NERO: Alliance Series Book One

Nero — SJ Tilly
Rating: ★★★★☆

Nero is pure gold if you love an obsessive antihero and a heroine who won’t wilt under the heat. I was hooked by the characters first—Payton’s wit and backbone make her easy to root for, and Nero’s single-minded fixation is the delicious, dangerous kind that fuels every scene. Their chemistry crackles; even quiet moments feel charged because he is always watching, plotting, choosing her.

My favorite exchange sums up the vibe perfectly: “You’re crazy.” / “For you, I’m f—ing certifiable.” It’s playful, unhinged, and somehow tender—exactly the tone of their dynamic. And when Nero tosses off “villains have more fun,” the book fully embraces what it is: a romance that lets the monster be the man.

What worked for me:
 • Character-forward tension. The plot moves because of who they are, not just what happens to them.
 • A compelling obsession. Nero’s devotion never feels lukewarm; if you like protective, possessive energy, this scratches the itch.
 • Bantery heat. The dialogue carries both the spice and the softness.

Why it’s not a full five: a couple beats felt predictable, and I wanted just a bit more depth on Nero’s backstory to match the intensity of his present. The pacing also sprints near the end; I’d have loved one or two quieter scenes to let big emotional turns land.

Bottom line: a highly satisfying dark(ish) romance with an antihero who means it and a heroine who meets him in the fire. If “obsessed, protective, will-burn-the-world-for-you” is your trope, Nero delivers—loudly.

I have major mixed feelings about this book. Half of my brain is like, “Okay, cool, I’m rolling with it,” and the other half is screaming, “What the actual fuck??”

So, Payton—our 27-year-old virgin FMC—is just vibing in her apartment, watching her favorite movie, when a random almost 40-year-old man (MMC) climbs up her second-story balcony to evade the police…? And we never really get clarity on why? Like, hello?? That would’ve been my first question. Total coincidence? Fate? Who knows.

Anyway, MMC strolls in, eats her popcorn, and lounges on her couch like he owns the place. And does Payton call the police? Nope. She…falls asleep next to him because he tells her to “relax.” GIRL, NO. I mean, I literally fantasize about scenarios like this daily, but let’s be real—I’d still be shook as hell.

And Payton lets everything slide. Like Nero pretending she doesn’t exist? She’s just cool with that?? Even though it didn’t even keep her safe because the mayor can’t shut up? Also, their relationship moved way too fast—like, were they ever actually in love, or was it just raw attraction and Nero being obsessed with her scent? Because where were the real emotional moments beyond a few cuddle sessions?

Oh, and let’s talk about the virginity situation—she waits 27 years, and then the second time he shows up at her place (after literally breaking in), she just lets him take it?? And she only learns his name as he’s inside her??? HUH???

Then there’s the whole 40th birthday party mess. She shows up thinking he invited her (he didn’t), he gets mad for no real reason, and then breaks into her apartment again that night. And after all that, the second he admits to killing Arthur, she just thanks him and is suddenly ready to jump his bones??? Girl. Be. For. Real. Oh, and they move in together that night.

BUT, one thing I absolutely loved? Nero and King’s best-friend relationship. They were so funny together! Easily one of my favorite parts of the book.

I could say more, but I think I’ve already ranted enough.

Was it the best book I’ve ever read? Absolutely not.
Did I devour every word like it was my last meal? Hell yes.

So.....the book was definitely overhyped! The characters are nice and its your typical mafia romance (as in the mmc is possessive, dominant, assertive and morally grey) but I couldn't bring myself to love Nero. His inner monologue and thoughts are very annoying! Its almost as if he needs to constantly remind himself that he's rich and the head of the alliance (it got really old really fast). Then there's how he constantly talks and thinks about these enemies but it book almost 80% of the book before they made any move (I started to think the man was delulu and made up his own beef). Another thing that really got to me was how the story was 344 pages long but it had 85 chapter and 2 whole epiloges (I felt like I was reading for longer than I actually was). Now on to Miss Payton!!! Miss girl!!!! Are you okay??? I had a hard time getting her thought process but who am I to argue with her lol. Over all the book was weird but the spice was nice. Some of it was a little odd but it was okay. I highly doubt I’ll read the rest of the series tho.

This book got me into all the books from S.J.Tilly <3

It’s a quick spicy read. Wasn’t too convinced with the story line. I needed more context. References Wizard of Oz.