First published in June 2025 by Slowburn, Allen’s next installment, Into Darkness, is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook, at libraries, and on the Libby app.

The audiobook delivers marvelously, with Kasi Hollowell embodying Lauren Marchetti’s sassy, flirtatious attitude, and Teddy Hamilton transcending in his performance as Nico “Junior” Trocci, the mafia son searching for a way out of the family business.

Allen’s transparency continues with a comprehensive list of trigger warnings, alerting readers to themes such as graphic sexual content, stalking, domestic/emotional abuse, violence, organized crime, and severe family conflict. Reading these warnings is essential, as these elements are inseparable from the story and demonstrate careful handling of sensitive topics. This approach helps readers make informed choices about proceeding, maintaining the author’s direct approach.

In this second book, Allen introduces her audience to Lauren Marchetti, a cam girl and kink club owner, and the one woman Nico “Junior” Trocci is supposed to stay away from. She’s the one he pushed away back in high school and kept his distance ever since. Now, Junior is done keeping his distance. Lauren remembers Nico all too well, and the way he spurned her. She won’t let him get close again. No matter how much he tempts all of her desires.

The absence of the humorous banter from the first book results in a shift toward smut and violence. Allen’s focus on Nico’s struggle with his family deepens the story’s violence, leading to spicier, but it also causes the plot to stagnate. The main critique is that by prioritizing darkness over balance, the book loses pacing and emotional relief, diminishing its appeal.

The lack of balance is a significant factor in the 2-star rating.