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Il Padrone by Leigh Kenzie (Vendetta Series Book #1)

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Title: ⟫ Il Padrone

Author: ⟫ Leigh Kenzie

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Allesandro

I’m Il Padrone, the Master of this Family, and Emilio will learn his place. I’ll bathe in his tears and watch as he humiliates himself. It’s all for my pleasure. I own it all and he’s just another addition to my collection.

Emilio

Il Padrone calls me his toy. His property. He says I can earn the right to be higher in his organization if only I submit. If only I change who I am. I may be younger, but he hasn’t seen the likes of me before.

Just how twisted can a tale of vengeance become?

Trigger Warnings: This is a dark MM Mafia with graphic violence and extreme sexual situations. Please see inside for more information.

The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.

Book 1 of the Vendetta Series, ends on a cliffhanger

*This has been re-edited as of July 2022 but no new content has been added

Review: ⟫ Firstly, I would say to heed the warnings within the book and the author’s website – this is very dark, with talk of torture, abuse and sexual domination. Secondly, I wasn’t surprised that this was the author’s first book – I felt that that came through in the writing as there was a lot of telling rather than showing. Also, there were occasions when the writing came through as choppy and disjointed, and not when I would have expected it to be like during the torture sessions.

Few of the characters are fully fleshed out but it shows more with the two ‘main’ characters, Emilio and Alessandro. They were almost cut-outs of what you would expect: dark, mafia boss with twisted sexual desires, disconnected from the world and everyone within it and showing a complete disregard to life; intelligent, college boy who has remained a virgin and finds himself in an impossible situation whereby the most he expects is to survive, and any enjoyment he gains is a shock to him.

It became clear that this is the first in a series of books that will presumably dig deeper into the backgrounds of the characters, but unfortunately for me the story didn’t grab me enough to make me want to read any further. And that wasn’t because I found the book too dark – it was plain and simply lack of interest. I didn’t feel anything for any of the characters. Their motivations and actions made no sense to me and I didn’t care what happened to them, which in the case of Emilio is absolutely essential to be able to carry on.

The writing itself was solid if a tad simplistic and I would imagine that for some people, it would be a joy to discover that there are at least six more books in the Vendetta series. I’m not one of those people and I doubt I will be looking further into the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Not My Groom by Devon Doe (Am I The Problem? Book #2)

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Title: ⟫ Not My Groom (Am I The Problem #2)

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tl;dr: Am I the problem for sleeping with my cousin’s groom before their wedding? I did her a favor, really!

I [25M] hate weddings, because I was jilted at mine a few years back. But while I might be cynical about love, I’m not gonna refuse free food and a five-star hotel at my cousin’s nuptials. And since I was visiting my hometown, I grabbed the opportunity to hook up before the event. What can I say? I’m an ass man, and when I spot a ripe peach, I’m gonna reach for it.

So here’s the issue: at the rehearsal dinner on the very next day, I found out the man whose cherry I took is the groom [20M].

This guy is to marry my cousin, so if he thinks I’ll let his behavior slide, he has another thing coming. He even has the audacity to make eyes at me during the wedding preparations. I don’t want to ruin the celebration, but I will tease and taunt this cheating bastard until he admits he’s gay and calls the whole thing off.

But it turns out he’s actually sweet as a basket full of puppies, lost in working out his identity, and now I’m falling for him.

Am I the villain and a wedding-wrecker? He’s the one who cheated!

(And why does his dog have to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen? The guy cooks a mean steak, has an ass you can bounce coins off, and owns a cute dog? Come on! I’m not in the market for a husband.)

*

“Not My Groom” is an enemies-to-lovers steamy romcom filled with wedding disasters.

When a commitment-phobic cynic meets a cheating groom, who’s actually desperate for affection, only a dog can talk some sense into them.

While the books in the series share a setting each can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ This book seemed to be comprised of two separate ideas that kinda smushed together. We have the initial hot-as-heck meeting, where Logan and Kyle have intense chemistry and Kyle gives in to long-held desires. Unfortunately, he’s on the brink of getting married to Logan’s cousin and a whole farce commences there.

The second half is – more domestic I guess? I was confused by why Kyle chose to follow Logan – yes, they had chemistry but Logan’s behaviour was kinda awful and I couldn’t quite see just why Kyle would do what he did. The relationship between the two men is entertaining and pleasant to read, but the confusion – or maybe my inability to suspend disbelief – messed with how I felt about the story.

Ultimately, it’s a nice, pleasant read with some hot sex scenes and domestic bliss, but this missed the mark for me. I will, however, happily read more in the ‘Am I the Problem’ series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

His Fatal Love by Leighton Greene (West Coast Mobsters #3)

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Title: ⟫ His Fatal Heart

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene

Rating: ⟫ 5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Easily bored, completely manipulative, and utterly deadly…and that’s just in bed.

As an assassin for the Castellani Family, I live for the thrill of the job.

I’m devoted to my Family and my Don, because they keep me safe.

To Leo Bernardi, I’m a monster.

A killing machine.

And a puppet that his Family can use for their own ends.

To me, Leo is just a pawn in a game that I’m playing.

A means to an end.

And if I have a little fun with him along the way, who cares?

Leo thinks he can seduce me. Tame me. Use me.

In this game of cat and mouse, the Bernardi Lion is about to get a big surprise.

But the more entangled we become, the more I start to feel…

Things I didn’t think I was capable of feeling.

Things I’ve never wanted to feel.

In my line of work, love is a fatal flaw. But the more time we spend together, the harder I fall.

Leo Bernardi is my greatest enemy…

Could he also be my greatest love?

**

Dive into a forbidden romance between a psychopath assassin and a Mob Enforcer. Get ready for seductions and betrayals, scorching love scenes, and an unforgettable romance as a cold case comes back to haunt two Families sworn to destroy each other.

Review: ⟫ Oh, Julian! I have wanted his story from the first time I met him and I was in no way disappointed! And the Lion! Oh my good Lord!

These two burned up the page – the psychopath (not officially diagnosed) and the henchman make an absolutely amazing couple, and adding to the whole BDSM club sexy madness, we have the mystery of who killed Julian’s mother.

There are plot points in here that had my mouth dropping in awe and glee; the sex scenes were hotter than Hades and I was absolutely engrossed in the whole story. Okay, I admit it – I’ve read it twice since I got the ARC which is NOT GOOD because I have five other ARCs to read – but I just wanted to immerse myself in the details and glory in the beauty that is Julian and Leo. Two more suited individuals I have yet to read, and the fact that both of them were trying to deny what it was made it completely and utterly delicious.

We also get Xander, Jack, Miller and Teddy as well as meeting other capos, many of whom don’t survive the book! In case it’s not obvious, I freaking adored this book and I am just so incredibly pleased that Julian lived up to all of his previous billing. An easy five stars from me and I am so in love with the West Coast mobsters that they almost replaced my other favourites in Leighton’s series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Himbro by Honey London

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Title: ⟫ Himbro

Author: ⟫ Honey London

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Devon got dumped.

My tragic taste in men has left me in the lurch… again. This time it’s the day before I’m supposed to leave for a destination wedding. When my ridiculously hot older stepbrother volunteers to be my travel buddy, I’m ready for five days of brotherly fun in the sun. What I’m not prepared for? My very straight stepbrother introducing himself as my boyfriend to shut up my manipulative, evil ex.

Jesse saves the day.

I’ve spent my entire life protecting my nerdy little stepbrother. If spending a few days holding his hand and calling him baby is going to help him stand up for himself, I’m ready to give an Oscar-worthy performance in my role of fake boyfriend. What I’m not prepared for? A game of spin the bottle that changes everything.

Himbro is a steamy stepbrothers to lovers, jock and nerd, opposites attract, fake relationship, forbidden romance novel with a sweet happy ever after.

Review: ⟫ This was a funny, sweet read, with Jesse stepping up to help his stepbrother when his boyfriend dumps him just before Devon is going to a wedding. The worst part? His evil ex is going to be there and the thought of having to face him sans partner is enough to make Devon want to leave the country.

Bryce is a fantastic villain, upsetting and alienating everyone whilst Jesse steps up and is the hit of the wedding. He appears to be the picture-perfect boyfriend and everyone falls in love with him. Including Devon.

My favourite part was the quiz night when Jesse and Devon handed everyone their butts simply because they had known each other for so long and could use that to get the answers. The stepbrother aspect was kinda strange – I guess it could be viewed as a bit taboo, especially as they essentially did grow up together – but there wasn’t a lot made of it throughout most of the book. The fact that it slipped into the sex part of things was – a little weird. Simply because I would have thought they’d want to avoid those connotations and it wasn’t discussed or appeared to be a kink for them until then.

I’m not sure how steamy I would describe this story to be – until quite near the end anyway – but I laughed a lot and enjoyed reading it, so I don’t mind.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Out of the Wild Night by Marina Vivancos (Coven Ties Book #2)

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Title: ⟫ Out of the Wild Night

Author: ⟫ Marina Vivancos

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ In a world filled with magic, where everybody is born a submissive or a Dom…

Mason might no longer hate being a submissive, but life has taught him his dynamic puts him at a disadvantage. Neglected in childhood, abused by the first Dom he ever trusted, he knows to keep his heart guarded.

Mason’s skill in Animal Magic allows him to move from coven to coven—never settling down. Never opening up to anybody.

The Meliora coven was supposed to be no different.

Mason has learnt the hard way not to fall for the kindness of strangers, but the people here are different. Charlie, the Dom Mason works with, is different. Joyful, teasing, caring—Mason’s icy suspicion can’t help but start melting.

Will it be so bad if he gives in and starts scening with Charlie? To get on his knees and beg for what he really wants?

Can he learn to trust again?

Content Warning: The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.

Review: ⟫ I read the first book in the Coven Ties series and didn’t get along with it, but I was very interested when I saw the blurb for this one and decided to give it another go. I’m glad I did – this felt like such a completely different style of story within the same verse and I enjoyed it very much.

Mason is holding himself away from human ties – he allows himself to scene, but because of his past he never truly lets himself go and therefore is missing out. Until he comes to the Meliora Coven and meets Charlie.

Charlie was an utterly delightful character – he was snarky, flirty, funny and above all else, he gave Mason time and space to figure out what he wanted. I loved their interactions, watching as their relationship grew, as Charlie encouraged Mason to open himself to people in a way he hadn’t felt safe enough to do before.

How Mason discovered whole new aspects of his character through allowing himself to ‘settle’ at the Meliora Coven was beautiful to read, but more than anything I liked the fact that the author didn’t pretend that it was simple and easy. Mason had to work for it, made mistakes, and took steps backwards – he struggled and worked to become the better person he was, and the author described it beautifully.

We see people from the previous book and I must admit, I had a more favourable reaction to them in this one – perhaps I will go back and re-read book one. All in all, I found this a beautiful love story, with the ‘magic’ aspect of things blending seamlessly with the human interactions and relationships.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Lost in the Past by Trent Allen (Slipping Through Time Book #1)

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Title: ⟫ Lost in the Past

Author: ⟫ Trent Allen

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Why am I alive?

Cody Callahan has asked that question every day for the last ten years, ever since that psycho kidnapped two boys, him and his best friend, but only one survived.

Cody opens a doorway that leads him back to that nightmare. Shock that he’s traveled to his past sparks his resolve to change the outcome. Can he remember anything to help save his younger self and the boy who he will always love? Or, will the clock run out for both boys this time around?

Cody’s arrival derails Detective Jack Vance’s carefully crafted life, causing Jack to question everything he thought he wanted for himself. If they don’t get to the boys in time, will Cody disappear from Jack’s life forever? Why does that thought suddenly terrify Jack?

Cody’s pendant might be part of the reason. It looks exactly like the one hanging around Jack’s own neck, even down to the blue glow. Jack’s grandmother said it was magical. She even promised it would bring him love. He scoffed at the idea, but it never once glowed before Cody appeared. Could Cody possibly be that love? Jack wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall for a guy that isn’t from his own time… Would he?

This novel contains non-consensual m/m sex. It also has supernatural time-travel, consensual m/m sex, suspense, and lots of love!

Review: ⟫ This book surprised me in many ways and, to be honest, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. There is a lot that is good about the book – the pacing is good, the storyline is fascinating, and the thriller works well in itself.

My likes:

* Jack’s initial disbelief was well written – anyone would question someone telling them they were from the future, no matter what proof they provided;

* The mystery behind what has happened to Cody and Ricky was well written, with enough red herrings without going overboard;

* some pretty solid detective work by the police department rather than taking the easy way out and having future-Cody conveniently remember/recognise things;

* the twist took me by surprise and I was impressed with how it was handled.

My dislikes:

* I know the blurb warns about non-consensual sex but it gave me the serious ick factor just how often we were seeing things from Benji’s perspective. It began to feel a little over-the-top and unnecessary and I came close to skipping quite a few of those scenes;

* regardless of the time travel perspective, I think it possibly took too much suspension of disbelief that so many people noticed the similarities between future-Cody and past-Cody and nothing more was said/done;

* Cody was a little too ‘together’ for me considering he’d travelled through time and was faced with such an incredibly stressful time in his life. I think I would have liked to see just a bit more freaking out from him;

* the number of times the word ‘gawd’ was used jumped into my head and wouldn’t leave and I found myself flinching every time I read it. Other exclamations could be used!

* The style of writing was hard to describe – sometimes it felt a little too ‘simple’ and a bit immature, but that is most likely just my feelings on it. Other reviews I have seen have raved about the book so it’s probably my personal preference.

I really did enjoy reading this book and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author. I understand that this is their debut novel and I am impressed with their achievement.

I received an ARC from GRR.

In His Sights by K.C. Wells

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Title: ⟫ In His Sights

Author: ⟫ K.C. Wells

Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Random letters belong on Scrabble tiles, not dead bodies. But when a demented serial killer targets Boston’s gay population, leaving cryptic messages carved into his victims, lead detective Gary Mitchell has no choice but to play along.

As the body count rises, Gary gets desperate enough to push aside his skepticism and accept the help of a psychic. Dan Porter says he can offer new clues, and Gary needs all the insight into the killer’s mind he can get.

Dan has lived with his gift–sometimes his curse–his entire life. He feels compelled to help, but only if he can keep his involvement secret. Experience has taught him to be cautious of the police and the press, but his growing connection to Gary distracts him from the real danger. As they edge closer to solving the puzzle, Dan finds himself in the killer’s sights….

Review: ⟫ This was a very good read. Police procedural, with a touch of the paranormal and romance, and engrossing – I read it in just a few hours. The story pulls you along at a swift pace, throwing clues at you whilst the relationship between Gary and Dan grows before your eyes.

It definitely reminded me of an episode of maybe Bones or Criminal Minds, the characters bouncing off each other as they try to solve the mystery of the serial killer. As such, I was really pleased to learn that this is going to be a series – I greatly look forward to reading more about Dan and Gary, as well as Ritchie and the other team members who were in the background.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Never Have I Ever: Wanted My Brother's Rival by Willow Dixon

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Title: ⟫ Never Have I Ever: Wanted my Brother’s Rival

Author: ⟫ Willow Dixon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ “Why is the one person I hate the only guy I can’t stop thinking about?”

West, my older brother’s high school rival. The rich kid who has it all. The guy who disappeared six years ago and destroyed my brother’s life.

I thought West and I were friends. I trusted him, but he showed me I was nothing more to him than a means to an end.

Being twenty and in my last year of college isn’t easy. Neither is being a virgin. I’ve never been normal or felt like I fit in, and I don’t feel what I’m supposed to.

My online job has given me the perfect way to solve my virginity problem, but then the last person I ever wanted to see again shows up on my doorstep. Not only has West learned what I do for a living, he’s essentially my landlord.

I hate him. So why can’t I stay away from him? Why is he the only person I’ve ever felt a connection with, who makes me feel like there’s something in me worth wanting?

Eli and West’s story is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance between a former bad boy who seemingly has it all and an awkward genius who’s never felt like he fits in. Expect lots of banter and hot first times as these two try (and fail) to stay away from each other. It is the fourth novel in the steamy Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ This was a sweet wrap up to the series. I have enjoyed the glimpses of Eli that we have had, learning a little more about him in each book until it definitely felt like it was time for his story.

The link between he and West was so caring and sweet and made me smile on numerous occasions: one of the best examples is when Eli turns to West and asks him if they’ve been doing something and West replies ‘I wonder how long it would take you to notice’. West just accepts the person that Eli is, with his foibles, habits and little quirks – in fact, he relishes them and it shows in the way he treats Eli. In return, Eli flourishes under the attention.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Eli and the housemates, how as he began to accept the care that West was giving him, he in turn blossomed in his friendships.

This was a lovely book, with some hot sex scenes (including the camming) and as I said, excellent closure for the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Omega Trapped by Beau Brown

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Title: ⟫ Omega Trapped

Author: ⟫ Beau Brown

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ I’m a pregnant and vulnerable omega and now I’ve caught the eye of a ruthless mafia boss who won’t take no for an answer.

Omega Nico is carrying the child of an alpha who attempted to end his life, and is now trapped in an impossible predicament. Unwilling to bring the child into the world, but too destitute to change his circumstances, Nico struggles to find hope amidst his crumbling life.

Enter Valentino Syracuse, the heir to the infamous Black Knives mafia. As his father’s health wanes, the responsibility to lead falls upon young Valentino’s shoulders. His ascension to power, however, comes with a he must take an omega as his mate to prove his unwavering commitment to the syndicate.

When he sees Nico, Valentino is immediately drawn to the sexy, feisty, omega. Unfortunately, Nico has no desire to be Valentino’s omega. Nico has an aversion to anything mafia related. He politely refuses Valentino’s proposition, however, Valentino isn’t an alpha who likes being told no.

Driven into a corner by threats and intimidation, Nico is left with no choice but to accept Valentino’s offer or face certain death. As the two forge a fragile alliance amidst the chaos, unexpected feelings begin to bloom. But when the malevolent alpha responsible for Nico’s pregnancy re-emerges, a torrent of secrets from the past threatens to shatter any hope of happiness they might have found together.

This is a dark romance and contains violence and graphic smexy times. If you’re sensitive to either of those things this story may not be for you.

Review: ⟫ I admired Nico’s resilience in this story – he started from the bottom and was determined to stand on his own two feet. When life threw him into Valentino’s path, it would have been very easy for him to cave in and let himself be dragged along by the current but he continues to fight for his autonomy and life the way he wants to live it.

Valentino was spoiled by circumstances of birth and put into the untenable position of having to present himself as ‘stable’ by getting married at short notice, which meant he had zero interest in hearing Nico’s objections and did whatever was necessary to get what he wanted. In that regard, there was little doubt that this was a ‘dark’ mafia romance.

I enjoyed the other side presented – the idea that Valentino wasn’t just a mafia boss but a doting uncle, a loving son and brother, a person who by circumstances of birth was put into the position of having to do things he might not otherwise have done. A side we rarely get to see in mafia books.

I enjoyed how the situation played out, especially Valentino’s attitude towards the whole situation which wasn’t stereotypical – this wasn’t one of those books with a misunderstanding that revolved around the male ego. I enjoyed reading this and am pleased that I gave it a chance.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Oblivious Roommate by Devon Doe (Am I the Problem? Book #1)

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Title: ⟫ Oblivious Roommate

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tl;dr: Am I the problem for trying to sabotage my gay roommate’s relationship? I have my reasons!

I [20M] moved to a different college just so I can live with my best friend since high school [21M]. But it turns out that in the two years we lived apart, he’s come out as gay, and he never told me! He also has a boyfriend, and I’m really not homophobic, but seeing them together bothers me. Other than that, we’ve reconnected like it’s magic. Living with him is amazing, and everything would have been perfect if his ass of a boyfriend wasn’t around. I don’t think that guy is good enough for someone as funny, interesting, and cool as my friend.

How do I make him dump the stupid boyfriend?

Update: So I’ve been trying to break them up, and I’m starting to realize that, possibly-maybe, I’m the one who wants to date my roommate. Help! He’s the hottest guy I’ve ever known and I keep screwing things up!

Also, is it gay to love smelling his sweaty T-shirt?

*

“Oblivious Roommate” is a best friends-to-lovers, gay-awakening steamy romcom filled with misunderstandings caused by an oblivious himbo who means well but has no clue.

While the books in the series share a setting each can be read as a standalone.

(Matt and Cassian’s story)

Review: ⟫ I remember reading this on social media and being in love with the idea that this roommate had accidentally fallen in love and discovered he was gay, so I loved the idea of a story that seems to be based on that premise.

Mattie is an idiot – I mean, I know he’s described as a himbo but the absolutely ridiculous ideas he comes up with and drags Aaron into had me laughing out loud whilst facepalming on his behalf. This story was fun to read, light-hearted with what I would describe as light angst – Matt handles the idea that he might be bi-sexual well, and his coming out to his mother was very sweet. The whole story is very sweet as Mattie tries to find the means to incriminate Logan, pines for Cassian and generally acts like a complete idiot.

I enjoyed reading it and will definitely look for more books by this author.

I received an ARC from GRR.