lethal. Point blank. Like I have a new FMC hero. This girl was a no holds no bar take all chick. I’m sure you all remember the part of lion king when sherabi walks through the hyenas with her head held high? Yeah that’s the type of energy this chick has and I am so here for it!!!!!!

I need more. I’m addicted. I. Need. More!!!!!

[freyleyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHUT UPPPP! i loved this so much more than i thought i would!!

📚Diabolic📚 is a slow burning, yet extremely hot RH read. tbh, i didn’t know this was reverse harem and that’s exactlyyyyy how i like it!
this book follows Layla (or Lala😩😩😩😩😩😩😩) who is s*x trafficked until a rich mobsters wife saves her, and she lives with them while he trains her to be a mercenary or assassin, or k!ller. or should i say Sarge trains her 🦋😺 either wayyyyy, she is now their top merc who goes on runs, with plans to take over the syndicate. now ion wanna talk about the hero’s, cause i didn’t know who they were (i mean i had thoughts, but it wasn’t confirmed) until late in the book, WHICH I LOVE

tropes 👇

✅RH-reverse harem, in this case 4 heros (or is it four😏)
✅strong heroine
✅mafia ish (low on the mafia side)
✅kinda forbidden (with a touch of age gap and taboo)
✅non-mutual pinning on one of the guys parts (she wants him but won’t allow it)

my thoughts!

i liked how the heroine is strong but didn’t have me cringing. i loveddd how the book slowly built and ended with a bang.
‼️‼️‼️‼️SPOILERS‼️‼️‼️‼️go read the book yall it’s good. okay that was your last warning.
now ima talk about the dudes and what i liked about em😏 gage, you knowwww i love me a non mutual pinning and ugh this gave. i also love me a FBI/DEA agent ugh!!! so i love him. i wanna see his redemption though cause i wouldn’t let dude double cross me again🙅‍♀️ sarge?? i wasn’t too gung-ho on him, especially with the beard, long hair and salt and pepper vibe (just ain’t my thing!) but you know he is so mf hot. like sir??? the phone scene😩 alex? you know i love a flirty hero who is dominant elsewhere😏 he gave!! not my fav but i love him. okay river!!! my baby. he’s so beautifully tortured i love it! he and lala are definitely similar and i love it.

BASICALLY, i loved this book, already want to re read it, need the next one ASAP and will rec to anyone.
4.5/5⭐️
4/5🥵

[LolaLovesRH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobbing for the Next book

It’s been a while since I’ve honest to goodness thought a piece of work deserved a 5 star rating. Where I reach the end of a book and feel absolutely blown away. Generally, if I like a book enough I’ll give it 4.5 and round up. This book is a 5, there’s no debating that in my mind.

Layla, is an assassin and my favorite kind of fmc. She’s brazen and tough and has every means to back it up. She’s sexually confident and well at the end of the day…. a little maybe a lot of unhinged, but those qualities usually make the best kind of FMCS.

The men were equally amazing, and for lack of a better word HOT. Sarge had me fanning myself for majority of the book and you can easily understand why the fmc is attracted to the older man. Gage, Alex and River they all had things that attracted me to them but I must say I had a particular soft spot for River and Gage.

There’s no OW drama and a lot of steam and sexual tension. I think it says enough that I didn’t want to the book to end. Penn Cassidy has really knocked it out of park with this one and I highly recommend giving this book a read.

[Kassey J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd rate the duet as 2.5 rounded to a 3. It was ok. My main issues were that rivers' backstory of how he became Alex's bodyguard changed from the first book in the second. Originally River was acquainted with alex at 15, then in the second he didn't meet him until 19. This erks me so bad in books so i took a star. Another problem I had that wasnt really that big of a deal for me was book 2 was riddled with typos. I can over look them but It was a bit bothersome so I took half a point. And the other point taken wad just because I don't see myself ever reading it again and that's the only way a book gets a 5 star for me. So yeah it was ok just wasn't all that. Also don't go in expecting any real group scenes cause you'll be disappointed. There were only ever really 2 scenes that involved 2 of the guys and then another with 3, and it wasn't dp just a little voyeurism and a little touching, basically nothing imo. So yeah just okish.

[Zen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Honestly, this book was too short for this many love interests. I love a good age gap, but the almost 30 year difference between Layla and Sarge was kind of ick since he had lived in the same space with her since she was 13. I also didn't like how Layla demanded respect and respect for her words and choices, but prided herself on pushing buttons, which essentially meant throwing herself at Sarge at every opportunity after he said no until she wore him down. Won't continue to the next.

[Brittany Caraballo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was a RIDE! I am absolutely in love with Penn’s writing style and how real the characters feel. It‘a definitely the start to a series, so the characters are just meeting each other and overarching conflict is hinted at/discussed but clearly not solved. I love the RH element and each characters unique backgrounds. SARGE IS 💋🔥 love me some age gap daddy vibes.

Can’t wait to read more!

[Anthia Clark-Felt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Absolutely amazing Mafia read. Layla has this take no crap personality that I adore. The men in her life are all stone cold killers that bring that bring the dominate element to life. I could not put this down and cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Tova Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla

Damn. This book right hereeeeeee. I don’t think I was actually ready. Oh I can’t wait till the next book that ending. Whew. This book is dark so read the triggers before you start, but absolutely this was good.

[˚•—S—•˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just gonna say this first, the blurb made this out to be very different to what it was. And it also sounded darker than it turned out to be.

This book is about Layla who was kidnapped into human trafficking as a child, before being sold to a mafiaboss and raised as his adoptive daughter and trained to be a killer. She is a cold and ruthless killer, working her way through people selling girls.

Her love interests are her trainer, who she is pining after but he wont give har a chance (he is also twice her age), a guard, a «cousin» she just met and his bodyguard/friend.

Is this dark? Not really, it is a mafiabook, so i guess that would make some call it dark, and also she kills people so theres that. All sex is consentual, some referances or flashbacks to rape/molestation. Violence.

It was a good story, interesting, but I just wasn’t feeling it?

[Scarlett Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat level: 4/5. I have loved the books I've read by this author and this really took the cake. I LOVE Dark Romance so much and the fact that the FMC one of the stabby hardcore members of this mafia gave me life. Add in the fact that she collects 4 peens and I was sold so fast. The spice was sprinkles in but packed quite a punch especially with all the sexual tension floating around. I NEED the next one!

[Jess_Book_Basement · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the most amazing plot completely gripping from the very beginning. Add in spice hotter than the surface of the sun, a group of mysterious and complicated men, and this book is 100% my catnip!

I don’t want to give too much away as it’s best to experience this story first hand. Let me just say that the main character Layla is a full-scale badass. A product of the flesh trade, tortured and abused, she is adopted by the head of a mafia ring as his daughter. Trained as a mercenary, she is the deadliest person on his staff constantly battling to prove her worth against the other men.

Her harem of men are deliciously complicated in their own way but can all agree Layla is the most seductive, sensual and mesmerizing woman they have ever met. Each is under her spell without a hope in hell of exiting that orbit alive.

There are some heart-stopping twists that make this book an absolute page-turner that I could not put down. My anticipation level is at an all-time high as this book is a cliffhanger and I don’t know how I am going to patiently wait for the next instalment in The Dearly Departed series. Diabolic was just that good! It’s a must-read of 2022!

Please be mindful of the trigger warnings as some graphic topics are discussed in detail.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penn has started this series with a bang! The detailed world and character building will capture your imagine and pull at your heart strings. The world of the Mafia is full of darkness and torture but the love of family can make it something beautiful too.

Layla is as beautiful as she is deadly, she's the one you don't expect to come for you. She had experienced horrific abuse as a child but wears her scares and trauma without fear, this in essence makes her untouchable, cold and alone. She is on the cusp of being handed ultimate power over the family as her 'adopted' father us dying of cancer however time is running out as the sharks are circling.

River, Alex, Sarge and Gage, each one a powerhouse of a man, each one devoted to Layla. Their relationships all develop at different rates which bring a heavy sense of realism. You can't help but fall for each one of the men in her life and I can't wait to see where their journey goes.

This book is a dark, engaging read with a plots that builds with twists, horrific truths and betrayals and a cliff hanger that will leave you saying WHAT THE F.... just happened

[Saucy Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful and Snarky FMC

This is one of my top 2022 books officially. Penn Cassidy has written a new series that I consumed without even knowing it. Layla is so snarky and bad a$$...I love these FMCs. They make the story truly amazing. After years of being bought and sold she has redeemed herself by becoming a top merc for the mob boss who saved her. With Raul now terminally ill, there are sharks circling. Layla feels she's proven herself top of his organization. But it's a man's world even now. Sarge and Gage are her closest friends. But outside the organization there's been plenty of unexpected surprises. Alex and River bring new interests and passion to her life. But betrayals are in the works. She will have her allies. And there will be heartbreaking traitors. Big cliffhanger. Next phase!!! Great start to the new year and for Ms Cassidys growing legacy!

[bookedbysmut Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diabolic ending

Gahhhhhh. Penn motherfreaking Cassidy. I cannot handle this. I cannot handle not knowing what happens next. I’m already on pins and needles waiting to see the outcome. I truly didn’t thing that twist would be discovered so soon!!!
•
“I was grieving too. Grieving for my sanity that I could feel slowly slipping away. For the woman who thought, just maybe, she could actually open up and start feeling something for someone. Something real. Something genuine.”
— Diabolic (The Dearly Departed Book 1) by Penn Cassidy
•
Layla is a bada$$ and I felt for her. I loved her strength and her need for revenge and Justice. I enjoyed her thirst for blood. I’m ready to see how Penn brings Layla’s walls down some after the betrayal in book 1.
I don’t know what happened to me, but somewhere along the line, I stopped choosing the easy going guy first.
Strong. Silent. Deadly. That’s my jam now and River is going on my toast. (Don’t delete me)
I am dying to know how it all plays out and how Layla will affect River and his past.
Alex, Sarge, Gage… I enjoyed their characters. We shall see what I like after book 2.

[Kimberly Karma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Was Nottt Prepaered! Beyond Expectition's!!!!

Gripping, Rivoting, Intense pshychological thriller!!!! Layla is the Best most Badass FMC! The Entire Storyline, Characters, Their World, Was literally beyond Expectation!!! Every time I think there's no way she could write a book Better than the last, she prove me wrong every time! This I'm sure is my Absolute favorite book! If your looking for ALL THE FEELS?? Well let me tell you, I feel like my emotions have been thrown Into the Spin cycle of the washing machine!! I can't express enough How much you Need To read this book!! I honestly feel bad for anyone who doesn't take advantage of this book, Because it's one Helluva read that just blows Your mind!!!!!

[Ashley Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!



Read trigger warnings before diving in.

This story is slow burn with a lot of anticipation of what to come. I just kept wanting more of each character. Penn always makes you fall in love with her characters even if they are dark and depraved :)

You never know what Layla is up to or going to do. She is this amazing strong women that doesn’t need anybody to do anything for her .


Sarge is this solider type that doesn’t want to give into Layla but with protect her with everything.

River the man with a dark past that found somebody that wants the same things.

Alex is trouble!! Don’t know where he stands but still kinda like him.

Gage the one that is hard not to like.

[Madame Book Wh0re · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penn Cassidy did an amazing job writing Diabolic!! It says that it’s a medium burn but in my opinion it was a slow one. That didn’t make a difference though on how well this book turned out. I believe there are supposed to be 2 more books in this series and this book is a road map of who the characters are what’s there position in the “relationship”. The characters have there own POV and it is well worth it. I wish the book could have been a bit longer but hopefully the next book comes out soon. This book does have some triggers, so I would check on that before reading if you do have some limits. Overall, it was a very good read! Penn Cassidy, I’m ready for book 2….and 3! 😉🖤😈

[Chantelle Goller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought she couldn’t get any better

No way did I think she could beat the Noc City series, I thought that was peak writing and was excited that if this is the quality this author turns out, then sign me up. So when I started to read this, I was practically jumping for joy. This book is so well written and captivating that I was engrossed from the get go. I’m pretty sure I owe my work hours for the amount I read this at work to finish it. I can not wait for the next book!

[BLuvsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced RH mafia/ cartel read with an unexpected cliffhanger.

Unique plot with a FMC that is the adopted daughter of the mafia boss and also his assassin and enforcer. She has had a traumatic childhood but found her strength with her new family. I also enjoyed the love interests and their differences. Looking forward to the next in this series by this new to me author.

Multi POV. Mafia RH. Triggers- SA and violence.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes please! More!

Can't put into words how good Diabolic is. It had me hooked right from the beginning. The characters are chef kisses and you never know what they will do next. It's steamy as hell, a few psychos thrown in the mix and a few times I cried because I really felt for each character. I need more and can't wait for the next book. 5+ stars and highly recommended.

[Crystal Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building in this book was great. I loved that we learned about each character without there being too much detail. Layla is my absolute favorite. I hate what she went through but i love that she is an absolute badass. Also I can’t wait for Layla and Sarge and River to finally do the do. And I’m hoping there will be a group scene because why not. Anyway the plot twist at the end of this book broke my heart and I can’t wait for the second book.

[Heather Klausing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new take for a mobster book for me and I loved it. Layla was saved from sex trafficking at 13 but walked into a completely different world where she was safe from being violated but one where she still had to give up a piece of her soul.

I loved how there was many twists and turns in the story line, kept me on my toes. But that cliffhanger at the end was brutal and intriguing. Cannot wait for the next instalment!

[Marie Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is *chef's kiss*!

I've read Penn Cassidy's books when she was using another pen name. She's always been one of my favorite authors. With this newest series, she doesn't disappoint! It has complex characters and a tight storyline. There's a lot to uncover and I'm looking forward to reading the second book.n

[kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love everything Penn writes, especially when the FMC is a strong badass! Can't wait for the next book! Great job :)