Roman by Grae Bryan

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Roman
Author: ⟫ Grae Bryan
Blurb: ⟫ Danny Kingman is used to fending for himself. Working non-stop as an ER nurse to pay for his mother’s care, he’s been putting his own life on hold since he can remember. But when an unbelievably hot, strangely intense man saves him from a mugging, Danny has a feeling everything is about to change. Especially when that man suddenly pops out a pair of fangs.

Roman Mourier has been wandering aimlessly for decades, waiting for the inevitable day when the last of his humanity leaves him, and the demon inside him takes permanent control. He doesn’t believe in fated mates, or the myth that there’s a soul out there that could tether his humanity to him. Until he feels a strange pull to the lovely young man at the hospital, and hope stirs in him for the first time.

But Roman has demons other than just the one inside him. Is he strong enough to keep Danny safe from the past that haunts him? He knows one thing for sure: now that he’s found his mate, he will do anything to keep him.

Review: ⟫ This was a sweet and overall gentle story and I think for me, that was the problem. I was hoping for more – more bite to it, more sexiness, just more. Instead, although it was a perfectly pleasant read, it wasn’t anything particularly special. There isn’t anything memorable about it, which is a shame because the idea is sound and could have been quite spectacular.

Roman is surprisingly sweet, understanding and restrained – what he does for Danny and his mother, giving them time together where she remembers him is one of the loveliest things I’ve ever read, and an amazing use of vampire compulsion. Danny seems completely unflappable, which was a little incongruous considering he’s been introduced to vampires, stalker vampires and what his new mate calls his Demon. To be honest, Danny seemed more than a little too good to be true – even suspending disbelief, I expected at least one freak out.

Nicely written and a pleasant read, this is a gentle, relatively low-angsty vampire mate love story that was mildly enjoyable.

Presidential Chaos by Saxon James (Frat Wars #3)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Presidential Chaos (Frat Wars #3)
Author: ⟫ Saxon James
Blurb: ⟫ Two houses. Two Presidents. One hell of a happy ending.

Zeke

Being President of a frat house means everything is on my shoulders.

Idiot brothers, epic pranks, a list of organizational duties long enough to make my eyes bleed.

None of it fazes me.

But senior year is almost over, and I’m ready to take a step back.

Until the hazing rumors start.

I might not know where they’re coming from, but I know they’re total BS.

Now, instead of dialling back the stress, we’ve broken the number one rule on the row: Don’t get the dean’s attention.

I need to find out who’s driving the lies.

And all evidence points to one person.

Charles

I never wanted to become Kappa President.

The appointment was made easier, though, when none other than Zeke Ariston took over Sigma house. I’ve always been … drawn to him.

Fascinated.

And maybe a little attracted too.

Pity I’ve never been more than an afterthought to him.

But when rumors start to circulate about hazing, and the sources lead back to my house, it puts me square on Zeke’s radar.

I want to help him get to the bottom of it all.

And with his attention finally on me, I want to tell him how I feel.

The guys on Greek Row meet their chaotic conclusion with this rivals-to-lovers romance full of pranks, shared hoodies, and secret meetings made in the dark.

Review: ⟫ Okay, I’ll admit it – I downloaded this book pretty much one minute after midnight because I was desperate to read it! And I stayed up all night so that I could finish it!

I did not want this to end because I absolutely adore the guys on Greek Row! I didn’t think anything could top that flash mob parade in the second book, but I am more than happy to admit that Zeke and Charlie may well own my heart! They were so hot together, so open to the idea of the secret they shared becoming more – there were very few misunderstandings, lots of communication, and lots and lots of yummy sex!

Characters from previous books make an appearance (obviously) and this was a delightful end to an entertaining, well-written series, I may re-read all of them because they were that enjoyable and am more than happy to recommend this book with a 5/5 from me!

Married to the Mobster by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #1)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Married to the Mobster: Morelli Family (M/M Mafia Romantic Suspense Book 1)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ The Mob sent him to kill me, but he owed me a debt…

Years ago I saved his life, and we spent one hot night together before he disappeared. Now this bad boy’s all grown up, and living a dangerous life. But when his Family decides to send a message to my father, it’s my life on the line.

Only he can’t bring himself to do it when he realizes who I am.

He bargains for my life.

He argues to keep me as a hostage instead of killing me.

He even agrees to marry me, but not for love.

Marrying me is the only way he can repay his debt to me.

He tells me he’ll keep me alive only as long as his Boss allows it.

What he doesn’t know is that I’ve loved him since the first moment I laid eyes on him. I’ll take him any way I can get him. Sleeping with the enemy never felt so good…

But is there someone else who wants me dead?

Review: ⟫ My kind of mobsters!! There is absolutely no way to pretend that Luca isn’t in the mob – it’s written all over him, with every move he makes and every word he speaks. And he doesn’t try to pretend that he isn’t in the Mob. Which means that this book has some violence, blood and death and I’m absolutely fine with that!

Finch was absolutely brilliant! He didn’t have a thought in his head that he didn’t voice which was perfect since Luca seemed struck dumb and didn’t seem to know what to do with him. The attraction between these two is off the charts from the first time they meet, and that heat permeates the entire book. You can well believe that Luca would kill for Finch – call it chemistry, attraction, heat – whatever it is, he is head over heels for Luca, and even though he tries to hide it from people who would take advantage, it’s pretty damned obvious!

I loved this entire book and devoured it in one night – the machinations behind the scenes, the Donovan Family, the Morrellis – the entire cast are entertaining, fully fleshed and the book was riveting. Really pleased I found this series and can’t wait to get to book 2!

Beloved by the Boss by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #2)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Beloved by the Boss: Morelli Family (M/M Mafia Romantic Suspense Book 2)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ It’s good to be the Boss. That’s what I thought my whole life.

Now I am the Boss. I’ll shoulder that responsibility with my beloved husband beside me. As long as I have Finch, I can handle whatever life throws at me.

But what they say is true: Be careful what you wish for.

My Family has been decimated. My allies are few. I’m holding onto power by a thread.

And the truth is, my husband is more vulnerable than ever. He’s always been a lost soul, and now he’s suffered yet another crushing loss.

I can’t protect him from Fate’s cruel blows. But I’m determined to protect him from our enemies, no matter what it takes—as soon as I get my own house in order.

Because I’m starting to wonder if there’s a traitor in the Morelli Family…

If I can’t even trust my own men, how can I keep my beloved safe?

Beloved by the Boss is the sequel to Married to the Mobster, and is the second book in the Morelli Family Mafia Romance series.

Review: ⟫ This second book in the series was fascinating for so many different reasons. We see Luca and Finch growing into their new position, as well as struggling with the realities of it – being the Boss isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

Finch goes through a lot in this book – he loses people he cares about, people who should have cared for him – and it’s sometimes hard to see how much he’s suffering. But Luca is always by his side, putting Finch first regardless of the consequences to himself. There were a lot more Mafia machinations in this book and it was really intriguing to see how it all worked in the inner sanctum, and how the men in the Commission were not as altruistic as they might originally have seemed.

I enjoyed reading this – I didn’t devour it at the same rate as I did the first one, possibly because I had to concentrate more to catch the names of the players involved. I was intrigued by the Connie/Celia situation, especially when Connie’s brother arrived on the scene. I must admit, I was very disappointed in Frank although by the end of the book I had more sympathy/understanding for him.

This was an enjoyable read and definitely not something I would consider filler, which I think a lot of second books can come across as. On to book three!

Enticed by the Enemy by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #3)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Enticed by the Enemy (Morelli Family #3)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ He’s an FBI profiler who’s half my age. Contact between us is forbidden. But I can’t stay away from him.

As the Morelli Underboss, I’m the Family problem-solver. So when a task force blames the Morellis for a series of murders in Central Park, it’s up to me to restore our reputation.

But Fate puts me on a collision-course with an agent on the very task force dedicated to bringing down my Family…

And we end up on the run together.

My heart has been ice-cold for decades, but something about him sets my blood on fire.

It would be crazy of me to trust a Fed. But he claims he wants to prove my innocence. That the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

We each want to solve this case for different reasons, but we’ll both end up dead if he can’t follow my lead.

So to make him behave, I’ll use every weapon I have—including my body.

But why do I feel like I’m the one losing control?

Enticed by the Enemy is a M/M mafia romance set in the world of the Morelli Crime Family. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s even more fun to read the series in order. Characters and events from previous books are referenced.

Review: ⟫ Okay, I dare anyone who’s read the previous books to not be curious about Angelo – Mr Strong, Silent and Menacing in the background. I dived into this book not sure what I was expecting, but his relationship with Baxter wasn’t it. I was immersed in the mystery, fascinated by the insight into Angelo and his relationship with Tino and more than a little in love with him from the very beginning.

This was a brilliant addition to the Morelli Family story – murder and intrigue, all playing out with everything going on in the Family in the background. I was dragged along, trying to piece the clues together, although I admit I did kinda figure out who it was. But who the hell cares? Because this was hotter than sin, intriguing and just completely and utterly fun to read!

I’ve been reading these books back to back, waiting for one of them to show signs of slipping in tightness of the writing, the plot, the world building – but it all just keeps getting better and better.

I freaking loved the ending – I thought it was an absolutely excellent way for things to keep going. I couldn’t wait to dive into the next story – review to come shortly – and am looking forward to book 7. Another 5/5 from me for this author!

Seduced by the Sinner by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #4)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Seduced by the Sinner (Morelli Family #4)

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ He’s innocent. He’s chaste. He’s promised to God.
And he’s more temptation than I can handle.

I’m supposed to guard the Boss’s husband, but I just can’t keep my eyes off his best friend, Aidan O’Leary.

Watching him.

Wanting him.

Knowing I can never have him.

Aidan is pure in body and soul. He’s about to be ordained as a priest. Me? I’m going to burn for the things I’ve done. And I can’t stop thinking about all the sinful things I want to do to him.

But when there’s an attack on Aidan’s life, I’m reassigned to protect him, and we grow closer than ever.

Someone wants Aidan dead. It’s my job to deliver him safely to the Church to take his vows, although I’d rather have him as my own.

I’ve sworn to protect him until I can give him away to God. But it’s getting harder and harder to let him go without a fight.

And if I can’t focus on the job, how can I keep Aidan safe when our enemies are closing in?

***

Seduced by a Sinner is best enjoyed as part of the Morelli Family mafia romance series. Characters and events from previous books are referenced

Review: ⟫ How on earth do you make a Mafia bodyguard as sweet as this? Like, Teo is a stone-cold killer yet is so respectful of Aidan and his choices, always ready to step back and let him make his own way. It was so painful reading because his heart was breaking even while he tried to do the right thing for Aidan.

The background action was, as always, fast and furious, with the Donovans playing a much bigger role in the story. I wasn’t sure about Aidan when I read him previously – I could see hints of someone I could like, but the fact that he was going to be ordained as a Priest, rejected Finch’s offer of funds, etc. made it difficult to see just how he would fit into the family.

Aidan and Teo made so much sense together – they were such a strong unit, even while they were both trying to pretend that they would be able to say goodbye to each other. It made my black heart ache for the pair of them.

More Morelli intrigue and action in the background, plus the Irish made this a fast read for me which I totally enjoyed. I honestly can’t get enough of these stories and found this a very satisfying addition to the Morelli Family.

Kissed by a Killer by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #5)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Kissed by a Killer (Morelli Family #5)

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ It’s my job to protect the Morelli men when the law is after them. But now their most dangerous Capo has killed to protect me.

My law firm has two unbreakable rules.

1. Never get personally involved with a client.

Nick Fontana was only ever supposed to be a booty call, but he’s had me cross-examining my heart since we started hooking up.

2. Never let the Morellis do you a favor.

I can’t stop thinking about his talented hands on my body…but those hands just took the wrong life to save mine.

I helped Nick cover up what he did, because if anyone finds out, it would start a Mob War that could destroy us all.

But someone knows our deadly secret.

I’ve kept my mouth shut. So can I really trust the killer I’ve been kissing?

Review: ⟫ Okay, I’ve officially decided Nicky and Carlo are my favourite in this series. They are so freaking hot together, and I was shocked to discover that the lawyer was more cut-throat than the killer. Go figure!

This was a fascinating insight into what it’s like to work for the Don – to be in a position of power but not THE position of power. Despite his position in the Family, ultimately Nicky knew that his actions could lead to his death. But for Carlo, he did it. Even while trying to deny how he felt about him.

And Carlo was a freaking bada$$! Even when he was terrified, trying to figure a way out of the awful dilemma they were in – he was still absolutely brilliant. I adored these two men together – where Nicky was soft, Carlo was tough, and Nicky was such a devoted, strong, protective man – who could ask for more? We saw more of Finch and Luca, and this was one of the first times in a while where we see Luca most definitely as the dark Boss that Finch fell in love with. And that was hot, even while I was holding my breath waiting to see how things were going to play out.

I devoured this book in a matter of hours and didn’t begrudge the lack of sleep – it was well worth it. Yeah, my favourite of the Morelli Family books so far!

Devoted to the Don by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #6)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Devoted to the Don (Morelli Family #6)

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene

Blurb: ⟫ Luca thought keeping me out of the Family business would keep me safe.

He was wrong.

Now his own life is hanging in the balance, too.

While our enemies stalk us, long-buried secrets begin to resurface, and I’m not sure who we can trust.

But I won’t let anyone take him from me. No matter what I have to do.

I meant every promise I made to Luca in my marriage vows. And now it’s time to make good on them – for better or worse.

Till death do us part? Over my dead body.

I’ve been underestimated my whole life. But if there’s one thing our enemies should have counted on, it’s my love for my husband.

My devotion to the Don.

***

Join Finch and Luca in a dangerous, action-packed, steamy adventure that takes them from New York to Boston, through Roman ruins and a Venetian masquerade, as they redefine their marriage and search for a way to eliminate their enemies for once and for all.

Devoted to the Don is the sixth book in the Morelli Family series.

Review: ⟫ Whoo!! Back with Finch and Luca, this book was a humdinger!

I half felt like I watching something like National Treasure as they followed the clues wherever they led to figure out the mystery!

I got to 25% and I let out a screech that shocked my cats when someone returned, and I was cheering my head off like a mad woman!

I freaking loved this book so much.

Luca is on the edge, losing himself in his fear for Finch. And Finch is determined to show his man that although Luca calls him an Angel, Finch is more than prepared to go dark for Luca.

The relationship between these two is damned near holy, and seeing them become closer and stronger together was a delight. The sex was, as always, hotter than hot (the scene in the alley in Rome!!) but more than anything, the connection between these two is like two souls that have found their other half, and after a few bumps in the road, are realising just how perfect they are for each other.

Book 5 still remains my favourite, but this is coming a close second. I still can’t believe Leighton Greene has managed to keep up this standard of writing this far into the series – that is some serious talent!

Vow of the Vigilante by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #7)

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Vow of the Vigilante (Morelli Family #7)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ Baxter Flynn is a wanted man in more ways than one.

He and Angelo Messina, ex-Underboss of the Morelli Family, have only strengthened their connection while they’ve been on the run, working toward their goal: find the one man who can clear their names.

But the law is always nipping at their heels, and for Bax—once an FBI agent—his underbelly life has never been completely comfortable.

Now Bax and Angelo have a solid tip on the whereabouts of their target, and with the help of the Castellani Family in Los Angeles, they might just pin him down…if they can get to him fast enough.

Because they’re not the only ones with an interest in the fugitive they’re chasing.

And all the while, one question grows larger in Bax’s mind: What happens after?

How can he and Angelo possibly make a life together that isn’t tainted by blood?

Review: ⟫ First of all, I would really like to see any images Leighton used to envisage Bax – for * ahem * research purposes! Because when Finch described him as swole, I had to admit I really wished this was a movie.

And that was how I felt about the whole book – I could imagine it playing out on screen, with Angelo and Baxter pursing their only chance for justice, chasing down leads, intermingling with other Mafia families and enjoying being together. We meet Jack (who gets his own book His Lethal Desire) which is what led me to the Morelli family in the first place, as we try to track down Greco who could have a whole lot of answers for Angelo and Baxter.

Julian is here – I freaking adore Julian, and reading his shenanigans in this book, including his choice of outfit when he first meets Angelo and Bax, just made me love him more.

The biggest thing I loved about this book was the answers as to how a Federal Agent and the Monster of the Morellis manage to get a happily ever after. And they surely did – so much so that I re-read the last two chapters twice after I finished the book simply to soak in the joy of a well-deserved slice of heaven for the two of them.

This was a brilliant ending to my journey with the Morellis, although I wouldn’t mind visiting them every now and then – especially to visit Nicky and Carlo (hint hint) – and an easy 5/5 from me. My only regret is that I didn’t discover this series before.

A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ A Ruin of Roses (Deliciously Dark Fairytales #1)
Author: ⟫ K.F. Breene
Blurb: ⟫ A spicy new twist on an old classic – a deliciously dark Beauty and the Beast reimagining.

I could save him, but he would ruin me.

The beast.
The creature that stalks the forbidden wood.
The dragon prince.

He has suffered a fate worse than death. We all have. A curse put upon us by the mad king.

We are a kingdom locked in time. Shifters unable to feel our animals. Stuck here by a deal between the late king and a demon who seeks our destruction.

The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter.

He’s our hope.
He’s my nightmare.

When he catches me trespassing in the forbidden wood, he doesn’t punish me with death, as he’s entitled.

He takes me, instead. Forces me back to the castle as his prisoner. Seeks to use me.

Apparently, I can save him. I can save the whole forgotten kingdom, locked away by the demon king’s power.

But it would mean taming the monster beneath his skin. It would mean giving myself to him.

It would mean my ruin.

_ _ _ _ _ _

This is a dark and sexy Beauty and the Beast retelling, featuring a strong heroine, a dangerous anti-hero, and a humorous supporting cast. It is a full-length novel at 80k words and suitable for 18+. This is the beginning of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Buckle up. The author was let off her leash.

Review: ⟫ I don’t tend to read M/F any more – basically from the time I found M/M, I didn’t turn back. But a friend read this and I was intrigued by her review so I thought I would give it a go.

I don’t really know how to express my feelings about this book. I persevered in reading it because I was positive that at some point it would get better. It was so meandering, rinse and repeat. I found the heroine annoying as heck, and the hero was aggravating but not in a way that intrigued me – I just wanted to slap him.

I expected dark and sexy – instead I found myself wondering about the books I have been reading because all of the so-called shocking acts just struck me as pedestrian. And I had flashbacks when the heroine was ‘talking to herself’ because it reminded me so much of the little that I read of Fifty Shades – Anastasia and Finley would get on so well with their inner Goddess. And as for the soft cliffhanger, I found that I really just didn’t care. Which I guess is the kiss of death for a story – if the cliffhanger ending just makes you glad that you’ve made it to the end, there’s not much hope left.

I can see why some people have enjoyed it – it’s different from the normal romance and has what could be an intriguing plot, with fascinating demons and shifters. But this was most definitely not for me. I’ve given it 2 stars because of the world building and the potential, but I won’t be moving on to the next story.