WOWZA! THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!!! E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G!!! This review is spoiler free. The Rise of Saint by author Bella J is one hell of a thrill ride. A ride I didn’t want to get off of. Its intensity had me gripping my kindle so hard I’m surprised it didn’t shatter into pieces. This book immediately starts off with a BANG and ends with an explosive cliffhanger that left me a wicked cliffy hangover. It’s packed with all my favorite things, my must have’s in a dark romance if you will. This story needs to be experienced. One sinful word at a time. Simply put, to miss out on Marcello Saint Russo would be a travesty to all dark romance alpha male lovers. This titillating, sexy, scary and suspenseful read will take you on the ride of your life. It’s fast paced, gripping, raw, violent and so entertaining. SO ENTERTAINING! I’ll admit that Saint is a guilty pleasure of mine. One I don’t want to stop indulging in. I could feast on him forever. Devour him. What can I say about Saint? He’s a hard man to like & hard to love. He’s an acquired taste, a scary alphahole force to be reckoned with. You’ll love to hate him and ultimately hate to love him. Then you’ll fall head over heels for him and question your own sanity at that revelation. Even his name is killer sexy. He is growly, gruff and oh so dangerous. A mafia made man on a mission. That mission is vengeance. He is scary sexy, cruel and obsessed with completing his mission. A mission that includes a kidnapping, an arranged marriage, a decades old deal gone wrong and a vendetta that destroyed the life of one woman. A woman who holds the key to everything. That vendetta involves Mila Torres, who’s backstory was brilliantly written and woven into the story. I fell in love with this heroine too. What an incredible story she has. Her relationship with Saint is a very complicated one. There is most definitely and undeniable attraction between Saint & Mila. Saint will test your limits. He sure tested mine. I mean, OMG!!!! That’s all I’m saying. Saint will do anything, hurt anyone who gets in his way without guilt or remorse. All in the name of vengeance. Believe you me, you do NOT want to cross him. EVER!!!! Sometimes, a kiss can change everything. I really liked the supporting characters, James & Elena. Especially Elena. Don’t get too comfortable, you won’t sit still for long. There are so many twist and turns, secrets and lies, love and hate and a hero and heroine that will leave you breathless. So, grab your copy of The Rise of Saint, hang on tight & buckle up because it’s going to be a very exciting and bumpy ride. I can’t wait to read how this story turns out in the next book, The Fall of Sin. Bella J can spin an exciting mafia tale like nobody’s business. I’m completely obsessed with the hero’s she writes. I highly recommend this book. The Rise of Saint is a deliciously dark, dangerously decadent & downright delectable 5 star must read. Top read for 2020.