One Dark Kiss By Rebecca Zanetti Book Review

I will be honest, One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti grabbed my attention right away. This dark romantasy changes the Snow White story into a world full of wealth, temptation, and secret desires. If you like books about tough deals and strange fairy tales, you should try the Grimm Bargains series.

Key Takeaways

One Dark Kiss is a quick, dark romantic fantasy. It gives a new take on the Snow White story. The book has danger, secrets, and strong characters.
This book is good for people who like strong romance. It also has family drama and fights for power. The story retells a fairy tale in a modern way.
The story can be read alone. It also links to the Grimm Bargains series. Both new and old readers will enjoy it.

Worth Reading?

First Impressions

I’ll be honest, I started One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti late at night, thinking I’d just read a chapter or two. Next thing I knew, I was still up at 2 a.m., totally hooked. The book opens with a chilling vibe—think forbidden deals, glittering parties, and secrets lurking behind every smile. I felt like I’d stepped into a fairy tale, but one where the glass slipper might cut you.

What really grabbed me? The way Zanetti twists the classic Snow White story. She doesn’t just retell it—she drags it into a world of money, revenge, and temptation. I found myself rooting for characters who probably shouldn’t be trusted. The tension between what’s right and what’s irresistible had me flipping pages fast.

Note: If you love a book that mixes dark romance with fantasy and a dash of danger, this one delivers. I have to give props to Zanetti for making the familiar feel fresh and a little bit dangerous.

Here’s what stood out to me right away:

The book ranked as a new release on the Apple Books Best Selling Books chart, so I knew I wasn’t alone in my excitement.
It sits next to big names like Scarlett St. Clair and Emily McIntire, which tells me fans of dark romantasy are already paying attention.
The story doesn’t shy away from tough themes—revenge, forbidden attraction, and high stakes. That’s exactly what I want in a dark fairy tale retelling.

Who Should Read

I always try to match books with the right readers. One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti isn’t for everyone, but if you see yourself in any of these, you’ll probably love it:

You crave dark romantic fantasy with a modern twist on fairy tales.
You enjoy stories where money, power, and forbidden desires drive the plot.
You’re a fan of authors like Harley Laroux or Emily McIntire and want something in the same lane.
You like your romance with a side of danger and a sprinkle of family drama.
You want a book that’s already popular—this one shows up in “Customers Also Bought” lists and has strong sales.

If you’re looking for a sweet, gentle romance, this isn’t it. But if you want a pulse-pounding story that left me gasping more than once, you’re in the right place.

One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti: Plot

Story Overview

I have to admit, I got pulled into this story way faster than I expected. One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti starts with a bang—no slow build, just straight into the action. The main character, Lila, isn’t your average fairy tale heroine. She’s smart, a little bit dangerous, and she’s got her own reasons for making risky deals. I found myself rooting for her, even when she made choices that made me cringe.

Here’s what really stood out to me:

The plot moves fast. I never felt bored or lost.
Every chapter brings a new twist. I kept thinking, “Just one more page,” until I realized I’d read half the book.
The story mixes revenge, forbidden romance, and family secrets. It’s not just about love—it’s about survival.

Note: If you like stories where nothing is simple and everyone has something to hide, this one will keep you guessing.

Setting

The setting feels like a dark fairy tale, but with a modern edge. I could almost see the glittering parties and shadowy corners. The city feels rich and dangerous at the same time. Money and secrets fill every room. I loved how the author made the world feel both magical and real.

The city has a cold, sharp beauty. It’s not a safe place, but it’s exciting.
The parties sparkle, but there’s always something lurking in the background.
I felt like I was walking through a fairy tale that could turn on me at any second.

To be fair, the setting made me want to look over my shoulder. I never knew what would happen next, and that kept me turning pages.

Characters

Main Roles

I have to admit, Lila stole the show for me. She’s not your typical fairy tale lead. She’s sharp, stubborn, and sometimes a little reckless. I loved how she never waited for someone else to save her. She made her own choices, even when they got messy.

Lila: She’s clever and always thinking two steps ahead. I felt her pain and her hunger for something more than just survival.
The Prince: He’s not the charming hero you might expect. He’s got secrets, and I never knew if I could trust him. That kept me on edge.
The Stepmother: She’s icy and unpredictable. Every scene with her made me tense up. I wanted to yell at the page sometimes!

Tip: If you like characters who break the rules and surprise you, this cast delivers.

Dynamics

The relationships in this book had me hooked. I could feel the tension between Lila and the Prince from their first meeting. Their banter made me smile, but the trust issues ran deep. I kept asking myself, “Will they betray each other?” That question pulled me through every chapter.

The family drama felt real. I saw jealousy, loyalty, and old wounds that never healed.
The romantic tension? Off the charts. I’m talking about those moments that left me gasping and flipping pages faster.
Friendships and alliances shifted all the time. No one felt safe, and that made every scene more exciting.

To be fair, some side characters faded into the background. I wanted more from them. Still, the main trio kept me invested. I have to give props to Zanetti for making me care, even when I didn’t want to.

Themes

Revenge & Redemption

I’ll be honest, revenge in this book feels like a living, breathing thing. Lila doesn’t just want to survive—she wants to win back what was stolen from her. Every page drips with that need for payback. I found myself cheering her on, even when her choices made me nervous. The story doesn’t paint revenge as simple. Sometimes it hurts the people you care about most. That hit me hard.

But there’s also a thread of redemption. Characters mess up, big time. They get second chances, but nothing comes easy. I saw moments where someone tried to fix old mistakes, and it made me hope for them. The book asks, “Can you ever really start over?” I kept thinking about that long after I finished.

Revenge drives the plot and keeps the tension high.
Redemption gives the story heart, even when things get dark.
Family drama adds extra layers. No one gets off easy.

Romance & Power

The romance here isn’t sweet or simple. It’s tangled up with secrets and danger. I felt the pull between Lila and the Prince—sometimes it left me gasping. Their attraction feels risky, almost forbidden. That made every stolen glance and whispered promise feel electric.

Power plays a huge role. Money, status, and old grudges shape every relationship. I loved how the book twisted the classic Snow White story into something bold and new. The stepmother isn’t just evil—she’s smart and ruthless. The Prince isn’t just a hero—he’s complicated and sometimes scary.

Note: If you want a fairy tale that bites back, this one delivers. The dark romantasy vibe and the Snow White retelling kept me hooked from start to finish.

Romance is dangerous, not just dreamy.
Power shifts with every chapter.
Forbidden desires and family secrets make everything feel risky.

Strengths & Weaknesses

I’ll be honest, I did not expect to stay up way past midnight with this book, but that’s exactly what happened. My eyes burned, my coffee went cold, and I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter.” If you’ve ever lost sleep over a story, you know the feeling.

Here’s what really worked for me:

Fast-paced plot: I never felt bored. Every chapter had a twist or a secret.
Atmosphere: The mix of glitter and shadows made the setting feel alive. I could almost hear the music at those parties.
Bold characters: Lila stands out. She’s clever, stubborn, and not afraid to make mistakes.
Romantic tension: The chemistry between Lila and the Prince? Off the charts. I found myself rooting for them, even when I knew I shouldn’t.

But I have to give props and call out a few things that bugged me:

Some side characters faded into the background. I wanted more from them.
A few plot twists felt a bit rushed. I sometimes wished for a breather.
The story leans hard into drama. If you want something light, this isn’t it.

Series Comparison

Grimm Bargains Context

I jumped into One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti with high hopes because I already liked the Grimm Bargains series. Each book takes a classic fairy tale and flips it on its head. This one stands out for me because it feels darker and riskier than the others. The stakes feel higher, and the secrets run deeper.

The series always mixes fairy tales with modern problems. This book does it best.
If you’ve read the earlier books, you’ll spot little nods to past characters and events. That made me smile.
I noticed the writing style stays sharp and quick, just like the first book. The drama and family fights feel even more intense here.

If you love seeing fairy tales get a bold twist, this series keeps things fresh. I have to give props to Zanetti for making each book feel different but still connected.

Standalone or Series

I get this question a lot: Can you read One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti without reading the others? I tried it both ways. You can jump in with this book and not feel lost. The main story stands on its own. Still, I think you’ll enjoy it more if you know the backstories from earlier books.

Reading the whole series gives you extra layers and inside jokes.
If you want to start here, go for it. The plot makes sense on its own.
I liked spotting returning characters, but you won’t miss out if you’re new.

To be fair, I always like reading series in order. But if you just want a chilling, twisty fairy tale, this one works solo.

Special Edition

Deluxe Features

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a pretty book. When I saw the Deluxe Special Edition of One Dark Kiss, my hands actually shook a little. This isn’t just a regular hardcover. The publisher went all out with:

Exclusive cover art that feels both dark and magical
Foil details that catch the light and make the book look expensive on my shelf
Bonus content—I found a special scene at the end that isn’t in the standard edition
Character art prints tucked inside (I may or may not have squealed when I saw Lila and the Prince)

Collectors will love this. If you like to show off your favorite reads, this edition stands out. I kept picking it up just to admire the details. It’s the kind of book you want to display, not just read.

Fan Experience

The fan community around this series surprised me. I joined a few online groups and saw readers sharing photos of their special editions, trading theories, and even posting fan art. The author, Rebecca Zanetti, sometimes pops in for Q&As or shares behind-the-scenes tidbits. That made me feel like part of something bigger.

Author promotions: Signed bookplates, exclusive bookmarks, and early sneak peeks for fans
Community events: Virtual launch parties and read-alongs that made the release feel like a celebration

I stayed up way too late with One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti. The fast pace, bold characters, and risky romance pulled me in. Some side characters felt flat, but the main story kept me hooked.