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Giorgio Pozza is known by many names—beast, monster, grim reaper. Born in secret and hidden within the forests of Russia, he was trained to kill. Raised to kill. Death and destruction are virtually the only things he has ever known or cared for…until he meets Mo.

Mo is warm and affectionate. She’s also a contract killer. Disguised as an exotic dancer, she infiltrates a clandestine, underground Russian strip club in search of the target of her newest kill order—billionaire heir and prodigal son, Mischa Ivanovich.

While onstage, Mo scopes out the club and notices only three other bounty hunters present, and it’s three she knows she can easily overpower. At least, if they are foolish enough to get in her way. But when she gets close enough to Mischa to stick her blade into his neck, she realizes her mistake. There was one more, lurking in the shadows, and it’s the man whose name reverberates fear.

However, in those dark, secret tunnels beneath the city of Moscow, a fighter’s intensity turns into lust. A killer’s rage becomes raw passion. Mo’s solo mission turns into an unexpected, erotic weekend in a luxury hotel suite. And it is there, after her one-night stand with a killer, she begins to realize how much more there is to her dark knight, and how quickly she has gone from being his adversary...to being the target of his desire.

Hot, steamy romance, suspense and action all come together in this highly anticipated series standalone. Note: The Dark Knight can be read without first completing the other novels in the series. After this book, however, look for Gage: The Wolf. You'll want to.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2022

372 people are currently reading
498 people want to read

About the author

K. Alex Walker

34 books554 followers

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5 stars
822 (67%)
4 stars
287 (23%)
3 stars
81 (6%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,664 reviews32 followers
January 8, 2023
The hero, I loved him! Do you hear me?! I love Gio! He was brought up from birth to be a super assassin, a superior fighting machine, a beast! Through pure will and determination he escaped that life but was left with external and internal scars. If someone tells you you're a beast everyday of your life, you will believe it. When he encounters Mo on a job, he decides not to kill her for getting in his way and preventing the capture of his prey. Instead, Gio seizes an opportunity with Mo and begins to immediately capture Mo's heart. Gio feels something and it's foreign and forbidden based upon his upbringing but he doesn't totally hate the way he feels when he's with her.

Now Mo, I didn't connect with this late-in-life assassin, not with her constant crying, her clingy behavior, and her willingness to beg a man to stay when he wants to leave. She repeated her (past) relationship pattern of behavior, losing herself within the relationship. She totally turned into a girly-girl! Also, I can't get with heroines that can't live without the hero. Yes, you can! You may not want to, but you can! Also, I think she was deaf because the hero kept telling her the same thing over and over again—to wait for him before running off half-cocked. Her rebelliousness and his worry for her safety distracted Gio from being completely in combat mode. So instead of giving him peace of mind, she was indeed Bezids! Read the book! This was an action-packed story with lots of heart-stopping moments thanks in part to Mo/Bez's inability to listen. Still, I loved this story!

There are a couple of more people in this series that I am hoping will get a story. So stay tuned.

In the meantime, if you loved Gio as much as I did then you should read 'On the Edge of Love' by Shay Rucker. The hero in Shay's book is named Zeus and he is the book brother of Gio. They are both men of few words with a penchant for knives. They are total badasses! However, Zeus is completely obsessed with his Sabrina. You can read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Read. This. Book! Highly, highly recommended!

This author is on my short-list, drop everything and read her book list! Now, be sure to go back and read the rest of the books in this series (see titles below). In fact, read all of this author's books.

Is the first time the best time? Angels & Assassins Book One started it all and it's my favorite book from the series, so far. I will read it over and over again.

Read This Series!
The Wolf (Angels and Assassins #1 - Tayler & Gage)
The Protector (Angels and Assassins #2 - Dez & Larke)
The Anarchist (Angels and Assassins #3 - Julian & Ari (Mo's Twin)
The Dark Knight (Angels and Assassins #4 - Gio & Mo (Ari's Twin)
The Shadow (Angels and Assassins #5) - Mike & Xara
The Darkest Knight (Angels and Assassins #6) - Gio & Mo Return!
Hidden In The Shadows (Angels and Assassins #7) - Mike & Xara Return!

Click this link to check out the entire Angels & Assassins Series:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Kay.
247 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2019
Gio

I have waited for this book since Gage and Tayler’s story. It was so worth the wait. I loved finding out Gio’s backstory and his love for “Bez”. I will say that I wish the team had been woven ,ore into the story. For those who did not Radha your of the other books, it is an easy read with no questions. For those of us who read the other books, it could be very frustrating. There was some things that didn’t make sense based on those other stories especially the time line of certain events. You can see by my rating that it did not detract from this story. On to waiting for Michael’s story.
Profile Image for Karen's Bookshelf.
470 reviews
July 16, 2023
I have been looking forward to Gio and Mo's story and it was well worth the wait. Neither the hero or heroine were looking for a happily ever after but maybe a happy for now but they seemed to fall hard for each other in spite of that. I enjoyed them as a couple, but them being partners in crime is what made this story for me. I don't think they could have found anyone better for themselves than each other. If you're looking for to imperfect souls that are perfect for each other, I think you'll love this book.
Profile Image for Kat.
229 reviews17 followers
August 14, 2019
Loved it

I was looking forward to Giorgio and Mo's story and K. Alex Walker did not disappoint with this one. I loved it!
504 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2022
Okay

This one was not as good as the other ones. I enjoyed it but I kind of had to force myself to read most of it. They weren't like they were in the other books. I was a little confused with the book. Don't get me wrong, I still will read the rest, I think I need a break from these very wordy long books. I am glad Ari got pregnant. I was worried about the poisoning. This was a book full of killing. Oh, and don't forget the sex. Bez was kind of a whiny assassin. I am surprised she lasted as long as she did. It helps to be the star of the book. What happened to Olu and Ade?
Profile Image for Angie.
112 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2019
Did Not Finish

I originally downloaded this book at the beginning of August 2019. I came back to it in November and decided to give it up. This book was boring with much of nothing going on.
I would not recommend this book.
Profile Image for ANGEL-A-.
604 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2020
Book was drawn out and boring, Mo was a persistent pain in the arse, for an assassin she was crap at her job
Profile Image for Naomi.
143 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2023
The 3⭐️ is genuinely just for the vibes. The couple had instant chemistry. It was very much insta lust which i usually don’t mind but damn they saw each other they started fighting and literally next thing you know they started kissing and then had sex. It was very weird.

The story frankly, I’m just so confused, made no sense whatsoever. I don’t want to spoil anything and frankly I don’t even want to write about it, but it was just so weird and in the end was so anti-climatic because nothing happened. The bad guy were killed so easily it was just ugh… anyways yeah I was just here for the vibes, the couple they were so cute. Giorgio was a big teddy bear😍, that’s the only thing that I liked about the book.

The plot? what plot?there wasn’t any plot😂
Profile Image for Nock Leighton.
373 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2023
I love assertive men but the strong silent type is so hot and Giorgio was just that. Him and Mo were hot together both in and out of the bedroom. Probably my fav couple in the assassins series so far
Profile Image for ejbooks25.
213 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2024
4.75⭐️
3🌶

GIORGIO!!! He has a special place in my heart! I loved learning more about him and why he is the way he is. He is truly a Dark Knight. I love how he is really trying to show Mo he loves her in his own way.

I also love that he strictly uses knives!!!!

Mo, is that girl!!! I love how she took a horrible situation she was in and created and thrived in a male dominated career.

I loved how action-packed this book was! Both of their fighting scenes were so good. They are really the best at what they do.

I knocked it off a quarter of a point because both of their stubbornness made me want to smack them upside the head! Haha

This was my favorite book in the series thus far, and again, I can't wait to read the rest!!

Lastly .. FUCK VATER YOU STUPID ASS BITCH!

(Also I know Mo and Ari are identical twins but for some reason I cannot picture them looking the same!!! I do not know why my brain refuses to put the same face on these two characters)
Profile Image for mumu.
344 reviews26 followers
September 15, 2025
snooze fest. i didn't like the insta love at all. after the first couple chapters, i was hoping the time jump meant yearning and tension but it was all too fast paced for me. there were no stakes.

giorgio was okay, but honestly really boring. maybe because his english was so bad lol, but he just didn't feel interesting enough as an mmc. like we get that you're violent and broody and quiet, but anything else???

i did like the fmc though, she was badass and very headstrong. plot was just boring and not engaging for me.
Profile Image for Unnichan.
105 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2019
This is my first book in this series and I am so glad it was! I don’t fall in love often, not with heroes anyway, but Giorgio Pozza? That man is beautiful. He was a wonderful character from start to finish and I knew I loved him from the “dates.”
I’m usually draw to conventionally unlovable characters and Gio proved my heart still breaks for those that don’t know how worthy they are to give and receive love. This story was a romance, no doubt but it felt like so much more. The tears flowed freely for Giorgio and his Bez, who was simply one of the best heroines I’ve ever read in a romance. Mo is the type of woman, most of us are. She was real and relatable, unlike many that misconstrue and pout. She communicated even her most vulnerable feelings and desires, not with resolve or even hope, but with certainty and sincerity. She fought along side her partner and was willing to explain herself and apologize for misunderstandings, not to mention rising above her own trauma, without being pelted by guilt or displacing and transferring issues onto someone else.
One of the best things about this story is you have two people that work together, so much so, their relationship felt easy and right regardless of the circumstances or the niggling insecurities and doubt. They learn to look beyond their basest instincts, to dig deeper and be honest with themselves and each other about who they are and what they want—- No matter how hard or dangerous or even painful. They never compromised what they knew was special and rare.
Don’t give many 5star reviews but even with minor editing issues, this story won my heart.
***Have already revisited my favorite parts. Literally stopped in the middle and went back!
344 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2021
Pretty Good

I was struggling with this book initially. Kinda getting the passion of how you come together with Mr Hottie Fiya "monster" but not really. How do you go in that deep with some assassin you just met that could kill you the first night given her hx and how she came to be??? It was hot for the book buuutttt...🤷🏾‍♀️ realistically did I understood that, not really?? The colorist, chauvinist pig she dated that should have died? And as an assassin, Mo came off more sexy distraction learning new moves??? How was she going up against these hard core killers and not dead??? Like her and Gio were super cute and good as a couple, but there were some challenges with her that weren't measuring up regarding her assassin skill set. If she is going to be a bad ash, then let her be that. She was a security risk for me in the book, more likely to get herself or Gio killed because she was not that good. Mo that I saw in the previous book was not at all like I thought she would be and that is ok. I just love how Gio developed and his backstory way better. Decent book, took a little longer to finish this book because I was probably more annoyed with and not as engaged with Mo's character. Mo seemed really smart and great at decision making in previous books, not so much here.
Profile Image for LaTanya Galloway.
326 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2019
Bez and the Dark Knight

So worth the wait for Giorgio and Mo's story. For a man of very few words, Gio said a lot. Especially when it came to Mo. Even though they met under the strangest circumstances, it was like the buried into each other's soul. Reuniting, Gio realized he was much more than what he trained and lived his whole life to be. Mo, running from her own demons, realized when she actually stop running she had someone who was totally devoted to her. They made a great team. It was some totally sweet moments and some very sad ones but it was a great read nevertheless
309 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2019
The Best One So Far

I love these books. This was the best one yet. From the introduction of Giorgio I have been intrigued with that character. I loved the interaction between him and Mo in the other books. I waited on their story and it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for the next book. This was a great read. I intentionally tried to ensure this review gave away nothing. All I can can say it that it was a Great Read and you won't be disappointed. Buy the book and if you haven't read the others get those to.
2,670 reviews23 followers
August 16, 2019
Yeah This Is Good

I so so patiently waited for this story because I knew it was going to be just fabulous! We are thrown into the thick of things right off the bat and we go 100 miles an hour.This was not only such a sweet ,sexy romance but it was an action packed mystery thriller to boot. This story has something for everyone and you will not be disappointed. This was and is a good story from the beginning to the end. So looking forward to more of this couple,especially when they start having babies. So would love to see them give momma and daddy a run for their money.
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
August 18, 2019
Made since

This story made sense to me only after I realized it went way back from the ending of book 3. I loved the characters. They were both crazy and made for each other. Will there be a book 5???
Profile Image for G.
257 reviews
July 18, 2025
☆ 3.75 stars

Tropes
♡ German Shepherd MMC/Touch Her And ☠️
♡ Polyglot MMC
♡ Australian FMC
♡ Enemies-To-Lovers (for a hot minute)
♡ He Falls First

Overall:
Two bounty hunter-assassins, Mo and Gio, fall for each other and work together to hunt down whoever's put a quarter billion dollar bounty on Gio's head.

What I enjoyed:
- Gio is straightforward. In the words of Kevin Malone, "Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?" 😅 Even though he is a man of few words, he chooses them wisely.
- "He planned it." 🥹
- He knew since Vegas.
- I appreciated how their work took them all over the globe, including back to his native Russia. The author clearly did some research into each of the locations, paying attention to history and words, no matter how brief their encounter.

What I didn’t enjoy:
- Mo could've off-ed the informants herself if she didn't want Gio to do it. Leaving loose ends as a bounty hunter-assassin just seems dumb.
- Pacing is all over because of the time lapses, and Mo's growth seemed to be a bit haphazard as well.

Favorite quotes:
"Humans often repulsed him. Shamed him to be part of the same species. It was the same type of humans of ill repute who had created him and trained him to be the monster he was today."

"She was back. That finger was, again, on the tabletop. It then went from the tabletop to her bottom lip, and he wondered if people under- stood exactly how deadly bacteria could be."

"About this hit. Do you know who's behind it?"
"No. Two men, they come to my gym today. To kill me."
"What?"
"I kill them. Is okay."

"You are always pain, Bez. Is what it means, Bez. Bezdis. Trouble. In Albanian."

"Bez, ya lyublyu tebya." He slipped their fingers together. "You are welcome."
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,709 reviews21 followers
February 10, 2024
Magnificent

WOW this is such a unique and awesome set of stories! Each one tells a great story which makes each one a awesome, unique and exciting. It's full of romantic chemistry and sizzling hot passion with characters that are awesome, and oh my the passion just burns up the pages with chemistry thats sizzling hot. The ladies are independent but lovable and men makes you want to melt. This series always gives you such a pleasurable experience of excitement that you will definitely enjoy them all. They are so entertaining and captivating that you will want to read them more than once. It's a great love affair that makes you smile at the happy couple you are reading about. I really enjoyed reading this story it's written with such extraordinary imagination that makes it a pleasurable and beautiful experience to read. If I could I would give them ten stars because they are for sure worth five stars.

Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,531 reviews11 followers
April 28, 2020
Beast Tamed

I loved it. This was my favorite one of the Angels and Assassins books. Gio has never knew love or feelings and emotions all he knew was kill or be killed until he met Mo. Mo wasn't looking for nothing serious but she couldn't help but fall for the silent killer. They work so good together and it broke my heart when she lost their unborn child. I love all the A & A clan but Gio and Mo are my favorite. I'm glad he was finally able to tie up his past ending Vater and Malachi so they could move on with their new beginning. I hope this ain't the last of these characters because I really enjoyed them.💟💟
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,018 reviews
December 17, 2020
He could be my knight in shining armor

Loved it!

Gio was so broken that he seemed unfixable. Then he meets his Bez during an assassination attempt gone bad. He became her shadow and protector and her lover. She tried not to catch feelings, no labels, play down his position and their relationship. He was still all about her.
Gio went through a lot in his childhood that was scarring and tormenting. Somehow she got past his self hate, his thoughts of being unworthy of love, care and happiness. He thought he was what his creator made him - a monster but Bez saw more. She realized she wanted him and was willing to go through hell to keep him.

What a great read
Profile Image for Janet R.
614 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2021
Romantic Suspense Thriller 📖at its Best😍

I love the Angels and Assassins series, but my favorites are Gage & Tayler's ✍ and The Dark Knight with lethal badass Giorgio & his lady love assassin Mo! they are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 . K Alex Walker is a master story teller & an immensely talented, skilled author. Reading this suspense , thriller ,brimming with steamy. tender, sweet romance is like watching an action packed movie on the big screen. The fight scenes are so vividly described, you feel as if you are right there in the midst of the deadly action! If I could give this book 10 stars I would💃I can't wait to read Mike Huang's 📚- the final in the series😍🙌
Profile Image for alofa.
365 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2022
4.5-75 stars

miss ma'am, you really have me out here eating this book upppp. soo freaking good. like we get strong, black women, we get "i hate everyone but you" / "i'll kill for you" type men who let their action do the talking, assassins, AND some good spice all wrapped in one. i was sold. like it's the perfect amount of dark with some cute fluff that'll have you giggling and kicking your feet type material. like before this i rlly thought i was falling into a slump, but this rlly slapped me in the face and said you thought. the only reason why i didn't round higher was bc i wanted a longer epilogue THAT'S IT.
138 reviews
April 9, 2023
Did not disappoint!

I was really looking forward to Mo and Giorgio story. I loved every bit of it. Giorgio had seemed really strange in the prior books. I had to see what drew the two of them together. Then what ends up being good old fashion patience, understanding, and love. I was really drawn in by their relationship and how steamy and sizzling hot it was. Not to mention Giorgio is sexy. I also love how they have so much respect for each other. Mo’s love end up bringing brightness to his life. Showing Giorgio that he is not a monster, and there’s more to life than killing. Again did not disappoint! Thank you Ms. Walker.
1,213 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2021
Gio and Mo were explosive from the jump.

I hate that the author made Keith such an ass. He did a 180 from date one. She could’ve left him as a nice guy and just had Mo not want to lead him on Bc she has a connection with Gio

Twin convo that some reason, had me cackling:

“A hit? Mo, are you trying to tell me that you’re, I don’t know, some kind of contract killer?”
“In some aspects of the word.”
“Which aspects?”
She cleared her throat. “All of them.”
“The fuck, Mo?


“You’re out there, by yourself, killing people for sport?”
“Not sport! Money.”
“Like that’s better.”

I don’t know how to explain Mo and Gio, they just work
Profile Image for Nicole.
311 reviews
July 18, 2022
Mysterious

My first impression of the book before I read it was that it would be boring, but it was far from that. Mo and Gio were the perfect fit for each other and I enjoyed the plot, it wasn’t prolonged.
We see that love is possible for everyone no matter how dark of a past you may have you just have to find your person. I would have enjoyed the epilogue for the story to see how the pair would navigate being parents but overall the book was great and had some laugh out loud moments.
Profile Image for Victoria Ziglor-smith.
784 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2023
Re-reading the whole series

What can I say each one is a great re-read and I’m enjoying it. I always re-read a good story, unfortunately I didn’t leave an awesome review the first time for any of them. At that time I was going through a crisis and reading was my escape but I didn’t want to leave a review. But I feel better now and I’m leaving reviews trust me if a story wasn’t that good I’m not re-reading, nor will I give it five stars.
Don’t let this series pass you buy this is a great read and it’s great to read it over and over like me. ✌🏿
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews

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